Purple Sandpipers

 Like the subject of the last post this is the first time in two years since I was able to photograph this species. Although I saw a small number last season I wasn't able to approach them. I have some photos from Christmas day 2023 but the light wasn't as favourable as it was this day in mid January.

Interestingly the purple sheen that apparently the birds name comes from is only seen in their Winter plumage which is when we see them on our shores. It's fairly apparent in the bird in the third photo.

Snowy Owl

 This is the first Snowy Owl I have photographed in the last two years and also the only one I've seen in that time span. I haven't seen another since. These were taken back in early January.

American Pipits

 Around the same time as the Snow Bunting images were taken and at the same location I was also able to photograph a few American Pipits.

Snow Buntings

 This has been a particularly good year for photographing Snow Buntings unlike last Winter. I have seen them often this year in some sizable flocks at times. These images are from earlier in the season, I have taken shots more recently as well.

 

Gadwall Drake and Pair

 Somebody asked if I had seen any Gadwalls this year and I replied that I hadn't, that they tend to show up a little later in the Winter. That has been my experience in the locations I frequent. Checking last years photos I discovered I took these on March 11. So I will hopefully get another chance at photographing them before the end of Winter again this year.

Harlequins on the Rocks

It's not often I see Harlequin Ducks when they're not in the water feeding. This was one of those days. It was also one of the first times of the season that I saw this species after they had returned here for the Winter. I have seen them many times since but never on the rocks again.