December 27 - Boundary Bay Owls and Raptors

I had some errands to run in the morning and decided it was time for an afternoon visit to Boundary Bay in Delta. In the winter, the dike at 72 St. is a great location to see Short-eared Owls. There's usually a good collection of raptors there, too. The weather was quite clear which made for good photographic lighting conditions.

My first sighting was an American Robin, showing the quality of the light.

American Robin - Boundary Bay, Delta BC

A common bird in the winter is the Golden-crowned Sparrow. This is probably a first winter bird.

Golden-crowned Sparrow - Boundary Bay, Delta BC

Since this post is supposed to be about raptors and Owls, here's an adult Bald Eagle that flew overhead.


Bald Eagle - Boundary Bay, Delta BC

Next, I heard a loud commotion overhead and saw two juvenile Bald Eagles, one chasing the other. I don't know if this was a sibling battle or if food was involved, but the higher one definitely was the chaser and seemed to have the advantage.

Bald Eagle - Boundary Bay, Delta BC

North of 72nd St just off the dike is a BC Hydro Electrical compound. The Owls like to come here and perch on the fence posts. 

BC Hydro Compound - Boundary Bay, Delta BC

It's also a good location for Northern Harriers looking to steal prey from the smaller Owls.

Northern Harrier - Boundary Bay, Delta BC

The Short-eared Owls were actively hunting, but were staying out in the open field just out of camera range. One did fly a bit closer in allowing me to take this shot.


Short-eared Owl - Boundary Bay, Delta BC

Finally this or another Owl came into the compound and landed on one of the taller posts in the back. I had time to get off a couple of shots using the super zoom on the Nikon. This is a bit soft, but the best of the day.


Short-eared Owl - Boundary Bay, Delta BC

This was the only close-up opportunity for the day. I took some other shots as the sun faded but nothing that would follow this one very well.

Watching the Owls and Harriers fight over the food made me wonder how they have the energy to survive. The Owls chase each other, and the Harriers chase the Owls.