tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54458240220684705782024-03-14T02:09:49.971-07:002018 Birding BlogLou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-83476947428253668842019-01-20T14:42:00.001-08:002019-01-20T14:42:38.818-08:00Best of 2018 Part 5 - November/DecemberThe final post of the 2018 blog details the highlights in the last two months of the year.<br />
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November 2018</h3>
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The first three photos are from Reifel Bird Sanctuary, the best place for winter birding in the Lower Mainland.</div>
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I can't say why I picked this Chickadee to shoot, but I took a burst of five shots. I realized after I got home that the second shot showed the bird with a sunflower seed under its tongue.</div>
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<b>Black-capped Chickadee - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - November 4, 2018</b></div>
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One of the reasons I visited on this day was to try to see the Harris's Sparrow that had been reported. We usually get a few of these sparrows in the winter, in the summer you have to go into Northern Alberta to see them. Of all the times I've seen this bird, I've never seen one in breeding plumage. But the basic plumage looks pretty good too.</div>
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<b>Harris's Sparrow</b><b> - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - November 4, 2018</b></div>
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Winter is showtime for Ducks at Reifel, they're back in breeding plumage and are quite photogenic. This male Northern Pintail is a good example.</div>
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<b>Northern Pintail - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - November 4, 2018</b></div>
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I took American Thanksgiving day off so I could do some birding and watch football later in the day. I visited Boundary Bay hoping to see some Raptors. There is an electrical sub-station near 72 St that often has Hawks and Owls. One of the regulars is this Rough-legged Hawk, looking very miserable in the rain.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IObl7x-cEI4/XETv751COLI/AAAAAAAAmmo/LhQ7OUSjJtg1eqfbLxoVTx0Ywp8lqpIHQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/22_RL_HAWK.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IObl7x-cEI4/XETv751COLI/AAAAAAAAmmo/LhQ7OUSjJtg1eqfbLxoVTx0Ywp8lqpIHQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/22_RL_HAWK.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Rough-legged Hawk - Boundary Bay, Delta BC - November 22, 2018</b></div>
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The following Saturday I was on my way to Reifel again. Just after crossing the Westham Island bridge, I spotted a Peregrine Falcon sitting on a power pole crossbeam. Traffic was light so I pulled over and took a few shots through the windshield using the zoom capabilities of my Nikon camera. </div>
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I felt like the bird had noticed me and was not too happy about it.</div>
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<b>Peregrine Falcon - Westham Island, Delta BC - November 24, 2018</b></div>
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After visiting Reifel, I decided to try Brunswick Point, which is back on the Mainland side. I met up with some photographers who were only interested in Short-eared Owls. When a wintering Meadowlark started singing behind us, I was the only person taking notice.</div>
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<b>Western Meadowlark - Brunswick Point, Delta BC</b></div>
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<b>November 24, 2018</b></div>
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December 2018</h3>
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Here't the last five photos for 2018. </div>
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On December 1st I visited Beach Grove Lagoon in Tsawwassen hoping to see a rare Ruff, an Eurasian shorebird. I did see the bird but the photos were not great. I got some better shots in January which will be in the 2019 blog.</div>
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I took this shot of a Northern Harrier hunting over the foreshore that I quite liked.</div>
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<b>Northern Harrier - Beach Grove Lagoon, Delta BC - December 1, 2018</b></div>
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I haven't included many backyard photos in the Best of 2018. I like this House Finch on the feeder, taken through our living room window.</div>
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<b>House Finch - Backyard, North Delta BC - December 2, 2018</b></div>
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I visit Point Roberts most weekends to get some cheap gas and visit Lighthouse Marine Park. It's a unique environment with a rocky shoreline, a steep drop-off and lots of wave action.</div>
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A bird frequently seen on rocky salt water beaches is the Black Turnstone. True to its name. the bird turns stones on the beach over hoping to find small insects and crustaceans underneath.</div>
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<b>Black Turnstone - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - December 15, 2018</b></div>
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A week later at the same location I caught this loon doing some stretching exercises quite close to shore.</div>
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<b>Common Loon</b><b> - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - December 22, 2018</b></div>
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The last photo of the year is a nice shot of a female Wood Duck taken on Christmas Eve.</div>
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<b>Wood Duck - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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<b>December 24, 2018</b></div>
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Thanks to those who read my posts, I'll be cranking up a 2019 blog very soon.</div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-34265780667581118172019-01-19T21:42:00.000-08:002019-01-19T21:45:29.996-08:00Best of 2018 Part 4 - August to OctoberThis period was my slowest of the year for birding. I seemed to find myself at Reifel Bird Sanctuary every weekend. Although Fall shorebird migration starts in September, I didn't have much luck this year with the common species. However, I did see two of the rarer shorebird species.<br />
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August 2018</h3>
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As mentioned, pretty well everything in August was seen at Reifel. The most common shorebirds arrive quite early, the Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs. Identification between the two can be tricky unless seen together. This one is definitely a Greater based on bill length.</div>
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<b>Greater Yellowlegs - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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<b>August 4, 2018</b></div>
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Some species are still engaged in nesting activity at this time of year. These Barn Swallow chicks may have been a second batch for the parents. This nest was inside a bird blind and remained open to the public.</div>
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The chicks were placid while waiting for food to be delivered.</div>
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<b>Barn Swallows - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - August 4, 2018</b></div>
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When food arrived, it became a begging competition!</div>
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<b>Barn Swallows - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - August 4, 2018</b></div>
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At this time of year most of the ducks are done with nesting and are taking it easy. They also moult into eclipse plumage at this time and can lose their ability to fly until the new feathers grow in. They can still swim and stay close to water to avoid predators. This Mallard seems quite content.</div>
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<b style="text-align: left;">Mallard (F) - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - August 11, 2018</b></div>
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These Sandhill Cranes were also in the process of moulting.</div>
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<b>Sandhill Cranes</b><b> - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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<b>August 19, 2018</b></div>
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The last August photo was taken in our backyard where a Nuthatch stopped for a drink.</div>
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<b>Red-breasted Nuthatch - Backyard, North Delta BC - August 30, 2018</b></div>
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<b>September 2018</b></h3>
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In September the shorebird migration picks up steam and monitoring the BC Rare bird alert is a frequent activity. One of the rarer shorebirds is the Buff-breasted Sandpiper. This is a medium sized sandpiper with a buffy yellow colouring and a large eye-ring.</div>
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I went out to Boundary Bay on the Labour Day Monday afternoon and was fortunate to meet up with some other birders. Together we were able to locate the bird and I took some decent photos.</div>
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<b>Buff-breasted Sandpiper - Boundary Bay, Delta BC - September 3, 2018</b></div>
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Later in the month I was again at Reifel and was very fortunate to help find another rare shorebird, in this case a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. I did get credit for this on the rare bird alert, my first ever such recognition.</div>
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<b>Sharp-tailed Sandpiper - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - September 22, 2018</b></div>
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The next two shots were taken on the same day at Reifel. I've always liked the rounded look of the Fox Sparrow.</div>
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<b>Fox Sparrow </b><b>- Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - September 22, 2018</b></div>
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These Shovelers look like they are in a synchronized feeding competition.</div>
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<b>Northern Shovelers - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - September 22, 2018</b></div>
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The final shot selected for September is another of the Yellowlegs, this time a mixture of Lesser and Greater (I think...). I believe the two on the left are Lesser and the other three are Greater.</div>
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<b>Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs </b><b>- Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - September 22, 2018</b></div>
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October 2018</h3>
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The final month for this post does not have any Reifel photos. My other favourite location is Lighthouse Marine Park in Point Roberts WA. Not only is the gas cheap, but this park has a rocky active shoreline, much different from the placid Boundary Bay. </div>
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I often seen Killdeer in among the rocks on the shore looking for any morsels of food underneath. Something about these birds makes them very photogenic.</div>
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<b>Killdeer - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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<b>October 8, 2018</b></div>
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In mid-October I received an email from my friend Mary-Jean. She had seen and photographed a male Rusty Blackbird at Burnaby Lake Park. The rare bird alert revealed that both a male and a female had been sighted. </div>
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I crossed my fingers that the birds would stay for a few days and finally got there on Sunday the 14th. The male was easy to find and there were a few birders there already. I did not see the female. </div>
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The Rusty is the most attractive of the blackbirds in my opinion. I guess the Yellow-headed would be a close second.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTnIPGXgUb4/XEQG4hE_vrI/AAAAAAAAmlU/BsmtSOJf2M4MWjvjVP50EDYhWT34O_7ZACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/14_Rusty03.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTnIPGXgUb4/XEQG4hE_vrI/AAAAAAAAmlU/BsmtSOJf2M4MWjvjVP50EDYhWT34O_7ZACK4BGAYYCw/s640/14_Rusty03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Rusty Blackbird - Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Burnaby BC - October 14, 2018</b></div>
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The photo conditions were very good on this day and even the Red-winged Blackbird looked pretty good.</div>
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<b>Red-winged </b><b>Blackbird - Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Burnaby BC - October 14, 2018</b></div>
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The last photo taken on this day was of a male Wood Duck straining the lake water for edible plants.</div>
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<b>Wood Duck</b><b> - Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Burnaby BC - October 14, 2018</b></div>
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My last shot for this month was taken back at Point Roberts. A Horned Grebe has a pretty good sized Flounder for a meal. They seem to be able to swallow them whole.</div>
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<b>Horned Grebe</b><b> - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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<b>October 21, 2018</b></div>
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Two more months to document in the next post and the 2018 Blog will be done.</div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-52119067578342435702019-01-19T16:37:00.000-08:002019-01-19T19:08:49.027-08:00Best of 2018 Part 3 - June and JulyPart 3 of the best of 2018 details two months. Most of the photos were taken away from home in Alberta, Washington State and on Vancouver Island.<br />
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June 2018</h3>
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I had one outing in the Lower Mainland early in the month. It was at Burnaby Lake Regional Park on June 2nd. I did not create a post for this outing for some reason, probably because I was off to Calgary two days later.</div>
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The Swainson's Thrush is a bird I often hear at this time of year, but seldom see or photograph it. They like to hide in whatever tree they sing from and blend in very well. </div>
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On this day one was quite visible and this was the best shot I managed of this elusive bird.</div>
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<b>Swainson's Thrush - Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Burnaby BC - June 2, 2018</b><br />
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I normally go the the Okanagan in June for a brief birding trip. Due to extensive spring flooding, many of the sites I would normally visit would be inaccessible.<br />
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So I decided to do a trip in Southern Alberta instead. There wasn't time to drive out there, so my friend Mary-Jean and I flew to Calgary. She stayed with friends and I stayed at my cousin's place. Full details of the trip are located here: <a href="https://loudavidsonvacationblog2018.blogspot.com/2018/06/lou-and-mary-jeans-alberta-birding-blog.html">Alberta Birding Trip</a><br />
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While birding at Glenmore Park in Calgary we were inundated by a sudden rainstorm. It didn't last too long and brought out the birds when it finished.<br />
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Here's a Chipping Sparrow taking a bath in a parking lot.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBxRdRh8zcg/XEPHgHXO0zI/AAAAAAAAmf8/dliWz1MH8TgiRdFcmmdUW1eYWkXmY6VNACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/04_Chipping_sparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBxRdRh8zcg/XEPHgHXO0zI/AAAAAAAAmf8/dliWz1MH8TgiRdFcmmdUW1eYWkXmY6VNACK4BGAYYCw/s640/04_Chipping_sparrow.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Chipping Sparrow - Glenmore Weaselhead Reserve, Calgary AB - June 4, 2018</b><br />
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This House Wren looks none the worse for wear after the rain. This is one my favourite photos of the year. I still use it for my desktop background at home.<br />
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<b>House Wren </b><b>- Glenmore Weaselhead Reserve, Calgary AB - June 4, 2018</b><br />
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One more made the cut from this day, a Least Flycatcher seen later in the afternoon.<br />
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<b>Least Flycatcher </b><b>- Glenmore Weaselhead Reserve, Calgary AB - June 4, 2018</b></div>
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The next day we drove south to High River to visit Frank Lake, a well know birding spot. I could have added three or four more photos from this day but picked just two.</div>
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The Barn Swallow is a common bird, but I like how this photo shows the colours that this bird exhibits.</div>
