Odds and Sods of December

 Recently I stopped by W. Darcy McKeough conservation area for a walk.  When I first started birding, it was my go-to place locally.  I had many good days there especially during spring migration.  There was a network of trails then, but most of those have deteriorated to a non-recognizable state now.

Before I started birding to any degree, I recall stopping by in the year 1983 when the dam and channel were being constructed.  Here are a couple of photos:

Spring 1983

Fall 1983

I have a fairly good bird list there, but nothing in mega category!  I once saw an Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler there in fall migration (never wrote it up though).

Long-eared Owls are quite regular in late fall and winter at McKeough.  They can be found in various spots, and last Sunday was no exception.

The old "Duthill" bridge is still there, and got a makeover in the last year.  It finally opened a couple of weeks ago.

After work yesterday, I stopped by Roberta Stewart Wetland west of Wallaceburg.  As the days are so short right now, I watched the sun set over Walpole Island.  There was not much bird activity.

A couple of Pied-billed Grebes were on the Snye, not unusal to see here well into winter.

Today, I headed down to Point Pelee for a change, perhaps the last time for a while.  It was a nice day in the weather department, ahead of the usual weekend weather.  Seems we are in a rut yet again with crappy weekend weather, but nice during the week!

I started at the Tip and worked my way northward.  I even went up on the observation tower for only the third time!

I found lots of birds around the famed serengetti tree, including some Common Redpolls.

The tree itself held a flock of Cedar Waxwings (no cinnamon butts!) and even a single Purple Finch.

The first two Hermit Thrushes of the day were here as well.

I found at least four more around the cemetery later.

As always, somw White-throated Sparrows were scattered around the park.

I even walked the marsh boardwalk, something I rarely do.  Among other ducks, a couple of Green-winged Teal were present.

The last major walk of the day was at St. Clair NWA.  I found the usual expected birds.  From the tower, I could see well over 200 Ring-necked Ducks.  A pretty good number for there.

Different my last visit not too long ago, I did find a Common Yellowthroat.  Not really unexpected though!  It remained well hidden.

On to tomorrow, as this depressing weather continues every weekend...