Winter Birds at Sarnia

The weather was less than ideal today, but the farther north one went, the better it became. I headed to Sarnia today for a change. Good choice. I came across some decent birds.

First stop was Point Edward. I have not been up there much this fall because we hardly ever had a decent north wind. However, this time of year is good for ducks.

Upon arrival, I immediately spotted a Harlequin Duck close to shore. I had my camera, so I got some decent shots.

There were not a lot of gulls around, but I did pick out a couple of Glaucous. Once winter sets in, more gulls will be around.

After picking up some sunflower seed for the feeders, I went over to Perch Creek CA. It can be good for birds there, and certainly good for butterflies in the summer. I saw two birds fly by, and I knew by their sound that they were Bohemian Waxwings. The only other places I have seen this species is at Pinery/Ipperwash, Algonquin Park (once in late September--record early!), Point Pelee, and Rondeau Park. Never around Sarnia though!

On the way home I stopped at Moore Wildlife Area (I mentioned this place in my butterfly posting a couple of days ago). Along the road I saw a huge flock of Common Redpolls in a field feeding on weed seeds. There could have been up to 200 there!

At the CA parking lot, I did not have to go far to see several birds. There were numerous Chickadees, nuthatches, Tree Sparrows, a couple of Tufted Titmouse, and at least two Yellow-rumped Warblers. These warblers always winter here! There is a heavy crop of Poison Ivy berries in the valley.

Moore is a good birding place in the winter as there are lots of birds, including woodpeckers like the flicker. I think I counted five flickers one day last winter. Today I had Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied right away.

I will probably have more postings on Sarnia birds throughout the winter.