Night-Heron & Saw-whet

Hmmm, that title sounds familiar. Probably because it is what I used two weeks ago also on a Sunday and volunteering at Reifel. While there was a few other things to see, it was the same two birds that provided the best photo opportunities.

Black-crowned Night-Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron

One of the six Black-crowned Night-Heron currently in the sanctuary was roosting on a fallen tree in Fuller’s Slough. As I mentioned in another recent post, always fun to get them in different spots.

While there was a high count of five Northern Saw-whet Owls not long ago, my last few visits I have only ever managed to see one. Such was the case again this afternoon.

Northern Saw-whet Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl

A lot of visitors were walking right by it as it was tucked away lower in the branches today. I took several groups back so they could get a look at it. To get this shot the tripod was collapsed all the way down looking up under the tree. I also used a cable release and the mirror up function as the shutter speed was quite low.

Black-crowned Night-Heron

While there was a nice break from the rain today, the wind was making it quite cold. Not wanting to be out in the open, I headed to Reifel for my walk. This at least provides some shelter from the wind while walking the inside trails. It was pretty uneventful on the photo front, but one of the regulars did come through for me.

Black-crowned Night-Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron

One of the Black-crowned Night-Heron was perched on a log in the slough. Always nice to get them somewhere other than the usual trees.

Night-Heron & Saw-whet

Weather wise there was a bit of a break while volunteering at Reifel this afternoon. For those that did venture out there today, a couple of the regulars for this time of the year were cooperating for visitors. There were a few Black-crowned Night-Heron,

Black-crowned Night-Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron

… one of which was in the open providing great viewing opportunities. The morning bird walk also counted five Northern Saw-whet Owls.

Northern Saw-whet Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl

This one snoozing relatively unobstructed delighted many along the east dyke trail. So, it was a good day for viewing the Black-crowned Night-Heron and Northern Saw-whet Owl which are often tucked away and behind branches.