Bald Eagle – Page 5 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

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.

Bittern, Night-Heron & Eagle

The Easter long weekend is always one of the busiest at Reifel. It was my turn to volunteer and help out on the trails today. With the good weather continuing there was no shortage in visitors to the sanctuary. While still fairly quiet on the birding front,

… an American bittern was present again in the northwest pond delighting those that had the chance to see it. It was coming and going to the same area all day.

Later in the afternoon two of the remaining Black-crowned Night-Heron started moving around. One was fishing in Fuller’s Slough, but unfortunately was hidden by trees. The other was flitting about the trees,

… and ended up in one across from the foot of the east dyke trail. Roosting in plain view and unobstructed by branches does not happen often here with these birds. Needless to say once the camera was set up on it, I had a steady stream of admirers stopping to take a look. So much so, I finished off my afternoon here.

And just for fun on the way home,

… this shot of a Bald Eagle taking off from a tree top.

Sparrow, Finch & Eagle

It was not too bad of an afternoon for a walk despite still being cold and windy. I headed out to the Boundary Bay area again. There was one group of Golden-crowned Sparrows busy foraging both on the ground and in the trees.

I managed a few shots while they were eating the buds on the branches. Then I could hear something different singing higher up in the trees.

Some Purple Finches had arrived, but were not coming down lower or any closer. As there were several soaring overhead most of the afternoon,

… I could not leave without at least one shot of a Bald Eagle.