It was still pretty gloomy when I headed out this afternoon after the showers stopped. One winter visitor I have managed a few passing flight shots of, but nothing close, are the Trumpeter Swans. We will see them every winter in this area when they migrate south from there nesting grounds in northern parts of the province, the territories and Alaska.
While there are numerous places to find them, one particular farm field on Westham Island has been a favourite for them lately and provides easy viewing. The problem the last while has been they were usually too far off for photos.
On checking today,
… they were in a little closer.
The Trumpeter Swan is North America’s largest waterfowl.
Juvenile birds are grey/brown in colour with lighter legs and bill.
The adults are all white with black legs and bill. Like the Snow Goose, the reddish colour on the head and neck is from minerals in the soil they forage in.
As I was already on Westham Island, I figured I might as well head to Reifel for a quick walk. Given the weather and it being a weekday, there were not many people there. Turned it was pretty quiet on the birding front as well.
Some of the regulars like the Dark-eyed Juncos,
… and Song Sparrows were willing to pose.
As was this Pileated Woodpecker. Unfortunately the only clear view was too close. Not often bird photographers complain about being too close.