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<b>Barn Swallow - Frank Lake, High River AB - June 5, 2018</b></div>
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There are many Yellow-headed Blackbirds at Frank Lake, and I usually shoot the flashy males. But this shot of a female with a dragonfly was my pick. It was probably taken to a nest to feed hungry nestlings.</div>
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<b>Yellow-headed Blackbird (F)</b><b> - Frank Lake, High River AB - June 5, 2018</b></div>
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Our third day saw us heading east towards Brooks to visit two provincial parks: Dinosaur Prov Park and Kinbrook Island Prov Park. I'd visited the former many times, but this was my first time at Kinbrook. Two photos stood out from there.</div>
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The first was a shot of a Common Grackle, a larger cousin of the Blackbird.</div>
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<b>Common Grackle - Kinbrook Island Provincial Park AB</b></div>
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<b>June 6, 2018</b></div>
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Another bird seen overhead was a Wilson's Snipe. This is only the third or fourth time I've ever seen this species, and the photos I took are by far my best ever.</div>
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<b>Wilson's Snipe - Kinbrook Island Provincial Park AB</b></div>
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<b>June 6, 2018</b></div>
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Our last day in Alberta we spent in Calgary visiting Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. I took a couple of interesting photos there.</div>
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It's not often that I post photos of the invasive European Starling, but this shot shows the beauty of the bird.</div>
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<b>European Starling - Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Calgary AB - June 8, 2018</b></div>
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I can't figure out what was happening in this photo of Eastern Kingbirds. I assume the lower one is a chick begging for food. But it appears that the upper bird is angry and is about to strike the younger one. I took a burst of shots and it's inconclusive whether the bird below was fed or struck.</div>
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<b>Eastern Kingbirds</b><b> - Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Calgary AB - June 8, 2018</b></div>
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No guessing required here in what's going on with these Tree Swallows...</div>
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<b>Tree Swallows</b><b> - Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Calgary AB - June 8, 2018</b></div>
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One last shot from Alberta, where a Wood Duck becomes a CottonWood Duck...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9j_lOUphkY/XEPbzk3opnI/AAAAAAAAmh0/eU7TZg286wwZl-Ll5Qv2IvFpjkmEEKftACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/08_Wood_Duck.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9j_lOUphkY/XEPbzk3opnI/AAAAAAAAmh0/eU7TZg286wwZl-Ll5Qv2IvFpjkmEEKftACK4BGAYYCw/s640/08_Wood_Duck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Wood Duck</b><b> - Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Calgary AB - June 8, 2018</b></div>
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The last photo for June was taken in Southern Washington State where Edith and I took a small vacation in a place called Westport. There were thousands of Sooty Shearwaters on the move one evening. I like how the ocean waters look like clouds.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eToflJBvJpE/XEPcaaNXvkI/AAAAAAAAmiA/onJRHt-6i2cWns32CQPOhx0d1MKbNwsZQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/28_Sootys.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eToflJBvJpE/XEPcaaNXvkI/AAAAAAAAmiA/onJRHt-6i2cWns32CQPOhx0d1MKbNwsZQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/28_Sootys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Sooty Shearwaters - Westport WA - June 28, 2018</b></div>
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July 2018</h3>
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Only four photos from July, two taken locally early in the month and two from a short Vancouver Island vacation.</div>
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Early in July a rare bird alert came out for a Chestnut-sided Warbler in North Vancouver. The location was a lower trail on Grouse Mountain called the Powerline trail. </div>
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If I didn't see the Warbler, at least I could enjoy this shot of the common Spotted Towhee.</div>
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<b>Spotted Towhee - Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver BC - July 2, 2018</b></div>
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My luck held and I also saw the Warbler. It wasn't a lifer as I'd seen one in 2012 at Point Pelee in Ontario. But this was a good bird to see again.</div>
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<b>Chestnut-sided Warbler </b><b>- Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver BC - July 2, 2018</b></div>
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In late July, Edith and took a short vacation on Vancouver Island. We stayed at a very nice Bed & Breakfast in Metchosin. The back yard had a water fountain that attracted Chickadees and Nuthatches, and the occasional Hummingbird as well.</div>
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The Chestnut-backed Chickadee is quite common on the Island, sometimes more so than the Black-capped.</div>
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<b>Chestnut-backed Chickadee - Metchosin BC</b></div>
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<b>July 26, 2018</b></div>
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I believe the Nuthatch on the left is a fluffy juvenile. It is certainly different looking from the one on the right.</div>
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<b>Red-breasted Nuthatch </b><b style="text-align: center;">- Metchosin BC - </b><b style="text-align: center;">July 26, 2018</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">That's the end of a long post, the next one will detail birds seen in August and September.</span></div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-10508454560838507192019-01-18T21:34:00.000-08:002019-01-18T21:53:30.992-08:00Best of 2018 - Part 2 - April and MayHere's part 2 of the best of 2018. With spring migration this is the meat of the birding year. It's only two months as June was very busy.<br />
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April 2018</h3>
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For the last few years I've been kicking off April with a trip to the Okanagan for a guided birding tour with Avocet Tours. This year was a bit disappointing as we had poor weather for most of the three days. I did see a good number of new species for 2018 and managed a couple of good photos. </div>
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This Great Horned Owl was roosting at the Lakeside Resort in Oliver where the group stayed for two nights. This was taken around 8:00 AM as the owl was preparing for a daytime sleep.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qlgpiS4MmxM/XDVtPfINGAI/AAAAAAAAmcY/5wWpGovv9zQdY05UJPdFTDNnDJcacbCUwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/08_GH_Owl.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qlgpiS4MmxM/XDVtPfINGAI/AAAAAAAAmcY/5wWpGovv9zQdY05UJPdFTDNnDJcacbCUwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/08_GH_Owl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Great Horned Owl - Lakeside Resort, Oliver BC - April 8, 2018</b></div>
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After the tour while heading home we stopped at Manning Park Lodge. The Ravens were working the parking lot looking for any scrap of food. We had four of them on the hood of the car at one point. This shot captured the conditions they were dealing with.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MwyOytd5_8o/XDVvpFcY2wI/AAAAAAAAmck/c5NiDTRzUSYZV2nI54TbC8qpNy74CJMswCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/10_Raven.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MwyOytd5_8o/XDVvpFcY2wI/AAAAAAAAmck/c5NiDTRzUSYZV2nI54TbC8qpNy74CJMswCK4BGAYYCw/s640/10_Raven.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Common Raven - Manning Park BC - April 10, 2018</b></div>
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Next are two shots taken on the same day at Lighthouse Marine Park in Point Roberts, both featuring the local ducks. There had been a Herring run in the last week and the birds were still numerous and active.</div>
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This shot shows a pair of Harlequin Ducks, the male in the foreground.</div>
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<b>Harlequin Ducks - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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<b>April 14, 2018</b></div>
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On the same day I saw this pair of Red-breasted Mergansers just as they came together quite close to shore. This is one of my favourites for 2018.</div>
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<b>Red-breasted Mergansers </b><b style="text-align: center;">- Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - April 14, 2018</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">On the following day I met with a birding friend named Chris who runs a website named <a href="http://birdviewing.com/">birdviewing.com</a> . Chris was from Montreal but moved out to the coast. I think he might have returned to Montreal later in the year.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">One of the places we visited was Brunswick Point, which is located at the west end of River Road in Ladner. One of the birds that day was a male Northern Harrier. They look quite different from the more frequently seen female and are sometimes called "the Grey Ghost".</span></div>
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<b>Northern Harrier - Brunswick Point, Delta BC - April 15, 2018</b></div>
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This photo did not make it into any of my blog posts for some reason. It was taken through our living room window at a distance of less than 30 feet. There were actually two of them in the yard but the best photos were of single birds.</div>
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<b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRXaYlFW5-c/XDV-L4EGZaI/AAAAAAAAmdg/FrgNV79ilacQfIG4L8DQlTCQCcUWny1JwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/29a_Pileated.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRXaYlFW5-c/XDV-L4EGZaI/AAAAAAAAmdg/FrgNV79ilacQfIG4L8DQlTCQCcUWny1JwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/29a_Pileated.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Pileated Woodpecker - Backyard, North Delta BC - April 29, 2018</b></div>
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May 2018</h3>
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May is considered the prime birding month in most of North America. It may be a little late out here on the west coast but the results in 2018 were pretty good.<br />
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One noticeable bird in the spring is the Marsh Wren. The males are unabashed singers looking for a mate:<br />
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<b>Marsh Wren - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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<b>May 6, 2018</b></div>
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Spring is a good time to see Swallows, and one of my favourites is the Violet-Green. This is a western bird and the colours are spectacular.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZtNg7tkZT8/XEKx1m4_AAI/AAAAAAAAmew/TAF0QPDoNxUkocQy1lBfWV3Hh9Z_p6bzwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/07_VG_Swallow.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZtNg7tkZT8/XEKx1m4_AAI/AAAAAAAAmew/TAF0QPDoNxUkocQy1lBfWV3Hh9Z_p6bzwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/07_VG_Swallow.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Violet-green Swallow - Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam BC - May 7, 2018</b><br />
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By mid May many species have young that they are guarding carefully. This shot from Reifel Bird Sanctuary shows that parents will put their chicks anywhere that they feel is safe.<br />
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<b>Mallards - Reifel Bird Sanctuary - May 20, 2018</b><br />
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Although we thin of birds as cute creatures, some of them are stone-cold predators. Here's a cute Pied-billed Grebe with an unfortunate small frog.<br />
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<b>Pied-billed Grebe - Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam BC - May 21, 2018</b><br />
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Whenever there's a rare bird alert, most birders try to attend the scene and get a record for the year and sometimes for a life bird. So it was in late May when an alert went out for a Great-tailed Grackle in Vancouver. I'd seen one in Arizona in 2008, but this was my first in a while.The bird was being seen at a residence around Alma and 4th Avenue in Vancouver.<br />
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The day I went out it was pretty easy to find:<br />
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<b>Great-tailed Grackle - Vancouver BC - May 27, 2018</b><br />
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On the same day I visited Lighthouse Marine Park in Point Roberts just across the border in Washington State. Usually i'm there to see Loons and Sea ducks, but the star on this day was a sparrow on the shoreline.<br />
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<b>White-crowned Sparrow - Point Roberts WA - May 27. 2018</b><br />
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-15682273377917066432019-01-01T21:48:00.000-08:002019-01-18T21:56:48.109-08:00Best of 2018 - Part 1 - January to March<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">I've collected my best photos/experiences of 2018. Most of these are covered in this blog, but some of them were from my </span><a href="https://loudavidsonvacationblog2018.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-decoration: none;">2018 Vacation/Birding Blog</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> .</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">I've tried to contain it to three or four photos for each month, but some months were more productive than others.</span><br />
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January 2018</h3>
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This photo was taken in the back yard of at a private residence in Ladner where a Mountain Chickadee had been seen in December 2017. It features the common Red-winged Blackbird, both a male and female. The male is not quite as sharp as I'd like, but I still love the photo.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-bheXi7Xsk/XDLS96dT8kI/AAAAAAAAmZw/p9ofOhL3FkUwJaaMTIc0SB9aOdhyzu5vACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_13_Black_Birds.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-bheXi7Xsk/XDLS96dT8kI/AAAAAAAAmZw/p9ofOhL3FkUwJaaMTIc0SB9aOdhyzu5vACK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_13_Black_Birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Red-winged Blackbirds</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> - River Road, Delta BC - January 13, 2018</span></b></div>
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The next photo is from our backyard, a Chestnut-backed Chickadee at our seed feeder. Our house is built into a hillside, so that feeder is about 30 ft off the ground. I took this hanging out a window on the top floor.</div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: start;">Chestnut-backed Chickadee - Backyard, North Delta BC</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: start;">January 14, 2018</b></div>
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The last January bird is a duck commonly seen at Reifel Bird Sanctuary. I took this shot of a male American Wigeon on January 27th. I liked the reflections and the reflected sunlight in this shot.</div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">American Wigeon</b><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: center;"> - Reifel Bird Sanctuary - January 27, 2018</b></div>
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February 2018</h3>
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I have selected four photos for February. The first was taken on February 9th on Boundary Bay in Delta. It shows the White-crowned Sparrow in it's winter plumage. In breeding plumage the head is adorned with black and white stripes.<br />
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These birds are much more numerous here in winter compared to other seasons.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrUq3uhExP0/XDLYD8_AjZI/AAAAAAAAmaU/oZ4Rww8ZrFwY0PTqbA0B6XIM01ODBdHoACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/09_WC_Sparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrUq3uhExP0/XDLYD8_AjZI/AAAAAAAAmaU/oZ4Rww8ZrFwY0PTqbA0B6XIM01ODBdHoACK4BGAYYCw/s640/09_WC_Sparrow.jpg" width="640" /></a><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">White-crowned Sparrow - Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: center;"> - February 9, 2018</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">On a day that I saw a Northern Goshawk, I choose a photo of a crow. It's a really nice portrait of this common bird. The Goshawk photos didn't match up.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Northwestern Crow - </b><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: center;">Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver BC - February 12, 2018</b><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">The most common Wigeon we see here is the American WIgeon. It's a nice looking bird, but does not compare to the Eurasian Wigeon. This species is seen in small numbers here on a regular basis. This photo shows a colourful male with a female. There seems to be some dialogue going on between them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Many of the entries in the top photos of the year post feature pairs of birds.</span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: center;">Eurasian Wigeon - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - February 18, 2018</b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: center;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: center;">The Wood Duck is one of my favourites, I especially like the elegance of the female of this species. Here's one in the snow on the same day at Reifel.</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Wood Duck (F) - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - February 18, 2018</b></div>
