This past Sunday I had a small window of opportunity to get away for a couple of days during this hectic year. My choice was Bruce County! As per usual, I camped for two nights at MacGregor Point Provincial Park. Weather was decent for the most part, but Sunday there was a stiff wind coming in directly off the lake making things a bit cool. As well, an unexpected rain around midnight Sunday night caused a little concern in an old tent!
The drive north Sunday morning was nice and leisurely. I stopped at Port Franks to walk the Sandrin Tract Woods trail. Quite a few birds were along the way, including two Hooded Warblers at the start.
Next stop was a favourite place south of Goderich. Naftel's Creek Conservation Area is a neat place for birding if one wants a break in driving.
Making good time, I decided to drive straight up to Oliphant to look at the fen. The stiff west wind did not help matters with regards to insects, but I found a few. Mainly meadowhawks.
 |
| White-faced Meadowhawk |
 |
| Band-winged Meadowhawk |
 |
| Black Meadowhawk |
Although late in the season, a few plants found in this type of habitat were evident.
 |
| Lesser Fringed Gentian |
 |
| Sticky False Asphodel |
 |
| Kalm's Lobelia |
The above is Sphinx Ladies Tresses, although I did not take time for a proper photo!
I then headed back to MacGregor Point to check in to the campsite and walk some trails.
The Lake Ridges Trail is a decent but rugged birding trail, although I did not see too many things on my walk there.
Near the visitor centre, I saw some darners. Not sure what species as they were not close. Possibly Canada Darner.
Other than stopping at the campsite for supper, I was on the go all the time checking out various parts of the park. A distant view of Chantry Island is always a familiar sight from the north end of the park.
As per tradition, I go for a walk along the lakeshore in the evening.
Par for the course, I stopped at Watersnake Pond.
In the evening, just before going to sleep, an Eastern Whip-poor-will sang briefly just after 10:00.
Monday morning dawned clear and cool as I headed north out of the park. Although one could spend a week checking out places on the Bruce, I wanted to visit some familiar locations on the peninsula.
I drove straight to Petrel Point, a favourite Ontario Nature property. I first visited this place about 1991. It has been a must-visit place every time I am up that way! Uncommon to rare plants can be found here on the fen.
We used to be able to walk both sides of the road, but just the south side is available now. Just as well in this very sensitive habitat.
Continuing on, I next drove The Bury Road, where there are lots of pastures. It is an excellent birding road with its open-ness and some wooded areas along the way. Birds of interest this day included a Peregrine Falcon, Brewer's Blackbirds, and lots of Savannah Sparrows. I should have spent more time along the road....one never knows what may turn up there! I drove about 10 km of it.
Next stop farther north was the Lindsay Tract Trails. An extensive system of trails is here and one could spend hours! I walked a portion of it.
 |
| Blue Cohosh along the trail |
This is a far north as I went on the peninsula, so I headed back down highway 6 to Mar where I took Red Bay Road back over to the main road south.
After a lunch in Port Elgin, I headed back to the park to walk the Tower Trail, another good birding trail that skirts a wetland.
 |
| One of several Belted Kingfishers |
Farther along, I did find some pockets of warblers, etc. Highlight was a Blue-winged Warbler, somewhat unexpected on this trip. Came up "rare" on eBird in any case.
An Eastern Comma posed nicely in the warm sun at one point.
Later, I walked near the visitor centre and out sunset point, and area. One of the butterflies I hoped to encounter this trip was Leonard's Skipper. There were very few butterflies, but I looked intently and managed to find one!
It was a nice calm evening for a leisurely walk and to relax at the campsite. I noticed a Common Nighthawk fly over at one point, and after 8 p.m. a Whip-poor-will sang.
Tuesday morning was calm but cool and I checked out the lakeshore areas on my way out of the park. It was evident there was a good movement of warblers along the lake. Most went unidentified!
It was then time to head back south homeward. There was likely a good movement of birds along the lakeshore this particular morning. The "Bluff" north of Grand Bend might have been a good spot! In any case, I noticed a lot of Turkey Vultures moving on the way south.
One final stop was Ausable River Cut CA. I did find a decent pocket of birds, included was a Mourning Warbler.
As usual, I looked for mussels. This large Wabash Pigtoe caught my eye. In the vulnerable class.
Three-ridge is common here, and pretty obvious!
Arriving home, this walking stick insect was on the back door to greet me!
A nice little trip indeed, but winter is coming....
 |
| Winterberry Holly |
No comments:
Post a Comment