A Cold Saturday

American Tree Sparrow at Moore

I had nothing particular in mind for birding today, but there was supposed to be a moderate NW wind. With that in mind, I headed to Point Edward and like many times in the past, that forecast was wrong. There was only a light west wind! It was very cold though.

Experience has shown that if there is not a strong northerly wind, you will not see much at Point Edward. Even on a good wind we have seen nothing of significance. It is a crap shoot and patience is required.

Among the gulls, was a second basic Glaucous Gull which was very white. There was a large number of Long-tailed Ducks, but not many other species. However, there was a sizable raft of ducks on the Michigan side farther north that were likely Redhead.

At one point I saw a flock of Snow Buntings with two Lapland Longspur amongst them.

I soon headed to east of Sarnia and noticed the increasing snow accumulation. The Kettle Point/Arkona area received almost four feet the last few days! Glad I do not live there.

I briefly went for a walk at Perch Creek CA and saw the first few Common Redpolls of the season.

My next stop was Moore WMA. I only walked to the river bank as the water was running high. A number of birds were around including Tree and Song Sparrows, Tufted Titmouse, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Purple Finches, other common birds, and woodpeckers including a Pileated. I only heard the Pileated and it was the first time I came across one at this location. Yellow-rumped Warblers winter in this valley every year with many other birds. It is protected and has lots of food for them.

American Goldfinch

When I arrived home, a Sharp-shinned Hawk was in the yard. I also had a Red-tailed Hawk cruising around overhead.

At home later in the day, I noticed an immature Bald Eagle flyingover! That is only the second Bald Eagle I have seen in Wallaceburg.

sharpie (below)