This afternoon’s walk was in the sunshine, but the breeze did keep it on the cool side. The destination was Brunswick Point, but before heading out there my attention was drawn to the river.
Red-breasted Merganser
There were some Red-breasted Merganser,
Common Goldeneye
… and Common Goldeneye in Canoe Pass. Unfortunately they kept their distance.
Double-crested Cormorant
At the pilings the Double-crested Cormorant showed up to sun themselves.
The walk around the point itself did not turn up much until I started making my way back. A Rough-legged Hawk was moving back and forth between some trees trailside.
Rough-legged Hawk
While they can be wary of people at times,
Rough-legged Hawk
… this Rough-legged Hawk provided a good opportunity for some flight shots before moving off over the marsh. A good end to the days walk.
I headed out to Brunswick Point in the sunshine this afternoon. The goal today was Northern Shrike. It did not take too long before finding one hunting the marsh from the tree tops adjacent to the dyke. Unfortunately it was not in a good spot for photos. I made my way a little further along to a better location for photos and one they tend to frequent. While waiting,
Short-eared Owl & Northern Harrier
… the Short-eared Owl and Northern Harrier were active and harassing each as they often do. The Northern Shrike, alas, did not show up.
Prior to starting my walk along the dyke I noticed the usual cormorants along with Horned Grebe, Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser in the river. With the sun starting to go down and the water calm I made my way back.
Horned Grebe
One of the Horned Grebe was fishing in fairly close to the river bank.
Red-breasted Merganser
The Red-breasted Merganser were a little further out but I did manage a shot. The Common Goldeneye had moved off to far. The mouth of the river at Canoe Pass can be a good spot to see some these sea ducks.
It has been about two weeks since I last posted anything from Brunswick Point and Canoe Pass. On that walk there were some interesting sea ducks around, just not great light. This afternoon in Canoe Pass the light was better,
Red-breasted Merganser
… and a Red-breasted Merganser was still around. There were also some Loons and Grebes, but they were too far off for any pictures. To make up for that,
Double-crested Cormorant
… one of the several Double-crested Cormorant was more than happy to oblige.
On my walk around Brunswick Point there were still at least half a dozen Snowy Owls present again. Unlike last time they were all further out in the marsh this afternoon. What was active and in a little closer today,
Short-eared Owl
… were the Short-eared Owls. After getting this one taking a time out on the log,
Short-eared Owl
… I spent a little time trying for some flight shots as a few were up and about.
Short-eared OwlShort-eared Owl
As owls hunt with their ears as well as their eyes,
Short-eared Owl
… they will react to the sound of the shutter, so be ready for it.
Northern Harrier
Accompanying the owls over the marsh were the usual Northern Harriers.
As the sun was going down behind some fairly dark clouds I was making my way back to the car when I noticed some sparrows scattering into the brambles. Right behind them flying low to the ground and then up into a tree was my bonus bird of the day.
Merlin
This Merlin was unsuccessful in catching anything and with the awful light I was not sure if I was going to get a usable shot. This one did take a little massaging in post processing, and was a nice finish to the afternoon.
