mostly birds...
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A rarity for the lower mainland and especially for Burnaby Lake were 4 black necked stilts. I was lucky enough to catch up with them one evening on the last day of August thanks to a mention from a local bird enthusiast.
I think this may well be one of my favourite shore birds
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This burrowing owl was a rare sighting near our airport, and soon became the target of many not so ethical visitors who pretty much flushed away from it's location. It is a sad day when people cannot just respect endangered wildlife.
Although there is concern within the thoughts of birders, and bird photographers, these snowy owls are quite alright with respectful photographers.
Using a decent tele-photo or zoom will result in great shots, without disturbances.
Also getting the shots and getting out is the best option.
At some point in time they need to feed, and the more people who "get that" the better off all will get along.
The birds came to a place where there are many people who use the dike for walks and they are accustomed to seeing people.They like busy airports, and even hang out at the golf course where golfers walk by constantly during the day.
More on the return of snowy owls to the area. Apparently about 30 of them
Fighting over a vole in mid air...Note the vole in the left side of owl claw.
The snowy owls return after a 4 year absence.
A rare opportunity for a Merlin to be so accommodating.
Taken at Iona in Richmond.
They've been around for awhile, but this is the first of the season for me.
As a last resort I decided to head out to Tswassen, and see what the shores had, and my surprise was a high tide with loons and some grebes.
At first these few yellow legs at the pond in Elgin Park seemed a bit timid and flew to the other side, but as I lay down in the grass with camera on the ground, they eventually wandered over to my side, and at times were even too close for the lens. Not even the shutter noise bothered them.
Finally some of the birds are back and hanging around the marsh at Iona.
It's hard to miss them from the distinct cat like call they make..or something like a baby crying.
When I first posted the images of the couple together, I went back and for two weeks there was not a bird to be found on this nest, so I almost gave up hope, and thought they had moved somewhere else.
Upon checking again over the last week now it seems they just decided this was the place to be.
My belief is there is already eggs in the nest, because the female sits there mostly on guard
until the male brings her a fish, then she goes into a nearby tree and eats it.
Perhaps they keep mating for reassurance.
This is something I have not researched on thier behaviour. I guess I should find out more.
Out in the Crescent Park area, I heard the ratatat of this pileated.
It's rare for me to get such a close and unobstructed view of one, so this was a good find.
A good chunk of the tree has been eaten away so it must be popular.
It seems I always hear one while being there, but never get to actually see them.
After a year of absence, the nest was rebuilt and the osprey are using it again. My guess and from talking to a fellow photographer is that the birds were unsuccsessful in having young last year.
Today I checked the nest and it was full of action. Yippee!
Another of the pair rebuilding the nest.
I'm going to be checking it on a regular basis and adding more to this post.
Along the dike at Boundary Bay, the short eared owls seem to be quite forgiving to photographers the last few weeks.
When a nice day comes by, they sit on stumps and make for some interesting photos.
I could stand there most of the day just capturing expressions and poses even though it is windy and cold.
If the sun is out that is what counts.
A not too bad weather day at Boundary Bay down at 72nd.
I happened to spot this way out, and as I got closer and closer it stayed put and was giving quite a show of movements.
A rare visit from this Northern Hawk Owl provided about a week of amazing photos for many photographers.
It was perched in a few trees in yards of homes near the Reifel Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island in Ladner.
Fortunately there was some nice sun to highlight details.
Northern Shrike
Originally uploaded by ~Doug~
Long Billed Curlew
After a month or so of absence from my camera I went out to Blackie Spit just to see if things are still happening, and came across the Long Billed Curlew.
This is a good start to come back with.
The next stop was Deer Lake in Burnaby, and as I was ready to leave for lack of anything avian, I spotted the kingfisher up in a tree hurling up something she ate, or whatever behaviour this is.
