Finches and Waxwings!

I certainly lucked out today. I had hoped to get Bohemian Waxwing and perhaps Pine Grosbeak for the year by going up to Pinery Provincial Park today. It didn't take long!

I started at Point Edward at first light. Some Black Scoters were in close, but not much else.

Brett Woodman from Kitchener happened to stop by as he was visiting relatives nearby. I met him a year ago there. He was keen on going to Pinery, so off we went.

We started along the river beside the campground. This is one of the better places in November for finches and waxwings. We first noted Common Redpolls flying over.

It didn't take long, and we spotted three Bohemian Waxwings. They were a bit distant, but nice to see none-the-less. A short while later, I heard the sound of a Pine Grosbeak. I immediately saw one alight the top of a Red Cedar. Then three more made an appearance. They flew right over our heads and landed in a tree nearby.

Next stop was the visitor centre feeders. Another female Pine Grosbeak!

Checking my records, it has been about 14 years since I have seen a Pine Grosbeak. That is a long dry spell!

We then checked the lake, but not much was out there. There were a couple of distant Common Loons.

Over at Burley Bridge, we encountered a large flock of Bohemian Waxwings. At least twently were feeding on wild grapes. We got close up views there, and some photos.

While there, a flock of twenty finch-type birds flew over quickly. I wasn't sure at the time, but playing recorded sound at home, made me sure that they were White-winged Crossbills.

Redpolls flew over in small groups all morning, but they seemed to be motoring on south.

Strangely, we did not encounter Evening Grosbeaks, but some have been reported lately.

Upon arriving home, I got an email that some Evening Grosbeaks were at Rondeau Park. I am doing some serious birding there tomorrow, so I am confident that I will get some then.