The Waning Winter

I was out and about the last few days as the end of february draws near.  Even though it has not been a harsh winter, I have had enough!
Signs of spring were here this weekend as expected spring migrants arrived.  I did not see much on Friday and Saturday despite a lot of travelling in the area!  Quite disappointing actually.
A brisk SW wind blew in on Sunday bringing lots of Red-winged Blackbirds, right on schedule.  More puddle ducks have arrived, and the odd Killdeer has been reported, although I have not yet seen one.

Friday I went up to north Lambton and started at Ausable River Cut CA.  I think it is a neat place.  Nothing new, but a wintering Hermit Thrush revealed its presence.  A large number of geese was in the distance.  Perhaps one of the Greater White-fronted was among them!  Too distant though.

I next moved over to Pinery Provincial Park.  It was much quieter for birds than on my previous visit a couple of weeks ago.  Trails were treacherous with ice, so I did not do much walking.  Winter decided to finally arrive this week so it was cold.
There was one small open spot on the river where three mergansers took advantage.

The only highlight was the wintering Eastern Towhee at the visitor centre.

After Pinery, I decided to go down to Rock Glen CA at Arkona.  It was a nice walk, but very quiet for birds, as it has been all winter.

Rock Glen Falls

Old Dam Site at Rock Glen

Ravens have been reported in north Lambton recently, but strangely (oh, maybe not with my usual luck), I did not come across any.  A pair was reported on Sylvan Road last weekend, but several people have looked to no avail.  I can only guess they moved on!

Ausable River Valley

I did quite a bit more driving around inland but found virtually nothing.  A boring waste of gas!

Saturday I checked the St. Clair River to Sarnia, then walked a bit in Perch Creek WMA.  There was nothing new and certainly fewer birds to look at than in previous weeks.  Just nothing to report!

Sunday I went to Rondeau.  Nothing new again except Red-winged Blackbirds all around.

I found the Chipping Sparrows in the campground, as well as one Yellow-rumped Warbler.  First one I have seen there since December!

Some of the wintering birds were seen, including White-throated Sparrows.

This time of year is a good one to check Ridgetown Lagoons for waterfowl.  Today, thousands of Tundra Swans were milling about.

I though maybe a Bewick's would be present, but I did not find one!  Too many to look through.

The four Snow Geese, present for several weeks, were in the back almost out of sight. The juvenile is showing more white now! Also, a Greater White-fronted Goose was with them trying to hide.  Try and find its head in this photo:

Several Cackling Geese were in the mix.  Perhaps fifteen or more were there.  Some other geese were slightly larger, but probably not cacklers.  For whatever reason, Ridgetown is good for cacklers.

The only ducks visible were three Mallards, a pair of Redheads, and a single Gadwall.  I did not check the south cell though, but it may have been frozen.

Things will be on the move in the coming days and weeks, so stay tuned!