Tree Swallow – Page 4 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Sparrow, Bunting & Swallow

While Reifel provided more opportunities for Grosbeaks the other day, the North 40 is probably the only spot in this area (Delta) you will find another bird I have been waiting for. When I arrived this afternoon and was getting my gear ready I finally heard a Lazuli Bunting singing. The only problem being I could not find it before it went quiet.

While looking for the bunting, a Savannah Sparrow started singing nicely atop a small tree.

It allowed me to get a couple of shots from different angles.

After photographing the sparrow I could hear the Lazuli Bunting singing again. After moving to that area of the park I was able to hear more than one singing and finally caught a glimpse of a male. They were moving around,

… but I finally got a couple photos of one of them, this being a male.

This is the same tree they have frequented in past years. I could not determine how many were around, or if there were any females amongst them.

One other interesting find from a previous visit that I followed up on today,

… was this Tree Swallow nest.

Looks like it is an active nest and worthy of another visit when there are some young mouths to be fed.

Swallow, Blackbird, Grosbeak & Eagle

First stop this afternoon was at Reifel. While there were some Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teal around, neither were in decent spots for photos when I saw them. While watching the swallows at the northwest corner I noticed a lone Cliff Swallow, but it was too far off for a photo. They are not one of the regulars here,

… unlike the Tree Swallows which are everywhere. Also present in the outer ponds today were over 100 Dowitchers.

With the longer days now it was too early to head home after leaving Reifel, so I decided to check the North 40 again. While driving along Westham Island Road I noticed a blackbird I had not photographed in some time.

The Brewer’s Blackbird is regularly seen around the farm fields in this area.

It was quieter on the warbler front than on my past visits at the North 40 today. While scanning the trees a flash of colour did get my attention,

… a Black-headed Grosbeak. The first I have seen this year, unfortunately it was not going to cooperate by coming down lower or any closer.

And because they are usually around and will sit nice for you once in a while.

First Outing & Post For June

I started my walk this afternoon at Reifel. Western Tanager & Bullock’s Oriole had both been seen recently and were on the wish list. First pass along the east dyke trail did not turn up either of these birds.

While checking the outer ponds I did stumble upon this cooperative subject.

This Tree Swallow stretched it wings a couple of times,

… while busy preening.

Also in the outer ponds were at least a dozen Blue-winged Teal, a Cinnamon Teal and the usual Green-winged Teal.

Blue-winged, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal

Something flushed them and I managed this distant shot with all three species.

The marsh adjacent to the south dyke is still a good place to spot a Muskrat.

Then it was back to the east dyke trail and a final check for the target birds.

Still no sign of them,

… but the Black-headed Grosbeaks are still around.

To finish the afternoon I headed out to Boundary Bay by the airport.

I managed to get the Western Wood-pewee with its catch.

Along with another static pose while it was obliging me.

The Lazuli Bunting continue in the area, but I am still working on getting a clean shot. None the less, it was a great afternoon to be out and good start for the month.