Bald Eagle

Being such a lovely day I had to get out for a walk at some point. Later in the afternoon I headed out to Reifel, but was not expecting to find much. It was fairly quiet on the birding front. A Black-crowned Night-Heron has already returned as one did this time last year. There were some Yellowlegs, Dowitchers and Western Sandpipers in the outer ponds. Also way off in the distance I spotted a juvenile Killdeer along with an adult. With no pictures to speak of when leaving it was time to perk myself up a little.

Emma's Ice Cream, Emma-Lea Farms — Emma’s Ice Cream, Emma-Lea Farms

What better way than stopping at Emma-Lea Farms and Emma’s Ice Cream for some farm fresh strawberries and ice cream. Feeling somewhat revived the next stop was the Bald Eagle nest by the Westham Island bridge.

It was siesta time for one of the adults,

and even one of the juveniles was relaxed taking in the sun. Great to finally have some summer weather.

Stilt, Yellowthroat & Eagle

After the showers ended and the sun making an appearance, I made my way out to Reifel. I figured I would give the outer ponds one more shot for the Ruff. Alas, it was not to be.

Still present with the Dowitchers though was the Stilt Sandpiper.

This afternoon it was a little closer in to the trail.

What I enjoyed about this photo opportunity was getting a Stilt Sandpiper in breeding plumage. All my other photos are non-breeding plumage or juveniles. While photographing the Stilt Sandpiper,

… a Common Yelowthroat flew in and posed nicely on a bush right beside me.

I managed a few shots and then it was time for it to leave with a parting thanks from me. On my way home I stopped by the Bald Eagle nest on River Rd.

Can you imagine scratching your itch with those?!

After a couple of shots of the Bald Eagle it was time to call it a day.

Ducks, Swan, Eagles & Songbirds

Figured I would start the afternoon off with a follow-up for the flycatchers I had seen at Reifel the other day. While I was having no luck with that,

… I did manage a photo of the first Wood Duck brood to hatch at the sanctuary. En route to my next destination, and in keeping with the nesting theme,

… it appears the Mute Swan are nesting in Canoe Pass. And the last nest for the day,

… one of the Bald Eagle nests with young in the North 40 which was my next stop. Having missed the flycatchers at Reifel, the North 40 is also a good spot for them. I just have not seen any arrive here yet. While checking the trails,

… one of the many Common Yellowthroat posed briefly on a branch for me. Then while checking on the Tree Swallow nest what should alight on an old snag?

A first of year Western Wood-Pewee for the North 40.

Of course I could not leave without trying for at least one shot of the Lazuli Bunting.