Common Yellowthroat – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Stilt, Yellowthroat & Eagle

After the showers ended and the sun making an appearance, I made my way out to Reifel. I figured I would give the outer ponds one more shot for the Ruff. Alas, it was not to be.

Still present with the Dowitchers though was the Stilt Sandpiper.

This afternoon it was a little closer in to the trail.

What I enjoyed about this photo opportunity was getting a Stilt Sandpiper in breeding plumage. All my other photos are non-breeding plumage or juveniles. While photographing the Stilt Sandpiper,

… a Common Yelowthroat flew in and posed nicely on a bush right beside me.

I managed a few shots and then it was time for it to leave with a parting thanks from me. On my way home I stopped by the Bald Eagle nest on River Rd.

Can you imagine scratching your itch with those?!

After a couple of shots of the Bald Eagle it was time to call it a day.

Ducks, Swan, Eagles & Songbirds

Figured I would start the afternoon off with a follow-up for the flycatchers I had seen at Reifel the other day. While I was having no luck with that,

… I did manage a photo of the first Wood Duck brood to hatch at the sanctuary. En route to my next destination, and in keeping with the nesting theme,

… it appears the Mute Swan are nesting in Canoe Pass. And the last nest for the day,

… one of the Bald Eagle nests with young in the North 40 which was my next stop. Having missed the flycatchers at Reifel, the North 40 is also a good spot for them. I just have not seen any arrive here yet. While checking the trails,

… one of the many Common Yellowthroat posed briefly on a branch for me. Then while checking on the Tree Swallow nest what should alight on an old snag?

A first of year Western Wood-Pewee for the North 40.

Of course I could not leave without trying for at least one shot of the Lazuli Bunting.

Warblers

Headed out to the North 40 this afternoon to see if anything new might have shown up. I was greeted by the usual Bewick’s Wren and Rufous Hummingbird. Neither of which were going to cooperate for photos. While listening and watching all the Common Yellowthroat that have arrived,

… I did manage to coax one of these warblers out briefly to pose in the tall grass.

On my way in I also noticed there were still lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers around. While observing another group busy fly catching from the tree tops,

… something else caught my eye.

The bold markings of a Townsend’s Warbler.

Not seen as frequently as some of the other wood warblers, they are usually found feeding in the upper portions of trees. I was fortunate and managed to catch this striking warbler a little lower down.

There was also a Wilson’s Warbler in this same area, but it was not coming out into the open. A couple of nice finds for this outing.