Marsh Visit

I needed some fresh air, so I went out to St. Clair NWA late this afternoon.  There was not much to see in the way of birds, but that is the way it is.  It is a far cry from what I recall 20+ years ago when the marsh was more open.  Coots, gallinules, Yellow-headed Blackbirds were always plentiful back then.  Terns were always flying around, and more ducks (eg. Ruddy) were seen this time of year.

That is not to say it is a bad thing, but with less open water, there is less attraction for certain birds. The few marshes and wetlands we have left in Chatham-Kent are still very important.

Yesterday a Plegadis ibis was spotted out there, so you never know what may be lurking around. Once again it is a case of being in the right place at the right time.
Today, I saw several Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets and one Green Heron.

Great Egrets seem more plentiful than they used to be as they are found in many ditches.  The water is drawn down in the Dover ditches for some maintenance, so it has attracted many heron types.  Probably an ibis too! Worth checking.

Some common dragonflies were seen today including many Dot-tailed Whiteface.

female

Water Lily Borer moth

Large Lace Borer moth

From the viewing tower, I noticed a White-tailed Deer with two fawns in the marsh.

Yesterday we woke up to some fog, but the skies were clear.  Just like clockwork, the sun came out Monday (and today) after the weekend.

Marshy Creek  beside Port Lambton lagoons

It has been so humid, things are just not drying out. The shop is just soggy at work...try and do some varnishing!