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March 2018</h3>
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I was in North Vancouver to see a rare Nashville Warbler at the Lonsdale Quay. You can read about that here:</div>
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<a href="https://loudavidson2018birding.blogspot.com/2018/03/north-vancouver-rarity.html">North Vancouver Rarity</a></div>
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After seeing the Warbler, I realized it was a good time to see Pigeon Guillemots up close at Lonsdale Quay. I usually see them when I go to the Dentist in North Vancouver, but the timing has not been optimal for those appointments lately.</div>
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One of the themes of this years Best of 2018 post is the number of shots that have a male and female pair instead of a single bird. Here's another one:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVpXpO_UXuI/XDLdg-h3Q5I/AAAAAAAAmbE/K57otI0IEpQm8mquMlcO1D6c9uSW_-F6wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/03_Guillemots.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVpXpO_UXuI/XDLdg-h3Q5I/AAAAAAAAmbE/K57otI0IEpQm8mquMlcO1D6c9uSW_-F6wCK4BGAYYCw/s640/03_Guillemots.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: center;">Pigeon Guillemots - Lonsdale Quay, North Vancouver - March 3, 2018</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: center;">The other March photos come from near the end of the month. On March 24th, I took this shot of a Northern Harrier on Boundary Bay in Delta.</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Northern Harrier</b><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> - Boundary Bay, Delta BC - March 24, 2018</b></div>
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My March 31st visit to Reifel Bird Sanctuary resulted in these 3 shots making the grade. This Towhee has a sinister look to it:</div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Spotted Towhee</b><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - March 31, 2018</b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Yet another male/female shot, this time Northern Shoveler ducks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HecTi48e54/XDLg7ypgbgI/AAAAAAAAmb0/rHqYAdhhcSEqRwLVS8PWTfnJz_mxg4TfwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/31_shovelers.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HecTi48e54/XDLg7ypgbgI/AAAAAAAAmb0/rHqYAdhhcSEqRwLVS8PWTfnJz_mxg4TfwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/31_shovelers.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Northern Shoveler</b><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC - March 31, 2018</b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">When I first posted the next photo, I said it was one of my best of the year. Here it is again.</span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Northern Pintail (F) </b><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">- Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-28412380130687497542018-12-31T01:10:00.000-08:002019-01-05T20:07:42.442-08:00New Year's Eve in Pitt Meadows and TsawwassenOn the last day of the year I was trying to add one or two more birds to my 2018 total. There were two options according to the BC Rare Bird Alert:<br />
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<li>Snow Buntings had been seen at the Tsawwassen Ferry Jetty for the last couple of weeks.</li>
<li>There was a report for a Prairie Falcon in Pitt Meadows. It was possibly the same one I'd see there in February 2017 as per this post.<br /><a href="https://loudavidson2017birding.blogspot.com/2017/02/family-day-weekend-part-3-falcon-good.html">Family Day Weekend Part 3 - Falcon good day in Pitt Meadows</a></li>
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I elected to try Pitt Meadows first and go to the Ferry Terminal if time permitted.<br />
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Pitt Meadows</h3>
After driving around looking unsuccessfully for the Falcon, I decided to try the Trans Canada Trail along the Alouette River. There might be a chance sighting of the Falcon along the trail.<br />
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As soon as I reached the dike, I heard the familiar song of a Meadowlark across the river. I took this long distance shot.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmEr5ZiyYJA/XDFvqJTUT4I/AAAAAAAAmXc/wXj8ywuC-SIvv4UQaUHM53qpLoSQb_gJgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_Meadowlark.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmEr5ZiyYJA/XDFvqJTUT4I/AAAAAAAAmXc/wXj8ywuC-SIvv4UQaUHM53qpLoSQb_gJgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_Meadowlark.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Western Meadowlark - Pitt Meadows, BC</b><br />
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A bit later, I saw something large swimming up the river. At first I thought it might be a Muskrat, but a quick google search ruled that out. I eventually came to the conclusion that it was a Harbour Seal.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQWsJaEGui8/XDFw7G2-xPI/AAAAAAAAmXo/CA6bITgmPi8Vj3MenhEc7BCvJVpxJav7QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/02_Seal.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQWsJaEGui8/XDFw7G2-xPI/AAAAAAAAmXo/CA6bITgmPi8Vj3MenhEc7BCvJVpxJav7QCK4BGAYYCw/s640/02_Seal.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Harbour Seal - Alouette River, Pitt Meadows BC</b><br />
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I found some old news articles that reported that Harbour Seals were coming up the river and disrupting the ecology of the area.<br />
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The Common Goldeneye is more appropriate for this river.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2stQANMxx0/XDFyMfOb-vI/AAAAAAAAmYA/7g7b9oLEVoQkkfkgk6tytw0PfgcxhWVBgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/04_Goldeneye.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2stQANMxx0/XDFyMfOb-vI/AAAAAAAAmYA/7g7b9oLEVoQkkfkgk6tytw0PfgcxhWVBgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/04_Goldeneye.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Common Goldeneye</b><b> - Alouette River, Pitt Meadows BC</b><br />
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This Gull was taking it easy in the sunshine.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njJmEHSlncY/XDFygkifuJI/AAAAAAAAmYM/7h4wtfOHKgwzdOlksdv81sLlOI2XQv_zwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/05_GW_Gull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njJmEHSlncY/XDFygkifuJI/AAAAAAAAmYM/7h4wtfOHKgwzdOlksdv81sLlOI2XQv_zwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/05_GW_Gull.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<b>Glaucous-winged Gull</b><b> - Alouette River, Pitt Meadows BC</b></div>
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You won't see too many dogs in my posts, but this one was impossible to resist. It was rolling on the pavement, trying to cure an itchy back.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZmzkLUmjaI/XDFzAtz_DOI/AAAAAAAAmYY/Q-3Jas9YMp0zoSlVeCMtJOV4KHRfVoMMwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/06_Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZmzkLUmjaI/XDFzAtz_DOI/AAAAAAAAmYY/Q-3Jas9YMp0zoSlVeCMtJOV4KHRfVoMMwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/06_Dog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This went on for about a minute and then it resumed its normal posture.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kloabxp6XFM/XDFzLbvq9HI/AAAAAAAAmYg/lxl52UqJDjgcnqqnyKdQamd7sNnePQG7ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/07_Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kloabxp6XFM/XDFzLbvq9HI/AAAAAAAAmYg/lxl52UqJDjgcnqqnyKdQamd7sNnePQG7ACK4BGAYYCw/s640/07_Dog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I saw a few Kingfishers while driving around looking for the Falcon. They were on the phone wires scanning the irrigation ditches below.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DEj9lx_j3tY/XDFzn00VF3I/AAAAAAAAmYw/jcHSGiFbBPE6gt6YKlECPTe70-0fTDCEwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/08_Kingfisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DEj9lx_j3tY/XDFzn00VF3I/AAAAAAAAmYw/jcHSGiFbBPE6gt6YKlECPTe70-0fTDCEwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/08_Kingfisher.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>Belted Kingfisher</b><b> - Pitt Meadows BC</b></div>
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I always find it interesting that the male is less colourful than the female. The female has some brownish-orange on its breast while these males just have the blue band.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KigVkiRQBh0/XDF1AnLGIfI/AAAAAAAAmY8/AfhqptJFS7MmH4rLRSVbg16eqIDcs0cBgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/09_Kingfisher.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KigVkiRQBh0/XDF1AnLGIfI/AAAAAAAAmY8/AfhqptJFS7MmH4rLRSVbg16eqIDcs0cBgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/09_Kingfisher.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Belted Kingfisher</b><b style="text-align: center;"> - Pitt Meadows BC</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I finally found a falcon shaped bird perched on a tree in a nearby yard, but it was facing away from me. </span><span style="text-align: center;">I took a few shots and hoped I could identify it at home. And although I always love to see them, I was disappointed to determine it was likely a Peregrine Falcon.</span></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Peregrine Falcon</b><b style="text-align: center;"> - Pitt Meadows BC</b></div>
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Tsawwassen Ferry Jetty</h3>
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I thought it would be a long drive from Pitt Meadows to the ferry terminal, but it went by quickly on the South Fraser perimeter road. There is a pull-out along the causeway where people can park for short sight-seeing stops. </div>
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I went looking for the Snow Buntings but did not see them on the ground or in the air. My trip was not totally wasted as I found some Brant geese there. I always like to see these elegant looking birds with their white feather necklaces.</div>
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<b>Brant - Tsawwassen Ferry Jetty - Delta BC</b></div>
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<b style="text-align: start;">Brant - Tsawwassen Ferry Jetty - Delta BC</b></div>
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So ended my birding adventures in 2018. I'd be at it again on New Year's day, but that will be in a 2019 blog.</div>
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I will be posting my Best of 2018 review fairly soon. I'll pick my favourite photos for each month of the year.</div>
Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-50026363316567668162018-12-24T21:21:00.000-08:002019-01-03T21:21:54.079-08:00Christmas Eve at Reifel Bird SanctuaryWith the entire day off and all my Christmas duties fulfilled, I visited Reifel Bird Sanctuary for the last time in 2018. It was a sunny day with good conditions for photography.<br />
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There is a long pond or slough alongside the entrance road. This is an excellent spot to see Common Mergansers. These are the biggest and most robust of the three Merganser species seen in North America.<br />
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The males are black and white in with a large orange/red bill.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO0ikMuBor8/XC7lluGX4oI/AAAAAAAAmVA/F9iWgOteuM4ANdwZYY9bcEwLFD4-pxY6gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_Comm_Mergansers.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO0ikMuBor8/XC7lluGX4oI/AAAAAAAAmVA/F9iWgOteuM4ANdwZYY9bcEwLFD4-pxY6gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_Comm_Mergansers.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Common Merganser - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b><br />
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After checking in, I looked to see what the Black-crowned Night Herons were doing. As usual, the were sleeping. Only one was close enough for a photo.<br />
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<b>Black-crowned Night Heron</b><b> - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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A female Wood Duck was posing nicely on a fence rail a bit farther along.</div>
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<b>Wood Duck (F)</b><b> - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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Many of the guests here buy bird seed to feed the chickadees, blackbirds and even some of the ducks. This Sandhill Crane is also willing to partake.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5ErjB_-Cio/XC7nBuUWuAI/AAAAAAAAmVk/iPgVtz4LhNkA9DoIvKzroXhZGVtGT4KFgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/04_Sandhill.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5ErjB_-Cio/XC7nBuUWuAI/AAAAAAAAmVk/iPgVtz4LhNkA9DoIvKzroXhZGVtGT4KFgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/04_Sandhill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Sandhill Crane and Mallards</b><b> - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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These Cranes look like they're digging for earthworms.</div>
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Further along the path was Great Blue Heron, possibly taking a nap. Some birds have a third eyelid called a nictitating membrane which is defined as:</div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">a whitish or translucent membrane that forms an inner eyelid in birds, reptiles, and some mammals. It can be drawn across the eye to protect it from dust and keep it moist.</span></li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcgCz3PAo48/XC7oBA3Mr0I/AAAAAAAAmVw/WJ7AXF9en4o86bSe6cnpzZBSSHjtB5cfACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/06_GB_heron.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcgCz3PAo48/XC7oBA3Mr0I/AAAAAAAAmVw/WJ7AXF9en4o86bSe6cnpzZBSSHjtB5cfACK4BGAYYCw/s640/06_GB_heron.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Great Blue Heron</b><b> - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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This coot looked wide awake and alert.</div>
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<b>American Coot</b><b> - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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The Song Sparrows are numerous along the North Dyke trail. This shot turned out quite well, although the branch behind the bird seems to be coming out of its head.</div>
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<b>Song Sparrow</b><b> - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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An immature Bald Eagle flew overhead looking to cause some trouble out on the marsh.</div>
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<b>Bald Eagle (Imm)</b><b> - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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It succeeded. The Eagles keep the Snow Geese on edge during the day. If an Eagle gets too close, all the geese take off at once. The honking can be heard over long distances.</div>
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<b>Snow Geese</b><b> - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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After leaving the Sanctuary I was lucky to see a couple of Hawks as I travelled homeward. I use the back roads around rural Delta to get to and from the Sanctuary, so it is normally safe to stop on the road and take photos out the window.</div>
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<b>Rough-legged Hawk - 33a Ave, Ladner BC</b></div>
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<b>Red-tailed Hawk - Deltaport Way, Delta BC</b></div>
Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-62319964819094254782018-12-23T20:55:00.000-08:002019-01-02T21:09:25.603-08:00Great Egret in AldergroveI was sitting at home watching TV sports when I decided to check the <a href="http://bcbirdalert.blogspot.com/p/vancouver-and-fraser-valley.html">BC Rare Bird Alert</a> . A new bird had been sighted in Aldergrove, a Great Egret. You would normally have to travel to Oregon (or maybe southern Washington) to see one.<br />
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It was a rainy miserable day and quite a long drive from home, but this would be a nice addition to my 2018 checklist.<br />
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I made the 45 - 50 minute drive and arrived at the location at 272 St and 17th avenue. I was able to park on 18th Avenue, as 272 St is very busy. After a brief binocular search I located the Egret about 100 meters away in a large field. I used the Nikon to zoom in and took a few sketchy photos.<br />
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The first shows the Egret with a Great Blue Heron also in the vicinity.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTsqWUkBW0w/XC2Xh0D7yFI/AAAAAAAAmUc/ZyHg3K-Br3UWn4N6Rf5fG69ulqThE03mQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_Heron_Egret.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTsqWUkBW0w/XC2Xh0D7yFI/AAAAAAAAmUc/ZyHg3K-Br3UWn4N6Rf5fG69ulqThE03mQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_Heron_Egret.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Great Blue Heron and Great Egret - Aldergrove BC</b><br />
