tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89100114398943234452024-03-27T02:36:52.901-04:00 'Burg Birder BLAKE'S BIRDING / NATURE ADVENTURES (+ some history!)
Wallaceburg, OntarioBlake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.comBlogger2213125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-71228466070669560652024-03-23T19:28:00.003-04:002024-03-23T19:29:43.002-04:00Spring Things and Arrival of Winter (?)<p> The past number of days have been quite cool, unlike many of the winter days. This past Wednesday I went for a walk at Reid CA again. With the cool weather this week, things have slowed down.</p><p>I looked for Harbinger of Spring again, a bit tough to see with a bit of snow on the ground.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumfWH6VldiYIsMYD8jcfVR0lE-T5RJA7kV0mdOeUdy2-YK94j5VKCY2KeL-1P1PTa9y5pkbc_fJD-EZ0PuC6_xos7q3ktE9OrhB7WEQp8v4gdpXQg7ErLFSpPxd0cYCtKqxtD5UQWAm5H24ElHsbGra-BhAO5ygIlYU1SYyNB0yTQQZofjFdS6YWR80tJ/s1575/harginger%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="1382" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumfWH6VldiYIsMYD8jcfVR0lE-T5RJA7kV0mdOeUdy2-YK94j5VKCY2KeL-1P1PTa9y5pkbc_fJD-EZ0PuC6_xos7q3ktE9OrhB7WEQp8v4gdpXQg7ErLFSpPxd0cYCtKqxtD5UQWAm5H24ElHsbGra-BhAO5ygIlYU1SYyNB0yTQQZofjFdS6YWR80tJ/w351-h400/harginger%203.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><br /><p>Purple Cress, another spring plant is starting to peak through.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTA8VRYQkJ8JN63GbYBqjHkU2iTpONVq4AVwWkeeWmYYJLyX9DxvlgUPBtIe-Fua3EWvlu3ciTmi-NhFYTgIoM9DXSK4qt71KSPE4scD6xzBe4rqtjpxjRrC_0pwrp7uqN9mGX8ivk8nbSQhPnrxV3KoAMNDRztMEB7gHDBjxjTTbpTN2Lr6eiSJI14CZL/s2576/20240320_103339.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTA8VRYQkJ8JN63GbYBqjHkU2iTpONVq4AVwWkeeWmYYJLyX9DxvlgUPBtIe-Fua3EWvlu3ciTmi-NhFYTgIoM9DXSK4qt71KSPE4scD6xzBe4rqtjpxjRrC_0pwrp7uqN9mGX8ivk8nbSQhPnrxV3KoAMNDRztMEB7gHDBjxjTTbpTN2Lr6eiSJI14CZL/w300-h400/20240320_103339.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>At one point in my walk, I came across some impressive galls. These are a result of a wasp and called Oak Rough Bulletgall.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTYJi6SNeZB0bAt3XEY0D5ssjMkcV0w7jzl0T-am8TUTnZzQbH9OHc9bPn0J-99touyT1kFprKcvkn9Am8uM7ungMDi7vhvDgtMxo96QDxOHtAtiuGlDMTI1BCv3wgoZRKKpvRpJGGuclPEbm8KVqv9K3FimCK6SNDGqaO6-XnNsa5VWvOFfkGu6Boq53/s2576/20240320_100049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTYJi6SNeZB0bAt3XEY0D5ssjMkcV0w7jzl0T-am8TUTnZzQbH9OHc9bPn0J-99touyT1kFprKcvkn9Am8uM7ungMDi7vhvDgtMxo96QDxOHtAtiuGlDMTI1BCv3wgoZRKKpvRpJGGuclPEbm8KVqv9K3FimCK6SNDGqaO6-XnNsa5VWvOFfkGu6Boq53/w300-h400/20240320_100049.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6DneHkOd7YsZ04JjXvybZPz6xzDybAVtUvEFE5ZgobkJsBVattAmPQxaPMVPtmLrwGJlAWIzhfYVr9SdVfJlA3ei8ACYeOSbqSgGuh3kI7rF87V2jeBnTnXvxJKrKCciL1mJhQ48bd3vRBDf4LlK-H0KOmhHtPZ4KXa8ENNaMTztd0SloC92hkJRI3-5/s4624/20240320_100036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6DneHkOd7YsZ04JjXvybZPz6xzDybAVtUvEFE5ZgobkJsBVattAmPQxaPMVPtmLrwGJlAWIzhfYVr9SdVfJlA3ei8ACYeOSbqSgGuh3kI7rF87V2jeBnTnXvxJKrKCciL1mJhQ48bd3vRBDf4LlK-H0KOmhHtPZ4KXa8ENNaMTztd0SloC92hkJRI3-5/w480-h640/20240320_100036.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Thursday was sunny but cold, and I had no idea what to do. I ventured over to Middlesex County to walk a couple of TTLT properties and a trail within Skunk's Misery. Nothing of note! This groundhog was keeping close to its home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_tUNML56IFLJr1qrCBnJMokWyLCt8YlS-OsXB6msM7Nr5_kaSgGhC8LNJ_QR1KaHajhYXMdnyy-dWIUq693xvxBnwlTelWTvKhhgARhJG_nFpOkwwyGTypwR-o9Q425B_eTcqXu699RPkVdWzc9gLtBqVOFOuw0Q2VV0ez77lCMASEtqgjigHqpqL-TA/s4293/IMG_3845.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2934" data-original-width="4293" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_tUNML56IFLJr1qrCBnJMokWyLCt8YlS-OsXB6msM7Nr5_kaSgGhC8LNJ_QR1KaHajhYXMdnyy-dWIUq693xvxBnwlTelWTvKhhgARhJG_nFpOkwwyGTypwR-o9Q425B_eTcqXu699RPkVdWzc9gLtBqVOFOuw0Q2VV0ez77lCMASEtqgjigHqpqL-TA/w400-h274/IMG_3845.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I did not see Golden Eagle this visit, but a pair of Bald Eagles were tussling about in the air.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jm0Ps8uljRTwuMIxWv4BA-2P7iL2UHXKxzPPxWyTvSnKINQJNqImYlkjvgMifvjN0Oj9f0uDQasepCYQmVRXoQMd-A-EEX3pboiy3OgudooZpbXVCKChzfuLqVPrrZrF8l7KeiiVjKUu4hnScARIPHble4uu7aHTXfgvQasiHeWCNEdDWlDyPf3WDjjW/s2898/IMG_3854.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2254" data-original-width="2898" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jm0Ps8uljRTwuMIxWv4BA-2P7iL2UHXKxzPPxWyTvSnKINQJNqImYlkjvgMifvjN0Oj9f0uDQasepCYQmVRXoQMd-A-EEX3pboiy3OgudooZpbXVCKChzfuLqVPrrZrF8l7KeiiVjKUu4hnScARIPHble4uu7aHTXfgvQasiHeWCNEdDWlDyPf3WDjjW/w400-h311/IMG_3854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKW2UNmIpH92tD8YRjCanoRMBYFFgoBh47nn7w0yqkT4-aLQQSJy35_N2aLFiLfMOFVBSIYtY3kR6u0-rPJSNN_xJCZPcwvm9aRmLh4Sic4kGSAaLVyw8Gxerobac8UCsZ0ed-QNJYZoY20KQybrdeYNnvNuHFHx1_Wx06YonjeAf8Qnp2xkOcPHlJs522/s3491/IMG_3850.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3247" data-original-width="3491" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKW2UNmIpH92tD8YRjCanoRMBYFFgoBh47nn7w0yqkT4-aLQQSJy35_N2aLFiLfMOFVBSIYtY3kR6u0-rPJSNN_xJCZPcwvm9aRmLh4Sic4kGSAaLVyw8Gxerobac8UCsZ0ed-QNJYZoY20KQybrdeYNnvNuHFHx1_Wx06YonjeAf8Qnp2xkOcPHlJs522/w400-h373/IMG_3850.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Last walk was at Wardsville Woods. Even though Easter is coming, this was not an Easter egg. The property was once a golf course, so the odd golf ball may be found!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX4r-Jqik-YdNuwp8gUK-6-KBtG9qUYRlxduyhZUl73OGNRdtXvR-KwV8AB9ckpsrba62xpndD0SA84hebJOqwDvbsR5v693q0djYcGHT5tG2SzIYIQHHPDpbErdolhE9bjADHufdCyvZDySdu1mx5UW5V8f83gMHVS526RyJWWC3LYdmabswPs-oZq1h/s5100/IMG_3855.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2875" data-original-width="5100" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX4r-Jqik-YdNuwp8gUK-6-KBtG9qUYRlxduyhZUl73OGNRdtXvR-KwV8AB9ckpsrba62xpndD0SA84hebJOqwDvbsR5v693q0djYcGHT5tG2SzIYIQHHPDpbErdolhE9bjADHufdCyvZDySdu1mx5UW5V8f83gMHVS526RyJWWC3LYdmabswPs-oZq1h/w400-h225/IMG_3855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Friday, winter returned with a vengeance. At least in my area where we got up to 12 cm of snow! I had already put away the snow shovel, so had to get it out again. Oddly, there was absolutely no snow down Rondeau way! It was probably the worst snow storm for the whole winter here.</p><p>Today, I went to the balmy south to get away from the snow. It was still cold, but at least it was sunny as I walked south point trail and the campground.</p><p>Changes are afoot on south point trail, as the shoreline has finally reached and washed out the trail. It was inevitable!</p><p>Over the years, we have seen the shoreline shrink here. Here are some views of the same area.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eyd_rQCD5Ecw4lr8y3Lbjl8qf6ZeQvbqUN2WQlakaMkSTbYAGBGpaKeTlhRFOdwn-6cUxjSrptLQ82WMyUReOgbg1M5myqYGXP23kj8wYgfN9tFPRKSNmURktN4DTUlsRfRt99W7mmRUg0zsnC-aUhLnA3Rs-wJq3VxsvEbfuCcMNvrQwYDDt9zKHJVK/s1600/fall%202017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eyd_rQCD5Ecw4lr8y3Lbjl8qf6ZeQvbqUN2WQlakaMkSTbYAGBGpaKeTlhRFOdwn-6cUxjSrptLQ82WMyUReOgbg1M5myqYGXP23kj8wYgfN9tFPRKSNmURktN4DTUlsRfRt99W7mmRUg0zsnC-aUhLnA3Rs-wJq3VxsvEbfuCcMNvrQwYDDt9zKHJVK/w640-h480/fall%202017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall 2017</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The above photo shows that mysterious concrete structure beginning to show in the fall of 2017. There was once a campground office here well back from the shoreline!</p><p>Over the years, erosion continued in this area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSNdPHqdzRyPAWomco6Ts3E9aSfhSb7PX7vFeEDe-ZT4Um7ePIsPjQfr5bil1X8cKEPY41m5U7_E3vPkoJ7MDN1ipstBj8G_v1SmF5D9mslGfq1DrDPZbS0bxNyiZhUtaXpgKpj6OQV0IA4dm6qa7TSRkQhe2_YNmEfP53GBxpIIHOfKLxcNms3vQsMv8/s4624/March%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSNdPHqdzRyPAWomco6Ts3E9aSfhSb7PX7vFeEDe-ZT4Um7ePIsPjQfr5bil1X8cKEPY41m5U7_E3vPkoJ7MDN1ipstBj8G_v1SmF5D9mslGfq1DrDPZbS0bxNyiZhUtaXpgKpj6OQV0IA4dm6qa7TSRkQhe2_YNmEfP53GBxpIIHOfKLxcNms3vQsMv8/w640-h480/March%202022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Later that year.........</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisADBH7iJVj-wwwcwhD_x5cFI9vfqDgtl7O0iZVt5w-eru3gxO65TPnQAOyF4wNujKzMZD_hgA4bLv5IvJhmBJL5b4LYP-1RDLjmAf3aQ4zQ90Xh_8hyZXxUhKfMd-uMl3AWe5buyTxwOidlpojxp53be62Qch4ODhJuw9tSsOZuhwINinju3VA-ITIo4k/s4624/Dec%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisADBH7iJVj-wwwcwhD_x5cFI9vfqDgtl7O0iZVt5w-eru3gxO65TPnQAOyF4wNujKzMZD_hgA4bLv5IvJhmBJL5b4LYP-1RDLjmAf3aQ4zQ90Xh_8hyZXxUhKfMd-uMl3AWe5buyTxwOidlpojxp53be62Qch4ODhJuw9tSsOZuhwINinju3VA-ITIo4k/w640-h480/Dec%202022.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 2022</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvTRWsr1lPY3qEBRSX3mYBllGhVT7FqjcJIasS2Jv5dSzk9FD8lcILwKoGp6eJ8rH6ozMG0qIz7-BPyneeEV2cZKbnXlRYYoYM9KAOnhkHCR1p1TV4m5YuKZGREHOOQUdsL0JqGPhTWxOsypbBdMNTMEV8EvS-kWGbETer84S3xv3q8Qt-BdcWYCZC4EB/s4624/SPT%20washout.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvTRWsr1lPY3qEBRSX3mYBllGhVT7FqjcJIasS2Jv5dSzk9FD8lcILwKoGp6eJ8rH6ozMG0qIz7-BPyneeEV2cZKbnXlRYYoYM9KAOnhkHCR1p1TV4m5YuKZGREHOOQUdsL0JqGPhTWxOsypbBdMNTMEV8EvS-kWGbETer84S3xv3q8Qt-BdcWYCZC4EB/w640-h480/SPT%20washout.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail late fall 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The same view today..........</div><div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQmB_I6TvzvRQ2qcqWyrNH9cBUzdFYQCLmM2LiWWOxR8t9Tb0BENo2GxvJ-dBKed-z6sw-Nr1YVDdCtP1nePt7l2WRtPGIzNEDEfZ0wlPdMb0AbmHl-xqmANZFm1IuBQ2oeeAhgjAato0Y6nZQphxJtKBF-Oa8KHY9tViiYTj7LNDaYSC2YzqlD8Db0PA/s4624/20240323_082554.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQmB_I6TvzvRQ2qcqWyrNH9cBUzdFYQCLmM2LiWWOxR8t9Tb0BENo2GxvJ-dBKed-z6sw-Nr1YVDdCtP1nePt7l2WRtPGIzNEDEfZ0wlPdMb0AbmHl-xqmANZFm1IuBQ2oeeAhgjAato0Y6nZQphxJtKBF-Oa8KHY9tViiYTj7LNDaYSC2YzqlD8Db0PA/w640-h480/20240323_082554.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><div>The mysterious concrete structure is getting farther and farther out!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAAEWDuYsGCWbg1oFPaIkufdqgUTtSToi6dQ7dLMENxVOtPSiDxiCZmd3ufo8lQFCUrcujG2L7Iqb4dCc7ZEQut__cvjnrD9ylA9iLQlutKTMJgmxh0ovk-Q2yZqSDqNExktlSqYgXw-HNv6vGCXNz6GJNGOXVTDb1eaD2zORQb4qt-t1aCW1_yZOaucB/s4624/20240323_084012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAAEWDuYsGCWbg1oFPaIkufdqgUTtSToi6dQ7dLMENxVOtPSiDxiCZmd3ufo8lQFCUrcujG2L7Iqb4dCc7ZEQut__cvjnrD9ylA9iLQlutKTMJgmxh0ovk-Q2yZqSDqNExktlSqYgXw-HNv6vGCXNz6GJNGOXVTDb1eaD2zORQb4qt-t1aCW1_yZOaucB/w640-h480/20240323_084012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfJ2E0YbBiwHRDAMyxsNuHgqVypHJnPM61Uk6l2PY8Lc62CP9GnNbVB122xkUHPdsrJIoIGdw2_gX9x-f-FQBqBogLDC_XgWpduOrCObGoIJ88FDojDsLgmjFtI_WVS8MjK_1vZHQ_DbvB2wFiXbLHxCRmrpL_2x-5Wxc3gNzqbtPk1GS5iBARsy5TKAf/s4624/20240323_082603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfJ2E0YbBiwHRDAMyxsNuHgqVypHJnPM61Uk6l2PY8Lc62CP9GnNbVB122xkUHPdsrJIoIGdw2_gX9x-f-FQBqBogLDC_XgWpduOrCObGoIJ88FDojDsLgmjFtI_WVS8MjK_1vZHQ_DbvB2wFiXbLHxCRmrpL_2x-5Wxc3gNzqbtPk1GS5iBARsy5TKAf/w640-h480/20240323_082603.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Amazing the power of waves and wind!</div><div><br /></div><div>I checked out Erieau later. Thousands of ducks to look at, but I could not find any anomalies.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YBSuj78-1m7IfMG5I4QSZUaHBi85GIpvFfjpDCcRz6GCCw4uRBqZ6xBJqctX-nIgSrzeqXslnYrIIuq-yl3lAQ853bVVPNFUDh16wYWuiqJKowFyu0p3J4GpTLrUCCGxWqg6ILEbB6w5pc5dBD0-JCddl5Wvy8L2_3QEEBBJzza4tLwaVbM_OSZV3J8A/s6673/IMG_3857.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3514" data-original-width="6673" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YBSuj78-1m7IfMG5I4QSZUaHBi85GIpvFfjpDCcRz6GCCw4uRBqZ6xBJqctX-nIgSrzeqXslnYrIIuq-yl3lAQ853bVVPNFUDh16wYWuiqJKowFyu0p3J4GpTLrUCCGxWqg6ILEbB6w5pc5dBD0-JCddl5Wvy8L2_3QEEBBJzza4tLwaVbM_OSZV3J8A/w400-h211/IMG_3857.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmy57SCE9nPStIuVxg4i63_Sc7xnbruFOJTTmjE6Gla8BUqgmbBHqur0CCFi5ybycvKmzYr-3jZ1wvJaa288LYtbjs6x2IPhg9q5IbdJvoGt1bt1IPzKYMFf3OhpeV7Eb258Qh_eoR5AS6WAbqWHizB3vuQSNiptVZbXeweK-Icgm7loHQV3-tkaK16kX/s6836/IMG_3862.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3346" data-original-width="6836" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmy57SCE9nPStIuVxg4i63_Sc7xnbruFOJTTmjE6Gla8BUqgmbBHqur0CCFi5ybycvKmzYr-3jZ1wvJaa288LYtbjs6x2IPhg9q5IbdJvoGt1bt1IPzKYMFf3OhpeV7Eb258Qh_eoR5AS6WAbqWHizB3vuQSNiptVZbXeweK-Icgm7loHQV3-tkaK16kX/w640-h314/IMG_3862.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eIScDQUGaOLKIHbNVlQFFMVdMDc5Shyphenhyphen9i21rGtfMTpfrQ9IjmLJgjfIcsIsYOImabaitOd70gVo-GCHFURecYAu4sMj8m-LojEAMULKKIhTqJvlX5yuFao12Vi7eXXrdq6cThaBLOmSpHFNqYcLuvTSNFBn7-QFAjnKAa1s8JfgQZAb6dPiHTioT0YPz/s2469/IMG_3859.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1847" data-original-width="2469" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eIScDQUGaOLKIHbNVlQFFMVdMDc5Shyphenhyphen9i21rGtfMTpfrQ9IjmLJgjfIcsIsYOImabaitOd70gVo-GCHFURecYAu4sMj8m-LojEAMULKKIhTqJvlX5yuFao12Vi7eXXrdq6cThaBLOmSpHFNqYcLuvTSNFBn7-QFAjnKAa1s8JfgQZAb6dPiHTioT0YPz/w400-h299/IMG_3859.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>After tomorrow, we should see some warmer weather.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-68762341885998803142024-03-17T16:09:00.006-04:002024-03-17T18:37:03.554-04:00Some Harbingers of Spring and Other Notes<p> A walk at Reid CA this morning revealed some early signs of spring. Wildflowers and other plants are popping up through the leaf litter. Although quite cool, I was lucky to have the sun out during my walk.</p><p>Notably, Harbinger of Spring is already out! It was early April last year that I first saw these delicate plants.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDezcCSD56QLvCUxJutOBnMoaNX9hg_FfaVzrulbOFKMn0BgT19s_T67rwbP5MUXngLnAH2yLkyR6r3WOqgCmWIMyh_brsxFKhvbUtGUzweieYc6riKnUcdRBdQzRSBuODvjO43kmzohO9SFR5gs_yH4luS2hjFohSoNovNI871oVrRDmen0hTLf5Gif6/s1825/20240317_090905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1825" data-original-width="1408" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDezcCSD56QLvCUxJutOBnMoaNX9hg_FfaVzrulbOFKMn0BgT19s_T67rwbP5MUXngLnAH2yLkyR6r3WOqgCmWIMyh_brsxFKhvbUtGUzweieYc6riKnUcdRBdQzRSBuODvjO43kmzohO9SFR5gs_yH4luS2hjFohSoNovNI871oVrRDmen0hTLf5Gif6/s320/20240317_090905.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br /><p>They are in a couple of locations at Reid. This plant is found mainly in rich upland woodlands and is on the endangered list and is considered imperiled.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkl-zFznFhiV52OPpT0YyPqxxiZzymJrXsbse1FPXxj-P6tldnXfLqYyYyvBmU43NzuchBltbVGQFB3MDtPgsjws_9933IjkjyZ5EcvI5xcBc1o0OMXtjGvd6ZYhEUEQe4SnwJv2N-K9y3ePJ0mADc1Rl6Xo0oYs7YGpqOYrGHMCj5mkP2u4qLUjZNOOfG/s1670/20240317_103347.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1585" data-original-width="1670" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkl-zFznFhiV52OPpT0YyPqxxiZzymJrXsbse1FPXxj-P6tldnXfLqYyYyvBmU43NzuchBltbVGQFB3MDtPgsjws_9933IjkjyZ5EcvI5xcBc1o0OMXtjGvd6ZYhEUEQe4SnwJv2N-K9y3ePJ0mADc1Rl6Xo0oYs7YGpqOYrGHMCj5mkP2u4qLUjZNOOfG/s320/20240317_103347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGxB2jiny1LSnXYX-zHiJV5f0mO6W5aTsavnpFq-J8VY_3nRIgXy2esx4sHn20kW5OYECt8G87s1MtU16FXT_J7Rlp26q-NBrY6fRGgB7eXFHxfyqRcqtCWhaxlnlD2hFZ9n-EXUa5FhuhnVHSZSNdkYpsYYsoV74GRZfQnASSdwR_1jv8LvUXa9OzEXa/s2576/20240317_104251.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGxB2jiny1LSnXYX-zHiJV5f0mO6W5aTsavnpFq-J8VY_3nRIgXy2esx4sHn20kW5OYECt8G87s1MtU16FXT_J7Rlp26q-NBrY6fRGgB7eXFHxfyqRcqtCWhaxlnlD2hFZ9n-EXUa5FhuhnVHSZSNdkYpsYYsoV74GRZfQnASSdwR_1jv8LvUXa9OzEXa/w300-h400/20240317_104251.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>Trout Lilly is starting to peak through, and some Virginia Springbeauty is about to bloom.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxZLewLnqGNVM756RykyK1hNSQPBmsUux2yc8SLd52U1vRBmuTYqOrJzFuVyntHL6LanMuM5YARZ01yD-e4erSAnjyr7g0EaV0fUH_eRlJVPLIUj-OGTRxUeM5dcxmT5sUUi4P0bT6jEwnk_YpIycJdW0827d5L_M79KjJ1Quu2wsg7XA6tbt3_qqex61/s2576/20240317_104701.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxZLewLnqGNVM756RykyK1hNSQPBmsUux2yc8SLd52U1vRBmuTYqOrJzFuVyntHL6LanMuM5YARZ01yD-e4erSAnjyr7g0EaV0fUH_eRlJVPLIUj-OGTRxUeM5dcxmT5sUUi4P0bT6jEwnk_YpIycJdW0827d5L_M79KjJ1Quu2wsg7XA6tbt3_qqex61/s320/20240317_104701.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzgavMlg-bELisSpYdvxrGIHARX1uM5Q8WX-uX9uSi1_7B9nDmj7MGFFNgBS2LP5Xhgys8iEmcCToXyGMemnOYO0HwWJUVUGZ2-0sef9SYJKh8TUj9y66ytrdkj6F9eNLAQHFFOkkywglGXsPgUgXEY4FwufxyTpQoIxNnc3yzja5wZNvEy3fEmDNj8Cj/s4624/20240317_093429.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzgavMlg-bELisSpYdvxrGIHARX1uM5Q8WX-uX9uSi1_7B9nDmj7MGFFNgBS2LP5Xhgys8iEmcCToXyGMemnOYO0HwWJUVUGZ2-0sef9SYJKh8TUj9y66ytrdkj6F9eNLAQHFFOkkywglGXsPgUgXEY4FwufxyTpQoIxNnc3yzja5wZNvEy3fEmDNj8Cj/s320/20240317_093429.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Wild Leek, a member of the onion family, is coming up now as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5JNrBpWcSyQtN-5cM65zeZF6sy1AJ4Elp0y-_smTxO0G2SGxczDuNtSs5DfOh0EM-9uY6pf0Gosp-IrsWUAuNPPKvIVMhRssYutON4Qke73RD0kaP5s5jjkzXhK4ZSnHLUYHm1fHiWFpLxuiH2kVbEDX_ThSkdStqN83EaEHRqRfBI7YMd76zHOqByKI/s6087/IMG_3838.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4118" data-original-width="6087" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5JNrBpWcSyQtN-5cM65zeZF6sy1AJ4Elp0y-_smTxO0G2SGxczDuNtSs5DfOh0EM-9uY6pf0Gosp-IrsWUAuNPPKvIVMhRssYutON4Qke73RD0kaP5s5jjkzXhK4ZSnHLUYHm1fHiWFpLxuiH2kVbEDX_ThSkdStqN83EaEHRqRfBI7YMd76zHOqByKI/w400-h270/IMG_3838.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Along the way, I noted some members of the fungi family. This one is quite pretty, similar to turkey tail. It is known by its scientific name, <i>Stereum lobatum.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwjt9uwmF0-BLWJuliMcEOOaqeGmEk6gJ-hhxY-vGNe4qkJoEz6AUHF3LpXsfn95m5lhMiwY_g8xQjLfv3QMg3VF0GOFN_SbJxqOUyhf32T6KeBnDpxDPmg620G9JYzrzcva2-CrjzRCZ12ijMidJnwEFmBvHSPb9hXEPu3HH9gGcFJciIhpLyJbqwgWa/s3466/20240317_090754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3466" data-original-width="3289" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwjt9uwmF0-BLWJuliMcEOOaqeGmEk6gJ-hhxY-vGNe4qkJoEz6AUHF3LpXsfn95m5lhMiwY_g8xQjLfv3QMg3VF0GOFN_SbJxqOUyhf32T6KeBnDpxDPmg620G9JYzrzcva2-CrjzRCZ12ijMidJnwEFmBvHSPb9hXEPu3HH9gGcFJciIhpLyJbqwgWa/w380-h400/20240317_090754.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p><p>I find quite a bit of splitgill mushroom at Reid. This specimen is one of the more attractive ones I have found.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5-pPU-ompqwm-gGZYZTcIIpKbGI4C01REwsSVWfGLDx65GxILHBa9WVvs3hXXyFwiVqZzgm3p2N9QnE4zpVtyG26dSW1W7bgSYZj5V1IoXkLqDVVUtp16TdMs0fmVryivHWDszDhUdvMj06bjFO0pql7sik4uOGjqAGiRXifVjcrnWlB-INGzIUwVp-0/s2576/20240317_105908.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5-pPU-ompqwm-gGZYZTcIIpKbGI4C01REwsSVWfGLDx65GxILHBa9WVvs3hXXyFwiVqZzgm3p2N9QnE4zpVtyG26dSW1W7bgSYZj5V1IoXkLqDVVUtp16TdMs0fmVryivHWDszDhUdvMj06bjFO0pql7sik4uOGjqAGiRXifVjcrnWlB-INGzIUwVp-0/w300-h400/20240317_105908.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcgMxv-VSb4_uAYE8M7UdDEysE30grwWo3LWGsO_xKXUixXc7plIeycta2INFprpmiVInYD9-fewCNqnaphWVEvFdShWZp3aSo6xtiMAq5wKdKnO1Yl9_E2NSxAQXkHogzErlkaxwwrN6JOuqdJ6pXhwzgF74wZFzCwGK43kV63wUjmkxsHd-cTzC5xIo/s2576/20240317_105920.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcgMxv-VSb4_uAYE8M7UdDEysE30grwWo3LWGsO_xKXUixXc7plIeycta2INFprpmiVInYD9-fewCNqnaphWVEvFdShWZp3aSo6xtiMAq5wKdKnO1Yl9_E2NSxAQXkHogzErlkaxwwrN6JOuqdJ6pXhwzgF74wZFzCwGK43kV63wUjmkxsHd-cTzC5xIo/w300-h400/20240317_105920.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Another fungus, this one may be hypoxylon canker, not too common it seems.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavSdpl1YMypmTPVtyWZjppLj4i8l_VPaoAElk0bn_JxM1eg6dauZ465TNcGQS8ln9SxBFVeJ-gf64h6GL-_Yos-lJ3uPTkz6RLE5tfTDJSSS5YpbwD20agQBFHyY5Kv5BfY85dqdZYbC7hSc9XimFpp5viXGPaDVUkfls5X0qz8znaX2Pqp2Mn3SFR2iH/s1408/Reid%20F1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1408" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavSdpl1YMypmTPVtyWZjppLj4i8l_VPaoAElk0bn_JxM1eg6dauZ465TNcGQS8ln9SxBFVeJ-gf64h6GL-_Yos-lJ3uPTkz6RLE5tfTDJSSS5YpbwD20agQBFHyY5Kv5BfY85dqdZYbC7hSc9XimFpp5viXGPaDVUkfls5X0qz8znaX2Pqp2Mn3SFR2iH/w400-h343/Reid%20F1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>With rain overnight, the vernal ponds in the woods are doing well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBjxzKT3wrzNRKGAjHRpvk8Qg5vIsGj6d6Z-C9c97IAbC7nuNgF4tPybkp9mt9EaZjqilO6SurFj5TNKEGh2sh_x1oETlNl0rQnJI3-L6OYrsG68jJN63MMQm6H_32nONPkMZG3LROlo5_CS_qpOggrOYW0xD-7eBFh7JoNWkgdfgg1uj8GFiZxaZuRu_/s4624/20240317_095313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBjxzKT3wrzNRKGAjHRpvk8Qg5vIsGj6d6Z-C9c97IAbC7nuNgF4tPybkp9mt9EaZjqilO6SurFj5TNKEGh2sh_x1oETlNl0rQnJI3-L6OYrsG68jJN63MMQm6H_32nONPkMZG3LROlo5_CS_qpOggrOYW0xD-7eBFh7JoNWkgdfgg1uj8GFiZxaZuRu_/w640-h480/20240317_095313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>There are always some interesting things to see within Reid CA. This large maple tree split in half at its base a few years ago.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkkmjou203rf5LwWkRm75i5pxy3qCyDdKJ_tFkioZ1dnWSvU4et1UrOJCMcO0ztzHz-NnIPyigPN2BVA6LYjwd6XW4ct9nX16UA8xA_tCjph673QkaDAbMS3k1tGQg12Qy_-K_NOgCYMeK5VuzqQKMuD0a5Wqmsw17ednQE7wtNnPPMO0I2si2j-wjvlV/s4624/20240317_100723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkkmjou203rf5LwWkRm75i5pxy3qCyDdKJ_tFkioZ1dnWSvU4et1UrOJCMcO0ztzHz-NnIPyigPN2BVA6LYjwd6XW4ct9nX16UA8xA_tCjph673QkaDAbMS3k1tGQg12Qy_-K_NOgCYMeK5VuzqQKMuD0a5Wqmsw17ednQE7wtNnPPMO0I2si2j-wjvlV/w400-h300/20240317_100723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>This tree grew with quite a twist back in the day!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sU3T1p1HRVq31s-ig76N9rc_U7lteZ6U06H2dT1Kpy0WRRWc29kE7wK2bsy5ZAOGULvAQvYeWsB2hyWFRS96RfZFemz_qthdfBl4004cv0mMBaDJBfVzU0DDJJNR5yPkSaZWpe0loFkhXftskQGtB5W-bgXd3sVMItgr4dFWWscdT6wqXD9SkUaceGf0/s4624/20240317_105535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sU3T1p1HRVq31s-ig76N9rc_U7lteZ6U06H2dT1Kpy0WRRWc29kE7wK2bsy5ZAOGULvAQvYeWsB2hyWFRS96RfZFemz_qthdfBl4004cv0mMBaDJBfVzU0DDJJNR5yPkSaZWpe0loFkhXftskQGtB5W-bgXd3sVMItgr4dFWWscdT6wqXD9SkUaceGf0/w300-h400/20240317_105535.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>A ramble at Reid is not complete without seeing a mussel or two.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXvjlqlmglKLOaITyACJPDoDTfNRRRRhFUsH6iU0Fk6isep0jsEQjZNAXSo4d6YnkogYRCzzXQ9HICgF0-zK0i1o56pP6IS9ZNJK8Gnw0Mq45IbZmZXeEZWgC7mqLrYMktvTlts88FAsdiYSttDiaHlKla5eujbNl50IGX_hb3kv0Ep1Ei-ax6DWQlLwV/s4624/20240317_093623.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXvjlqlmglKLOaITyACJPDoDTfNRRRRhFUsH6iU0Fk6isep0jsEQjZNAXSo4d6YnkogYRCzzXQ9HICgF0-zK0i1o56pP6IS9ZNJK8Gnw0Mq45IbZmZXeEZWgC7mqLrYMktvTlts88FAsdiYSttDiaHlKla5eujbNl50IGX_hb3kv0Ep1Ei-ax6DWQlLwV/s320/20240317_093623.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Mapleleaf</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKnb5ZP9sID6UX9nRTFIJ6uRhiko0fTYVdaYfrIkWOaUrVajsZM-1v9n1GyL9tvrfpe3fgvwQn3miBvBqXLIs4tq5x0ml6roM9WmxHXQol459DyQd2JrwZy672s22uF6tpk0z2b5Kmr-HU_eSIc4rmg7teJ8-DMPfnxWCt-3Piwkz27c-utyseBQJLdGd/s4624/20240317_093616.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKnb5ZP9sID6UX9nRTFIJ6uRhiko0fTYVdaYfrIkWOaUrVajsZM-1v9n1GyL9tvrfpe3fgvwQn3miBvBqXLIs4tq5x0ml6roM9WmxHXQol459DyQd2JrwZy672s22uF6tpk0z2b5Kmr-HU_eSIc4rmg7teJ8-DMPfnxWCt-3Piwkz27c-utyseBQJLdGd/w300-h400/20240317_093616.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>A few days ago, I checked out some spots locally and found some Tree Swallows. Probably some of the earliest arrivals I have ever seen. These were both at Mitchell's Bay and Peers Wetland.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmy_ES_cQg-c6PnuyT6HOWcGuT5XPB699j22aGqPvwF4TQDAVPX6-yGjcx3E-MBhQZHLEPRC70ldQUkteU_1J49Bo5kZWYSV9BPD_MzhkUidBONSAnQHsswFYXAwhQKxkMj4LA5sfwJrHiqeyT0zu9AHZFisR1Io-ExmdCKbTfXo_d0HoFlVoPmei47R5/s4165/IMG_3788.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2359" data-original-width="4165" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmy_ES_cQg-c6PnuyT6HOWcGuT5XPB699j22aGqPvwF4TQDAVPX6-yGjcx3E-MBhQZHLEPRC70ldQUkteU_1J49Bo5kZWYSV9BPD_MzhkUidBONSAnQHsswFYXAwhQKxkMj4LA5sfwJrHiqeyT0zu9AHZFisR1Io-ExmdCKbTfXo_d0HoFlVoPmei47R5/w640-h362/IMG_3788.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Just over a week ago, a pair of Black-billed Magpies was found at the east end of Rondeau Bay. Later, they were seen (assumed to be the same birds) on Fargo Road north of Shrewsbury. No doubt they are attempting to nest there, as they have been observed gathering nesting material!</p><p>I stopped by a couple of days ago and took a quick photo of the pair under gloomy skies.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUtoVdnFyPRu3zcuR5BpfKoRnEzUVpe71jmhKGTz_QpaS-7YC5EQqHbgMpuGVbheXaHt3uQlmFih95pTBjMQg_TslSOvBrbAYRtBwlHwVjD2lJDAqEuCP6k9SZA1pjSu47Ibt5ctgZZbbm-oz_lnFRFe9xFBHVRQcz1wajWKJYHxpCrH_pbSvCFtw989B/s4769/IMG_3808.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2597" data-original-width="4769" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUtoVdnFyPRu3zcuR5BpfKoRnEzUVpe71jmhKGTz_QpaS-7YC5EQqHbgMpuGVbheXaHt3uQlmFih95pTBjMQg_TslSOvBrbAYRtBwlHwVjD2lJDAqEuCP6k9SZA1pjSu47Ibt5ctgZZbbm-oz_lnFRFe9xFBHVRQcz1wajWKJYHxpCrH_pbSvCFtw989B/w400-h217/IMG_3808.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>One has to wonder what is going on with these creatures! Last year, there were multiple sightings in SW Ontario, especially in Elgin County towards St. Thomas. Were a bunch of birds released?</p><p>There has been incursions from the west in the past (eg. 1973), but the pattern does not fully fit the criteria.</p><p>Black-billed Magpies have been known to be kept in captivity with some either escaping or being released. Perhaps some were let go the last year or two.</p><p>There are legitimate wild birds up in the Rainy River District which I have seen on visits there. Once in a while one may be seen in southern Ontario. Back on May 15, 1999, I found one at Rondeau Park. It was later seen the next day by several birders, but this one clearly had a band on one leg. Easy to discount that as a wild bird!</p><p>Later, I also took some time in Rondeau Park. Eastern Phoebes have started to trickle in already Two or three were seen that morning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBV_SgtV4ENA9XAwFpGSGebEbIqdp4VfTLVzZYi7uSz6qRZSAWxrpSD_R_JMneIJgOEfSEVC2SeXtHQOvKFeKmOOTRniGzY6BhwOcWPExjyD0f3M0Ny5TsCUc8fHwlBo7R4lOOaZ-DeydPAaem8tmHE6Q1ynLb8bIwwH9NyT-cFBpnKLs7VA7Z3MNZxua/s2957/IMG_6373.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2574" data-original-width="2957" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBV_SgtV4ENA9XAwFpGSGebEbIqdp4VfTLVzZYi7uSz6qRZSAWxrpSD_R_JMneIJgOEfSEVC2SeXtHQOvKFeKmOOTRniGzY6BhwOcWPExjyD0f3M0Ny5TsCUc8fHwlBo7R4lOOaZ-DeydPAaem8tmHE6Q1ynLb8bIwwH9NyT-cFBpnKLs7VA7Z3MNZxua/w400-h349/IMG_6373.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Yesterday, I needed a change in scenery and went down to Hillman Marsh. I did the long walk around the dike. Lots of ducks to look at! I always scrutinize them for European imports, namely Eurasian Wigeon or Eurasian Green-winged Teal (Common Teal). One year, I found both! However no dice this visit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSOJeZ7yBFji20QYzws4ltv_YRtbkNRdWbgeTCGFsh_ByvHWS1lzJoearYLJYeduy3g8zORDHh2d8TO0QvmASiMdC8p5oNQtK_ow5UCY6edgL1hkUWVSyg4o45QkfvS6orz6lugqJftQkRCawU2r-SCRgT_1IGM0AASREv_8S9_OebdbMMPZ3vbmNcNiJ/s6604/IMG_3811.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2260" data-original-width="6604" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSOJeZ7yBFji20QYzws4ltv_YRtbkNRdWbgeTCGFsh_ByvHWS1lzJoearYLJYeduy3g8zORDHh2d8TO0QvmASiMdC8p5oNQtK_ow5UCY6edgL1hkUWVSyg4o45QkfvS6orz6lugqJftQkRCawU2r-SCRgT_1IGM0AASREv_8S9_OebdbMMPZ3vbmNcNiJ/w640-h220/IMG_3811.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5U2X0EvM3OO9w5uxSAmzlBtIR0GzeFvsxSM7gp2BeO8W4CUJxt-9kJr2bTSrmwAD_Zaa7-zFMo95TOfw2LkkDw7p0ExaC_-h9OTjEjgdwvwgVbFUkkQux_e0YI469_S27_3IxUNhZz77XknpjG0ci0EJcMVb0MgOV2_R6-cO7aRodtreRu40P5kVB0MXW/s3979/IMG_3819.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1998" data-original-width="3979" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5U2X0EvM3OO9w5uxSAmzlBtIR0GzeFvsxSM7gp2BeO8W4CUJxt-9kJr2bTSrmwAD_Zaa7-zFMo95TOfw2LkkDw7p0ExaC_-h9OTjEjgdwvwgVbFUkkQux_e0YI469_S27_3IxUNhZz77XknpjG0ci0EJcMVb0MgOV2_R6-cO7aRodtreRu40P5kVB0MXW/w640-h322/IMG_3819.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Ducks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>A Northern Shrike has been wintering in the area there, and was still present. Soon, it will head north.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w-neJsavF9wWO_zWdfMHdh-esqGm1xDQ-NoXEV-ahZMqwdC2VckwL52_37_4iLsTwoNz1MXrWcd4RSvBAldrBqmcW7De6IoxWhUFonpgAb0EtDlkz9efw2ThGnjfu2CVLUyucn3k8L3DfWWZdzHPrFPRlsIZaW0ett7VVPo9dyJsE9sRM-lslvwjpOsG/s3282/IMG_3828.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3282" data-original-width="2661" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w-neJsavF9wWO_zWdfMHdh-esqGm1xDQ-NoXEV-ahZMqwdC2VckwL52_37_4iLsTwoNz1MXrWcd4RSvBAldrBqmcW7De6IoxWhUFonpgAb0EtDlkz9efw2ThGnjfu2CVLUyucn3k8L3DfWWZdzHPrFPRlsIZaW0ett7VVPo9dyJsE9sRM-lslvwjpOsG/s320/IMG_3828.JPG" width="259" /></a></div><br /><p>It is the time of year one must be on the lookout for Loggerhead Shrike. Occasionally one shows up in our area, like the one north of Erieau last year.</p><p>Some cool weather the next few days, but more spring arrivals will be in our midsts!</p><p>During my down time, I do a lot of reading. Currently, I am checking out books written by Adam Shoalts. He is a survivalist and adventurer that has done many extended canoe trips throughout Canada. He lived at St. Williams, near Long Point at one time. Adam is a very popular speaker and his talks sell out quite quickly. A couple of years ago he was guest speaker for the Sydenham Field Naturalists annual spring banquet.</p><p>The book I am currently reading is the trip from Long Point to the Arctic in northern Labrador. A 3400 km journey!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97QIY2hgK0ApYiO-Au7eJrNekVdbUyoC_sTxKsVkc_cq3TOUheGvB1wSBNRUXv64ZTcYrzJBasYly6piCf0baOau4cmJDaZwvvNhPoHBuy8CL1_1YP3Fw2UVMPmnnebmThAaDGuy5dSUvSS3CDc0OrGkZJNj4u_aGf9rnVBrCxeC0MXaer7Qr4_eOrejI/s2312/20240317_132858%5B407%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2312" data-original-width="1734" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97QIY2hgK0ApYiO-Au7eJrNekVdbUyoC_sTxKsVkc_cq3TOUheGvB1wSBNRUXv64ZTcYrzJBasYly6piCf0baOau4cmJDaZwvvNhPoHBuy8CL1_1YP3Fw2UVMPmnnebmThAaDGuy5dSUvSS3CDc0OrGkZJNj4u_aGf9rnVBrCxeC0MXaer7Qr4_eOrejI/w480-h640/20240317_132858%5B407%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-9085188458743713262024-03-13T18:55:00.002-04:002024-03-13T18:55:11.424-04:00Random Scenes and Wildlife<p>Little in the way of subject matter the last few days, as things have been slow at my end. </p><p>Sunday was crappy weatherwise, and we had a bit of snow on the ground in the morning. Here is a photo of one of two White-throated Sparrows that were in the yard. I had one all winter, but did I miss one?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoK2VG-ylkgf0UEpSpzWYFQCY7JTuavRN14gSuKJNns5L6WNcALfhXynrlWRfYr54VT0j5qQdR-j4shvRFWo3EQS8wx1yv00qh9R3J9lwZynsO3YEA5T-Ou8dfYhyY4-0VVefOZQNZ-viFgtIchZPoaS0tg0Y3I6rbWxJZK752EQPdPHQExqfOnf_6Gh2/s4060/IMG_3764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2835" data-original-width="4060" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoK2VG-ylkgf0UEpSpzWYFQCY7JTuavRN14gSuKJNns5L6WNcALfhXynrlWRfYr54VT0j5qQdR-j4shvRFWo3EQS8wx1yv00qh9R3J9lwZynsO3YEA5T-Ou8dfYhyY4-0VVefOZQNZ-viFgtIchZPoaS0tg0Y3I6rbWxJZK752EQPdPHQExqfOnf_6Gh2/w400-h279/IMG_3764.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Monday turned out fairly nice, but there were no new birds around as I checked out Rondeau and area. The wintering Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was at the Park Store, so it wanders widely! I was unable to get a photo though, as I only caught sight of it briefly.</p><p>I spotted the Eurasian Wigeon again from the same spot, but it was farther out this time.</p><p>Tuesday, I took an early morning walk at Reid CA. I ended up walking almost 4 km within the property, and that was only part of it! I rarely go to Reid for birds, as there are lots of other things to look for.</p><p>At the start, the adjacent field was full of American Robins. No doubt migrants working their way through.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRyk1WD2soV6xSr-nlVF870Nu3OTtVfCx5OL0MLJ3YpAcCeb9htY7cfJLgXp1-rYGfSdv7jnLehspI54F4SdajAR-IpxrmIdA0-uMMGMij3Ft87WAkeIdNTpgKBvjcDDCrf1-Gqe3eYPWDsqcuoYG2wUI0-9xz0i-1AVaXsckLKSY0rb_PPp3Ppu4PnHl/s3846/IMG_3778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3439" data-original-width="3846" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRyk1WD2soV6xSr-nlVF870Nu3OTtVfCx5OL0MLJ3YpAcCeb9htY7cfJLgXp1-rYGfSdv7jnLehspI54F4SdajAR-IpxrmIdA0-uMMGMij3Ft87WAkeIdNTpgKBvjcDDCrf1-Gqe3eYPWDsqcuoYG2wUI0-9xz0i-1AVaXsckLKSY0rb_PPp3Ppu4PnHl/w400-h358/IMG_3778.