Back in the beginning of April, we headed north across the border to Surrey, B.C., Canada where our youngest son was to play in a soccer tournament. Along with watching some great soccer, we were fortunate to have time to visit George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Delta, B.C. at the mouth of the Fraser River on Westham Island, stretch our legs, and view some beautiful, interesting birds and scenery. Here is just a small sampling of what we saw over the weekend.
The view from our hotel.
Crossing the cute old one-lane wooden and steel bridge to Westham Island.
One of the picturesque wetland areas at Reifel Bird Sanctuary.
Northern Pintail? So handsome. Not sure about the russet on his lower neck and chest. Has anyone else seen this variation?
Ring-necked Ducks, male and female. I just love their striped bills.
From left to right, female & male Lesser Scaups. They could be Greater Scaups. I am not familiar enough with them to tell the difference. On the right in back is a male Ring-necked Duck.
A female Northern Pintail, I think. Lovely shades of brown and white with a wonderful pattern on her feathers!
Male Northern Pintails.
What rich, dark brown fur this little squirrel had.
There were many Canada Geese, as usual. I had no idea that they had teeth-like things on their tongues though! So interesting. I read that these help them serrate grasses.
Here's a close-up!
Their feet are quite wonderful too! Isn't that a nice texture?
We saw many wonderful birds, flowers, butterflies, and squirrels, to name a few, but by far, the male Wood Ducks were the most colorful! So beautiful!