Today was one of the better weather days so far this spring. I headed down to Rondeau Park, but it was rather quiet for birds.....again! Yes, it is early, but one always expects more.
A couple of first-of-year birds included a Red-headed Woodpecker along Lakeshore Road, and a Blue-headed Vireo on south point trail.
Butterflies were enjoying the warmth.
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| American Painted-Lady |
While in the park, I heard reports of Marbled Godwits, Willets and American Avocets at points farther west. It was one of those days that those types of shorebirds show up in numbers!
I left the park and headed towards Erieau. Spent some time at McGeachy and the marsh trail there.
A single Willet was reported on the tip of Rondeau, as seen from the Erieau pier area. I managed to see that one, but it was too distant to even try for a photo.
American Avocets were reported at Hillman Marsh. I had not intended to go that far today, but since the avocet is my favourite shorebird, I had to go!
I went straight to the Hillman shorebird cell where there were lots of shorebirds. There were big numbers of Dunlin and Pectoral Sandpipers, but in the distance I picked out four dowitchers as well.
Long-billed Dowitchers are the default dowitcher species this time of year, so no confusion with Short-billed need arise.
No Avocets were present upon my arrival, but while there, eight popped in! My target bird was then checked off. The dowitchers were just a bonus, which are somewhat uncommon in spring.
Lighting was horrible, but I attempted photos anyway.
One of the continuing Cattle Egrets was present as well.
Two days ago, I started at Rondeau, but it was disappointing, so I went to Hillman to see two reported Cattle Egrets.
My camera malfunctioned (which is happening too often lately!), so photos were crap.
Yesterday morning I started at Mitchell's Bay. Nothing of note in the way of birds, but I keep trying. It was uncomfortably cold first thing.
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| Blue-gray Gnatcatcher |
The afternoon was quite pleasant, so I went for a walk at Reid Conservation Lands. I had not been there in two weeks, so I wanted to check out the plant life.
Harbinger of Spring is about done for another year, but I did find a couple of plants with remnants of flowers.
Nearby, I found the patch of Twinleaf, one of my favourite plants. It was not very far advanced compared to previous years.
Lots of trout lilies are blooming, including the white version.
Large-flowered Bellwort is just coming into bloom.
Dutchman's Breeches is past its prime, but some were in bloom.
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| Note the ginger, which is abundant at Reid |
I think I finally found its cousin, Squirrel Corn. I know it is there, but it is extremely scarce. It is yet to be confirmed (or rejected) for some strange reason.
Bloodroot is not all that common at Reid, but some were in bloom.
Trilliums are just coming into bloom.
I found one with the virus. The abnormal greening of plant parts (virescence) is a symptom of a plant disease caused by bacterial organisms called phytoplasmas.
Various insects were flying about.
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| Black and Yellow Nomad Bee (?) |
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| Greater Bee Fly |
Birds will really start arriving, possibly tomorrow! Stay tuned.
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