The Long Walk

Erieau Lighthouse from Rondeau Park's Marsh Trail

As it was the end of March, I walked out Rondeau's Marsh Trail like I usually do at this time. I did the entire length! It was more for fresh air and exercise, as there were not many birds to see. Things are slow to come in this year I think (except phalaropes).
Song Sparrows were numerous, but others were not or absent. I did see two or three Fox Sparrows and a couple of Juncos and a few Tree Sparrows, but no Swamp Sparrows. Usually there are a few Swamps by now.
Sometimes there are meadowlarks, but none today.

Oh Deer!

I did hear a couple of Sandhill Cranes early on, then later I saw one flying southward. They have nested in the marsh the last few years.
Lots of ducks were on the Bay, a few gulls on the sandbar. One needed a scope, but who wants to lug that for 14 km? Been there/done that. At least four species of gulls were present.
Lots of Black Ducks, among other species, were near the end.

Black Ducks

There were dozens of Green-winged Teal at the very end of the trail. Lighting was no good to look for the Eurasian type to make things interesting.

Green-winged Teal

Animals included Cottontail Rabbits, Mink, Deer, and Chipmunks.

The Very End of Marsh Trail!

I only encountered two Golden-crowned Kinglets out the trail, and a couple of more later in the park. They are just starting to show up.

A few Tree Sparrows are around--there sure were not many this winter.

I heard a Field Sparrow singing in the campground.

Tree Sparrow

I still have not seen a butterfly yet this year! It always get too cold or rainy on weekends, so maybe next weekend. Weather forecast looks good for Easter Weekend, but that will change at least ten times (and still be wrong!).

No Eastern Phoebes yet. This is probably the latest I have gone without seeing one. Things sure are late or absent this spring!

I stopped at Blenheim Lagoons and found the Wilson's Phalarope. It took a while to find it, but it was there. It hides well.

One wonders the story behind this bird. Where did it come from so early? It could well stay for a long time as long as it gets food.

Wilson's Phalarope