You know spring has sprung when nesting activity starts. One type of nest I always try to get each year is that of the Bushtit. With that in mind I headed off to the South Arm Marshes which has usually proven reliable for me in past years.
Bushtit Nest
The Bushtit nest is truly one of those little marvels of nature.
Bushtit Nest
Such an intricate nest built by such a tiny bird.
Bushtit Nest
Always fun to find one that is unobstructed that you can enjoy and catch them at work.
After the down pour this morning, some chores around the house, I wanted to get out for a short walk before the Canucks game. Headed off to the South Arm Marshes, an area which I had not been to in some time. A good choice as it turns out.
After watching some Yellow-rumped and Wilson’s Warblers that were not cooperating for photos I heard the loud call of a bird I had not seen since last year.
Pileated Woodpecker
A pair of Pileated Woodpeckers were moving between the trees. My first of this season and this one landed briefly in a good spot for a photo.
Then some movement up in the trees caught my attention. There were a couple of flycatchers hawking for insects. They were not calling and too distant at first to make out which species.
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
They did start landing and foraging a little closer, but the lighting was not great.
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
These were also my first flycatchers of the season, but even better,
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
… the first Pacific-slope Flycatcher photos I have been able to get. After the new addition to the photo list,
Bushtit Nest
I managed this of a Bushtit arriving with some nesting material. Just wish the hockey game had gone as well as my walk.