Wilson’s Phalarope – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Godwits + Phalarope

On arriving to help out at Reifel this afternoon there was not a large crowd of visitors, but that is normal for this time of year. The highlight from yesterday was some Marbled Godwits that had shown up and that I was hoping would return today.

Initially I walked the inner trails waiting until later in the afternoon to check the outside when the tide would start to come in and push the shorebirds into the ponds. When I did eventually head out to the west field, there was not much going on. It was not until closer to 4 pm that things finally started to happen.

Eight Marbled Godwit flew in together.

Seeing one or two is usually a treat, but eight at one time is pretty uncommon around here.

There was also a Wilson’s Phalarope among the birds showing up.

At first it was resting in a clump of grass,

… but eventually got up and started foraging for food.

In addition to the Godwits and Phalarope there were also Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher, Short-billed Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Western Sandpiper. A pretty good variety for this time of year.

Waterthrush + Phalaropes

Just over a week ago I headed out to Reifel when a Northern Waterthrush was spotted along the east dyke trail. Unfortunately I, along with some other birders, were unable to relocate the bird. A couple of subsequent visits ended with the same result although others had seen one still around.

On arriving today to help out on the trails I was informed a Northern Waterthrush was in the Cherry tree next to the warming hut.

The bird was tucked away under the leaves and not really moving much at all initially. I was informed and later saw for myself that there was something wrong with its left eye.

The bird eventually did start moving among the branches,

… and once further up it flew off. From a photo that was posted on BC Bird Alert of the first Waterthrush spotted, this would appear to be a different bird. I saw it flying around the area of the warming hut a couple of times before continuing my walk.

The next highlight from this afternoon,

… were some Wilson’s Phalarope at the rear of the house pond (foot of south dyke trail).

There were three of them in the pond along with some Greater Yellowlegs.

This location provided for great viewing and photo opportunities.

The last highlight of the day was a Stilt Sandpiper. It was only visible from the tower looking west towards the outside trail below the bulrushes. Way to far off for photos, but good to see them starting to show up in the area.

Sora

Headed out to Reifel this morning to help with the Marshnotes newsletter mailing. Once that was finished the tide was high, so I headed out to the west field for look before leaving. I was hoping for a Stilt Sandpiper, but no such luck.

Instead were these two Wilson’s Phalarope along with two Red-necked Phalarope. While watching the Phalarope I could hear some Sora chattering away in the reeds.

To make my afternoon one decided to pop out into the open,

… and wander around stretching briefly before disappearing back amongst the reeds.