Early Morning Birding at Iona Jetty

April 20 2015 Iona Regional Park Richmond BC Sunny 17c

The alarm went off at 5 am and again thirty minutes later. The plan was to drive to Iona Regional Park to look for a Lapland Longspur that had been seen the day before. I had only ever photographed them in the Autumn so I was looking forward to seeing one in full breeding plumage.
Because I had slept in the sun was already up when I arrived. A cold wind was blowing for the north-west, I wished I had brought gloves. I made my way out to where the bird had last been seen the evening before at around the 150 marker. Numbered markers run the length of the 4km (2.5mile) jetty. It is very popular with walkers and cyclists, especially on the weekends.

A  male Lapland Longspur seems unperturbed by a passing walker.

There were only two of us on the jetty. Eventually I saw some bird movement but it turned out to be a false alarm, just a pair of Savannah Sparrows. I keep searching and finally I found my quarry, a splendid adult with rufus nape and black face.

Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus)

I continued to photograph until a few more people passed and flushed the bird. When I relocated the first bird, a female suddenly flew in and joined the male. They continued to feed on seeds before the foot traffic became distracting,  by mid-morning it was getting warm, the light harsh and time for brunch.

The female longspur holds a seed between its beak.

1. 

   Female (left) and male






                                                            

          The Iona Jetty 

1. On the walk back to the car the cries of Caspian Terns drew my attention. They were quite far out and high above but with the Tamron 150mm-600mm I was able to zoom in a catch a few shots. All images were taken hand held.

   
   Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia)

   
   

2. 

   American Wigeon (Anas americana)

   
   
   
   
   "It's never too late to start birding"
3. John Gordon
4. Langley /Cloverdale
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Harris's Sparrow Twice

Nov17 2014 Iona Regional Park and Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Richmond BC Sunny 6c

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)

I include the image of the House Finch for no other reason than I like it. If I didn't like it I wouldn't have taken it in the first place, it's as simple as that. I only photograph what catches my eye. I am drawn to this image because of the muted earth tones, it was one of the first frames I took while waiting for my next subject, the Harris's Sparrow.

Harris's Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula)

This wasn't exactly a hard bird to find, someone had left seed the previous day. When I arrived on Monday morning a flock of sparrows including Golden-crowned, Spotted Towhees, Song and Fox were busily scratching the ground. After a ten minute wait there he was, the much sought after Harris's Sparrow. It wouldn't be a lifer for me as I had photographer adult birds in Churchill, Manitoba. David Tang, myself and another couple were the only ones there.

For those interested in seeing a Harris's in full plumage see June 2012 blog.

Harris's Sparrow Adult/Manitoba

The Harris's Sparrow is not that common in the Lower Mainland so it is a 'good bird' for those wanting it for their BC list, myself I only have a Canada list. Perhaps one day i'll get completely addicted to birding and have all kind of lists!

Next up I had this crazy idea to see whether on my way home I could find the other Harris's that had been spotted at Reifel. On arrival I couldn't find the bird anywhere but didn't matter. I continued my way along to the outer dyke to look for the Swamp Sparrow, a bird that has been quite a nemesis for me. Yet again, a reed stem got in the way of a decent shot. Oh well, there's always tomorrow!

Eventually i'll get a clear shot.

While waiting for the Swamp to re-appear I thought I saw some movement along the dyke, with the sun in my face it was hard to discern whether it was an American Robin or perhaps a Northern Shrike. I slowly inched my way along the dyke until the sun was in a better position. Just as I was going to press the shutter, you guessed, the bird took off. I started my approach again and this time I was able to shoot through some bushes with the aperture wide open (F4 or F6.7 with the 1x4 converter) so that the branches didn't show.

Here is the result. On close inspection some blood can be seen on the bill of the shrike, living up to its nickname 'Butcher Bird'

Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
Sibley's notes that the shrike is uncommon to rare and indeed I normally see only a few each year. This is my fourth already this winter.

Both these images look like they are taken in the open but are in fact shoot through a small gap in a maze of thin branches. As mentioned this effect can be had by shooting wide open and a long lens.

I used a D7100 plus a Nikon 500 F4 with a 1x4 extender which is about a 1000mm. The neck and back pain come free with the job!

Anyway, with all these distractions I made my way back to car. On the way I couldn't resist a few shots of a male Wood Duck reflected in the dark water. As I approached a turn in the trail I spotted a flock of Golden-crowned Sparrows feeding on seed someone had thrown around. Within minutes the bird I couldn't find earlier suddenly jumped into view and viola, I had my two Harris's Sparrow something I hadn't really planned on but it was nice way to end the day.

Harris's Sparrow at Reifel

I had so much fun I forgot to mention the Peregrine Falcon flying at hyper speed to chase off another from its territory, there was even a few feathers flying on impact. This type of behaviour seen from a distance is what attracts me to birding. Even the Dark-eyed Junco was fun to watch as it looked for seeds someone had put in the hollow of a tree trunk.

