Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, November 2008

View from the observation tower

Mutt Duck

This past weekend we went on a trip to the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, which is in southern BC. The trip was organized by the Photography section of the Mountaineers. We weren't really sure what to expect, but I don't think I was expecting quite so many ducks. There were ducks everywhere, and since they sell seed and you are allowed to feed the ducks, they generally follow you everywhere. There were other cool birds as well, and hopefully these images will give you a good feel for what we saw.

Male Northern Shoveler

Bald Eagle

Heather the Birder

Juvenile Northern Harrier

Male Lesser Scaup

American Wigeon

Female Lesser Scaup

Northern Flickers

Red Tailed Hawk?

There are a group of 8 resident Sandhill Cranes, up from 3 last year. They are pretty bold, and apparently can be quite aggressive if you have a bag of seed. Thankfully we didn't, but they did get nice and close and pose for some photos. The huge flock of Snow Geese, on the other hand, avoided us.