Two "lifers" is two days make for one very happy birder. After spending the morning at Blackie Spit with the Langley Field Naturalists (see Anne's blog at bottom of page) I went to the base of 104th St on Boundary Bay in search of American Pipits. A flock of 40 were feeding on insects among the seaweed left by the receding tide. Other birds noted were Black-bellied plover, Western sandpiper, Least sandpiper and Northern harrier. What is apparent for their survival is how well camouflaged (see pic #1) Pipits are as they comb the beach for insects. The ever present Northern harrier kept the flock moving each time it would glide past making photography somewhat of a challenge. As soon as the birds would come into range for a decent shot the silhouette of the Harrier would scatter the birds only for them to slowlymake their way back to my hiding spot. These shots were taken over a one hour period.
To see more of my photography please visit or sign in with your Google or Yahoo account or go to blog and links at
http://www.johngordonsphotography.com
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| American Pipit: Note the camouflage. |
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| A better composition when perched on a stump separates the bird and background |
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| Gaining the trust of a bird leads to a more pleasing image. |
Some of the birds seen at the Blackie Spit walk.
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| Long-billed curlew with hermit crab at Blackie Spit |
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| Marbled godwit and Long-billed curlew showing bill differences |
For anne's account of the day see link below
http://anneisforthebirds.wordpress.com/2012/09/22/blackies-spit-surrey-bc-with-al-g-september-21-2012/
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