I hope you've enjoyed this ramble, I certainly enjoyed my day out and adding these images to my portfolio.

"It's never too late to start birding"

John Gordon

Langley/Cloverdale

Summer Birding/The Final Days

Sept 21 2014 Iona South Jetty Richmond BC Sunny 24c

Summer still had a few glorious days left so the four kms walk (8 km round-trip) out to the Iona south jetty seemed the perfect way to get some fresh air, exercise and hopefully see some birds.
When I arrived at Iona for the flood tide, the jetty was already very crowded. I wondered whether any birds would tolerate all the foot and bicycle traffic. I decided to keep to my plan and hope for the best.
I was partially right, due to the large numbers of people only a few birds showed themselves for the first two kms. At the three kms marker things began to change, a flock of Western Sandpipers circled around me looking for a place to roost.

Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri)

Once the flock of about 75 birds found somewhere safe to land they went about preening. The sandpipers were quite approachable and with a little stealth and the Tamron 150mm-600mm I was able to crawl over the rocks, zoom in and make my crops in the camera.

The birds suddenly flew away when a River Otter came up out of the water and spooked the flock.

This River Otter came out to check the sandpiper flock.
 There were plenty of salmon in the area and the otters were having a feast.

Close to the end of the jetty a pair of American Pipits were feeding on insects and Savannah Sparrows flew from rock to rock, their bright yellow lors standing out again the blue of the water. The light was getting better all the time and I really appreciated not having to lug a big lens and tripod with me all the way to the end of the jetty.

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichchenis)

It was at the very end of the jetty that my efforts paid off when I spotted four Sanderlings resting on the rocks. Slowly I crept closer and closer being careful not to be cut off by the rising tide and keeping my profile below the horizon. My only concern was a rogue wave. Fortunatly there was only one which forced the birds within even closer shooting range. 

Sanderling (Calidris alba)

Heres comes a second rogue wave and the birds were gone..just like that!

After the rogue wave the birds flew closer before flying away.

It was time to make my way back when another birder spotted a Wandering Tattler. The sandpiper was hunting for food. It would wait for a large wave to hit the rocks then pounce on any small crabs as they scuttled around in the backwash, a very ingenious and productive method.

Wandering Tattler (Heteroscelus incanus)

As I made my way back a flock of Surf Scoters, perhaps fifty in total were feeding on shellfish at about the half way mark, had it not been for the large amount of foot traffic I may have had the opportunity to get some closer shots.

Surf Scoter (Melanitta perpicillata)

As the sun began to wane I composed this shot of the Double-crested Cormorants on the pilings all the time waiting for a decisive moment when one of the birds would fly into roost. Put your thumb over the bird landing and see how it changes the 'feel' of the image.

Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus)

Overall I enjoyed a great walk, saw plenty of birds, a River Otter and a Harbour Seal basking on the rocks. I count myself lucky to call The Lower Mainland, BC and Canada home.

"It's never too late to start birding"

John Gordon

Langley/Cloverdale

After the Storm: Fall Birding in British Columbia

Oct 3 2013 Iona Regional Park.  A sunny and crisp Autumn day.
Following my "Photographing Birds in the Lower Mainland" presentation to the White Camera Club Wednesday night I was looking forward to heading out into the nature. A five day storm had given the coastline a good soaking and the possibility of a fallout of migrating birds was high.
It wasn't long before my hunch was rewarded, I soon came across a Lapland Longspur, my first 'Lifer' since April. I had only just started walking along the jetty when a small flock of four flew over my head, I was less than a 100 metres from my car. I shot maybe 20 shots when I heard from another birder that a Palm Warbler had been spotted at the sewage lagoons, I was only minutes away!

Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus)

A Coast Garter snake was also on the hunt for insects

Beside the lagoons are a row of large trees, assorted bushes, briars and grasses.
A flock of Yellow-rumped warblers, several Yellow Warblers, a single White-throated Sparrow and a gorgeous Palm Warbler were foraging for insects. Following the previous days windy weather the ground was littered with insects of all kinds. Also feasting on the bounty were colourful Common Yellowthroats, Song, White-crowned and Savannah Sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Bush Tits and others. I didn't see the White-throated but the Palm did fly quite close, close enough to photograph.

Palm Warbler (Dendroica palmarum)

Note the yellow rump and streaked breast.

Note the dark eye line.

My favourite shot with a clean background, dramatic posture.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)

A Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata) on the lookout for a meal. 

All pictures Iona Oct 3 2013

©All Images John Gordon 2013

Good Birding

Wandering Tattler and the Curious Spotted Sandpiper

July 24 2013 Iona Regional Park, Richmond B.C.

