Photographic Post: Great Birding Day on X'mas Eve

I biked out to the dyke just after noon.

A gorgeous day.

Mrs. Mallard (and Mr. Mallard - not in the picture) crossing the trail.

One of the many Great Blue Herons I saw today.

Close by was a proud-looking juvenile.

While biking past the observation deck, an accipiter swooped by and landed on the tree. I think it's a Cooper's Hawk.


Another Great Blue Heron waiting for food.

A Song Sparrow perched quietly on a stick caught my attention. So peaceful.

Someone has kindly set up a suet feeder along the trail for the birds to enjoy and for picture-takes like me to capture the enjoyment.

Not a completely clear sky, but at least there's sunshine.

I don't think I have yet taken any squirrel photos yet this season. Well, today presented a perfect chance when this super-cute Grey Squirrel was feeding on hawthorn berries.

Awwww...

Love its paws...so cute!

Finally reaching Terra Nova slough and enjoying the view.

Beautiful sky-watching day.

View along the Fraser River

Another GBH on Fraser River.

Then it was time for me to turn back and head on home.

Quiet a peaceful view. There's a half Moon in the center of the picture.

Biking through these trees with a magical feel.

Another GBH.


Saw a Short-eared Owl in the distance. (Just earlier I think I saw the same owl harassed by a gang of crows - there were many crows today for some reason.)

I decided to continue biking and go to Williams Road.

Along the way I saw a juvenile Bald Eagle harassed by many crows.

Reaching Williams Road, I saw a Northern Harrier perched just a couple of meters away from the trail. I got too excited and braked the front tire and that almost caused me to fall off my bike. I stabilized my bike but twisted my ankle during that time (Edit: The ankle feels fine now).

Pictures of the Northern Harrier perching silently.

Then it took off suddenly, leaving me with this poor image.

Then it was time for me to really go home now. I saw the juvenile eagle flying off too.

Half Moon shot. Pretty.

That's my great birding story on 2009 Christmas Eve.

Feliz Navidad and Hauoli Makahiki Hou!!

365 days ago (2008-12-24) - Orchid Island - Part 2.
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