The trip there was quite foggy in spots and certainly had me agitated as at one point I could hardly see anything! I arrived after about an hour and half drive, but unfortunately it was gloomy there and almost threatening rain. Felt like it was a weekend.
However, there were lots of birds to see or hear. Most notable was a Prothonotary Warbler in the wetland.
I spent about an hour at the place, but certainly is worth spending more time someday. On the walk out, I heard the Cerulean Warbler singing that had been reported in previous days.
There were several other warblers including Mourning and Blue-winged. Yellow-throated Vireo was singing here as well.
In recent weeks, a Yellow-throated Warbler was singing here, but unfortunately it must have left about a week ago. It was thought to be on territory, but perhaps it gave up after a female never showed up!
Yarmouth NHA is along the scenic Catfish Creek.
More info here: https://www.catfishcreek.ca/conservation-areas/yarmouth-natural-heritage-area/
Coming from the west, one must pass through the historic village of Sparta. This village I had visited several times in the distant past. Back when I was in high school, I researched the Mann family genealogy, and Sparta played a key role. In the 1830's when the Mann family emigrated to Canada from England, some settled at Sparta while others settled at Strathroy (Napperton), and some eventually went over to Michigan.
While doing the research, I checked out the Sparta cemetery and found several Mann's buried there. One was Noah, a brother to my Great Great Grandfather.
There are many historic buildings in Sparta, including the "Forge and Anvil" which, incredibly, was built about 1827. It still stands today, with thick walls made of clay bound with straw and pea pods!
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| photos from the past |
On the way back, I stopped by Port Stanley as well as the lagoons. The lagoon site was virtually devoid of shorebirds except for a White-rumped Sandpiper and two Killdeer (if one can believe).
Stopped at various places on the way back but did not see anything of note.
I also went to Rondeau for a bit of a walk. Note, gate fees apply now. The lake was still foggy though. Looked for anything with wings.
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| Eastern Tailed-Blue |
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| Twelve-spotted Skimmer (f) |
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| Common Whitetail (f) |
Today, Sunday, I did way too much driving in search of birds. Not much out there! I went as far as northwest of Leamington to view a Eurasian Collared-Dove that has been hanging around for months.
I saw it right away, so that was nice.
These doves are showing up in more places anymore. One was reported to me as seen in Chatham on June 1.
Dickcissels are now showing up but I did not find any on my own. None at Camper's Cove Road yet as far as I could tell. I had to rely on reported birds near Pardoville west of Cedar Springs to see some today!
Stopped by Blenheim Lagoons as well, but nothing of note. Only one migrant shorebird was in the cells--a White-rumped Sandpiper.
Mind-boggling as it may seem, fall migration is just around the corner! Where did spring go?
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