Teal, Sparrow & Mink

A lovely afternoon, although still on the cool side with the breeze. The intent this afternoon was to try for warblers at Reifel, but I got side tracked again on hearing there were a couple of Cinnamon Teal around. While I did locate one, it was in a pond well off the trail and too far for photos. At another pond they frequent there were some Green-winged Teal.

Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal

Not quite the shot I was hoping for, but fun to get this Green-winged Teal pair foraging together. While watching the teal,

House Sparrow
House Sparrow

… this House Sparrow landed nearby for a short while. Then the bonus shot of the day occurred on my way out along the east dyke trail.

Mink
Mink

This Mink came running right up to me with a bullfrog in its mouth. The lighting was a little harsh, but there is not much you can do about that in these spur of the moment situations.

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.

Tree Swallow
Tree Swallow

This Tree Swallow stretched it wings a couple of times,

Tree Swallow
Tree Swallow

… 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
Blue-winged, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal

Something flushed them and I managed this distant shot with all three species.

Muskrat
Muskrat

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.

Black-headed Grosbeak
Black-headed Grosbeak

Still no sign of them,

Black-headed Grosbeak
Black-headed Grosbeak

… but the Black-headed Grosbeaks are still around.

To finish the afternoon I headed out to Boundary Bay by the airport.

Western Wood-Pewee
Western Wood-Pewee

I managed to get the Western Wood-pewee with its catch.

Western Wood-Pewee
Western Wood-Pewee

Along with another static pose while it was obliging me.

Lazuli Bunting
Lazuli Bunting

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.