Saturday I headed up to Sarnia. Most of the week the weather forecast was looking somewhat promising for a lakewatch, however it completely changed each day, as usual. It still looked decent Friday night, but once I arrived on Saturday, I knew we were misled yet again. Although the wind picked up considerably later in the afternoon, it was useless for a lakewatch in the morning.
After some time at the lookout, I left and headed over to Perch Creek Habitat. It turned out to be a good choice as there were oodles of birds! The first wave was just up from the parking lot so I stood there for some time.
Philadelphia Vireo |
Lots of warblers were streaming by, most of which I was not able to ID. However, I did see lots of birds. I ended up with at least 17 species of warblers.
I spent well over an hour at the place, just staying on the main trail. Lots of Philadelphia Vireos were present and I saw the first Blue-headed of the fall.
There was a good variety of warblers, and some less common ones as well. Connecticut, Hooded and Blue-winged topped the list. It seemed almost impossible to get any photos as the birds were very active.
I was home by noon, so after lunch I just headed down to Blenheim Lagoons, then Erieau. Nothing new was at the lagoons and Willie the Willet was still present. A Willet is an attractive bird in flight!
Down at Erieau I checked out the marsh trail and the west end of McGeachy Pond dyke. There was a fair number of birds including the first Palm Warblers of the fall migration. Swainson's Thrushes were in large numbers at each location. I finally saw several Northern Parulas this weekend.
Today, Sunday, I headed down to Rondeau and met up with the Burk's. Lots of birds, especially warblers were present again. But, only a few mosquitoes....what a relief for a change!
However, the warblers were again very active, but many were keeping a low profile due to several Merlins in the area as well as sharpies.
The only shorebirds I found was a Sanderling duo having a conversation on the beach.
The lake was fairly active, but again things were too far out. Jim and I did see two Little Gulls (an adult and an immature). Keith had two adults off Dog Beach.
We ended with perhaps 18 species of warblers and 4 species of vireos (one Yellow-throated).
At Blenheim Lagoons, it took a while for me to find Willie today.
I saw some different birds than yesterday including a Stilt Sandpiper and a Short-billed Dowitcher.
Lots of Pectoral Sandpipers were there today (over 50), but no Sharp-tailed.
I spent quite a bit of time at the lagoons, but nothing new was revealed.
I looked at lots of dragonflies this weekend, mostly mosaic darners of course. I found this pair at Perch Creek. Likely Shadow Darners.
Lots of Monarch are around now of course.
Not to be confused with Viceroy.
Looks like Willie gave you a similar flyby view to what he gave me a few days ago. And FYI, I had two Palms on Sept 10....I know, I know, I have an advantage of time available :-).
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