Rough-legged Hawk

This afternoon’s walk was in the sunshine, but the breeze did keep it on the cool side. The destination was Brunswick Point, but before heading out there my attention was drawn to the river.

Red-breasted Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser

There were some Red-breasted Merganser,

Common Goldeneye
Common Goldeneye

… and Common Goldeneye in Canoe Pass. Unfortunately they kept their distance.

Double-crested Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant

At the pilings the Double-crested Cormorant showed up to sun themselves.

The walk around the point itself did not turn up much until I started making my way back. A Rough-legged Hawk was moving back and forth between some trees trailside.

Rough-legged Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk

While they can be wary of people at times,

Rough-legged Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk

… this Rough-legged Hawk provided a good opportunity for some flight shots before moving off over the marsh. A good end to the days walk.

Birds By The Seashore

It was a beautiful day to start the Easter long weekend. While I managed to hit more than one spot, the only one with birds cooperating was along the Tsawwassen Ferry Causeway.

Harlequin Duck
Harlequin Duck

First up were some Harlequin Ducks.

Harlequin Duck
Harlequin Duck

After a few attempts I managed to get this pair together and both in focus.

Harlequin Duck
Harlequin Duck

This time of year is great for getting the males in breeding plumage.

Horned Grebe
Horned Grebe

There were a few Horned Grebe around, but they were not coming in too close today.

Common Loon
Common Loon

There were several Common Loons, this one having caught something on its last dive.

Common Loon
Common Loon

Every once and awhile, they would drift in closer to shore.

Mew Gull
Mew Gull

Always lots of gulls around, but today I focused on the Mew Gulls.

Mew Gull
Mew Gull

This one doing a nice fly-by low over the water.

Common Goldeneye
Common Goldeneye

This Common Goldeneye also surfaced with something after a successful dive.

Common Goldeneye
Common Goldeneye

Then took time to stretch and fan its wings.

Black Scoter & Surf Scoter
Black Scoter & Surf Scoter

To finish the afternoon was a mixed flock of Black Scoter and Surf Scoter.

Surf Scoter
Surf Scoter

These are the Surf Scoter,

Black Scoter
Black Scoter

… and here are the Black Scoter.