Sparrows and Spouts (and a gull)

Got out early this morning for a lot of walking at Rondeau.  It was enjoyable though as there were lots of birds all over.  I just like to get out rather spend too much time like some on computers and iphones, etc. talking about what the next rare bird(s) will be (!) and submitting lists to eBird.

Skies were threatening over the lake first thing.  Very dark clouds with thunder and lightning.  At least it stayed out on the lake.  Water spouts formed.  One was quite large.

Another smaller one was in the other direction.

Sparrows and kinglets were birds of the day. Not a lot of warblers, but maybe ten species, and of course lots of Yellow-rumped. I finally saw a Northern Parula for the fall!  Where have they been?
Only two vireos, one White-eyed on South Point, and a Philadelphia on Marsh trail.

Early on, I heard, and spotted a flock of about two dozen Red Crossbills whizzing by near the light beacon.  A rare species for Rondeau!
I walked out south beach again.  Lots of Swamp Sparrows.  About 15  Black-crowned Night-Herons got out of the rice patch today.  (one adult only).

Lots of Greater Yellowlegs were out and about.  Pipits and siskins were flying over in good numbers.  One Peregrine out the beach.
While out there, Jim Burk called to say he was looking at a Franklin's Gull along Marsh Trail.  Seems to be a few around southern Ontario this fall.  This was an adult.  It took me 1.5h before I got there, but it was still there!

Hopefully a Kelp Gull will be next!!

I walked more than half way out the marsh trail as there were lots of birds.  At the half way point there were a couple of Indigo Buntings, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo and many sparrows.  Tough to get a clear photo of some of these birds.



One sparrow seemed odd.  It had a distinctly greenish face somewhat like what you see on a Henslow's.  It was quite distinct, but I guess is was just a Swamp.

A couple of Sandhill Cranes were out today as well.  Could not seem to get the camera on them!
Several Great Egrets and Great Blues too.