The afternoon started with some volunteer work at Reifel. A small group helping out to get the newsletter, Marshnotes, ready for mailing. Once this was done, it was time for a walk. While heading out the east dyke trail some movement along the edge of the path caught my eye.
There was a group of shrews busy foraging in the grass.
Some appeared to be juveniles and were fairly small.
To give you an idea how tiny they are, that dark blob in the upper left corner is a fly.
In the north marsh this Heron was taking time to preen and look after that itchy spot.
This particular post seems to be a regular roost for the Herons.
The outer ponds had some of the expected shore birds. Least, Semipalmated & Western Sandpipers along with the Dowitchers, Yellowlegs and Killdeer.
A pleasant surprise were these three Red-necked Phalaropes. Too far off for a decent picture, but nice to see. That makes both Wilson’s & Red-necked Phalaropes seen here in the last couple of weeks.
Another sign fall is coming, I am starting to see more Hooded Mergansers arriving.
This one with a small fish in there with the weeds.
There was about half a dozen this afternoon in the outer ponds. So that covers the mammals and birds.
The reptile for the afternoon was this Red-eared Slider Turtle. While seen regularly around here, they are not native to British Columbia. The population resulting from pets being tuned loose in the wild.