Been a while, but I have not found much for subject matter here. As well, not many photo opportunities! I have seen some decent birds since the last post, though, and have been all over the place!
Some Long-billed Dowitchers were still at Keith McLean C. L. on October 29. In fact, nine of them. It has been a good fall for them in our area.
On October 30, I stopped by Roberta Stewart Wetland west of Wallaceburg first thing in the morning. It was blackbird mania! Autumn mornings (at first light), we often see lots of blackbirds coming off roost from Walpole Island. On this morning I estimated 14,000 Red-winged Blackbirds, 13,000 Common Grackles, some Rusty and one male Yellow-headed Blackbird. Certainly the most birds I have seen coming off Walpole.
On October 31, I went south and stopped by Craford Cemetery west of Cedar Springs. On certain winds in the fall, this is a good spot to view migrating birds along the lakeshore. I was hoping for Evening Grosbeaks, but that was not to be like some times in the past. There were lots of birds though.
Purple Finches were among them, and these are everywhere this fall in good numbers.
Next day, I headed north! I went to Ipperwash hoping for some finches. Struck out again! I did have one Redpoll flying over though. There is a good crop of Winterberry Holly, which Pine Grosbeaks enjoy.
While up there, I did a lakewatch for a couple of hours. It was not too productive, as have most lakewatches been this fall. However I did observe a Black-legged Kittiwake virtually all by itself. There were hardly any gulls! Lots of ducks, with many White-winged Scoters (91).
Next day I went to Mitchell's Bay. I go there every three days or so looking for that one good bird. Still has not happened! Ten Greater Yellowlegs along the shoreline were interesting to watch.
In the afternoon I was curious to check out Moore WMA. Still one has to bushwack back to the causeway, so not enjoyable. I was hoping to find some mussels. There were lots, but mostly one species (giant floater). I did find one Mapleleaf.
November 3, I went to Rondeau Park for a lakewatch at dog beach. Not overly productive (yet again!), but one has to try. Rain was coming in, so I was not able to stay to walk trails in the park.
In the afternoon, it was nice enough to go for a walk at Reid C. L. I was not expecting much in the way of birds, but I needed a walk!
Highlight was a Blue-winged Warbler of all things! I had good looks, but my camera was acting up so I was not able to get a photo. It was quite active anyway.
According to eBird, this is Ontario's second latest record. I knew it was late by a longshot. I went back the next two days, but could not refind it. Probably was still present though.
November 4, I walked both north and south shore trails at Mitchell's Bay. Nothing exciting, but it was a nice day to be out.
It was a nice warm afternoon, so again I went for a walk at Reid C. L. I saw both Eastern Comma and Clouded Sulphur flying.
While looking unsuccessfully for the Blue-winged Warbler, I saw this small Swamp White Oak. I thought the leaves were exceptionally large.
Wednesday, I went back to Rondeau Park for a lakewatch since a stiff SW wind was blowing. This is the best wind, usually, for dog beach. I joined Steve for a fairly productive morning. Highlight was a Pacific Loon! Good looks were obtained. Ducks were in good numbers.
Thursday was my birthday, but no "birthday bird" came around. It was a somewhat quiet day for birds, as I checked out local haunts. It was all down hill a few years ago when I found that Sage Thrasher....
Friday it rained all morning, so just watched the usual common birds at home. It cleared enough to go for a walk at Mitchell's Bay around noon, but it was very windy. Nothing of note.
Today, Saturday, I had enough ambition to go down to Point Pelee! The evening before, some Cave Swallows were reported at the marsh boardwalk, so I thought there was a good chance they were still around ( I cannot find them anywhere else anyway!).
I joined Cam Chevalier on the tower first thing, as we talked about Cave Swallows. Soon, a few just appeared out of nowhere! I counted seven, then they disappeared. A while later, I spotted them out by the pergola, so we headed out the boardwalk to that location. We found one flying around.
It was a very dark and dull day, so lighting was horrible. Hence photos are crappy.
We surmised that they were roosting under the boardwalk, as they would disappear for a time. Luckily, they stayed around for many birders to see.
It was a good day in the park with lots of birds, but nothing else rare. Purple Finches were in big numbers though-out. No good for photography today!
It has been quite windy most days, as it typically is in November. In a couple of days, it is the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald already. There are a lot of events and media covering the Fitzgerald sinking. I can remember hearing about the sinking. Perhaps more on that later.
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