Certainly has been interesting lately! As everyone knows, we in the midst of a massive finch irruption. It has quickly become one of the better ones from what I remember. The finches are on a mission to "get out of Dodge" it seems.
For example, Evening Grosbeaks are being seen by the hundreds each day. One wonders where all these come from since they are a declining species! They are indeed on a mission as they quickly pass by. Very few linger, and if they do, it is for only a short time.
The weather has been rather gloomy lately, but Wednesday was sunny for a change. I could not stand being at work, so I left after lunch! I drove up to Ipperwash for a walk, but there were very few birds. My target was Red Crossbill, and luckily I did come across three of them. I have not had much experience with this species, but have seen or heard a few over the years. There are different types and even perhaps different species, but one has to look at the bills and listen to the calls. These may have been type 2, but I am not sure.
Friday I ventured down to Rondeau and started with a lakewatch as usual. The highlight there was an adult Little Gull.
Here is a link to the eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S75610190
After some time, we headed out of the park to Blenheim Lagoons. On Thursday, Steve found a couple of Cave Swallows, but on Friday there were only a couple of Tree Swallows. Hopefully more are to come!
On the day's agenda was to do a watch at Craford Cemetery west of Cedar Springs. As alluded to before, it is a good spot to see the Eastern sky and watch for raptors, and other birds following the lakeshore. We were not disappointed!
We arrived around 11:30 and Evening Grosbeaks were already on the move. They kept coming in bunches and only a handful of these attractive creatures hesitated to perch in trees.
We did not get any crossbills, but Purple Finches and Pine Siskins were also heading west. Our first Common Redpoll of the season was tallied too.
Here is the link to the eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S75610078
Today, I thought it was best to go to Rondeau again and spend some time on the trails. As usual, we started with a lakewatch. Not many highlights there, except we were amused by a kinglet coming in off the lake. It was obviously exhausted as it hit the water three times. It managed to get out of the water each time though, but it was flying weakly. It finally made it to land!
After a lakewatch, we checked out south point. There was no wind at all, so hearing was at its best. Highlights there included a somewhat late House Wren, Red-eyed Vireo and a meadowlark.
 |
| not a Black-Whiskered |
Lighting was horrible as it was cloudy all morning, despite the sun that was forecast. The meadowlark was in the poor light and not terribly close, so we never got a decent study of it. It could have been a Western for all we know!
Just before getting back to the parking lot, we heard the calls of Red Crossbills. Eleven of them alighted in a pine tree very briefly, but I could not get a proper photo. There are two in this photo, if you can spot them!
Common Redpolls were also flying over the trail at one point.
Warblers included several Yellow-rumped as usual, but also two Orange-crowned and a Common Yellowthroat.
Next stop was the campground and it was quite busy with birds. The campers are done for this year so we have free reign. It is one of the better spots to bird in the fall and early winter and is always a must on your birding locations list.
 |
| Bath Time! |
There were dozens of American Robins, juncos, and other sparrows. I heard the calls of Evening Grosbeaks at one point, but could not see them
Another small flock of Red Crossbills flew over near the north end, and Common Redpoll was heard.
At the south end, we encountered a White-winged Crossbill. I did not realize it at first as it was an odd call I never really heard before. However, there it was. Again, lighting was horrible (weekend weather!).
Best warbler was a Palm in the campground.
Today's list:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S75650900
I am hoping something of significance will be seen in the campground soon!
Of note today was a Hudsonian Godwit at McLean Conservation Lands. Been a good year for them in Southern Ontario!
Rain tommorrow no doubt, but then it is the weekend.
 |
| Carolina Wren at my feeder today |
No comments:
Post a Comment