Black-headed Grosbeak

During several of my recent outings I have caught fleeting glimpses of and heard Black-headed Grosbeak, but not photos.

This afternoon my luck changed,

… and I managed to finally get a couple of shots.

Having seen Black-headed Grosbeak at a couple of different locations recently, and wanting to try for better photos, I headed to Reifel as the odds would be better there. There has been a few of them around usually frequenting the east dyke trail.

The adult males are quite distinct with their orange, black and white colouring.

The females are not as flashy and both will share in nesting duties and feeding young.

After getting them foraging on the ground, this male posed nicely for me in a tree.

While at the sanctuary this afternoon I also checked on the Sandhill Cranes. It is almost time to start a nest watch with the eggs due to hatch in the next few days.

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.