Crisp and Clear Day

Ice off Point Pelee Tip

I woke up this morning to clear skies. It was quite cold though. I looked out my window and the birds were already moving at 07:00. About 07:15 I noticed two birds alight a maple tree over in Steinhoff Park. I trained my binoculars on them and they turned out to be male White-winged Crossbills! Those were the first here in a few weeks.

I had plans to check out Point Pelee, so off I went. I arrived at the Tip parking lot about 09:10. I caught sight of a flock of Cedar Waxwings feeding along the road. I tried to approach them, but they were wary and suddenly took off with a whoosh!. There were about 30, and I did scan them for Bohemian, but no luck for that species.

Cedar Waxwings

I checked the famous area for the Spotted Towhee, but only saw two Song Sparrows (new spring migrants) and two Tree Sparrows. I then headed to the Tip and looked at some ducks and gulls among the piles of ice. Interestingly, that wayward channel marker is still anchored off the Tip!

The Tip (pointing east)

Returning from there, I noted some Tree Sparrows, Golden-crowned Kinglets and a Carolina Wren in the underbrush.

At the towhee spot, other birders were there who turned out to be Glenn Coady, George and Mark Peck and Tyler Hoar. I spent the next couple of hours with them. The Spotted Towhee finally showed for some good views, but it sure moved around a lot.

Earlier I noted a couple of redpolls flying over.

Next stop was the visitor centre and a visit with Sarah Rupert. Turns out they were cleaning out the library there, and there were hundreds of books and journals. A real bargain for the book collector! They were only asking $1.00 donation for each book! We all left with something in hand.

Next stop was De Laurier where upon arrival we noted hundreds of American Robins flying south as well as 30-40 Eastern Bluebirds. There was even a Hermit Thrush or two amongst them.

We then parted, but I headed down to Chinquapin Oak Trail and the cemetery area and noted more robins, kinglets as well as a creeper and a Yellow-rumped Warbler. I also came across a flock of about 40 Purple Finches. I heard a flicker in the distance, but did not see it.

I headed home and passed through Wheatley. There were quite a few gulls in the harbour, but I did not note any Mew Gull or anything of that nature!

Gulls on the harbour ice