Sparrow Spotting, Rail (Trail) Ramble, Colgate Anniversary

 I had a fairly decent day today looking for birds.  Nothing rare, but there was enough activity to keep me interested.  After a walk at Peers Wetland at first light, I headed down to Keith McLean C. L.  

Sparrows were numerous, and I came across three Nelson's Sparrows.  Included was the "leucistic" individual!  It had moved from its previous location, and was quite close.  You can note all the white feathers.

This bird certainly caused quite a stir.  Even some seasoned birders had trouble with it, until closer looks were obtained.  It was a learning experience for all!

I saw two normal Nelson's in the area as well.

Among the Swamp and Song Sparrows, White-throated and White-crowned, were lots of Savannah Sparrows.  I even caught sight of a Vesper Sparrow.

For shorebirds, there were several Dunlin and at least eleven Semipalmated Sandpipers among many Killdeer.  Too distant for photos though.

Near one of the ponds, there was a pair of Gray Catbirds, a Swainson's Thrush and an Eastern Phoebe.

I then moved on to Erieau to check out the "rail" trail.  A sane individual would have turned back since the midges were so thick.  It was the worst outbreak I had ever seen!  I pushed through though.

Of note for warblers was a Northern Parula.

Also saw an Orange-crowned Warbler.  

I walked most of the trail as there were lots of ducks at the far end.  Several hundred American Coots were there, a couple hundred American Wigeon, and other ducks.  I did not see anything like a Eurasian Wigeon!  Perhaps one it out there somewhere.

I checked Blenheim lagoons, but did not cover the whole place.  Nothing of note.  Some Tree Swallows are still around.

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In the history department, it was on this date in 1916 that the James B. Colgate sank off Long Point.  The following is something I wrote a year ago.......

On October 20, 1916 a fierce wind blew across Lake Erie. It claimed at least three ships, one being the "whaleback" freighter James B. Colgate (built in 1892).  This event became known as the Black Friday Storm.

The gale-force winds were too much for the steamer, as water leaked through hatches, eventually causing the ship to founder off Long Point.  Only the captain survived, being found almost two days later in a raft.

What caught my interest, is that I have a few photos of the Colgate in my collection.  I do not know where they came from or who took them, but obviously they were taken at some point before this event.