Morning Birds and 'Evening' Birds

 I do most of my birding in the morning when things are most active.  At first light, it seems to be the best time for lots of birds.  As often is the case, when I walk a trail, my return route finds fewer birds!

This past Sunday was quite miserable with wet snow and rain, but I headed out anyway.  I was near Lambton Line when a notice came out that a Brant goose was being seen at Sarnia.  So, I kept going!

The goose was seen soon after my arrival....several times.  It seemed like it did not know what to do as it flew back and forth.

It is always a treat to see one in our area since they are quite rare here.  (except during the hurricane Sandy event many years ago when over 200 were at the mouth of Lake Huron!).

Some other "good" birds were seen after I left, but I did not want to stay any longer.

Overnight Sunday, we received 7-8 cm of snow which was certainly a surprise.  And, below zero temps. However, nothing compared to the almost 60 cm received north of Skunk's Misery! (I would be done with winter already if I saw that!).

After shoveling snow, I just watched the yard all morning.  There was quite a variety of birds, and at one point at least four Evening Grosbeaks came into the Manitoba Maple tree.  Unfortunately, they were on the backside. However, nice to get such a rare bird species for the yard!

Cardinal at feeder

Despite the cold, Bruce Spanworm Moths can be found.  This one was on the back porch.

Next day was bright and sunny as I headed down to Lake Erie.  I started at Craford cemetery west of Cedar Springs, as it is a good place to watch for birds moving through.  Lots of Purple Finches, but not much else, so I left after an hour.

Then headed over to Rondeau and walked the campground.  Quite a bit of activity to keep up one's interest. At least two sapsuckers were working the grounds.

shy Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Note in above photo heavy crop of berries on Red Cedar.  Many trees have a heavy crop, so birds will be happy.  Hopefully something rare will find them!

Next stop was Keith McLean C. L.  Lots of sparrows! No Golden-crowned Sparrow though.

chipper

Yesterday, I toured local spots but did not come up with anything of note.

View just upstream of McKeough Dam

Today was very nice weatherwise, so I headed down to Rondeau Park.  I started at south point trail where there was lots of activity.  On the return walk, hardly anything.  Goes to show, again, get out first thing!

The campground is always a mandatory walk this time of year.  Lots of activity, especially at puddles!

wet Fox Sparrow

I had two flyovers of Evening Grosbeaks during the walk.

Last stop was Keith McLean C. L.  Still lots of sparrows, but nothing in the rarity department.

Field Sparrow

Field vs. Tree

Lots of mud with the low water levels.

Unlike last visit, there were some shorebirds, but only for a short time.  A flock of Dunlin flew in at one point and fed briefly.

With them were two late Long-billed Dowitchers and a Pectoral Sandpiper.  My camera does not seem to focus at long range though.....

A few hawks were moving, but most were more to the north.

Red-shouldered Hawk

It has been an interesting fall so far, and hopefully that will continue.  I need to see Pine Grosbeaks next!