Sunday Lakewatch

Lake Huron and the Sarnia Lakewatch was my destination early Sunday morning.  There was a moderate NW wind blowing, but not the greatest for a lakewatch at that location.  It died quickly.  However, I had to try since we do not seem to get good winds (let alone good weather) on weekends.

I met up with Sean Jenniskens before first light.  We were soon joined by Darrell Parsons and Scott Connop, two longtime Sarnia birders. It was actually fun talking about old times and birders from the past such as Dennis Rupert who was a fixture at this location.
Back in 2013, I wrote an article in OFO News about the Sarnia Lakewatch and referred to Dennis quite a bit.
Blog Post--Sarnia Lakewatch

There was enough activity to keep us interested, including several loons (two species), some grebes (inc. Red-necked) and many ducks.  Highlight was a young Little Gull, the first I had seen this calendar year.
Another highlight was the flyover of a Common Redpoll, first for the season.

All three species of scoter were seen.

Black Scoters riding the waves

Some early Tundra Swans flew over as well.

Here is our list:
https://ebird.org/view/checklist?subID=S49348530

After almost five hours, things died down quite a bit, and I moved east to Perch Creek Habitat.

At Perch Creek, I had another Common Redpoll fly over.  No doubt this was a sign of things to come in the way of finches this fall and winter.

Orange-crowned Warbler

On the way home, I stopped by Reid CA where the Sydenham Field Naturalists had a fall walk.  It was led by Larry Cornelis, and I assisted by talking about the butterflies that can be seen at this location.  I have had at least 54 species on the property, which is rather impressive.

We looked at trees and plants, or whatever was along the way.

Heart-leaved Aster

There is much Blue Ash here, which was somewhat resilient to the Emerald Ash Borer.  Several trees have survived so far, including some larger ones.

Blue Ash

Blue Ash is found all along the river corridor, but not far from the riverbanks.