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Here are some scenes on my walk. Included is one of my favourite spots, as seen in the current header of this blog.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirE4U4VQKyssbrdsYpMqx5bUDVL2R1c-Dq37wF7e5TA8fZSJ_U7AdfvTHOdTOPPQHCTKsqg9_ZFeI-xW22SdzYWOYzObbnGx8jXBtDigwMviXSQQYRX8z2_j9xt87dJ8jzB3QcWGZzvah9z_84ZH6LzMefzGg_6yD3noGn_n0HQq55oazUUV1OBr1DBjw-/s4624/20240312_093438_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirE4U4VQKyssbrdsYpMqx5bUDVL2R1c-Dq37wF7e5TA8fZSJ_U7AdfvTHOdTOPPQHCTKsqg9_ZFeI-xW22SdzYWOYzObbnGx8jXBtDigwMviXSQQYRX8z2_j9xt87dJ8jzB3QcWGZzvah9z_84ZH6LzMefzGg_6yD3noGn_n0HQq55oazUUV1OBr1DBjw-/w640-h480/20240312_093438_001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High point on the property</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qXAKHjpz3TbGANvD4uyHEhA57Vs768wJYnWxx0_20nB3voosD9Wtr2mr_0ZoAxVtS6dmMR5p2CcrkXW9qszXRQQISqBWzLWXIqcW9S-OlxHpixn3wb6Oi4Ieps7dBG65YjDN23OGwF-dJG79PojIiYKqZyrOVz5zT8r1vPxc0DokrS4wySc9LL3kzgQb/s4624/20240312_085818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qXAKHjpz3TbGANvD4uyHEhA57Vs768wJYnWxx0_20nB3voosD9Wtr2mr_0ZoAxVtS6dmMR5p2CcrkXW9qszXRQQISqBWzLWXIqcW9S-OlxHpixn3wb6Oi4Ieps7dBG65YjDN23OGwF-dJG79PojIiYKqZyrOVz5zT8r1vPxc0DokrS4wySc9LL3kzgQb/w640-h480/20240312_085818.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random Forest View</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq09Zj7J3wUeOSF52MRkpneUbzcclKa354HRVTI0BXkWyUOaE5oAm61OSFaceI6ETuHvysLNvcSZZwvMWMxIVQs5Z0hQLyjM5tkxe2_HOLYz9zwGrzwl5fk31fRB2N8dTuRBGUnrb2VwrSE0x2TT16_3E28gj-HZlRyCInBSz55BS81nQqbbC97d6LhSRx/s4624/20240312_094911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq09Zj7J3wUeOSF52MRkpneUbzcclKa354HRVTI0BXkWyUOaE5oAm61OSFaceI6ETuHvysLNvcSZZwvMWMxIVQs5Z0hQLyjM5tkxe2_HOLYz9zwGrzwl5fk31fRB2N8dTuRBGUnrb2VwrSE0x2TT16_3E28gj-HZlRyCInBSz55BS81nQqbbC97d6LhSRx/w640-h480/20240312_094911.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scene in the old river course at the north end</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Today, promised to be a warm sunny day, though it started out a bit cloudy, cold and quite windy. I wanted to walk out marsh trail, but it was just too uncomfortable first thing. I drove around at dawn and heard or saw a few American Woodcock before they went quiet for the day.</p><p>I then went for a walk on south point trail (east). Certainly no new birds were in. Some things were moving on the lake including White-winged Scoters and Horned Grebes.</p><p>By the time I finished this walk, it was warm enough to head out marsh trail. Again, nothing new, except I encountered a Brown Thrasher at one point. I would assume it wintered somewhere nearby.</p><p>I guess it was a day of exercise, as there were not all that many birds, and nothing new much to my disappointment.</p><p>This afternoon was just too nice and warm to stay home, so I went for a walk at Reid CA. Some insects were out in the 20 deg weather.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdbWs6JXMTm1EgUgUTXmuZVLClrnt1jCNU06HgdNHq5rYYDFgWRlVWIUZ86YLOKKTLAxBo1eW4nlpKTVgDbfmO71RCvjnyWZvKZVBgp9qOBVrxX8gMQCgZnx43oc3IlnIrhCwpbRRrbjmSBo-WOrMD4PZcrVfZiAvYLOnr7_0naFgzDrC2qb4Q57TGSM6/s1032/20240313_145348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="903" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdbWs6JXMTm1EgUgUTXmuZVLClrnt1jCNU06HgdNHq5rYYDFgWRlVWIUZ86YLOKKTLAxBo1eW4nlpKTVgDbfmO71RCvjnyWZvKZVBgp9qOBVrxX8gMQCgZnx43oc3IlnIrhCwpbRRrbjmSBo-WOrMD4PZcrVfZiAvYLOnr7_0naFgzDrC2qb4Q57TGSM6/w350-h400/20240313_145348.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7-RAWToF80tNbbJug_09tXe83PjII5z6rtSqtFqldiMJHNFhZ6Sa68eSMssdBJ5o-1iuJFcRoMj1VZ3v7vq2HLVzyzRLA-P11apTIKFpd0EtAAQOWC7GWOnMTmw0oi259_7pm4dl8zCaFZE2fj3_cLMW-bQp1hSfVO4nvHmOIGUp7JrXU4YMJfmvo2T1/s2957/IMG_3785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2957" data-original-width="2928" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7-RAWToF80tNbbJug_09tXe83PjII5z6rtSqtFqldiMJHNFhZ6Sa68eSMssdBJ5o-1iuJFcRoMj1VZ3v7vq2HLVzyzRLA-P11apTIKFpd0EtAAQOWC7GWOnMTmw0oi259_7pm4dl8zCaFZE2fj3_cLMW-bQp1hSfVO4nvHmOIGUp7JrXU4YMJfmvo2T1/w396-h400/IMG_3785.JPG" width="396" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yellowjacket</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Oddly, with regards to butterflies, I only encountered one Eastern Comma which did not co-operate very well either!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaVj_bHjgvQIpmejo2-Kf91vLgCKvaj2KakUwqJx4YbqlEX07Si6h9IPYKiXsuofT0OLK4nC-xAvXRfeMR5ZH11DAFTggT1v_6EcEtBavCgL8QJUYM2B1xawawy7glPTGUHIHSnH47cF8Uig9-BpizBN7VJo8vbOTW59rIuYodH-0T1o-Vw2kNUDOC3Jl/s4014/IMG_3787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2905" data-original-width="4014" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaVj_bHjgvQIpmejo2-Kf91vLgCKvaj2KakUwqJx4YbqlEX07Si6h9IPYKiXsuofT0OLK4nC-xAvXRfeMR5ZH11DAFTggT1v_6EcEtBavCgL8QJUYM2B1xawawy7glPTGUHIHSnH47cF8Uig9-BpizBN7VJo8vbOTW59rIuYodH-0T1o-Vw2kNUDOC3Jl/w400-h290/IMG_3787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Lots of Chorus Frogs were singing, but they are difficult to actually see. They go quiet when one gets anywhere near them. Leopard Frogs are more co-operative, as this one did not move.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0z43n9hHbXN1eWftGyqYxTCcFGz7dms_5QuiUfmwArGDFfgB7pcwJwbq1uAf1vjmANaFCjbEg1pUhvlMZD02Xuu77dqPwWiveNynkikoCaN6u7_6eBL8XpOpFsOhpXFkdaPxqsEA5k9_H7MJuPm1150oo_-bj7Mg8rX_W38IDSjxSKTrkZidf8bopyRWk/s4502/IMG_3781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="4502" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0z43n9hHbXN1eWftGyqYxTCcFGz7dms_5QuiUfmwArGDFfgB7pcwJwbq1uAf1vjmANaFCjbEg1pUhvlMZD02Xuu77dqPwWiveNynkikoCaN6u7_6eBL8XpOpFsOhpXFkdaPxqsEA5k9_H7MJuPm1150oo_-bj7Mg8rX_W38IDSjxSKTrkZidf8bopyRWk/w640-h404/IMG_3781.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>This small Hop-Hornbeam tree had the gall to get in my way at one point (!).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIOaw2_BVojUbzN-JCVCp_Wlbzuv-2djkIGhHu9omiEGqZBvd70qF5mxpaCcvC8J98aBLm3A_6rPde8f9jc14mQxwU7ZcoSWEyOHw-8rUIRRZEq02KeKErpmIcrBlsGbaRefh9BWtLtUFRsEHLzSv9vbRhUhO50BwAgvu38_O5tAVTkp2L78zXPnJmKZN/s4624/20240313_145534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIOaw2_BVojUbzN-JCVCp_Wlbzuv-2djkIGhHu9omiEGqZBvd70qF5mxpaCcvC8J98aBLm3A_6rPde8f9jc14mQxwU7ZcoSWEyOHw-8rUIRRZEq02KeKErpmIcrBlsGbaRefh9BWtLtUFRsEHLzSv9vbRhUhO50BwAgvu38_O5tAVTkp2L78zXPnJmKZN/w480-h640/20240313_145534.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Several American Beech trees are quite rotted out, and it is amazing that they are still alive.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeVMSLObzMDN3BvlcboMipQmc7QmvDo63zN3o93YE8SObfMZgmN-z-jsgm7_IJ0FA2lh5ZvEGnGOa_auSl4WMZo6qr7oquvAVvlUrVI0HDZq7_oWF1fuAgq8LMK-GN1lSul7QdhRKVUYf6ViKXdsp1kLFrPR9bSSfoK5cjSiW3MB34uWQQUI8XZn-j17E/s4624/20240313_152047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeVMSLObzMDN3BvlcboMipQmc7QmvDo63zN3o93YE8SObfMZgmN-z-jsgm7_IJ0FA2lh5ZvEGnGOa_auSl4WMZo6qr7oquvAVvlUrVI0HDZq7_oWF1fuAgq8LMK-GN1lSul7QdhRKVUYf6ViKXdsp1kLFrPR9bSSfoK5cjSiW3MB34uWQQUI8XZn-j17E/w480-h640/20240313_152047.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Mosses are another thing to look at in the forest. This one is common, which I believe to be Ohio Haircap.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNY4NgRf7kn2xwHbTK7-oDGj_jtkuWfgDJkvGQiQwWkJQGdfVC8SdfpXuPVZc2juA1PeHy9ZG1sYrmeGSxvM-LmpQWGh9bvXpfeZfkvN4TO4PYwUsqObMyjGSaWtrf_e5R_3YbILLIlSIBw1AGwTttn5Fm96AmxsAKaEheMB5jtvrCzPrTK_UyqULsm0g/s4624/20240312_094354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNY4NgRf7kn2xwHbTK7-oDGj_jtkuWfgDJkvGQiQwWkJQGdfVC8SdfpXuPVZc2juA1PeHy9ZG1sYrmeGSxvM-LmpQWGh9bvXpfeZfkvN4TO4PYwUsqObMyjGSaWtrf_e5R_3YbILLIlSIBw1AGwTttn5Fm96AmxsAKaEheMB5jtvrCzPrTK_UyqULsm0g/w300-h400/20240312_094354.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAiBsghc8SIg5TO0e3mhm9bt56MzUKChEJYOQD9_Z3w1gDBGV3CS96hrSgLDyqlEP6iutFQsR_C1mXwyxwsHK8Uzwduf_YtT7HWXMBkkeKn_f0zYRt1XYZ44ygcfYsTyl3kjW4wF6RdRyBjJifzk73zvZ8t1I6ckGlkCYLZwIY0BJwBDR8JyLAYxDmwXZ/s2576/20240312_094343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAiBsghc8SIg5TO0e3mhm9bt56MzUKChEJYOQD9_Z3w1gDBGV3CS96hrSgLDyqlEP6iutFQsR_C1mXwyxwsHK8Uzwduf_YtT7HWXMBkkeKn_f0zYRt1XYZ44ygcfYsTyl3kjW4wF6RdRyBjJifzk73zvZ8t1I6ckGlkCYLZwIY0BJwBDR8JyLAYxDmwXZ/w300-h400/20240312_094343.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Here is another at the base of a hickory tree which I have not determined yet. iNaturalist cannot ID it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3QzQ7-D2Qs6bFvb3rVETpna3qhd_Sl0bzVJYrx_2GpdnlUaCYv1F354IBxJZMYQEhFDawf9YJRiAsmtNbDOWDR0oEFmJBBlY0AYcS9rwd71KQjZVzzWnD7bi5IU9vFS2tu880ThUSCS7WGtY7zcWihVPOcIyEQEudHxQ6YKQAQoIvDmC5vShBOlRpPaR/s4624/20240313_153926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3QzQ7-D2Qs6bFvb3rVETpna3qhd_Sl0bzVJYrx_2GpdnlUaCYv1F354IBxJZMYQEhFDawf9YJRiAsmtNbDOWDR0oEFmJBBlY0AYcS9rwd71KQjZVzzWnD7bi5IU9vFS2tu880ThUSCS7WGtY7zcWihVPOcIyEQEudHxQ6YKQAQoIvDmC5vShBOlRpPaR/w300-h400/20240313_153926.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_g2onK03mJAjt8UcBQaLwsEm8uKahyphenhyphenAOHQ4VnykKEdygCRzHfvdYVJCCe-DkQCblw4yV3_p7Ef2yFbjcRgVp7dgHl02psqxYeiCn73m7SBQ8T0_vdR1qzzKPbwRqEbQrckfKI8EyzBKOR0iqppTXqlsvdA3AP6TFgnwtcSc2WKF1ISwRGy2KTDhBQT5T/s2576/20240313_153907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_g2onK03mJAjt8UcBQaLwsEm8uKahyphenhyphenAOHQ4VnykKEdygCRzHfvdYVJCCe-DkQCblw4yV3_p7Ef2yFbjcRgVp7dgHl02psqxYeiCn73m7SBQ8T0_vdR1qzzKPbwRqEbQrckfKI8EyzBKOR0iqppTXqlsvdA3AP6TFgnwtcSc2WKF1ISwRGy2KTDhBQT5T/w300-h400/20240313_153907.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The next few days I hope to see tree swallows or phoebes. They have been reported elsewhere. I had hoped to see one or two today, but that did not happen!</p>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-13845672166002816102024-03-08T20:34:00.007-05:002024-03-10T20:04:01.807-04:00More Rondeau Visits and Middlesex Meanderings<p> Tuesday it was down to Rondeau Park once again. It seems like the best option for long walks and looking for birds and other things. The St. Clair River is useless this winter and there is not much around Wallaceburg.</p><p>I headed to south point trail first thing. A rain cloud came over just after I started walking, but it did not last long. I was on the trail to the light beacon when a light rain fell. It produced a rainbow, as seen in the current header of this blog.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpJdwf4jS9TkiLoumBi6nQbGhGy3Jq_lnTo8h5Dl8EoQFPJRNUxhtWT90R1nCBjJSdI0KlDS3LsxhuCB9z76jdFK_qC5Gc1jPl_lHwCoKn6S-Xu6VLEtBeo4UvLZqap06kkO7EBJk5cA6MIhvw1UbUReubcy9lnUj1sR5bLsdDE1Li7M086DV_zRPC58G/s4624/Rondeau%20Rainbow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpJdwf4jS9TkiLoumBi6nQbGhGy3Jq_lnTo8h5Dl8EoQFPJRNUxhtWT90R1nCBjJSdI0KlDS3LsxhuCB9z76jdFK_qC5Gc1jPl_lHwCoKn6S-Xu6VLEtBeo4UvLZqap06kkO7EBJk5cA6MIhvw1UbUReubcy9lnUj1sR5bLsdDE1Li7M086DV_zRPC58G/w640-h480/Rondeau%20Rainbow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The sun soon came back out for a nice day.</p><p>While on the trail, an Eastern Towhee was calling in the underbrush. We had not encountered one here recently, so I do not know where it came from. I ventured slightly off trail to look at it, but that was a mistake. Black-legged Ticks are in full force! I picked off at least five from my pantlegs. Not doing that again! We never used to worry much about these ticks, but in recent years they have exploded in population it seems.</p><p>Later, I walked all of Black Oak trail. Here is another common lichens.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6OSwmCLldK5peVyS6VZPNbAg29E_gE3Q_tLBp2vL1FJQHLfPt4lj2k1WDykBbRJJ58FjHJdfTLvgwW2RomruwTOVusLis96W8OZKUiLFHp442kkj9HEhHv4PMkjdKLqyInBmyYxn8tA7bxVl7xJooQxyBAvjFiSsbuDFxAkrmSNVePVn115qjc5zYui7/s4624/20240305_081548.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6OSwmCLldK5peVyS6VZPNbAg29E_gE3Q_tLBp2vL1FJQHLfPt4lj2k1WDykBbRJJ58FjHJdfTLvgwW2RomruwTOVusLis96W8OZKUiLFHp442kkj9HEhHv4PMkjdKLqyInBmyYxn8tA7bxVl7xJooQxyBAvjFiSsbuDFxAkrmSNVePVn115qjc5zYui7/s320/20240305_081548.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Greenshield Lichens</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Another, I think is Bark Scribble (the little black marks). Lichens is not a popular subject on iNaturalist, so I am not sure.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64u9QEebQamJC_M9WDCDftK7A2FrHhyphenhyphenDyXmWbLK01x6cYcB83n7oaMYdy06U071f5cOgsWELpGoXvxfeBKqFsL53Rc0OKJACBo_uVXMumhXJPrqd6SRsCdN7ex-bVpSmvbBYksYRzpLtSVx46sEgVp7991qIIdTbQ0hAzmCGsTB1t0EhMpVV5CRAaC8dO/s1716/20240305_084953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1677" data-original-width="1716" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64u9QEebQamJC_M9WDCDftK7A2FrHhyphenhyphenDyXmWbLK01x6cYcB83n7oaMYdy06U071f5cOgsWELpGoXvxfeBKqFsL53Rc0OKJACBo_uVXMumhXJPrqd6SRsCdN7ex-bVpSmvbBYksYRzpLtSVx46sEgVp7991qIIdTbQ0hAzmCGsTB1t0EhMpVV5CRAaC8dO/s320/20240305_084953.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>A visit to Rondeau is not complete this time of year without walking the campground. I finally came across the wintering Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. It moved around quite a bit, so was difficult to get on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKmSymuANHMhUzR6vJfW3f7I4-fScUTzG2g5OtXhClYMIv4zGIYExGQlAEpI5Nbds-kkERF5MWPkN-xphrvQEGn5kK34Ente-lodEiIiFzBC1mzjf2klN2wbk4_vuWxTb8hGAD8LI7MGyqIXz5eAfki3rwu7qHPo_CXNWXghG9KbhKNNqWdswt5ZnrzIf/s3143/IMG_3686.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3143" data-original-width="2684" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKmSymuANHMhUzR6vJfW3f7I4-fScUTzG2g5OtXhClYMIv4zGIYExGQlAEpI5Nbds-kkERF5MWPkN-xphrvQEGn5kK34Ente-lodEiIiFzBC1mzjf2klN2wbk4_vuWxTb8hGAD8LI7MGyqIXz5eAfki3rwu7qHPo_CXNWXghG9KbhKNNqWdswt5ZnrzIf/w341-h400/IMG_3686.JPG" width="341" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Only two regular Yellow-rumped Warblers were encountered. The Audubon's is likely still lurking around.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5BuqRvnOcYdIkGLa-ep6vTGTdLaN37DgyDYl05-Xvx03HWsnK5dkhK-PLtwy3CWS7Fj0wPA1m_Lw8PiI658H1_hVQc9aSTZU5odT6ysm0-G9gKQOwKLQ5nRunz2-spT9J_TW8A6GmOn8DBtzvTCms2o0NTMeYHiCB72R9WGO1kvzd91X-XqCoMtVxJcR/s2806/IMG_3693.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2260" data-original-width="2806" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5BuqRvnOcYdIkGLa-ep6vTGTdLaN37DgyDYl05-Xvx03HWsnK5dkhK-PLtwy3CWS7Fj0wPA1m_Lw8PiI658H1_hVQc9aSTZU5odT6ysm0-G9gKQOwKLQ5nRunz2-spT9J_TW8A6GmOn8DBtzvTCms2o0NTMeYHiCB72R9WGO1kvzd91X-XqCoMtVxJcR/s320/IMG_3693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>One last walk was at Keith McLean C. L. Nothing of note, but shorebirds will soon be appearing. A Turkey Vulture was lazily soaring over during my visit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yhEDKLih-OuYGb_eAe6tw2CXxCDTqOpZfM5hxEoM-VSKHgCcQJ30JfACejNflMGlIeRWdgzIM2M9vSC7GwN2muQORLlrPBS05leRFT9m-ykb2LSft7_iw6dZcvrloOSBw3MG4DzHoyQWcZGfZhpQSN9fbisPXEHo6KdDC1oAJ1aR_fdL1y6o2x264w2s/s3125/IMG_3698.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2940" data-original-width="3125" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yhEDKLih-OuYGb_eAe6tw2CXxCDTqOpZfM5hxEoM-VSKHgCcQJ30JfACejNflMGlIeRWdgzIM2M9vSC7GwN2muQORLlrPBS05leRFT9m-ykb2LSft7_iw6dZcvrloOSBw3MG4DzHoyQWcZGfZhpQSN9fbisPXEHo6KdDC1oAJ1aR_fdL1y6o2x264w2s/s320/IMG_3698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Nothing to report on Wednesday. A large branch came off the Silver Maple in the yard, which had some lichens on it. A common species, the Star Rosette is quite interesting-looking when one gets up close.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1yZaU56m9E8hrDp9SVodktzAgvz1nCzZ5_7KrGzP_zGOXWvDBHZzWzR9JPuAQVH9sVh5K4twE-BH5jP8EYvDsid3QyRDRAaKywWwO1v6QJNFzsJlBVONssTVPvPB5G_cW_t_Q440fgPdQaUqHjvB2RPTYWfh85X-kTij6rxSFtq6ylkG3aQWyoWbnKc2/s2576/20240306_151034%5B328%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1yZaU56m9E8hrDp9SVodktzAgvz1nCzZ5_7KrGzP_zGOXWvDBHZzWzR9JPuAQVH9sVh5K4twE-BH5jP8EYvDsid3QyRDRAaKywWwO1v6QJNFzsJlBVONssTVPvPB5G_cW_t_Q440fgPdQaUqHjvB2RPTYWfh85X-kTij6rxSFtq6ylkG3aQWyoWbnKc2/w480-h640/20240306_151034%5B328%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p>Thursday was another nice day, so it was back to Rondeau. I walked marsh trail to half way point. Nothing new, other than a few more Song Sparrow arrivals.</p><p>There were lots of ducks on the Bay. Before leaving the marsh trail, I scoped from the dock. It took only a minute to get on a Eurasian Wigeon male! It is quite possible there is more than one on the Bay, but this one was I assume was the same one spotted by the Pye brothers on Tuesday. It was just too far for a photo, as one can see from this useless photo!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jgkmtBsr96hm1IjXJnArhfnAYEm93uAAPZqHMPazXBtjNJdtVml9NQYcYd6hpAvCXn-4yQzDgmVNhVYhnO0JsKZB_mRyXcS8mk3d2sw9AKVk6DE0agEpm2nCiwC9mEslTqkIpYrIPaSeT1M7YNxQqS6piln828ziXKqILPUk6i3IbmNdtAug_UoT2nvz/s1604/IMG_3710.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1604" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jgkmtBsr96hm1IjXJnArhfnAYEm93uAAPZqHMPazXBtjNJdtVml9NQYcYd6hpAvCXn-4yQzDgmVNhVYhnO0JsKZB_mRyXcS8mk3d2sw9AKVk6DE0agEpm2nCiwC9mEslTqkIpYrIPaSeT1M7YNxQqS6piln828ziXKqILPUk6i3IbmNdtAug_UoT2nvz/w640-h358/IMG_3710.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Mussels always catch my eye, and of course there was one at the dock. Another Fatmucket, which seems very common at Rondeau.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2lFA4fMIvFvegAolsibe5ukiKXTsD2WBVJ1nORy95DxKgJ4z4XK1cNdOdyrC2ShyphenhyphenzXkhcVf-uiNPdR_on-E7kCY4WGIPn0QPrwbVGcyxSQ-c37KGNzma5l2i1btCzFkyIl5kGnEcbv6sUAlo2xl_3kKUgWKc7LwYb8F0XUAtuK6MdmTfSNO_if8y5G-K/s3468/F2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2760" data-original-width="3468" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2lFA4fMIvFvegAolsibe5ukiKXTsD2WBVJ1nORy95DxKgJ4z4XK1cNdOdyrC2ShyphenhyphenzXkhcVf-uiNPdR_on-E7kCY4WGIPn0QPrwbVGcyxSQ-c37KGNzma5l2i1btCzFkyIl5kGnEcbv6sUAlo2xl_3kKUgWKc7LwYb8F0XUAtuK6MdmTfSNO_if8y5G-K/s320/F2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDjDYZz20XvGqZfZCtwhApZ6F6zrFBal-5o3DRAMuc90508IJ5WvqNs29dEBPVy3v3I0vmvgavouHbtz_rN4ItoT8fw2MrZugbwjF8hqoB93XWIggX3hoQMy8xxzTKohyphenhyphen4-yEzvuqV_b29gt_exdVdYGfGUK3XK97bidF3NtSQyWrQcezdu0bpVti-BLy/s3295/F1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2299" data-original-width="3295" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDjDYZz20XvGqZfZCtwhApZ6F6zrFBal-5o3DRAMuc90508IJ5WvqNs29dEBPVy3v3I0vmvgavouHbtz_rN4ItoT8fw2MrZugbwjF8hqoB93XWIggX3hoQMy8xxzTKohyphenhyphen4-yEzvuqV_b29gt_exdVdYGfGUK3XK97bidF3NtSQyWrQcezdu0bpVti-BLy/s320/F1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Today, I had to do something different. I went as far as Strathroy and checked out the sewage lagoons. This site is easily accessible to the public with no permit required. Too bad others were not like this. It is a superb birding hotspot.</p><p>Oodles of ducks here, most being Ring-necked. Upwards of 200!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcXiypiDgu8enCvu1hH1UW_ZAnP0Jt_f2SWDxsRtoCnyzMVI5-9lxlQ09j_p3j0y_-8YJBVEzimEX4dmF-myhWwvQxXdTb2jvUISdHPCGDVsdkuQVm_YpEmMz8euR6QKyCXMOuQqGzilpaI7YJrrP_8Wv3NadMHKxl6nEr6ML52dnMCSDa87rrm0u8KUc/s6960/IMG_3712.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2556" data-original-width="6960" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcXiypiDgu8enCvu1hH1UW_ZAnP0Jt_f2SWDxsRtoCnyzMVI5-9lxlQ09j_p3j0y_-8YJBVEzimEX4dmF-myhWwvQxXdTb2jvUISdHPCGDVsdkuQVm_YpEmMz8euR6QKyCXMOuQqGzilpaI7YJrrP_8Wv3NadMHKxl6nEr6ML52dnMCSDa87rrm0u8KUc/w640-h236/IMG_3712.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>A number of Northern Shovelers, early for the locale, had already arrived.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3K8Nsm7WgCPc8GV880MBomxxoVKPqgpXEWF_qYWVs1XrTgTQmfzRLkfJsO0kH40tXSsYY2DBQom8gcPylqwyYRD7wIa0Uf28Bv4Du7S7KXW8pjruKC2mI_mVMshb6CuL3j2QmdwjxMS9rbpZ3XZU77XrQknGduKnu3JlhrTIj6VfKhbtyVGeGvFREpXHt/s5112/IMG_3728.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2290" data-original-width="5112" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3K8Nsm7WgCPc8GV880MBomxxoVKPqgpXEWF_qYWVs1XrTgTQmfzRLkfJsO0kH40tXSsYY2DBQom8gcPylqwyYRD7wIa0Uf28Bv4Du7S7KXW8pjruKC2mI_mVMshb6CuL3j2QmdwjxMS9rbpZ3XZU77XrQknGduKnu3JlhrTIj6VfKhbtyVGeGvFREpXHt/w400-h179/IMG_3728.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Some Yellow-rumped Warblers winter here in the back woods. I encountered four today.</p><p>Along the back dike, I encountered some Dark-eyed Juncos. One stood out with a defined hood and crisp breast line. I suspected it might be of the Cassiar type.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGu6OYjPCOJqCnQFTF4CPCyeOYHzlG9MPKi1o0uPhFZDtZ7nU8INnNgpmnSdO6CUIBi0A3mnZinvypQFfYso0TmQvE_hCpaEspzMHw5iOZPfI2twbIkNgnkUgv6YYK2gu3lhUBMmKIoP9h2MrkXghoqyW906XV2Qivdej0-ZBrAiZXmPXflHm2zQhMACg/s3160/IMG_3724.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2254" data-original-width="3160" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGu6OYjPCOJqCnQFTF4CPCyeOYHzlG9MPKi1o0uPhFZDtZ7nU8INnNgpmnSdO6CUIBi0A3mnZinvypQFfYso0TmQvE_hCpaEspzMHw5iOZPfI2twbIkNgnkUgv6YYK2gu3lhUBMmKIoP9h2MrkXghoqyW906XV2Qivdej0-ZBrAiZXmPXflHm2zQhMACg/w400-h285/IMG_3724.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRwNE2EYyug1PjPqr544b6yEuPM8mqg3imN34CAGeEouP0WmDUe-8h2eDGuPPj5OXqAQmJJHG01NdZ5p2n1_NOu5LNbTpvOsltcftxD2_a0uUP1FuHd0eV8zgMyzKeJiceAurYk8TTpyXNYkGOgGTbDATDTZzYl4nHxbdcTSEcrB5ThJ1GC9rM8cim57T/s3213/IMG_3725.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="3213" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRwNE2EYyug1PjPqr544b6yEuPM8mqg3imN34CAGeEouP0WmDUe-8h2eDGuPPj5OXqAQmJJHG01NdZ5p2n1_NOu5LNbTpvOsltcftxD2_a0uUP1FuHd0eV8zgMyzKeJiceAurYk8TTpyXNYkGOgGTbDATDTZzYl4nHxbdcTSEcrB5ThJ1GC9rM8cim57T/s320/IMG_3725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Juncos are highly variable and can exhibit characteristics of the different subspecies. The Cassiar type include the subspecies <i>cismontanus </i>which are normally found in the Rocky Mountains. There are numerous records in Ontario and the midwest. However, they are quiet variable in appearance. Basically it is a cross between Oregon and Dark-eyed Junco. This one may be approaching that type.</p><p>After the lagoon visit, I headed back west and checked out the Winter Line area. A pair of Common Ravens were croaking in one pasture. These are not rare anymore in Middlesex and Lambton!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TqWRkccSDjLZMhkVk0HfMQF_ORfqz8hswyIQDcak9tckRdyL8aAgOSBPWfLomE6E3g-MwdxrvU01jxdmUjAegC-JqWlZjIEBdzKoAeD9q_BPH8OiJvzbZRCyNSxABMwCnfXFoRN0RChKvJS7sx6JdidFvyaKb96btUfM3xKhw8S_Bz8E_LKCN9kn0J58/s2039/IMG_3736.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1720" data-original-width="2039" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TqWRkccSDjLZMhkVk0HfMQF_ORfqz8hswyIQDcak9tckRdyL8aAgOSBPWfLomE6E3g-MwdxrvU01jxdmUjAegC-JqWlZjIEBdzKoAeD9q_BPH8OiJvzbZRCyNSxABMwCnfXFoRN0RChKvJS7sx6JdidFvyaKb96btUfM3xKhw8S_Bz8E_LKCN9kn0J58/s320/IMG_3736.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26Gt4ERZzv0s1DA_0O6AumpPPwY3wfwHAR34g66GPS0UN4kG1RKt52_WshicyaKF-SZkP3u4hJ1ynXzHRmgfBxpHnxHM23HGaNtKNFnlfFpDeBlKYkkXt2FsgyB4s5fCX8inDfqlP__MN1_GWvFzNsHLWNcmUrgq31HFVngLtltMG8koXvKHELUhRUgpG/s3700/IMG_3739.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3700" data-original-width="2080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26Gt4ERZzv0s1DA_0O6AumpPPwY3wfwHAR34g66GPS0UN4kG1RKt52_WshicyaKF-SZkP3u4hJ1ynXzHRmgfBxpHnxHM23HGaNtKNFnlfFpDeBlKYkkXt2FsgyB4s5fCX8inDfqlP__MN1_GWvFzNsHLWNcmUrgq31HFVngLtltMG8koXvKHELUhRUgpG/w360-h640/IMG_3739.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I worked my way home via Skunk's Misery, and walked my favourite trail off Sassafras Road. Unfortunately this trail was decimated earlier last year by some unnecessary dredging. However, it still can be a good place to walk.</p><p>The spoils brought up some interesting creatures. Tiny molluscs called fingernail (or pea) clams can be seen. This one appears to be Striated Fingernail Clam.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31ZRn7GSAkh84qLiJVEIVZCqF5AOPUSgRcSxdQVPRwrVOQRl9NVjIM3JmGQsRh5Kg-iKHcpxnrKJ-SGw-NLVuvJ-0r5eZ6aWkk8mUr6zE392Dd3YIWwe4VBboUciYcpeMTRj9qkG0iSu5nsYNbAHPaWmJj94ATAiPkrcvahHKj6Ns5WE3MpCUf4Z6nzVl/s1142/20240308_103152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="970" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31ZRn7GSAkh84qLiJVEIVZCqF5AOPUSgRcSxdQVPRwrVOQRl9NVjIM3JmGQsRh5Kg-iKHcpxnrKJ-SGw-NLVuvJ-0r5eZ6aWkk8mUr6zE392Dd3YIWwe4VBboUciYcpeMTRj9qkG0iSu5nsYNbAHPaWmJj94ATAiPkrcvahHKj6Ns5WE3MpCUf4Z6nzVl/w340-h400/20240308_103152.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEmdmE3LCWPZ83zS8Rzia0jV91bP2nulIVOIRmFJ7Ia_F3se3H9l1FX43JveRWJdWBkgcCh6_svvenka5GyYPbMD13-X-N-RDU0WGjEkJOMFLu-d9-k4MV6WUsrKMlvCJMy_oOXT7jLGuhxMaUchZZJc215I-UPqF6jeAGwyBtQnerpIUZJhuBDQM6yBo/s1142/20240308_103201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="970" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEmdmE3LCWPZ83zS8Rzia0jV91bP2nulIVOIRmFJ7Ia_F3se3H9l1FX43JveRWJdWBkgcCh6_svvenka5GyYPbMD13-X-N-RDU0WGjEkJOMFLu-d9-k4MV6WUsrKMlvCJMy_oOXT7jLGuhxMaUchZZJc215I-UPqF6jeAGwyBtQnerpIUZJhuBDQM6yBo/w340-h400/20240308_103201.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><br /><p>Also some ramshorn snails, another tiny creature, are here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBVrD6e0sH-8th2t5Xo9aH36w1XsNrbwwc11ocw8_ewC05m9Zm7tvcInQA5SR3_Aj0eQeZvKokdY_N9q5JL7x6jm-wNC6fR5Ja27n2fVJBcqXfrM7kzeqnNQZCJ5VdDpvsUkL1VmAIjJKMdrTTvKa5BXFONIE78M4QoPnmwz4Babqu7Jull2uSxLKAnp8/s1816/20240308_104358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="1780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBVrD6e0sH-8th2t5Xo9aH36w1XsNrbwwc11ocw8_ewC05m9Zm7tvcInQA5SR3_Aj0eQeZvKokdY_N9q5JL7x6jm-wNC6fR5Ja27n2fVJBcqXfrM7kzeqnNQZCJ5VdDpvsUkL1VmAIjJKMdrTTvKa5BXFONIE78M4QoPnmwz4Babqu7Jull2uSxLKAnp8/s320/20240308_104358.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><br /><p>Later, driving through the misery, I got lucky and saw a Golden Eagle. Although they regularly winter in the area, sometimes they can be missed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYF_G7a3dOQ69Z7-YTyyhcboH8jX01myG_kVzqjpvIm6ULDG2LzJeWg63WVBxtBLq2_ZAJNjLzuzb9Q8LJ2G5fO4G6PPhCX0qrKIOn92MAPL7JEAYVmJym8hGO0yn2X3VaYpAqRdluNRgEOnypjfmjC0i37LULZ5x_ANVl5hIq9qpGboOoObyKXA5Ckoq/s2969/IMG_3751.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2969" data-original-width="2789" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYF_G7a3dOQ69Z7-YTyyhcboH8jX01myG_kVzqjpvIm6ULDG2LzJeWg63WVBxtBLq2_ZAJNjLzuzb9Q8LJ2G5fO4G6PPhCX0qrKIOn92MAPL7JEAYVmJym8hGO0yn2X3VaYpAqRdluNRgEOnypjfmjC0i37LULZ5x_ANVl5hIq9qpGboOoObyKXA5Ckoq/w376-h400/IMG_3751.JPG" width="376" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzhbFVChyK3NVacm-69ljtuiB2ajfmDKS-C4IoaKTS-Czvja7hyphenhyphenVrxhNqpylRNP-eSOr1Dtod4MbRj9ALs3k9lQfgfz18qzQWJTkvmdb9jbKWxc-hr7SbXDz2UBCt66kcoSgFr7e0nJC6AXSU5mK0gjHbVYJRLarPGHxSrkRGI2XVn85mO5FtokkHBMG6/s2672/IMG_3749.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1975" data-original-width="2672" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzhbFVChyK3NVacm-69ljtuiB2ajfmDKS-C4IoaKTS-Czvja7hyphenhyphenVrxhNqpylRNP-eSOr1Dtod4MbRj9ALs3k9lQfgfz18qzQWJTkvmdb9jbKWxc-hr7SbXDz2UBCt66kcoSgFr7e0nJC6AXSU5mK0gjHbVYJRLarPGHxSrkRGI2XVn85mO5FtokkHBMG6/w400-h296/IMG_3749.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Next walk was at Wardsville Woods. The morning had been gloomy, but thankfully the sun came out for this walk. It was almost warm enough for butterflies, but I saw none. The only insects were various flies.</p><p>This Red Squirrel posed for a bit while I was there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErr-OM-36acu5TsijSCjWtxQAZki45fi8lzLZy2XorSXjNDf6-TevIfkXgzJFkL1RRGfUbvhj47XSTDTvO-ydShopGuXU_N4S9AGSdCjmftaa60I4W1UwOETABpPA7OeIL5cdOwkqFMmHDbNMjwMaQtzkC1Dz5nfAHBeOKuhon4VNALlA5ki5KIrXsoAG/s5158/IMG_3759.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3753" data-original-width="5158" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErr-OM-36acu5TsijSCjWtxQAZki45fi8lzLZy2XorSXjNDf6-TevIfkXgzJFkL1RRGfUbvhj47XSTDTvO-ydShopGuXU_N4S9AGSdCjmftaa60I4W1UwOETABpPA7OeIL5cdOwkqFMmHDbNMjwMaQtzkC1Dz5nfAHBeOKuhon4VNALlA5ki5KIrXsoAG/w400-h291/IMG_3759.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Weather deteriorated the rest of the day, so nothing to report after Wardsville.</p><p><br /></p></div>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-74217237741426859812024-03-04T18:54:00.003-05:002024-03-04T18:59:49.288-05:00Many March Meanderings<div class="separator"> To start off the month of March, I went down to Rondeau on Friday. It was another nice day, but not with many birds. I walked out marsh trail with Steve, once again going as far as Long Pond. Northern Pintail was numerous in the duck department. Over 300!</div><p>Later, I checked out a bit of Black Oak trail. It is a good place to look for lichens. Here are a couple more continuing on that theme.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFB7JTNTY3HVjWrQHQMR5IYBZMjpPm3NugLjM7fY9y6RVYEDa72QI8syf_g8-r5IeNTW76dt1DhELg7YsHMKdL21tnNKPgBU0P3NvR4mwiWKbZ29n446YkRhA_99Vj3ebHu_ho2ai9TDLZ47pcwg92HKmHkuTilIkxtyA9EthyphenhyphenhcEMmRWJocTcyi-Xqs_r/s1367/Star%20Rosette%20Lichens.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFB7JTNTY3HVjWrQHQMR5IYBZMjpPm3NugLjM7fY9y6RVYEDa72QI8syf_g8-r5IeNTW76dt1DhELg7YsHMKdL21tnNKPgBU0P3NvR4mwiWKbZ29n446YkRhA_99Vj3ebHu_ho2ai9TDLZ47pcwg92HKmHkuTilIkxtyA9EthyphenhyphenhcEMmRWJocTcyi-Xqs_r/w306-h400/Star%20Rosette%20Lichens.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star Rosette Lichens</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArbplYjaFObBG0xnRWf4teuBK31dSzTKDJRLTlvLO5m7lyNrfYXYzAFWZ4OHvK3Le_phjCI_JGx5SsvzFsIXGJPILQaxCQ63G40M69c1mRD7dIkCso2orCCAoWKyzYSKww7t7S8EZCOVDw9Pj04QTwK6jBGnY5oQGhMXYbgDerZXFF_WeRGUIFDgEDxou/s6203/Rough%20Speckled%20Lichens.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="6203" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArbplYjaFObBG0xnRWf4teuBK31dSzTKDJRLTlvLO5m7lyNrfYXYzAFWZ4OHvK3Le_phjCI_JGx5SsvzFsIXGJPILQaxCQ63G40M69c1mRD7dIkCso2orCCAoWKyzYSKww7t7S8EZCOVDw9Pj04QTwK6jBGnY5oQGhMXYbgDerZXFF_WeRGUIFDgEDxou/w400-h235/Rough%20Speckled%20Lichens.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough Speckled Lichens</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div><br /></div><div><p>While there, I noticed some very tiny creatures on a tree. They were a type of springtail, as far as I could tell. Just like snowfleas, which I have not seen in a long time. Too difficult to get a good photo though.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoKu2gu7hl3r70POXt6kpP3Q1HEn18T53-SlXM3AnEext7ilaC4PMHEAAvnVaoqfsgwaLUDZ2oRTF9ap8qIrKumnMSlVu9Kf0kAgRAy_GBdJxLbVtzQbN75XRhp5H0svyqR_UWz1h1R4xgCRvUUGf2JTyPm4wVvZR26EK0Xdxef-QozGxVk8IJa8x26Ws/s680/S1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="680" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoKu2gu7hl3r70POXt6kpP3Q1HEn18T53-SlXM3AnEext7ilaC4PMHEAAvnVaoqfsgwaLUDZ2oRTF9ap8qIrKumnMSlVu9Kf0kAgRAy_GBdJxLbVtzQbN75XRhp5H0svyqR_UWz1h1R4xgCRvUUGf2JTyPm4wVvZR26EK0Xdxef-QozGxVk8IJa8x26Ws/s320/S1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hypogastrura</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>After heading out of the park, the trusty Red-headed Woodpecker was on its usual tree near the end of Kent Bridge Road.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4khjvUkc4fS3iikgbNgKKUPXwaB_OAx7hENtF0fgVUZDHv_81ZgOlSsfQXNRQflFFkGlvdnfu_HsVEVBiQXn5PHmIcrLMZHJfentvgyT1IVxfsOg-6VEO18bmnlR2AvtzvSlD0nu4XsWbb7xLJsiIZmlmxPEwoy1RAgB0NzqFS5ZTfR0RVWOj9ZvPx_A/s2853/IMG_3623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2853" data-original-width="2621" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4khjvUkc4fS3iikgbNgKKUPXwaB_OAx7hENtF0fgVUZDHv_81ZgOlSsfQXNRQflFFkGlvdnfu_HsVEVBiQXn5PHmIcrLMZHJfentvgyT1IVxfsOg-6VEO18bmnlR2AvtzvSlD0nu4XsWbb7xLJsiIZmlmxPEwoy1RAgB0NzqFS5ZTfR0RVWOj9ZvPx_A/w368-h400/IMG_3623.JPG" width="368" /></a></div><br /><p>Saturday started out gloomy as I walked the south shore trail at Mitchell's Bay. Still lots of duck on the water, most of which seemed to be Canvasback.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTNQk2skbE9tIxS5DcnH7RRJF3M1aHmLr7FoMuhI1TfRUuJEEWYhr2bclgmH-uw7tRiL3qLvUuAtw011mnq1lG7nIHLvmVJQfY5caZVjyFWcVDjjdqZA4Arl71NWYH2egKhN1AxhJwJBGsfGYOuyUAYXcXIw4S6_TobcXuMimEN8aKOgkL8eca9fb9MZ4/s6923/IMG_3627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2265" data-original-width="6923" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTNQk2skbE9tIxS5DcnH7RRJF3M1aHmLr7FoMuhI1TfRUuJEEWYhr2bclgmH-uw7tRiL3qLvUuAtw011mnq1lG7nIHLvmVJQfY5caZVjyFWcVDjjdqZA4Arl71NWYH2egKhN1AxhJwJBGsfGYOuyUAYXcXIw4S6_TobcXuMimEN8aKOgkL8eca9fb9MZ4/w640-h210/IMG_3627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>At home, the resident Merlin made a stop in the yard. I took a quickie photo out of the window.