More Dickcissels and Port Lambton Wildlife

Making my early morning rounds today, I once again checked out a weedy field at the south end of Port Lambton.  Last week I thought this would be a good spot for a Dickcissel to show up, and given the invasion  at present, it was a field to monitor.  Sure enough as I drove up to it I heard the familiar song of a male Dickcissel.  I soon spotted it singing atop a tall thistle plant.  Listening carefully, I heard another bird quite some distance away at the back of the field.  No camera this morning!

There is certainly an influx this year, more-so than in recent years.  Back in the late spring of 2000 there was a big invasion of Dickcissels--the first time I had seen them.  Many were found around Blenheim (at least seven sites I think).  I was bound and determined to find some up Wallaceburg way an sure enough on July 17 of that year I found some!  Two sites.  It was also a year of Sedge Wrens when I found some along the same road.  Those sites are long gone of course, now hosting a monoculture of cash crops.

So, check a weedy field of good size near you and a Dickcissel or two may be singing atop a tall weed or shrub! (most sites have shrubs)

I checked on the Port Lambton site after supper today, but the field was quiet.  Virtually next door, I stopped at a favourite spot, Brander Park, and walked around the pond looking at odes.  Here are a few photos....

Eastern Pondhawk (female)

Common Whitetail (imm. male)

Blue Dasher (male)

Eastern Amberwing

Eastern Pondhawk (male)

Orange Bluet (male)

Eastern Forktail

Orange Bluets!