October 21, 2010 Birding Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary,B.C.

The birding today at Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary near Delta was very good despite thick fog at the beginning of my walk around the trails. Due to the fog 100's of puddle ducks were sitting around waiting for the fog to lift. Had great views of American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler and Snow Geese. There were numerous Spotted Towhee, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird and House Sparrows at the bird feeders. The highlight of the morning was watching an adult Peregrine Falcon eating a Long-billed Dowitcher it had just caught nearby.

A male House Sparrow waiting for its turn at the feeder.

The secretive Marshwren was easy to detect by its call.

A Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker

Most puddle ducks had finished moulting and were in breeding plumage.

A Peregrine Falcon having its breakfast, a Long-billed Dowitcher.

A male Spotted Towhee sitting on the fence line.

This male Varied Thrush was feeding on berries and was very wary.

A male Green-winged Teal almost in full breeding plumage.