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7x_zcD0lENf_VRTUAEZi5xQizffAh34QC80x6Zd74ClEfDM90iEBBkq6Zx-y_Qy28u84BwRppxGcY_iKYptuPeDNfLwSaDlL-0t5KpG9bxPegviFip94M01jQLp6QwaIhHBsVrCAW2PWLTIVV950uoKgVZGXTLOtji27dbmn2GZ0re4o51499IRo2_YZf/s2800/IMG_3638.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2782" data-original-width="2800" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7x_zcD0lENf_VRTUAEZi5xQizffAh34QC80x6Zd74ClEfDM90iEBBkq6Zx-y_Qy28u84BwRppxGcY_iKYptuPeDNfLwSaDlL-0t5KpG9bxPegviFip94M01jQLp6QwaIhHBsVrCAW2PWLTIVV950uoKgVZGXTLOtji27dbmn2GZ0re4o51499IRo2_YZf/s320/IMG_3638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Sunday, I had the urge to check out Hillman Marsh. I had the notion that a Eurasian Wigeon should be around. However, there were not a huge number of ducks. I did the long walk, with scope, but I did not spot the European variety of wigeon.</p><p>Trumpeter Swans are a regular sight there. I saw two pairs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVaIkiuVhtDpIjNGaVGqmAQpG64t5b7F2-qIzT0Tt8J-N_F0kKoAPUUs-cjEn7IedGaFeeMzbXGmB26BhvL4UytXREih9qcmDXI5PBdBiGcYO-fichu78ifkN8Icqime3KwjXfO7N26_Y6vN6cyk-Webj_Hl9_l3Zy0yv_8t6xGrP985E8k3t8p2FLxIf/s4432/IMG_3646.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4432" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVaIkiuVhtDpIjNGaVGqmAQpG64t5b7F2-qIzT0Tt8J-N_F0kKoAPUUs-cjEn7IedGaFeeMzbXGmB26BhvL4UytXREih9qcmDXI5PBdBiGcYO-fichu78ifkN8Icqime3KwjXfO7N26_Y6vN6cyk-Webj_Hl9_l3Zy0yv_8t6xGrP985E8k3t8p2FLxIf/w400-h313/IMG_3646.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJLbg1-G5MhclSydDb6a3wSs8lUUzUKkPTu5G-_ElZMX-80Ekp9nzjBCXCcXP58X04tJrSwP7zZktTucBfDmq7dYQaOEGygXOXiAswCPn4Hloc2fexd-QUe8-cokYWMYYw7wzlk12MmxzmTZ4-MHCXEczVjCzuh5VuSN8tQMr7kd77fCUMvhUJNyq2sz7/s4403/IMG_3642.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2318" data-original-width="4403" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJLbg1-G5MhclSydDb6a3wSs8lUUzUKkPTu5G-_ElZMX-80Ekp9nzjBCXCcXP58X04tJrSwP7zZktTucBfDmq7dYQaOEGygXOXiAswCPn4Hloc2fexd-QUe8-cokYWMYYw7wzlk12MmxzmTZ4-MHCXEczVjCzuh5VuSN8tQMr7kd77fCUMvhUJNyq2sz7/w640-h336/IMG_3642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I also went into Point Pelee for a brief period, but it was extremely quiet.</p><p>Strangely, later in the afternoon, a Eurasian Wigeon showed up at Hillman! Go figure.</p><p><br /></p><p>Today was quite balmy. I had to go to Corunna, so took my time going up that way. An Eastern Bluebird was finally at Nicholl's Memorial Forest and Wetland near Wilkesport. Some wintered there last year, but this was the first one I came across this winter.</p><p>Long-tailed Ducks continue to be the dominant duck on the St. Clair River from Courtright and northward.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5hVV24mhZWBhlIesscnRpu2DQTy9u_UpU-Ff2co3MEGekoKzfgcxE_Vq6icFfPtviyZolBHqr0k0FhEfSNlai9KZ2lV0HxWj_TLyYS3Gi2ke0zQ6GEk87fa6KKb71k3dfMVsMEKWBvgRaJG_dfW4Mf2Ivuw10q11u2iGzINi66FazPe17XxjDWXbGTLo/s2702/IMG_3657.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1871" data-original-width="2702" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5hVV24mhZWBhlIesscnRpu2DQTy9u_UpU-Ff2co3MEGekoKzfgcxE_Vq6icFfPtviyZolBHqr0k0FhEfSNlai9KZ2lV0HxWj_TLyYS3Gi2ke0zQ6GEk87fa6KKb71k3dfMVsMEKWBvgRaJG_dfW4Mf2Ivuw10q11u2iGzINi66FazPe17XxjDWXbGTLo/w400-h278/IMG_3657.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Quite a few Common Mergansers were around as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdWTp9Gc6wqYezSfmCCCn9ilDWdf5-86j3lcInNPvfUGTv8n2-hegSJtKYq3x0rBkIPyhBIymveBmuEDq6t_D7ULG81SwlBZAoTG68bCXUdSEwBBmBZ0sr1-FVmhfYm4OCXAREVQEJYwIyKkZyyChtbWqVDtfKMBZ-mcdEUKyxv1m5zTm2xlBTHykppFn/s5529/IMG_3660.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3328" data-original-width="5529" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdWTp9Gc6wqYezSfmCCCn9ilDWdf5-86j3lcInNPvfUGTv8n2-hegSJtKYq3x0rBkIPyhBIymveBmuEDq6t_D7ULG81SwlBZAoTG68bCXUdSEwBBmBZ0sr1-FVmhfYm4OCXAREVQEJYwIyKkZyyChtbWqVDtfKMBZ-mcdEUKyxv1m5zTm2xlBTHykppFn/w400-h241/IMG_3660.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>This afternoon was so nice, I went up to Reid CA for a long walk. With temps reaching 22 C, I knew there had to be some butterflies out. I did see three Eastern Commas, but no Mourning Cloaks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84dmtzBsWs-uG208cNn12lAIwGwNiu3bfiKudchElfHfQOEocs0-SuH3qz6oKqIT1OZ-pxUB5lfvAxkiPcqiaqUkGXCUUtGkI5yGE7SJXg8VESUpcVoIuIhuGOQyVI7c3mtDrC8BnHR_CAwAL86J0cyjjfZpl9R1dHSWL6OT0tFxRnYCIEEHF88C6BJ_U/s3102/IMG_3667.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="3102" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84dmtzBsWs-uG208cNn12lAIwGwNiu3bfiKudchElfHfQOEocs0-SuH3qz6oKqIT1OZ-pxUB5lfvAxkiPcqiaqUkGXCUUtGkI5yGE7SJXg8VESUpcVoIuIhuGOQyVI7c3mtDrC8BnHR_CAwAL86J0cyjjfZpl9R1dHSWL6OT0tFxRnYCIEEHF88C6BJ_U/s320/IMG_3667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4ItOQI4CPMQxuQulBGWhhyphenhyphenTpmQ5NnA5S6lTyr0v9TkUex9tl1WrZtsHEnu6GG7xvSshfZ71mNZWuXXrJqS3AvMNKMhXyAcPv5Vh0w74BawITc9DmFj2ircTJgwySdhi3L5c7E3-FwwOvqSmKrbMQKPawjju_dSDE9aWAoReQi9SiQuXcBW_GD9hUvwOV/s3619/IMG_3676.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="3619" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4ItOQI4CPMQxuQulBGWhhyphenhyphenTpmQ5NnA5S6lTyr0v9TkUex9tl1WrZtsHEnu6GG7xvSshfZ71mNZWuXXrJqS3AvMNKMhXyAcPv5Vh0w74BawITc9DmFj2ircTJgwySdhi3L5c7E3-FwwOvqSmKrbMQKPawjju_dSDE9aWAoReQi9SiQuXcBW_GD9hUvwOV/w400-h339/IMG_3676.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>A visit to Reid is not complete without checking out the riverbank for mussels. Just the usuals again. Two of my favourites, easily identified.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpGL7_h_WIPgrFxvu-dJt9_JPJRyzzsr-ww3UVudXbz2j3EHBTBF9WyvIiKWzvIun3YFTJD4rbU5aXYZHua197cCfD49dyqhu8s_fNSxHudufDCckKm8mydqO3p52cssGg2NgB0NPZofygBuap9hLfR6JYUcVkV-CwZr8oA6lMWlwsYjJWaCS-SSBUASB/s2837/RDTA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2769" data-original-width="2837" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpGL7_h_WIPgrFxvu-dJt9_JPJRyzzsr-ww3UVudXbz2j3EHBTBF9WyvIiKWzvIun3YFTJD4rbU5aXYZHua197cCfD49dyqhu8s_fNSxHudufDCckKm8mydqO3p52cssGg2NgB0NPZofygBuap9hLfR6JYUcVkV-CwZr8oA6lMWlwsYjJWaCS-SSBUASB/s320/RDTA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deertoe</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0zYE6AJLwt5-g4EevBEsJU2p-OWS2ZdfcSERuTuJ9injhNow_WRa8lN86t5BDQak0AD74lu-in3wyzjs5eOEZ_GhNltUDrUeKM6KFTcLmQiC3qArjubdcRak5GaC6ZUmLTRjKZ2Zb600rxKDH1H3Onwr6nnI68YWiEZtDsQEIg4Wuuu2l8lC1AubWo3E/s2837/RMLB.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2769" data-original-width="2837" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0zYE6AJLwt5-g4EevBEsJU2p-OWS2ZdfcSERuTuJ9injhNow_WRa8lN86t5BDQak0AD74lu-in3wyzjs5eOEZ_GhNltUDrUeKM6KFTcLmQiC3qArjubdcRak5GaC6ZUmLTRjKZ2Zb600rxKDH1H3Onwr6nnI68YWiEZtDsQEIg4Wuuu2l8lC1AubWo3E/s320/RMLB.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mapleleaf</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1w2bDVrz6rEg1UKjprLx3hgd6o8oypsIoGZqirzO1xwFRecCHbYAPO5RjVrFJd1y9WxhmSBpvRH_3DqU5n6kHKSutD908D3i0yjmCp4gwmYQfAAxF5IJr04ILvu1h6jR9_FFPVeW9uo2nTjtN4jmcMf6AJwK6C6FAU4AHvlbh40Eqh2a0O7DdBzVg8r5/s2837/RMLA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2769" data-original-width="2837" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1w2bDVrz6rEg1UKjprLx3hgd6o8oypsIoGZqirzO1xwFRecCHbYAPO5RjVrFJd1y9WxhmSBpvRH_3DqU5n6kHKSutD908D3i0yjmCp4gwmYQfAAxF5IJr04ILvu1h6jR9_FFPVeW9uo2nTjtN4jmcMf6AJwK6C6FAU4AHvlbh40Eqh2a0O7DdBzVg8r5/s320/RMLA.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Not many birds, as usual, but this White-breasted Nuthatch was caching some food.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_n95E5AaQqtp_xJwIyD9-ueahQNidREeUPlJn9V3ouwueUIrR45cJeo-fUWZGoDPrYI2A8ZDk_LZZhgbnwiOwqwpttqwMnaoMv3ywpOyryGsQHTQwzGQs9BQDDMaiuGhCT3sW5CwF_SQaD943nhAN0X3m4Kx1l2qTw8QdvCqJ3ai9YVmRkhQ6_qj7kEFS/s3056/IMG_3670.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2696" data-original-width="3056" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_n95E5AaQqtp_xJwIyD9-ueahQNidREeUPlJn9V3ouwueUIrR45cJeo-fUWZGoDPrYI2A8ZDk_LZZhgbnwiOwqwpttqwMnaoMv3ywpOyryGsQHTQwzGQs9BQDDMaiuGhCT3sW5CwF_SQaD943nhAN0X3m4Kx1l2qTw8QdvCqJ3ai9YVmRkhQ6_qj7kEFS/w400-h353/IMG_3670.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Here is a scene in the "Lilly Bush" along the river.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpZMN9ukn_J7j7LGF1ymQVj0STo_6KAw3YWKLZ7xt50_puoAUUeGHTiECw78513h1V1gEm7Qp_r8F82BiW7-BRqDux7VYzonVC5uNyD1QK8nzY8hJBiOzi6QJXv5mUNzTYElJBKETcgy1akg5BBVm8BpTz4uBCDrEXhMAUTsCuAdS6aL4bNijgpxMilJG/s4624/20240304_141143.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpZMN9ukn_J7j7LGF1ymQVj0STo_6KAw3YWKLZ7xt50_puoAUUeGHTiECw78513h1V1gEm7Qp_r8F82BiW7-BRqDux7VYzonVC5uNyD1QK8nzY8hJBiOzi6QJXv5mUNzTYElJBKETcgy1akg5BBVm8BpTz4uBCDrEXhMAUTsCuAdS6aL4bNijgpxMilJG/w640-h480/20240304_141143.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Soon, spring wildflowers will be out. But this fern stayed out all winter!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmxMEXeb0sMxHmjs58LI6D8upqwb7FaOQxQKBBlRyROgBbNsWlCTQ9H0OSlVQxnZLkK-lReSAYlbejEE7KgQhaDI2F6C0z55IpUCliImFTi1E0WiLdwGlx5XkPSqufo1vzT8deKZGV0nbPEuieOtDNun78RF8L6KO0oMvfXHSa5O7y8-GMfymCPYKTWSy/s4624/20240304_141807.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmxMEXeb0sMxHmjs58LI6D8upqwb7FaOQxQKBBlRyROgBbNsWlCTQ9H0OSlVQxnZLkK-lReSAYlbejEE7KgQhaDI2F6C0z55IpUCliImFTi1E0WiLdwGlx5XkPSqufo1vzT8deKZGV0nbPEuieOtDNun78RF8L6KO0oMvfXHSa5O7y8-GMfymCPYKTWSy/w300-h400/20240304_141807.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Fern</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxZ2Pnq5cKxzLf9Cu2lnJKNIOXEm7eDVo1fw_CAZ8s5HOHH7warlqbY-ZkTkqye8Iky4xs49XfGFkQaP6PqRq-I7IVcGjp1GaD7nofdosfhzP5V-sJd1AKmgmyHszMMpLcsm-MWUNKUyFXYtlsCDBgr5C3DKB2AsJxqMftSQk7TDBmD848Nd8OlB5_MZj/s4624/20240304_141825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxZ2Pnq5cKxzLf9Cu2lnJKNIOXEm7eDVo1fw_CAZ8s5HOHH7warlqbY-ZkTkqye8Iky4xs49XfGFkQaP6PqRq-I7IVcGjp1GaD7nofdosfhzP5V-sJd1AKmgmyHszMMpLcsm-MWUNKUyFXYtlsCDBgr5C3DKB2AsJxqMftSQk7TDBmD848Nd8OlB5_MZj/s320/20240304_141825.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /></div></div>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-6421735146442770422024-02-29T19:10:00.003-05:002024-02-29T20:31:07.083-05:00Recent Reports And Taking a Lichen to a New Book<p> Monday morning I was due for another long walk at Rondeau Park. I chose the marsh trail and ventured out to Long Pond.</p><p>There were lots of ducks as one would expect, but nothing special. Mallard was most numerous, but there were also lots of Northern Pintail and American Wigeon. No new arrivals in the songbird department.</p><p>Like everyplace else, phragmites is a serious problem, and some places are getting choked out. Even the Long Pond sign is getting obscured!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwh_ju1_J1c3VbZ14aESvj8yvn3YGlhIkBrGUt_U2PjBQfDF4XhWaKS2MU8oVxaN9XWqVAmx_ZnKnm7LHG-tyYSYuQVWKn-0tICbP11juoFI8Mv21aQG8m5IC-qD2DGqWg7olCKfBhda7QuXw1ZyNhEoNlgFSf2WFa7VkQLs1x4h0e5whCYgUGerTo-HO/s4624/20240226_094850%5B255%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwh_ju1_J1c3VbZ14aESvj8yvn3YGlhIkBrGUt_U2PjBQfDF4XhWaKS2MU8oVxaN9XWqVAmx_ZnKnm7LHG-tyYSYuQVWKn-0tICbP11juoFI8Mv21aQG8m5IC-qD2DGqWg7olCKfBhda7QuXw1ZyNhEoNlgFSf2WFa7VkQLs1x4h0e5whCYgUGerTo-HO/w300-h400/20240226_094850%5B255%5D.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>A view from Long Pond trail.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNNKF3beX_6QIkL1kFzmw6Fn0ehNVyvzD8V2-ZoaCRGAoKku19QRjkzjaHLVfBP4GkypLHt_suiUDptB3-V-9b819JAWdFhr4LSpVkUMkkVJbGuH9LbQOQtTkZUyDbBLTANfESK7mUCRHAx656FqvHFYV8NmIbVP7NMuV-Pp5xP64ULV_mN4PfG8SUSlD/s4624/20240226_094345%5B254%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNNKF3beX_6QIkL1kFzmw6Fn0ehNVyvzD8V2-ZoaCRGAoKku19QRjkzjaHLVfBP4GkypLHt_suiUDptB3-V-9b819JAWdFhr4LSpVkUMkkVJbGuH9LbQOQtTkZUyDbBLTANfESK7mUCRHAx656FqvHFYV8NmIbVP7NMuV-Pp5xP64ULV_mN4PfG8SUSlD/w640-h480/20240226_094345%5B254%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>A few pairs of Sandhill Cranes are already thinking about the nesting season.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITOF7C3fC8T2G5OHedLXd5TuWKagBy8QQtQXjK1AYhweXAPKnOrzvs5adqTKZAo1MRcAJjzna1Y962WXuf1ZdF_sGUqPcab_1e-u7JKP5PtyEnkscyumPNJinD4fq8xWEAfEx1_8WaxM6rQPlPXMt_1VlH34GU4LPVMTWzZWJQ8s-ruTeCqXFLXJm9T9K/s5013/IMG_3586.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2551" data-original-width="5013" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITOF7C3fC8T2G5OHedLXd5TuWKagBy8QQtQXjK1AYhweXAPKnOrzvs5adqTKZAo1MRcAJjzna1Y962WXuf1ZdF_sGUqPcab_1e-u7JKP5PtyEnkscyumPNJinD4fq8xWEAfEx1_8WaxM6rQPlPXMt_1VlH34GU4LPVMTWzZWJQ8s-ruTeCqXFLXJm9T9K/w640-h326/IMG_3586.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>After finishing at Rondeau, I headed over to Erieau to see what was on the Bay. Thousands of ducks are now littering that body of water, so there had to be something of interest. The previous day, a male Eurasian Wigeon was found not far off the firehall area. This species is a regular visitor every spring and fall here.</p><p>I first checked out the marsh (rail) trail, bringing my scope along. There were not many ducks close, but at one point I caught sight of four wigeon in flight. They were quite distant, but the lead duck was none other than a male Eurasian! I followed them until they set down quite far away. I was sure the duck could be found from the viewing area behind the firehall.</p><p>I quickly went there and set up the scope. Soon, several other birders arrived to scope the ducks. Oddly, after more than a hour, none of us could find the suspect duck! Viewing conditions were excellent, but obviously the creature can hide well. It is very early in the season, so there are lots of chances to see this species going forward.</p><p>Tuesday, I stayed fairly local, but did not find anything of interest. I noted lots of ducks on Lake St. Clair, but I did not have a scope on hand. It was a very balmy day! A good afternoon to do some yard cleanup.</p><p>Wednesday morning I went for a walk at Peers wetland. A scary-looking creature was on the trail. It was very small though!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_1ZsFuNV16ewxggKRJKzY-1plX8ypvefkquZJ7NOiZG1tOitI7Rg3-YOTuYb2i66uvM2Eyfv4n-kNGY78JLFxAmeUe2mzQ2rrJd1tjFKCjEu9kONMXO7tC87JUZZnYvIpAH-ZJ9u6I2f19m20CyNSzG4HfpvrKhy29YK6MsoGpUPIBqK-uGjQAQJxCNO/s3741/crayfish%203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="3741" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_1ZsFuNV16ewxggKRJKzY-1plX8ypvefkquZJ7NOiZG1tOitI7Rg3-YOTuYb2i66uvM2Eyfv4n-kNGY78JLFxAmeUe2mzQ2rrJd1tjFKCjEu9kONMXO7tC87JUZZnYvIpAH-ZJ9u6I2f19m20CyNSzG4HfpvrKhy29YK6MsoGpUPIBqK-uGjQAQJxCNO/w400-h353/crayfish%203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVIgHY1EUol67_ch6CkR1XFjXLv-ZnL-rChE7dz4eNPLIUbWcuZiLMy5F6rHVWyOvx70HRj7759YJnRFbglV6Uuh2r4sFjA4aepJp264zvZhBXNE8U4RXMbFHUKzbve_d7mCNSBU7-4-iUFopg_e1_ArAU0cr3-Y9RgKKladCYgMzYbRgSl7FVQ28Ka8h/s4438/crayfish%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4223" data-original-width="4438" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVIgHY1EUol67_ch6CkR1XFjXLv-ZnL-rChE7dz4eNPLIUbWcuZiLMy5F6rHVWyOvx70HRj7759YJnRFbglV6Uuh2r4sFjA4aepJp264zvZhBXNE8U4RXMbFHUKzbve_d7mCNSBU7-4-iUFopg_e1_ArAU0cr3-Y9RgKKladCYgMzYbRgSl7FVQ28Ka8h/w400-h380/crayfish%201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>A Digger Crayfish was on the prowl. It probably came out the day before in the very warm weather. This species is considered vulnerable by the NHIC. I regularly see many of their mud mounds, but rarely see them.</p><p>Wednesday, I headed up along the birdless St. Clair River and ended up at Sarnia. Quite a few gulls were around Sarnia. I only saw one Glaucous and one Iceland of the white-winged variety. It was certainly not a winter for white-winged gulls in our area! Let alone other things. It was too cold and windy, so birding was by car.</p><p>Today was very cold and windy again, so I stayed home for the most part. Early morning I braved the elements and went for a walk at Reid CA. I spent some of the time looking at lichens, even though Reid is not a good place for that subject it seems.</p><p>I was inspired yesterday when I picked up a new book on Lichens.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6n0IDqflrBJnY0lZ6SFoMCP5OSZ2LcfLuVHMI9qj9R25kgLSTwzClIZ-PdewEsRyyLb-rJkFicemqYTEDEG4FXMTa2WejLlCV-eYKKXXqRwj_gtfC0U1ZECw2VVikq2RaNzPmoXlA977QQeFKo_EUnf9UIw2eHfcIN6SHRajqgp1zYYKSD25zozrakQx/s4624/20240229_111857%5B273%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6n0IDqflrBJnY0lZ6SFoMCP5OSZ2LcfLuVHMI9qj9R25kgLSTwzClIZ-PdewEsRyyLb-rJkFicemqYTEDEG4FXMTa2WejLlCV-eYKKXXqRwj_gtfC0U1ZECw2VVikq2RaNzPmoXlA977QQeFKo_EUnf9UIw2eHfcIN6SHRajqgp1zYYKSD25zozrakQx/w300-h400/20240229_111857%5B273%5D.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>It came out last year and was written by Ontario native R. Troy McMullin. Not that I needed another book, but this one I could not resist! It is an excellent resource with good photos, range maps, and everything one would want to know about each species.</p><p>Looking at lichens is a whole different ball game, but there are so many different types and interesting species. One really needs a macro lens to photograph them, something I do not have. However, something else to do while walking through the woods.</p><p>Here are a couple from today, followed by some others from the past.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPS_iEcUy_EdBHVr_SToQNBMPPNhloGWecZ9qXGMc9AQiGzyVg4pV842dQLYuDSzPKnKhpQ59nq9EUgNVM07BVRJUOAZ56h4mM9oQkG71i0XBSsMQ_6lqQWoQi9IBFtLsfCincRUP66gVwmuDlXqUUADNmP46zALYhgva190F2rnJ27MvDTgK6B2fucHrG/s5141/IMG_3603.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2945" data-original-width="5141" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPS_iEcUy_EdBHVr_SToQNBMPPNhloGWecZ9qXGMc9AQiGzyVg4pV842dQLYuDSzPKnKhpQ59nq9EUgNVM07BVRJUOAZ56h4mM9oQkG71i0XBSsMQ_6lqQWoQi9IBFtLsfCincRUP66gVwmuDlXqUUADNmP46zALYhgva190F2rnJ27MvDTgK6B2fucHrG/w400-h229/IMG_3603.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Greenshield Lichens</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGROARaS3-AgxQ43Eb2_LfvwGpSxsrNBo_Gg03_0RQs27sy6asYgxeUd42A7Jt5kukL8KvfWPpT_E4Bpd_G3lMo4jPHl50ibj-40QEfKjBu-v2MWcg1y3en2YTJii3aBLsSXZy2aa-1rmQOzO7VfvLpCgoDoxTqTNWelbWpXIA6WOW3rqeuuinyRRAfxk/s1476/20240229_090319.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="1476" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGROARaS3-AgxQ43Eb2_LfvwGpSxsrNBo_Gg03_0RQs27sy6asYgxeUd42A7Jt5kukL8KvfWPpT_E4Bpd_G3lMo4jPHl50ibj-40QEfKjBu-v2MWcg1y3en2YTJii3aBLsSXZy2aa-1rmQOzO7VfvLpCgoDoxTqTNWelbWpXIA6WOW3rqeuuinyRRAfxk/w400-h369/20240229_090319.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candleflame Lichens</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdXs3KH64wlvw_iA6zZDT3GVm0mxRTEYZ9s55IN-sVja1OhL0gySFprFgR73rbz-sH26zqiOYFPygbWmvLypGYDhK18O4b1HLgXghFZQoXjJUck-4r2p1XXLwADkn-EL5Zvr2oq5Y57DV8O-PfWtvARtDq7FSYJDuecANN7wMSyXYOIug-zSRd06c0EIa/s1293/20240229_084302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1293" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdXs3KH64wlvw_iA6zZDT3GVm0mxRTEYZ9s55IN-sVja1OhL0gySFprFgR73rbz-sH26zqiOYFPygbWmvLypGYDhK18O4b1HLgXghFZQoXjJUck-4r2p1XXLwADkn-EL5Zvr2oq5Y57DV8O-PfWtvARtDq7FSYJDuecANN7wMSyXYOIug-zSRd06c0EIa/w400-h398/20240229_084302.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWrnvqSdsBaxQ5KA55w83GFAw_bW1zSwnBkRKIKogL6qpShEMHsJ0NcZKvGK72jktqBCMbGT-OV18YUb-2yygexkortUcynaQM8gpfJ2SSxTnxg4sonn94zsHbahPHekoSFy5B9mUUvYlm7Uz1BRBIoSzeX39KuXwELeJnvRb-1VRwKgC17RNAa5DBY2H/s1361/R2B.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="1071" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWrnvqSdsBaxQ5KA55w83GFAw_bW1zSwnBkRKIKogL6qpShEMHsJ0NcZKvGK72jktqBCMbGT-OV18YUb-2yygexkortUcynaQM8gpfJ2SSxTnxg4sonn94zsHbahPHekoSFy5B9mUUvYlm7Uz1BRBIoSzeX39KuXwELeJnvRb-1VRwKgC17RNAa5DBY2H/w315-h400/R2B.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">unknown</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8RImcXkwow6kF5FDdBJTfrDwuFP0LXtj7MZ7ITIaN99q_PttNPRHchVZ-4CWk7Kkcy-I7VYxI27OxUhwpPutVnlGT-b8sxV5zldbrA8ik9LR3BXviCv3vp91iuQiZp883J3EKMPnOfpy85_jugBDC_ujqdcIHDRPRWB1zQJkVJNUQ260Wn0tUoVu5_Ha/s2048/original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1750" data-original-width="2048" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8RImcXkwow6kF5FDdBJTfrDwuFP0LXtj7MZ7ITIaN99q_PttNPRHchVZ-4CWk7Kkcy-I7VYxI27OxUhwpPutVnlGT-b8sxV5zldbrA8ik9LR3BXviCv3vp91iuQiZp883J3EKMPnOfpy85_jugBDC_ujqdcIHDRPRWB1zQJkVJNUQ260Wn0tUoVu5_Ha/w400-h341/original.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pixie cup species</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWxZ-ZmvD_mUq-ykvsBkUQ2fRWskdRdog5dfW1KdVtDhTLTg7TuiKimHCpuCDQ_dQgTt3Igz0D_QMLMjahmc0dz0xzB1Xfg8vPu34ad5kCtzqI0wLX98C-8KFIjrupRsgbp5yKwa8CejuaWblVF4sI0_Aenf0yllI1vGBANnYsFQkMcD5-0PgLEcRvj8g/s2048/original.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWxZ-ZmvD_mUq-ykvsBkUQ2fRWskdRdog5dfW1KdVtDhTLTg7TuiKimHCpuCDQ_dQgTt3Igz0D_QMLMjahmc0dz0xzB1Xfg8vPu34ad5kCtzqI0wLX98C-8KFIjrupRsgbp5yKwa8CejuaWblVF4sI0_Aenf0yllI1vGBANnYsFQkMcD5-0PgLEcRvj8g/w300-h400/original.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rosette sp.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGrF_hh9zD6aPeMkwr3mM4v4Vajby-N3NhQVU62N3gSvwdb-KLddaP0X1mnjPZ4vcxy9kr2XWHVEGpQEHo1iTJIUsRuFEQknr5aLpFndO-8dE-eHm8p5Y6tk3e06prDMQqqlwIGsLUg1ShC65xKOYYF2XL2ZYl8TXPnsEi9gkd8I7YWjK7GddsuWxsv_q/s2048/original%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="2048" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGrF_hh9zD6aPeMkwr3mM4v4Vajby-N3NhQVU62N3gSvwdb-KLddaP0X1mnjPZ4vcxy9kr2XWHVEGpQEHo1iTJIUsRuFEQknr5aLpFndO-8dE-eHm8p5Y6tk3e06prDMQqqlwIGsLUg1ShC65xKOYYF2XL2ZYl8TXPnsEi9gkd8I7YWjK7GddsuWxsv_q/w640-h466/original%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Script Lichens</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIN-85dWwAdNd3cZpZJ5akZs9LqymqfQgRIYZZMiKF1WMm3laO4m76VD2byb_0zf3CJMWzAd_9oBEl1QbhLgAB2MIZ67bn-iG6AdY7kJ1DZ45xjYp4QKdoTcgCPbzRXH8siG1fooRQshHOaNErY94OJvmreClIKYM9oT7OHkM2k6-JxtI2RtKeyFdq0Lwf/s2048/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1618" data-original-width="2048" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIN-85dWwAdNd3cZpZJ5akZs9LqymqfQgRIYZZMiKF1WMm3laO4m76VD2byb_0zf3CJMWzAd_9oBEl1QbhLgAB2MIZ67bn-iG6AdY7kJ1DZ45xjYp4QKdoTcgCPbzRXH8siG1fooRQshHOaNErY94OJvmreClIKYM9oT7OHkM2k6-JxtI2RtKeyFdq0Lwf/w640-h506/original.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speckled Blister Lichens</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>March madness is about to begin......<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br />Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-75982134323697947442024-02-25T21:14:00.002-05:002024-02-25T21:14:58.900-05:00South Beach Walk....Head Down!<p> On Saturday I had the urge to walk out the south beach of Rondeau Park. It was still quite cold and breezy, but I went anyway. It was nice walking along the south point trail west section, with the morning sun shining through.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbVzC30c4AD3iFNfdLIkBXyNZruoIDFyjbZ2qaMngdv5tq95szlfZDbmUy09So4u4s1jzY2_ReKuMT08xnFxf9Pct72_YAQ-_OHgZrfalCV5Ry1QoafKhb44GfKzrWFdBEvQ9uRos8molviR5487CelEbUPE2BooC8br_hanIPeK00RXyNFakqVFDNc2J/s4588/IMG_3545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4588" data-original-width="3370" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbVzC30c4AD3iFNfdLIkBXyNZruoIDFyjbZ2qaMngdv5tq95szlfZDbmUy09So4u4s1jzY2_ReKuMT08xnFxf9Pct72_YAQ-_OHgZrfalCV5Ry1QoafKhb44GfKzrWFdBEvQ9uRos8molviR5487CelEbUPE2BooC8br_hanIPeK00RXyNFakqVFDNc2J/w294-h400/IMG_3545.JPG" width="294" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Script Lichens</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>There were very few birds as expected, but a few American Wigeon were swimming on the slough near the end of the trail</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabwuiqjw0FnFS25Ic8RTA5AZm2_VsGdYMbiH8RA3LXPEee1qurz6AHQp9qDuJubiF5JZF4O3L4eQ-9AKbcJaabie3wvn1jirADJFCOK36anl0Yo1Z1CxhOaoK6CYc6UT_jDP7oNHSRPW8WiS0tua47y-rc1FFLfLeupd0IUKcivZgHvQp6IYiEh2Gxva0/s6960/IMG_3565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabwuiqjw0FnFS25Ic8RTA5AZm2_VsGdYMbiH8RA3LXPEee1qurz6AHQp9qDuJubiF5JZF4O3L4eQ-9AKbcJaabie3wvn1jirADJFCOK36anl0Yo1Z1CxhOaoK6CYc6UT_jDP7oNHSRPW8WiS0tua47y-rc1FFLfLeupd0IUKcivZgHvQp6IYiEh2Gxva0/s320/IMG_3565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">At the end of the trail, we meet the forever changing shoreline. I remember it being a fair walk to the beach, but the walk is now a small fraction of what it used to be due to erosion. (should have included a photo here!)</span></div><p>I only walked along the beach to where the marsh trail ends. There was no point in going any further as there was ice build-up on the Bay side. </p><p>There were lots of ducks in the open water of the marsh.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChNEpT6Up72l1d5ZDo0iTZ_70eupITOCeaBR6AnVw-N1yHqvnacrhS85L6NATRQgO8RoTPNySkWorv7YyjWvOLBaLsd1JtbMjJmmt3A7Gm_okF7K3SrcAbmhui4oriSLuH9sbmeag0LwgHKtYfDb6cqBcP-M7T3RjQb5-pJZvY-r1S-Jp5dVQrTfYphwj/s6865/IMG_3558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2730" data-original-width="6865" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChNEpT6Up72l1d5ZDo0iTZ_70eupITOCeaBR6AnVw-N1yHqvnacrhS85L6NATRQgO8RoTPNySkWorv7YyjWvOLBaLsd1JtbMjJmmt3A7Gm_okF7K3SrcAbmhui4oriSLuH9sbmeag0LwgHKtYfDb6cqBcP-M7T3RjQb5-pJZvY-r1S-Jp5dVQrTfYphwj/w640-h254/IMG_3558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseqsDgYv-0JZz1XaT40ZxBveV6oC5awjAHXojNvOkJkBUI4rGjdddpDm-8Ah17mBzvvwUFNPSKQGXMub-5VdXARwqCp-QpAEDJyadaAaZVLTRP32iQvOch2UvHSvGxSlnqfFR2ShvwT2s7Zq8JqeQyg526SGRXvwMxva9an75mC6aqaFW1cKvS0qwHp_7/s6958/IMG_3556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2556" data-original-width="6958" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseqsDgYv-0JZz1XaT40ZxBveV6oC5awjAHXojNvOkJkBUI4rGjdddpDm-8Ah17mBzvvwUFNPSKQGXMub-5VdXARwqCp-QpAEDJyadaAaZVLTRP32iQvOch2UvHSvGxSlnqfFR2ShvwT2s7Zq8JqeQyg526SGRXvwMxva9an75mC6aqaFW1cKvS0qwHp_7/w640-h236/IMG_3556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Lots of Tundra Swans, and even a pair of Trumpeter Swans were out there.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg30qJLY279Cd05hf_KhnhH7fJe33crzFRNijnGrek59KYwnTeGwohGVOTpYGmkayVHkDP8YtdyfnbH7-Gtsvwk6QmHiNgkXLax6MhxCrA23o6Xm7qGmJj753d1Wf6mpJdA2RkgLkl03C5VpuhaWH0ojhXHg5R7rp1rMsDpszcBVidaxWmO7SEyuz0miNk/s3293/IMG_3552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2603" data-original-width="3293" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg30qJLY279Cd05hf_KhnhH7fJe33crzFRNijnGrek59KYwnTeGwohGVOTpYGmkayVHkDP8YtdyfnbH7-Gtsvwk6QmHiNgkXLax6MhxCrA23o6Xm7qGmJj753d1Wf6mpJdA2RkgLkl03C5VpuhaWH0ojhXHg5R7rp1rMsDpszcBVidaxWmO7SEyuz0miNk/s320/IMG_3552.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tundra</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>On the way back, as usual, I looked for beach treasures. Mainly mussels of course! I only found one species, that being Fatmucket. There were lots of shells of various shapes and colours of this common species.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJf6OQE0dmZ5xS3oCvwZ645Vsh1mxXc6HkDtw6aFNC9CfAWbpbzvSdbYFZywvQflkPpfh0V_N6Qv5qFSMPPkA5u3y-FEnTBkgp2Wx9XeOg-XuPzIpDpC2wDauLau68K6_zBXlIEUL-NjXR4ZNJ63qgANlXwFy9Qzy4qccRb2lXFM1FzdTe7ezKswse9hh/s4354/R26A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3284" data-original-width="4354" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJf6OQE0dmZ5xS3oCvwZ645Vsh1mxXc6HkDtw6aFNC9CfAWbpbzvSdbYFZywvQflkPpfh0V_N6Qv5qFSMPPkA5u3y-FEnTBkgp2Wx9XeOg-XuPzIpDpC2wDauLau68K6_zBXlIEUL-NjXR4ZNJ63qgANlXwFy9Qzy4qccRb2lXFM1FzdTe7ezKswse9hh/s320/R26A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iUUno6MNvh287iPcFZGYHaLlgmwYlo93qTwTMEwo-jQ9wZur4-3_EUeAQreIXu2A9M44ciiyCw392QaD5gF8SLYNcOOjYSR9Ui0LF200Ioiz_rXE6sLUzwBVKIdUoW1p12-mFJGZ9gBmlHNrUTOUUFlEZdx3VmP9fsvAiQz9hoBTrF_rdtlsfsNzfn8m/s3284/R25B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3284" data-original-width="2918" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iUUno6MNvh287iPcFZGYHaLlgmwYlo93qTwTMEwo-jQ9wZur4-3_EUeAQreIXu2A9M44ciiyCw392QaD5gF8SLYNcOOjYSR9Ui0LF200Ioiz_rXE6sLUzwBVKIdUoW1p12-mFJGZ9gBmlHNrUTOUUFlEZdx3VmP9fsvAiQz9hoBTrF_rdtlsfsNzfn8m/s320/R25B.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdeRihkRava6XUT9d1lG8IhEhMWIR0_QU3iG4qOpx4oVqtpIz1Kd6FdXI2GanvcrcBryWdsLhGGBiQtmRuLP9UxMqzNfM-smFu2qhAuQ-Bhci4DuVu6PZwLu4M5S5usSjKd_a3_mS6zKL48WnZiQM8RBz32zUurGH67DwquguS_uEBV2H5QSrIpC9kHfT/s3468/R27A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2782" data-original-width="3468" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdeRihkRava6XUT9d1lG8IhEhMWIR0_QU3iG4qOpx4oVqtpIz1Kd6FdXI2GanvcrcBryWdsLhGGBiQtmRuLP9UxMqzNfM-smFu2qhAuQ-Bhci4DuVu6PZwLu4M5S5usSjKd_a3_mS6zKL48WnZiQM8RBz32zUurGH67DwquguS_uEBV2H5QSrIpC9kHfT/s320/R27A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Other things caught my eye as well. With the long history of waterfowl hunting at Rondeau, there has to be things of historical nature in the sands. A piece of brass caught my eye, which was the end of a shotgun shell.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHfqd9a_pQHxT0hu2mNPpDuIzbmii1iwmi19IgQF_ndnLjzMUhvfhLMRBowDCNmJoDHFGsJUV1lbWLlh3Ta9PPOUbFx3WdDLLVoAD52obCkle2LpTTgiiRxYPbdBOX4UeA5vZESVZAaR3sn1nGu1F_N2APDh1z1XDpSdFXG83aFsAe4kd2xt6tr4Jb3rb/s1730/24%20Feb%202024%20Rondeau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1730" data-original-width="1695" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHfqd9a_pQHxT0hu2mNPpDuIzbmii1iwmi19IgQF_ndnLjzMUhvfhLMRBowDCNmJoDHFGsJUV1lbWLlh3Ta9PPOUbFx3WdDLLVoAD52obCkle2LpTTgiiRxYPbdBOX4UeA5vZESVZAaR3sn1nGu1F_N2APDh1z1XDpSdFXG83aFsAe4kd2xt6tr4Jb3rb/w393-h400/24%20Feb%202024%20Rondeau.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><br /><p>I took it home and looked it up. It likely dates back to the 1930's from what I can surmise.</p><p>Also, a piece of glass stood out. It was part of a very old medicine bottle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6teJIQQn_1Nkb249HQNMBR6_xDjRNiGjPMfyfV4Cssmh5lP92kHlXuKboPXpIWtyD8vw44UjJcrXUegO4dvCQWeiKcZOV_WYxxfRUvpzzWmZ5DRcE91M1kSNSV80B-8ZMSxplSUWXMfwIP0Gov7FCww7jrizruCupdZwt3PGtSwURRuFOSRzrKQ8jQssQ/s4624/20240225_110414%5B233%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6teJIQQn_1Nkb249HQNMBR6_xDjRNiGjPMfyfV4Cssmh5lP92kHlXuKboPXpIWtyD8vw44UjJcrXUegO4dvCQWeiKcZOV_WYxxfRUvpzzWmZ5DRcE91M1kSNSV80B-8ZMSxplSUWXMfwIP0Gov7FCww7jrizruCupdZwt3PGtSwURRuFOSRzrKQ8jQssQ/w300-h400/20240225_110414%5B233%5D.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>There was not much to go on with the letters on it, but going to the internet, information instantly came up!</p><p>It was a product of the well-known Radway brothers of New York. The "R. R. R." stands for <i>Radway Ready Relief. </i>One of those<i> </i>so-called cure-alls.</p><p>They made these for a long time, but this bottle could possibly date back to the 1860's!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nkchx96HsuR43M3DvjXoe7OUSArQWkV2XPGTRAtYQ3Yi97tUwrcpcGLkUA5HK6dPmfi1YJ1Ig53o3iJBdWhNGz6olzZyKYz5pZrEpVvv9jXIEK8b-NhlfJ3LGlLkfA6F72eJl6YZ7ByB6odx_QFU3yLAhhY4tAgHakcY327jG45alXcsMHMH1yRSQT44/s4624/20240225_110446%5B234%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nkchx96HsuR43M3DvjXoe7OUSArQWkV2XPGTRAtYQ3Yi97tUwrcpcGLkUA5HK6dPmfi1YJ1Ig53o3iJBdWhNGz6olzZyKYz5pZrEpVvv9jXIEK8b-NhlfJ3LGlLkfA6F72eJl6YZ7ByB6odx_QFU3yLAhhY4tAgHakcY327jG45alXcsMHMH1yRSQT44/s320/20240225_110446%5B234%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Act of Congress" was on the side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>While usually it is heads up while birding, looking down can reveal things of interest! Last year I found a spearpoint, which certainly would be hundreds of years old.<br /><p>After that long walk, I checked out the campground. Quite a few birds were creeping around.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaRw775D3HlUJFNdR1fDdMBCbAud5qDCHBJWYxZHc-86yxhRHkj28v4wHAuQkxwz0B2CWGdT98i2apzsYyamhLjDyFK7DNRIN7f7Q-iyTS0neoXWN7VcrRcPgys3M1s8R9ZhGiT4uju3j3IQj-eFy3JnZybQNCsvB7k4I_GYRTqBhu-a0IVAd8-wQ_ecF/s3567/IMG_3575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3567" data-original-width="3062" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaRw775D3HlUJFNdR1fDdMBCbAud5qDCHBJWYxZHc-86yxhRHkj28v4wHAuQkxwz0B2CWGdT98i2apzsYyamhLjDyFK7DNRIN7f7Q-iyTS0neoXWN7VcrRcPgys3M1s8R9ZhGiT4uju3j3IQj-eFy3JnZybQNCsvB7k4I_GYRTqBhu-a0IVAd8-wQ_ecF/w344-h400/IMG_3575.JPG" width="344" /></a></div><br /><p>Just the same birds (except a Turkey Vulture) from all winter. The Audubon's Warbler was not difficult to find either!