Northern Saw-whet Owl – Page 3 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Owl & Hairy Woodpecker

Another beautiful, but cold day. On arriving at Reifel to help out on the trails this afternoon there was not too large a crowd. For those that did make it out today,

… there were a couple of Northern Saw-whet Owls along the east dyke trail. This one apparently had a mouse that it ate for those that managed to see it this morning. After spending some time here showing the Saw-whet Owl to visitors I made my way out towards the outer west dyke. My current nemesis bird, the Swamp Sparrow, was still around. At the beginning of the trail across from the tower,

… I happened across a Hairy Woodpecker. While not uncommon, they are just not seen as often as some of the other woodpeckers.

This Hairy Woodpecker was busy in the trees right beside the trail and seemed quite unconcerned with those of us that had stopped to watch. The nice light, cooperative bird, can’t ask for much more than that.

After this I did locate and get another brief look at the Swamp Sparrow, but still no photos. On my way back along the inside trails I observed a Varied Thrush which is also a good bird for this area. All in all, a good day.

Saw-whet & Night-Heron

The day was better than I expected weather wise, but the breeze was cool. On arriving at Reifel I was a little surprised by the smaller crowd this afternoon. Some of the interesting birds that had been seen of late, Swamp and Tree Sparrow, had not been spotted today. But one sign that winter is coming,

… is the arrival of the tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl. They have been around for a couple of weeks now, but are starting to show up regularly along the public trails.

On my way back at the end of the day was another winter regular,

… the Black-crowned Night-Heron. This one was at the foot of the east dyke trail.

Creeper & Saw-whet

Another Sunday afternoon volunteering at Reifel. The skies were a little overcast at first, but there were still a good number of visitors. While still on the cool side, there were definite signs of spring in the air with the Marsh & Bewicks Wrens singing, Swallows flying overhead and even a Bushtit nest under construction. The American Bittern was still showing along the outside dyke, although a little more hidden when I saw it. Back along the east dyke trail,

… I managed this shot of a Brown Creeper as it foraged along the tree line. But, once again, the highlight of the afternoon for most visitors was a Northern Saw-whet Owl. It was not too far off the trail in some overhanging branches and in plain sight. While it spent most of its time sleeping,

… there was a moment when something got its attention briefly.

Then it was back to sleep again. A winter visitor, The Northern Saw-whet Owls are usually gone from the sanctuary by the end of this month.