Snowy Owl – Page 4 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Birding Highlights Of 2011

As the year comes to a close it is time to reflect on some of my birding highlights of 2011.

An elusive winter visitor that can be challenging to get photos of,

… this Long-eared Owl provided a few good opportunities.

After a few unsuccessful attempts for this rare visitor to British Columbia,

… I eventually did manage a few shots of this Chestnut-sided Warbler.

Another addition to my list this year was a Red Knot.

Hardly a great photo, but nice to finally get one and see this shore bird.

Having photos of a juvenile bird,

… I had a chance to get this adult Bar-tailed Godwit while roosting with some Plovers.

From a birding perspective,

… I believe this was the only Buff-breasted Sandpiper sighted in Boundary Bay this fall migration.

After a few years of waiting,

… I finally managed to get close to a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper down on the beach.

And to finish what has been another great year,

… the bird that got me started with birding and bird photography make a return in 2011.

Happy New Year!

‘Twas The Afternoon Before Christmas

After raining most of the day, it eventually stopped and started to clear up. With a chance to get out and enjoy the last hour or so of light, I headed out to Boundary Bay. Not having actively tried for any Snowy Owls recently, I thought I would give them a go.

On arriving there were a couple of birds in fairly close to the dyke.

This particular bird was roosting nicely atop this old stump,

… but soon moved to back side bobbing its head looking at the passers by.

I moved down a little further to be able to see it on the back side.

It seemed quite relaxed yawning and preening,

… much to the delight of those out enjoying this Christmas Eve at Boundary Bay.

Northern Harrier

Well things did not go quite as planned today. The beautiful day it was, I had hoped to get out earlier. Unfortunately I only managed a brief walk out in Boundary Bay just before the sun went down.

There were the usual Northern Harriers up and hunting. Use to seeing them roosting on logs or down in the marsh when they stop to rest,

… this adult male Harrier provided a change of pace by choosing this tree.

There were some Short-eared Owls cruising the area along with several Snow Owls roosting. There were still lots of photographers going after the owls so I did not bother to head out.

On my way back I did manage this shot of a Northern Harrier making a pass at a Snowy Owl roosting on an old stump. The Snowy ended up there after being flushed off another log by a photographer. They just can’t seem to get a break some days.