</p><p>Once in a while, some rare flora pops up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9IWY17jn-j7RoVmnRpKzf9OI4MxwBl53j8dbqOtkugluH27t64JwzdwutjQWjAtmY8gm7yb2ovTrQxMS0d_wBezx0WImzQ-UCkFuuMdWGp6FbK-mxfz5cjMdqanG1JhnMeyRnFTXqMXD-MQHvrT0TjChPT8SY7BEdK26quss9PXWhGYIzQaaJZJ5XjzF/s4327/IMG_3582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4327" data-original-width="3677" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9IWY17jn-j7RoVmnRpKzf9OI4MxwBl53j8dbqOtkugluH27t64JwzdwutjQWjAtmY8gm7yb2ovTrQxMS0d_wBezx0WImzQ-UCkFuuMdWGp6FbK-mxfz5cjMdqanG1JhnMeyRnFTXqMXD-MQHvrT0TjChPT8SY7BEdK26quss9PXWhGYIzQaaJZJ5XjzF/w340-h400/IMG_3582.JPG" width="340" /></a></div><br /><p>Today, I just drove a round a bit and took a couple of short walks. It was a nice morning, but very windy and cool. Here is a scene at Moore WMA.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSBEgMqyWm5h6AJwnD95mOBGr8P-STGut3W0WOgaa-abVR6w1l2OjxoOyRQviJffloixYa-xcIMjdveR6guHpFNdf6PZTEQ8P-PMPuCKqQyJOq5ZXnYzXYUrPsyPd6WqyuvsRUI6K6kePrm0NUvRESWRxtbR30wZRBLPbGK-W5UI1fBKNzx4qm7gNh2XL/s4624/Moore%20Bend%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSBEgMqyWm5h6AJwnD95mOBGr8P-STGut3W0WOgaa-abVR6w1l2OjxoOyRQviJffloixYa-xcIMjdveR6guHpFNdf6PZTEQ8P-PMPuCKqQyJOq5ZXnYzXYUrPsyPd6WqyuvsRUI6K6kePrm0NUvRESWRxtbR30wZRBLPbGK-W5UI1fBKNzx4qm7gNh2XL/w640-h480/Moore%20Bend%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>With the flooding this winter, the riverbanks have been scoured!</p><p>While there, I could not help notice some more mussels! On the far bank was an obvious Pink Heelsplitter, a vulnerable species.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDAUDQatV4jsbCazD8WFRO4iTWxaikHuAWMACjZBh1VaP1wBupap7v2I_AMX1TaMJt8dYSZMbpfiT2NhprTxp-ZvleWMZbYpvMfy7MXiyvGgHG5td3Ew-8X2J8TUU3HS_uuKdIRgrz6Je5dvWvsCyCdbtFV9Hm1B40pvBECbXtk06yl_a3kEM2fEJ4lxU/s3027/IMG_3585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2358" data-original-width="3027" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDAUDQatV4jsbCazD8WFRO4iTWxaikHuAWMACjZBh1VaP1wBupap7v2I_AMX1TaMJt8dYSZMbpfiT2NhprTxp-ZvleWMZbYpvMfy7MXiyvGgHG5td3Ew-8X2J8TUU3HS_uuKdIRgrz6Je5dvWvsCyCdbtFV9Hm1B40pvBECbXtk06yl_a3kEM2fEJ4lxU/w400-h311/IMG_3585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Another one of my favourites, this large Deertoe stood out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdKvn2j6N8KWhZISA6fGradAbj8fynqyzKEScnF7yW-OUx8Ei198IvB6NMTeHcbGUpAct7HFLRODKwO1sDPN3EAEREQ8DluAsQzIUrIfFnbMtnyltXuSB-bJKf41Co7acV5HtGqxLC-rGWuzdJPLID8joo2ofnNrbmwfADoXDiwlNM6jMAxQSy9aJG017/s3439/MDTA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3439" data-original-width="3233" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdKvn2j6N8KWhZISA6fGradAbj8fynqyzKEScnF7yW-OUx8Ei198IvB6NMTeHcbGUpAct7HFLRODKwO1sDPN3EAEREQ8DluAsQzIUrIfFnbMtnyltXuSB-bJKf41Co7acV5HtGqxLC-rGWuzdJPLID8joo2ofnNrbmwfADoXDiwlNM6jMAxQSy9aJG017/w301-h320/MDTA.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxXCn4ujjn5k55Z1l8OzhgeUCHsWwDc2HHM1hps5BDOK71PU5UTalpH192mORFEpRYGAALBw2GwZGVDDYxSA_OW5H6WwznAOddNWFYTrisCJHDObyV9tM31xQzN5ScXiTSdyx4TbAuV5fOyO_UX5PqymcvtQeeCFOVsAYo2o6rCpdIG921wt1wGp68mfK/s3439/MDTB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3439" data-original-width="3233" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxXCn4ujjn5k55Z1l8OzhgeUCHsWwDc2HHM1hps5BDOK71PU5UTalpH192mORFEpRYGAALBw2GwZGVDDYxSA_OW5H6WwznAOddNWFYTrisCJHDObyV9tM31xQzN5ScXiTSdyx4TbAuV5fOyO_UX5PqymcvtQeeCFOVsAYo2o6rCpdIG921wt1wGp68mfK/s320/MDTB.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Warm weather is on the way......!</p><p><br /></p></div>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-58442537191479277162024-02-23T19:06:00.002-05:002024-02-23T19:10:04.653-05:00A Snapshot of 1954<p> Although I have touched on this subject before, I find it interesting to look at past bird records from a variety of sources. I have a copy of the 1954 Bird Survey of the Detroit Region, published by the Detroit Audubon Society, that I turn to from time to time. **Note that this society is now known as the <i>Detroit Bird Alliance,</i> in a growing trend of like organizations to rid themselves of the Audubon name. Apparently John James Audubon had racist views back in the day, despite his contributions to bird studies.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGDl3eLNGYVZXRLouU6wQeGvY9cg6qk3T6uuuFygm-OprxF3UuEu08nmsTfP19bTW83Ug8IkV1PGC8L_vSgmq_Mod7_osnGPmK2jVRaCahbqfD8FdDHK2F7lil0BZXQk6YnhzcnOORBltBwWFnZRtD0TIvhQ1ZXXSXc4e0fPZsZwKgOmXAF-e8g6NtOQp/s1600/20-10-2011%2009;42;37PM.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1161" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGDl3eLNGYVZXRLouU6wQeGvY9cg6qk3T6uuuFygm-OprxF3UuEu08nmsTfP19bTW83Ug8IkV1PGC8L_vSgmq_Mod7_osnGPmK2jVRaCahbqfD8FdDHK2F7lil0BZXQk6YnhzcnOORBltBwWFnZRtD0TIvhQ1ZXXSXc4e0fPZsZwKgOmXAF-e8g6NtOQp/s320/20-10-2011%2009;42;37PM.JPG" width="232" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The survey covered the tri-county region in Ontario (Essex, Kent and Lambton), and the adjacent counties in Michigan. It covered the entire year, with various well-known observers contributing observations. Wallaceburg birders were included. The Carscallen brothers, Jim and twins Morley and Charlton and their father Roland, along with Dennis Rupert contributed valuable observations.</p><p>Here are some selected observations from the report. Taxonomic order was quite different back then, so I just listed them as they came.</p><p>Snowy Egret April 17 at Bradley (The Carscallen's, along with Ross Brown found this one)</p><p>Little Blue Heron August 30 at Hillman Creek (R. D. Ussher)</p><p>Black-crowned Night-Heron. A colony of 200 was noted at St. Luke's on May 22</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HoonnaUljRUNkjamikcLxMLcRZoU3BnVyNOVY4_x-e6oShh3vFFeo8kVu36dh5UIPr7h6S0Ll1nBg60RuFbmrYzVDV8XnNZ4iTzttntsDlx-m7V639-vTVQZ07F8pmSOtkjs-t2leAYkZx-kuMecXFtVEDF1osTewnlkW0TiMCDdbLxQIioMZEBlsiT1/s1600/_MG_4724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1559" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HoonnaUljRUNkjamikcLxMLcRZoU3BnVyNOVY4_x-e6oShh3vFFeo8kVu36dh5UIPr7h6S0Ll1nBg60RuFbmrYzVDV8XnNZ4iTzttntsDlx-m7V639-vTVQZ07F8pmSOtkjs-t2leAYkZx-kuMecXFtVEDF1osTewnlkW0TiMCDdbLxQIioMZEBlsiT1/s320/_MG_4724.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br /><p>Glossy Ibis (assumed over White-faced) at the above location on the same date</p><p>Long-tailed Duck (then called Oldsquaw). Only a few. 58 at Sarnia on December 20. They were rare back then!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOzndrBOc2WKnSLZy-IDobBqwVlsIUxw2z00-CxZImTDyfd7L8Suc7gMfE0XHNTX0kHmtHmz01r7che_BGqrIkRonC79rKEYC068lw1cW0csMeezOxgwBXsbVXe6nguucLjAlpWZxNMa5H1ihJY61vEbxXzHM31cwj-cnsY6bWnEhnXjFzQT56rh758jN/s1600/_MG_3514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOzndrBOc2WKnSLZy-IDobBqwVlsIUxw2z00-CxZImTDyfd7L8Suc7gMfE0XHNTX0kHmtHmz01r7che_BGqrIkRonC79rKEYC068lw1cW0csMeezOxgwBXsbVXe6nguucLjAlpWZxNMa5H1ihJY61vEbxXzHM31cwj-cnsY6bWnEhnXjFzQT56rh758jN/s320/_MG_3514.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Red-breasted Merganser June 17 at Port Lambton--a late spring record for the area. 500 were at Sarnia on December 13 (a high number for that time of year and location).</p><p>Peregrine Falcon June 15 at Port Lambton. The Carscallen brothers noted that these were here every year around Wallaceburg</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7m3MBDCyYdY0C07NfBhHejddsiC1nAHVR4WI54GEhs7zG1it3A_NqRXovq-xsO_sQjpNkjM91r0ypZGin0Hcar4xLte9EUBFsM23fJv4hg88zizRczg86rM_TwBVVJFCcBtutiuA0s7Izi4nQcqoWAVnHYDBgwJIYmCzYD-9v0RPBl5K1FLf9EQ8jTKb/s1600/IMG_4826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7m3MBDCyYdY0C07NfBhHejddsiC1nAHVR4WI54GEhs7zG1it3A_NqRXovq-xsO_sQjpNkjM91r0ypZGin0Hcar4xLte9EUBFsM23fJv4hg88zizRczg86rM_TwBVVJFCcBtutiuA0s7Izi4nQcqoWAVnHYDBgwJIYmCzYD-9v0RPBl5K1FLf9EQ8jTKb/w400-h320/IMG_4826.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Piping Plover July 10 (2 adult, 2 young) at Port Franks. Others included sightings on June 12, 13 and August 15, 16 at Port Franks</p><p>Golden Plover (2000) April 24 in Dover Twp. They are difficult to find in numbers today!</p><p>Upland Plover (15) July 8 in Bosanquet Twp. (now called Upland Sandpiper)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5bhY5O5tID_U4gB7BlngXSfQ7EMhocR2citJTEHawssldXWKJpnIYuUipL-0noP_rxnn0tfQuMXaV1eKL6Ag25rnLdmF0iB9Cu_cQFSR5E6kj5tfXVYJOGyVaaUb9E1bZ6JzSovFk56B5EV6iCgdF0509OmZSSk2SggBooeV_vLDhMHc60BwEfS5FM_W/s1600/_MG_0381.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1600" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5bhY5O5tID_U4gB7BlngXSfQ7EMhocR2citJTEHawssldXWKJpnIYuUipL-0noP_rxnn0tfQuMXaV1eKL6Ag25rnLdmF0iB9Cu_cQFSR5E6kj5tfXVYJOGyVaaUb9E1bZ6JzSovFk56B5EV6iCgdF0509OmZSSk2SggBooeV_vLDhMHc60BwEfS5FM_W/w400-h378/_MG_0381.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Bonaparte's Gull (2000) December 26 at Erieau</p><p>Red-headed Woodpecker (14) May 22 Rondeau Park</p><p>Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. One was near Sarnia on December 26, and another at Ipperwash Beach on July 15. It is known today as the Black-backed Woodpecker. There was a moderate invasion into the south that winter.</p><p>Migrant Shrike (11) summer sightings in Lambton Co. (now called Loggerhead Shrike)</p><p>Western Meadowlark (2) April 24 in Lambton; (1) July 16 Ipperwash Beach; (1) July 25 Lambton Co. They were more regular back then.</p><p>Dickcissel (10) D. R. Gunn noted these flying of Point Pelee Tip on May 8. Two more were found on May 13 by Gunn, singing nearby.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwQYKcE9BHghjdoaVoiIDVk7jVBYOu5LO7s25RK8VVzPV-lyN2Jtdpcbr3gHdoed50e7h18iAmHdtNR2bhZN1QlQyW-3dZN5FyW32Ema6wqM8-YHSRbpav-NzzGzhj3JXcVxT1tp7M8FUZGtMq5r7dvVsU4iueJwEl4tiDK95fZoq9PrTAZv9EPJF6hK0/s3049/IMG_3749.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2695" data-original-width="3049" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwQYKcE9BHghjdoaVoiIDVk7jVBYOu5LO7s25RK8VVzPV-lyN2Jtdpcbr3gHdoed50e7h18iAmHdtNR2bhZN1QlQyW-3dZN5FyW32Ema6wqM8-YHSRbpav-NzzGzhj3JXcVxT1tp7M8FUZGtMq5r7dvVsU4iueJwEl4tiDK95fZoq9PrTAZv9EPJF6hK0/w400-h354/IMG_3749.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>In the future, I may cover other subjects of historical nature.</p>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-10760665103558784152024-02-21T18:52:00.008-05:002024-02-21T18:57:09.554-05:00Seafood At Reid Conservation AreaNot really! But, there were actually mussels and shrimp to feast on.<div><br /></div><div>Tuesday afternoon was quite nice so I went for a walk at Reid CA north of Wallaceburg. It is a bit of a hike to get to the river, but I thought it would be nice to check some of the shoreline. I went to the south end where there are often mussels.<div>The water level is down to a respectable level, so there was some exposed mud. I have found a variety of mussels at Reid. This day there were quite a few Mapleleaf.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz605gXxUCBSFkhRCzqdljQwKm6IgBfZO9VaYteHRjxuAunujK76E7S0GCIgka9LvGoxQMo_ZIGbo7NGEKr-0PJhmFYEcswgxEJKv0RBAslH7liKqiDOfZ4GqjQPtviJowGbUhyphenhyphen7TWwP-9cjGP77OazcWpnJI1sEvMo8oW-vCx7SKTZGfFZdl1D11Hoe9o/s2999/20240220_144743.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2763" data-original-width="2999" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz605gXxUCBSFkhRCzqdljQwKm6IgBfZO9VaYteHRjxuAunujK76E7S0GCIgka9LvGoxQMo_ZIGbo7NGEKr-0PJhmFYEcswgxEJKv0RBAslH7liKqiDOfZ4GqjQPtviJowGbUhyphenhyphen7TWwP-9cjGP77OazcWpnJI1sEvMo8oW-vCx7SKTZGfFZdl1D11Hoe9o/s320/20240220_144743.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5JWxtbsn4TZSlgqWfuoCTiePVtafjk-7uu8E8RxFb7wSAh5xCqUd29esnwlyk2_TD41MCiWhwRywo6-34aBM14V5mrJwSFwL0v9iIWE9RIgyVOwuZy4UxsXgn3pbMbRy84_NBxJauWtTO73dMPjyyED56liALdI0uAgQSQV31IQOW4oxUMrT8SILj9ok/s3444/20240220_144751.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3444" data-original-width="2999" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5JWxtbsn4TZSlgqWfuoCTiePVtafjk-7uu8E8RxFb7wSAh5xCqUd29esnwlyk2_TD41MCiWhwRywo6-34aBM14V5mrJwSFwL0v9iIWE9RIgyVOwuZy4UxsXgn3pbMbRy84_NBxJauWtTO73dMPjyyED56liALdI0uAgQSQV31IQOW4oxUMrT8SILj9ok/w349-h400/20240220_144751.jpg" width="349" /></a></div><br /><div>I find the Mapleleaf are one of the easiest to identify. Although a threatened species, they are quite common on the north branch of the Sydenham.</div><div><br /></div><div>As well, a Deertoe or two were exposed.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb95Ho5WyoBYZT0Mk6q9c7mjyFXJh6xAAJEzwSQb3VGg7xyH8zyys2pLZ7Kqc_kV2SOZlkBMjyCtBnVeLC7K2Qnyw1WoU-gBAevaiy0RjENeB2ipVSco2WIjxRPiCca-4JmFE5ZtK4EdpYQK6OWgeXTZXqqL-iWrD0zdqVB29ymhgTqOppOzL1uRdxVW9F/s2999/DT%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2082" data-original-width="2999" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb95Ho5WyoBYZT0Mk6q9c7mjyFXJh6xAAJEzwSQb3VGg7xyH8zyys2pLZ7Kqc_kV2SOZlkBMjyCtBnVeLC7K2Qnyw1WoU-gBAevaiy0RjENeB2ipVSco2WIjxRPiCca-4JmFE5ZtK4EdpYQK6OWgeXTZXqqL-iWrD0zdqVB29ymhgTqOppOzL1uRdxVW9F/s320/DT%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7J6F0hYCgR59GDwchjX7AmtBX6Y42CoYLut7Scu-xTD4MFCHk6QxCc1VoRGjkHLrqcCZHtgfHeDIQLp5DYAb9i3UpVUAp_9ybzLZUmqlcKr6RU0n69gRKNuUdfb55jAgTW0OT2yPDj1MYUmK2C8tlAl0Ew4cvWTnC-yq82O0xZZ3YJf-e9etny5C0ilA/s2999/DT%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="2999" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7J6F0hYCgR59GDwchjX7AmtBX6Y42CoYLut7Scu-xTD4MFCHk6QxCc1VoRGjkHLrqcCZHtgfHeDIQLp5DYAb9i3UpVUAp_9ybzLZUmqlcKr6RU0n69gRKNuUdfb55jAgTW0OT2yPDj1MYUmK2C8tlAl0Ew4cvWTnC-yq82O0xZZ3YJf-e9etny5C0ilA/s320/DT%202.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, I cut in to the mature woods. There is still quite a bit of water from the flooding a few weeks ago. At one point, I noticed some creatures swimming in a pool. I do not think I have ever noticed these before, but they sure looked like shrimp! I did the best I could to take photos as they swam in the water.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd4cPhuPImZwaGJfiKj8vHDYdapX8gkAmeR_zPKb4pmGrvGV7nI0-vi-z0DZEMAaI6aqs7vrViaexZ-2T6oYFHWBD1UJoUcvIi8jjKTvHhpCvKIkgBf7uu3NmFltoantkizn4B540s5iWqYhHtX77HA2R8FDLCAFocZhEj60rA2aNerU5KZeHOvpbfAdb/s2365/IMG_3532.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2365" data-original-width="2004" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd4cPhuPImZwaGJfiKj8vHDYdapX8gkAmeR_zPKb4pmGrvGV7nI0-vi-z0DZEMAaI6aqs7vrViaexZ-2T6oYFHWBD1UJoUcvIi8jjKTvHhpCvKIkgBf7uu3NmFltoantkizn4B540s5iWqYhHtX77HA2R8FDLCAFocZhEj60rA2aNerU5KZeHOvpbfAdb/s320/IMG_3532.JPG" width="271" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuWd9Y9UQreEHsHFQxRoPENtOG4V8VQdEP28RB71YYJl5HXItdWVYw7iCWSA77syfgVTB2jeT4QjaGRuLSNmQlGLdbzOduFAzrAAgV7_WG2xoFXRCn0HJjhE-tFBgsjxMkFnhGRwkbrBCRHYvmwe1uKBDL1mW2AVWvt5y1xsH1YEX9SRFOWDXfmtKIzW8/s2539/IMG_3527.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2045" data-original-width="2539" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuWd9Y9UQreEHsHFQxRoPENtOG4V8VQdEP28RB71YYJl5HXItdWVYw7iCWSA77syfgVTB2jeT4QjaGRuLSNmQlGLdbzOduFAzrAAgV7_WG2xoFXRCn0HJjhE-tFBgsjxMkFnhGRwkbrBCRHYvmwe1uKBDL1mW2AVWvt5y1xsH1YEX9SRFOWDXfmtKIzW8/w400-h323/IMG_3527.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kdEkr6_DjVb205454oU52DOuQaI4qRghSgxwzqptzdEdVdV7Np640r-D6pljDX47gynV4FvKd7BcA7gDxjc_NKhrPvogC_8EV5aWHGf__nQ95feyKAlgeIeLQ6_v5ofGNLJmeelbVJNcwMAUKpxGLzIeLWKpN2fk3cwnrIJeaEKbTKx7OsoMz2Bk-CI_/s2923/IMG_3535.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2365" data-original-width="2923" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kdEkr6_DjVb205454oU52DOuQaI4qRghSgxwzqptzdEdVdV7Np640r-D6pljDX47gynV4FvKd7BcA7gDxjc_NKhrPvogC_8EV5aWHGf__nQ95feyKAlgeIeLQ6_v5ofGNLJmeelbVJNcwMAUKpxGLzIeLWKpN2fk3cwnrIJeaEKbTKx7OsoMz2Bk-CI_/s320/IMG_3535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After getting home, I did some research and found these were a species of fairy shrimp. Who would have thought there would be shrimp here?</div><div><br /></div><div>There are a couple of possibilities for species, so it is best left as <i>Eubranchipus</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Actually, they are crustaceans found in vernal pools when conditions are right in late winter or early spring. They are as ephemeral as some orchids! They can be abundant one year, but absent the next....it just depends on conditions. Life span can be around two weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eggs are actually cysts that can enter a diapause, and will hatch when conditions are suitable.</div><div><br /></div><div>An interesting creature!</div><div><br /></div><div>In other things, not much has been happening in the bird world. Soon we should see a change in numbers and species.</div><div><br /></div><div>Along the St. Clair River, there have a been a few more gulls the last few days. White-winged gulls are a rare commodity this winter. I only saw my first Glaucous of the calendar year a few days ago at Corunna!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETdtCeNEGe_nQCkHnrvEI4BMb3V5uBxWtKPeN3GdTGeIu7lavNYY4CDYNhl-rXGurNxSLPR_qp4gJsY9Y72RbDhY5PTtSMHad2_akjDRCcjbUD28p61fYLcnTmCpsBJgGVpvsKnHiVMWm6uiNfC32LHxd3bfeMle8IHbqdVoRqk11azUkZiXSv0YtYBu-/s2695/IMG_3495.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2138" data-original-width="2695" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETdtCeNEGe_nQCkHnrvEI4BMb3V5uBxWtKPeN3GdTGeIu7lavNYY4CDYNhl-rXGurNxSLPR_qp4gJsY9Y72RbDhY5PTtSMHad2_akjDRCcjbUD28p61fYLcnTmCpsBJgGVpvsKnHiVMWm6uiNfC32LHxd3bfeMle8IHbqdVoRqk11azUkZiXSv0YtYBu-/s320/IMG_3495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIsE-Ivz9V8xSiEb1OpOCeteGIJefL0Qo2QVYZ8iIIFq8IR0o9DRzTJOYKpVZQdAc2mksQe_KixbN4C7tPJDBWwkdHcoB0b0j_JleO5WGvaEme_sjTDV52Lkj6KJ1syJYWZZvXKJDWHwcVvGrDRlyy2RV3PuFRom8ZmFvxwl0FvL4L9cmE_JRahUCPMv_/s4101/IMG_3496.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2498" data-original-width="4101" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIsE-Ivz9V8xSiEb1OpOCeteGIJefL0Qo2QVYZ8iIIFq8IR0o9DRzTJOYKpVZQdAc2mksQe_KixbN4C7tPJDBWwkdHcoB0b0j_JleO5WGvaEme_sjTDV52Lkj6KJ1syJYWZZvXKJDWHwcVvGrDRlyy2RV3PuFRom8ZmFvxwl0FvL4L9cmE_JRahUCPMv_/w400-h244/IMG_3496.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>There was also a first year Iceland here as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of days ago I did the long walk at Rondeau's marsh trail. Everything was frozen again, and nothing new in birds. The Eastern Towhee and Gray Catbird, a couple of nice winter birds, were in the same locale.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Northern Shrike, if it is the same individual, seems to have a wide range of territory. On the walk back, I found it close to the beginning of the trail.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE1w1W0_dXKrK7UdHhND29BEdjS6kpM6FuYkkZYiYXdCNwNB1ee55wqC9TgvYSHaI3FlLLhfCDV3xV1EcD3sQRb80_biJOOTsmbqsLlgKN5mLKli4dZ5p6nalh3ST9vUhF1w2IVBwZ0bVtGhx-RrVBbCXchWHPSFKMjWkHl3dtyNr0Z83RLtmvmUbXeRh/s2481/IMG_3508.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2481" data-original-width="1743" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE1w1W0_dXKrK7UdHhND29BEdjS6kpM6FuYkkZYiYXdCNwNB1ee55wqC9TgvYSHaI3FlLLhfCDV3xV1EcD3sQRb80_biJOOTsmbqsLlgKN5mLKli4dZ5p6nalh3ST9vUhF1w2IVBwZ0bVtGhx-RrVBbCXchWHPSFKMjWkHl3dtyNr0Z83RLtmvmUbXeRh/w450-h640/IMG_3508.JPG" width="450" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I would imagine it would like this shrew I found farther out the trail. Perhaps it was dropped!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPaXrSNDr-yW86sMDq_R1ORA-nj7NFLQw_UvcaXC5_vcBdwRGYpI5MxHFyis7EBfiNH2ejhoJiP2oBbyD-NHRfSSesaoeo7Wqou0tmcWSHPtPMZQ6swwME2U0BUnz1KXGea8N4ifSp9g7N0yAKWOEEBzQkj8LNibMDpDiwPCKuSXRw4x0sZ1cocxFFvvV/s4960/IMG_3497.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3642" data-original-width="4960" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPaXrSNDr-yW86sMDq_R1ORA-nj7NFLQw_UvcaXC5_vcBdwRGYpI5MxHFyis7EBfiNH2ejhoJiP2oBbyD-NHRfSSesaoeo7Wqou0tmcWSHPtPMZQ6swwME2U0BUnz1KXGea8N4ifSp9g7N0yAKWOEEBzQkj8LNibMDpDiwPCKuSXRw4x0sZ1cocxFFvvV/w400-h294/IMG_3497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>A Rough-legged Hawk was farther out.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz08I-wtoSyih1cTARuNOz-jTYq5BQIQBPc_ZfFA5AUDXpffo0wbVpPTHIIopBFlkUJz-clSZ6l0lhYtVYsSjNCthKgxvCghrOOAFjNzXwN-ETzCyZ-04_xHegWF1yQZMQjkwrzqPBrL-uRqrZyTC01AdvnLHLm8zeXOvDANtX6ng284kI95vcJDAYIFGY/s2655/IMG_3500.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="2655" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz08I-wtoSyih1cTARuNOz-jTYq5BQIQBPc_ZfFA5AUDXpffo0wbVpPTHIIopBFlkUJz-clSZ6l0lhYtVYsSjNCthKgxvCghrOOAFjNzXwN-ETzCyZ-04_xHegWF1yQZMQjkwrzqPBrL-uRqrZyTC01AdvnLHLm8zeXOvDANtX6ng284kI95vcJDAYIFGY/s320/IMG_3500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday morning, I checked out Mitchell's Bay, and around to Lighthouse Cove. Everything was too frozen! I guess it really should be anyway this time of year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Along the south shore trail, the resident Eastern Screech-Owl was keeping an eye on things.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln7DcCUTxhdM4QRIYUUql-NKec_OGQ0GCH8CgAkhAAcg8jP84QXM3w_ekSmMSxyoMBe2ffUhz6dMKqs3UAbzpjy0EhcLaG0fgX614hwHjfpW0Tiu7pXTIeh5UuK0pCNhEhz_gNCMzjspzPWoNE56Px4UdxdYRoY-QLiu367oOXyTRpc885vTwxH_tV8bP/s1813/IMG_3513.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1813" data-original-width="1743" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln7DcCUTxhdM4QRIYUUql-NKec_OGQ0GCH8CgAkhAAcg8jP84QXM3w_ekSmMSxyoMBe2ffUhz6dMKqs3UAbzpjy0EhcLaG0fgX614hwHjfpW0Tiu7pXTIeh5UuK0pCNhEhz_gNCMzjspzPWoNE56Px4UdxdYRoY-QLiu367oOXyTRpc885vTwxH_tV8bP/w385-h400/IMG_3513.JPG" width="385" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A Jeannette's Creek, a Belted Kingfisher was patrolling the boat launch area.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDed79lZ7gq2E2MVw3G9FkBTGY6NnnomBx6xD5Af82p-_-duIwOxsBySGYXVxKvl8XTiWTg1hyphenhyphenAV_WsBNJT0jrbdl10ZoND9XWXRUSvoswNUmQGtlHcfhFBXpSDEB5yO8t1FZMz5CDAFfETAix4MVZv_TokmTr5sjlT6b7h-VZGLOWG3Qj1-xna2QlYzx/s3027/IMG_3515.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2631" data-original-width="3027" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDed79lZ7gq2E2MVw3G9FkBTGY6NnnomBx6xD5Af82p-_-duIwOxsBySGYXVxKvl8XTiWTg1hyphenhyphenAV_WsBNJT0jrbdl10ZoND9XWXRUSvoswNUmQGtlHcfhFBXpSDEB5yO8t1FZMz5CDAFfETAix4MVZv_TokmTr5sjlT6b7h-VZGLOWG3Qj1-xna2QlYzx/w400-h348/IMG_3515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today was a rather uneventful day. I noticed that the Northern Pintail was still at Sombra. Obviously content there with its winter stay.</div><div><br /></div><div>Common Mergansers are numerous on the river right now.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35NI8dgJOzkP5QJRcE_PamGkOems8_167D9gRC4rptJuIwpqCCln0d2XCHHInANVBPfeX6c_seqaxU4cdOAsFWzVZWYgpxFP_k8gPlQefgma8vXEXv3gTqwjmw6LyHtAjGL6Qa_LBpGU46mCHz4o27_ztAblO3TshI1due0rhp7KHy3QWxbgXN1FVXsPW/s3967/IMG_3536.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2841" data-original-width="3967" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35NI8dgJOzkP5QJRcE_PamGkOems8_167D9gRC4rptJuIwpqCCln0d2XCHHInANVBPfeX6c_seqaxU4cdOAsFWzVZWYgpxFP_k8gPlQefgma8vXEXv3gTqwjmw6LyHtAjGL6Qa_LBpGU46mCHz4o27_ztAblO3TshI1due0rhp7KHy3QWxbgXN1FVXsPW/w400-h286/IMG_3536.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Red-winged Blackbirds are on territory everywhere now, but for some strange reason is still flagged as rare in Lambton on eBird.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXs08eaXGj4mpg6yd6z9zLbBfDi7N5p3O2lIvNTJC3tjtKHPsiNbHur9n6QpFNKQg-MltRdw-JFDvH0DwAu3d9PrNOdChl6kkidFywqZiNQK5XYr6Gwl0ss-Pe57BbeKK5gIRALGoA5bmG5X_rmZqSq8AzRNYaQhRqEv1vPtQ1IMCg0A-D5iDuiLPiXgu/s2969/IMG_3538.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2533" data-original-width="2969" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXs08eaXGj4mpg6yd6z9zLbBfDi7N5p3O2lIvNTJC3tjtKHPsiNbHur9n6QpFNKQg-MltRdw-JFDvH0DwAu3d9PrNOdChl6kkidFywqZiNQK5XYr6Gwl0ss-Pe57BbeKK5gIRALGoA5bmG5X_rmZqSq8AzRNYaQhRqEv1vPtQ1IMCg0A-D5iDuiLPiXgu/w400-h341/IMG_3538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div></div>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-38891977479683138292024-02-16T19:10:00.012-05:002024-02-17T10:11:22.435-05:00An Essex County Visit And Other Things<p> Wednesday I headed down to Essex County and visited various birding spots. I did not have much luck in finding many birds (again!), but it was a nice sunny day to be out and about.</p><p>The main reason I headed that way was to attend a presentation at Ojibway in the evening, given by Cameron Chevalier. Cam has become Essex County's bird record compiler extraordinaire! For the second year in a row he has published a detailed list of Essex County's birds. 2023 was an exceptional year for many reasons. An astounding 309 species of birds were found, including five new for the well-birded county!</p><p>To put that into perspective, that total represents the highest for any Canadian county or region in a single year (using eBird data). Over 24,000 eBird checklists were submitted.</p><p>The five new species included Willow Ptarmigan, Glaucous-winged Gull, White-winged Tern, Ferruginous Hawk and Cassin's Kingbird. Limpkin was posted on a Facebook page, but details were never determined, so that is not included. However, the Limpkin at Wheatley Provincial Park was within the Point Pelee birding circle, so it deserves an honourable mention.</p><p>Back to my day, I first went to the National Park. Birds were scarce, or at least hiding, as I moved through the park.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkllblNbq3NXWVQeMd1PLmZlu02UvfApxMP8hqCRjo6VgC1S7YR3Rd2-meEI_jbu4RhhK-7UmhF8FgpYR8noQdGh05IyGt7Xae17vdVl_8wpVAnBOAqfECBZ_Z7mC1IHxidOUw5j1uzJZSpdO1-zdo_7qdAtGmvT_GscBbef_bTBpGF-ZADTGR8DgVSyH/s3387/IMG_3450.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3044" data-original-width="3387" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkllblNbq3NXWVQeMd1PLmZlu02UvfApxMP8hqCRjo6VgC1S7YR3Rd2-meEI_jbu4RhhK-7UmhF8FgpYR8noQdGh05IyGt7Xae17vdVl_8wpVAnBOAqfECBZ_Z7mC1IHxidOUw5j1uzJZSpdO1-zdo_7qdAtGmvT_GscBbef_bTBpGF-ZADTGR8DgVSyH/w640-h576/IMG_3450.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-throated Sparrow</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-CQDWNfNWrAjlZXXuJful5J2z_g3PlH0pVnSpfCKhOkXcJL_PQ-MRMOWfvZcbR14C1jU-KwjMT6yt3p2Aob9GqHIvFFxOQjBujAsSXEgnGyJS3shjuE_g8dV2QO_5YCAkbvL5lcLiBXwPCtNpUktAuvpGKVRVIEVtdwu5Wd4qGhQWVx5TLDbxZoj3NuC/s3561/IMG_3444.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3079" data-original-width="3561" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-CQDWNfNWrAjlZXXuJful5J2z_g3PlH0pVnSpfCKhOkXcJL_PQ-MRMOWfvZcbR14C1jU-KwjMT6yt3p2Aob9GqHIvFFxOQjBujAsSXEgnGyJS3shjuE_g8dV2QO_5YCAkbvL5lcLiBXwPCtNpUktAuvpGKVRVIEVtdwu5Wd4qGhQWVx5TLDbxZoj3NuC/w640-h554/IMG_3444.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many American Robins</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>I then went to Hillman Marsh for a walk (lots of geese, but only Canada!). Not much in the shorebird cell....yet.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OgyB1iq0IAsisMHrL932-DKeehwuig-t0L9hqz_RzluLxLmxQfle0STg2MSzt6r25oSWv3HIEjIBrTd49a4cs5xrL2UOSw8qZegCZaG76NsEriXwbKIiiuwdBwTRJ4gAmKxKXBHW3KsS-_G8CamPm8jEnLld_tqW-fl8N45z44NOX3D9LA2W8gnqO7J7/s2882/IMG_3453.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2260" data-original-width="2882" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OgyB1iq0IAsisMHrL932-DKeehwuig-t0L9hqz_RzluLxLmxQfle0STg2MSzt6r25oSWv3HIEjIBrTd49a4cs5xrL2UOSw8qZegCZaG76NsEriXwbKIiiuwdBwTRJ4gAmKxKXBHW3KsS-_G8CamPm8jEnLld_tqW-fl8N45z44NOX3D9LA2W8gnqO7J7/w400-h314/IMG_3453.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lone Lesser</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Heading west, I briefly stopped at Jack Miner's, drove along Concession 6, passing by the dump on road 18, then down to Holiday Beach CA.</p><p>I went for a walk to the tower there. There was lots of waterfowl to look at, but I did not carry a scope.</p><p>Along the way, the road crosses a wet area. Little fish were thick along the boardwalk, which appeared to be carp. Maybe this is why they call it Carp Crossing! Too bad they could not be scooped up and disposed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH98dlu8kuboHFaOsoYF_j2Z9KzscTnYSgxuKi3D1oHHTF2TXDIcG1gA_vyQEH8mB9AqCoCUrPUEetkOBvqyrglJq_1kyRBBp96yqJmBjusSwsmg2iWP0cQ_03jq_FYG5fd9xfJxiHlMsyT-YYx18W7zkisrxKox6Z5CREdda6ipL-2lb3Q84DQrLEg4i/s6960/IMG_3455.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH98dlu8kuboHFaOsoYF_j2Z9KzscTnYSgxuKi3D1oHHTF2TXDIcG1gA_vyQEH8mB9AqCoCUrPUEetkOBvqyrglJq_1kyRBBp96yqJmBjusSwsmg2iWP0cQ_03jq_FYG5fd9xfJxiHlMsyT-YYx18W7zkisrxKox6Z5CREdda6ipL-2lb3Q84DQrLEg4i/w640-h426/IMG_3455.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>A view from the tower:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJnSyRQJYKERrG-5bZakAs8DoV4sRCkBxmzLYUkUw_UZFThyphenhyphenXm4rRg8mOtoFD3QFHLU6Ub5oOls9Raat_bulq9OGQkcwS0UxZhF4K640e_2uBzEUhi0S9XQ9LMNBilF4FqbFLa12jkVE7JsOi5QXnMWOsP2xG3lFuLkKkyuGs7VYQ5rEUxFi9vmFjsBXU/s4624/20240214_151919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJnSyRQJYKERrG-5bZakAs8DoV4sRCkBxmzLYUkUw_UZFThyphenhyphenXm4rRg8mOtoFD3QFHLU6Ub5oOls9Raat_bulq9OGQkcwS0UxZhF4K640e_2uBzEUhi0S9XQ9LMNBilF4FqbFLa12jkVE7JsOi5QXnMWOsP2xG3lFuLkKkyuGs7VYQ5rEUxFi9vmFjsBXU/w640-h480/20240214_151919.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I never get to Holiday Beach, despite it being a super birding spot. It is just too far and out of the way (almost a 2h drove from Wallaceburg!). I have been there twice before, but it was decades ago!</p><p>After this, I briefly visited the memorial forest nearby where the Boreal Chickadee was last winter.</p><p>Then, I headed west and north on Road 20, going by some well-known birding spots. Along the lower Detroit River, there were lots of ducks to see. I guess that is where they all went! The St. Clair River is once again almost devoid of ducks this winter, something that has me baffled.</p><p>After an early supper in Amherstburg, I parked at Ojibway for a walk at dusk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_uJuQQysnKxc_TdgmyCl-KV0cevA7ORo8uxcxWFFV1Bj-GSsn3wfjSACXTMJ6U5lcFZVz-tV6quTTd0BU8eRuIr7uV1m5rUqwkHo7Lzy0T6Du8zKPxqwCoy0kI9QqPQzf6fZt-mH1R6BCW0gwADtr2y5XgLAX77Z7TgI4KnFC8zanJkAZkzKNsPjCIoH/s4624/20240214_173733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_uJuQQysnKxc_TdgmyCl-KV0cevA7ORo8uxcxWFFV1Bj-GSsn3wfjSACXTMJ6U5lcFZVz-tV6quTTd0BU8eRuIr7uV1m5rUqwkHo7Lzy0T6Du8zKPxqwCoy0kI9QqPQzf6fZt-mH1R6BCW0gwADtr2y5XgLAX77Z7TgI4KnFC8zanJkAZkzKNsPjCIoH/w640-h480/20240214_173733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Only thing notable was a calling Great Horned Owl.</p><p>To put in time before the presentation, I headed just up the road and parked at Malden Park to watch the sun set. Here we can view the new <i>Gordie Howe</i> bridge that is being built. The sides are almost connected!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweJmsNaQwzZIkc5a_wdMzSbItekxABP6y0CpF3TnKAhx2JK7I_yAVvPzY4c1gElmCKRZlgxv5wDdK3xaVaABdVQSfSYTlaDuhypxxac4uu8AlWZN1M4GemXDg4w_P5gdzKxXYP7CEdUYQ96ngkFNdSCXeTXqbEhTVHK2_Tut4hv0uTot3EqABMaCsSePI/s4624/20240214_181100.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweJmsNaQwzZIkc5a_wdMzSbItekxABP6y0CpF3TnKAhx2JK7I_yAVvPzY4c1gElmCKRZlgxv5wDdK3xaVaABdVQSfSYTlaDuhypxxac4uu8AlWZN1M4GemXDg4w_P5gdzKxXYP7CEdUYQ96ngkFNdSCXeTXqbEhTVHK2_Tut4hv0uTot3EqABMaCsSePI/w640-h480/20240214_181100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Thursday, I did a lot of driving around. I stopped by Moore WMA once again, looking at mussels. Although it may seem boring to some, these molluscs fascinate me. There are many different ones, and I have found some rare types on occasion. Here are two regulars that are considered rare by NHIC.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF3Cp3duo6RUMc7x1q4vOkEYt-Dv0zuMRWHxfPZaSDAYFDP-k6ziAhHPJ5i_kFQck7dlJSlNxwJUCg1bVg2RxOwUv87UqBhGHtMpJuSYT3ZcFTtcO6rpeHTNcod-itoE1gmjhG1_doCc4x3QHTaPGVq4zeD7KBpD2dlRUa6TkYuHFIA2AvnlZea_vkHpw/s2999/20240215_105551.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2082" data-original-width="2999" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF3Cp3duo6RUMc7x1q4vOkEYt-Dv0zuMRWHxfPZaSDAYFDP-k6ziAhHPJ5i_kFQck7dlJSlNxwJUCg1bVg2RxOwUv87UqBhGHtMpJuSYT3ZcFTtcO6rpeHTNcod-itoE1gmjhG1_doCc4x3QHTaPGVq4zeD7KBpD2dlRUa6TkYuHFIA2AvnlZea_vkHpw/w400-h278/20240215_105551.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deertoe</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfgune7FynWv4oW3CxHkvMg1XtTTcSpmVJlon9OXtWZtjPcjowJR8QZD9HX2ttjdxakGP9ElIhUccoNkOYOQX8Fcj-injZKZD0GQvFhq_nYERxqjdR-9JjQjwfTCfDN4-jA-vDr8-IN4YERuVdfy7Mcy8U9OApauBZ8lj6DiXM0SVWIh27iMKipN9vQSN/s3365/20240215_105222.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="3365" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfgune7FynWv4oW3CxHkvMg1XtTTcSpmVJlon9OXtWZtjPcjowJR8QZD9HX2ttjdxakGP9ElIhUccoNkOYOQX8Fcj-injZKZD0GQvFhq_nYERxqjdR-9JjQjwfTCfDN4-jA-vDr8-IN4YERuVdfy7Mcy8U9OApauBZ8lj6DiXM0SVWIh27iMKipN9vQSN/w400-h318/20240215_105222.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mapleleaf</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>That fallen tree is certainly a conundrum! It is amazing how such a massive tree (Burr Oak) has been moved by water.