Lacklustre Lakewatches and a Visit by Frank

 Weather was unseasonably warm this week, and birding was on the slow side.  We need some real November weather to stir things up!

Friday and Saturday I spent at or near Rondeau, starting with a lakewatch each day.  The winds were decent, but once again, nothing spectacular showed up.  The woods were very quiet!

On Friday, I checked some other spots, including Blenheim lagoons.  Lately, Franklin's Gull was heavily on my mind, so I ended up finding one!  As soon as I walked into the lagoon complex, I saw hundreds of Bonaparte's Gulls.  Had to be something with them....

One gull stood out.  I hummed and hawed for a bit, but soon decided it was a first year Franklin's Gull!

I watched it for a while, and contacted Steve.  After his arrival, we could not find it at all.  I had to leave for other matters, but just before getting home, Steve texted that the gull had returned.  It comes and goes, but "Frank" was still around for a bit today as well.

Nearby, the long-staying Spotted Sandpiper was still present.  Must be something wrong with it!  Also, two Lesser Yellowlegs have been lingering.

Saturday's lakewatch had more Bonaparte's Gulls, finally, and lots of ducks.  One gull stood out.

It was likely from the far north, where for whatever reason, these Herring Gulls are very dark.  A eye-catching bird!

Sunday, a change in scenery was in order.  I was not sure what to do, but ended up at Point Pelee.  Winds were not as strong as forecast (nothing new), but I did a Tip watch anyway.  Not much happening again. I am about to give up on lakewatches!

Herbert C. Jackson

Some things were flying off the Tip, including a young Red-headed Woodpecker.

I did not have the camera ready enough when it flew over.

Quite a few Black-capped Chickadees were seen.  As alluded to before, there is a movement of them this fall.

Last stop was at Sanctuary Pond lookout. It was the most interesting place with things flying over, and shorebirds on the mudflats.

It is Cave Swallow season, but I did see five Tree Swallows at least.

Shorebirds included American Golden Plover, Black-bellied Plover, Wilson's Snipe, Pectoral Sandpipers, White-rumped Sandpiper, and of course Killdeer.

Before getting home, I stopped by Mitchell's Bay south shore nature trail just for fun.  It was exactly a year ago I found the Sage Thrasher here!  Like most places this weekend, it was extremely quiet for birds.  No birthday bird this year!

Some butterflies were out in the balmy weather.  I found this Fiery Skipper at Rondeau this weekend.

Red Admiral at Mitchell's Bay