Missed by a Hare

Today was rather nice--absolutely no wind, mild and full sun. I checked out the St. Clair River first thing. I have not been out there much this winter due to the weather, or lack of time. The river had opened up as a result of the mild weather on Saturday. Waterfowl was spread out all along the river. I only went as far as Courtright.

I noted a large number of Mute Swans today. They seemed to be all over, and certainly not a good sign as they are increasing exponentially. This non-native species is aggressive towards native waterfowl, displaces native waterfowl, and consumes a large amount of food otherwise available for other waterfowl.

Twenty Tundra Swans were on the ice at Fawn Island.

Three White-winged Scoters were noteworthy just north of the Sombra dock. As well, at least 15 Ring-necked Ducks were there. That is the highest number of that species I had seen this winter so far.

Long-tailed Ducks were all along the river. Obviously they have found a new wintering spot.

A large number of Common Goldeneye were at the north edge of Courtright. I did not scope them out, but perhaps there was a Barrow's amongst them. We almost never have a Barrow's Goldeneye here.

I did not see any Gadwall even though there was a report of one last Sunday in the usual area off Terra Industries. In fact I have not seen a Gadwall on the river yet this winter.

A Bald Eagle was on the ice near Cathcart Park. A report from last Sunday indicated that there were a total of five on the river!

I headed inland later. There is not much in the way of birds in the countryside this winter. Practically no hawks are around, and very few if any owls. I have not seen the Snowy Owl since last Monday despite searching. A few Harriers are around though. I took a photo of one taking off along Pretty Road south of Holt Line.

male Northern Harrier

It was here that I drove by something alongside the road. I though it was a chunk of debris so I almost missed it, but I backed up and it turned out to be a European Hare huddled up. It must have seen me coming and huddled up in a defensive posture. After I snapped a photo, it bounded away down the road and across the field.

Hare today, Gone tomorrow!

My next stop was to walk into Reid Conservation Area. I had not been there all winter due to the weather. It is a beautiful place to walk at any time. Not much in the way of birds, but I did pish down a passing Common Redpoll. It sat at the top of a tree for a few seconds, then took off again.

I checked out the Wood Duck boxes that we erected way back in the winter of 2003. They had been cleaned out the previous day by some friends of mine. They are located in an ancient oxbow that has lots of buttonbush.

I left there, and a little ways south I spotted a group of Wild Turkeys in the distance.

With the mild weather this week, some spring migrants (maily waterfowl) will show.