Semipalmated Sandpiper – Page 3 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Shorebirds, Crane & Waxwing

After some morning errands I headed out to Reifel for a short walk this afternoon. One bird of note that had been spotted recently was a Swainson’s Thrush. With this in mind I started off along the east dyke trail. On speaking to a couple of other visitors one had apparently been heard by the northeast corner. Having no luck there I made my way to the outer ponds and dyke to see what might be around.

There were lots of Western Sandpipers moving around the northwest pond.

Some taking a time out from foraging for food to take a bath.

Several Greater Yellowlegs were present as well,

… and more spread out amongst the outer ponds.

There were also a few Lesser Yellowlegs mixed in with the Greater.

A couple of groups of Long-billed Dowitcher,

… and small numbers of Semipalmated Sandpipers rounded out the shorebirds. With more starting to show up now it is probably time to dig out the rubber boots in preparation for trips out to the Boundary Bay area.

The resident Sandhill Cranes were also in the outer ponds. It is unfortunate that this years colt did not survive more than a couple of weeks.

A nice surprise this afternoon was this brief glimpse of a Cedar Waxwing nest.

On my way back I stopped again at the northeast corner. This time I could hear a Swainson’s Thrush and then saw it moving between the trees. Unfortunately for me it stayed tucked away amongst the branches and I could not get a photo before I ran out of time. While watching this one, I could also hear another one singing not far off. Too bad as I have yet to get a picture of this species for my list, but there is always next time.

Sandpipers & Plovers

While not in full swing yet, the shore bird migration has started. Today I waited until late afternoon, early evening to head out to Boundary Bay. The tied was out, but you can usually find something out in the sand or around the small tidal pools. It was looking pretty quiet at first, but then some movement caught my attention. It was a small group of Semipalmated Sandpipers. I continued past them on the dyke before making my way down to the beach and back tracking.

Least Sandpiper & Semipalmated Sandpiper

On approaching I noticed another bird in with the Semipalmated Sandpipers.

It was a Least Sandpiper taking a bath along with one of the Semipalmated. I made my way slowly to the edge of the tidal pool, set up and waited. Rather than chase them, I prefer to wait and let the birds come to me.

It was the Semipalmated Sandpipers that made their way towards me first.

I was set up as I would normally be for shooting shore birds.

Tripod collapsed low and down on my knees.

Being down at their level gives you a natural perspective and pleasing photo.

Finally the lone Least Sandpiper came my way.

I was beginning to wonder if it ever would.

I will usually try to get them foraging,

… along with the more classic portrait.

While photographing the sandpipers something else caught my eye.

Some Semipalmated Plovers had shown up and were scurrying around the beach.

This is the smallest Plover we would normally see around here.

This one has pulled some tasty little morsel out of the sand. It was a good afternoon and chance to practice technique before things really pick up around the bay area.

Shore Birds & Crane Family

Reifel was the destination this afternoon. There was not much happening on the inside trails except for a Great Horned Owl. While nice to see, it was not in a good spot for photos. So I made may way to the outside ponds with shore birds being more prevalent these days. There was a flock of Western Sandpipers present, but too far off.

A couple of Killdeer were in a little closer,

… and provided a couple of photo ops. There were both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs,

… with this group of Greater Yellowlegs catching an afternoon nap.

Then a small group of Semipalmated Sandpipers showed up.

A couple of them coming close enough for some shots. Long-billed Dowitchers were the only other shore bird species observed. While watching the sandpipers the resident Sandhill Crane family made an appearance.

They worked their along the outer ponds with the adults taking to short flights,

… but junior is not quite there yet.

The juvenile has certainly grown since my last photos.

It will not be long before this one is flying.