Sandhill Crane Nest

While I received a heads up yesterday, the news while volunteering at Reifel today was that the resident Sandhill Crane pair are nesting again.

Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane

The first egg was laid yesterday and a second should arrive in a day or two. Staff at the sanctuary rebuilt the little island in the centre pond they have favoured earlier in the year. Now the countdown begins for a successful hatching.

Sandhill Crane

A little on the windy side, but a nice day overall that did bring decent numbers out to Reifel. The most vulnerable Northern Saw-whet Owl along the east dyke trail decided to return today of all days after being absent from that location for almost a week. That meant the volunteers, myself included, took turns keeping an eye on it. I did manage a couple of quick walks during the course of the afternoon when not watching activity around the owl. There have been a few additional Sandhill Cranes spending the winter in the sanctuary in addition to the resident pair.

Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane

They were together in the centre display ponds,

Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane

… and provided the best photo op for me today.

Shorebirds, Crane & Waxwing

After some morning errands I headed out to Reifel for a short walk this afternoon. One bird of note that had been spotted recently was a Swainson’s Thrush. With this in mind I started off along the east dyke trail. On speaking to a couple of other visitors one had apparently been heard by the northeast corner. Having no luck there I made my way to the outer ponds and dyke to see what might be around.

Western Sandpiper
Western Sandpiper

There were lots of Western Sandpipers moving around the northwest pond.

Western Sandpiper
Western Sandpiper

Some taking a time out from foraging for food to take a bath.

Greater Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs

Several Greater Yellowlegs were present as well,

Greater Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs

… and more spread out amongst the outer ponds.

Lesser Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs

There were also a few Lesser Yellowlegs mixed in with the Greater.

Long-billed Dowitcher
Long-billed Dowitcher

A couple of groups of Long-billed Dowitcher,

Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper

… and small numbers of Semipalmated Sandpipers rounded out the shorebirds. With more starting to show up now it is probably time to dig out the rubber boots in preparation for trips out to the Boundary Bay area.

Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane

The resident Sandhill Cranes were also in the outer ponds. It is unfortunate that this years colt did not survive more than a couple of weeks.

Cedar Waxwing Nest
Cedar Waxwing Nest

A nice surprise this afternoon was this brief glimpse of a Cedar Waxwing nest.

On my way back I stopped again at the northeast corner. This time I could hear a Swainson’s Thrush and then saw it moving between the trees. Unfortunately for me it stayed tucked away amongst the branches and I could not get a photo before I ran out of time. While watching this one, I could also hear another one singing not far off. Too bad as I have yet to get a picture of this species for my list, but there is always next time.