Peregrine Falcon – Page 4 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Eagles, Goshawk & Peregrines

Too nice of a day not to get out for a walk. While I did manage a few other photos, the most cooperative subjects this afternoon happened to be birds of prey. Fist up,

… was this Bald Eagle pair enjoying the sunshine. Next was the Northern Goshawk. A few days ago I had it in a good spot, but with bright grey skies behind.

Today the conditions were better, unfortunately it was quite some distance away. Then at the end of day on my way back to the car,

… this Peregrine Falcon pair showed up briefly. Not the best of shots as the only angle on them was through some branches. Still fun to get as this was the first time I have seen a pair together.

Plovers & Pipits

The high tide was not going to be very high at all today, but I still ventured out to Boundary Bay. Early in the walk I was not turning up any shore birds at all.

Even the Peregrine Falcon was left to harass some of the waterfowl without success. Eventually in front of the mansion a Greater Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher and a handful of Pectoral Sandpipers showed up.

I did manage this shot of a Pectoral Sandpiper and Greater Yellowlegs together which is kind of interesting showing the size difference between the two species. On my way back things were not looking much brighter. On the birding front that is, it was a beautiful afternoon to be out for a walk. Then some movement out in the sand caught my eye.

There was a small group of Semipalmated Plovers resting,

… tucked in amongst some seaweed and other vegetation.

This one was a little more out in the open,

… and allowed for this shot stretching its wings while on one leg. From here I headed to the pilings. Still no shore birds, but another recent arrival was present.

Some American Pipits were busy foraging for insects. They will show up along the shore line and neighbouring fields at this time of year when migrating south.

I set up low and close to the pilings and hoped for the best. This particular bird did alight on one of the stumps not too far off. I was happy to end the walk with these shots. These slender little birds can be difficult to get at times.

Afternoon At The Ruins

“The Ruins” is a phrase coined by my cousin when she saw a photo of the old pilings and remnants of what used to be a cannery in Boundary Bay.

The Ruins, pilings of old cannery at Boundary Bay.

To the local birders it is just the pilings between 96 St. and 104 St. which is where I decided to spend some time this afternoon.

Lots of Lesser Yellowlegs around again today.

Once again they were quite cooperative,

… foraging in front and all around me.

A few Baird’s Sandpiper came and went, but I did not have as much luck with them.

The pleasant surprise of the afternoon,

… was this Red-necked Phalarope. Then the birds scattered a couple of times, but when I looked up I could not see anything.

It was not until looking over my shoulder I saw the Peregrine Falcon roosting on some driftwood not too far off on the beach. Once it left the birds started returning.

Some Least Sandpiper landed right in front of me,

… and got quite close working their way along the edge of the tidal pool around the pilings.

Being the smallest of the peeps, you cannot complain when they are in this close proximity to you and your camera.

Not much bigger than the Least, some Semipalmated Sandpiper showed up just as I was leaving. Another good afternoon on the bay considering I stayed in the same spot!