Northern Saw-whet Owl

When I headed out to Reifel to help out on the trails this afternoon it was sunny and there was a good crowd. While not finding much in the first instance,

Northern Shoveler
Northern Shoveler

… I spent time with some Northern Shovelers. Later in the day it started to cloud over with the occasional light shower. To brighten things up a visitor I had spoken to earlier flagged me down and informed he had found a Northern Saw-whet Owl. The  owl was tucked away pretty good with lots of branches between it and the camera.

Northern Saw-whet Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl

I had to set the camera up low and look up into the overhanging branch. You can see the Northern Saw-whet Owl has a vole in its feet. I spent the next couple of hours set up here showing visitors. As luck would have it and closing time neared, the Saw-whet decided it was time to eat.

I managed to get some video before having to make a dash for the parking lot and five o’clock arrived.

A Ducky Day

Daylight saving time.
Did you remember to change the clock on your camera along with all the others today?

With the next storm front delayed, it meant there was a slight break in the weather today. Unfortunately it was still fairly windy and on the cool side. Being Sunday, I headed out to Reifel to help on the trails. From a birding perspective, it is still fairly quiet at the sanctuary. Wanting to stay out of the wind, the display ponds provided some waterfowl opportunities.

Greater Scaup
Greater Scaup

First up was this male Greater Scaup,

Greater Scaup
Greater Scaup

… followed by a female.

Northern Pintail
Northern Pintail

Next up were some male Northern Pintails,

Northern Pintail
Northern Pintail

… busy strutting their stuff as spring approaches.

Bufflehead
Bufflehead

Then the smaller male Bufflehead,

Bufflehead
Bufflehead

… whose head is iridescent in the right light.

Gadwall
Gadwall

The inside sloughs had some Gadwall,

Northern Shoveler
Northern Shoveler

… and Northern Shoveler.

To finish the afternoon off, a couple of portraits.

Wood Duck
Wood Duck

This female Wood Duck,

Wood Duck
Wood Duck

… and her male counterpart that were hanging around near the entrance.