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2I__xEt-mZLDl7NAO-CmsBkVROxPA3PBY6L8DdheZ1UZtXy70zyqhrlcKJj3U5U8nxRRH29t_5m-Qu1BhbfQ_bxDRhF4n9ZX87sM5obT7AymaruibpSiumEE4uACbS031H3n6h4H6Cssg5m9ziSxyLgDOCjXkU8wLJyLeq7JiAvM_IxqdXP1zPvYj3Kz/s4624/20240215_105739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2I__xEt-mZLDl7NAO-CmsBkVROxPA3PBY6L8DdheZ1UZtXy70zyqhrlcKJj3U5U8nxRRH29t_5m-Qu1BhbfQ_bxDRhF4n9ZX87sM5obT7AymaruibpSiumEE4uACbS031H3n6h4H6Cssg5m9ziSxyLgDOCjXkU8wLJyLeq7JiAvM_IxqdXP1zPvYj3Kz/w640-h480/20240215_105739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>On the way to the WMA along Waubuno Road, I encountered a Common Raven. Not unusual in Lambton anymore! A bit distance, but obvious. The "croak" got my attention (I always drive with windows open!).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS69jtUrgD5qwBSsqxO1-cGpHjy61dma9rSHkQQgnWZ0YjXfWkdgMcmoB3rm1eiwjYh2ciQAecmfuPlqjDO5FQrXCY1HZqu5SM2ApQMj2BnE9T5YdxYPJoX_ejMfw1nVvpmT18zSFoefaBdeRXqMWa8ZXLRWF_c0lMqp7dgTHhOd3B1xi1DRKR_5kuEqwL/s2481/IMG_3460.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2028" data-original-width="2481" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS69jtUrgD5qwBSsqxO1-cGpHjy61dma9rSHkQQgnWZ0YjXfWkdgMcmoB3rm1eiwjYh2ciQAecmfuPlqjDO5FQrXCY1HZqu5SM2ApQMj2BnE9T5YdxYPJoX_ejMfw1nVvpmT18zSFoefaBdeRXqMWa8ZXLRWF_c0lMqp7dgTHhOd3B1xi1DRKR_5kuEqwL/w400-h328/IMG_3460.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Today (Friday) was a fine day with clear skies. I went down to Rondeau Park for lack of anything else to do. At the end of Kent Bridge Road, I finally caught up with the wintering Red-headed Woodpecker! Just a quickie photo at a bad angle from the car:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjZvRBQhAj2job5Uk6um0q3duzAVvaa0FnvIRW4HiuEktoCvSvQ8Ri5G4MSp13dd4r-bEBSoljdlMz1yg8IsJLkwUZw5qA2y625tGCVWdANZkt-YKZU0zU4vgQ9kaCM2p7l2TIrOw0WztL2k9CLORqczpT3aAws6HKu5AP3-jzOcRxlTP9CEj73m1dTf7/s3015/IMG_3468.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3015" data-original-width="2881" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjZvRBQhAj2job5Uk6um0q3duzAVvaa0FnvIRW4HiuEktoCvSvQ8Ri5G4MSp13dd4r-bEBSoljdlMz1yg8IsJLkwUZw5qA2y625tGCVWdANZkt-YKZU0zU4vgQ9kaCM2p7l2TIrOw0WztL2k9CLORqczpT3aAws6HKu5AP3-jzOcRxlTP9CEj73m1dTf7/w612-h640/IMG_3468.JPG" width="612" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This severely-declined species is always a treat to see. We used to get them on the Wallaceburg CBC in the early days. Notably, 114 were recorded on the Blenheim CBC in 1983 if my chart is correct! <p>In the park, birds were scarce as expected, but I was just happy to be out walking south point trail and along the beach.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5b9SEzVmLBkYRtxcPaHL_dLhZ-ToKh16UKmD-TM1EJZptsoy4mxZl7lENjIxd6GOWrxbllCgGjjYElvMdr6wdk24IamIoBhyXQ_GRM5W19HVCyjw0mIwh967le4j0UJcckqqWDh65CEPqSy_zgIssKjU5WGPNUS6MWzTDU7U22eKOsQ3IFNmMqWd2HGJ/s4624/20240216_095631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5b9SEzVmLBkYRtxcPaHL_dLhZ-ToKh16UKmD-TM1EJZptsoy4mxZl7lENjIxd6GOWrxbllCgGjjYElvMdr6wdk24IamIoBhyXQ_GRM5W19HVCyjw0mIwh967le4j0UJcckqqWDh65CEPqSy_zgIssKjU5WGPNUS6MWzTDU7U22eKOsQ3IFNmMqWd2HGJ/w640-h480/20240216_095631.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sands of time</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The campground had some birds at the north end, including a sizable flock of Field Sparrows. Might have been ten here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM3aHIbV_PiqNScZ2iyTdmEBMeoTxQUH752fmYdCPqA9ctw4-v4ooXQs9rcziCh0rnsTN5AQLf721T-fD6KJxY7CDCAsk4e_6Y6SaX5KfnocsRbeHTz1vk5LpSOmnNrnDCx81m7wik-fyeJsGzmCQAZ-Euv8IHr49UhXErHA9wH2f6bCThPtZ0oik4tGa/s2609/IMG_3471.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1999" data-original-width="2609" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM3aHIbV_PiqNScZ2iyTdmEBMeoTxQUH752fmYdCPqA9ctw4-v4ooXQs9rcziCh0rnsTN5AQLf721T-fD6KJxY7CDCAsk4e_6Y6SaX5KfnocsRbeHTz1vk5LpSOmnNrnDCx81m7wik-fyeJsGzmCQAZ-Euv8IHr49UhXErHA9wH2f6bCThPtZ0oik4tGa/w640-h490/IMG_3471.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I encountered no Yellow-rumped Warblers, but the rarity and other had been seen earlier in the morning. However, they move around quite a bit in search of edibles.</span></div><p>On the way home, I veered over to Ridgetown Lagoons to view the lone Greater White-fronted Goose. It was not close though.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJgXAuDPS5KuxZ2GMhRY3HSricAMkq89RnmDDElkGqb4sYvp5uJ5ezrfRoezi0rzZa3F4rGGLEQgdEm2sLjP5H0c0yuAXuBWMArXigXw6ceLsUlufgS2H8q0OfyTWTSKDhi7In2oq4olpd5pLizqeBUCToSDpHAmmubkPQxjufjckuTtomAbWKUGMQTaj/s2132/IMG_3481.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="2132" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJgXAuDPS5KuxZ2GMhRY3HSricAMkq89RnmDDElkGqb4sYvp5uJ5ezrfRoezi0rzZa3F4rGGLEQgdEm2sLjP5H0c0yuAXuBWMArXigXw6ceLsUlufgS2H8q0OfyTWTSKDhi7In2oq4olpd5pLizqeBUCToSDpHAmmubkPQxjufjckuTtomAbWKUGMQTaj/w640-h442/IMG_3481.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>There was not much else here, but as always, some geese of the Cackling variety were present. Just like Hiawatha Race Track in Sarnia, this is a spot for various geese!</p><p>It is already mid-February, so spring is on the way....not that we really had a winter! Spring is my favourite season, so hopefully it will go at a snail's pace.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7l-N_pTqLU1RNisCw2I7I1VKW-zzwUFMrH-qLruIiqeh6RM7kt0P5sxZZwddRTGRRvK-86fclKn2ltmEGl0AJwAnmR1W_-PIVausn7q96GWuemEom9FN4vPsqyugPLXzb3nUi6jXe5o_1wQJUzMO15YG0Bq__ky2Sq8PaN_3i0PFt7nADOd8b56VwvwZ/s2749/20240215_104726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="2749" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7l-N_pTqLU1RNisCw2I7I1VKW-zzwUFMrH-qLruIiqeh6RM7kt0P5sxZZwddRTGRRvK-86fclKn2ltmEGl0AJwAnmR1W_-PIVausn7q96GWuemEom9FN4vPsqyugPLXzb3nUi6jXe5o_1wQJUzMO15YG0Bq__ky2Sq8PaN_3i0PFt7nADOd8b56VwvwZ/s320/20240215_104726.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-52820328398574752272024-02-13T20:14:00.002-05:002024-02-13T20:14:30.498-05:00More Rondeau and Moore Mussels<p> Little to report as we seem to be in a lull for birding around here. I have been down to Rondeau a couple more times, as it seems to be the only decent place to go to. There is not much to see up my way, especially when the St. Clair River is dead for ducks!</p><p>On one of my trips, I came across a pair of Short-eared Owls hunting a field at dawn. I just happened to get lucky along this well-travelled road!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NpVMUVlzI-Ohxjt7z-Xm8nIdh-bMfuDIcxybI9O2gzOVibwQkMWwvmBfI5FMtrNqOGrwrERpy3kTTNsHUgzeBN0j_iyioBJcQCHd82RTLBbRnVjOxb9NKYilFmK5rG5MKrjpd94mzn4xAxuv9Cc0o4zYerO7w4fZQ2lYCIL6qdGbQcsvQZBphn42KO8U/s2603/IMG_3413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2069" data-original-width="2603" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NpVMUVlzI-Ohxjt7z-Xm8nIdh-bMfuDIcxybI9O2gzOVibwQkMWwvmBfI5FMtrNqOGrwrERpy3kTTNsHUgzeBN0j_iyioBJcQCHd82RTLBbRnVjOxb9NKYilFmK5rG5MKrjpd94mzn4xAxuv9Cc0o4zYerO7w4fZQ2lYCIL6qdGbQcsvQZBphn42KO8U/w400-h318/IMG_3413.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3aIKpokIZ44H0nKjRA0_yzRzZBkzzpN5QyC2o6Y1srrtaT3qQBHw7TicHX0rTw3Eh3i_DNojBEaAv_BWT6LHDfkyWAe61RXEy1aJUehdJw0L_XLsaFqO-dBxu4eSa18N_EvDd2dU-wUZW4PDNNI7kozLb1S9KDcjEHjkMGnK7hfbpuHW10_xX2X8FN-x/s2225/IMG_3415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1731" data-original-width="2225" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3aIKpokIZ44H0nKjRA0_yzRzZBkzzpN5QyC2o6Y1srrtaT3qQBHw7TicHX0rTw3Eh3i_DNojBEaAv_BWT6LHDfkyWAe61RXEy1aJUehdJw0L_XLsaFqO-dBxu4eSa18N_EvDd2dU-wUZW4PDNNI7kozLb1S9KDcjEHjkMGnK7hfbpuHW10_xX2X8FN-x/s320/IMG_3415.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>There seems to be a number of them around this winter, but of course not like it used to be in the 'old' days.</p><p>That day at Rondeau was not too bad for birding, but the north end of the campground seems to be one of the better spots. I came across the wintering Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler. It was very active and kept burying itself in the trees, so no chance for a good photo. You can see the yellow throat patch in any case.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrf0FSyR2j7U7TAmlNk7ziBlsUbjxyrm5jyWJsDY_ByB581sQxJifW5o3GrGZQKbdyOwmlONFkrpK1wd0U3P5RYRxB1cyMS_VNusb5sLQcTtfQgfG_cHGIPvtk-ZasSsAZEtwmj0XqXsC5OS8lJwHSseqmlCI90XIVwZWwwUI7vpln44BNqd6tinxOIzR/s2347/IMG_3427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1842" data-original-width="2347" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrf0FSyR2j7U7TAmlNk7ziBlsUbjxyrm5jyWJsDY_ByB581sQxJifW5o3GrGZQKbdyOwmlONFkrpK1wd0U3P5RYRxB1cyMS_VNusb5sLQcTtfQgfG_cHGIPvtk-ZasSsAZEtwmj0XqXsC5OS8lJwHSseqmlCI90XIVwZWwwUI7vpln44BNqd6tinxOIzR/w400-h314/IMG_3427.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMZMGz-HhLVqiG-gYX7LNHCqD7kGG5yrheavcgPVQCdBRWwrmYGf9ioNqWD-bnkkJeQLgzkiL2s_uY5Lwg_AMnyuKzHbZ8-ju0Sfo8QGYrVl_9In0e7crkIXMUePFmXWgAJeFpH1l-szC0mjXLV7Oq56NBLKF1qyfUv_1sRAjfghKNT_jyXhGUJIUmqjv/s2759/IMG_3425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2370" data-original-width="2759" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMZMGz-HhLVqiG-gYX7LNHCqD7kGG5yrheavcgPVQCdBRWwrmYGf9ioNqWD-bnkkJeQLgzkiL2s_uY5Lwg_AMnyuKzHbZ8-ju0Sfo8QGYrVl_9In0e7crkIXMUePFmXWgAJeFpH1l-szC0mjXLV7Oq56NBLKF1qyfUv_1sRAjfghKNT_jyXhGUJIUmqjv/s320/IMG_3425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I also walked along the beach of south point trail. The ever-shrinking shoreline offers a different view each time. Imagine a building well back from the lakeshore here many decades ago!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlbC2AvuqarUOl6i3XXx7znuqCg1o6iynoHNqiC3UTYESkrWopuK4fzbPradMyzmpZeesKR9wJ1Ch_LpzJWPLwf7b_afnB5H613WDsFRCBnSSWq9U0w6dhlhp_GpDGLnjiO-xwDzt-Gd7P9nKxMaTbL31QlY4g4cznGDufUFvu-C6agI7r8mDvooyi9UL/s4624/Beach%20Scene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlbC2AvuqarUOl6i3XXx7znuqCg1o6iynoHNqiC3UTYESkrWopuK4fzbPradMyzmpZeesKR9wJ1Ch_LpzJWPLwf7b_afnB5H613WDsFRCBnSSWq9U0w6dhlhp_GpDGLnjiO-xwDzt-Gd7P9nKxMaTbL31QlY4g4cznGDufUFvu-C6agI7r8mDvooyi9UL/w640-h480/Beach%20Scene.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Later, I briefly checked the Erieau marsh trail. It was warm enough for the first Midland Painted Turtles to soak up some sun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO3cZ-7o4QANl7kAFlxqZSEAuKLiFpJDrXDTuDMy6p8hF7p0un2_UuSkTvRLUtmLV_lwwXZrt9sQPqnCmhTnfUFJ5GLljNw4QUMbaNKxho-b9PioZoh_vOjn0mx6q8puLF0ZbYyL1Yw4KfpJtFpdzjYO8NQG_259amTVMEwo3uMa3UKQxLIEWorilZX-D/s4020/IMG_3435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2876" data-original-width="4020" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO3cZ-7o4QANl7kAFlxqZSEAuKLiFpJDrXDTuDMy6p8hF7p0un2_UuSkTvRLUtmLV_lwwXZrt9sQPqnCmhTnfUFJ5GLljNw4QUMbaNKxho-b9PioZoh_vOjn0mx6q8puLF0ZbYyL1Yw4KfpJtFpdzjYO8NQG_259amTVMEwo3uMa3UKQxLIEWorilZX-D/w640-h458/IMG_3435.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Water levels have gone down to a respectable level which gave me a chance to check out Moore WMA recently. The high water changed things, and several mussel shells got caught up at the bend in the river. Most appeared to be Giant Floater, which is a very common and widespread species.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg230tBjoqQGwhPHjy-RjP6hjDW15rlHtzjRbn-hucGJ-O0R_ZVs6RerEcpmEizIfLdQtOkhI5_JiPCtWyMSPtzgJGHf3ztnygJVJMNA0YbxVGCXrrzoBkbZxr0Ted381Cx42wvrS-aFTwf2u8zeEWBWYy_RV0Y6G6FM1hp_R6AmkhT5eOqaCxAiRL4QtXP/s2913/20240211_093624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2777" data-original-width="2913" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg230tBjoqQGwhPHjy-RjP6hjDW15rlHtzjRbn-hucGJ-O0R_ZVs6RerEcpmEizIfLdQtOkhI5_JiPCtWyMSPtzgJGHf3ztnygJVJMNA0YbxVGCXrrzoBkbZxr0Ted381Cx42wvrS-aFTwf2u8zeEWBWYy_RV0Y6G6FM1hp_R6AmkhT5eOqaCxAiRL4QtXP/w200-h191/20240211_093624.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCy6-F3MXe_1CB35pMeYs2eFvd6TuSrf2ela5tv1mXqXQni1FFqQUebFRwWFj9E7oBFJdJ-Jp-sek8GEJzuvwCqHE5-EXEKSAa81wPiVtFymgjPE2hN00gDvvA4aSHSk4aCcU4A5B1FI23KGJI9Y6xx-Cmb5iteN70llA-v9qFAOP-11mrGD9_335FnkW/s3242/20240211_093632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3242" data-original-width="3166" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCy6-F3MXe_1CB35pMeYs2eFvd6TuSrf2ela5tv1mXqXQni1FFqQUebFRwWFj9E7oBFJdJ-Jp-sek8GEJzuvwCqHE5-EXEKSAa81wPiVtFymgjPE2hN00gDvvA4aSHSk4aCcU4A5B1FI23KGJI9Y6xx-Cmb5iteN70llA-v9qFAOP-11mrGD9_335FnkW/w195-h200/20240211_093632.jpg" width="195" /></a><br /><p>They can get very large! Latin name is now <i>Pyganodon grandis,</i> but it used to be <i>Anodonta grandis grandis</i></p><p>There was at least one Fragile Papershell, another common species. It is similar-looking.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbYfJdw6cH2qFevBovnd1ke2BeTkloA8Pk0weaLinLQ1DGysmMoH35dhOBHm5s_W5a6ZqV_AG03gRx5DjDzaEc48JXnawQMhSBhji-VprCBPZXBphWiX1UzJr_k9BQOQK4tvZlyzWnZnFFxjhNKJXwUvBAUQRf0IW23NuvQsNbU2LglpvwnxeXfK6VwR_/s3166/fragile%20papershell%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="3166" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbYfJdw6cH2qFevBovnd1ke2BeTkloA8Pk0weaLinLQ1DGysmMoH35dhOBHm5s_W5a6ZqV_AG03gRx5DjDzaEc48JXnawQMhSBhji-VprCBPZXBphWiX1UzJr_k9BQOQK4tvZlyzWnZnFFxjhNKJXwUvBAUQRf0IW23NuvQsNbU2LglpvwnxeXfK6VwR_/w200-h169/fragile%20papershell%201.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTKzMnCnOFkMi05i84Z5NSjG2rWJADmtC87BXl_y-nfLc_ozczwNx-snwjqT8QX9jpa0I9LN3F9Kr34HiPo6DYIja-NDHJVRjSlh9Mvmt2esTlQ_SqkCecdkHA78V5wl0Q8KjpaeFRvT7air7Z2PxDSStU7_l2xoRsCSC-LdS2QVWibLDiE4crsGTnRXB/s3166/fragile%20papershell%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="3166" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTKzMnCnOFkMi05i84Z5NSjG2rWJADmtC87BXl_y-nfLc_ozczwNx-snwjqT8QX9jpa0I9LN3F9Kr34HiPo6DYIja-NDHJVRjSlh9Mvmt2esTlQ_SqkCecdkHA78V5wl0Q8KjpaeFRvT7air7Z2PxDSStU7_l2xoRsCSC-LdS2QVWibLDiE4crsGTnRXB/w200-h169/fragile%20papershell%202.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><p>Also in the mix were a couple of Deertoe mussels, a vulnerable species. They are somewhat regular here. Here is one:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmeU4k17gRp4Q0N0RIJDt9oypF6QHViKOij71OB-HfpdWid35R1T2wzmlVmrXzgon5_rZOMDmY2Vg6f2d91h6AcebjvGag-KoKUN6ZZZgagcsEsdTl5LquRKONTevr4fZNA664P-Gyo1YZbmFLdmBON-DMYIfBPebk31LRB1tfMaFJnBYQBZEWsedSyIh/s2913/20240211_093439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2777" data-original-width="2913" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmeU4k17gRp4Q0N0RIJDt9oypF6QHViKOij71OB-HfpdWid35R1T2wzmlVmrXzgon5_rZOMDmY2Vg6f2d91h6AcebjvGag-KoKUN6ZZZgagcsEsdTl5LquRKONTevr4fZNA664P-Gyo1YZbmFLdmBON-DMYIfBPebk31LRB1tfMaFJnBYQBZEWsedSyIh/s320/20240211_093439.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzuLc6b_eIKResc52SkbERtX51bzExkFGzmkBnl-OiJNwzGeujjepW8TrOeVjfF7COYOUlZL74lCmVKhn-31xFE_uMy3vaK1KgYQNAXYxMr-pGS3z1hFzQhxlIcj1hsiG5uokO2Ap13Bg0ek0YgRDskOt17TgZZpaen3iFci17NZ7JEH8RQT66lCmuRZy/s2913/20240211_093447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2777" data-original-width="2913" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzuLc6b_eIKResc52SkbERtX51bzExkFGzmkBnl-OiJNwzGeujjepW8TrOeVjfF7COYOUlZL74lCmVKhn-31xFE_uMy3vaK1KgYQNAXYxMr-pGS3z1hFzQhxlIcj1hsiG5uokO2Ap13Bg0ek0YgRDskOt17TgZZpaen3iFci17NZ7JEH8RQT66lCmuRZy/s320/20240211_093447.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><p>Even with the very high and fast moving water recently, it failed to dislodge the large oak tree caught up on the causeway. I guess it will be a permanent fixture there, unfortunately not allowing us to be able to cross the river anymore.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqx8Z2E_cdhQlDq-m9b1qBVgC8JItO92NWCRRHVQ1hWio83pchnMKEgzVaSAUlC2CJ4Xw3axZ3n7dpD9_QC7wQHnhp41s8jRZ4d3oThI7PHKtmwP3yZTAS-poy7x8tMCa9FEopCyWdssrholX82aXWUFmEuCHpiJ7f0yK40sGEbsF5-5sVO1t2h45Ci1JC/s4624/20240211_094648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqx8Z2E_cdhQlDq-m9b1qBVgC8JItO92NWCRRHVQ1hWio83pchnMKEgzVaSAUlC2CJ4Xw3axZ3n7dpD9_QC7wQHnhp41s8jRZ4d3oThI7PHKtmwP3yZTAS-poy7x8tMCa9FEopCyWdssrholX82aXWUFmEuCHpiJ7f0yK40sGEbsF5-5sVO1t2h45Ci1JC/w640-h480/20240211_094648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I went back to Rondeau today, but it was very disappointing from a birding standpoint. The weather is too stagnant but it will now be colder for a few days. Perhaps that will change things.</p><p>I walked half way out marsh trail, then checked the campground, then drove around the park.</p><p>I did quite a bit of travelling, checking the park, Shrewsbury, Erieau and the lagoons. Although thousands of ducks on the Bay, I saw nothing of note. I had hoped to see Greater White-fronted Geese, but, but there were not many geese anywhere. Where did they go?</p><p>The north end of Rondeau's campground was quite birdy at one point this morning, but nothing new. I did see the Audubon's Warbler again, so it is doing well.</p><p>Spring cannot come soon enough!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-39206851977457315952024-02-09T18:41:00.006-05:002024-02-09T19:27:55.374-05:00Pinery Things To Rondeau Things<p> A couple of days ago I headed up to Pinery Provincial Park. It was a gorgeous day to be out looking for birds, or just going for a walk. My goal was to look for a Bohemian Waxwing or two, as there had been an influx of waxwings a couple days previous. However, they must have left! I could not find any waxwing flocks. Neither could other birders.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIX9ZPockj-M0nuQS_rRkQnw8-F1f9ThYrBQT927fGq-xP4e-lz_2-Y7SOW_o10eBxFmGTg7VbOkMIfB1ljXxSjwKl_Ek3D9HWfWG-_phRUz54FOhNVSxor3nT7JwC2FRij_ZzyaCZ-ioF9Fyxf-G3JuS1ezO8H9Viheg2YlOif9C7daQmnpGMgWLL62-/s1600/_MG_9859.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIX9ZPockj-M0nuQS_rRkQnw8-F1f9ThYrBQT927fGq-xP4e-lz_2-Y7SOW_o10eBxFmGTg7VbOkMIfB1ljXxSjwKl_Ek3D9HWfWG-_phRUz54FOhNVSxor3nT7JwC2FRij_ZzyaCZ-ioF9Fyxf-G3JuS1ezO8H9Viheg2YlOif9C7daQmnpGMgWLL62-/s320/_MG_9859.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from the past</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Lately, Pinery has been sparse for birds, and this day was no exception. However, I did manage to get a couple of "year" finches. Flyovers included a Common Redpoll (very scarce this year even in the 'near' north), and a couple of Red Crossbills. Although rare this far south, the crossbills have been widespread since last summer. </p><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0G5h1b689N5j1nUNj41tyDIpr7Om3YokJ9EM5KtPlGo4HMYGIA7KqZlTqnsbmMvbLLst_xogM8rVb_jUS0pyEpXoI34lZjHykYUEYCmrgOTwcQNYUAUcpqD99SjzmZI2o-7eaap7ZaKu0zFeG_RRhUEFv6mFn_Ew1KAvIKLmsfOWh7x7Kpgib8gey_XZ/s400/IMG_1761.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="394" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0G5h1b689N5j1nUNj41tyDIpr7Om3YokJ9EM5KtPlGo4HMYGIA7KqZlTqnsbmMvbLLst_xogM8rVb_jUS0pyEpXoI34lZjHykYUEYCmrgOTwcQNYUAUcpqD99SjzmZI2o-7eaap7ZaKu0zFeG_RRhUEFv6mFn_Ew1KAvIKLmsfOWh7x7Kpgib8gey_XZ/s320/IMG_1761.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from the past</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>It was no problem hearing the Red Crossbill, as I got my fill last September on the Algonquin trip where they were everywhere and elsewhere.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgQslCo_0p1Y-jz9KoG8hRkAaa89FIMADiLcezlcAxwV038tzoTVKwDN7giJ6y7swqA5I8FEqSSE5q_r3Za7rhl2v3u4t6p4a7yMMuCCTLJmn0Quj5j18koIxy5xn6ug8y-Nw5B4OVwUVaI9YchstZlk2euESbisEjnqvkB9AqshYIt48mpEZoG-8iYEO/s3486/IMG_1595.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3467" data-original-width="3486" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgQslCo_0p1Y-jz9KoG8hRkAaa89FIMADiLcezlcAxwV038tzoTVKwDN7giJ6y7swqA5I8FEqSSE5q_r3Za7rhl2v3u4t6p4a7yMMuCCTLJmn0Quj5j18koIxy5xn6ug8y-Nw5B4OVwUVaI9YchstZlk2euESbisEjnqvkB9AqshYIt48mpEZoG-8iYEO/w400-h398/IMG_1595.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Algonquin Red Crossbill</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>A popular spot for birds is at P9 in Pinery. Black-capped Chickadees expect to be fed there! Although I had no offerings, the chickadees landed on my hand, and even my camera.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBAPIG0dc5bwJ63eZKrhBwwq7A7TJLW8WeTtElwtzBl5iJ16QYD5MSzpEFQ_wK0gg_VW98lph_ZiJY6EL2ZJjQVPOMifPL2f9iDn0YOJyp7R7bbqeUaaEVmPyvT10AhYpKo4-tuKyOgTdacBNgE0JT5qhehoRKAJDNCfTohGsjv3fbT9ltTWbJZ8py9lg/s3102/IMG_3353.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2911" data-original-width="3102" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBAPIG0dc5bwJ63eZKrhBwwq7A7TJLW8WeTtElwtzBl5iJ16QYD5MSzpEFQ_wK0gg_VW98lph_ZiJY6EL2ZJjQVPOMifPL2f9iDn0YOJyp7R7bbqeUaaEVmPyvT10AhYpKo4-tuKyOgTdacBNgE0JT5qhehoRKAJDNCfTohGsjv3fbT9ltTWbJZ8py9lg/s320/IMG_3353.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearby Red Squirrel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHaxDOmYVvSPG0IssN4eldeXYFMvRGAfvFJ4xRGJrqGXiy8C5zdV-DQcpt9E0jgkcOr4zB4mPE8ezv5GwxPRFxnjJwY4q5xxcGHXDbLkBQCxhsmhfcbMl6oX_Dhyphenhyphens11Hro2ye9PBfedrzLF0IR4sKnp1RWf_aGpUUqJgzhdOwnwd_B4BKyPcrImqYx7A4/s4624/20240207_101857.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHaxDOmYVvSPG0IssN4eldeXYFMvRGAfvFJ4xRGJrqGXiy8C5zdV-DQcpt9E0jgkcOr4zB4mPE8ezv5GwxPRFxnjJwY4q5xxcGHXDbLkBQCxhsmhfcbMl6oX_Dhyphenhyphens11Hro2ye9PBfedrzLF0IR4sKnp1RWf_aGpUUqJgzhdOwnwd_B4BKyPcrImqYx7A4/w640-h480/20240207_101857.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look off P9 towards the birdless lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I nice walk was along the river beside Riverside Campground. I have good luck in the past along here, but it was almost birdless as well.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3k-TLwlqiVFQknJpooiulk6OkKgKGAi_QL58Wi3ejWhpxLy8tr-N8FGIebeSbskDwF5uNgGOgEZVfgu9Umfcip14QK0gWmRn8xruTJHZ9yfnAVky2Qdr-JPzlthk2qhvmmfYBusFCWG5ayKGya7PbVj0WJW_eQ7p0_QlhNxkcm2OWhsioLOp5Iq1decW/s4317/IMG_3358.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3178" data-original-width="4317" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3k-TLwlqiVFQknJpooiulk6OkKgKGAi_QL58Wi3ejWhpxLy8tr-N8FGIebeSbskDwF5uNgGOgEZVfgu9Umfcip14QK0gWmRn8xruTJHZ9yfnAVky2Qdr-JPzlthk2qhvmmfYBusFCWG5ayKGya7PbVj0WJW_eQ7p0_QlhNxkcm2OWhsioLOp5Iq1decW/w640-h472/IMG_3358.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada Geese on the Ausable</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Later, I briefly checked out Ipperwash at the old MNR parking lot. I found eleven Cedar Waxwings.....more than in Pinery! Alas, no Bohemians either.</p><p>On the way home, I noticed many Red-tailed Hawks, many paired up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t5ScWLhvm381NUpwgvNcuzhCOkiPsSjCCH6c4PiqV1yg8FMAbsaJPc61OYjutYSBny-USneH5iJ2QNLlMcwOaO8Ic9DDUZXhiej3ud5J8p1GZ-0WgGgcOnah1fkjPqaTlc7rCBtx2BLVTuXvFEJP71JLRZiQrSynI4BdHJidfJ_uFB6CqQUYW2KwryPX/s2394/IMG_3372.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2075" data-original-width="2394" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t5ScWLhvm381NUpwgvNcuzhCOkiPsSjCCH6c4PiqV1yg8FMAbsaJPc61OYjutYSBny-USneH5iJ2QNLlMcwOaO8Ic9DDUZXhiej3ud5J8p1GZ-0WgGgcOnah1fkjPqaTlc7rCBtx2BLVTuXvFEJP71JLRZiQrSynI4BdHJidfJ_uFB6CqQUYW2KwryPX/s320/IMG_3372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Yesterday, I stayed near home in the morning, but it was so nice I headed down to Rondeau Park for an afternoon walk.</p><p>The best option was marsh trail, albeit very few birds to be found. The Bay was still frozen, but some open water was within the marsh. I walked all the way to Long Pond, then headed back. </p><p>The walk back revealed a couple of decent birds, included a pair of Gray Catbirds. This was rather unexpected, as none had been reported in the park this year. Obviously they wintered nearby. True to form, they remained skulky.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHnTdYI4TPSj4sA7U_B231fOl5LYlOqXuW-Nj9AP67akZT9qrqzmp_VhQd1z7BrMHw8YbB9WptwaFU-k3Rgi9aVIJLDv_1AJDqwdG7j_Mobh1QOMhqC793mWIZxFBqXFKJraokb6fK3knzJuk-nIpvv0Pr2zpiGcZeQvI9OmHZlL5Kk4kFn762eL9F6_a/s4646/IMG_3388.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3352" data-original-width="4646" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHnTdYI4TPSj4sA7U_B231fOl5LYlOqXuW-Nj9AP67akZT9qrqzmp_VhQd1z7BrMHw8YbB9WptwaFU-k3Rgi9aVIJLDv_1AJDqwdG7j_Mobh1QOMhqC793mWIZxFBqXFKJraokb6fK3knzJuk-nIpvv0Pr2zpiGcZeQvI9OmHZlL5Kk4kFn762eL9F6_a/w400-h289/IMG_3388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Not sure what this one was trying to say.....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6hlN1qPJxG8LGEQNKf1b0ZJ34gPLxtA1qW-vSyr9PGbHr20GSQlhL974zYyQvRRTjifnevDW3GIr8-DSSwCHBLKGVHq3novjrS_IGPAj-z0Uy7vFKE134shw4GjXt32Kjq0Dvv00WtKuCpREO4K4a2oY5XI1-8opAXsfFjJhtZ4pGlFqw_VxgHkyMB_V/s4623/IMG_3393.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3367" data-original-width="4623" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6hlN1qPJxG8LGEQNKf1b0ZJ34gPLxtA1qW-vSyr9PGbHr20GSQlhL974zYyQvRRTjifnevDW3GIr8-DSSwCHBLKGVHq3novjrS_IGPAj-z0Uy7vFKE134shw4GjXt32Kjq0Dvv00WtKuCpREO4K4a2oY5XI1-8opAXsfFjJhtZ4pGlFqw_VxgHkyMB_V/w400-h291/IMG_3393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Also, a Northern Shrike made an appearance. At least one has been out there this winter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vA-h1WKZJI60dWGG1yHAl0tWG6PDjcTHI3Sd6kiUoJ1jTUCoALSbNMPOstuahMWbVDan5YUM2tahvolkDVSbsjUu3d6mX3KwI9hITruVsyOFvzGYpuy5gVL3JOC7AZB0nmt3LTfh_qmSbf5zUXc7V07AShi9NzaKC5z4XKHZHijybieHiJOiFv4bgS_-/s2463/IMG_3400.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2167" data-original-width="2463" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vA-h1WKZJI60dWGG1yHAl0tWG6PDjcTHI3Sd6kiUoJ1jTUCoALSbNMPOstuahMWbVDan5YUM2tahvolkDVSbsjUu3d6mX3KwI9hITruVsyOFvzGYpuy5gVL3JOC7AZB0nmt3LTfh_qmSbf5zUXc7V07AShi9NzaKC5z4XKHZHijybieHiJOiFv4bgS_-/w400-h353/IMG_3400.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Signs of warmth included this Isabella Tiger Moth caterpillar.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpG6G-Mm6v2CLj3fjCXvktwDqZOIVrfgS6t3GMBKF8TdjP4WkuQknfEFGYgQXCWtSdrKLTtWafY5kLcAWglXxLUZzMEQo3qBikw7Wdxns47TrEAXrRUo1QpkYslA0xTChx4R0c-34yo1R0s7BEa-8PFqRhL9_3u6C-eJMbUdhdip87tT7xrqMBKOr8smI0/s3614/IMG_3404.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="3614" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpG6G-Mm6v2CLj3fjCXvktwDqZOIVrfgS6t3GMBKF8TdjP4WkuQknfEFGYgQXCWtSdrKLTtWafY5kLcAWglXxLUZzMEQo3qBikw7Wdxns47TrEAXrRUo1QpkYslA0xTChx4R0c-34yo1R0s7BEa-8PFqRhL9_3u6C-eJMbUdhdip87tT7xrqMBKOr8smI0/w400-h310/IMG_3404.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Trailside, a cute Virginia Opossum was nibbling on a dead Racoon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfPSgLikptFKY_NJuBtIH22blSk-74maLnjeQ8dm8Yra69Qg6UJuxNRlHhWixz_7V5Jxzeb2AuZLQHhctlWqeEKYMQp0PsbcNFDnQe-klTBninH0VRH3kBJ9zWg_NihSVGnkT6pJJzC3cIr6mhNPj1YrZNGcVmx8LUTqkkYc5FEhzDvwo9AEIqOnrHUJt/s6960/possum%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfPSgLikptFKY_NJuBtIH22blSk-74maLnjeQ8dm8Yra69Qg6UJuxNRlHhWixz_7V5Jxzeb2AuZLQHhctlWqeEKYMQp0PsbcNFDnQe-klTBninH0VRH3kBJ9zWg_NihSVGnkT6pJJzC3cIr6mhNPj1YrZNGcVmx8LUTqkkYc5FEhzDvwo9AEIqOnrHUJt/w640-h426/possum%201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Along the trail, a Canadian Beaver was startled by my presence. It had been sunning, so was dry, then took a dive.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv79Gaf17S8CjBKSbaXgotw76CsLjNUZY6JjvrfuxfwLrAGOLaKy_xSK486SXX_uevTNQI78GMsVkkDR-nwGq_PxxbRWvIqTuUxeGzDa3JlQoxmiDMoYig3azQz4RBoFqJO7LVGgvY10SaBaGdyoeQfoNr3SfvlK_vWIqBarbpK5lVKxU0kTthnsheYqTp/s6960/beaver%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv79Gaf17S8CjBKSbaXgotw76CsLjNUZY6JjvrfuxfwLrAGOLaKy_xSK486SXX_uevTNQI78GMsVkkDR-nwGq_PxxbRWvIqTuUxeGzDa3JlQoxmiDMoYig3azQz4RBoFqJO7LVGgvY10SaBaGdyoeQfoNr3SfvlK_vWIqBarbpK5lVKxU0kTthnsheYqTp/s320/beaver%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4hTZP-IjtPKX64Cq4_KZ_wXoOpW97nCMKQfGCwc5Mw6DV_aFT4vLCSZajfA-Oz5FC20pEHSwSb-5wQT1mvoSLs0InSEjgircpaxO72wFx6Q1YsdbfZ_WRsqfGgIanD5EPBY-_IP9X9cmq45IxUlu9JjPZCqQxFTk8IhQCrjK328QYciRi4YSbgjkmMLa/s5419/beaver%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2562" data-original-width="5419" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4hTZP-IjtPKX64Cq4_KZ_wXoOpW97nCMKQfGCwc5Mw6DV_aFT4vLCSZajfA-Oz5FC20pEHSwSb-5wQT1mvoSLs0InSEjgircpaxO72wFx6Q1YsdbfZ_WRsqfGgIanD5EPBY-_IP9X9cmq45IxUlu9JjPZCqQxFTk8IhQCrjK328QYciRi4YSbgjkmMLa/w400-h189/beaver%202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p>Today was like April with balmy and windy conditions. The temp went up to 15 C!</p><p>I stayed close to home, but saw very few birds. Blackbirds have already arrived, and no doubt Killdeer are around.</p><p>I went for a long walk at Reid CA, then went to a private property west of Wallaceburg. The trusty Eastern Screech-owl was absorbing some sun as it poked out of a duck box. I only had the cell phone handy for a photo.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMGGbVFFhHCSv2KGCfQlzrxgNu9Kvx2lhYjRmaO_BpGh5Qv3dJTKLazpx1nb5yTHJS084zLrD0xc0S0UGgqrWCR2bOzbKeIgGFv6rHItR5fBc-5mgjoVVERjUTQ7IlBt_1C6RSpMxgbBW5ox1oCaEl4PpLRKmDz4B_EgWMBN55kXvdZiMxij4b1BOWXd8/s1850/owl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1850" data-original-width="1189" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMGGbVFFhHCSv2KGCfQlzrxgNu9Kvx2lhYjRmaO_BpGh5Qv3dJTKLazpx1nb5yTHJS084zLrD0xc0S0UGgqrWCR2bOzbKeIgGFv6rHItR5fBc-5mgjoVVERjUTQ7IlBt_1C6RSpMxgbBW5ox1oCaEl4PpLRKmDz4B_EgWMBN55kXvdZiMxij4b1BOWXd8/w412-h640/owl.jpg" width="412" /></a></div><br /><p>Withe the balmy weather and strong SW wind, it will be interesting to see what hops in this weekend.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TgZAip4W5Dpldw5fcPkicHoe8VJpOTP0oI8RTtK6msYTa7LQydlZ7WOqReujJF4Y-pjS37U_sP-aQtWbHAU18K8sK7UpKsVjPIfJ_u6jN1qi00wwfDCtPu-l3o0K1DLIrpOpGnlcFpTGTRkdktWrTFQXZANZ3zJh0IW_rWOfdXRmKRZ0P_d_sMwWifzZ/s4106/Bunny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3892" data-original-width="4106" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TgZAip4W5Dpldw5fcPkicHoe8VJpOTP0oI8RTtK6msYTa7LQydlZ7WOqReujJF4Y-pjS37U_sP-aQtWbHAU18K8sK7UpKsVjPIfJ_u6jN1qi00wwfDCtPu-l3o0K1DLIrpOpGnlcFpTGTRkdktWrTFQXZANZ3zJh0IW_rWOfdXRmKRZ0P_d_sMwWifzZ/s320/Bunny.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-76724571593982288872024-02-04T18:40:00.003-05:002024-02-04T18:40:21.439-05:00Ice Fog! And a Ramble Through Reid Conservation Area<p> A frosty start to the morning greeted us today. In fact, we had some thick ice fog that coated everything. I had intentions of driving along the St. Clair River, but visibility was limited.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6Xx2XtsOFQ1AJ-cICRAwHA8BLQrR2av7XqOeoVF5GzpHgZ0aDt-9cmppc1OO-taYfYlGiJaczdny35C6V8nh-Y8MWRW6vPX-oClo6tF3gt_b-cFE3n-6duUWzihstGKswgwn7PkIYmqqY4EC1dazYGXZdt6YZ3SXoKJ47klKJ9HIBpKGr7Sb5wJtXPPW/s2546/IMG_0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="2546" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6Xx2XtsOFQ1AJ-cICRAwHA8BLQrR2av7XqOeoVF5GzpHgZ0aDt-9cmppc1OO-taYfYlGiJaczdny35C6V8nh-Y8MWRW6vPX-oClo6tF3gt_b-cFE3n-6duUWzihstGKswgwn7PkIYmqqY4EC1dazYGXZdt6YZ3SXoKJ47klKJ9HIBpKGr7Sb5wJtXPPW/w640-h394/IMG_0442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>At the Sombra dock, a male American Wigeon was new to the crowd.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8tZfC1_hvbgIfYrr0xJXJ-oASmoNZrmHI4kJ-KpHOFH_b-qkIem8Smmb87Wz2xiIL3Z1uwA7HP2MG4oNYR-Gcfx0C7td-_H2giujQB8g_sJSEyzuWTmUc_iOyyLMecGDtXsHHIqEomEHh1QFRWPEFvQqe2CeZ-uOcJH8iUtmaHSp7cdJigt8_YjaPWST/s3427/IMG_3328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2347" data-original-width="3427" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8tZfC1_hvbgIfYrr0xJXJ-oASmoNZrmHI4kJ-KpHOFH_b-qkIem8Smmb87Wz2xiIL3Z1uwA7HP2MG4oNYR-Gcfx0C7td-_H2giujQB8g_sJSEyzuWTmUc_iOyyLMecGDtXsHHIqEomEHh1QFRWPEFvQqe2CeZ-uOcJH8iUtmaHSp7cdJigt8_YjaPWST/w400-h274/IMG_3328.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I decided to get away from the river, but it was still quite foggy when I set out for a walk at Reid CA.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE34YxB4hg4kVQGQo0NV1HYpFXoDCqW7UNNHNM7GC9ZLfhnvXOM8vkF7oHZIbIGVsjWkVZgSbiuO6FprsxkOyYqTdnDqYI7Q8lrBxhKbkMEVvPsBpiv_iocOb5EKmtx0S7RN2MHMVqrdkqX4UrwqkIriAPo6Gf3rm473AJacojNm4yhRed_K-dVDWS84Zp/s4000/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE34YxB4hg4kVQGQo0NV1HYpFXoDCqW7UNNHNM7GC9ZLfhnvXOM8vkF7oHZIbIGVsjWkVZgSbiuO6FprsxkOyYqTdnDqYI7Q8lrBxhKbkMEVvPsBpiv_iocOb5EKmtx0S7RN2MHMVqrdkqX4UrwqkIriAPo6Gf3rm473AJacojNm4yhRed_K-dVDWS84Zp/w640-h480/IMG_0443.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Everything was coated in frost.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvj4TcxLRCnXlaNrmBpV3uUEA63kqkyA-On1kLtsXibwBPKGoiPrj8AYe_x9N9xCDF_UBGTVIUums_sAPJqLIjzdWam6dz2VRqm7p4UlchGfhVvok64tRFkj7QKRf6KUgXROGj36pzUHY9t4C25BZh1t1hNcpy7-Rld9vEt91bZGx4h8GhMbUjLyC83Xv/s2714/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2714" data-original-width="2546" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvj4TcxLRCnXlaNrmBpV3uUEA63kqkyA-On1kLtsXibwBPKGoiPrj8AYe_x9N9xCDF_UBGTVIUums_sAPJqLIjzdWam6dz2VRqm7p4UlchGfhVvok64tRFkj7QKRf6KUgXROGj36pzUHY9t4C25BZh1t1hNcpy7-Rld9vEt91bZGx4h8GhMbUjLyC83Xv/w600-h640/IMG_0444.JPG" width="600" /></a></div><br /><p>Much of the property was flooded during the high water last week, but most has drained away.</p><p>It was very still and quiet as I walked through the woods. A Pileated Woodpecker called loudly as it worked a tree. As big and loud as they are, they can hide quite well. I never did see it, but its haunting voice sure carried a long distance!