I have learnt that when a rare bird report comes in the best chance of success is to jump in the car and get moving right away. With the help and advice of many I have been fortunate enough in locating numerous Lower Mainland 'Lifers' and other interesting birds. Wednesday was one such day.

Iona South Jetty is 4km long

VANBCBIRDS had been reporting a Wandering Tattler at Iona. For one reason or another it took a text from another good birding friend to persuade me to drop my gardening and DYI chores and make the trip from Surrey. I hadn't seen a Wandering Tattler since a visit to Mitlenatch Provincial Park back in the mid 80s. There I had taken a grainy shot on Kodachrome 64 so this was possibly a chance to update my files and get another view of the elusive sandpiper.
With temperatures hovering around 22 c and with sunburn a good possibility, the thought of walking 2.5 kms on the South Iona jetty to look for a bird that might have already departed for California had me wondering if I was still sane!

Looking toward UBC as the tide moves in. Scenics taken with Canon SX50

I made a last minute decision to bike it, I hadn't biked or done much exercise in years so it wasn't long before my legs could pedal no more. I stopped and started several time before arriving at Marker 164, the last place the bird had been seen. I couldn't find the Tattler but a Spotted Sandpiper was feeding way out on the sandbar.

Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia)

As I had the bike I thought I might as well make it to the end of the jetty where the only signs of life were two noisy Caspian Terns and what appeared to be a topless sunbather of the female persuasion, but without my bins I couldn't make an exact identification!  Making my way back I bumped into another birder who knew exactly where to look (for birds of the avian kind) and soon we were both photographing the Wandering Tattler. The bird was feeding on tiny crabs forced onshore by the flooding tide. Not to be outdone, a curious and possibly the same Spotted Sandpiper (above) landed on a rock a few feet away to pose for pictures.

Wandering Tattler (Heteroscelus incanus)
A wave pounds on the Iona jetty where a Wandering Tattler rests before continuing its southward migration. A fast shutter speed 1/2000 sec was needed to freeze the action of the wave splashing against the rock.

In conclusion I'm glad I made the effort to photograph today. I did get some fresh sea air, exercise and with this humble series of blogs an attempt to throw off a writer's block that has haunted me for over a decade.

A Mixed Bag

Oct 25th 2012 Mixed cloud and sun.
 Iona Regional Park Richmond B.C.
With family commitments put away and the weather forecast predicting a dry and sunny day I set off for Iona Regional Park in Richmond. Driving up to the parking lot five Western meadowlarks could be seen eagerly searching for food. These prairie birds seem to feel quite at home on the sand that has been deposited here over the millennium. Meadowlarks are most noticeable when they perch in the few bushes which have sprouted up along the beach, however they do spend most of their time scurrying around in the long grass, ever wary of the northern harrier and other raptors looking for a meal.
As per usual I met number of really interesting birders and photographers, exchanging niceties about lens length etc (a male obsession), bird lore and the latest sightings.. it beats working!
 My favourite shot of the day was the Goldfinch (below) which was taken half-way through once such discussion, it pays to keep attentive!

American goldfinch  

Northern Harrier hunting.

Keeping an eye out for trouble!

Great horned owl (note the white around the throat)

Anyway, after photographing a flock of American goldfinches that were feeding on seed heads the subject of a Great horned owl came up in  conversation. This news sent me scurrying off to the Terra Nova garden allotments in Richmond. A small murder of crows immediately gave away the owls location. The bird has become quite the celebrity, it barely moved as a procession of schools groups and seniors filed to get a good look. It was perched about fifteen feet from the ground where it nonchalantly  viewed all and sundry.
The bird has become quite the hunter dispatching two barn owls over the last few  days. Apparently the Great horned owl doesn't like competition, it has even attacked a gardener!

Yellow-rumped warbler (the first signs of spring)

Iona Regional Park, Vancouver
Despite the sun, the wind was fierce, cold enough to still be wearing the same layers of clothing that I had worn to photograph Snowy owls in Dec !!! However, the trees and bushes were now alive with new arrivals, most notably the colorful yellow-rumped warbler, a sure sign that spring had arrived. It was a great day out with hardly anyone around.
Species noted observed.

Ring-necked, mallard and canvasback ducks, American coot, red-winged blackbird, rufous hummingbird, northwestern crow, yellow-rumped warbler, ruby-crowned and golden crowned kinglet and marsh wren. No yellow-headed blackbirds so far. A seasoned birder was on the lookout for an Osprey and another birder had seen an Anna's hummingbird and mountain bluebirds.
Here are some of the better blog shots from my walk.
For more birds please visit.
johngordonsphotography.com

Golden-crowned kinglet

Marsh wren

Rufous hummingbird (male)

Yellow-rumped warbler

Ruby-crowned kinglet