Where: Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Iona Beach Weather: Sunny, around 18C or warmer
The Outing
With an unusually summer-like day forecast, we headed out mid-morning to Reifel, bedecked in t-shirts and shorts for the first time this year. I also brought sunblock, which proved to be very necessary.
Reifel was full of birds and full of people, many having booked no doubt due to the forecast, but the crowds thinned a bit after we’d been there awhile. The biggest changes we observed were:
- Warblers. At first, we were just satisfied to get some shots, then realized the place was replete with warblers. They actually seemed to be crowding out the chickadees. I got at least two lifer shots.
- Most of the winter migrants were still around, but their numbers were down quite a bit and a few, like the mergansers and scaups, were nowhere to be seen. I suspect the next time we visit, most of them will have moved on for the summer.
- The geese were mostly tranquil. There was honking and some occasional nipping/alpha male nonsense, but they generally seemed more sedate. Maybe mating season mellows them out. Like, it’s hard to get a date when you’re going totally berserk.
After about four hours, we moved on to Iona Beach, where Nic wanted to find the elusive yellow-headed blackbird. We did see one, but did not get good photos (or in my case, any). Nic actually went back the next day on a Moby Dick-like quest and did get some shots. Even though he’s gotten great shots previously, so it’s not like it’s a lifer or anything. Weirdo! Or maybe he is assuming his final form as a Power Birder. First the yellow head, next the 600 mm lens.
We also saw a pile of warblers at Iona Beach. They were everywhere.
After journeying down the trails and past the barges, we agreed to walk across the tidal flats on the way back, as it would be quicker (in theory) and easier( in theory). It was neither!
But I found it strangely hilarious as the fairly firm sand gave way to increasingly mucky stuff, the kind that threatens to pull your shoes right off your feet. We never got our feet fully submerged, so I cal it a win. I also stuck to my plan to only take shots with my camera, and swapped out lenses several times for scenery shots and one poor ex-crab on the beach. A bit inconvenient compared to the phone, but my kit lens has some zoom capability, and it has a wider aspect ration, especially handy for the vast vistas of Iona Beach.
In all, it was a nice way to end the month, getting a nice preview of the warm summer weather to come.
And yes, I got a bit burnt in a few spots I missed with the sunblock. 😛
The Shots
Coming soon™.
The Birds (and other critters)
Sparrows and sparrow-adjacent:
- Anna’s hummingbird
- Barn swallow
- Blackbird
- Black-capped chickadee
- Cowbird
- Fox sparrow
- Golden-crowned sparrow
- Orange-crowned warbler
- Rufous hummingbird
- Savannah sparrow
- Song sparrow
- Spotted towhee
- Tree swallow
- White-crowned sparrow
- Yellow-rumped warbler
- Ruby-crowned kinglet
Waterfowl:
- American coot
- Canada goose
- Gadwall
- Great Blue Heron
- Green-winged teal
- Mallard
- Northern pintail
- Ring-necked duck
- Sandhill crane
- Wood duck
Raptors:
- Bald eagle
- Northern harrier
Common:
- Pigeon
- Seagull
Non-birds:
- Douglas squirrel
- Painted turtle
