The Tundra Swans moved through in big numbers this week.
Lots stopped by along Langstaff Line NW of Wallaceburg each day. This seems to be an annual event here in recent years. More used to stop south of town, but perhaps the wind turbines have had an effect.
With the weather continuing rather cold, much ice remains in still ponds and newly-arriving waterfowl compete for space. Many fields are flooded. A good variety of ducks was seen in the fields at McLean CA. Highlight was a male Eurasian Wigeon first reported by Hemmo Luimes on Friday. I saw it at first light on Saturday morning, but as usual, the camera settings were off.
A huge number of Wood Ducks was there as well.
Lots of gulls were off the east side of Rondeau on Saturday, but nothing of note was spotted.
I walked south point trail and the campground. Nothing of note though.
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| House Finch |
After checking out Rondeau, I continued west and ended up at Hillman Marsh. Going through Shrewsbury, I encountered the wintering Red-shouldered Hawk. Unfortunately, I was looking through the windshield, and took the world's worst photo.
Each winter, a Red-shouldered Hawk takes up residence in this village.
There was not as much at Hillman as I had hoped. This time of year we are on the lookout for a Eurasian Green-winged Teal. One was there a year ago in the shorebird cell. Only a handful of Green-winged Teal was present on Saturday.
We will have warmer weather for the fore-seeable future, so there will be lots of stuff coming in.
Today, Sunday, I wanted to go for a long walk. Marsh trail at Rondeau Park is a good bet this time of year. I met up with Steve and we walked the entire (7 km one way) to the end! It was good way to burn off some winter fat.
If the Great Kiskadee returns, it will have a change in scenery. Just around the bend not far along the trail, we were confronted with this....
Much of the shoreline was plouged up with the force of wind and ice over the winter. It is amazing how powerfull natural processes can be!
There will be considerable re-building of marsh trail this year!
Things were rather frozen with the cold weather overnight. Ducks were here and there, but nothing unusual was seen.
We saw two pairs of Sandhill Cranes (some distance apart) plus another calling way back. Likely these will take up nesting here.
At the very end, we were greeted by a Coyote.
On the way back we encountered an Eastern Meadowlark (expected out there at this time). It was one of my target birds for today.
We also pushed along a female Eastern Towhee. They obviously came in overnight as Steve had three others along Lakeshore Road earlier. As well, we heard another male calling.
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| Eastern Meadowlark |
Lot of ducks were out on the Bay in the open patches, but nothing of note was seen.
Song Sparrows were very numerous, accompanied by only a few American Tree Sparrows.
I went home via Ridgetown, where lots of geese were in. Seven Greater White-fronted Geese were amongst the many Canada Geese.
There were lots of ducks, but as usual, lighting was too harsh at the south pond.
By next weekend, we should be able to tick off more spring birds!
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