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FLN5MNFvC4EKvujWZG_4Qo3KniD9FepZAeaD6fb2I0luCtZFV2HMprqStDlMfgrlpsCKrkDd67mL8ABz4ZVs7EB0M1JDOS0viHQCj0dtHbIPy7Lc1Qgt4aPqyCtAO3UpHzdROa-pd8W4XV5XGWwTXNChWDiwACeXnKKOqDpR9cVnxCPOe08QnVD8EmSG/s4000/IMG_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FLN5MNFvC4EKvujWZG_4Qo3KniD9FepZAeaD6fb2I0luCtZFV2HMprqStDlMfgrlpsCKrkDd67mL8ABz4ZVs7EB0M1JDOS0viHQCj0dtHbIPy7Lc1Qgt4aPqyCtAO3UpHzdROa-pd8W4XV5XGWwTXNChWDiwACeXnKKOqDpR9cVnxCPOe08QnVD8EmSG/w640-h480/IMG_0445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I looked for odd things to photograph during my walk.</p><p>This tree with a twist is always seen on my route through the woods. I noticed this one many years ago, but the tree is now dead, so will not last much longer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaMo0yPCFNV3xV9rJTWTqVdeQHv-RSxyYvw_JK28KwH-KhL83wQE1hRzhjsUYy0och4pABILvVZTyT059swDM_7RAqI-Y6ukwn6MWvA1z5u2q2UCVhnPJS2aVwtLJA-3ORdoxY215L0JaN4XzfepuJDt68rLM4DezkN2LXv_5SSNczxTQLXLFh_K-9vZp/s3939/IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3939" data-original-width="2009" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaMo0yPCFNV3xV9rJTWTqVdeQHv-RSxyYvw_JK28KwH-KhL83wQE1hRzhjsUYy0och4pABILvVZTyT059swDM_7RAqI-Y6ukwn6MWvA1z5u2q2UCVhnPJS2aVwtLJA-3ORdoxY215L0JaN4XzfepuJDt68rLM4DezkN2LXv_5SSNczxTQLXLFh_K-9vZp/w326-h640/IMG_0447.JPG" width="326" /></a></div><br /><p>One area contains many American Beech trees. This one was hollow, as many of them are.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOMUPOaTL9M5QyitkdpnYbZABdxs-eVzHRdoK-oVMNvPxp_FdSzP4paypqktyGasQL0DmY-OacmQt6_d00C5Ue179HozC1YQIY02PzmaqCw17DpWbg_84UftAEXr52C4I6AmzA4M9yxXaJ4KFyII340MC64gaFYqJtx2kd2AcHuaztGLTEbLsQRcfBmnX/s4000/IMG_0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOMUPOaTL9M5QyitkdpnYbZABdxs-eVzHRdoK-oVMNvPxp_FdSzP4paypqktyGasQL0DmY-OacmQt6_d00C5Ue179HozC1YQIY02PzmaqCw17DpWbg_84UftAEXr52C4I6AmzA4M9yxXaJ4KFyII340MC64gaFYqJtx2kd2AcHuaztGLTEbLsQRcfBmnX/w300-h400/IMG_0450.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>A fallen tree was oozing moisture, forming a coloured icicle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaBKOnGRDd0Y5nS4ELdqhgpO-sN6_Uy1COfzCQVAQ7OZMJOvrIOMtDQJgcIPZ5T-n_Kj8pm2XawfGIfyW-lawBPqT57XJKDqh4aMM6W-00Cbw6qtvTCc135tv0Uwu7wZJOnx8BVwFWfgO95btiF1B71wPVB5aAPA644_tKG_Qe9zZfTAuQ4voKXMj95vn/s2455/Reid%20icicle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2455" data-original-width="1858" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaBKOnGRDd0Y5nS4ELdqhgpO-sN6_Uy1COfzCQVAQ7OZMJOvrIOMtDQJgcIPZ5T-n_Kj8pm2XawfGIfyW-lawBPqT57XJKDqh4aMM6W-00Cbw6qtvTCc135tv0Uwu7wZJOnx8BVwFWfgO95btiF1B71wPVB5aAPA644_tKG_Qe9zZfTAuQ4voKXMj95vn/w484-h640/Reid%20icicle.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>There are various mosses on the property (not my department!). Here is one that I believe to be Delicate Fern Moss.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyU8Q0iNu0ziCQaeP0LlBbQOkNHJIVdvRQ93asY37DSDcGw4AH0j9xSJYd0CydyZ5UHLSMRJascmCsIeml-KIQ4qdriBd2oeYyMgEoa_Yle1GHnOBVNF2-sB_fZFvUzy_709zDf1lRagP7o3ERyvXNsHjHL13MZMOFJbpZNndKLT2UOqVf2wKSUB5s2_pM/s3319/IMG_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2455" data-original-width="3319" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyU8Q0iNu0ziCQaeP0LlBbQOkNHJIVdvRQ93asY37DSDcGw4AH0j9xSJYd0CydyZ5UHLSMRJascmCsIeml-KIQ4qdriBd2oeYyMgEoa_Yle1GHnOBVNF2-sB_fZFvUzy_709zDf1lRagP7o3ERyvXNsHjHL13MZMOFJbpZNndKLT2UOqVf2wKSUB5s2_pM/w400-h296/IMG_0451.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>And, of course various fungi.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzD9uJ3sw5gcif9eaW1pwVkCBf4swGxWVbJnQQW7FUU3jddPjrh3h4x4wHtLfwsJz6I-51vOwRSKLiJeVRdOYUHufXQpe0Tk4Kq1MkHSfHfjZzPhvLeAEIkzwAkFvLd4oZy7zKh81J6nl-Fkm9SZwdPds09HWr2a5k9kT8-DwAoTTWJAV_HHMjl_WAXfO/s3319/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2455" data-original-width="3319" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzD9uJ3sw5gcif9eaW1pwVkCBf4swGxWVbJnQQW7FUU3jddPjrh3h4x4wHtLfwsJz6I-51vOwRSKLiJeVRdOYUHufXQpe0Tk4Kq1MkHSfHfjZzPhvLeAEIkzwAkFvLd4oZy7zKh81J6nl-Fkm9SZwdPds09HWr2a5k9kT8-DwAoTTWJAV_HHMjl_WAXfO/w640-h474/IMG_0457.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pear-shaped Puffball</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkUGTIkMA2LXRltun2MBIdGefc0gn98todPBft7pnUrWw_soqAYs16iXiee0Sc2Y49z4UjsPjptcV0tfRKJjBLEsuhzmglK3cZz7PO94-Esihe5dHZon-GysJ4nmkJeOCS8RQDjMlLf-rNyatuu8t1hyP-c66SwacbsIDI2nT5YSuUtUuuQicwFLB-JxP/s3319/IMG_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2455" data-original-width="3319" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkUGTIkMA2LXRltun2MBIdGefc0gn98todPBft7pnUrWw_soqAYs16iXiee0Sc2Y49z4UjsPjptcV0tfRKJjBLEsuhzmglK3cZz7PO94-Esihe5dHZon-GysJ4nmkJeOCS8RQDjMlLf-rNyatuu8t1hyP-c66SwacbsIDI2nT5YSuUtUuuQicwFLB-JxP/w400-h296/IMG_0454.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a bracket fungus</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>And, not to mention lichens.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_LTIpnxfRf6JcI2ecNmBgEQGn9fsF1VwmL1GWetT8R6IC5t_wfxIugZCzXtXSIi6vX0t1XYrAP-qnHwtYDLFiKmnEO-T-qPJVhh82vtjtMoNTumDzwY4urRY0Jo9ikQFLPpNHA5rxoTjoQzrepk8IfINQLXbwJzeTKycfbQEZdw6dT2vj0dauUwflxBE/s2455/Reid%20lichens%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2455" data-original-width="1858" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_LTIpnxfRf6JcI2ecNmBgEQGn9fsF1VwmL1GWetT8R6IC5t_wfxIugZCzXtXSIi6vX0t1XYrAP-qnHwtYDLFiKmnEO-T-qPJVhh82vtjtMoNTumDzwY4urRY0Jo9ikQFLPpNHA5rxoTjoQzrepk8IfINQLXbwJzeTKycfbQEZdw6dT2vj0dauUwflxBE/w303-h400/Reid%20lichens%201.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Greenshield Lichens</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I walked along the river at the high point of the property, which is one of my favourite spots in all seasons. There is a sharp bend here. The river used to go straight in ancient times, hence the low valley on the property.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzC3GsPgWOIWKGOmCpvHa-ke0KjsFEH82nJH174GHM3zvIpgThczb6_k3NtTIVfbibXcjYquH8Ah_vOWn5-GqQptEMdMCtPOQdBWQeAS9xlLuKQQA1G2YmQ-HP52nSXQqKoB85rOMevUDgD3bq_kC4ETIXUVrYNR26LKfxQofF5eM8_yQIvc19jWd5M-8/s4000/IMG_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzC3GsPgWOIWKGOmCpvHa-ke0KjsFEH82nJH174GHM3zvIpgThczb6_k3NtTIVfbibXcjYquH8Ah_vOWn5-GqQptEMdMCtPOQdBWQeAS9xlLuKQQA1G2YmQ-HP52nSXQqKoB85rOMevUDgD3bq_kC4ETIXUVrYNR26LKfxQofF5eM8_yQIvc19jWd5M-8/w640-h480/IMG_0448.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Upriver</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_bIcszSt6ju7HWQ72lfPeEPdAAWoc6vENe7ogrp6RvTtWxLMYHBaLI1yRb9lWqs7yY0guDCZVIqVgTHLJeq2SIemYpc6x5-qbVU7NpOFLW-lhKyYGOKa7kkYWjjlE_rNiB3sE-02FquR62dHlbvX26NEaY-DKzRE1PvbYejb5b8tO4rIz9LA6Bg9eyqu/s4000/IMG_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_bIcszSt6ju7HWQ72lfPeEPdAAWoc6vENe7ogrp6RvTtWxLMYHBaLI1yRb9lWqs7yY0guDCZVIqVgTHLJeq2SIemYpc6x5-qbVU7NpOFLW-lhKyYGOKa7kkYWjjlE_rNiB3sE-02FquR62dHlbvX26NEaY-DKzRE1PvbYejb5b8tO4rIz9LA6Bg9eyqu/w640-h480/IMG_0449.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Downriver</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Another scene along the old river course.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2Fb_OCRGactxWjVXKIuDWlIVA2zoqNAQbO0nnQc3qwWwKt6p9tRB8jsrDIBgqToERbL7LeIMVhRV49Z8D5-iBvy7oNdBSh9TmZw26BuIFFvgugoTXo61AknFMt_omjks_BsDJGfcoqUCswIJ9p9rGMfpiaPdgPwANeQbG0uqgl0tLwX5XQ0LBfhROegR/s4000/IMG_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2Fb_OCRGactxWjVXKIuDWlIVA2zoqNAQbO0nnQc3qwWwKt6p9tRB8jsrDIBgqToERbL7LeIMVhRV49Z8D5-iBvy7oNdBSh9TmZw26BuIFFvgugoTXo61AknFMt_omjks_BsDJGfcoqUCswIJ9p9rGMfpiaPdgPwANeQbG0uqgl0tLwX5XQ0LBfhROegR/w640-h480/IMG_0456.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Later in the morning the sun finally showed as the fog had burned off. In the afternoon I took advantage of the clear skies and went for a drive. It was such a rare day of sun for this winter, it was quite enjoyable.</p><p>A Bald Eagle was soaking up some sun at Cathcart Park, while a local tug was taking advantage of the ice-less river.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJw9zm52jum1dPlOI4RCgvfAYIirjEntbUtDXs1qVxc9rovv6aIa1SJ9EN25fKM1Ky6kDQ34l5q71ijS_rYyDKTVvQHZCkvnaq_Kc30p889KzBHkKkZoe_L7gUbep6uOkgg0cPBDqpwIymNJ3M_v8zTlPgKUs97X9ZScYWhO2gOePEhRFStzwUKeRfBtV/s3340/IMG_3338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3329" data-original-width="3340" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJw9zm52jum1dPlOI4RCgvfAYIirjEntbUtDXs1qVxc9rovv6aIa1SJ9EN25fKM1Ky6kDQ34l5q71ijS_rYyDKTVvQHZCkvnaq_Kc30p889KzBHkKkZoe_L7gUbep6uOkgg0cPBDqpwIymNJ3M_v8zTlPgKUs97X9ZScYWhO2gOePEhRFStzwUKeRfBtV/s320/IMG_3338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfRqOAjyX34ubMRWUSCY_hyS2bI23pZc3pU-7o9hS1hGuqAXI080Mp8wcKtwDZ9RuN06P9k062dGEaIglaXmv_FT5et97IlR0NGAW8GNeM1xVfLSyhj3EUlFKXojH3t6PszoInRCYQPIpbz86R_lrwftq3HxpNrCpcmv_6HOIbq3h0bMwVm8U5P_097Ds/s5227/NAL%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3677" data-original-width="5227" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfRqOAjyX34ubMRWUSCY_hyS2bI23pZc3pU-7o9hS1hGuqAXI080Mp8wcKtwDZ9RuN06P9k062dGEaIglaXmv_FT5et97IlR0NGAW8GNeM1xVfLSyhj3EUlFKXojH3t6PszoInRCYQPIpbz86R_lrwftq3HxpNrCpcmv_6HOIbq3h0bMwVm8U5P_097Ds/w400-h281/NAL%201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Finally a nice day!</p><p><br /></p>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-76433254421946340202024-02-03T19:14:00.003-05:002024-02-03T19:18:04.987-05:00Prowls, Owls and Other Things<p> It was a fairly quiet week, needless to say. The weather has certainly been the talk of the town lately with the lack of sun and dismal conditions. We finally saw some blue sky and sun this afternoon after an absence of 13 days! </p><p>I prowled around to various spots this week, just to keep occupied. </p><p>Robins seem to be everywhere. A few were at Reid CA on a walk on Wednesday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOhyC6duA99SabN2xYvXHrds526F03ZEBqnHHlZcTUG5Vb2LeI5VPRXvIlK-GWDVjOpWuKQmDpQoXpOf2uEeCstBkVFkjZ4Fb-2bP3Y4zznW7ccAnSfC6IwgdCikdypWh2NfzzSg_hTxcN3DliwhG-dczRGkDLwJ2VXUya1X8ckCUnhWhAuo3sQ1XFnkE/s4275/IMG_3277.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3578" data-original-width="4275" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOhyC6duA99SabN2xYvXHrds526F03ZEBqnHHlZcTUG5Vb2LeI5VPRXvIlK-GWDVjOpWuKQmDpQoXpOf2uEeCstBkVFkjZ4Fb-2bP3Y4zznW7ccAnSfC6IwgdCikdypWh2NfzzSg_hTxcN3DliwhG-dczRGkDLwJ2VXUya1X8ckCUnhWhAuo3sQ1XFnkE/w400-h335/IMG_3277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>We always have some wintering, but seems to be more than usual this winter.</p><p>Not many birds, as usual, so one looks at other things.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8eSbayo4giAzWAqNskX-aN1MMkM79trjGR3oY3D00T_TMAF6i11JCD-rdz8boy97TAkQJfLtzcX49re4_WGqyXbFnIZIKnNoFHiwZ8mrQh9pLPrw6Gwewo_f-_W_HlU8hhMnkxvEQAYWsQhD1L2Ck3SXdVUqBXjmHdIKDaQP2EWWuCMxZ4JCx8tdYc58/s4624/Crowded%20Parchment.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8eSbayo4giAzWAqNskX-aN1MMkM79trjGR3oY3D00T_TMAF6i11JCD-rdz8boy97TAkQJfLtzcX49re4_WGqyXbFnIZIKnNoFHiwZ8mrQh9pLPrw6Gwewo_f-_W_HlU8hhMnkxvEQAYWsQhD1L2Ck3SXdVUqBXjmHdIKDaQP2EWWuCMxZ4JCx8tdYc58/w300-h400/Crowded%20Parchment.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crowded Parchment</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>There are lots of Tundra Swans around (they never left!) and some are heading north already as spring migrants it seems.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8hjlPxHxVQ1SjgDv4IaDhORrCKS9BWaGodUf1ScBtm1VaBtLUkB4GZ512R9NiwuCQHFDSuNTQJuKYSd2QNXDV82bUI1C2r5mhMIq4-fNXl1b4tUVwC3uEtMyB-KBrbKzTqL30sq3_KvjcL19k5_JhJ87HIuBHIGzarZ_i0B0mLZURHX8g7VFSI2DLoHv/s2260/IMG_3273.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1609" data-original-width="2260" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8hjlPxHxVQ1SjgDv4IaDhORrCKS9BWaGodUf1ScBtm1VaBtLUkB4GZ512R9NiwuCQHFDSuNTQJuKYSd2QNXDV82bUI1C2r5mhMIq4-fNXl1b4tUVwC3uEtMyB-KBrbKzTqL30sq3_KvjcL19k5_JhJ87HIuBHIGzarZ_i0B0mLZURHX8g7VFSI2DLoHv/w400-h285/IMG_3273.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lone Tundra Swan at Ridgetown</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>After I visited Rondeau for a lakewatch (lots of White-winged Scoters and Red-throated Loons are around!), I swung around to Ridgetown lagoons. An obvious wintering Green-winged Teal was on ice.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyK2cgtFxTVOcic1GjYj4xP2o6nXyMVxx4hsguyyiVRzOeiMBFI3f3zHVs4KBWTSNc6FzcW9vob4eB12wm_78gvavr-CQcXDG-ZZFDpwHJS1HapQ4dniveqrZHwivlTnBsWZSudxHMOypdCgCQO4ox4mBZBx05EhmDaOcj4tdMdgvc_EIu6dDrGcvXogV/s2242/IMG_3267.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1644" data-original-width="2242" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyK2cgtFxTVOcic1GjYj4xP2o6nXyMVxx4hsguyyiVRzOeiMBFI3f3zHVs4KBWTSNc6FzcW9vob4eB12wm_78gvavr-CQcXDG-ZZFDpwHJS1HapQ4dniveqrZHwivlTnBsWZSudxHMOypdCgCQO4ox4mBZBx05EhmDaOcj4tdMdgvc_EIu6dDrGcvXogV/w400-h294/IMG_3267.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>There was only a small open water section, where a few ducks were hanging out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGB9x9uReUW6Vqvf_KBUPupnJPYnWq-MUxC39S4GyT0_ySGlHSlY88vA8pQYyFrzN6WY28kS3mSbeZUb9dXG2hfFVlh_v_YkomtBJfZ1Pih3kfd-H4tanBGqAIJuJ2PwcKQgIrmWK9J7yjsMCQwnwujWsvfMm7-PihmeV67Ug8QhLUb_7biUFE7isb5sf/s6169/IMG_3271.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2957" data-original-width="6169" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGB9x9uReUW6Vqvf_KBUPupnJPYnWq-MUxC39S4GyT0_ySGlHSlY88vA8pQYyFrzN6WY28kS3mSbeZUb9dXG2hfFVlh_v_YkomtBJfZ1Pih3kfd-H4tanBGqAIJuJ2PwcKQgIrmWK9J7yjsMCQwnwujWsvfMm7-PihmeV67Ug8QhLUb_7biUFE7isb5sf/w640-h306/IMG_3271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>It was dark and gloomy day, and only got worse as the day wore on. (Lots of snow in north Chatham-Kent!).</p><p>Wednesday I attended a meeting at Sarnia in the evening, so I headed out early in the afternoon to check out the St. Clair River. Although a touch better than last year, it is terribly disappointing again. With climate change upon us, I think it is something we have to get used to. There is no need for waterfowl to congregate in the river when the lakes are open.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14bA_w1dN71Y961ZuWpd3zJwtWWhJmb7HKtNzjOcXpq6V35JMOWeLr7OvEkDm0jMS6EK9wViaIuBCEHY6lzCFC0mla34quYavZfEhyy6EO7muEk9nTNGxe6AKyz1TFXnW6IKZ9pIidMCoudeIoysk8mdtc-R9KIJCdExDGD8d_hVnQ73a9Gq0-lvzw3nn/s2335/IMG_3281.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="2335" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14bA_w1dN71Y961ZuWpd3zJwtWWhJmb7HKtNzjOcXpq6V35JMOWeLr7OvEkDm0jMS6EK9wViaIuBCEHY6lzCFC0mla34quYavZfEhyy6EO7muEk9nTNGxe6AKyz1TFXnW6IKZ9pIidMCoudeIoysk8mdtc-R9KIJCdExDGD8d_hVnQ73a9Gq0-lvzw3nn/s320/IMG_3281.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0JYjF5iNfcQiom3aMgC6Mf2WkoTWZZYSgtmL3luFdbca0bvPOeb8ZIJYksb8RC6x-90QfjSEdWxWtYfrAJdnV76DRZBW8kPhAQAccvqBFLLaSZMzdIWJvYyQ-QqKXXnSc6Pajfd1HQ98SqXvaj6gR8JlRq0LH5wEtblAvDSm87CwdFQ2bXy8nI7Zs3fq/s3526/IMG_3284.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2329" data-original-width="3526" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0JYjF5iNfcQiom3aMgC6Mf2WkoTWZZYSgtmL3luFdbca0bvPOeb8ZIJYksb8RC6x-90QfjSEdWxWtYfrAJdnV76DRZBW8kPhAQAccvqBFLLaSZMzdIWJvYyQ-QqKXXnSc6Pajfd1HQ98SqXvaj6gR8JlRq0LH5wEtblAvDSm87CwdFQ2bXy8nI7Zs3fq/w400-h264/IMG_3284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCd9yQWRwfyVcVcRhtiYCL65Hrs21IkDVJIBeaOv_Usjzc1V-C_hw8gI4e66hPiv8Xx-ZHAVQTykxg4cFlYI3p83BxtfEzu5fYWAxCNHL64l3HEU0356Yd3kqk6OQ1RmnsqfilBuTzaBlVYoTEB-Z4ImhJNa7HzCHcGiHJozA9k7U8lA_oDv5pYLFSk8ls/s6960/RBGU%201.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCd9yQWRwfyVcVcRhtiYCL65Hrs21IkDVJIBeaOv_Usjzc1V-C_hw8gI4e66hPiv8Xx-ZHAVQTykxg4cFlYI3p83BxtfEzu5fYWAxCNHL64l3HEU0356Yd3kqk6OQ1RmnsqfilBuTzaBlVYoTEB-Z4ImhJNa7HzCHcGiHJozA9k7U8lA_oDv5pYLFSk8ls/w640-h426/RBGU%201.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a Common Gull!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>At dusk, I made an effort to look for Short-eared Owls at a known location. I was not disappointed, but unable to get proper photos, after seeing three individuals. This was the best I could do as it was getting too dark and the bird was distant.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7ekJvVUGYFde_gGhCnQ7_Rs7ho05f6cNCZhd7_BALQHaNk_EvDekS4DgzGa9uk2acp87KyxY24L_cb2g__zpNI25oW0cNv-sWf0TU7T2B7heh-Zing-45-YflXX17QGlYpHQ_NAqG6HZL2kLyfF28upDBxDYTWeQDWQwPwMOQ92yXdjZ3zBsmht1ZGx1/s2063/IMG_3296.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2063" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7ekJvVUGYFde_gGhCnQ7_Rs7ho05f6cNCZhd7_BALQHaNk_EvDekS4DgzGa9uk2acp87KyxY24L_cb2g__zpNI25oW0cNv-sWf0TU7T2B7heh-Zing-45-YflXX17QGlYpHQ_NAqG6HZL2kLyfF28upDBxDYTWeQDWQwPwMOQ92yXdjZ3zBsmht1ZGx1/w400-h299/IMG_3296.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>There seems to be quite a few around in various locations this winter, but not like it used to be. There is so little habitat left for feeding opportunities, they are difficult to find. In the past it was not a problem in pastures north of Wallaceburg. Try and find a pasture anymore!</p><p>Everybody likes owls, but we tend not to post locations anymore as there seems to be too many over-zealous birders/photographers anymore.</p><p>Here are some photos from the past.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPgDDP13-5gAlu6E1OpcO-Xa7ZBFuuf9r4wT55YzFm-jAG5hCuB4F1rsHIM1wuqVVz5zSN5H2fw6av88JIERZbkwImqPw-q5G7n92bIvAfpfyY6nqhYdtvI6xjaecdDBFdkcUYRjx2_xVHv9G2Hrs8BmyEXNsoaleKSRt1GsKqO120MeSc8ZuDJnmA9qu/s2048/_MG_1101%20-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1921" data-original-width="2048" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPgDDP13-5gAlu6E1OpcO-Xa7ZBFuuf9r4wT55YzFm-jAG5hCuB4F1rsHIM1wuqVVz5zSN5H2fw6av88JIERZbkwImqPw-q5G7n92bIvAfpfyY6nqhYdtvI6xjaecdDBFdkcUYRjx2_xVHv9G2Hrs8BmyEXNsoaleKSRt1GsKqO120MeSc8ZuDJnmA9qu/w400-h375/_MG_1101%20-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8RlJ-3wqI8Lk5k39Tf9zosGVfB6-uX3xhW5Xz9hSR1L9Y5Ch17zQDTtTLpfvtSp25VLWIHLEbPqJUYZdpbh_I5E89G8D-MbjKSSp2dY5MPzZxrNEPOvuTa547Mx_apyuZZ0jm4EuiUxdfe71_kHBN1IjnAiNZXxwzWLzrn7zMG5zbdfc6YK1quCJQOHB/s2048/_MG_7223%20-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8RlJ-3wqI8Lk5k39Tf9zosGVfB6-uX3xhW5Xz9hSR1L9Y5Ch17zQDTtTLpfvtSp25VLWIHLEbPqJUYZdpbh_I5E89G8D-MbjKSSp2dY5MPzZxrNEPOvuTa547Mx_apyuZZ0jm4EuiUxdfe71_kHBN1IjnAiNZXxwzWLzrn7zMG5zbdfc6YK1quCJQOHB/w400-h306/_MG_7223%20-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gM83d5yTZHzkfq0LOyTkvnfRyPQnoCbZyIym-RBpmJ76Cr6J8X9dl9-DV37oUC9BpsxTzRY_Pgl17Y9szks90E38HE5KZ9aRIRjsNxTRyauMwXKnn8bG70q7_KkCcrh_3Kh-35fBZzypc9BZe0iXYGdDAc2P7XRnGQd36f0a1nYQ8JjZOIX8P6Ne3grj/s1600/014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="1600" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gM83d5yTZHzkfq0LOyTkvnfRyPQnoCbZyIym-RBpmJ76Cr6J8X9dl9-DV37oUC9BpsxTzRY_Pgl17Y9szks90E38HE5KZ9aRIRjsNxTRyauMwXKnn8bG70q7_KkCcrh_3Kh-35fBZzypc9BZe0iXYGdDAc2P7XRnGQd36f0a1nYQ8JjZOIX8P6Ne3grj/w400-h334/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Yesterday, I needed to check out a different area. Near home, it was just the same-old, same-old! I went into Elgin County, and went as far as Port Stanley. There are lots of little areas to check out, but I stuck to the main roads. It was a better day, with a couple very short bouts of sun.</p><p>I first stopped at Port Glasgow, then went to John E. Pearce Provincial Park for a walk. The Storey Wetland is here, and I thought of World Wetlands Day (for this day, February 2). I saw no groundhogs either!</p><p>I encountered Eastern Bluebirds in a couple of spots for the first time this year.</p><p>Near Port Stanley lagoons, I saw three Turkey Vultures. For whatever reason, 'TV's' winter in the Port Stanley area (there was even a Black Vulture a few years ago!).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOipVS281V5fMlltDXWX0gjqj9ixNWpWmWbVczhWGjzLocvYn3bCp1LKa-5tvezrR10f8Pun4BlKzIKA5-Rp_Gz_MNFKlXFYED9DIcIwHGU70Z7Gv3cXEHZHhI40nN9h27nq4opuEGya7LY53SN-3TNwjlqUZntAKFz156BMpzYVAzyI8FS1Mv2Z9z8ojw/s3073/IMG_3302.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3073" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOipVS281V5fMlltDXWX0gjqj9ixNWpWmWbVczhWGjzLocvYn3bCp1LKa-5tvezrR10f8Pun4BlKzIKA5-Rp_Gz_MNFKlXFYED9DIcIwHGU70Z7Gv3cXEHZHhI40nN9h27nq4opuEGya7LY53SN-3TNwjlqUZntAKFz156BMpzYVAzyI8FS1Mv2Z9z8ojw/w400-h323/IMG_3302.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a quick photo from the car window</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The Port was not too productive. A pair of Ruddy Ducks are hanging out in the harbour.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxf2Xwunk24gBK8Is0yeHzDZUxm6qBkaBKdN6k-DHu4bkwEtP6iY4JQtJK8TQTYVxVyvW80bBHTyJ0CXFYWy7w1FbrIHN4tgmzc8mfxwY_BBnRDJmwAV5tZWlOeMsLNewFu2Euu8V1XmsYxsWVOz05GBU1vdARVFZF06odYpqwgdrdYRvvO-F0yeBTUDOQ/s2551/IMG_3299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="2551" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxf2Xwunk24gBK8Is0yeHzDZUxm6qBkaBKdN6k-DHu4bkwEtP6iY4JQtJK8TQTYVxVyvW80bBHTyJ0CXFYWy7w1FbrIHN4tgmzc8mfxwY_BBnRDJmwAV5tZWlOeMsLNewFu2Euu8V1XmsYxsWVOz05GBU1vdARVFZF06odYpqwgdrdYRvvO-F0yeBTUDOQ/w400-h286/IMG_3299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>A lone Bald Eagle was standing vigil on the breakwater.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCdVWbTF5TmWNBJnOYjl9XoTnTipTdCeZWzpDhK5yg6dUVNcfkeOEiWeHrTbQZOvobBNXn_fnBESRvoXLFHgU_8GNgwX0PsyZqOoAsV5f2PAb8CdOoH_kERjCWP9W5bQh5A-EBuXEOYjWTq6c_whezHz0vmKp49DsF4xz4YmDvS0mCGOn-u6hIObK55An/s2672/IMG_3301.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1725" data-original-width="2672" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCdVWbTF5TmWNBJnOYjl9XoTnTipTdCeZWzpDhK5yg6dUVNcfkeOEiWeHrTbQZOvobBNXn_fnBESRvoXLFHgU_8GNgwX0PsyZqOoAsV5f2PAb8CdOoH_kERjCWP9W5bQh5A-EBuXEOYjWTq6c_whezHz0vmKp49DsF4xz4YmDvS0mCGOn-u6hIObK55An/w640-h414/IMG_3301.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I did quite a bit of driving around on the way home, but nothing of note came my way. But after-all, it is a "quiet" winter.</p><p><br /></p><p>Today, I was due for a long walk, so opted to do the marsh trail at Rondeau. Although still cloudy (what's new?), it was dead calm and quite pleasant. It was good for hearing things at long distances.</p><p>I walked all the way to Long Pond. The marsh was still mostly frozen though, so waterfowl was limited.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIQ_Y8khbQH3-JYhx9eSk4mUs-XUmVAb2ILYGKPM3eJi-JQBb1QX-YDNhLBaFvcbnMKdI8XK6B4bmtHPV3NIloQWqXxBYQ87qUYkNGKRPOk-CSD949Gso0HrJoPPo3jGOKoD3a9kCftB85dVOabOfy1Tp_w8YdX-RP-icvwatVADG-IYyqTR8nOWqr-Ln/s6960/IMG_3307.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIQ_Y8khbQH3-JYhx9eSk4mUs-XUmVAb2ILYGKPM3eJi-JQBb1QX-YDNhLBaFvcbnMKdI8XK6B4bmtHPV3NIloQWqXxBYQ87qUYkNGKRPOk-CSD949Gso0HrJoPPo3jGOKoD3a9kCftB85dVOabOfy1Tp_w8YdX-RP-icvwatVADG-IYyqTR8nOWqr-Ln/w640-h426/IMG_3307.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distant Tundra Swans in Long Pond</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>American Tree Sparrows were quite numerous, and a few Song and Swamp, as well as a couple of White-throated Sparrows rounded out the sparrow department. A pair of Eastern Towhees was a highlight, but they stayed hidden in the underbrush after a brief view.</p><p>Perhaps more notable was a Common Raven that I could hear croaking all the way across the Bay! I found out that another birding party, whom I had just met a bit earlier, heard it as well. Goes to show how quiet the air was today.</p><p>Ravens have expanded their range south considerably in recent years. One only has to look at the eBird or atlas data (which was shown on a Zoom meeting the other night). They are still quite rare in Chatham-Kent, but it is not unusual to find one in Lambton County where there are now numerous nesting records.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdA4Qfp7SAqnpf0gNuTRnAb2x1TQMv-Z-rg3VZQBYP8Rj6RVbmpnvuBHfpbTRYoEQ7MklzsF6kH4XiA-K76t4IA__y5lVo1giIwyAr5B9tlt1U2_A9xvIlW_FVOm5ZVoM98fZ3QXMgiYadtZvkF_iaupEW6oA8Eww83tbeCPFlNXhGsO163fbPdZIQS2zj/s1600/Raven%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdA4Qfp7SAqnpf0gNuTRnAb2x1TQMv-Z-rg3VZQBYP8Rj6RVbmpnvuBHfpbTRYoEQ7MklzsF6kH4XiA-K76t4IA__y5lVo1giIwyAr5B9tlt1U2_A9xvIlW_FVOm5ZVoM98fZ3QXMgiYadtZvkF_iaupEW6oA8Eww83tbeCPFlNXhGsO163fbPdZIQS2zj/w400-h294/Raven%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rondeau Raven from the past</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>After some good exercise out marsh trail, I briefly checked the north end of the campground which was very quiet.</p><p>It was then over to Keith McLean Conservation Lands where there was some activity. Lots of Cedar Waxwings and American Robins were working the grounds back of the house. They seemed to like the Bradford Pear tree (terribly aggressive non-native species) which was bearing fruit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFUE12wAzr7YwVdRBXrKJw0aWj0A_eU7eco0GwEqGukgRXc6g1FJRXMHF8SW9eaGQPTpU3TwW-goTEuqFyGYZ7AYpj0KhIy64obfEyPbbRLRoHFI_72f5t24fsY4sbm-qJoMNZk9ZqID8FBCc2u1zPUZMk9WedBXgt-O8eSN1gaA6aTAPw5Xd2pMLn0-K/s3003/IMG_3313.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2968" data-original-width="3003" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFUE12wAzr7YwVdRBXrKJw0aWj0A_eU7eco0GwEqGukgRXc6g1FJRXMHF8SW9eaGQPTpU3TwW-goTEuqFyGYZ7AYpj0KhIy64obfEyPbbRLRoHFI_72f5t24fsY4sbm-qJoMNZk9ZqID8FBCc2u1zPUZMk9WedBXgt-O8eSN1gaA6aTAPw5Xd2pMLn0-K/w400-h395/IMG_3313.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The waxwings also were around the pond where the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was last year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7GUe1w93v0STkU9cI_L4e-n-Ez2rxz1hfBNsiH-h5DITLFOdawWctP8vEyPYc6_lkxY41H7x6vKv6FfBksdJnZpgLhmuJ9GTqt8ANjOz52anOMqVC-2iLaKf3C6y5ke8BxSJYSlNWHvXsUyiZGnUZk-UHoTQ2w5BZVYm2FR96w-WOdzB94MfJ9KnyaL0/s3265/IMG_3317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2905" data-original-width="3265" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7GUe1w93v0STkU9cI_L4e-n-Ez2rxz1hfBNsiH-h5DITLFOdawWctP8vEyPYc6_lkxY41H7x6vKv6FfBksdJnZpgLhmuJ9GTqt8ANjOz52anOMqVC-2iLaKf3C6y5ke8BxSJYSlNWHvXsUyiZGnUZk-UHoTQ2w5BZVYm2FR96w-WOdzB94MfJ9KnyaL0/w640-h570/IMG_3317.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I optimistically look for Bohemian in any waxwing flock, but to no avail during today's encounter.</p><p>While there, three Pine Siskins came in. They have been scarce this winter around here, so nice to see.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhPPy9Lwb9mmTrbSFbsJ65JgbC53L5yjsa4WwIp5e3R8IuHoxSBUHScLXThYgAjsno6_kvtPtSZczduL2b4DmhtuVEOGrTiBQylp3r0ykLs-detq2Zi1bGa970JDWSj1oor-ze1Q9kPlj-IEqdmVf5SI14HGcWKdyafEGe0vzb4kF09EJLiBO9pEQ0Msn/s3131/IMG_3321.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2457" data-original-width="3131" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhPPy9Lwb9mmTrbSFbsJ65JgbC53L5yjsa4WwIp5e3R8IuHoxSBUHScLXThYgAjsno6_kvtPtSZczduL2b4DmhtuVEOGrTiBQylp3r0ykLs-detq2Zi1bGa970JDWSj1oor-ze1Q9kPlj-IEqdmVf5SI14HGcWKdyafEGe0vzb4kF09EJLiBO9pEQ0Msn/w640-h502/IMG_3321.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Lots of blackbirds are around, many of which never left! Today a male Red-winged Blackbird was in the neighbour's yard, which is likely a spring migrant at this point.</p><p><br /></p>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-42604749808058763652024-01-29T19:15:00.002-05:002024-01-29T19:19:54.018-05:00Waterbirds, Water, and More Water<div><div>With the wacky weather continuing (where the heck is the sun?), water levels are at a crazy high with the runoff. As a result, the McKeough Dam was closed to mitigate flooding in Wallaceburg. Completed by the mid-1980's, the mega project has saved Wallaceburg from flooding many times.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The diversion channel, which empties into the St. Clair River south of Sombra was put to good use this weekend. It was still flowing today. Here is the scene at Baseline Road this morning.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvO-usmTXU5IBWhChNhMjU2Gt7Bu-eONbzwabiaf2OelOXR3sf8LS2sPCk93pwig5vN_r28ghpyvD3nwblBbLrAWgCcCFWY0sUXpcfAU5mRC3HZYM5qoo5-4xZfvTCHxyeMVHqCOvxiFfV-xkGK7O5oSLmnyJeJk7ZRAmeiCf2qYMf7YVH02BOn1a3nof/s4624/Diversion%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2455" data-original-width="4624" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvO-usmTXU5IBWhChNhMjU2Gt7Bu-eONbzwabiaf2OelOXR3sf8LS2sPCk93pwig5vN_r28ghpyvD3nwblBbLrAWgCcCFWY0sUXpcfAU5mRC3HZYM5qoo5-4xZfvTCHxyeMVHqCOvxiFfV-xkGK7O5oSLmnyJeJk7ZRAmeiCf2qYMf7YVH02BOn1a3nof/w640-h340/Diversion%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking East</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3L4ixd6xpZbpjfgOe65C3E9lHv3XBt_NMlDI5cRRmVvNbRGtaa0ljNt7LR2UfyJAnNpJF0Rge5kdJXU4U5zPWoWYAlTXVJaD7uFf4kIHOaAIpC5KAFB1aB6fBrx1AQSfmmpVa38DmtAPsczRS30VQfVu3_LGyB5CAF4b6bAiQHVvpouc1oSZeGOhum1o2/s4624/Diversion%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2455" data-original-width="4624" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3L4ixd6xpZbpjfgOe65C3E9lHv3XBt_NMlDI5cRRmVvNbRGtaa0ljNt7LR2UfyJAnNpJF0Rge5kdJXU4U5zPWoWYAlTXVJaD7uFf4kIHOaAIpC5KAFB1aB6fBrx1AQSfmmpVa38DmtAPsczRS30VQfVu3_LGyB5CAF4b6bAiQHVvpouc1oSZeGOhum1o2/w640-h340/Diversion%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking West</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>This afternoon, I went up to Wilkesport and water levels were still high, so I think the dam was still closed.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKx3KHA37nt28DDIiMP-IbDXTwWy7gRr6ZS_EWBUEu6u8pmjwdXYvi1W_H6bajejyuPFndcuaBEzhSGIW2sjrndWYc5g4DbGGllxBciqA1DBaWAMJ4PNwbFyg08OF1q9CX1ofUFi3JnxTe6o6855or46Yk_elf5FJs6l-jeEhOfnEATMKO4XLUggyLAPZ/s4624/Wilkesport%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKx3KHA37nt28DDIiMP-IbDXTwWy7gRr6ZS_EWBUEu6u8pmjwdXYvi1W_H6bajejyuPFndcuaBEzhSGIW2sjrndWYc5g4DbGGllxBciqA1DBaWAMJ4PNwbFyg08OF1q9CX1ofUFi3JnxTe6o6855or46Yk_elf5FJs6l-jeEhOfnEATMKO4XLUggyLAPZ/w640-h480/Wilkesport%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvidXejWYEAhL8AiEZiUIOsSYnag1jS8mq3S2JHfMQ_n8ao_ldF-rKagOI5Z9BwE9JQKzAeRCOx5yJ4XEVJv8vtsM1707z6N1-GF5jTNMCjX2S9FA6oYoPh3Lx0e5pl5vcOe39dYqlMHiRcE7ulrr_GcyIz50fsYrcOuaHVQVRmK96iZw8WgCr5t3mg9Zc/s4624/Wilkesport%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2455" data-original-width="4624" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvidXejWYEAhL8AiEZiUIOsSYnag1jS8mq3S2JHfMQ_n8ao_ldF-rKagOI5Z9BwE9JQKzAeRCOx5yJ4XEVJv8vtsM1707z6N1-GF5jTNMCjX2S9FA6oYoPh3Lx0e5pl5vcOe39dYqlMHiRcE7ulrr_GcyIz50fsYrcOuaHVQVRmK96iZw8WgCr5t3mg9Zc/w640-h340/Wilkesport%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flooded Field</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, I did a thorough look along the St. Clair River. Best area was around Sombra where there were lots of Redhead and Canvasback, a number of Ring-necked Ducks, and others. A far cry from the "old" days though.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lPxVgdKt2Zj6DDHEwgvvvkaaCqRobk-tqsT9mmolt0Xi0WllKYClfrNaQi3MBEdHjClpJlXl3RsJCFBPwaeJREgmJOZj0jxIAbc1nVvQ_Io1gEiOMIcbhPKrzTZz-RCxXl6xn59PNMw5mmuyPV0SCWhySb5mnw_xANf7wgvSsEkndenzZKBC2Jt5YYFg/s4821/IMG_3249.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2440" data-original-width="4821" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lPxVgdKt2Zj6DDHEwgvvvkaaCqRobk-tqsT9mmolt0Xi0WllKYClfrNaQi3MBEdHjClpJlXl3RsJCFBPwaeJREgmJOZj0jxIAbc1nVvQ_Io1gEiOMIcbhPKrzTZz-RCxXl6xn59PNMw5mmuyPV0SCWhySb5mnw_xANf7wgvSsEkndenzZKBC2Jt5YYFg/w400-h203/IMG_3249.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I did pick out a Ring-necked X Redhead hybrid at Sombra, but we see at least one of these every winter. It was too far, and too gloomy for a photo though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ruddy Ducks are uncommon on the St. Clair River, especially in winter, but I did find one female off the old Lambton Generating Station dock. Again too far!</div><div><br /></div><div>Long-tailed Ducks seem to be the most common duck on the river anymore. They used to be a rarity!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TC-Ahc7U3SpZdWmecHL1zvaxZZPbcEHX5tuH65pUFUNxnaj0oP4UGEhGwgBghuhkcNZM45v5Kg0S4lGzfS34EHC-LYkRBEE3bE_0Bdnu55iEjpZLos0lgOYZqYNm31etrCzZ7118ki6ZnA3u91znwEKmJOpr0YrGQj5q_O68o1Zp-RY9mlAbPV50WJMu/s1600/_MG_3514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TC-Ahc7U3SpZdWmecHL1zvaxZZPbcEHX5tuH65pUFUNxnaj0oP4UGEhGwgBghuhkcNZM45v5Kg0S4lGzfS34EHC-LYkRBEE3bE_0Bdnu55iEjpZLos0lgOYZqYNm31etrCzZ7118ki6ZnA3u91znwEKmJOpr0YrGQj5q_O68o1Zp-RY9mlAbPV50WJMu/w640-h390/_MG_3514.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I went all the way to Sarnia for a change. In Sarnia Bay (which really should be frozen), a good variety of waterfowl was swimming about.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgzfsN55shnkhDNd1shr1sA6uPN9-w7QIFDGQ1j3Sm9ipV5CVOdG0dNHeAv9yqTxblQVV2fUIzcsRvFnR_huoR6MUjt38k2F3Goelkz2Bh9vF7o2p3JLyzd5xHoAGz1NS4AxCiK1TWIwrps1Ph5p4Gv_egYWpc3a_WK_oH6tOuntNL7UCfgep6Wm0xgE8/s4054/IMG_3237.