Song Sparrow – Page 3 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Pileated Woodpecker

Off to an early start this morning getting to Reifel as soon as they opened. Being the second one in it would be quiet people wise for a short while, which is good from a photography perspective. The weather was good and I was looking forward to a productive walk. Alas, in spite of the favourable conditions, it was fairly quiet on the birding front.

A couple of the regulars did pause and strike a pose for me.

After a couple of laps on the inner trails I was headed back along the east dyke when I came across several visitors stopped along the path.

The subjects of their attention were a couple of Pileated Woodpeckers.

They were busy drumming away at the trees next to the trail.

They did not seem concerned about the gathering people in the least,

… and put on a good show for everyone that took time to stop and admire them.

This duo was definitely the highlight of my day and likely that of a few others as well.

Swans, Sparrows & Woodpecker

It was still pretty gloomy when I headed out this afternoon after the showers stopped. One winter visitor I have managed a few passing flight shots of, but nothing close, are the Trumpeter Swans. We will see them every winter in this area when they migrate south from there nesting grounds in northern parts of the province, the territories and Alaska.

While there are numerous places to find them, one particular farm field on Westham Island has been a favourite for them lately and provides easy viewing. The problem the last while has been they were usually too far off for photos.

On checking today,

… they were in a little closer.

The Trumpeter Swan is North America’s largest waterfowl.

Juvenile birds are grey/brown in colour with lighter legs and bill.

The adults are all white with black legs and bill. Like the Snow Goose, the reddish colour on the head and neck is from minerals in the soil they forage in.

As I was already on Westham Island, I figured I might as well head to Reifel for a quick walk. Given the weather and it being a weekday, there were not many people there. Turned it was pretty quiet on the birding front as well.

Some of the regulars like the Dark-eyed Juncos,

… and Song Sparrows were willing to pose.

As was this Pileated Woodpecker. Unfortunately the only clear view was too close. Not often bird photographers complain about being too close.

Northern Saw-whet Owl & Others

This afternoon’s stroll was at the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. While I have been seeing Saw-whet Owls the last couple of weeks, none have been in spots suitable for photographing. While today was not much different,

… this Northern Saw-whet Owl was a little less hidden than usual. When the Chickadees came around the tree alerting to the owl’s presence,

… its only reaction was to yawn and then continue napping.

I then spent some time at the northeast corner of the east dyke trail. An Evening Grosbeak had been sighted there yesterday. While waiting to see if it would make an appearance,

… I took the opportunity to photograph some of the others stopping by.

As luck would have it, no sign of the Evening Grosbeak.

Last stop of the afternoon was in the area of the tower to look for a Virginia Rail. While I did hear it, and then spot in amongst the reeds, it did not come out into the open.

One of many Red-winged Blackbirds provided the last shot of the afternoon.