Lazuli Bunting

It seemed to take forever strolling around the North 40 looking for the Lazuli Bunting before getting an indication they were around. After walking both inner and outer trails I finally heard the song I was waiting for. I managed to locate one male in the centre area, but it was sticking to the tree tops and behind branches. Then in an area frequented by them in previous years a different male Lazuli Bunting came in to the top of some bushes.

Unfortunately for me the sun was behind the bird and the lighting was not ideal. It did not stay long before it was off to another tree, then they went quiet and I was unable to locate them again. Three males were reported the other day and I saw two different ones this afternoon.

While trying to relocate the Buntings I did stumble across a small group of Western Tanager. Unable to get any photos, I will just have to hope they stick around for another chance.

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.

Sparrow, Bunting & Swallow

While Reifel provided more opportunities for Grosbeaks the other day, the North 40 is probably the only spot in this area (Delta) you will find another bird I have been waiting for. When I arrived this afternoon and was getting my gear ready I finally heard a Lazuli Bunting singing. The only problem being I could not find it before it went quiet.

While looking for the bunting, a Savannah Sparrow started singing nicely atop a small tree.

It allowed me to get a couple of shots from different angles.

After photographing the sparrow I could hear the Lazuli Bunting singing again. After moving to that area of the park I was able to hear more than one singing and finally caught a glimpse of a male. They were moving around,

… but I finally got a couple photos of one of them, this being a male.

This is the same tree they have frequented in past years. I could not determine how many were around, or if there were any females amongst them.

One other interesting find from a previous visit that I followed up on today,

… was this Tree Swallow nest.

Looks like it is an active nest and worthy of another visit when there are some young mouths to be fed.