Wilson’s Snipe

Snipe + Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

There was a good number of visitors when I arrived at Reifel to help out on the trails today. The weather was pleasant, albeit a little on the windy side. To start the afternoon off I headed to the west fields to check for shorebirds with a fellow birder. On the way there we were seeing all the usual species in the southwest field. About half way along the west field we noticed some Pectoral Sandpipers and on closer examination a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. It was a little far off for decent pictures at this point and while watching it,

… a couple of Wilson’s Snipe flew in. A pleasant surprise for the afternoon.

The Sharp-tailed eventually moved in closer to the dyke,

… and provided some great viewing and photo opportunities.

This makes two Sharp-tailed Sandpipers I have seen now in as many weeks. The last being in Boundary Bay and one has also been observed at Iona.

It was a beautiful fall afternoon to be out helping on the trails at Reifel. No owls to show the many visitors today,

… but there was one highlight several got to enjoy.

Two Wilson’s Snipe spent the day in the slough adjacent to the east dyke trail providing great views.

Wilson’s Snipe

Today’s outing was to Brunswick Point where there were several people and other birders/photographers enjoying another beautiful, but cold afternoon. The usual Double-crested Cormorants were on the pilings and I could still hear Western Meadowlarks singing in the fields and marsh. The Northern Harriers were up, but no Short-eared Owls that I noticed. While watching the stand of trees the Prairie Falcon frequents I got called a little further to the east by another birder. The surprise of the afternoon,

… was a Wilson’s Snipe taking a siesta in the sun while the Robins wondered around it.

Eventually it did get up and start foraging in the farm yard. While I have seen and photographed Wilson’s Snipe before,

… this is the closest I have managed to be. The bird was quite cooperative as well, staying in the open the whole time I was there. Thanks for the heads up Doug. To top the day off, the Prairie Falcon did make an appearance in the trees on my way back.