Mocker and Other Recent Sightings

 I spent some time birding in the Rondeau area the last three days.  Things are slowly picking up and today was quite nice.

It has been slow for birds lately, but every year is different.  Perhaps this year is more like we used to have when birds did not arrive so soon.  It is always interesting though to see what shows up.

Thursday morning was crisp and clear and I stopped by Erieau first thing.  Highlight was a Northern Mockingbird at McGeachy Pond.  A "mocker" as Maris Apse used to say!  We have often seen them in this area over the years, but are not as regular as they used to be.

The "rail trail" has some nice mud and it will be a place to check regularly in the next month for shorebirds in particular.  With last year's high water levels, the vegetation suprressed or was flattened out, so we have quite a bit of open space now.

Along the trail, we saw the first goslings of the year.

My next stop was Keith McLean Conservation Lands.  We will not have the nice mudflat this year in the field, but there is some edge at the back pond.  A few yellowlegs of each type were present during my visit.

Looks like a pair of Osprey is attempting to nest on the platform this year.  That platform went unused for so many years!

Friday I went down to Rondeau and did too much walking!  It was still rather quiet for birds.

Hermit Thrush

Some butterflies were out including the expected azures and commas.

Before going home, I walked through Sinclair's Bush.  Almost devoid of birds!  We had many good times there in the "old days" as I seem to recall.  This spot was saved more for the plants and wildflowers back in the late 1980's.

Bloodroot

Today I went back to Rondeau as things looked promising.  It was a much better day with some new migrants, especially Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Pine Warblers and Chipping Sparrows.

Warbler in the Pine

Some Chipping Sparrows were in the treetops where they found bugs.  If you look closely, you can see them!

Many more Yellow-rumped Warblers were in as well.

I got my first House Wrens of the year this morning.  Soon these noisy creatures will be all over!

The famous White-winged Dove has not shown up this year.  We will have to look for another one someplace else.  It either died or finally gave up.  Still a chance for it though!

This afternoon I stopped by Peers Wetland.  New for the year was a Black-crowned Night-Heron and a Green Heron.  They were in the south end were there is some good mud.  This spot I will have to check often for shorebirds and good herons!  Unfortunately, today's heron did not have a yellow crown.