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<b>Great Egret - Aldergrove BC</b></div>
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<b>2018 Bird #201</b></div>
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The Egret didn't look too happy to be in rainy BC, but it is still there as I write this on January 2nd.</div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-22008309788000526282018-12-22T20:34:00.000-08:002019-01-02T20:53:53.001-08:00Loony exercises at Point RobertsThis was my last visit to Point Roberts in 2018. These posts probably get repetitive with the same birds featured frequently. This post has a couple of different species and a Loon putting on a show.<br />
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Here's a pair of Common Goldeneye, the male is the mostly black and white bird, the female has a brown head and a darker back.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ph3Yr8IKcOs/XC2Rw466_zI/AAAAAAAAmTU/IvKoGM0tV403-JLbW0DKAftIy0tgJvRgACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_Com_goldeneye.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ph3Yr8IKcOs/XC2Rw466_zI/AAAAAAAAmTU/IvKoGM0tV403-JLbW0DKAftIy0tgJvRgACK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_Com_goldeneye.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Common Goldeneye - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b><br />
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I was surprised to see a Bufflehead, I can't remember the last time I saw one at this location. As always, it's very difficult to capture the bird's eyes in a photo.<br />
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<b>Bufflehead</b><b> - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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Quite close to shore was the loon mentioned in the title. It was getting some stretches in before resuming its normal posture. This went on for a good minute or two.</div>
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<b>Common Loon</b><b> - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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And then it returned to normal.<br />
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The last shot of 2018 from here, a Killdeer. These birds are quite photogenic here as they contrast with the rocky shoreline very well.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5a3tqi5Uo9E/XC2SzquqCVI/AAAAAAAAmUE/uGEOkFfRrVAq5gW0WXINTgoGxipP3kFugCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/05_Killdeer.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5a3tqi5Uo9E/XC2SzquqCVI/AAAAAAAAmUE/uGEOkFfRrVAq5gW0WXINTgoGxipP3kFugCK4BGAYYCw/s640/05_Killdeer.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Killdeer</b><b> - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-35935552431423808582018-12-15T20:19:00.000-08:002018-12-28T20:45:53.515-08:00December 15 - Point Roberts ShorebirdsHere's a different post from Point Roberts, it only features some smaller shorebirds, no ducks, loons or cormorants.<br />
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For some reason there were a number of smaller sandpipers/shorebirds on site on this Saturday. The other usual birds were also present, but they have been featured many times recently. The common sandpipers at the rocky beach are Black Turnstones and Sanderling. they were both present on this day.<br />
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Turnstones get their name from their feeding behaviour, they turn over the stones on a beach looking for small crustaceans, mollusks and insects. The one below has found something...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JPmgt2dChE/XCb3GgOXgmI/AAAAAAAAmPg/7uFT42F3YsInO0Bp0dLFSSJ3_2IkGhUpgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_Turnstone.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JPmgt2dChE/XCb3GgOXgmI/AAAAAAAAmPg/7uFT42F3YsInO0Bp0dLFSSJ3_2IkGhUpgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_Turnstone.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Black Turnstone - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b><br />
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Only a minute later, it looks like the shell has been cracked open.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_8ItIcN1FY/XCb4hixIUQI/AAAAAAAAmP4/sZ21jiZ-j0IdInuWNXAZUDavpqjZ9sSugCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/03_Turnstone.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_8ItIcN1FY/XCb4hixIUQI/AAAAAAAAmP4/sZ21jiZ-j0IdInuWNXAZUDavpqjZ9sSugCK4BGAYYCw/s640/03_Turnstone.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Black Turnstone - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b><br />
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It's hard to get a good photo of this species as the dark head hides the eyes. This shot below is somewhat successful.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJL8PNfLYcQ/XCb5By7hYYI/AAAAAAAAmQE/asY57Jc-WjM5u2-oNmWq5Y9Witvbv1ZYACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/02_Turnstone.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJL8PNfLYcQ/XCb5By7hYYI/AAAAAAAAmQE/asY57Jc-WjM5u2-oNmWq5Y9Witvbv1ZYACK4BGAYYCw/s640/02_Turnstone.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Black Turnstone - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b><br />
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The other shorebird present today also likes the rocky shoreline. It is much different looking from the Turnstone.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQG3OIHp2a4/XCb5QTapvSI/AAAAAAAAmQM/fRUvKaKHfb4d8UWFfFtnEGHFbEQkHljvACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/04_Sanderling.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQG3OIHp2a4/XCb5QTapvSI/AAAAAAAAmQM/fRUvKaKHfb4d8UWFfFtnEGHFbEQkHljvACK4BGAYYCw/s640/04_Sanderling.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Sanderling - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b><br />
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Here's the two of them together in a short video.<br />
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This video shows a couple of Turnstones in the surf.<br />
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And finally here's a video of a large number of shorebirds. I did not get an identification but I suspect they were mostly Sanderling.<br />
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That's it for this post, there may be one or two more visits to Point Roberts in 2018.<br />
<br />Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-79040980047060451392018-12-08T20:48:00.000-08:002018-12-28T21:01:20.034-08:00December 2018 - Backyard BirdsHere's a short post featuring birds photographed in our yard in December. One of them is an addition to my 2018 year list.<br />
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December 2</h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eH8FmUI2COQ/XCb89t6Ma1I/AAAAAAAAmQc/KoKPfri8aqwhmiJ5frBwqufIAXDmXeCiQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/02_01_Hairy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eH8FmUI2COQ/XCb89t6Ma1I/AAAAAAAAmQc/KoKPfri8aqwhmiJ5frBwqufIAXDmXeCiQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/02_01_Hairy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Downy Woodpecker - Backyard, North Delta BC - December 2018</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GusDqRLt_w/XCb-DKrNzmI/AAAAAAAAmQo/qRBddUpW7Xk0a5FlD7VMrtKG-t0S_q6JQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/02_02_House_finch.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GusDqRLt_w/XCb-DKrNzmI/AAAAAAAAmQo/qRBddUpW7Xk0a5FlD7VMrtKG-t0S_q6JQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/02_02_House_finch.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>House Finch - Backyard, North Delta BC - December 2018</b></div>
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December 8</h3>
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I had seen this Brown Creeper before as it's a regular in our yard. But I had not added it to my 2018 list and had no photo. I shot this through the living room window with the Nikon P900. It turned fairly well.</div>
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<b>Brown Creeper</b><b> - Backyard, North Delta BC </b></div>
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<b>2018 Bird #200</b></div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-10379327115917244462018-12-01T20:11:00.000-08:002018-12-27T20:54:19.037-08:00December 1 - Point Roberts, Tsawwassen and Boundary BayI had a productive time on the first day of December. I made three different stops as you can see in the post title.<br />
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Point Roberts</h3>
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Not too many bird photos taken here on this day, but the wind was up and there were sailboats close to shore. The light was very good for some action photography.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCEGPhn4daI/XCWjpBPW1iI/AAAAAAAAmL8/Dmnju9yIN1cGxf9WjTZnu5UFPx2ZGePGwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_Sailboat.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCEGPhn4daI/XCWjpBPW1iI/AAAAAAAAmL8/Dmnju9yIN1cGxf9WjTZnu5UFPx2ZGePGwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_Sailboat.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The great thing about this location is the boats come close to shore as the bottom drops off very quickly.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HnPjM3zWU8/XCWjuPlZ6LI/AAAAAAAAmME/XdWvkBI7pjI4jN-DtZE329O73iZ5tMNugCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/02_Sailboat.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HnPjM3zWU8/XCWjuPlZ6LI/AAAAAAAAmME/XdWvkBI7pjI4jN-DtZE329O73iZ5tMNugCK4BGAYYCw/s640/02_Sailboat.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHnWb-ecCO4/XCWkGofUiVI/AAAAAAAAmMc/-7TbEwKrJHwQKI0qz3cK1AyaZx5RIIj9wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/03_Sailboat.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHnWb-ecCO4/XCWkGofUiVI/AAAAAAAAmMc/-7TbEwKrJHwQKI0qz3cK1AyaZx5RIIj9wCK4BGAYYCw/s640/03_Sailboat.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There were the usual ducks around, mostly ignoring the sailboats nearby.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xwjro6rYVCI/XCWkSiU-4hI/AAAAAAAAmMk/YvH0ZM6BDFUCmhU0JZNum_4s2FhvP4vIQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/04_Harlequins.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xwjro6rYVCI/XCWkSiU-4hI/AAAAAAAAmMk/YvH0ZM6BDFUCmhU0JZNum_4s2FhvP4vIQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/04_Harlequins.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Harlequin Ducks - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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Here's one more sailboat shot:</div>
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Tsawwassen - Beach Grove Lagoon</h3>
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After getting a coffee at Starbucks in Tsawwassen, I visited Beach Grove Lagoon to see if I could get a better photo of the Ruff that had been in the area for a couple of weeks. I did spot the bird, but it was even further out from the dike than my last visit.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVgJLQnzo0g/XCWlY7Kbe3I/AAAAAAAAmNM/v-XY1P74S7AKVyDJ4-mM32MxfJqpBEpKwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/07_Ruff.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVgJLQnzo0g/XCWlY7Kbe3I/AAAAAAAAmNM/v-XY1P74S7AKVyDJ4-mM32MxfJqpBEpKwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/07_Ruff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Ruff - Beach Grove Lagoon - Tsawwassen BC</b></div>
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I did get a nice action shot of a Harrier overhead...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msywTo4QS9Q/XCWlna4aMEI/AAAAAAAAmNY/SmEr63I7nRYR7uUysxq2y_CDjknxL-vPwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/06_Harrier.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msywTo4QS9Q/XCWlna4aMEI/AAAAAAAAmNY/SmEr63I7nRYR7uUysxq2y_CDjknxL-vPwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/06_Harrier.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Northern Harrier - Beach Grove Lagoon, Tsawwassen BC</b></div>
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Some nervous ducks took flight when the Harrier flew over...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrzBvwbKKgk/XCWl87OHwyI/AAAAAAAAmNo/Uf0acOlOhasLKjPN9kc4DVIyie2qc4iewCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/07_Pintails.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrzBvwbKKgk/XCWl87OHwyI/AAAAAAAAmNo/Uf0acOlOhasLKjPN9kc4DVIyie2qc4iewCK4BGAYYCw/s640/07_Pintails.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Northern Pintail</b><b> - Beach Grove Lagoon, Tsawwassen BC</b></div>
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<b>104 St at Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b></h3>
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I decided to try one more location, there had been some good shorebirds reported at Boundary Bay over the last couple of weeks. There were plenty of the common Dunlin, a medium sized shorebird flying around the Bay.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7fBDS3_W0k/XCWmobt7gBI/AAAAAAAAmN0/5fsefPrMIYIMSsWdUYBTnpAzFVq--vxGgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/08_Dunlin.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7fBDS3_W0k/XCWmobt7gBI/AAAAAAAAmN0/5fsefPrMIYIMSsWdUYBTnpAzFVq--vxGgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/08_Dunlin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Dunlin - Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b></div>
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Another common bird here (and everywhere on the coast) is the Glaucous-winged Gull.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtzp0TsyeTU/XCWm7DZ07NI/AAAAAAAAmOA/rHWFrFkl76UNvKPkA3gg-rbZPayMRUAZgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/08_GW_Gulls.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtzp0TsyeTU/XCWm7DZ07NI/AAAAAAAAmOA/rHWFrFkl76UNvKPkA3gg-rbZPayMRUAZgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/08_GW_Gulls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Glaucous-winged Gull - </b><b> Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b></div>
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There was some loud honking overhead as a group of Trumpeter Swans flew over...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0ZZCHtlJFY/XCWnbnaoaiI/AAAAAAAAmOU/IRpvOZpIqJs2jEh11pyXoZcVTv-jW6W1wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/10_Trumpeter.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0ZZCHtlJFY/XCWnbnaoaiI/AAAAAAAAmOU/IRpvOZpIqJs2jEh11pyXoZcVTv-jW6W1wCK4BGAYYCw/s640/10_Trumpeter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Trumpeter Swan - </b><b>Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b></div>
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As I was walking back to my car I had a man with his dog in front of me. The dog had found quite a treasure that it was attempting to carry home...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbDxsS8qquE/XCWn1A40u2I/AAAAAAAAmOk/-BrPfGl7BUcHRy5rbGRAkmr1IAWqncA2gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/11_Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbDxsS8qquE/XCWn1A40u2I/AAAAAAAAmOk/-BrPfGl7BUcHRy5rbGRAkmr1IAWqncA2gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/11_Dog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, it was a long walk and the stick was eventually abandoned.</div>
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There were some raptors in the area, including this immature Bald Eagle...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eriy1Y6BjNs/XCWofnlnEsI/AAAAAAAAmO8/fI4onlHVGpouCufwClUKEkuoYMcIVy8lgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/12_Eagle.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eriy1Y6BjNs/XCWofnlnEsI/AAAAAAAAmO8/fI4onlHVGpouCufwClUKEkuoYMcIVy8lgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/12_Eagle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Bald Eagle (Imm) - </b><b>Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b></div>
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Even when I got back to my car at the Boundary Bay Airpark, there were still birds to be seen. The Merlin is a smaller member of the Falcon family, kind of like the Peregrine's little brother or sister.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXmVj5R_Rhc/XCWqDkuWCAI/AAAAAAAAmPI/rBJbAU6e2SknONEwQx2eKdTvBrXsVX2BgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/13_Merlin.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXmVj5R_Rhc/XCWqDkuWCAI/AAAAAAAAmPI/rBJbAU6e2SknONEwQx2eKdTvBrXsVX2BgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/13_Merlin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Merlin - Boundary Bay Airpark, 104 St, Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b></div>
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As I left the Airpark, I spotted one last hawk on the wires overhead. </div>
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<b>Red-tailed Hawk, 104 St. Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b></div>
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December was off to a good start!</div>
Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-79300310444557470932018-11-24T20:17:00.000-08:002018-12-23T20:21:24.978-08:00November 24 Part 2 - Brunswick PointBrunswick Point is in western Ladner, south of Westham Island. It has a mix of farms and open foreshore. I headed west after crossing the bridge and parked in one of the spaces provided for visitors.<br />
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This shot shows the foreshore area.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVe3bycIH-8/XCBVwvdSTrI/AAAAAAAAmKQ/0QPQH8JGjaoMSU47C8o7GkNJBET8_NswACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/00_Brunswick.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVe3bycIH-8/XCBVwvdSTrI/AAAAAAAAmKQ/0QPQH8JGjaoMSU47C8o7GkNJBET8_NswACK4BGAYYCw/s640/00_Brunswick.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I met up with a few other photographers and joined them for a while. They were there primarily to find and photograph Short-eared Owls.<br />
