Common Loon – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Grebes, Gulls & Loons

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.

There were, however, good numbers of Horned Grebe.

They were busy diving and catching small fish. While a little leery initially,

… they went about their activities not too far off from the shoreline. I was not the only one interested in the Grebes.

This Ring-billed Gull was adhering to the old adage, why catch your own when you can take someone else’s.

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.

Unfortunately, despite the high tied they were not coming in that close this afternoon.

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,

… and a few Great Blue Heron. Then on my way back with the sun going down,

… one last chance for a Common Loon with this juvenile.

Shore Birds & Water Birds

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.

A Whimbrel was wondering amongst the rocks close to the shoreline.

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 Ostercatcher nest in this area,

… and these are the two juveniles in this family group. I had noticed some Comorants earlier while making my way along the beach.

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.

And then this distant photo of one with its catch.

Then one started hanging around a little closer in to shore.

At one point it got startled by something and scampered off across the water,

… landing a short distance away. Then while I was still sitting on the same rock,

… a Common Loon leisurely made its way toward,

… and then by me. Still not having moved,

… 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,

… I came across the Whibrel again. While tagging along with it,

… I came upon a small flock of Western Sandpipers resting,

… and moving along the shoreline.

They were not as shy as the Whimbrel,

… allowing me to get quite close.

This is a good thing given they are quite small.

It was a nice photo session with these peeps to finish the afternoon off.

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.