With Snow Bunting being seen at Iona recently, I decided to try the Tsawwassen Ferry causeway where they can also seen. While there were no buntings around, there were several Black Oystercatcher present.
Black Turnstone
On closer examination I also noted some Black Turnstone.
Black Turnstone
Being awhile since photographing any I started with the turnstones.
Black Turnstone
Following them along the shoreline this bird did pause for a little preening,
Black Turnstone
… and a nice wing stretch when it resumed its way along the beach. Then some Black Oystercatcher further down the beach started flying in my direction.
Black Oystercatcher
I managed this flight shot of the last one in the group.
Black Oystercatcher
I continued with the oystercatchers briefly,
Black Oystercatcher
… finishing with this one with after it found a tasty morsel.
Black Turnstone
Then it was back to the Black Turnstone,
Black Turnstone
… finishing the afternoon with this one taking time out for a bath.
After dropping off family that were visiting for the long weekend at the ferry, I noticed there were several Loons along the causeway. Not having been there in a while, thought I would give them a try today. Of course there were none in sight when I started my walk.
Horned Grebe
There were, however, good numbers of Horned Grebe.
Horned Grebe
They were busy diving and catching small fish. While a little leery initially,
Horned Grebe
… they went about their activities not too far off from the shoreline. I was not the only one interested in the Grebes.
Ring-billed Gull
This Ring-billed Gull was adhering to the old adage, why catch your own when you can take someone else’s.
Bonaparte’s Gull
A couple of Bonapate’s Gulls hoping for the same did not fair as well. As I continued along the ferry causeway towards the terminal there were some Loons.
Common Loon
Unfortunately, despite the high tied they were not coming in that close this afternoon.
Black Oystercatcher
Of course there are always some of the regulars along the causeway to make up for this. Such as the Black Oystercatcher, of which there were about six around,
Great Blue Heron
… and a few Great Blue Heron. Then on my way back with the sun going down,
Common Loon
… one last chance for a Common Loon with this juvenile.
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.
Whimbrel
A Whimbrel was wondering amongst the rocks close to the shoreline.
Whimbrel
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 Oystercatcher Juvenile
Black Ostercatcher nest in this area,
Black Oystercatcher Juvenile
… and these are the two juveniles in this family group. I had noticed some Comorants earlier while making my way along the beach.
Pelagic Cormorant
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.
Pelagic Cormorant
And then this distant photo of one with its catch.
Pelagic Cormorant
Then one started hanging around a little closer in to shore.
Pelagic Cormorant
At one point it got startled by something and scampered off across the water,
Pelagic Cormorant
… landing a short distance away. Then while I was still sitting on the same rock,
Common Loon
… a Common Loon leisurely made its way toward,
Common Loon
… and then by me. Still not having moved,
Pacific Harbour Seal
… 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,
Whimbrel
… I came across the Whibrel again. While tagging along with it,
Western Sandpiper
… I came upon a small flock of Western Sandpipers resting,
Western Sandpiper
… and moving along the shoreline.
Western Sandpiper
They were not as shy as the Whimbrel,
Western Sandpiper
… allowing me to get quite close.
Western Sandpiper
This is a good thing given they are quite small.
Western Sandpiper
It was a nice photo session with these peeps to finish the afternoon off.