Bullock’s Oriole

Ruff

A quiet afternoon at Reifel visitor wise, but there were a few interesting birds around. Sightings from earlier included a Ruff, Red-necked Phalarope and Green Heron.

First up was the Ruff in the west field. This appears to be the same escapee first seen at Boundary Bay just over a month ago.

The same three bands high on the left leg and two low on the right. Next was the Red-necked Phalarope and while I did get to see it, it was too far off for photos.

Around the tower I managed to see one of the Bullock’s Oriole,

… and some Cedar Waxwings. As for the Green Heron, sadly I could not relocate it.

Not the potential large crowd for a Sunday afternoon at Reifel, but still a good number of visitors. Aside from all the new waterfowl arrivals in varying stages of development, it was fairly quiet on the birding front. There was a report of a juvenile Great Horned Owl, but I and others were unable to relocate it. There was some interesting activity though, a Bullock’s Oriole pair.

The male as seen above,

… and the female not far away gathering nesting material. It’s been a few years since the sanctuary has had a nesting record for Bullock’s Oriole.

Bonus shot and entertainment for the afternoon,

… was this Mink catching voles along the outside dyke trail.

After seeing reports of some interesting birds showing up elsewhere the last couple of days I headed back out the North 40 this afternoon. I was hoping for a better chance with the Black-headed Grosbeak from yesterday, but I could not locate it today.

Some entertainment while scouring the trees,

… was this Crow harassing one of the Bald Eagles.

I would keep moving between stands of trees, stopping to watch and listen before moving on. Finally, just before moving off from one area, a song caught my ear. It sounded familiar, but I could not place it right away. After moving around the tree for a couple of minutes I found a vantage point that provided a view of the source.

A Bullock’s Oriole was tucked away high up in the tree. Another first of year bird for the North 40. They have nested in this area in past years. Unfortunately after it flew off from this spot I could not relocate it or hear it singing. Hopefully it sticks around and I get another chance with this colourful bird.