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2876" data-original-width="4054" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgzfsN55shnkhDNd1shr1sA6uPN9-w7QIFDGQ1j3Sm9ipV5CVOdG0dNHeAv9yqTxblQVV2fUIzcsRvFnR_huoR6MUjt38k2F3Goelkz2Bh9vF7o2p3JLyzd5xHoAGz1NS4AxCiK1TWIwrps1Ph5p4Gv_egYWpc3a_WK_oH6tOuntNL7UCfgep6Wm0xgE8/w400-h284/IMG_3237.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-breasted Merganser</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Although not a waterfowl type, a couple of American Coots have been wintering in the Bay.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGoAoG2DURKuC7qc3XeI6tQJEL3MO6IixnKY26wOdPYDyA_XUNncETmYkvK8sYCgVFXaEGehY5oShUoRH7D0JA2FpEAgPfo14gVhmiC6d520i7bdfyhZ0zx9FUsdtFrg8kcHKnABjhDxOGo9cBfW9Yym7nuatxmM5JEer_K7yKhFb2GfOTrVpJYOxchWm/s3561/IMG_3236.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2864" data-original-width="3561" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGoAoG2DURKuC7qc3XeI6tQJEL3MO6IixnKY26wOdPYDyA_XUNncETmYkvK8sYCgVFXaEGehY5oShUoRH7D0JA2FpEAgPfo14gVhmiC6d520i7bdfyhZ0zx9FUsdtFrg8kcHKnABjhDxOGo9cBfW9Yym7nuatxmM5JEer_K7yKhFb2GfOTrVpJYOxchWm/w400-h321/IMG_3236.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHYPyvf7cc-lk3JU0y_Uh1hJ6WCkb9H_dfzKntnPVCrsrrTmmbAfjzNAP0oEqimpH669a0PRWbS_QNa7jrLOCfBL9rTF8vPNti64mJp1-FA-fJD1i6qwDBXAbd339Fd6CTvJJ9sovgYWYEE7xuRI2hBuyTebDDzg_oCNUX7-nhXSFS__RzdGtjbRIfEN3/s2620/IMG_3233.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2620" data-original-width="2562" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHYPyvf7cc-lk3JU0y_Uh1hJ6WCkb9H_dfzKntnPVCrsrrTmmbAfjzNAP0oEqimpH669a0PRWbS_QNa7jrLOCfBL9rTF8vPNti64mJp1-FA-fJD1i6qwDBXAbd339Fd6CTvJJ9sovgYWYEE7xuRI2hBuyTebDDzg_oCNUX7-nhXSFS__RzdGtjbRIfEN3/w391-h400/IMG_3233.JPG" width="391" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>While there, I got word that the Black-legged Kittiwake was still being seen at the mouth of Lake Huron. Just after I arrived at the lakewatch spot, it came out of the yacht club, then flew downriver. I got there just in time! I did not have any time to focus on it as it went by.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBh6FkIgBFS4ToDyQjOsVopGDhyiYQ0iQW6FWycJYWt73zAyjvPXD95T3w3_OgBFajwU0daOJN-naddnAcongtsJAWXjwKvZ05sTpPAQsSlbdA06CkCEfGV_J6u9PILr2NWptcbPRZmTD7lmSoXYgpN-GvmZp0OGWDY71bRlxgTXDHcI1zBe4NMkN8RGw9/s3746/IMG_3238.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2771" data-original-width="3746" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBh6FkIgBFS4ToDyQjOsVopGDhyiYQ0iQW6FWycJYWt73zAyjvPXD95T3w3_OgBFajwU0daOJN-naddnAcongtsJAWXjwKvZ05sTpPAQsSlbdA06CkCEfGV_J6u9PILr2NWptcbPRZmTD7lmSoXYgpN-GvmZp0OGWDY71bRlxgTXDHcI1zBe4NMkN8RGw9/w400-h296/IMG_3238.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXIsilWIrTIckjXAgLzFbQKr4aF8yI_SpdtTQyZG7m3k4-Xy73p9CcgI699WZXA-q7DWLORLc0rHcgpxqFPFRQht2B4CL1bvMYlwXBQ4Wylpu_e1p1gS5z_aHgHy5Os65vrJrlyyCaXWGPyP8-qSrsYyjKoARkv35tTRB2gJ5S26LSjSktQ_6t_iHe0E6/s3375/IMG_3240.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="3375" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXIsilWIrTIckjXAgLzFbQKr4aF8yI_SpdtTQyZG7m3k4-Xy73p9CcgI699WZXA-q7DWLORLc0rHcgpxqFPFRQht2B4CL1bvMYlwXBQ4Wylpu_e1p1gS5z_aHgHy5Os65vrJrlyyCaXWGPyP8-qSrsYyjKoARkv35tTRB2gJ5S26LSjSktQ_6t_iHe0E6/w400-h331/IMG_3240.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Despite waiting the better part of an hour, it never made another appearance. Certainly nice to have this Arctic seabird wintering in the area!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM199sX2vJfw5E28ODKTzsYVXTdM7HjFLiDgRhVVSIQDmQGpLIzbW98YXSq_057ZE8C2El2hTSzhb8XcIqrF4oPTG3JYxO7MZYmrFLex52xTY20-O4nJ7RTiecJr3b4p8-g78vCzTmiANFpxMFFADms4iZjTRwq5Y2XT0FDr-ULnGeNpY1V8CjEuzVXS9E/s3834/IMG_3241.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3020" data-original-width="3834" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM199sX2vJfw5E28ODKTzsYVXTdM7HjFLiDgRhVVSIQDmQGpLIzbW98YXSq_057ZE8C2El2hTSzhb8XcIqrF4oPTG3JYxO7MZYmrFLex52xTY20-O4nJ7RTiecJr3b4p8-g78vCzTmiANFpxMFFADms4iZjTRwq5Y2XT0FDr-ULnGeNpY1V8CjEuzVXS9E/w400-h315/IMG_3241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>There is a handful of ships in the Sarnia harbour and north slip, but not like the "old" days.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr66eXhitQ66XYA5q-sFrfd1QQzMNKSph2ISPToW85uhJynSqWOf9D2WLUVge4YX8hL-ORo_u8CwjNMe1SlTud8fUTjAkDM18v17X9YKuMVdfNPAm3ZC98eETdbz-5l0Jr3t8HaUQG7RzwL7Zjg1ehf9An-DAvlCzSaooFm3PffaOC8Nu_E5K5-Scwt7V/s6960/Michipicoten.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr66eXhitQ66XYA5q-sFrfd1QQzMNKSph2ISPToW85uhJynSqWOf9D2WLUVge4YX8hL-ORo_u8CwjNMe1SlTud8fUTjAkDM18v17X9YKuMVdfNPAm3ZC98eETdbz-5l0Jr3t8HaUQG7RzwL7Zjg1ehf9An-DAvlCzSaooFm3PffaOC8Nu_E5K5-Scwt7V/w640-h426/Michipicoten.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jiVUmmwZWAegE0RRFzKGnhUYn_qqujj1rjoZ1FUzucKpG7ayBUc6VCrN-LYvpa3kTuaS0ZXtu28K3XSElu4p8qVnW1AIqfY86CGtErQDw_SDkE-nCM7KqJFu1mHwfwpjVR01adZ3hHYh_pYh5bGDogG8RtwXTJ3kXgaUeEHg47W2p-elUAYUWFO8sE5C/s6960/Saginaw.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jiVUmmwZWAegE0RRFzKGnhUYn_qqujj1rjoZ1FUzucKpG7ayBUc6VCrN-LYvpa3kTuaS0ZXtu28K3XSElu4p8qVnW1AIqfY86CGtErQDw_SDkE-nCM7KqJFu1mHwfwpjVR01adZ3hHYh_pYh5bGDogG8RtwXTJ3kXgaUeEHg47W2p-elUAYUWFO8sE5C/w640-h426/Saginaw.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XYf0KgbS0Ylit4ZfvkuxANNE_2-5m8rado8MFb45ma3tbf0IccMDZ3juVfPEqzuRd-6kWJlmLEiUHXfe4rQQiZyQsc7-D0HvrEg-TtzLvZHbg4pgOkoLaoWjELTqOSrsXJDHtwyIcQl2Gn3eZoZJ41Qa5lRYHx5fN1eMbrvNcva51mB4WPk0vOAchfmw/s3845/north%20slip%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2782" data-original-width="3845" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XYf0KgbS0Ylit4ZfvkuxANNE_2-5m8rado8MFb45ma3tbf0IccMDZ3juVfPEqzuRd-6kWJlmLEiUHXfe4rQQiZyQsc7-D0HvrEg-TtzLvZHbg4pgOkoLaoWjELTqOSrsXJDHtwyIcQl2Gn3eZoZJ41Qa5lRYHx5fN1eMbrvNcva51mB4WPk0vOAchfmw/w640-h464/north%20slip%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Slip in 1974</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedoRsn41VYLkSdKu00gCYY0pWe-_bAtGE7iCJUzC2ayJCeczh3o2WzKN4rvcxe-fxF5-TIdOylADrm7zG106D8j9Z4ZdjsghS32ctLcRGfO2nUTrzuRZAfuowS-gQeClQNEpv5rHbFmfh2hXFtLjLHUKrAAISMZaUBginbMSUlYquh1C-H4hCk4jb73Z1/s3198/North%20slip%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3117" data-original-width="3198" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedoRsn41VYLkSdKu00gCYY0pWe-_bAtGE7iCJUzC2ayJCeczh3o2WzKN4rvcxe-fxF5-TIdOylADrm7zG106D8j9Z4ZdjsghS32ctLcRGfO2nUTrzuRZAfuowS-gQeClQNEpv5rHbFmfh2hXFtLjLHUKrAAISMZaUBginbMSUlYquh1C-H4hCk4jb73Z1/w400-h390/North%20slip%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today I went out to the river again. Although most things were still at Sombra, it seemed a bit "quieter". Even walking some areas, there were virtually no birds!</div><div><br /></div><div>Along the Chenal Ecarte (Snye), I found one of the wintering Pied-billed Grebes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2TVGR4iXNlst1ceeabAbyT-gXlSiRfmPz48wZhCuO-Jk30gqKgkptNxnqw3UFzaH0CfRWopDpQuKId5ntAXH34ot8K6QgpwO10wqwuyb_Nxt7xwV8laHN1lw_H5SGU0LQRarFXI-AeRov1NY3uhaYRixeeLqISHtodRob11fKiF78igt5UJkmCcp5L-y/s3201/IMG_3254.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2254" data-original-width="3201" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2TVGR4iXNlst1ceeabAbyT-gXlSiRfmPz48wZhCuO-Jk30gqKgkptNxnqw3UFzaH0CfRWopDpQuKId5ntAXH34ot8K6QgpwO10wqwuyb_Nxt7xwV8laHN1lw_H5SGU0LQRarFXI-AeRov1NY3uhaYRixeeLqISHtodRob11fKiF78igt5UJkmCcp5L-y/w400-h281/IMG_3254.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBtX-1tgZcWNtBaINV9FnrSgzrNLRDNUsNYtMMm6qc0cmk80WBKe6yaA4mFHmocpV9HDtJuGrk3tCa18qi5VPQyQmKwuW89akwpj6Z23y8KpwlTDqHv7XdI6lazkYdy8v8pDgkRnE1cvhxihlpbwxFhtKTi0DAz-aKViuP42IiviupzX3qLrbfUseGHcZ/s2097/IMG_3252.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1720" data-original-width="2097" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBtX-1tgZcWNtBaINV9FnrSgzrNLRDNUsNYtMMm6qc0cmk80WBKe6yaA4mFHmocpV9HDtJuGrk3tCa18qi5VPQyQmKwuW89akwpj6Z23y8KpwlTDqHv7XdI6lazkYdy8v8pDgkRnE1cvhxihlpbwxFhtKTi0DAz-aKViuP42IiviupzX3qLrbfUseGHcZ/w400-h328/IMG_3252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Several Red-tailed Hawks were seen today. They are getting ready for nesting already!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqnk7wyDGBpfp3KZG2GIfQzWBdxibY-a3SGojoCmdzl6s2xHWANj8MdFZaqVa7rRmvcT9ysKQUQzyDSeUlz3ehMPwCUN0JvaGxzwpmmhRTUt7bNN1cSyXLQcxg2QBOECiIuYHxv__nSHlj83dw9Eh9wKj23RmXwNv8oJORgijmzzVdvGZVpDtYN3lTs_j/s2342/IMG_3257.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2342" data-original-width="2155" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqnk7wyDGBpfp3KZG2GIfQzWBdxibY-a3SGojoCmdzl6s2xHWANj8MdFZaqVa7rRmvcT9ysKQUQzyDSeUlz3ehMPwCUN0JvaGxzwpmmhRTUt7bNN1cSyXLQcxg2QBOECiIuYHxv__nSHlj83dw9Eh9wKj23RmXwNv8oJORgijmzzVdvGZVpDtYN3lTs_j/w588-h640/IMG_3257.JPG" width="588" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-68697280850678139752024-01-27T20:40:00.007-05:002024-01-27T20:43:14.907-05:00Soggy and Foggy This Week!<p> Not much happened this week as the depressing weather kept things at bay. I did not have much ambition! We had a lot of fog, and Thursday night it rained heavily all night. Everything was flooded by late Friday.</p><p>I walked Peers Wetland a couple of times this week. More for exercise it seems.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuygWC3UZYmaK8imF3dtV_RKEJR7UFhSFGdxxeRp4O-hTx4cuVaRx6TVS1R-IqH-qW9MoH67AHb60NbH4nuyl2iD-VxS5jWpDQ4OjwIi78CiYUHR0IBYXZYSI1ztVM2XlH7E0VSpKj7HDnyNhPEoxQHSQ7b4cy01vOwgIeMQwXZXI6957fMBjdWWtydqI/s4624/Peers%20Fog%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuygWC3UZYmaK8imF3dtV_RKEJR7UFhSFGdxxeRp4O-hTx4cuVaRx6TVS1R-IqH-qW9MoH67AHb60NbH4nuyl2iD-VxS5jWpDQ4OjwIi78CiYUHR0IBYXZYSI1ztVM2XlH7E0VSpKj7HDnyNhPEoxQHSQ7b4cy01vOwgIeMQwXZXI6957fMBjdWWtydqI/w480-h640/Peers%20Fog%201.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ltnqo0djCzIo_EYM7B4BTkbmyOCYkx4lpVQhfAie_LTK2qhXcOj4b-UiHz4AoWX5XnBT5GCA7NI3_dShQjj4CLGbmUOQP9YW7a4NPSFfNFBhqBvA8FooUxjIsHw5ov23j5L2vSoAYHz0Bh9NGK56bRvbk8syMdYcbo0e1vWzxwBDLzeRvUjd5U2nruXQ/s4624/Peers%20Fog%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ltnqo0djCzIo_EYM7B4BTkbmyOCYkx4lpVQhfAie_LTK2qhXcOj4b-UiHz4AoWX5XnBT5GCA7NI3_dShQjj4CLGbmUOQP9YW7a4NPSFfNFBhqBvA8FooUxjIsHw5ov23j5L2vSoAYHz0Bh9NGK56bRvbk8syMdYcbo0e1vWzxwBDLzeRvUjd5U2nruXQ/w640-h480/Peers%20Fog%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqNjbJJtgP2rJF2f4ZVTaLK254pVpDxReUAEgaDIZ4DahltirVtzMKNskSSsHKrpvI1OQ8vk_rKFlzSxMHDFtTeyM2Z3-whsRg89w0FD4NSDgmt0S70B0FTnlc6_Qo_VTa1uSLJu1Ik3mb9X_7hOIQw8qgawPS17Sc8K438T2R-OmreNgwUXWw5JCOK6W/s4624/Peers%20Fog%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqNjbJJtgP2rJF2f4ZVTaLK254pVpDxReUAEgaDIZ4DahltirVtzMKNskSSsHKrpvI1OQ8vk_rKFlzSxMHDFtTeyM2Z3-whsRg89w0FD4NSDgmt0S70B0FTnlc6_Qo_VTa1uSLJu1Ik3mb9X_7hOIQw8qgawPS17Sc8K438T2R-OmreNgwUXWw5JCOK6W/w640-h480/Peers%20Fog%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnf-QEpCPMKrFDVNByssKD2VYyroKXOKIxI03NevrrHb0WtZF2_71pFSOZ9QBwk6nm2WwliTGik2HbJ7DRMo3jWmgSkW-4J3I868sABm_bgt-zm4IXms8KzMse0hF8-VC8umVpFqhpEwUT8XU856tAPI7ggWRzUZvOQiaXjE_cnUXDoqum-lL4T2damXN/s4624/Peers%20Fog%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnf-QEpCPMKrFDVNByssKD2VYyroKXOKIxI03NevrrHb0WtZF2_71pFSOZ9QBwk6nm2WwliTGik2HbJ7DRMo3jWmgSkW-4J3I868sABm_bgt-zm4IXms8KzMse0hF8-VC8umVpFqhpEwUT8XU856tAPI7ggWRzUZvOQiaXjE_cnUXDoqum-lL4T2damXN/w640-h480/Peers%20Fog%203.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><p>A few birds were around the first time, but virtually nothing the second time. At least I saw an American Goldfinch!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0wdrOhnh0jxV2_gHG7EwIJzfS6BF0mlRxtTZrZ_hxQ4CJRgTUUwfJucOoJYjIRk1JVrxbfCjn8QT_etvSu21BlVsC718Y86PeL-WF_8n6xwo-Y8q2xEiurV7bJffeiARgIoEsvuhTeCakx8sFuIh67HkOCdGCTYtZShhnHl34EE1GThuheSOjXgOBdsd/s3340/IMG_3210.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3340" data-original-width="2922" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0wdrOhnh0jxV2_gHG7EwIJzfS6BF0mlRxtTZrZ_hxQ4CJRgTUUwfJucOoJYjIRk1JVrxbfCjn8QT_etvSu21BlVsC718Y86PeL-WF_8n6xwo-Y8q2xEiurV7bJffeiARgIoEsvuhTeCakx8sFuIh67HkOCdGCTYtZShhnHl34EE1GThuheSOjXgOBdsd/w350-h400/IMG_3210.JPG" width="350" /></a></div><br /><p>I checked out the St. Clair River a few times, and it is getting better for numbers of ducks. However, there was nothing of note.</p><p><br /></p><p>Today was a better day, and I went down to Rondeau Park. It was dead calm, so one could hear quite well. It was almost like early spring, with many birds singing. Cardinals and Carolina Wrens were most vocal! There were even lots of Red-winged Blackbirds...some singing!</p><p>I managed to find a couple of first-of-year species in the campground, including Field Sparrow and Cedar Waxwing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aLVc1i2Gg4pNOAfP7xt4MV5dOq0rT20Gv0px8RV81gBBDMkW8SOCfRv61SnZHJEDfBqiByBM-q0XTdLaTkWOTx7yoYELVG_nbPHmU1yvjMSZchdhdiDW9MRskTXTMBWJ2MOmHli5_oxG1o_MkInhS3UufBzljBWY7VXLougjxEjk8iF371KtzfVxPFDD/s3062/IMG_3213.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2928" data-original-width="3062" height="613" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aLVc1i2Gg4pNOAfP7xt4MV5dOq0rT20Gv0px8RV81gBBDMkW8SOCfRv61SnZHJEDfBqiByBM-q0XTdLaTkWOTx7yoYELVG_nbPHmU1yvjMSZchdhdiDW9MRskTXTMBWJ2MOmHli5_oxG1o_MkInhS3UufBzljBWY7VXLougjxEjk8iF371KtzfVxPFDD/w640-h613/IMG_3213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Down on south point trail there is some ice along the shoreline to help protect the rapidly-eroding park shoreline in that area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4IlidcvpYq9jfCzcFQz6QtEGYzwQ_4ea3sLbL1cKw1b0bLhHdbjjsjWxQAVbplB7pArC3aj9G5fsPF6q6lFWmuWtUoTuS_bB56Ad_ohL_e6UyHcUEGSuiT-3SIiNLX7mj0eqC_FUWDo6psd2fTCQVafxl81KD2RS3NyT789cbf6NZ1w8Zbj7bXUWH1e2/s4624/Rondeau%20ice%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4IlidcvpYq9jfCzcFQz6QtEGYzwQ_4ea3sLbL1cKw1b0bLhHdbjjsjWxQAVbplB7pArC3aj9G5fsPF6q6lFWmuWtUoTuS_bB56Ad_ohL_e6UyHcUEGSuiT-3SIiNLX7mj0eqC_FUWDo6psd2fTCQVafxl81KD2RS3NyT789cbf6NZ1w8Zbj7bXUWH1e2/w640-h480/Rondeau%20ice%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXjPVmabHP27eKtIu-pdmL7vJQMQhouihdUva3glO_ENplaipkJGMjgodlwZw7ZgA6pViPG878UI6ZmwXjP10h-nPHcObZ_GJYkn5tTZYJUhW_ARotR9VmxzV7jmHz5RjJH08A4jVyCwN4n3blR5jb3z82tOOUCqGx9goYliki61xOzFC2QCSBm7_PqU7/s6960/Rondeau%20ice%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXjPVmabHP27eKtIu-pdmL7vJQMQhouihdUva3glO_ENplaipkJGMjgodlwZw7ZgA6pViPG878UI6ZmwXjP10h-nPHcObZ_GJYkn5tTZYJUhW_ARotR9VmxzV7jmHz5RjJH08A4jVyCwN4n3blR5jb3z82tOOUCqGx9goYliki61xOzFC2QCSBm7_PqU7/w640-h426/Rondeau%20ice%201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The concrete structure is now well out in the lake. Difficult to imagine, this area was once a campground office!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz_MxiEnA7cB2AkjGjA60VXMM0C8KUnweLMyt6-dZ5Mfb0SG28jf_emEmchAhnNeIbSY8sm_uhxuGaa9qEKyUntzVitrpWxiI4zTuMF4v6stZiJnbEUMT9PrRexflE4a1a8aaZpfyz1LDrfLjsfQ0J1qUJ6ZDEcW5A3tg1enPgBcgkQx2hT4TnlnO8UGp/s4624/Rondeau%20ice%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz_MxiEnA7cB2AkjGjA60VXMM0C8KUnweLMyt6-dZ5Mfb0SG28jf_emEmchAhnNeIbSY8sm_uhxuGaa9qEKyUntzVitrpWxiI4zTuMF4v6stZiJnbEUMT9PrRexflE4a1a8aaZpfyz1LDrfLjsfQ0J1qUJ6ZDEcW5A3tg1enPgBcgkQx2hT4TnlnO8UGp/w640-h480/Rondeau%20ice%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Just before the "washout" area, I encountered the most birds, which included many waxwings, robins, purple finches, cardinals and a few Fox Sparrows. I was only able to get a photo of a Cedar Waxwing, as shown above, as it fed on multi-flora rose berries.</p><p>I also walked Black Oak trail just for the heck of it. At least one chipmunk has already emerged (or never did hibernate)!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mUs_Xg_sLITXyf7wYqyJ6d61GfDFHT1ilFIoYyFlGUKbGojfxL6BGwoyomHBrouBLDO5kqItW3Mi6o6F1-1XtIaf-_6Gkdi-AvAE4lfHdKQ5XJwEV9fIlB4WvQ4hARCq5keHwA55O3_ADz31Y15adYTBkzc6-76cfG-S1Z9Py6oEDBJmd4lHHWStKDHZ/s4101/IMG_3216.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3241" data-original-width="4101" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mUs_Xg_sLITXyf7wYqyJ6d61GfDFHT1ilFIoYyFlGUKbGojfxL6BGwoyomHBrouBLDO5kqItW3Mi6o6F1-1XtIaf-_6Gkdi-AvAE4lfHdKQ5XJwEV9fIlB4WvQ4hARCq5keHwA55O3_ADz31Y15adYTBkzc6-76cfG-S1Z9Py6oEDBJmd4lHHWStKDHZ/w400-h316/IMG_3216.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I found the remains of a Leopard (I think) Frog.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3MwjW2mzK7OxfgGT0MwobtIBz2kK-U3YrsLqi1EF4ppDYOzsZP2MnuXxqJqveChmdyKBI2VKY4gpPk4Ma6ulakOt7h0OTrL_H_dGAkyANLKgpVlButM-1FCli7d1gS822ZFt-_PGSUOi7yLaklSyS6hCrAoUxvD5s0Suv-3TmziCRC3GyA9yjfFPon8N/s1024/large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3MwjW2mzK7OxfgGT0MwobtIBz2kK-U3YrsLqi1EF4ppDYOzsZP2MnuXxqJqveChmdyKBI2VKY4gpPk4Ma6ulakOt7h0OTrL_H_dGAkyANLKgpVlButM-1FCli7d1gS822ZFt-_PGSUOi7yLaklSyS6hCrAoUxvD5s0Suv-3TmziCRC3GyA9yjfFPon8N/w300-h400/large.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That is it for this week!</div><br />Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-1646351272936753382024-01-23T19:55:00.000-05:002024-01-23T19:55:05.399-05:00Some River Runs and a Rondeau Ramble<p> We are back in the mild stuff now, but even with the cold weather last week, little ice has accumulated on the St. Clair River. Not like the old days!</p><p>The following photo, which I have shown before, was taken in mid winter off Port Lambton. The rail ferry <i>Sainte Marie </i>was on its maiden voyage from Ohio. It was launched 111 years ago yesterday (22 January 1913). Photo was taken by Mabel Smith, Port Lambton's grocer of the day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5ABOmYsz-DyOSJeA5hvb7ELQbyc5reVIDA1vX7iRnUqlAXKwa7sJSDwuPYNEmqned1H8TBAJMP8kdvk8czHW8Vr7jf8vCW1Umrk3lFfXE-6xqFrFKAgaLyjlIp1jtNUN1UHVIAVJZcT61qbD5d6DiYt_SZEKxWEy0d-uKej_iqwlUPBHWxpB40zlmqR3/s4384/Sainte%20Marie%201913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4384" data-original-width="2690" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5ABOmYsz-DyOSJeA5hvb7ELQbyc5reVIDA1vX7iRnUqlAXKwa7sJSDwuPYNEmqned1H8TBAJMP8kdvk8czHW8Vr7jf8vCW1Umrk3lFfXE-6xqFrFKAgaLyjlIp1jtNUN1UHVIAVJZcT61qbD5d6DiYt_SZEKxWEy0d-uKej_iqwlUPBHWxpB40zlmqR3/w392-h640/Sainte%20Marie%201913.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><br /><p>The many rail ferries on the lakes were known as good ice breakers. Not often we see ice like that anymore!</p><p>I have not done much the last few days, but have checked out the St. Clair River from time to time.</p><p>There have been more ducks on the St. Clair River the last couple of days. The Sombra waterfront was quite busy today with a variety of ducks. </p><p>The trusty Northern Pintail has certainly found a home around the old ferry dock causeway this winter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxOR39Gm5tjca5Gdmkges35b1JuSK9ceSp57p0toTmb5YPfU6biBVzKuH_ss8sRh7LdgJPGCHscjSXk2kFeQS38Nx3HVdfTWXxj0-sPq2f98U8LnBDszwMDgk-VTrEbWQp2s_oVGK_PkFcjbyEWHK5vbKXAVNBLFJOkhFyWSc6m-T5np_pSTlV4fsuSZF/s6960/IMG_3157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxOR39Gm5tjca5Gdmkges35b1JuSK9ceSp57p0toTmb5YPfU6biBVzKuH_ss8sRh7LdgJPGCHscjSXk2kFeQS38Nx3HVdfTWXxj0-sPq2f98U8LnBDszwMDgk-VTrEbWQp2s_oVGK_PkFcjbyEWHK5vbKXAVNBLFJOkhFyWSc6m-T5np_pSTlV4fsuSZF/w640-h426/IMG_3157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>There were more mergansers, goldeneye and Redhead on the river today, or so it seemed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UwRdJXr9-yBQLVDlHFF0bHx9MWxQR3BZmnbE4e4tCXytvQFIYOj0EzGtUvG_hyphenhyphenX0BLI2ufNfawZEDI68CvpFG-yhDCrW68V4gwlbcy6xBmzjz43wyqP-JjCtqUhXnfNvaqd_xQ2FxlbHAXW7B9TVFfUnGFknHTp4vg5c4In4zwD4q6EtCMhOBsmroj-R/s3862/IMG_3204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2684" data-original-width="3862" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UwRdJXr9-yBQLVDlHFF0bHx9MWxQR3BZmnbE4e4tCXytvQFIYOj0EzGtUvG_hyphenhyphenX0BLI2ufNfawZEDI68CvpFG-yhDCrW68V4gwlbcy6xBmzjz43wyqP-JjCtqUhXnfNvaqd_xQ2FxlbHAXW7B9TVFfUnGFknHTp4vg5c4In4zwD4q6EtCMhOBsmroj-R/w400-h278/IMG_3204.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxhKWH1tyIs-TUEIdFY05hvpe-JnVKfC1ZbxD2vzdddrhqG3h4QjJyFnrP-Xg50O-sBuF68qkl-OtaCGrmiZgIDbuX-jCMbJxp3DXkR_fceRZjLN5bwhr664TVgbqyoDN1Ik7yajxePQN5g2LqRIYq2hwd1dBNehGbsxeJXoM4kT0ARFJuiWclouevaBD/s5965/IMG_3156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3155" data-original-width="5965" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxhKWH1tyIs-TUEIdFY05hvpe-JnVKfC1ZbxD2vzdddrhqG3h4QjJyFnrP-Xg50O-sBuF68qkl-OtaCGrmiZgIDbuX-jCMbJxp3DXkR_fceRZjLN5bwhr664TVgbqyoDN1Ik7yajxePQN5g2LqRIYq2hwd1dBNehGbsxeJXoM4kT0ARFJuiWclouevaBD/w400-h211/IMG_3156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Not many scaup are on the river this winter. At Sombra, I found this Greater Scaup which appears to missing its lower mandible. Looks like it is panting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZRAFgczxqr3nCdyu0g8C6BpEE_LLiORDw9ld4ewxKSzKVLR9P38pP0_fNuqxBdSDqWrndAt-8K1GwLHhIeFcNy4nsXO36sZznxhz15iRiMaCs6DOr1iggGiJ5JlrA6IqTH1BFXRF89SPN4vJ32xnboGZzgMZmArB6ahhNL6v2pXtSpDqaW0YNCgscpNq/s4055/IMG_3198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3294" data-original-width="4055" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZRAFgczxqr3nCdyu0g8C6BpEE_LLiORDw9ld4ewxKSzKVLR9P38pP0_fNuqxBdSDqWrndAt-8K1GwLHhIeFcNy4nsXO36sZznxhz15iRiMaCs6DOr1iggGiJ5JlrA6IqTH1BFXRF89SPN4vJ32xnboGZzgMZmArB6ahhNL6v2pXtSpDqaW0YNCgscpNq/w400-h325/IMG_3198.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFlhozY6lb6Ny83_Oy5tVtCF6S7ao4N22NkBDWsk92KrXqy32u3ahOzbO1uTGpt2lsecmP53udtVKJCzg2HOdpJFZw_v-xNu0VqTq29yv5AQ0O9-26RG98pilj91-2wvQ9xOHCUx9B75WLSeg9uLmzM0Q-0hZbiEf8eZLuRGFmwBBUtfXPgJusSeVVMKl/s3277/IMG_3202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2596" data-original-width="3277" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFlhozY6lb6Ny83_Oy5tVtCF6S7ao4N22NkBDWsk92KrXqy32u3ahOzbO1uTGpt2lsecmP53udtVKJCzg2HOdpJFZw_v-xNu0VqTq29yv5AQ0O9-26RG98pilj91-2wvQ9xOHCUx9B75WLSeg9uLmzM0Q-0hZbiEf8eZLuRGFmwBBUtfXPgJusSeVVMKl/w400-h318/IMG_3202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>It looks much like the Redhead at Erieau last year which was in the same predicament.</p><p>A number of Tundra Swans are wintering on the river as usual. We never used to see them in mid winter!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPhvWRgXepS5e8cK73yjZRc-hLtLOsQDP3F-mjm_pTCzOAKZ7KcpmYH0zuXTLOFr9msfWwwgcm7IWiArYvjbakwcz7d4wovS7h3kljVk5Q3Qk1wkPLV-D1usqzBR2xCaYfE70gg8FIA9ueX6degaNyXpMjwTLja7Tk2wJVyYfbIBgGwZiPdD1iqEMmzW3/s6005/IMG_3193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3463" data-original-width="6005" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPhvWRgXepS5e8cK73yjZRc-hLtLOsQDP3F-mjm_pTCzOAKZ7KcpmYH0zuXTLOFr9msfWwwgcm7IWiArYvjbakwcz7d4wovS7h3kljVk5Q3Qk1wkPLV-D1usqzBR2xCaYfE70gg8FIA9ueX6degaNyXpMjwTLja7Tk2wJVyYfbIBgGwZiPdD1iqEMmzW3/w640-h370/IMG_3193.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MdDdDJDmzjXhZWHQlh_VqcIxTdSiM4BnWudNDxwCHUvy8Qar1KShmoL51sBXWpl5d8SX0L59nZf250OAusgis8X0k7LZje_i-bnd3L4oD8IYuPSdr5Q0vNRWzXztu7QGGpxKr3XMWZbI4ctB_QI2TqSHbln2_IqPDL9fmK7udGSyv92HjNTAYvvVp2Ax/s5297/IMG_3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2783" data-original-width="5297" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MdDdDJDmzjXhZWHQlh_VqcIxTdSiM4BnWudNDxwCHUvy8Qar1KShmoL51sBXWpl5d8SX0L59nZf250OAusgis8X0k7LZje_i-bnd3L4oD8IYuPSdr5Q0vNRWzXztu7QGGpxKr3XMWZbI4ctB_QI2TqSHbln2_IqPDL9fmK7udGSyv92HjNTAYvvVp2Ax/w400-h210/IMG_3195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>A few days ago when we had cold, crisp and clear weather, I ventured down Rondeau way. I first checked out Stefina Line where we always find Wilson's Snipe in the unfrozen creek. I could not see them from the car, but when I got out to take a closer look, they flushed from behind some shrubbery. Up to four (unusual number) have been seen here of late.</p><p>This is a traditional wintering site for snipe. I remember not long after starting birding, I saw one here on the Christmas Bird Count.</p><p>I then worked my way down to Rondeau Park. It was too cold for much of a walk, so I mainly drove the roads. Lots of Fox Sparrows were seen (as previously mentioned), as well as a couple of Hermit Thrushes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF0Qq2uWAUD68A5J8ZM6KEhayg_xIuENqq0dL4zrzAAOLnIiDbdIGWf-TfU37ZGnHqSMoBmE8tfa5ntxEiRXV6n8BFXRsk2xcixhh9gd95EEr2wcbbr6eEAOvQrZkY4dqJdALpNO2gRqk2wnGVVBzg_OiS3EMxdQlpxGURyBz7MIgqevPVC9N4-mi8zMO/s3253/IMG_3166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3172" data-original-width="3253" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF0Qq2uWAUD68A5J8ZM6KEhayg_xIuENqq0dL4zrzAAOLnIiDbdIGWf-TfU37ZGnHqSMoBmE8tfa5ntxEiRXV6n8BFXRsk2xcixhh9gd95EEr2wcbbr6eEAOvQrZkY4dqJdALpNO2gRqk2wnGVVBzg_OiS3EMxdQlpxGURyBz7MIgqevPVC9N4-mi8zMO/w400-h390/IMG_3166.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr7yJ1_1Va30bvjvlFm7mI2vlBgJK0ECdQM8Ieyobj-JMO6az2itLtbH7dP2INU9_C1fzFVrc3VloslVL_349m9oOoYumd7wVF2gWc9a4O8DOz1LTCL67uOxzEkHHevCZzG_jSb0C9LXZ1plU6oVuw2kTaTnWfWfIU4I7X4d3FwlLeLURLXaZUSvOlWAQ/s3410/IMG_3165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3253" data-original-width="3410" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr7yJ1_1Va30bvjvlFm7mI2vlBgJK0ECdQM8Ieyobj-JMO6az2itLtbH7dP2INU9_C1fzFVrc3VloslVL_349m9oOoYumd7wVF2gWc9a4O8DOz1LTCL67uOxzEkHHevCZzG_jSb0C9LXZ1plU6oVuw2kTaTnWfWfIU4I7X4d3FwlLeLURLXaZUSvOlWAQ/s320/IMG_3165.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>There seems to be a number of Purple Finches around right now, as I saw a few.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrI-1L21aKQM-bsMjoO8txZiozj7MI3wRJ9yN6_ykhdCJyoUXm7jHzCeizuUoti09eXxg3uP_phFxmPV5mwQHlzsmk3MkGjGHxHu5p0jgA4vnSZTkcHYtt8EDRZGhXSsG1uHsVcv2gAsCSshZRSGR4fSi8C_l6rn5gFJ7o0TrBmlxGkFMJpJYOyUDkmrB/s2713/IMG_3171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2713" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrI-1L21aKQM-bsMjoO8txZiozj7MI3wRJ9yN6_ykhdCJyoUXm7jHzCeizuUoti09eXxg3uP_phFxmPV5mwQHlzsmk3MkGjGHxHu5p0jgA4vnSZTkcHYtt8EDRZGhXSsG1uHsVcv2gAsCSshZRSGR4fSi8C_l6rn5gFJ7o0TrBmlxGkFMJpJYOyUDkmrB/w400-h365/IMG_3171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyeW1RvPZQU_F6RGgt-RiU-UmKsUS-59q_aEcdlcYBITWbDmzsi_wqUCN5qvygY_Fr3fu_DxTu2Bp9NJAYhj4A2JMBojnRmHqbt71o1fzb-R7-T-0zLZrnDENvvAZ5GJnBFa3MZ5MtF7EVJ50mVdNiVO4ItYM7bueIFlkzs8XEMzkbKJcvyBEM_TtRdcc/s3143/IMG_3168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2690" data-original-width="3143" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyeW1RvPZQU_F6RGgt-RiU-UmKsUS-59q_aEcdlcYBITWbDmzsi_wqUCN5qvygY_Fr3fu_DxTu2Bp9NJAYhj4A2JMBojnRmHqbt71o1fzb-R7-T-0zLZrnDENvvAZ5GJnBFa3MZ5MtF7EVJ50mVdNiVO4ItYM7bueIFlkzs8XEMzkbKJcvyBEM_TtRdcc/w400-h343/IMG_3168.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Afterwards, I drove several back roads. Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, and Lapland Longspurs are giving a good showing this winter. We have probably missed Smith's Longspur at some point!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-cTmWNo8SBmZQBH-YcNylcD8vSQSX054dDf4xUvhdpdi__issnmrxXYz2nbk4Lq4Kpx0Vp9EED61qN_OH8n9OHWtAy1J0sNr8Ymm2gGe7soVCsbwk-DaiEOstiUQNKhyphenhypheni8SxiAeLBWbkZJVyJFNrapXvf8sGpKzwxLqlqHWOnybi6XW6ocOnrPySKnER/s6960/buntings%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-cTmWNo8SBmZQBH-YcNylcD8vSQSX054dDf4xUvhdpdi__issnmrxXYz2nbk4Lq4Kpx0Vp9EED61qN_OH8n9OHWtAy1J0sNr8Ymm2gGe7soVCsbwk-DaiEOstiUQNKhyphenhypheni8SxiAeLBWbkZJVyJFNrapXvf8sGpKzwxLqlqHWOnybi6XW6ocOnrPySKnER/w640-h426/buntings%201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>One of these days, I would hope something would show up at the backyard feeders. Mainly the same stuff everyday, but once in a while I see a Robin, extra goldfinches, or the odd Brown-headed Cowbird.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUKEXvAkVpzwXZmIKSKzZ19hlrm17lVGL-M2o_0Msl86bSb8Gc3O8WAwrxYWOonwJZuKQD7FUg8BgwJs4fTc-u9UBSMQJ6LYiFjHS1WMqoubtRMKFkXBaLfdu31NhE3KLZfraCV97l40MAlxO8B3uAQelrkKxK2Zn1A1hUpd9tfKnE2Lp7ibmnHImXn-7/s3480/IMG_3183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3334" data-original-width="3480" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUKEXvAkVpzwXZmIKSKzZ19hlrm17lVGL-M2o_0Msl86bSb8Gc3O8WAwrxYWOonwJZuKQD7FUg8BgwJs4fTc-u9UBSMQJ6LYiFjHS1WMqoubtRMKFkXBaLfdu31NhE3KLZfraCV97l40MAlxO8B3uAQelrkKxK2Zn1A1hUpd9tfKnE2Lp7ibmnHImXn-7/w400-h384/IMG_3183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTi6JpSnjScvfMBEfUSfsIxqqPyjR7ytwhGt9hLtAzI4S9whuQvRCHO7kJAVUNrfD7eT5s5jb-pZuOYXulrWNituv_Zs6NB1mHPLdCoRKt7q_KQZ1iKNF1dgOl8r6lBU6WxOMq6PGIOfrLmcH33vzF8j6tYAdF26tPZz2uaLHqP1aPOyMFmMk_wSf677E/s2777/IMG_3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2660" data-original-width="2777" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTi6JpSnjScvfMBEfUSfsIxqqPyjR7ytwhGt9hLtAzI4S9whuQvRCHO7kJAVUNrfD7eT5s5jb-pZuOYXulrWNituv_Zs6NB1mHPLdCoRKt7q_KQZ1iKNF1dgOl8r6lBU6WxOMq6PGIOfrLmcH33vzF8j6tYAdF26tPZz2uaLHqP1aPOyMFmMk_wSf677E/w400-h384/IMG_3185.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DFGk0VCRbYSOLqG3udRTFDkOXXa2Ca8cjuI7be2knUlgNTMpgDOu3uPGEo0iLhIGwFrtJt4Z3M99dbun2veKJEUGnwxe9qMYkK9cR1avVIoaEnu4W-7SIBlDpKpTpOJR0lQ63TvNA2cN4QxQwN6aJi_pbbwPve6jXAuI7Or3zTxK9BHV7EitAl3PbP6_/s3781/IMG_3176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3323" data-original-width="3781" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DFGk0VCRbYSOLqG3udRTFDkOXXa2Ca8cjuI7be2knUlgNTMpgDOu3uPGEo0iLhIGwFrtJt4Z3M99dbun2veKJEUGnwxe9qMYkK9cR1avVIoaEnu4W-7SIBlDpKpTpOJR0lQ63TvNA2cN4QxQwN6aJi_pbbwPve6jXAuI7Or3zTxK9BHV7EitAl3PbP6_/w640-h562/IMG_3176.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I doubt we will get any crossbills down this way, but there is a good cone crop just waiting! Native or non-native spruce.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbonwOu9RfesoacMyULUTSRftVf100Ekl436bYHluqf_bqNK_3q1nCPCrQlLLWax5DBMoQ3aUR-q0oYCS7lFRoeb25newl9fxpxE0QPUse7vObcFaAcPVP0dxIYkbjjC8CygFAFhEpDUsoPkKO-4N0V8CcmN4LhDvuOBwyTShSVRSEEbOLkVzaISrQspX/s6960/IMG_3186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbonwOu9RfesoacMyULUTSRftVf100Ekl436bYHluqf_bqNK_3q1nCPCrQlLLWax5DBMoQ3aUR-q0oYCS7lFRoeb25newl9fxpxE0QPUse7vObcFaAcPVP0dxIYkbjjC8CygFAFhEpDUsoPkKO-4N0V8CcmN4LhDvuOBwyTShSVRSEEbOLkVzaISrQspX/w400-h266/IMG_3186.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DFGk0VCRbYSOLqG3udRTFDkOXXa2Ca8cjuI7be2knUlgNTMpgDOu3uPGEo0iLhIGwFrtJt4Z3M99dbun2veKJEUGnwxe9qMYkK9cR1avVIoaEnu4W-7SIBlDpKpTpOJR0lQ63TvNA2cN4QxQwN6aJi_pbbwPve6jXAuI7Or3zTxK9BHV7EitAl3PbP6_/s3781/IMG_3176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br /></a></div><br />Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-79576938876069192362024-01-18T19:20:00.008-05:002024-01-30T18:23:17.606-05:00Mid January Jaunts<p> With the recent cold and very windy weather, outdoor activities have been limited. It was simply too cold to go for a long walk anywhere.</p><p>Feeder watching from home provided the main excitement, although just the usual birds were around. Last year I had two White-throated Sparrows, but only one is hanging around this winter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UABvXBiAPt6khleeFS1mXhdu9dknDAHLBzT6ER19GSvAPkD8ozsxwLRbmL0e25jROht0V7ddqGkpM75-r6DIE8hIDHRsnNb1yugl7pAQdIXvfeLxP3FBmnpW5BFoBXkiSKsQP5kyEolX6EHfS784tQ6-OJzxA1rgUya5UWfuI_At4hDbj1TTFKkzloUr/s4606/IMG_3077.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2742" data-original-width="4606" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UABvXBiAPt6khleeFS1mXhdu9dknDAHLBzT6ER19GSvAPkD8ozsxwLRbmL0e25jROht0V7ddqGkpM75-r6DIE8hIDHRsnNb1yugl7pAQdIXvfeLxP3FBmnpW5BFoBXkiSKsQP5kyEolX6EHfS784tQ6-OJzxA1rgUya5UWfuI_At4hDbj1TTFKkzloUr/w400-h238/IMG_3077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>After the big blow, an American Tree Sparrow showed up for a day. Not a usual visitor here, but for some reason one or two show up after a storm, then depart!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17EGp0F5cxHpWI3DKjBLqFxU8qtpJyslV1AMSXpJ4oBniTNyX-2dsH9JNejk5z6G0FbBq5swEZNzjHSeEUe0gLU66IXajEojiKr8epPVDIRVGQSALnmDrEMmozS6pa0uql1D5RU4sCx07gaoMa3lAU4SbdnL-OYqLukZ2zU2W4qq6PqLYGyT8Y1opJaFS/s3364/IMG_3080.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="3364" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17EGp0F5cxHpWI3DKjBLqFxU8qtpJyslV1AMSXpJ4oBniTNyX-2dsH9JNejk5z6G0FbBq5swEZNzjHSeEUe0gLU66IXajEojiKr8epPVDIRVGQSALnmDrEMmozS6pa0uql1D5RU4sCx07gaoMa3lAU4SbdnL-OYqLukZ2zU2W4qq6PqLYGyT8Y1opJaFS/w400-h314/IMG_3080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>A couple of days ago, I decided to go to Rondeau Park. It was still quite cold, so walking was limited. I first checked the campground. I came across the Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler at the north end. It was quite active, and I was unable, once again, to get a decent photo.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1s9QU5ZuZslz1uqR4Gk9tCNIm4MVz_wGVpr4v-RtbC82neD-PkCi2zzGNmSlqA6g6fjKx3Of0nm_lL7IjYxMcsGjq6UCcMJGwYN3LopcecroO4FeB1HLhHdq9xnkCAZvi7mczmAWQqxHkfDGExzdpXI5lINlK2dUO7h-wl7CRJiDDYfpfiqkLHQaxq257/s3439/IMG_3098.