Blue-winged Teal – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

While personal matters have kept me away from the blog for a while, figured it was time to try and get back into the swing of things. So why not start with Reifel where I usually try to spend my Sunday afternoons helping out on the trails. This time of year can be quiet on the birding and visitor front, but I did manage to find a few cooperative subjects. First up,

… were some Blue-winged Teal that are still hanging around the outer ponds. The west marsh had lots of American Goldfinch activity. They were busy feeding in the tall grass,

… and on the cat tails.

They were also showing up adjacent to the trails as the thistle is blossoming. The only shorebirds around,

… were some Greater Yellowlegs still showing some of their breeding plumage.

To round out the afternoon was this Savannah Sparrow.

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.

Tag: Blue-winged Teal

Teal, Goldfinch & Yellowlegs

First Outing & Post For June