Trip to Reifel

[neepgrin]

What a wonderous place. First visit in beginning of april was soooo great, went on a 2nd trip on April 23rd. At the bridge to the island we sighted the eagle's nest, and watched in amazement as 1 eagle brought rabbit for breakfast to the nesting mate. (we think we heard babies, could've been wishful thinking tho) The highlight of the trip (both times) were the amazingly tall Sandhill Cranes.

here are some of the wonders:

Gold crowned sparrows greeted us at the entrance, along with unphotographed white crowns.


Northern Harriers flew continually over the mudflats


Mallards and Wigeons were everywhere!! As well as a Green-Winged Teal.


Hooded Mergansers and Northern Pintail floated lazily along some of the inner canals



Many Northern Shovelers were basking in the sun.


A pied-billed Grebe was a life find for myself.


On my first visit the Sandhill Cranes were browsing for food along the oceanside mudflats, but the 2nd visit they were at the beginning with all the hungry mallards. Not shy birds!! Very big!!
They seemed oblivious to the quiet clicking of many cameras, as this was a great photo op and attracted many viewers.




Many variety of Swallow darted overhead.


and lastly - a strange pigeon......


There were also wood ducks, RW blackbirds and many wrens.

Happy Birding,

[Gord]

Love those cranes!

What a neat coloured Rock Pigeon too! They're often the typical grey, black and so forth, but can vary and be almost all white, black and all in between.

[phoebe]

Very nice pictures, especially of the Sandhill Cranes. After you mentioned them I just had do go back and have a look. I can see why that was an amazing sighting! Look forward to seeing the green heron pics!!!