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The first bird spotted was a Northern Harrier, an active huter during the day.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6wtV5FWWjE/XCBWMrjHGQI/AAAAAAAAmKc/X3t5OcMe3m4I2BRQ8QHyHY0rAH-OWxzqwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_Harrier.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6wtV5FWWjE/XCBWMrjHGQI/AAAAAAAAmKc/X3t5OcMe3m4I2BRQ8QHyHY0rAH-OWxzqwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_Harrier.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Northern Harrier - Brunswick Point, Delta BC</b><br />
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Eventually a Short-eared Owl showed up and had some skirmishes with the Harrier.<br />
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<b>Short-eared Owl and </b><b>Northern Harrier - Brunswick Point, Delta BC</b></div>
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I have to admit I was seriously out-gunned by the other photographers. They had bigger lenses and much more expensive camera bodies. I'm sure they were getting better shots than the ones I took. But they were not really interested in anything other than the Owls. </div>
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At one point I heard a familiar song more commonly heard in the Okanagan in springtime. It was a Western Meadowlark!</div>
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I was aware that they wintered in Delta, but did not expect to hear one sing. I tried to get a video of it singing but the bird was downwind from me and the recording did not turn out. However I did get a nice photo...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcTK4yp96vE/XCBXpk7B7TI/AAAAAAAAmK0/D1Cm-KzMyq0iZ8YSXPG3Y7jOS0Rddu-YwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/03_Meadowlark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcTK4yp96vE/XCBXpk7B7TI/AAAAAAAAmK0/D1Cm-KzMyq0iZ8YSXPG3Y7jOS0Rddu-YwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/03_Meadowlark.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>Western Meadowlark</b><b> - Brunswick Point, Delta BC</b></div>
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I spotted another bird nearby. It was my second Northern Shrike of the day. These photos are better than the one I took at Reifel.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFTx82qZF5Y/XCBYkc7HGJI/AAAAAAAAmLA/LXBHZeJ0PCIiOLsx5cn2_cH6dnFpKff3gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/04_Shrike.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFTx82qZF5Y/XCBYkc7HGJI/AAAAAAAAmLA/LXBHZeJ0PCIiOLsx5cn2_cH6dnFpKff3gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/04_Shrike.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Northern Shrike</b><b style="text-align: center;"> - Brunswick Point, Delta BC</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The Shrike appeared to be hovering here, but I could not find any reference that states that they can do this. I guess it's just the timing of this photo.</span></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywnreX7E3h0/XCBYsyZXdZI/AAAAAAAAmLI/WxohUj-2tycNydcSpM5o0BXz2qJtZTCtQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/05_Shrike.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywnreX7E3h0/XCBYsyZXdZI/AAAAAAAAmLI/WxohUj-2tycNydcSpM5o0BXz2qJtZTCtQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/05_Shrike.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Northern Shrike</b><b style="text-align: center;"> - Brunswick Point, Delta BC</b></div>
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It appears to have spotted some prey and took off...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWlgOCnMyp4/XCBaMJv2BfI/AAAAAAAAmLY/6JphhyYBpN4Kl9HSX3xRaruWmEQs_kp7wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/06_Shrike.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWlgOCnMyp4/XCBaMJv2BfI/AAAAAAAAmLY/6JphhyYBpN4Kl9HSX3xRaruWmEQs_kp7wCK4BGAYYCw/s640/06_Shrike.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Northern Shrike</b><b style="text-align: center;"> - Brunswick Point, Delta BC</b></div>
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At this time of year there are thousands of Snow Geese resident in the Lower Mainland, many of them in Delta. There had been some noise coming from the Deltaport dock area, but suddenly it reached a crescendo. You can hear the high-powered cameras clicking away in the background...</div>
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Here's a photo that shows the numbers.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C55h1yXZsB4/XCBbgWDQFHI/AAAAAAAAmLk/r2XsAtNHRMgpP3j3sis5uhcV3qc3OBirwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/07_Snow_geese.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C55h1yXZsB4/XCBbgWDQFHI/AAAAAAAAmLk/r2XsAtNHRMgpP3j3sis5uhcV3qc3OBirwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/07_Snow_geese.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Snow Geese</b><b style="text-align: center;"> - Brunswick Point, Delta BC</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">This ended a very good day of birding at Reifel Bird Sanctuary and Brunswick Point.</span></div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-52619767217816813852018-11-24T11:20:00.000-08:002018-12-23T19:31:41.980-08:00November 24 Part 1 - Westham Island and Reifel Bird SanctuaryAfter a soggy Thursday, the weather was much better on the last Saturday in November. I decided to take advantage of the good light and visit Reifel Bird Sanctuary. I was also thinking of visiting the nearby Brunswick Point later in the day.<br />
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Just after I crossed the Westham Island bridge, I spotted a raptor on a power pole alongside the road. I was able to pull over off the road and get some shots through the windshield with the Nikon. The bird turned out to be a Peregrine Falcon!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm2fAXtMc6I/XCBId25SXSI/AAAAAAAAmIQ/qkMVxxZrcmIZgk21wKp71WDrHEphBE0AQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_Peregrine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm2fAXtMc6I/XCBId25SXSI/AAAAAAAAmIQ/qkMVxxZrcmIZgk21wKp71WDrHEphBE0AQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_Peregrine.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Peregrine Falcon - Westham Island, Delta BC</b></div>
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I zoomed in closer and had the feeling that the Falcon was looking at me.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDgsPup-GBw/XCBJERpnzjI/AAAAAAAAmIc/oMxQqOneio8qRNEi2Pgem1t_Dh3nO-9XgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/02_Peregrine.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDgsPup-GBw/XCBJERpnzjI/AAAAAAAAmIc/oMxQqOneio8qRNEi2Pgem1t_Dh3nO-9XgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/02_Peregrine.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b style="text-align: center;">Peregrine Falcon - Westham Island, Delta BC</b><br />
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I carried on the the Sanctuary used the Nikon to shoot a couple of movies featuring some common birds seen here.</div>
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First was some Mallards:</div>
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Next were some Black-capped Chickadees that seemed to be materializing in a spot where some bird seed had spilled.</div>
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Staying with the common birds, I took a couple of portraits of Song and Fox Sparrows.</div>
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<b>Song Sparrow - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ_SsXPAzUk/XCBLJyQ5rsI/AAAAAAAAmIw/gwWTHxExG_8gkgzaMlslZg0w3QMvUugiwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/06_Fox_sparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ_SsXPAzUk/XCBLJyQ5rsI/AAAAAAAAmIw/gwWTHxExG_8gkgzaMlslZg0w3QMvUugiwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/06_Fox_sparrow.jpg" width="426" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Fox Sparrow</b><b>- Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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And here's a close relative, the Spotted Towhee...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQMQ4wNuiN4/XCBLf1FngqI/AAAAAAAAmI8/hluKPCoC820dR8lucUQlQOy4T0eetDkTACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/07_Towhee.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQMQ4wNuiN4/XCBLf1FngqI/AAAAAAAAmI8/hluKPCoC820dR8lucUQlQOy4T0eetDkTACK4BGAYYCw/s640/07_Towhee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Spotted Towhee </b><b style="text-align: center;">- Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I had reached the North Dyke trail which has a good view of the Purple Martin boxes out beyond the Sanctuary boundaries. Of course, all the Martins have migrated south by this time of year.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCt6ltcXM2k/XCBMFkrpjtI/AAAAAAAAmJI/a7zxffeoUVoCz8vud4zDp5G06MrkZGSmgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/08_Field.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCt6ltcXM2k/XCBMFkrpjtI/AAAAAAAAmJI/a7zxffeoUVoCz8vud4zDp5G06MrkZGSmgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/08_Field.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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Near the viewing tower I took this photo of a woman hand feeding a Sandhill Crane. This seems like a dangerous practice to me as a good peck could pierce the skin. Feeding cranes is illegal in Florida. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cho4LVlqXbY/XCBMxW1M-TI/AAAAAAAAmJU/kKu-mL_Lav4O7-hzSxoMdK9MofyyPsHFACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/09_Crane.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cho4LVlqXbY/XCBMxW1M-TI/AAAAAAAAmJU/kKu-mL_Lav4O7-hzSxoMdK9MofyyPsHFACK4BGAYYCw/s640/09_Crane.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Sandhill Crane </b><b style="text-align: center;">- Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I continued along the West Dyke trail and spotted my second bird predator of the day, a Northern Shrike.You can see the hook on the bill, good for ripping a songbird open.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQrGal5JM_s/XCBNQdax0xI/AAAAAAAAmJg/fybJJqUs70gCESnRN9ZIWN9VTAtdYgpngCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/10_Shrike.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQrGal5JM_s/XCBNQdax0xI/AAAAAAAAmJg/fybJJqUs70gCESnRN9ZIWN9VTAtdYgpngCK4BGAYYCw/s640/10_Shrike.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b>Northern Shrike </b><b style="text-align: center;">- Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Far off in the distance I spotted what looked like a Raptor on a tree stump. I zoomed the Nikon out to maximum and took this shot. When I looked at it on the computer at home, I realized it was another Peregrine Falcon...or perhaps the same one as earlier?</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EH50UEWHW7U/XCBOWF2dYRI/AAAAAAAAmJs/39P9h5PG1-Yov622sTS0yDXN6WWWLoH8QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/11_Peregrine.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EH50UEWHW7U/XCBOWF2dYRI/AAAAAAAAmJs/39P9h5PG1-Yov622sTS0yDXN6WWWLoH8QCK4BGAYYCw/s640/11_Peregrine.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b>Peregrine Falcon </b><b style="text-align: center;">- Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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On my return to the entrance of the Sanctuary, I took this shot of a pair of House Sparrows. Fon an invasive species, they are pretty darn attractive. The female is on the left.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ezPY9b1z3yU/XCBO3jaXtxI/AAAAAAAAmJ4/Vp2UEXgFOk4_4cgNkL1hl5DA5sivuF24gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/12_House_sparrows.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ezPY9b1z3yU/XCBO3jaXtxI/AAAAAAAAmJ4/Vp2UEXgFOk4_4cgNkL1hl5DA5sivuF24gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/12_House_sparrows.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>House Sparrows </b><b style="text-align: center;">- Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The last bird for this visit was the ever-elusive Black-crowned Night Heron.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJEXF80_Hyo/XCBPfWnZvvI/AAAAAAAAmKE/nBUKhrDonjUkfZWwdzo-NwGAnzw3T30PgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/13_BC_Night_heron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJEXF80_Hyo/XCBPfWnZvvI/AAAAAAAAmKE/nBUKhrDonjUkfZWwdzo-NwGAnzw3T30PgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/13_BC_Night_heron.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<b>Black-crowned Night Heron </b><b>- Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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My birding day was not over, I decided to visit the nearby Brunswick Point back on the mainland side of the bridge. That's detailed in the next post.</div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-81537873123807524462018-11-22T18:33:00.000-08:002018-12-23T18:36:49.293-08:00November 22 - Boundary Bay Raptors on US ThanksgivingThis Thursday was the American Thanksgiving and I decided to take the day off to watch football and get out for some birding. It was a rainy day, so I limited myself to a morning visit to Boundary Bay.<br />
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I parked at 72 St and made my way north hoping to see some Owls and Raptors. There were no Owls on view on this day, but there were a couple of Raptors.<br />
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There is an electrical compound north of 72 St that often features a Rough-legged Hawk. Today was no exception. The rain was coming down hard at this point and the Hawk did not look happy.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEc_92p-QuU/XCBEh1wkYeI/AAAAAAAAmHg/qXYABqeUrqY6c9_GZ7wlfhwd5j93jgtKgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_RL_Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEc_92p-QuU/XCBEh1wkYeI/AAAAAAAAmHg/qXYABqeUrqY6c9_GZ7wlfhwd5j93jgtKgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_RL_Hawk.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Rough-legged Hawk - Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b><br />
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Here's a zoomed in shot using the Nikon.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnkkcLX54FI/XCBE3FqKFpI/AAAAAAAAmHs/xCNufpzqEHAcpMejTzcBFs1PQILZe-I0gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/02_RL_Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnkkcLX54FI/XCBE3FqKFpI/AAAAAAAAmHs/xCNufpzqEHAcpMejTzcBFs1PQILZe-I0gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/02_RL_Hawk.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Rough-legged Hawk - Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b><br />
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The only other bird seen on this soggy morning was a Harrier.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqWAws-SNsc/XCBFJWqknJI/AAAAAAAAmH4/hPxz3kNmR0ALQ4O559b6sMmDOb3l51I_gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/03_Harrier.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqWAws-SNsc/XCBFJWqknJI/AAAAAAAAmH4/hPxz3kNmR0ALQ4O559b6sMmDOb3l51I_gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/03_Harrier.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Northern Harrier - Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b><br />
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I took one last shot of the Hawk and headed home to watch football.<br />
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<b style="text-align: start;">Rough-legged Hawk - Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b></div>
Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-31860301991332340462018-11-18T21:21:00.000-08:002018-12-22T21:26:29.440-08:00November 18 - Rare Bird in Tsawwassen - visit to Blackie SpitThis is actually the second post for this date. I visited Point Roberts earlier in the day as detailed in my November post for that location.<br />
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Ruff at Beach Grove Lagoon</h3>
There had been a rare bird alert for over a week for a Ruff in Tsawwassen at Beach Grove Lagoon. This is an Eurasian bird that shows up occasionally on the West Coast. I saw my lifer in 2014 at Reifel Bird Sanctuary.<br />
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The alert specifically said it was a male, but that is a bit redundant as the female is known as a Reeve. However, in winter plumage the males and females are similar, although the males are quite a bit larger when seen together.<br />
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In breeding plumage, they are easy to distinguish. I suggest the reader use a Google search or Wikipedia to see what a male Ruff looks like in breeding season. I'm reluctant to violate copyright by posting an image here.<br />
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This was my second attempt to see the bird, the previous weekend it was present but hidden out of photo range. This week I was luckier and took a few acceptable shots.<br />
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<b>Ruff - Beach Grove Lagoon - Tsawwassen BC</b></div>
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<b>2018 Bird #199</b></div>
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In winter plumage, the Ruff is similar to our Yellowlegs and tends to associate with them. It has a shorter and darker bill than that species.</div>
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It also blends in very well with the background vegetation, making photography difficult from a distance.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQqe6QL-Pqs/XB8YgEvs3AI/AAAAAAAAmGo/xQVbwlZwxrYb9PGmO9Ewg9OIqYi9ELXjQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/18f_Ruff.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQqe6QL-Pqs/XB8YgEvs3AI/AAAAAAAAmGo/xQVbwlZwxrYb9PGmO9Ewg9OIqYi9ELXjQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/18f_Ruff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Ruff - Beach Grove Lagoon - Tsawwassen BC</b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Blackie Spit</b></h3>
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After seeing the Ruff, I headed east and then south to visit Blackie Spit near Crescent Beach. It was a nice afternoon with good light, but there was not much bird life to photograph.</div>
