Western Sandpiper – Page 4 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Things Picking Up On The Bay

By picking up I mean in spite of the tide being out there were still good numbers and variety of birds out on Boundary Bay this afternoon. I started off along the beach from 104 St. and headed west. The target bird today was Stilt Sandpiper as several have been frequenting the area of the mansion, a large house on the dyke between 88 St. and 96 St.

I got side tracked briefly by some Least Sandpipers, but moved on as I had a ways to go. On reaching the area in front of the mansion there were lots of Lesser Yellowlegs. While watching this one bird foraging it caught a worm,

… which wriggled free,

… resulting in a startled reaction by the Lesser Yellowlegs.

It then recaptured the worm, wandered off and eventually swallowed it.

Then I managed this shot of a Lesser Yellowlegs snoozing in the eelgrass.

Not far away from the sleepy Yellowlegs,

… were some Semipalmated Plovers. Also in with the plovers,

… were some Western Sandpipers.

I continued to scan the Yellowlegs groups as the Stilt will frequently be found with them.

Then when checking one group of Yellowlegs just after I started making my way back,

… was this lone Stilt Sandpiper.

The Stilt Sandpiper also took a brief time out in the middle of the tidal pool. But the nap was short lived,

… as a Peregrine Falcon came in a made several passes at the flocks of shore birds. At least I managed a few shots of my target bird before everything was scattered by the falcon. As I continued my way back I noticed not everything scattered. There was a small peep that had taken cover in a clump of eelgrass.

Waiting a few minutes it eventually came out and I could see it was a Least Sandpiper. Not much after that for some distance,

… until I happened upon a small group of Baird’s Sandpipers. Initially startled by the sound of the shutter,

… it soon settled and carried on foraging along the beach. Then there were good numbers of Lesser Yellowlegs coming in all around me near the pilings, but the Peregrine returned and scared them off once again. The last group encountered,

… was another small flock of Semipalmated Plovers. All in all, a good afternoon. With this number and variety of birds with tide out you can tell things are picking up and hopefully a sign of good things to come.

Shore Birds & Water Birds

On seeing reports of Turnstones and Surfbirds at the Tsawwassen Ferry Causeway I decided to head down there this afternoon for the rising tide. While making my way out to the tip of the causeway some movement caught my eye.

A Whimbrel was wondering amongst the rocks close to the shoreline.

It was wary of my presence and not going to let me get close. While watching the Whimbrel I stumbled across a Black Oystercatcher family.

Black Ostercatcher nest in this area,

… and these are the two juveniles in this family group. I had noticed some Comorants earlier while making my way along the beach.

Remembering to check over my shoulder every once in a while I managed to get this flight shot of a Pelagic Comorant as it approached from behind me.

And then this distant photo of one with its catch.

Then one started hanging around a little closer in to shore.

At one point it got startled by something and scampered off across the water,

… landing a short distance away. Then while I was still sitting on the same rock,

… a Common Loon leisurely made its way toward,

… and then by me. Still not having moved,

… a Harbour Seal came by from the other direction. Turned out to be a good spot to stop and watch after not locating the Turnstones or Surfbirds. Carrying on my way back,

… I came across the Whibrel again. While tagging along with it,

… I came upon a small flock of Western Sandpipers resting,

… and moving along the shoreline.

They were not as shy as the Whimbrel,

… allowing me to get quite close.

This is a good thing given they are quite small.

It was a nice photo session with these peeps to finish the afternoon off.

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.

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

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

Several Greater Yellowlegs were present as well,

… and more spread out amongst the outer ponds.

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

A couple of groups of Long-billed Dowitcher,

… 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.

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.

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.