Snowy Owl – Page 3 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Out Again At Last

With the weather, work and other commitments it has been almost two weeks since I have had a chance to post. Finally this morning I had an opportunity to head out before the weather changes again. First stop of the day was Reifel. One of the Black-crowned Night-Herons was in the bramble a little closer to the trail,

… unfortunately it was still obstructed by a few branches.

Along the east dyke trail I spent a little time with some of the regulars.

Along the centre dyke trail the Pacific Crab Apple was popular this morning.

Attracting both American Robins,

… and Cedar Waxwings.

It has been several months since I last photographed any Waxwings.

So it was fun to spend a little time with them.

On my way out there was a fairly bedraggled looking immature Bald Eagle in the parking lot. It was soaking wet from what I suspect may have been a failed attempt at a duck.

It was now roosting in this snag, wings spread and trying to dry out.

Second stop of the day was Boundary Bay. I wanted to have another go for the American Tree Sparrows. After not locating them where they had been last time,

… I back tracked a little to where I had noticed some White-crowned Sparrows. On closer examination I found the American Tree Sparrows busy foraging in the grass. Now it was just a matter of waiting,

… for them make there way into the branches.

A little patience was in order,

… as they were not always in the open for their short stays in the trees.

But it was worth the wait as they were cooperating this afternoon.

I had been out for several hours now, was getting cold and it was time to head home.

However, I could not pass up this parting shot of a Snowy Owl roosting in the logs across from where the Tree Sparrows were. It was here on its own away from the others.

American Tree Sparrow & Lincoln’s Sparrow

Not having had any luck the other day photographing the American Tree Sparrow, I made my way back out to Boundary Bay when I had the chance later this afternoon. Nesting in the northern parts of the country, the American Tree Sparrow is a regular winter migrant seen in this area.

While the opportunities were not much better today,

… this particular bird did provide a chance for a couple of distant shots. I had initially thought the only other birds the American Tree Sparrows were hanging around with were some White-crowned & Song Sparrows. But something else caught my eye,

… this Lincoln’s Sparrow was also mixed in with the group.

Of course being in this part of Boundary Bay it would have been hard not to leave without at least a couple more shots of the Snowy Owls.

Once again there were good numbers of the owls in close to the dyke,

… more than willing to pose for all the onlookers.

Finch, Eagle & Owl

Later this afternoon I made my way out to Boundary Bay. As it has been since late November, there were lots of people at the foot of 72 St. to see the Snowy Owls. With over twenty owls present the last while, and several in close to the dyke, nobody was disappointed. After enjoying them myself for a few minutes I headed east along the dyke looking for something else. Some American Tree Sparrows, another infrequent visitor, have been seen the last few days. While I did get a fleeting glimpse of one, nothing close enough to photograph.

The consolation bird while looking for the sparrows were some Purple Finches.

The female Purple Finches were busy feeding on berries in the same area,

… and I managed to get these shots of one in a tree beside the trail.

The sun was going down fast and as I was about to head back to the Snowy Owls,

… this Bald Eagle made a low pass over the dyke headed out to the shoreline.

On returning to the Snowy Owls only one was left in close to the dyke with the rest now roosting on logs further out in the marsh.

This lone bird seemed fairly relaxed and not overly concerned with the admirers that still remained. The light was getting pretty low at this point,

… but I could not leave without a couple of photos of one these beauties.