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There were quite a few Northern Pintail Ducks on the ponds.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1cc_o28Ca8/XB8ZfEWz4II/AAAAAAAAmG0/sGGFMqJw4WgQI9pTruQEAP3kaaIhOm0UQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/18g_Pintails.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1cc_o28Ca8/XB8ZfEWz4II/AAAAAAAAmG0/sGGFMqJw4WgQI9pTruQEAP3kaaIhOm0UQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/18g_Pintails.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>Northern Pintail - Blackie Spit, Surrey BC</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I'm sure I've photographed Cormorants on these pilings in the past.</span></div>
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<b>Double-crested Cormorant - Blackie Spit, Surrey BC</b></div>
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<b>Double-crested Cormorant - Blackie Spit, Surrey BC</b></div>
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This was the last stop for the day, the Ruff was definitely the highlight.</div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-53067972741972485022018-11-11T20:08:00.000-08:002018-12-22T20:34:48.871-08:00November 11 - White Rock Pier and Backyard BirdsI had not planned to post my photos from this visit to the White Rock Pier as the birds were scarce on this day. But given the events on December 20 where the pier was severely damaged by a historic windstorm, I changed my mind.<br />
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I have a running joke with my golf buddies that after I visit a place, there is a chance that disaster will happen. This started in 1989 when we visited San Francisco about a month before the<br />
big earthquake.<br />
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Here's a picture taken from the White Rock Pier in 2012:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0OA7r0W9Ic/XB8MQXUXk7I/AAAAAAAAmEk/zt-wplpCBWUvpNKvgMMQyGxuEUyoVWzFgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/00_Pier_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0OA7r0W9Ic/XB8MQXUXk7I/AAAAAAAAmEk/zt-wplpCBWUvpNKvgMMQyGxuEUyoVWzFgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/00_Pier_2012.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Getting back to November 11, the only birds I saw were these Surf Scoters.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1obQyqgc38/XB8MhkPm4UI/AAAAAAAAmEw/B0Pd4Ua4FCsfCXoSxaCHUMxdZlIrspfLACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_Scoters.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1obQyqgc38/XB8MhkPm4UI/AAAAAAAAmEw/B0Pd4Ua4FCsfCXoSxaCHUMxdZlIrspfLACK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_Scoters.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Surf Scoters - off White Rock Pier, White Rock BC</b><br />
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From the end of the pier someone pointed out a man and his dog out on the water on a paddle board. He thought it was animal cruelty, but the dog did not seem to mind being out there.<br />
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I also took this fuzzy photo of the passenger train to Seattle. We hear it as it goes through Burns Bog down below us.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYHDZPaXzwA/XB8NpAe-XeI/AAAAAAAAmFI/Q94S5LOi7sgOfaD1bPE2lKyfNJGkQyVwACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/03_Train.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYHDZPaXzwA/XB8NpAe-XeI/AAAAAAAAmFI/Q94S5LOi7sgOfaD1bPE2lKyfNJGkQyVwACK4BGAYYCw/s640/03_Train.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<h3>
Backyard Birds</h3>
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Upon returning home, I decided to take advantage of the good light and try to capture some shots of birds in our yard and at the feeder. This junco was on a stair rail in plain sight.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vZzwESEmzs/XB8OEPjd9nI/AAAAAAAAmFU/otGG-eMIwVoHVLONmK4bBnebeVW4ogBSgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/04_Junco.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vZzwESEmzs/XB8OEPjd9nI/AAAAAAAAmFU/otGG-eMIwVoHVLONmK4bBnebeVW4ogBSgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/04_Junco.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Dark-eyed Junco - Backyard, North Delta BC</b></div>
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I took out the screen from one of our sunroom windows and leaned out to get these shots.</div>
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<b>Dark-eyed Junco - Backyard, North Delta BC</b></div>
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We have a resident Downy Woodpecker (or maybe a pair) and we can see them every day of the year.</div>
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<b>Downy Woodpecker</b><b> - Backyard, North Delta BC</b></div>
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They seem to like the bird seed as much as the smaller finches and sparrows do.</div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"> Downy Woodpecker</b><b style="text-align: center;"> - Backyard, North Delta BC</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">That was the end of the day, nice to get a couple of good shots at home.</span></div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-77980703339559675682018-11-04T13:52:00.000-08:002018-12-30T14:37:44.133-08:00November 4 - Arrival of the Snow GeeseWhile reviewing my choices for the Best of 2018 post, I noticed I'd missed this day when I caught up on my November posts.<br />
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I can't say this is the day that the Snow Geese arrived from the north, but it was the first day I saw them in numbers. Just after I crossed the Westham Island bridge, I saw many geese in a farmer's field.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4v0-rvKeDQ/XCk_I8NrdpI/AAAAAAAAmRg/QkUSQvG_92061kJlRTl4cMRMpwwu1Jk1gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_Snow_geese.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4v0-rvKeDQ/XCk_I8NrdpI/AAAAAAAAmRg/QkUSQvG_92061kJlRTl4cMRMpwwu1Jk1gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_Snow_geese.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Snow Geese - Westham Island, Delta BC</b><br />
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They were clustered close together and can do significant damage to crops. The farmers do put in winter cover crops to assist feeding the geese and protecting the fields.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P17ECZNVhJM/XClARFK9QZI/AAAAAAAAmRs/45UoFeUqxBkM5WD1Xs-kUol9gOmNUETkACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/02_Snow_geese.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P17ECZNVhJM/XClARFK9QZI/AAAAAAAAmRs/45UoFeUqxBkM5WD1Xs-kUol9gOmNUETkACK4BGAYYCw/s640/02_Snow_geese.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Snow Geese - Westham Island, Delta BC</b><br />
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The darker coloured goose in the foreground is an immature first year bird.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PeaqF-Tue7g/XClAhS9NIgI/AAAAAAAAmR4/8owpMEUv5NEkPUN6-Czdr7axIIm4pX_gQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/03_Snow_geese.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PeaqF-Tue7g/XClAhS9NIgI/AAAAAAAAmR4/8owpMEUv5NEkPUN6-Czdr7axIIm4pX_gQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/03_Snow_geese.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Snow Geese - Westham Island, Delta BC</b><br />
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When I reached Reifel, I saw another new arrival since my last visit, a Black-crowned Night Heron. Each winter, six to eight of these birds stay over until spring. It is believed that they come from nesting areas on the Columbia River in Oregon or southern Washington.<br />
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The birds are out in the open but always manage to look inconspicuous as they sleep during the day. I was lucky to shoot this bird with an eye open.<br />
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<b>Black-crowned Night Heron</b></div>
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<b>Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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Right out in the open are the Wood Ducks, quite often on tree branches just above eye level.</div>
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<b>Wood Duck - </b><b style="text-align: center;">Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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The next photo is a happy accident, a Chickadee with its tongue showing. This is quite a rarity to see. There appears to be a seed under the tongue.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxN-hFW33K4/XClEfaH8yVI/AAAAAAAAmSc/wHuFKRx4i7khs-z9Tj_yOfwLtOrt-6snACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/06_Chickadee.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxN-hFW33K4/XClEfaH8yVI/AAAAAAAAmSc/wHuFKRx4i7khs-z9Tj_yOfwLtOrt-6snACK4BGAYYCw/s640/06_Chickadee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Black-capped Chickadee - </b><b style="text-align: center;">Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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The next bird is a repeat of the first bird I saw in 2018, a Harris's Sparrow. In the summer they are up in the Northwest Territories on their breeding grounds. In late Fall or Winter, they occasionally show up on the west coast. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ecLn5Jd3BI/XClFyrmD8QI/AAAAAAAAmSo/Op4D9XvhWGg9PMoC250JHWpgHV8XgUUewCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/07_Harris.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ecLn5Jd3BI/XClFyrmD8QI/AAAAAAAAmSo/Op4D9XvhWGg9PMoC250JHWpgHV8XgUUewCK4BGAYYCw/s640/07_Harris.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Harris' Sparrow</b><b> - </b><b style="text-align: center;">Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">In breeding plumage, this sparrow has a black face and cap, quite different from the look here.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Two more shots to round out this post, the first shows a group of Yellowlegs, probably Greater.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpwovDlx7Nc/XClG2-PLsYI/AAAAAAAAmS0/DHN59P-MPVQVsU5Ry8bjjrf893I_XQGegCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/09_YLegs.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpwovDlx7Nc/XClG2-PLsYI/AAAAAAAAmS0/DHN59P-MPVQVsU5Ry8bjjrf893I_XQGegCK4BGAYYCw/s640/09_YLegs.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>Greater Yellowlegs</b></span><b> - </b><b style="text-align: center;">Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">And finally a shot of a Northern Pintail doing some preening...</span></div>
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<b>Northern Pintail - </b><b>Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-84001362115254469102018-11-03T19:09:00.000-07:002018-12-22T19:51:44.729-08:00November - Point RobertsAt the risk of being repetitive, I'll start November off with all my shots from Lighthouse Marine Park for the month. The rest of the month's posts will detail other sites I've visited as I tried to diversify this month.<br />
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November 3</h3>
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Just a couple of worthy shots on this day. The first one shows a pair of Surf Scoters. The colourful male is on the left with the female trailing.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QTSI1LQ5dM/XB79ccSLyJI/AAAAAAAAmCU/0dBxF8IGVioSw49sldwHBXAUawiJ6mIdgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/03_Surf_Scoters.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QTSI1LQ5dM/XB79ccSLyJI/AAAAAAAAmCU/0dBxF8IGVioSw49sldwHBXAUawiJ6mIdgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/03_Surf_Scoters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Surf Scoters - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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The next shot is not as sharp as I'd like, but it does show the white patterns on the back and underside of the Red-breasted Merganser.</div>
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<b>Red-breasted Merganser - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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November 12</h3>
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Point Roberts is quite close to Tsawwassen and it's not unusual to see ferries heading for Vancouver Island. The rush for the cafeteria seats is over and the winners are probably enjoying their lunch.</div>
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Speaking of lunch, this Horned Grebe has captured its midday meal. They are very successful here. I have similar photos from other recent visits. I believe one of the common fish species here are Sculpin.</div>
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<b>Horned Grebe</b><b> - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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Farther offshore are bigger hunters, the Steller's Sea Lion.</div>
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<b>Steller's Sea Lions</b><b> - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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This merganser was close enough to shore to get a close-up shot. This is likely a female, but immature males are similar in appearance.</div>
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<b>Red-breasted Merganser (F) - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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As mentioned in other posts, there seem to be House Finches here in good numbers, even in November.</div>
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<b>House Finch</b><b> - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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And finally on this day, I got an interesting shot of a Pelagic Cormorant looking right into the camera. It's interesting how rounded their head appears looking straight on at them.</div>
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<b>Pelagic Cormorant</b><b> - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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<b>November 18</b></h3>
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The last post of the month from this location. Here's a close shot of a Common Loon when it came close to the shoreline.</div>
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<b>Common Loon</b><b> - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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There are a few resident Bald Eagles here, but I see them infrequently. </div>
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<b>Bald Eagle </b><b>- Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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The pair flew away, their wing beats seemed to be in unison.</div>
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<b>Bald Eagle </b><b>- Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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These Pelagic Cormorants are not quite as synchronized. The nearby Double-crested Cormorant is not interested in joining them.</div>
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<b>Pelagic Cormorants and Double-crested Cormorant</b><br />
<b>Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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That's it for Point Roberts for the month, there will be another post or two for December.</div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-68882272668977087912018-10-28T13:07:00.000-07:002018-12-16T14:36:22.189-08:00October 2018 - Point Roberts VisitsAs mentioned in previous posts, I visit Point Roberts frequently for the combination of cheap gas in town and birds at Lighthouse Marine Park. The birding is actually better in late Fall and Winter than it is in the summer. The only downside is some of the birds are in the plainer non-breeding plumage.<br />
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October 7th and 8th</h3>
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Just a few shots from this weekend. The park seems to be a collection area for House Finches, I've seen flocks of them here on occasion. Only one on Saturday the 7th.</div>
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<b>House Finch - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - October 2018</b></div>
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The Horned Grebe is one of those birds that goes from very colourful Alternate (breeding) plumage to drab Basic (winter) plumage. I've only seen the Alternate on a few occasions. This birds seems to be just completing the moult to Basic.</div>
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<b>Horned Grebe </b><b>- Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - October 2018</b></div>
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Here's a grebe who's had a successful morning:</div>
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<b>Horned Grebe </b><b>- Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - October 2018</b></div>
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This location is a good place to see Killdeer in the fall. I always hear the first and then locate them visually.</div>
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<b>Killdeer </b><b>- Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - October 2018</b></div>
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October 21st</h3>
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The Horned Grebes are here because there seems to be an abundance of fish. Here's another shot of a successful hunt. I think the fish might be a Sculpin but am open to correction.</div>
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<b>Horned Grebe</b><b> </b><b>- Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - October 2018</b></div>
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This Common Loon is now in full Basic plumage. It's striking how huge these birds are. According to my Sibley field guide they are 32" long, have a 46" wingspan and weigh 9 LB. And the rare Yellow-billed Loon is even bigger.</div>
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<b>Common Loon</b><b style="text-align: center;"> </b><b style="text-align: center;">- Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - October 2018</b></div>
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Every once in a while I see one of the common Alcids at Point Roberts. These are oceanic birds that only come to shore to breed. Today, this Guillemot was in photo range.</div>
