Fall Flings and Things

 Thought it was time for blog post!  There has been lack of subject matter here, hence the long break since my last post.  However, I have been out each day making my usual rounds to various places.

Most of the warblers have passed through, but there have been some decent days especially at the south shore trail at Mitchell's Bay.  The "south" trail is better for bird diversity.   

Great Blue Heron

I visit there about every two to three days, and have not been disappointed.  No rarities (I doubt I will find another Sage Thrasher!), but enough to keep me interested.  Earlier this week I did have a decent look at a male Yellow-headed Blackbird that flew right overhead.  But then, this species is almost expected in that locale.  No chance for  a photo though.

Green Heron

I stopped by the "north" trail once or twice as well.  One gets great views of Mitchell's Bay.  The one occasion revealed hundreds (~800) of Tree Swallows.  No doubt they roosted in the marshes overnight, then dispersed.

Bronze Copper along the trail

Been to Rondeau Park and Keith McLean C. L. a couple of times as well.  The last visit to Rondeau I walked out south beach.  

One large fallen tree had to be dealt with.  I remember when this tree was in the woods!

It was not as productive as I had hoped.  I needed the exercise anyway!  Quite a few Palm Warblers out the beach.

A previous trip, I came across my first and only Common Buckeye of the year.

I stopped by Keith McLean C. L. that day as well, and came across my first and only Fiery Skipper of the year!

Quite a few Common Checkered-Skippers this time of year here and there.

Some Bronze Coppers as well.

McLean's has had quite a few shorebirds, but nothing unexpected.  Some Long-billed Dowitchers have been present lately.

This is the time of year Nelson's Sparrows typically show up, and McLean's is the go-to spot for the most part.  This past Tuesday I stopped in, and got a fleeting glimpse of a Nelson's.  I thought perhaps, it was the first one of the season, but unknowingly to me, SRC had seen one a bit earlier in the day!

I rarely get to St. Clair NWA anymore, but a week ago Friday I decided to go there for something different to do.  Lots of sparrows, especially Swamp in the reeds.  Some Marsh Wrens were along the way.

Little did I know, the NWA was going to be closed this past week for some renovations, till the end of the year.  Glad I went for one last time this fall!

Today I went up to Forest lagoons.  I had not been there in a long time, and this time of year is good for sparrows.  A Nelson's had been seen there yesterday, so why not give it try today?

There were lots of sparrows (especially Savannah), and it was not too long before we saw the Nelson's.

I had not see one there before, despite trying in past years.  Although I was fairly certain I saw one once, but was not entirely sure.

Not as many insects this time of year, but I keep an eye out.  This was a new one for yard.  A Cedar Beetle was caught in a spider web, so I freed it.  It is quite a large creature.

A ruby-throated Hummingbird visited the yard one day.  I managed a fairly decent shot through the porch rails!

Yesterday, after visiting Mitchell's Bay, I stopped by places north of town.  Not much to see! We sure need a change in weather.  This Viceroy was at Wilkesport.  One can only see a hint of the cross-stripe. 

Water levels are extremely low due to lack of rain.  This Greater Yellowlegs was taking advantage of mud at McKeough CA.

A couple of Northern Corn Rootworm beetles were at Peers Wetland. Just happened to catch my eye.

The old moon is full and bright tonight!  It is in conjunction with Saturn, which can be seen just below to its right early this evening.  Though I could not get both in the photo with my lens.