Eurasian Wigeon – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

It was cool, windy and wet when I made my way to Reifel to help out on the trails this afternoon. Understandably there were not many visitors, but there was a Great Horned Owl to show the hardy few I met along the east dyke trail. The birding highlight of the day,

… was a Eurasian Wigeon in the house pond at the back of the gift shop. While neither my shooting position or weather were ideal, it was still good to see this winter visitor.

In other sanctuary news, the well known raptor snag got blown down this past week. Along the main path to the large covered viewing platform,

… it was a favourite roosting spot for birds of prey and for visitors to see and photograph them.

It was overcast and cool with the wind when I arrived at Reifel to help out in the afternoon. Not many visitors either so it was fairly quiet on the trails. Providing an interesting start to today’s walk,

… was this Eurasion Wigeon that was hanging around in the house pond. The White-throated Sparrow was still present near the entrance, but I was not having any luck with getting photos. After checking the east dyke trail I made my way towards the tower as the morning walk had turned up some Swamp Sparrows. They were located in the marsh off the north dyke as you make your way to the outer west dyke. Near the second bench I could hear the chip call,

… and one Swamp Sparrow popped up into view.

While it would appear the bird was ready to take flight here, it was actually just calling. I could hear two Swamp Sparrows out in the marsh.

These birds can be challenging to see and photograph, so this opportunity definitely made my day.