As the Phalarope Spins

Ducks at Blenheim Lagoons

By late morning, the weather turned out to be half decent. Certainly better than the forecast, but as usual, not as good as a weekday.

Where are the birds? Not many to look at today. I did a lot of walking at Rondeau and saw little. Song Sparrows were plentiful around the campground at least.
Rondeau Bay has lots of ducks, but not as many as there should be. The swans must be flying right over as well.

Highlight for today was at Blenheim Lagoons.


A Wilson's Phalarope was reported late Friday at the lagoons. It was difficult to believe, as it is a month early at least for them.
However, I arrived at the lagoons with Keith and Jim Burk and a Wilson's Phalarope was in pond 3.

It was reported by someone we do not know, so there was some hesitation in the validity of this sighting, especially at this very early date. It goes to show that you need to check these things out!

The previous early date for there is April 20, 1988 (Steve R. Charbonneau). As far as I know, the earliest provincial date is April 4, 1980 at Kingston, according to Alan Wormington.

Lots of Turkey Vultures were flying today, but of course none of the southern cousins was amongst them. Black Vultures are becoming more common in Ontario, but it still remains an elusive bird for me. I have only seen one!

Still no sign of an Eastern Phoebe. Several should have arrived during the week on the warm front. A couple have been reported elsewhere.

Tree Swallows should be here as well.

I have not seen a Sandhill Crane either, but of course others have.

The following photos are from the Long Point area, taken by my mother's cousin, Cathy Braithwaite.

Sandhill Cranes at Long Point