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<b>Pigeon Guillemot </b><b style="text-align: center;">- Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - October 2018</b></div>
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The last bird of the day was a Pelagic Cormorant. These re the most commonly seen Cormorant here.</div>
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<b>Pelagic Cormorant</b><b style="text-align: center;"> </b><b style="text-align: center;">- Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - October 2018</b></div>
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October 28th</h3>
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This Sunday was quite windy and bird photos were hard to come by. I had some luck taking a video of this Horned Grebe as it caught a fish.</div>
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With the wind blowing, it brought out some other forms of entertainment, sailboats and a parasailer. First the sailboats.</div>
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As they round the point, the sailboats come quite close to shore as the drop-off is quite steep.</div>
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There was also a parasailer who was setting up on shore. It took him quite a while to get everything set, and his flight was quite short. I captured a few shots and a long video. Hopefully it loads properly.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LnI5QlBSvvw/XBbQwhagS7I/AAAAAAAAmBs/7vyGt_4LL1ESjh5nv-s67czainQZvHOrwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/28f_Parasail.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LnI5QlBSvvw/XBbQwhagS7I/AAAAAAAAmBs/7vyGt_4LL1ESjh5nv-s67czainQZvHOrwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/28f_Parasail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-82175560203152391712018-10-14T12:13:00.000-07:002018-12-16T12:49:15.457-08:00October 14, 2018 - Rusty Blackbird at Burnaby LakeA couple of days before this posting date I received an email from my friend Mary-Jean with a photo of a male Rusty Blackbird she had just seen at Burnaby Lake Park. I'd seen this species once before in December 2014, but had one crappy photo on that occasion.<br />
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I quickly checked the BC Rare Bird Alert and saw that both a male and a female had been sighted.<br />
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Here's two of the photos that Mary-Jean took:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEXqacUtWTE/XBa0NGUYcwI/AAAAAAAAl9U/V9_Fef0vFHMhZ8mVvfpPqzlDpdecw39gQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN8662-Rusty%2BBlackbird.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEXqacUtWTE/XBa0NGUYcwI/AAAAAAAAl9U/V9_Fef0vFHMhZ8mVvfpPqzlDpdecw39gQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/DSCN8662-Rusty%2BBlackbird.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Rusty Blackbird - Burnaby Lake Regional Park - Photo by Mary-Jean Payeur</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkuFzvqCGLI/XBa0eUTAvtI/AAAAAAAAl9g/Z11kTHKQiJE2bP-JON_gBUn8W8x5dxS6ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN8676.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkuFzvqCGLI/XBa0eUTAvtI/AAAAAAAAl9g/Z11kTHKQiJE2bP-JON_gBUn8W8x5dxS6ACK4BGAYYCw/s640/DSCN8676.jpg" width="640" /></a></b><br />
<b>Rusty Blackbird - Burnaby Lake Regional Park - Photo by Mary-Jean Payeur</b><br />
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I made my way to Burnaby Lake on the following Saturday and was fortunate to see the male bird as well.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bO_gkpuXbE/XBa08e7gGmI/AAAAAAAAl9s/BM1hrleV42UsMevvAohG_q0c0K95WLZiQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/04_Rusty_BB.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bO_gkpuXbE/XBa08e7gGmI/AAAAAAAAl9s/BM1hrleV42UsMevvAohG_q0c0K95WLZiQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/04_Rusty_BB.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Rusty Blackbird - Burnaby Lake Regional Park - October 2018</b><br />
<b>2018 Bird #198</b><br />
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I did not locate the plainer female bird, but did see the male interacting with the common Red-winged Blackbirds. The Rusty is quite a feisty species.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7OvFrDJnrM0/XBa1bDovIWI/AAAAAAAAl94/mHdajGA5unUOxoLRyRgNzIy098ka5wZiQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/03_Rusty_RW_BB.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7OvFrDJnrM0/XBa1bDovIWI/AAAAAAAAl94/mHdajGA5unUOxoLRyRgNzIy098ka5wZiQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/03_Rusty_RW_BB.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Red-winged and Rusty Blackbird - Burnaby Lake Regional Park - October 2018</b><br />
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I took a few more shots of the Rusty and then focused on some of the other birds found at the park.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MwOSssVMvQ/XBa1_Vtp5kI/AAAAAAAAl-E/oA3303E9KvEtw6wgTrM7KlfXfdnrOPW1wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/06_RWBB.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MwOSssVMvQ/XBa1_Vtp5kI/AAAAAAAAl-E/oA3303E9KvEtw6wgTrM7KlfXfdnrOPW1wCK4BGAYYCw/s640/06_RWBB.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Red-winged Blackbird - Burnaby Lake Regional Park - October 2018</b><br />
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As usual there were many Mallards on the lake.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_BbAs7P1bQ/XBa2QWlVYUI/AAAAAAAAl-Q/Xhy3wfv_ElQw4VBIT0eOzIqiod5FMELXgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/07_Mallards.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_BbAs7P1bQ/XBa2QWlVYUI/AAAAAAAAl-Q/Xhy3wfv_ElQw4VBIT0eOzIqiod5FMELXgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/07_Mallards.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Mallard</b><b> - Burnaby Lake Regional Park - October 2018</b><br />
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Less numerous, but more striking were the Wood Ducks, both the male and female are very photogenic.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qooeMQxWqMw/XBa2rsYqacI/AAAAAAAAl-c/zK_ggEgUy-Qd_g0C7PJj0XXJ-u_PphBJQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/09_Wood_Duck.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qooeMQxWqMw/XBa2rsYqacI/AAAAAAAAl-c/zK_ggEgUy-Qd_g0C7PJj0XXJ-u_PphBJQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/09_Wood_Duck.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Wood Duck</b><b> - Burnaby Lake Regional Park - October 2018</b><br />
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I especially like this picture as the male dabbles in the water.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QhtSx-qJVAU/XBa3J8kPETI/AAAAAAAAl-o/MjBj-Hq2R9kgO2FAU2G-E5Zl0PbEIiVZACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/10_Wood_Duck.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QhtSx-qJVAU/XBa3J8kPETI/AAAAAAAAl-o/MjBj-Hq2R9kgO2FAU2G-E5Zl0PbEIiVZACK4BGAYYCw/s640/10_Wood_Duck.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Wood Duck</b><b> - Burnaby Lake Regional Park - October 2018</b><br />
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The female was showing off her elegant colours.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPM9GPKygEU/XBa3co0lAyI/AAAAAAAAl-8/RijalA1LHrA3tlZWF7ITrzCgXsbD3NqBACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/08_Wood_Duck_F.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPM9GPKygEU/XBa3co0lAyI/AAAAAAAAl-8/RijalA1LHrA3tlZWF7ITrzCgXsbD3NqBACK4BGAYYCw/s640/08_Wood_Duck_F.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Wood Duck (F)</b><b> - Burnaby Lake Regional Park - October 2018</b><br />
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Here, she's scolding a male for some reason, he probably deserved it.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-22ttKMBZE/XBa3snOIM8I/AAAAAAAAl_M/3RWL2TXz4gUfuwVwPlaxdFRvdKDcfIGbQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/11_Wood_Duck_F.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-22ttKMBZE/XBa3snOIM8I/AAAAAAAAl_M/3RWL2TXz4gUfuwVwPlaxdFRvdKDcfIGbQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/11_Wood_Duck_F.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Wood Duck (F)</b><b> - Burnaby Lake Regional Park - October 2018</b><br />
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This ended my day at Burnaby Lake. A big thanks to Mary-Jean for alerting me to the Rusty Blackbird.<br />
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<br />Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-41759098012371506952018-09-23T21:29:00.000-07:002018-11-22T21:30:19.327-08:00September 16 and 23 - Lighthouse Marine ParkThis post wraps up this location for September.<br />
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September 16, 2018</h3>
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My weekly visit to Point Roberts featured only one species, the elegant Mew Gull.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lnuIqPV-Q58/W_eJjshPGII/AAAAAAAAl1M/-Sjj8e4Hq9sRvGSzarlffKmTWulDq4aZQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/16_Mew_Gull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lnuIqPV-Q58/W_eJjshPGII/AAAAAAAAl1M/-Sjj8e4Hq9sRvGSzarlffKmTWulDq4aZQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/16_Mew_Gull.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<b> Mew Gull - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - September 2018</b></div>
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The distinguishing features of this gull are:</div>
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<li>the smaller, mostly yellow bill (no black spot)</li>
<li>smaller size overall</li>
<li>limited black on wingtips</li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVWF2dS17tI/W_eKJEsBBmI/AAAAAAAAl1Y/kS3Q_dl8KScDMj0OBDamiOmITqMqoIwVgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/16_Mew_Gull_02.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVWF2dS17tI/W_eKJEsBBmI/AAAAAAAAl1Y/kS3Q_dl8KScDMj0OBDamiOmITqMqoIwVgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/16_Mew_Gull_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Mew Gull - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - September 2018</b></div>
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September 23, 2018</h3>
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More activity on this day as we enter Fall season...</div>
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First up, a Common Loon that's still showing some breeding plumage...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JRKZu0TmYg4/W_eL09W6DMI/AAAAAAAAl1k/tjM9MtwHjTUiLbR20B4M_q9djcuPqEG7wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/23_02_Loon.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JRKZu0TmYg4/W_eL09W6DMI/AAAAAAAAl1k/tjM9MtwHjTUiLbR20B4M_q9djcuPqEG7wCK4BGAYYCw/s640/23_02_Loon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Common Loon</b><b style="text-align: center;"> - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - September 2018</b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11PvzHkRF9I/W_eMBCTdESI/AAAAAAAAl1s/kbM3-g4Y-E0Q5eAHeRw0z-iTT-rr8Q0DgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/23_04_Loon.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11PvzHkRF9I/W_eMBCTdESI/AAAAAAAAl1s/kbM3-g4Y-E0Q5eAHeRw0z-iTT-rr8Q0DgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/23_04_Loon.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Common Loon - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - September 2018</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">It's rare to see this plumage so late in the year, so here's one more.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6L3r6mrC-5g/W_eMVuOefxI/AAAAAAAAl18/hVIndhI7M4QPwEsmnAWNR6qxr5vuN8OdQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/23_05_Loon.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6L3r6mrC-5g/W_eMVuOefxI/AAAAAAAAl18/hVIndhI7M4QPwEsmnAWNR6qxr5vuN8OdQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/23_05_Loon.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Common Loon - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - September 2018</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">This location is one of the best for seeing Pelagic Cormorants, distinguished from the more common Double-crested Cormorant by the thin bill.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hE9_mwvuBt4/W_eNDDSbb8I/AAAAAAAAl2I/up55nOtiM9QgAxjf8gIiHHloclStNGXywCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/23_07_Pel_cormorants.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hE9_mwvuBt4/W_eNDDSbb8I/AAAAAAAAl2I/up55nOtiM9QgAxjf8gIiHHloclStNGXywCK4BGAYYCw/s640/23_07_Pel_cormorants.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Pelagic Cormorant - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - September 2018</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">A very occasional sighting here is the Black Oystercatcher. On the 23rd, they had decided to pay a visit...</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJqCf0YoMOg/W_eNtQep6FI/AAAAAAAAl2U/uRqwTe1rcQsSEXGcJaDTemvHilGItcPTgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/23_06_Oystercatchers.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJqCf0YoMOg/W_eNtQep6FI/AAAAAAAAl2U/uRqwTe1rcQsSEXGcJaDTemvHilGItcPTgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/23_06_Oystercatchers.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Black Oystercatcher - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - September 2018</b></div>
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Here's a movie featuring these unique birds:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzJ1jv9UQ3Z_xtlnURuL8OTeKR8abq4-5YnsBLrMb0y20K7Ygz-3aEO4RQqc--pxK_JZ6oJuMDJdSTRt1lzHg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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As I was heading back to my car, I spotted this Killdeer on the beach. i'm not sure if I saw or heard it first...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOxDx2wdDl4/W_eOYx9vQiI/AAAAAAAAl2g/LyYR6Cj0-AcBTsKGP1BIhtbLegQGa_GoQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/23_09_Killdeer.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOxDx2wdDl4/W_eOYx9vQiI/AAAAAAAAl2g/LyYR6Cj0-AcBTsKGP1BIhtbLegQGa_GoQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/23_09_Killdeer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Killdeer - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - September 2018</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">And last but definitely not least was one of my favourite birds, a Merlin. This is a member of the Falcon family. It's bigger than a Kestrel but smaller than a Peregrine. It does resemble the latter a bit with the vertical black bars on the face...</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSUn4eqtnGY/W_ePAqktcOI/AAAAAAAAl2s/QoWsVhvmbKYhgtnTeORgVyT53oRXZE4iACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/23_10_Merlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSUn4eqtnGY/W_ePAqktcOI/AAAAAAAAl2s/QoWsVhvmbKYhgtnTeORgVyT53oRXZE4iACK4BGAYYCw/s640/23_10_Merlin.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>Merlin - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA</b></div>
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<b>September 2018</b></div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-16006240762879977772018-09-22T21:32:00.000-07:002018-11-22T22:34:31.702-08:00September 22 and 27, 2018 - Reifel Bird SanctuaryI achieved a bit of fame with my Sept 22 visit to Reifel as I spotted a rare sandpiper (sort of ) and got a mention on the BC Rare Bird Alert.<br />
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September 22, 2018</h3>
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Most of this post features photos taken on this date. Here's an introductory shot for those who've never visited Reifel...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhdHh1iylN4/W_eR9t9TzdI/AAAAAAAAl24/YIOO_oEOVIAaSxi3ln_gSNhiayN9BgVeACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/00_Reifel.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhdHh1iylN4/W_eR9t9TzdI/AAAAAAAAl24/YIOO_oEOVIAaSxi3ln_gSNhiayN9BgVeACK4BGAYYCw/s640/00_Reifel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018</b></div>
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At this time of year, there are many larger shorebirds at the sanctuary, primarily Yellowlegs (Greater and Lesser) and Dowitchers (Long-billed and Short-billed). </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_M6CHKwV8sE/W_eSmqwU-uI/AAAAAAAAl3E/yoK5IHauv6keMZFfxrkjN21MLx0_OAnrQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_Dowitchers-YLegs.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_M6CHKwV8sE/W_eSmqwU-uI/AAAAAAAAl3E/yoK5IHauv6keMZFfxrkjN21MLx0_OAnrQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_Dowitchers-YLegs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBrX-jef7-s/W_eTbJnTE6I/AAAAAAAAl3Q/IbPHOs2Ip4Mnm3Va2kMVkO3048qtv6KjACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/02_Dowitchers-YLegs.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBrX-jef7-s/W_eTbJnTE6I/AAAAAAAAl3Q/IbPHOs2Ip4Mnm3Va2kMVkO3048qtv6KjACK4BGAYYCw/s640/02_Dowitchers-YLegs.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Greater Yellowlegs and Long-billed Dowitchers - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC</b></div>
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<b>September 2018</b></div>
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The species above are the most common. It's a challenge to see (and identify) Lesser Yellowlegs and especially Short-billed Dowitchers.</div>
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This movie shows a Greater Yellowlegs in action:</div>
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Another ID challenge is the common Song Sparrow vs the scarcer Fox Sparrow. Here's a typical western Song Sparrow:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13VjP1gQltk/W_eUALF9drI/AAAAAAAAl3c/JOuQVwAtSYApAUEgvs_IlxravDktja1OgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/05_Song_sparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13VjP1gQltk/W_eUALF9drI/AAAAAAAAl3c/JOuQVwAtSYApAUEgvs_IlxravDktja1OgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/05_Song_sparrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Song Sparrow - Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018</b></div>
