Cinnamon Teal – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Sandhill Crane Chick

I received a heads up a couple of days ago about the first hole appearing in the egg on the Sandhill Crane nest. Unfortunately I was not able to head out to Reifel until this morning to help out with the newsletter. As luck would have it the chick had hatched just prior to my arrival. Needless to say when the Marshnotes stuff was done I made my way to the nesting site.

It was not long before the female Sandhill Crane got up and provided us with a look at the new arrival. As the chick will become mobile within a day or two, it won’t be long before the adults accompany it as it swims to shore so they can start feeding it. A temporary trail closure is already in place in anticipation of this to minimize disturbance by visitors.

Bonus shots of the day,

… the Cinnamon Teal were still around the inner ponds.

Phalarope & Teal

A beautiful day and lots of people out enjoying it at Reifel this afternoon. There was some activity in the outer ponds with Dunlin, Western Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs and Long-billed Dowitcher present.

The highlight though was this lone Wilson’s Phalarope.

Even better was that it was coming in close to the dyke trail.

It was getting everyone’s attention,

… which is not so hard being quite pretty and standing out from the crowd.

At the end of the day on my way out I stopped by the inner pond to check for the Cinnamon Teal which was seen again earlier in the day.

It was initially foraging back in the reeds,

… but with a little patience it did make its way somewhat closer. The fact nobody else was around probably helped as they are usually quite shy and leery of people. A nice end to a fun afternoon.

First Outing & Post For June

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.