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.

Killdeer
Killdeer

A couple of Killdeer were in a little closer,

Killdeer
Killdeer

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

Greater Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs

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

Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper

Then a small group of Semipalmated Sandpipers showed up.

Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper

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.

Sandhill Crane & Juvenile
Sandhill Crane & Juvenile

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

Sandhill Crane Juvenile
Sandhill Crane Juvenile

… but junior is not quite there yet.

Sandhill Crane & Juvenile
Sandhill Crane & Juvenile

The juvenile has certainly grown since my last photos.

Sandhill Crane Juvenile
Sandhill Crane Juvenile

It will not be long before this one is flying.