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And here's a Fox Sparrow, which is also somewhat different from the eastern variety...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1tTTqbELL4/W_eUS0XGpiI/AAAAAAAAl3o/BTnNgdyx-WM5mSg7HU9Vy7W7iIDu86R1wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/04_Fox_Sparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1tTTqbELL4/W_eUS0XGpiI/AAAAAAAAl3o/BTnNgdyx-WM5mSg7HU9Vy7W7iIDu86R1wCK4BGAYYCw/s640/04_Fox_Sparrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Fox Sparrow - Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018</b></div>
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More easily identified is the Red Squirrel:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8ugJ_uR_oE/W_eUnQTx2HI/AAAAAAAAl30/dKedb2UIbUEn43RStsevSsTYJS9xZ9MbwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/06_Red_Squirrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8ugJ_uR_oE/W_eUnQTx2HI/AAAAAAAAl30/dKedb2UIbUEn43RStsevSsTYJS9xZ9MbwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/06_Red_Squirrel.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: start;">Red Squirrel - Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018</b></div>
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Along the trail I spotted this very cool spider's web, the Nikon was perfect for this kind of close-up:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUiRS6uj6ns/W_eVQeNSfzI/AAAAAAAAl4I/OjgdviAbVxsCOBpdxM86nT3LQsGf3T07QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/07_Spider.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUiRS6uj6ns/W_eVQeNSfzI/AAAAAAAAl4I/OjgdviAbVxsCOBpdxM86nT3LQsGf3T07QCK4BGAYYCw/s640/07_Spider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A common species of duck here is the Northern Shoveler. It might be confused with the Mallard, but the bill is much larger and the colouring on the male is more brownish than green. Here's a male and female together.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17X1Dzya83k/W_eV1GypkZI/AAAAAAAAl4Y/mAvg3RW2ASE-SBCD6Fs-sljCfnG820pRgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/08_Shovelers.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17X1Dzya83k/W_eV1GypkZI/AAAAAAAAl4Y/mAvg3RW2ASE-SBCD6Fs-sljCfnG820pRgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/08_Shovelers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Northern Shovelers - </b><b>Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018</b></div>
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By this time I was in the southwest marsh and was seeing the larger shorebirds again:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFr3oXBdCvA/W_eX1HNBPVI/AAAAAAAAl4k/eZ5rsgrgpVcO8XL91YzUtENRKEF5QkqFgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/09_YLegs.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFr3oXBdCvA/W_eX1HNBPVI/AAAAAAAAl4k/eZ5rsgrgpVcO8XL91YzUtENRKEF5QkqFgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/09_YLegs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Greater Yellowlegs - </b><b>Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JbjZfZPoKC8/W_eX_zsj_lI/AAAAAAAAl4s/9vtZPoLZ3vEsMf4Wz0NTo8ag9sE8maTxACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/10_LB_Dowitcher.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JbjZfZPoKC8/W_eX_zsj_lI/AAAAAAAAl4s/9vtZPoLZ3vEsMf4Wz0NTo8ag9sE8maTxACK4BGAYYCw/s640/10_LB_Dowitcher.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Long-billed Dowitcher - </b><b>Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018</b></div>
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Suddenly, there was a noise overhead, a flock of Sandhill Cranes relocating inside the Sanctuary.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0G_Is_lbijM/W_eYW3fvjjI/AAAAAAAAl44/7Yfumnp_ku8mBAaWVSxSYC7kPP7_02iKwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/11_SH_Cranes.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0G_Is_lbijM/W_eYW3fvjjI/AAAAAAAAl44/7Yfumnp_ku8mBAaWVSxSYC7kPP7_02iKwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/11_SH_Cranes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Sandhill Cranes - </b><b>Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbcNfgMetIY/W_eYd-BMY3I/AAAAAAAAl5A/fPVV_6qVzNwquTvUTMz-um9UtABjiUIkgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/12_SH_Cranes.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbcNfgMetIY/W_eYd-BMY3I/AAAAAAAAl5A/fPVV_6qVzNwquTvUTMz-um9UtABjiUIkgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/12_SH_Cranes.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Sandhill Cranes - </b><b>Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018</b></div>
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The second shot looks to me that they are flying in a war zone, but it's just the background trees partially out of focus...</div>
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And now my moment of fame...</h3>
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I was now in the southwest marsh area and had met with Brian, the resident birding expert at Reifel and a pair of other birders. Brian was trying to show us the difference between Long-billed and Short-billed Dowitchers. I believe the photo below may have one of each...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmC56-zCjJU/W_eZve5aOdI/AAAAAAAAl5M/7dSCbFawoEwksKPg3ZeBFcIQao-sMONEgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/15_ST_Sandpiper_Dowitchers.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmC56-zCjJU/W_eZve5aOdI/AAAAAAAAl5M/7dSCbFawoEwksKPg3ZeBFcIQao-sMONEgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/15_ST_Sandpiper_Dowitchers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Dowitchers and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper - </b><b>Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018</b></div>
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However, Brian did not see the bird on the right which as a rare Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2MuB425El28/W_eaJdO_WvI/AAAAAAAAl5Y/PPSlRylIarI1uT8bLYz926P5cwjsft4fwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/13_ST_Sandpiper.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2MuB425El28/W_eaJdO_WvI/AAAAAAAAl5Y/PPSlRylIarI1uT8bLYz926P5cwjsft4fwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/13_ST_Sandpiper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Sharp-tailed Sandpiper - Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018 (2018 Bird # 194)</b></div>
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I snapped a few more shots of the bird, unfortunately Brian didn't see it and it was flushed by a raptor shortly after my last shot.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDXHJbZT4Sw/W_easijJXGI/AAAAAAAAl5k/H5tHjpxvu3g_0-OhsxCYJsp2xaiplebAgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/13_ST_Sandpiper.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDXHJbZT4Sw/W_easijJXGI/AAAAAAAAl5k/H5tHjpxvu3g_0-OhsxCYJsp2xaiplebAgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/13_ST_Sandpiper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Sharp-tailed Sandpiper - Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018 </b></div>
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<b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tyhjQb2_yVk/W_eaztOqvpI/AAAAAAAAl5s/LGZ4bZGx0EoG2n9YHIAr8AzSx_mEe5opgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/14_ST_Sandpiper.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tyhjQb2_yVk/W_eaztOqvpI/AAAAAAAAl5s/LGZ4bZGx0EoG2n9YHIAr8AzSx_mEe5opgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/14_ST_Sandpiper.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Sharp-tailed Sandpiper - Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018 </b></div>
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<b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwLLahw-hAY/W_ea5py384I/AAAAAAAAl50/O5zOGqRn9RUwswvBJ7JuyfC9Dpx1tWCPwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/15_ST_Sandpiper_Dowitchers.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwLLahw-hAY/W_ea5py384I/AAAAAAAAl50/O5zOGqRn9RUwswvBJ7JuyfC9Dpx1tWCPwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/15_ST_Sandpiper_Dowitchers.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and possible Short-billed Dowitcher (left) 2018 Bird # 195</b></div>
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<b> Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018 </b></div>
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I did get credit for seeing the Sandpiper and had a photo published in Reifels' Marsh Notes magazine. Fame at last!</div>
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September 27, 2018</h3>
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My next visit wa not quite as exciting, but I did see a bird I'd only seen once earlier in the year. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2RMK-zCj0g/W_edyi-8uGI/AAAAAAAAl6I/QTYLowKKgUUB5a6EBpfSvlJhTI5OUY3MACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_AM_Tree_sparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2RMK-zCj0g/W_edyi-8uGI/AAAAAAAAl6I/QTYLowKKgUUB5a6EBpfSvlJhTI5OUY3MACK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_AM_Tree_sparrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>American Tree Sparrow - Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018</b></div>
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This bird is rare in the Lower Mainland, but does show up in the winter. I saw it in January at Brunswick Point in Delta.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ktg1JQ7-85s/W_eehAgkr2I/AAAAAAAAl6U/V868keJGgVsJWgRyZ2VfQjFoMRt8czq3gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/02_AM_Tree_sparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ktg1JQ7-85s/W_eehAgkr2I/AAAAAAAAl6U/V868keJGgVsJWgRyZ2VfQjFoMRt8czq3gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/02_AM_Tree_sparrow.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: start;">American Tree Sparrow - Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Finally, here's a shot of a Trumpeter Swan at at the sanctuary:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zTAtyHg4as8/W_efMpwCc4I/AAAAAAAAl6g/pyPcGPF-kC8XanPnJT63bVOS2DUd38zOACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/03_Trump_Swan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zTAtyHg4as8/W_efMpwCc4I/AAAAAAAAl6g/pyPcGPF-kC8XanPnJT63bVOS2DUd38zOACK4BGAYYCw/s640/03_Trump_Swan.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: start;">Trumpeter Swan - Reifel Bird Sanctuary - September 2018</b></div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-87082284095656139612018-09-04T20:54:00.000-07:002018-11-22T21:30:57.296-08:00September 3 and 4 - Backyard BirdsHere's a few more shots of birds seen in the backyard, similar to my August post. There's one special visitor in the last photo.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nj8XM7iA9fA/W_eG3upItwI/AAAAAAAAl0Q/LpR0jlogf7gEnowhPA5OozwGu7GVx05eACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_BC_Chickadee.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nj8XM7iA9fA/W_eG3upItwI/AAAAAAAAl0Q/LpR0jlogf7gEnowhPA5OozwGu7GVx05eACK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_BC_Chickadee.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Black-capped Chickadee - Backyard - September 2018</b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1h__0MPUcU/W_eHA2YNICI/AAAAAAAAl0Y/43YIrZVkfkQpvJmY1SBn4SqoumdmxWQEACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/02_Nuthatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1h__0MPUcU/W_eHA2YNICI/AAAAAAAAl0Y/43YIrZVkfkQpvJmY1SBn4SqoumdmxWQEACK4BGAYYCw/s640/02_Nuthatch.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: start;">Red-breasted Nuthatch - Backyard - September 2018</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz_v5XToo3Q/W_eHOOR0g9I/AAAAAAAAl0k/Mar8yO6QrLAIRLEpmDa9VwDXl3wmi7nbgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/03_House_finch.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz_v5XToo3Q/W_eHOOR0g9I/AAAAAAAAl0k/Mar8yO6QrLAIRLEpmDa9VwDXl3wmi7nbgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/03_House_finch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Hose Finch - Backyard - September 2018</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQ9pZq3H8Ew/W_eHUUtyC3I/AAAAAAAAl0w/Vn_BFzOOgHgRKoPelQu6lW4_xfvQSeicACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/04_AM_Goldfinch.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQ9pZq3H8Ew/W_eHUUtyC3I/AAAAAAAAl0w/Vn_BFzOOgHgRKoPelQu6lW4_xfvQSeicACK4BGAYYCw/s640/04_AM_Goldfinch.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>American Goldfinch (in fall moult) </b><b> - Backyard - September 2018</b></div>
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And one interested observer of all this activity - our cat Stella.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFw068asU0c/W_eHjC14OxI/AAAAAAAAl08/EDQfHsm882oZ42muY6vgO5oNac8VhVGVACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/05_Stella.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFw068asU0c/W_eHjC14OxI/AAAAAAAAl08/EDQfHsm882oZ42muY6vgO5oNac8VhVGVACK4BGAYYCw/s640/05_Stella.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445824022068470578.post-74104076997874841202018-09-03T20:25:00.000-07:002019-01-18T21:47:05.785-08:00September 3 - Boundary BayThis is going to be a very short post to get me into September 2018. I'm writing this in late November, so there's some catching up to do.<br />
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This day was my first foray to Boundary Bay to hopefully see some fall migration shorebirds. It was quite successful, I added two new 2018 species.<br />
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The first bird seen was a Bank Swallow. It was pointed out by someone and I luckily got one shot. The band around the neck is the best field mark for this species. I'd seen one in Alberta in June, so it was the second time I'd seen this species in 2018.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgZmzyqIAMQ/W_d_isSDgJI/AAAAAAAAlzU/lqgsMLEpCSMj-F0tCyxn4gFLc29n9TQcgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01_Bank_swallow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgZmzyqIAMQ/W_d_isSDgJI/AAAAAAAAlzU/lqgsMLEpCSMj-F0tCyxn4gFLc29n9TQcgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/01_Bank_swallow.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<b>Bank Swallow - Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b></div>
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My first new species this evening was a Baird's Sandpiper. It's quite a bit larger than the peeps that are commonly seen at this time of year.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvuP2LUMsi0/W_eApV25UVI/AAAAAAAAlzg/VC9zauy5ciY1BcEoPU63x2YzTr1F4n0kACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/02_Bairds.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvuP2LUMsi0/W_eApV25UVI/AAAAAAAAlzg/VC9zauy5ciY1BcEoPU63x2YzTr1F4n0kACK4BGAYYCw/s640/02_Bairds.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Baird's Sandpiper </b><b style="text-align: center;">- Boundary Bay, Delta BC - 2018 Bird # 192</b><br />
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There had been reports of a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at this location, always a rare treat for birders. I was lucky enough to see it and get a few good shots...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h0RQcZ2AxoM/W_egNIs6LCI/AAAAAAAAl6s/1knJokA-RIoj7dih5YkfMkJo7IaBRhAlQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/04_Buff_Breasted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h0RQcZ2AxoM/W_egNIs6LCI/AAAAAAAAl6s/1knJokA-RIoj7dih5YkfMkJo7IaBRhAlQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/04_Buff_Breasted.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<b>Buff-breasted Sandpiper - Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b></div>
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<b>September 2018 - 2018 Bird #193</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkfxwBQxn10/W_ehXN8spNI/AAAAAAAAl7E/LPx6269xeg4yCr2UPMVEed5QnpTi9zbBgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/05_Buff_Breasted.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkfxwBQxn10/W_ehXN8spNI/AAAAAAAAl7E/LPx6269xeg4yCr2UPMVEed5QnpTi9zbBgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/05_Buff_Breasted.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Buff-breasted Sandpiper - Boundary Bay, Delta BC - September 2018</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">This rare bird deserves a few more shots:</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCQ33u6tLWM/W_eh89LnLkI/AAAAAAAAl7Y/vwt7Kjy4jo0_0tXBpAMgw9IGtZC3i6kbQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/05a_Buff_Breasted.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCQ33u6tLWM/W_eh89LnLkI/AAAAAAAAl7Y/vwt7Kjy4jo0_0tXBpAMgw9IGtZC3i6kbQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/05a_Buff_Breasted.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Buff-breasted Sandpiper - Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b></div>
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Here it is with the Baird's Sandpiper...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIhz2k7VMC8/W_eiJm-PZ6I/AAAAAAAAl7k/TFW914tDhN0hQvPwYnjE6_5xrdk6Qdj7QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/06_Buff_Breasted_Bairds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIhz2k7VMC8/W_eiJm-PZ6I/AAAAAAAAl7k/TFW914tDhN0hQvPwYnjE6_5xrdk6Qdj7QCK4BGAYYCw/s640/06_Buff_Breasted_Bairds.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<b>Buff-breasted Sandpiper (top) and Baird's Sandpiper</b></div>
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<b>September 2018</b></div>
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My lat bird of the evening was a more common American Coot...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLIOyzcrdQA/W_ejF6kQ-oI/AAAAAAAAl70/SCa4NZZyppklbdj903uk-r9J0FaSPcMZQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/03_Coot.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLIOyzcrdQA/W_ejF6kQ-oI/AAAAAAAAl70/SCa4NZZyppklbdj903uk-r9J0FaSPcMZQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/03_Coot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">American Coot - Boundary Bay, Delta BC</b></div>
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Lou Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987452832068223001noreply@blogger.com0