Pied-billed Grebe

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Well it was a little gloomy and wet today, but at least it was just a light rain for the most part. I started off my afternoon at Reifel by checking for the White-throated Sparrow as it had not been seen by the morning walk. I managed to locate it across from where it had been the last several weeks scurrying around under the bramble. While waiting to see if it would pop out for a photo, everything suddenly scattered deeper into the bushes as a Sharp-shinned hawk buzzed by behind me. Initially landing briefly in a tree a ways off,

… it did make its way back roosting in the Cork Oak for a short time. While the sparrows had disappeared, it was a good start to the day to have a few minutes this close with a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

While walking several of the other trails was not producing much activity or photo opportunities, along one of the inside trails

… the Pied-billed Grebe was still providing some good looks.

The last highlight of the day was just off the east dyke trail.

A pair of Bushtits were busy building a nest.

Perhaps a sign that spring is finally on the way.

It was a beautiful afternoon, albeit a little windy which kept it on the cooler side. There was a half decent crowd at Reifel, but it was fairly quiet on the birding front. Avoiding the wind I stuck to the inside trails,

… where the highlight of the afternoon was this Pied-billed Grebe.

It was busy foraging and catching fish at first,

… then it took some time to just float around while preening.

Always fun to spend some time with a Pied-billed Grebe when they are fairly close as this one was.

White-fronted & Pied-billed

While the morning was not great, it did perk up this afternoon and I made my way out to Reifel to help out on the trails. Along the way River Rd. West was blocked in both directions because of a fire requiring a detour through the local farm roads. This could throw a few potential visitors unfamiliar with the local roads for a loop. Compared to last Sunday, there were not many vehicles in the lot when I arrived. One recent sighting of interest at the sanctuary was a Townsend’s Solitaire along the centre dyke. I mad a few passes along there throughout the day but had no luck locating it. Another spring arrival were some Yellow-rumped Warblers and I marvelled at all the singing Ruby-crowned Kinglets. While checking the west dyke another call caught my attention,

… that of the Greater White-fronted Goose.

Three of them flew into the outer ponds, but only stayed a short while before flying off. Meanwhile back on the inner ponds a pair of Pied-billed Grebe had been entertaining visitors throughout the day.

I managed this shot of one while fishing prior to calling it a day.