Hummingbird, Bee & Butterfly

Not having been out of late I could not pass up another beautiful spring day. This afternoon’s outing was to the South Arm Marshes. In addition to being one of my favourite spots for Bushtits, it has lots more to offer. The objective today was Anna’s Hummingbird as there is a pair I see regularly in one area. Undoubtedly there is a nest nearby, I just have not spotted it yet.

Anna's Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbird

It did not take long before I got glimpses of both and then this distant shot of the female. From past experience I know they feed along the trail, so I set up on some flowering Salmonberry. As luck would have it she landed on the brambles beside me and then fed on some other Salmonberry within arms reach. All I could do was watch and smile while laughing to myself.

Bumblebee
Bumblebee

The only thing that showed up at the Salmonberry I was set up on was this Bumblebee. Can’t you just picture the Anna’s there instead ;-)

Mourning Cloak
Mourning Cloak

Another consolation photo was this Mourning Cloak butterfly. Spring time has lots to offer in addition to birds.

Butterflies

Have not been getting out as much as I normally would of late. The few outings I managed were quiet on the birding and photo front. Fortunately Mother Nature often comes through in these situations.

Mourning Cloak
Mourning Cloak

I came across a few Mourning Cloak and Western Tiger Swallowtail butterflies chasing each around.

Western Tiger Swallowtail
Western Tiger Swallowtail

Every once in a while they would alight and rest on the foliage providing for some photo opportunities.

Butterflies

Pretty hard not to be out enjoying a day like today. While spring has sprung, it was still fairly quiet on the birding front. The Ruby-crowned Kinglets were not cooperating and neither was a great looking Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warbler. Fortunately there was some other colourful things flitting about.

Satyr Anglewing
Satyr Anglewing

A couple of different types of butterfly were active in the area.

Mourning Cloak
Mourning Cloak

Another sign spring is here and they provided a pleasant diversion for the afternoon.