Seventy Sandhills

A nice day today, so with the little light left after work, I toured around looking for "S" birds (Sandhill Cranes, Snowy Owls, Short-eared Owls).  Well, I could not find the Snowy Owl I found a week ago, but it is still there somewhere.  Dave Skinner Photographed it yesterday: Dave's blog

Short-eared Owls were certainly a long-shot and I had no luck.  With loss of habitat, they are declining, and this area is no exception.  I would likely have to drive considerable distance to find some, or just get lucky as I did a year ago seeing one hunting roadside as I drove home.

Just before it got dark, I checked for Sandhill Cranes, and was happy to find the congregation of 70 or so on Stewart Line.  I thought they had left, as I had not seen them since Saturday.  I think this is the latest I have seen them around Wallaceburg and certainly an impressive number.


With the days so short, it is frustrating, going to work in the dark, and coming home as it gets dark!  Each morning I stop at Port Lambton dock to check the river.  Little to see at that early hour, but some ducks and geese are around.  Yesterday something was flying around and set down on the water in front of me.  I could only speculate that it may have been a Red-necked Grebe.  The profile fit anyway!  Oh well, it is nice to dream.

Winter listing continues and birds are being added to the Ontario winter list:  Ontario Winter List

Josh Vandermeulen is doing a good job of keeping track.