American Bittern

Bittern, Night-Heron & Eagle

The Easter long weekend is always one of the busiest at Reifel. It was my turn to volunteer and help out on the trails today. With the good weather continuing there was no shortage in visitors to the sanctuary. While still fairly quiet on the birding front,

… an American bittern was present again in the northwest pond delighting those that had the chance to see it. It was coming and going to the same area all day.

Later in the afternoon two of the remaining Black-crowned Night-Heron started moving around. One was fishing in Fuller’s Slough, but unfortunately was hidden by trees. The other was flitting about the trees,

… and ended up in one across from the foot of the east dyke trail. Roosting in plain view and unobstructed by branches does not happen often here with these birds. Needless to say once the camera was set up on it, I had a steady stream of admirers stopping to take a look. So much so, I finished off my afternoon here.

And just for fun on the way home,

… this shot of a Bald Eagle taking off from a tree top.

Being such a beautiful day, I made sure to take time and get out to enjoy it. Today’s stroll was at Reifel which was fairly busy with it being spring break for the kids. There had been a report of a Green Heron in the southwest pond the other day, so I started my walk along the outside dyke trail. While there was no sign of it today,

… at the opposite end of the trail in the northwest pond was this American Bittern.

This heron usually prefers to keep out of site and tucked away amongst the reeds,

… but will occasionally surprise you and take the odd stroll out in the open.

I spent most of the afternoon with this bird pointing it out to other visitors while taking a photo here and there of course.

American Bittern & Short-eared Owl

Getting photos of the Bittern at Reifel fishing has not been an issue. The bird has certainly cooperated.

The problem is the size of the fish being caught.

They are small and not always that obvious in the photo.

I then headed out to Boundary Bay for the late afternoon/early evening hours. There were a few Short-eared Owls active.

Not long after this photo the owl caught a vole and started eating it down in the grass.

Prior to finishing, the owl moved to another area keeping its prize tucked away underneath. Then it was nap time as the sun started to go down.

Ever vigilant and not wanting to lose its dinner, the owl started vocalizing (a hissing like sound) on the approach of another Short-eared Owl flying overhead.

It did this a few times as other birds approached.

It remained in the grass when I left …

… still being watchful of the other owls and Northern Harriers.