Virginia Rail – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Sora & Rail

A breezy, but pleasant afternoon at Reifel today. A recent highlight was a White-faced Ibis seen on Friday. It was not reported until Saturday and has not been seen since. The Great Egret continues to visit the sanctuary, just not when I am there with my camera. It was fairly quiet on the birding front with the days entertainment happening around the tower.

A couple of Sora were showing well again today.

First up was this adult bird.

Not wanting to be outdone,

… this Virginia Rail also started foraging in view along the edge of the reeds.

This juvenile Sora was also active in the area with the three occasionally chasing each around. The Sora and Rail were also interacting with the Red-winged Blackbirds,

… which were also busy in the reeds and water. Fun times at the tower today.

Sparrows & Rail

Cloudy and cool this afternoon when helping out at Reifel, but not a bad crowd given the conditions. The Great Horned and Northern Saw-whet Owls were noticeably absent along the east dyke trail. In the northeast corner I checked out some of the regulars.

Like this Fox Sparrow,

… and the ever present Song Sparrow. A couple of birds entertaining the visitors this afternoon and providing good views,

… were two Virginia Rails. This one captured on ice along the slough’s edge. Another highlight today were two Swamp Sparrows making brief appearances around the tower again. A few birders were delighted to see them, some for the first time. Unfortunately I did not manage any new photos of them.

Sparrows, Owl & Rail

With the winds subsiding somewhat today I headed out as the wind chill was not going to be as bad. It kept me indoors yesterday. The trails at Reifel afford a little protection from the breeze and I started out along the east dyke.

First photo op was this Golden-crowned Sparrow. At the northeast corner,

… one of the Great Horned Owls was roosting a little lower than they have been of late. Still not as low as I would like, but it was an unobstructed view. Next stop was the tower to check for the Swamp Sparrows. While there was no sign of them,

… the Song Sparrows were busy foraging everywhere including scampering around on the ice. Then the bonus bird for the day,

… was this Virginia Rail scurrying around the base of the tower. I was fortunate to get this shot as most of the time I was only getting partial views. A good end to the day.