Little Gull to Splitgill, and a "Block" in Between

 This past Thursday, I visited Erieau, Keith McLean C. L. and Blenheim lagoons.  Rondeau Bay is chocked full of ducks as it usually is this time of year.  I scoped some from the platform at the Erieau marsh trail.   I suspected that there would be a Eurasian Wigeon out there, but I could not find one from that vantage point.  (The next day, Steve found one while viewing from the fire hall!).

I next slid over to Keith McLean C. L.  There were fewer Dunlin than the previous visit, and a lot less other birds as well.  Nothing of note (I tried!).

Over at Blenheim lagoons, Bonaparte's Gulls were quite numerous.  Finally, something different was with them in the form of a Little Gull.  It was never close, so did not co-operate for a good photo.

On the pond, it was difficult to pick out. 

While there, a dark bird caught my attention.  Initial thought from a distance was European Starling, but a closer look (plus the call note) revealed it to be an American Pipit.  It was certainly a sooty-looking bird, something I have never seen before, at least with that species of bird.  I did not attempt to get a decent photo!

I guess something weird happened with that bird, and perhaps it was melanistic.

The afternoon was still young as I headed home, so swung over to Mitchell's Bay for one last walk of the day.  It was rather quiet along the south shore nature trail, but I keep trying as potential for something good is always there!

The dock

View towards St. Anne's Island

Friday, I needed a change in direction, so headed up to north Lambton.  I was up early, and noticed the old moon in the sky.  I thought it was interesting.  I made the mistake of taking a photo through the window, hence the double flash.

I first stopped by the "Point Edward Lighthouse" at the mouth of Lake Huron.  Nothing of note on a gentle west wind there.

I ventured on up to Ipperwash and decided to do a lakewatch at beach access one.  Some Dunlin were moving, and quite a few loons.  Most loons were Red-throated.  You never know what will show up on Lake Huron.....two alcids this past week!!

I walked through the woods behind the MNR parking lot, but it was rather quiet.  Lots of Winterberry Holly, but no Pine Grosbeaks to take advantage of it!

I stopped by Forest lagoons on the road home.  Some ducks were in, including lots of Bufflehead.  One was a pale brown, which stood out.

A couple of Long-tailed Ducks were on the lagoon as well. Not often seen in a lagoon setting!  Note the one with the Bufflehead in above photo.

The sparrows have left, but a single Marsh Wren was still Hiding in the reeds.

It was quite warm by the afternoon.  I stopped for one last walk at Nicholl's Memorial Forest and Wetland at Wilkesport.  Insects were out, including a Cabbage White, and an Autumn Meadowhawk among other things.

As well, this spanworm moth was taking advantage of the balmy day.

This American Tree Sparrow posed briefly.

Today it was a local day.  I stopped by the St. Clair River at Port Lambton first thing, for a bit.

Joseph L. Block

Not often we see this vessel on the St. Clair River.  Usually sails Lake Michigan.

A bit later, I went for a long walk at Reid CA.  I did not get any photos of birds, but a Golden Eagle was indeed a highlight.  Several Fox Sparrows were in company of tree sparrows, juncos and a Field Sparrow.

Some wild Canadian Ginger is still quite green.  It is very abundant throughout Reid.

There are some very large trees at Reid.  I admired this oak in the "lilly bush", which may be Shumard.  

This small fungus caught my eye. Size of a nickel, for reference.

Splitgill Mushroon