I started walking on south point trail as usual and walked to the washout and back. Warblers included a group of ten Yellow-rumped. Nearby, a Nashville Warbler was working the dogwoods, but I was unable to get a photo of this bright yellow bird.
A few Golden-crowned Kinglets were around as well as at least one Ruby-crowned.
Pine Siskins were flying overhead as always and a couple of Purple Finches were making rounds.
Several Fox Sparrows are still in the park as well.
The lake was rather quiet today. A few ducks included a flyby of a lone Long-tailed. Did not see a single loon today, so they have thinned out since last weekend.
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| Sign of the Times |
Arriving back at the parking lots, a large flock of Juncos, etc. were there. Field Sparrow was among them and of course American Tree. Managed a full-framer!
Chipping Sparrows were around today too.
Next walk was the campground where I met Steve Charbonneau. Two Turkey Vultures were circling the whole time.
Nothing much of note there, but there were many Brown Creepers today. A few Eastern Bluebirds flew overhead, and a couple of American Robins represented the thrush department.
I walked Black Oak trail for a change and came across the elusive Pileated Woodpecker. It was not co-operative for a photo! Might as well get a look now, as it will not be seen December 14, LOL!
Viewing conditions were good for ducks behind Rondeau Joe's. A good variety of ducks could be seen including lots of wigeon. I specifically looked for the Eurasian.....and found one! It was not far off, mixing with its counterpart ducks. Could be some American Wigeon genes in this one though as am seeing a bit of green on the face.
I should have spent more time there, but there was a bitter wind coming in off the Bay.
After my usual sub sandwich in Blenheim, I headed over to the lagoons. The only shorebirds were Dunlin as far as I could find. Close to 50. Sparrows were along the edges of the ponds including a Savannah (usual for there), Song, American Tree and a Swamp Sparrow.
Garry Sadler already had checked out the sprinkler cells where a few Dunlin were present. Two cells had too much water, the other two were frozen!
Down at Erieau, the marina and harbour hosted lots of Horned Grebes. I counted around 70. Alas, no Eared!
I saw about 6 Double-crested Cormorants in various spots. No shorebirds, but the Spotted was seen again Thursday.
Along the R/R trail, several Swamp Sparrows, White-throated and this curious Winter Wren.
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| Wren of the Winter |
A last-second decision put me driving down Lagoon Road. I found a Snowy Owl out along the edge of a field, but it was much too far for a photo. A minute previous, a Peregrine Falcon flew over.
I checked Ridgetown as well, finding many Canada Geese. A couple of Cackling were there, but I did not look too hard. No other goose species anyway.
Before getting home, I drove 'around the block' and found a Snowy Owl along Langstaff Line. However, it was markedly different than yesterday's bird! This one was heavily-barred unlike the whiter one I saw late yesterday. Once again, too far away to photograph.
So, there you have it!
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