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2591" data-original-width="3439" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1s9QU5ZuZslz1uqR4Gk9tCNIm4MVz_wGVpr4v-RtbC82neD-PkCi2zzGNmSlqA6g6fjKx3Of0nm_lL7IjYxMcsGjq6UCcMJGwYN3LopcecroO4FeB1HLhHdq9xnkCAZvi7mczmAWQqxHkfDGExzdpXI5lINlK2dUO7h-wl7CRJiDDYfpfiqkLHQaxq257/w400-h301/IMG_3098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>There were lots of Fox Sparrows along Lakeshore Road, feeding in the roadside scrapes. I counted at least 16.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA5nHv9QQstUALLYELJhpOZ7yVQsHviYJBou6GJ0nLMDKktkHZAdNqwVuJySC2ltfaWqMiUrsYi8zNElX0MvljKBHmDD3UaFdeZ5Uh3v11zHCozVdXDKazh0aUOJ_IJW_HitcmwmEv4Iobx34fwRZxWZhQaGsjmN2bC86lepzaOkgMMuas5JvQ2tqyAxb/s3990/IMG_3082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2719" data-original-width="3990" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA5nHv9QQstUALLYELJhpOZ7yVQsHviYJBou6GJ0nLMDKktkHZAdNqwVuJySC2ltfaWqMiUrsYi8zNElX0MvljKBHmDD3UaFdeZ5Uh3v11zHCozVdXDKazh0aUOJ_IJW_HitcmwmEv4Iobx34fwRZxWZhQaGsjmN2bC86lepzaOkgMMuas5JvQ2tqyAxb/w400-h272/IMG_3082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonhlOVPCXAWT-Np9ynWQvSC7wc9_PHuMAvvrZWaw6TsL7Vx96tyLNXP0YOFVkI0YYQ7JNA59NI6CrmaXT7xSvadz4fr8ab5GFDKZTmWpfI2tInk4Uu8ZkXwNh6Em2M8CZrcU35hM0op9M-OvLpM8gUPXk_idrsDUc02EErB3ay0AdSdLuESfLJtHfLUkZ/s2812/IMG_3085.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2521" data-original-width="2812" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonhlOVPCXAWT-Np9ynWQvSC7wc9_PHuMAvvrZWaw6TsL7Vx96tyLNXP0YOFVkI0YYQ7JNA59NI6CrmaXT7xSvadz4fr8ab5GFDKZTmWpfI2tInk4Uu8ZkXwNh6Em2M8CZrcU35hM0op9M-OvLpM8gUPXk_idrsDUc02EErB3ay0AdSdLuESfLJtHfLUkZ/w400-h359/IMG_3085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Yesterday, I headed up to Sarnia for a change. Things are getting more productive on the St. Clair River and at Sarnia with the more normal winter weather.</p><p>A Black-legged Kittiwake was found the day before off Canatara Park--an excellent January record. I thought chances were slim for me to see it, but after some waiting, it showed off the lakewatch near the water plant!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoQ_37q55X-x8x3JLTcgEzfTe4mUP_b0yFxR8oMz6UgLEr7MPt4W-RGuRYz4EmnKY8PNLM_K6zMVK0fDkGZPUtd96Mv8IYem-1vQGAl-f7s08j_GdeVfJusfdq7dHJNZ8Tgbq14bOSwL3Rvlvkl2WBiEsscxZVACJ6cE5pTWYf0wLpJHJr8OK3TNBGNEK/s6929/BLKI%2010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2934" data-original-width="6929" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoQ_37q55X-x8x3JLTcgEzfTe4mUP_b0yFxR8oMz6UgLEr7MPt4W-RGuRYz4EmnKY8PNLM_K6zMVK0fDkGZPUtd96Mv8IYem-1vQGAl-f7s08j_GdeVfJusfdq7dHJNZ8Tgbq14bOSwL3Rvlvkl2WBiEsscxZVACJ6cE5pTWYf0wLpJHJr8OK3TNBGNEK/w640-h272/BLKI%2010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqKUZHGRVfH10co3Usa_-_oJe4zKEGwXrotGPJmccL0jn4VuGvUd0h_VtNOx98fKMAjHvOAJPzQF4iy0Mm_sK8g4Bb-BBPsIn8SDSDxE6dFnB0vGOSwrhK9I6YFxgT4dPYCiok1GhK3l967y13aJAG7rcnJfB-d5BUVgZzGS3lPQyXKhn57NK4m6z7M8O/s6529/BLKI%207.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2922" data-original-width="6529" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqKUZHGRVfH10co3Usa_-_oJe4zKEGwXrotGPJmccL0jn4VuGvUd0h_VtNOx98fKMAjHvOAJPzQF4iy0Mm_sK8g4Bb-BBPsIn8SDSDxE6dFnB0vGOSwrhK9I6YFxgT4dPYCiok1GhK3l967y13aJAG7rcnJfB-d5BUVgZzGS3lPQyXKhn57NK4m6z7M8O/w640-h286/BLKI%207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_a-VdAeJ2yrOmp1KhhuBcXg23IAG7R3CNaLgwsRAOnumyhEFdfDigtQKoxcDACTx6zPINJD8TfXxAsUk-nrMFv1UW683GiQoOWCZB6dTk-5hmu4kRBgvD8rdsy4YQPGzlyKvn73LSKA46t5zNFggAXdoAm59NjhxCYL2wEzTVVhkGhGn2Khdt45vNKhf/s1749/IMG_3104.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1749" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_a-VdAeJ2yrOmp1KhhuBcXg23IAG7R3CNaLgwsRAOnumyhEFdfDigtQKoxcDACTx6zPINJD8TfXxAsUk-nrMFv1UW683GiQoOWCZB6dTk-5hmu4kRBgvD8rdsy4YQPGzlyKvn73LSKA46t5zNFggAXdoAm59NjhxCYL2wEzTVVhkGhGn2Khdt45vNKhf/w640-h534/IMG_3104.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjAbql9YyNN5FPL6YM0mNs5YOfHWUn5Tb7SHhPJ9-WXwqUid4a02f3rP51D8wtIucZiZYSXvjczDZk63NU-U-sSUfTZdfAJ7lbb6I3YDqdpgjWA7PP5wMHJoeTpMtnEkSfopM_0n7sjlnCnVLnwNwjrBzONgekyHIwDpAOip3IWIitKBM-vZvybxfIaes/s1993/IMG_3103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="1993" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjAbql9YyNN5FPL6YM0mNs5YOfHWUn5Tb7SHhPJ9-WXwqUid4a02f3rP51D8wtIucZiZYSXvjczDZk63NU-U-sSUfTZdfAJ7lbb6I3YDqdpgjWA7PP5wMHJoeTpMtnEkSfopM_0n7sjlnCnVLnwNwjrBzONgekyHIwDpAOip3IWIitKBM-vZvybxfIaes/w640-h476/IMG_3103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>It was quite distant though, but easily recognized. It is one of very few January records in the area. One was in Sarnia Bay December 2019, and just made it into January (I saw this one). Another was off downtown Sarnia December 2010, and just into January 2011. Indeed, the current bird was my latest sighting.</p><p>Also of note, was a large raft of Redhead ducks. I really have no idea how many, but certainly over 5000. There were some scaup mixed in, and perhaps something else, but it was 98% Redhead.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCTKP-nH3Do52hFKZDWg4R3Kk6t15FE9fBaXq5j3aKbRnCi19Ui2dUuLMmI7g5r0U5k_pfcqJRE3p8Hkb6kjefJaX6wGu3ihs0wPl6Gu13Gbp0iWxQYtd_aOF-xunfywYH55TIV37M-XDW1A2WFuwcYSd7XSx-JHUCnuOxVLYxkrwdnRrBvClRl2iXlx5/s6960/Redheads%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCTKP-nH3Do52hFKZDWg4R3Kk6t15FE9fBaXq5j3aKbRnCi19Ui2dUuLMmI7g5r0U5k_pfcqJRE3p8Hkb6kjefJaX6wGu3ihs0wPl6Gu13Gbp0iWxQYtd_aOF-xunfywYH55TIV37M-XDW1A2WFuwcYSd7XSx-JHUCnuOxVLYxkrwdnRrBvClRl2iXlx5/w640-h426/Redheads%201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5ld5r6azyJ1zWtY8LpA9rYlLCnWjt5CgYdrSGkp6gIvoRox9mVYqfhpeg1THJEa3k2ZIBCuTkGByrmNwPS-KkLPeS9FDLwfebGTubXGFwX4UcpI8aTwHGNk0LWvIfnGdcRZhFkOpDL7nDyTBMmh-wB6KwW_gLYWWh3cxOTEYW9hT4ZWc_Z7TclJZFeSS/s6960/Redheads%203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5ld5r6azyJ1zWtY8LpA9rYlLCnWjt5CgYdrSGkp6gIvoRox9mVYqfhpeg1THJEa3k2ZIBCuTkGByrmNwPS-KkLPeS9FDLwfebGTubXGFwX4UcpI8aTwHGNk0LWvIfnGdcRZhFkOpDL7nDyTBMmh-wB6KwW_gLYWWh3cxOTEYW9hT4ZWc_Z7TclJZFeSS/w640-h426/Redheads%203.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGK8-JQJAcDCk0_o77Y8o4o28SqIwkPzOQeIKlE_KuTFME96RyyTUn_wP6sgqDUr0MzsVHHdvvXheW9C8b0EKXDNRmFdlSe3AGrLBTWAa5iNl4xwz05MNzjSYAvb9CgYLaVfh5U_Pp9GASwkntrjBPx5fWsu7l8QMxvPjFzZzAUMHlMw_OBG1-hfog3dk/s6960/Redheads%209.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGK8-JQJAcDCk0_o77Y8o4o28SqIwkPzOQeIKlE_KuTFME96RyyTUn_wP6sgqDUr0MzsVHHdvvXheW9C8b0EKXDNRmFdlSe3AGrLBTWAa5iNl4xwz05MNzjSYAvb9CgYLaVfh5U_Pp9GASwkntrjBPx5fWsu7l8QMxvPjFzZzAUMHlMw_OBG1-hfog3dk/w640-h426/Redheads%209.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>A Bald Eagle put them up a couple of times, creating quite a spectacle. Note, the eagle in this photo:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZ5Wzj4nXXtXYEiDPZ2xTaCPfrQscc6t1ja872fCv550j2AgjnYOHr2jt-Uy2s-GhHgvW5vlOoMfz2WGh2m5mpArhpSMcLKxyzA0_-IYqzvQz5oTke315NopsOCBHQ_DikojK3uzPaywMzgY9WCFcpndEdmkDgtY-1al-3BRLEt6nTL5XJ0jFALaJDHZo/s6960/Redheads%206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZ5Wzj4nXXtXYEiDPZ2xTaCPfrQscc6t1ja872fCv550j2AgjnYOHr2jt-Uy2s-GhHgvW5vlOoMfz2WGh2m5mpArhpSMcLKxyzA0_-IYqzvQz5oTke315NopsOCBHQ_DikojK3uzPaywMzgY9WCFcpndEdmkDgtY-1al-3BRLEt6nTL5XJ0jFALaJDHZo/w640-h426/Redheads%206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Some would drift downstream then head back out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS78FRrywDhJHii9QGY4OLH8P6Bpp5uy3XQ1a3nZ46-mgIeHRrF77c0hVsecuPTn9ShmN5fuai2JCB0YDLWhkb0vZirEAWJbkjX5pImcEsD8OS1M6TnWX2uWxX0pUJA4cquxtkyUFw5SQx6N6vlNE08io11bn7iDpZ0eNF5Ud1iLoQFC0VSZlAkG52eUP6/s6870/Redheads%2010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2585" data-original-width="6870" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS78FRrywDhJHii9QGY4OLH8P6Bpp5uy3XQ1a3nZ46-mgIeHRrF77c0hVsecuPTn9ShmN5fuai2JCB0YDLWhkb0vZirEAWJbkjX5pImcEsD8OS1M6TnWX2uWxX0pUJA4cquxtkyUFw5SQx6N6vlNE08io11bn7iDpZ0eNF5Ud1iLoQFC0VSZlAkG52eUP6/w640-h240/Redheads%2010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Today, I did not do much, but we certainly got a lot more snow than what was forecast. In the afternoon, I took a walk at Moore WMA. Water levels were recently quite high, so there was ice under the snow. I slipped and fell twice! Some scenes:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9vMsqB-CruCJceMwqT7J4srcfCav4O2VUC63ok4EnrPxBobsRLen5Gbwe3pVmEdl8CcpSqx_mTK32wUmYpFB1ZxYuTJsH3aBjLdUE3S9cW5oD2kVgXaH2EkMxyr2ODMwQu9Nd5I1ePQ3J6sowDxk4ESnkIYJ-OlckI4EKqp0zG2mrXseGw5A0iOKcCqq/s4624/Moore%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9vMsqB-CruCJceMwqT7J4srcfCav4O2VUC63ok4EnrPxBobsRLen5Gbwe3pVmEdl8CcpSqx_mTK32wUmYpFB1ZxYuTJsH3aBjLdUE3S9cW5oD2kVgXaH2EkMxyr2ODMwQu9Nd5I1ePQ3J6sowDxk4ESnkIYJ-OlckI4EKqp0zG2mrXseGw5A0iOKcCqq/w640-h480/Moore%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu_gZ7qcfxR1jRz7znbEZ5UbABr_JCHBXnGQFByC4wy8G4opgaQiaOuUbew8wOy2LMo1oBFm17mkvnlK24tUIxrqymDqx_w_ZA1gz6iOLydomN8QlR-smDkNY_qRpXq_3GIgLsPaJTKFgN3-AG2rkm0K3D7jy5DIT2R7QLZHY7044lXblZG9v7YU27o4E/s4624/Moore%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3103" data-original-width="4624" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu_gZ7qcfxR1jRz7znbEZ5UbABr_JCHBXnGQFByC4wy8G4opgaQiaOuUbew8wOy2LMo1oBFm17mkvnlK24tUIxrqymDqx_w_ZA1gz6iOLydomN8QlR-smDkNY_qRpXq_3GIgLsPaJTKFgN3-AG2rkm0K3D7jy5DIT2R7QLZHY7044lXblZG9v7YU27o4E/w640-h430/Moore%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>We used to cross the river when the water is lower, but the large oak tree that fell and drifted down to the causeway, will make it impossible as seen in the above photos.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxppgxuvGCKbhahfULIyWDh9RBV8nPKNp4FPiwSeWBgtAS3p__KJX6L-s3FqA7WYE8rTatlTw-q9ux9CE4J__mx1wREDkg5gZ7Ypm0bnJxLYRiCyv5mlSKZ1e44Y0f7L7CcpmHFPEFR7ee4U3cs1d8dn8Slu5fU-49P_bh_un19hdX-bN0uvl6_pj35Ki/s6960/IMG_3149.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxppgxuvGCKbhahfULIyWDh9RBV8nPKNp4FPiwSeWBgtAS3p__KJX6L-s3FqA7WYE8rTatlTw-q9ux9CE4J__mx1wREDkg5gZ7Ypm0bnJxLYRiCyv5mlSKZ1e44Y0f7L7CcpmHFPEFR7ee4U3cs1d8dn8Slu5fU-49P_bh_un19hdX-bN0uvl6_pj35Ki/w640-h426/IMG_3149.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjXGTKSmDEXRzb5-wvQlQDXtGnjnsWEZysJxNBhFwkBmDkwIFSsX1hdKN1xaNCMse0_cdUtzAQYDcMz2y7kWUVXr7Yu5xJKQQ735Qk5wdJWiaPfsTowbCWgmmP7heW5Pnp8XT-HShuxZ0jYCWxVm_D9aPIslf96A76uLOflWClnbjqxempoOvfQVNBEAJ/s6960/IMG_3148.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjXGTKSmDEXRzb5-wvQlQDXtGnjnsWEZysJxNBhFwkBmDkwIFSsX1hdKN1xaNCMse0_cdUtzAQYDcMz2y7kWUVXr7Yu5xJKQQ735Qk5wdJWiaPfsTowbCWgmmP7heW5Pnp8XT-HShuxZ0jYCWxVm_D9aPIslf96A76uLOflWClnbjqxempoOvfQVNBEAJ/w640-h426/IMG_3148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>At one point, a Canadian Beaver swam downstream.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XVMGasK9Dlg35tAxEfmKCXzRm4CySluFQqUnl3iE74RUCC7rRNz-t1rTc0MOEB053O-7pbLNKJhVdFrDaEJp11ZWWKKg8p8lBP3QIdXxUmW6otOnp-mJ1N_5p0E2FXUT6vG9o6iTS1ghh26ttvGap9CKmS9EdZY6YzBddD5KBYVXaO1LL3UL5hIEq9Ue/s5913/IMG_3140.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3242" data-original-width="5913" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XVMGasK9Dlg35tAxEfmKCXzRm4CySluFQqUnl3iE74RUCC7rRNz-t1rTc0MOEB053O-7pbLNKJhVdFrDaEJp11ZWWKKg8p8lBP3QIdXxUmW6otOnp-mJ1N_5p0E2FXUT6vG9o6iTS1ghh26ttvGap9CKmS9EdZY6YzBddD5KBYVXaO1LL3UL5hIEq9Ue/w640-h350/IMG_3140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>There were not many birds, although usually this is an excellent spot to find wintering birds, including Yellow-rumped Warblers. Some American Tree Sparrows were working the weeds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIzqiLJiltdd6Ff8IvnDIhHV-fFvHFrZto393xEthi4ydVWINObpqoT_6zRhmMvUQv7-6XFpjHcpLd6YCYDt190zpbQvAXUZewZCgglSoL5LQdDH6MK_SgBzsrvD_W-ZEXgo_Sn_Uau28EJkG0FHCE2ulVSpZawqJaVXfvmrwCPBsrUYcQbCKdXFnHYBd/s2853/ATSP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2455" data-original-width="2853" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIzqiLJiltdd6Ff8IvnDIhHV-fFvHFrZto393xEthi4ydVWINObpqoT_6zRhmMvUQv7-6XFpjHcpLd6YCYDt190zpbQvAXUZewZCgglSoL5LQdDH6MK_SgBzsrvD_W-ZEXgo_Sn_Uau28EJkG0FHCE2ulVSpZawqJaVXfvmrwCPBsrUYcQbCKdXFnHYBd/w400-h344/ATSP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Staying indoors more the last few days, I took on a jigsaw puzzle. It was a 1000-piece Sibley puzzle, but certainly the most difficult one I have ever done. I was tempted to give up a couple of times, but true to my nature, I stuck it out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNYqClAsPw_p5-0XNexgO6Z21icXtYT08vEZea2ZWLY7LZomkmzdP4SvqfRzL1n0Q1g_rPXLio81mTni4v1xz1aIn_bnoRX5h32apF1UHgTQlnfwS-vMiUF_gxxdfVN5vhdQXI5-icps5HO5ff8M5w9wlkXctzjiWb6T5qDvJDvS6T-0x50aRs8XDQnXt/s4162/Sibley%20Puzzle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3169" data-original-width="4162" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNYqClAsPw_p5-0XNexgO6Z21icXtYT08vEZea2ZWLY7LZomkmzdP4SvqfRzL1n0Q1g_rPXLio81mTni4v1xz1aIn_bnoRX5h32apF1UHgTQlnfwS-vMiUF_gxxdfVN5vhdQXI5-icps5HO5ff8M5w9wlkXctzjiWb6T5qDvJDvS6T-0x50aRs8XDQnXt/w640-h488/Sibley%20Puzzle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>No more Limpkin, as it was taken in by a rehabber a few days ago (not that I agree with that). It would not have survived anyway with the recent weather. Glad I went to see it when I did. It was looking happy and healthy at that point.</p><p><br /></p>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-73362716606780742752024-01-13T20:31:00.000-05:002024-01-13T20:31:06.376-05:00Bay Birding and another Limpkin Look<p> A couple of days ago, I stopped by the Mitchell's Bay south shore trail. We have had more winter-like weather recently, and a light coating of snow gave it a more seasonal atmosphere.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtH51ByMRNsV4GI6GYjFXp97PHvr4RRJw4zjSeAM0eCo4NiThy2oRAYy2CXjWNk6ItZyRDIgarvn52rNKW2ZaPLKI8mmdHFgWf6KsaSwkDk2SPS1JVsCgWQljsyLQeZkUjxnWXkr3_E6qRXSKRE98rzYTrb1-JBiylYcZLui7fg2rKM8oYOYkD8hSWSBsR/s4624/south%20shore%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtH51ByMRNsV4GI6GYjFXp97PHvr4RRJw4zjSeAM0eCo4NiThy2oRAYy2CXjWNk6ItZyRDIgarvn52rNKW2ZaPLKI8mmdHFgWf6KsaSwkDk2SPS1JVsCgWQljsyLQeZkUjxnWXkr3_E6qRXSKRE98rzYTrb1-JBiylYcZLui7fg2rKM8oYOYkD8hSWSBsR/w480-h640/south%20shore%201.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>There were hardly any birds along the trail, but with the Bay completely ice-free, ducks were quite happy. The area off the trail was loaded with many ducks. Most seemed to be Ruddy and Redhead. Perhaps 1500 Ruddy were there, and who knows what else since I did not have a scope!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZe3iphNqot1SI-KDJ84MlMX8QYZv2dNlueUqOzpXRPdQGhGXwoVAh8OwgVnlzKg6SXwoyljUg6vZ6_dTtmosIxbcuH9D1-G28yzGq_LqAP6W-edFY1MyLjrSeTBuy3bIzwHmdZp6r78R1kmXuyORFabxV1npum2QLeNqD3cJNPDUTOmqzTUuxtkUm-CMi/s6929/MB1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2980" data-original-width="6929" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZe3iphNqot1SI-KDJ84MlMX8QYZv2dNlueUqOzpXRPdQGhGXwoVAh8OwgVnlzKg6SXwoyljUg6vZ6_dTtmosIxbcuH9D1-G28yzGq_LqAP6W-edFY1MyLjrSeTBuy3bIzwHmdZp6r78R1kmXuyORFabxV1npum2QLeNqD3cJNPDUTOmqzTUuxtkUm-CMi/w640-h276/MB1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhSQgbIhMg2eLf_6Ts_4B-MvyHE1wi5_3IPNgRAnHb1lp4JTtv868POaqGx8WYxMvjsc8R52WIN29GssHAUIi7rqZZEYnKUbA-aV06oCCmJDmjX4e3a5umXBBXqcQukPqp5F_hoviFfH5e8IoAxjJCzsCi4B6Sy6H6OAwSqMpPoGh18TRz5yepJdAnLxT/s6960/MB2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhSQgbIhMg2eLf_6Ts_4B-MvyHE1wi5_3IPNgRAnHb1lp4JTtv868POaqGx8WYxMvjsc8R52WIN29GssHAUIi7rqZZEYnKUbA-aV06oCCmJDmjX4e3a5umXBBXqcQukPqp5F_hoviFfH5e8IoAxjJCzsCi4B6Sy6H6OAwSqMpPoGh18TRz5yepJdAnLxT/w640-h426/MB2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I stopped by one of my old workplaces. The property has a small woodlot and a couple of ponds. Eastern Screech-owls seem to like the duck boxes this time of year. I found one creature snoozing after a hard night.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8h_EVE8Gj0dDDKzPh44LUNxY_nS4bpc-BWc_QsiiaSfF1NPv8jEqyOgMyiv5TJq2NxyZEKqyWB8Y_e2lR1DsuzbqjpRD1gURGhdkHlZQdwga04BHosKBS3iwagJmlUxqBML0ecxl_k-p62Fg6Uy2K31RJGOnf3qJjSHUelRBPJ3nFG5WySMqlo8w3_dG/s2830/owl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2830" data-original-width="2238" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8h_EVE8Gj0dDDKzPh44LUNxY_nS4bpc-BWc_QsiiaSfF1NPv8jEqyOgMyiv5TJq2NxyZEKqyWB8Y_e2lR1DsuzbqjpRD1gURGhdkHlZQdwga04BHosKBS3iwagJmlUxqBML0ecxl_k-p62Fg6Uy2K31RJGOnf3qJjSHUelRBPJ3nFG5WySMqlo8w3_dG/w316-h400/owl1.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><p>Yesterday, I decided to take another look at the Limpkin at Wheatley Provincial Park. It has found its niche in a small creek at the edge of the park. Lighting was a bit dull, but I did get a few photos.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWpjrMXK4SqHLirliBY0cCRadV_ebIqpGWpiSqLyaQXvIS05w9KcFcqM9AXLpck1b1S9OP2SwDiyf4xw8_VBjcVhqsC0DSnHfe-9bGiPkJqtwgB1jvql5Axt5YfkjFjzAmxgXyGG3hlmcaUj0G-C2stBld17fWu8QXgC0fI7hdVitkioE1mX0zXC8mHVk/s5018/limpkin%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4501" data-original-width="5018" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWpjrMXK4SqHLirliBY0cCRadV_ebIqpGWpiSqLyaQXvIS05w9KcFcqM9AXLpck1b1S9OP2SwDiyf4xw8_VBjcVhqsC0DSnHfe-9bGiPkJqtwgB1jvql5Axt5YfkjFjzAmxgXyGG3hlmcaUj0G-C2stBld17fWu8QXgC0fI7hdVitkioE1mX0zXC8mHVk/w400-h359/limpkin%201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The bird has found an ample supply of snails in this creek, and it looks lively and healthy. Limpkins specialize in snails and mollusks, so this bird is happy for now. However, the upcoming cold weather may change things as any open water will freeze.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjl3_QfebxZDnxv7okoWZCdAkL5sook76NijN_vzWEIACOTqPpkhlZ_XFuRGfzy0MXgW3IZOHIshVN0FNnkwpGd3KdKFx9OSZwc7plgUIqrIKCTR0eMcQV0uCs41LyZlcWPhdEa1iGZKt7nxj9REyeXurlmSIIGFo5kfyRnSHJdfm1E6sGvvqQt3vydwPA/s4485/IMG_3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3346" data-original-width="4485" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjl3_QfebxZDnxv7okoWZCdAkL5sook76NijN_vzWEIACOTqPpkhlZ_XFuRGfzy0MXgW3IZOHIshVN0FNnkwpGd3KdKFx9OSZwc7plgUIqrIKCTR0eMcQV0uCs41LyZlcWPhdEa1iGZKt7nxj9REyeXurlmSIIGFo5kfyRnSHJdfm1E6sGvvqQt3vydwPA/s320/IMG_3059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>From what I see, the Limpkin is finding mainly Mystery Snails, non-native species. During my short visit, the bird found several snails. It was interesting to watch it in action, as it probed the mud underwater, and came up with a snail!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UndGjZc8Rh5YNzLU8WSDu-49t1DTGaFg91lJovCxQfd3u6wketY8iTFVQipBld1nyemfQcdvrjI11_975sq77Lk76CUYAugFQhnaiyQ7Wsb7J0f4H80r47mAEI4fFR2pOe4-t7tDZpIItARQZDKQVcKhik2vjeqdLP7tfsmQwE2AQeSL_Ik_NEQhqqli/s4252/limpkin%203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2934" data-original-width="4252" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UndGjZc8Rh5YNzLU8WSDu-49t1DTGaFg91lJovCxQfd3u6wketY8iTFVQipBld1nyemfQcdvrjI11_975sq77Lk76CUYAugFQhnaiyQ7Wsb7J0f4H80r47mAEI4fFR2pOe4-t7tDZpIItARQZDKQVcKhik2vjeqdLP7tfsmQwE2AQeSL_Ik_NEQhqqli/s320/limpkin%203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1_5HGjE17nX3jA93D_Eke9xMtyiEbnUyLB0OngxbcMUE5pYuNA4Qz0STdJ-4KVDnfYRPTwN0sqE-6iFpLDCWQfSce-pekLJI_JjmJZgB1soNjAbN_zv93MEUVxlzo8G-j-joBoRH4pKbjbEEGNobh_4RZucxOrz3xdFGLc1R57jyPfwIekqTNHIexVri/s6960/IMG_3062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1_5HGjE17nX3jA93D_Eke9xMtyiEbnUyLB0OngxbcMUE5pYuNA4Qz0STdJ-4KVDnfYRPTwN0sqE-6iFpLDCWQfSce-pekLJI_JjmJZgB1soNjAbN_zv93MEUVxlzo8G-j-joBoRH4pKbjbEEGNobh_4RZucxOrz3xdFGLc1R57jyPfwIekqTNHIexVri/s320/IMG_3062.JPG" width="320" /></a><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkW0WS4gIept_sfo1WS6RJHKidggGaGz9C4f8t1Lg2f656fIf651_Nuxq_wQ9tF4JRJZKthJZNVWPd1_DPscmz1MPg9pZYNMlg_8_e5550Uy2Qy7geI_d96V5ejAKXptml8iW8oxRJNjDdUSBMx-hnVS3TSx03FDDHmJfQVv_yj9FRiDzt88sX73dE-60/s6960/IMG_3050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkW0WS4gIept_sfo1WS6RJHKidggGaGz9C4f8t1Lg2f656fIf651_Nuxq_wQ9tF4JRJZKthJZNVWPd1_DPscmz1MPg9pZYNMlg_8_e5550Uy2Qy7geI_d96V5ejAKXptml8iW8oxRJNjDdUSBMx-hnVS3TSx03FDDHmJfQVv_yj9FRiDzt88sX73dE-60/s320/IMG_3050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>While in the area, I checked out Wheatley Harbour (lots of gulls) and Hillman Marsh. Nothing of note though.</p><p>I took the scenic route home, and went up to Lighthouse Cove. I saw four Double-crested Cormorants among other things, but they are often found here in winter.</p><p>Around St. Clair NWA, there were lots of geese, but I could find nothing but Canada's!</p><p>Today was a different story, with extreme winds and a light dusting of snow. I did not do much today, but the feeders were busy with common birds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXqdV_vJZ5U14d1axMO3A35MdqIwKtenoVjvae8ypd4Eeg1O058jO0xfVn53hixEkNpMwSpBF9fgcs7ydhFAGqBQ6-IdgPWrQkoaPb97qeEQuINQiXZNtiE0mj4p4zldt4i_1F3Rsd3BHjG2dJQGJKIhWQwEgUI88rOGbkUwEfGN-0MqMVTuS9uFWLBht/s3265/IMG_3008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2881" data-original-width="3265" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXqdV_vJZ5U14d1axMO3A35MdqIwKtenoVjvae8ypd4Eeg1O058jO0xfVn53hixEkNpMwSpBF9fgcs7ydhFAGqBQ6-IdgPWrQkoaPb97qeEQuINQiXZNtiE0mj4p4zldt4i_1F3Rsd3BHjG2dJQGJKIhWQwEgUI88rOGbkUwEfGN-0MqMVTuS9uFWLBht/w400-h353/IMG_3008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghErKEySmpF4SD2pYGnkJfBOVxDWFBB0X9052EhNdwJRpxs7H0E1bo0lDI6WwJwko6ySilzTbhb-pAZilp8F9vsn3BfIHldXOIJVum3dv6SBXx8tePbkh63emWQW6nvAoX9EkB1e43oOCpnCV2UF4EKQ0Ef15NzIjIfmGKKU-t5zZl5aPb0dz0hDbJ85bs/s3671/IMG_3010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2812" data-original-width="3671" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghErKEySmpF4SD2pYGnkJfBOVxDWFBB0X9052EhNdwJRpxs7H0E1bo0lDI6WwJwko6ySilzTbhb-pAZilp8F9vsn3BfIHldXOIJVum3dv6SBXx8tePbkh63emWQW6nvAoX9EkB1e43oOCpnCV2UF4EKQ0Ef15NzIjIfmGKKU-t5zZl5aPb0dz0hDbJ85bs/w400-h306/IMG_3010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>At the end of the day, the White-throated Sparrow finally showed up. I had not seen it in a week or so.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGaFxwNd2UxZi4NRXTH2foWvY73wc9RVZaH1G2tRtDxmqR_pIqCrwrvYgPDyuyG_Gz6bd-rYhvMp1TdgPK2nqQg4MPOwwZ6keejciNK2FruszlPh6O8HWfF9JeGNTia2bXYFe2mqG8PXD0IIc8-KrwM2UrA-YC9mUuddHU2DPrYXkAdhTgYslEl6LqYa8/s4984/IMG_3072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3224" data-original-width="4984" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGaFxwNd2UxZi4NRXTH2foWvY73wc9RVZaH1G2tRtDxmqR_pIqCrwrvYgPDyuyG_Gz6bd-rYhvMp1TdgPK2nqQg4MPOwwZ6keejciNK2FruszlPh6O8HWfF9JeGNTia2bXYFe2mqG8PXD0IIc8-KrwM2UrA-YC9mUuddHU2DPrYXkAdhTgYslEl6LqYa8/w400-h259/IMG_3072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-68559856795242995712024-01-08T18:46:00.001-05:002024-01-08T18:54:34.599-05:00Some Good Birding For Early January<p> Last Friday I ventured down to Point Pelee. It was was yet another very dark and gloomy day.</p><p>The long-staying Townsend's Solitaire was still at De Laurier, but not close enough for good views or photos. It seemed a bit restless!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIliz4lF5fjx2dFM3wVo4e-YXv8ZmiFN1kZGghcWEnLIolyzqm87nu5_q4NvbRpZizzQZhWzQs94zhI3S2fPOtqgUTOhIqHusjIWn58bo723yArqOOKfEu-OG-iFEKzV0C8IoSCmtl-XHfj1PqwKBwqFm_GcxBh6uv0eiTJHvBk58JsULUECZThkm_MKxq/s1697/IMG_2975.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="1697" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIliz4lF5fjx2dFM3wVo4e-YXv8ZmiFN1kZGghcWEnLIolyzqm87nu5_q4NvbRpZizzQZhWzQs94zhI3S2fPOtqgUTOhIqHusjIWn58bo723yArqOOKfEu-OG-iFEKzV0C8IoSCmtl-XHfj1PqwKBwqFm_GcxBh6uv0eiTJHvBk58JsULUECZThkm_MKxq/w400-h370/IMG_2975.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCPBHgvbwxVw3R5aSJ8SQ3NKZX904OlRhVQNsYgoxIXpzCA-iZbVA7jwYHMQ2E1xpU0_eH-9go16ylZb14f3-xLr9Yz-vRfrEuAD1q6CTbYzRl6nHgFuhTflOhlI2txbo-mnPQ4LO4kT849Jys4uDCfEZQ1hfC-GrzUMkNXARz6TzdhcAHTRm3cbCjokw/s2092/IMG_2976.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1726" data-original-width="2092" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCPBHgvbwxVw3R5aSJ8SQ3NKZX904OlRhVQNsYgoxIXpzCA-iZbVA7jwYHMQ2E1xpU0_eH-9go16ylZb14f3-xLr9Yz-vRfrEuAD1q6CTbYzRl6nHgFuhTflOhlI2txbo-mnPQ4LO4kT849Jys4uDCfEZQ1hfC-GrzUMkNXARz6TzdhcAHTRm3cbCjokw/w400-h330/IMG_2976.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>On Saturday, it was seen at the north end of west beach parking lot, so it is moving around quite a bit. It may have worn out the De Laurier spot!</p><p>Ducks were not close off the Tip, but several hundred White-winged Scoters were far out. Difficult to say how many, but I estimated I could see around 400. The last few years, large numbers have hung around Point Pelee and area.</p><p>The Tip was very long. Certainly the longest I have seen it in many years.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D4kig9C_IviKKRsfNzaxrMFuCVljDy4KMiQgi_i5LNLFAgnZ4ZZjA9nmQcVT2co3k56TQYNcXtVKFEIFd4MWSMwoNhUTUh2n3v3UyhC9Fhw8R_ouTmJj6NiQS30vnBOeHOUqBJfU5uLl_lbhfNwYfys4-72ey2AD0CwC-e1V5pDg6p8TXkOUW2rcOFVi/s4624/Tip%20January%205,%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D4kig9C_IviKKRsfNzaxrMFuCVljDy4KMiQgi_i5LNLFAgnZ4ZZjA9nmQcVT2co3k56TQYNcXtVKFEIFd4MWSMwoNhUTUh2n3v3UyhC9Fhw8R_ouTmJj6NiQS30vnBOeHOUqBJfU5uLl_lbhfNwYfys4-72ey2AD0CwC-e1V5pDg6p8TXkOUW2rcOFVi/w480-h640/Tip%20January%205,%202023.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>With no ice, many puddle ducks are hanging around. More than two dozen Northern Shovelers were in Sanctuary Pond.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzknCYsNcUyFHrlPKZSKiogKMwRBEVBNvQs2MbOCpeozqtk5h712XQ6JB8uWDAzSJyx4An9mbVJ50ugnQzcK4Os0CAJ_jO7Ys-_RcngtCZRcTtL22IvYEH7-qFp637zhviP8Nw8EsGOo8E_9leiYJBArVo-fr8PhISsSF9uUOunD5_vrWhyphenhyphenypWUeu3Sz3R/s6296/IMG_2982.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="6296" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzknCYsNcUyFHrlPKZSKiogKMwRBEVBNvQs2MbOCpeozqtk5h712XQ6JB8uWDAzSJyx4An9mbVJ50ugnQzcK4Os0CAJ_jO7Ys-_RcngtCZRcTtL22IvYEH7-qFp637zhviP8Nw8EsGOo8E_9leiYJBArVo-fr8PhISsSF9uUOunD5_vrWhyphenhyphenypWUeu3Sz3R/w640-h282/IMG_2982.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_grGE6j28QQS-sDSDhBIYgIt7rJtCv3KGqouVsemp7Euy_2lx7JjAeL4kVIENUQ5hTDaffYPH_3QZw4mxO1u4nZPLFxwhKJiUu9I9PC3Z2A4xJLRuJl5cpzvaQvf3CGrlYljWmYhKBvEvci79zyqJsIwbHvBL-gjLeLvNsnt-4yVE6UkwY1uuwZpozTJ/s3544/IMG_2985.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1941" data-original-width="3544" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_grGE6j28QQS-sDSDhBIYgIt7rJtCv3KGqouVsemp7Euy_2lx7JjAeL4kVIENUQ5hTDaffYPH_3QZw4mxO1u4nZPLFxwhKJiUu9I9PC3Z2A4xJLRuJl5cpzvaQvf3CGrlYljWmYhKBvEvci79zyqJsIwbHvBL-gjLeLvNsnt-4yVE6UkwY1uuwZpozTJ/w400-h219/IMG_2985.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Trumpeter swans are a regular sight here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3f7u7qCD9vE1u2G49HBKo2npHUDFhSrJJTIp9UVdsh_KICGO1BJ2msxL_pJu0F3N6SasFGrKbgwpVwkgtHvBbuyPNE3yEGsBC6P6zlQtdEuB90JunVc18xfqmt7Hf8nk_nTVBUnAAihkeEGOPwFuMNa5vIMJDMFWioSF0JFD6ks2gzt95oYlLaqrYg0X/s3973/IMG_2979.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1841" data-original-width="3973" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3f7u7qCD9vE1u2G49HBKo2npHUDFhSrJJTIp9UVdsh_KICGO1BJ2msxL_pJu0F3N6SasFGrKbgwpVwkgtHvBbuyPNE3yEGsBC6P6zlQtdEuB90JunVc18xfqmt7Hf8nk_nTVBUnAAihkeEGOPwFuMNa5vIMJDMFWioSF0JFD6ks2gzt95oYlLaqrYg0X/w400-h185/IMG_2979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I stopped by Hillman Marsh as well where a young Northern Shrike has been wintering. It is usually around the boardwalk area, but I found it at the pumphouse beside the shorebird cell.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxURacWhOgl6ysb_tXNn3pyTEeOcj98VAGycYF4MXobyYoVeN64ft_izyz3AkXWf0TfxcChc46mAe0lGLXCi5Hhx7-meZAGderT7XbvvqrjzMOYHf8PJAsJPtkOciqXJkxQqHPk29KmC65U9S0ZD24ktzqj3uFLTYZJyW2T5BJA7IsaRkGwyxIADWCEst/s2004/IMG_2990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="1958" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxURacWhOgl6ysb_tXNn3pyTEeOcj98VAGycYF4MXobyYoVeN64ft_izyz3AkXWf0TfxcChc46mAe0lGLXCi5Hhx7-meZAGderT7XbvvqrjzMOYHf8PJAsJPtkOciqXJkxQqHPk29KmC65U9S0ZD24ktzqj3uFLTYZJyW2T5BJA7IsaRkGwyxIADWCEst/s320/IMG_2990.JPG" width="313" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The gloomy weather continued through Sunday. I joined the OFO field trip at Windsor, starting at Lakeview Marina Park. Usually it is an excellent spot to view waterfowl in winter as there is always some open water here. With no ice, there was no concentration of waterfowl, but we did get a nice variety of birds. The fog and light snow did not help matters.</p><p>It is also a good spot to photograph waterfowl up close in the marina.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9491711vwYY_nZPDxgmE5aEtLCeRwUizOYaVMWUb1g1ULRvba6phZS1JJFMxIZRPBTH7EjAOJ_Y9w7Z2BKkeYO2TEg98r8ASmN6-JgEnPb7TtoT5UQ_VAXtgr-qWVhlgA-e3t9ywAICO0G8lSKUjcFKRJo9BDo5WEp37qJGnND730WkVVfixGms4uyKI/s6960/IMG_2992.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9491711vwYY_nZPDxgmE5aEtLCeRwUizOYaVMWUb1g1ULRvba6phZS1JJFMxIZRPBTH7EjAOJ_Y9w7Z2BKkeYO2TEg98r8ASmN6-JgEnPb7TtoT5UQ_VAXtgr-qWVhlgA-e3t9ywAICO0G8lSKUjcFKRJo9BDo5WEp37qJGnND730WkVVfixGms4uyKI/w400-h266/IMG_2992.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Four Wild Turkeys on the island's beach were nice to see there.</p><p>This OFO trip also takes in Little River Corridor park nearby. The adjacent canal and pollution control plant usually attracts birds to the open water. Wood Duck is almost a guarantee in area. Not much was there though.</p><p>We found a large number of American Robins in the park. Downy Woodpeckers were numerous as well.</p><p>On the last leg of the outing, we walked along the little creek which has extensive tangles. A number of birds were here, and this is where I spotted a Northern Waterthrush! It certainly picked a good spot to try and winter during this mild weather.</p><p>We lost it to sight for a bit, but then I spotted it again directly in front of me. I managed some record photos, while most of the group got on it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNSeBZGBIOiXsy38wazfZEB3_R-XcmGVh9b-ubRUYlu7gzl8TUjJQH9KIXzidrcveDcXQ2rxrKoC559sEy733G33ocUVjyeyhLxZ5YHJUHxbc7zDzGQAGaZFYZO_XwaRxHDnBMdbPDlpyo_UtlSsjcbT0OfZpI5KYGEO5YDvChIc0p7pPNpu5nLQpTLkm/s2678/IMG_3004.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2115" data-original-width="2678" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNSeBZGBIOiXsy38wazfZEB3_R-XcmGVh9b-ubRUYlu7gzl8TUjJQH9KIXzidrcveDcXQ2rxrKoC559sEy733G33ocUVjyeyhLxZ5YHJUHxbc7zDzGQAGaZFYZO_XwaRxHDnBMdbPDlpyo_UtlSsjcbT0OfZpI5KYGEO5YDvChIc0p7pPNpu5nLQpTLkm/w640-h506/IMG_3004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zIWpGg0e4uTa4w2EJ-V9aNJF-I7e5KQh6rsdL__JzyqW4jSMp76_q5BAL0DQQqMC1ap-tHcV9dmv_lWHfIVMT1pSYxyybKAsrobsC71TQNNXs3gvTEXzi35psW6_jnSuRJfqlWf_NtcOWaPw1TyUmY0Dxi7hL_o0wxAd0zspeQehvympRZqO21H7TY5g/s3305/IMG_3001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2214" data-original-width="3305" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zIWpGg0e4uTa4w2EJ-V9aNJF-I7e5KQh6rsdL__JzyqW4jSMp76_q5BAL0DQQqMC1ap-tHcV9dmv_lWHfIVMT1pSYxyybKAsrobsC71TQNNXs3gvTEXzi35psW6_jnSuRJfqlWf_NtcOWaPw1TyUmY0Dxi7hL_o0wxAd0zspeQehvympRZqO21H7TY5g/w640-h428/IMG_3001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>It was certainly an unexpected and pleasant find. As well, it is apparently the first January record for Essex County, at least on eBird.</p><p>Northern Waterthrush has often been found late in the province. My latest was one that Jim Burk and I found at Erieau on December 13, 2009. I could not get a decent photo of that one though.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtzlwcT9Pnchf90CDc3uywa-ou2syzUhi_A4_Zg7LwI3KN2WvkFakowLhldECzlgZ_MunpjML63lNNs5dYTIMrYTWkrG0AZSBDyEwvzjBtZHIC0fIcbu6r4aNg3xqreoFuKmJZduAoo7VK7Ys-CZTJoqXAF0v_uVYwZ6r5silwoE56UAFqqMs4QOKBpF_/s1474/NOWA%2013%20Dec%202009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1474" data-original-width="1425" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtzlwcT9Pnchf90CDc3uywa-ou2syzUhi_A4_Zg7LwI3KN2WvkFakowLhldECzlgZ_MunpjML63lNNs5dYTIMrYTWkrG0AZSBDyEwvzjBtZHIC0fIcbu6r4aNg3xqreoFuKmJZduAoo7VK7Ys-CZTJoqXAF0v_uVYwZ6r5silwoE56UAFqqMs4QOKBpF_/w386-h400/NOWA%2013%20Dec%202009.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><br /><p>That bird stayed another week to be counted on the CBC.</p><p>On the way home yesterday, I stopped by St. Clair NWA and drove along Balmoral Line. There was a plethora of waterfowl, especially geese. Besides Canada, I saw Cackling, Snow and Greater White-fronted. I probably missed Ross's!</p><p>Speaking of St. Clair NWA, the recent CBC ended up with 88 species. Very good. My contributions included the only American Wigeon (3) and Common Yellowthroat.</p><p>In other news, the Limpkin was re-found yesterday and is alive and well. It has found a good supply of snails in a creek at the entrance of Wheatley Provincial Park. The Limpkin specializes on snails, so perhaps it will do well.</p><p><br /></p>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-75524427596275488122024-01-04T16:19:00.004-05:002024-01-04T19:01:15.224-05:00Starting Out in 2024As per tradition, many of us started out New Year's Day doing a Christmas Bird Count. Locally, we do the St. Clair NWA CBC which always gives a good kick start to the new year with regards to birding.<div><br /></div><div>I have been doing this count since 1990 as I recall. Yellow-headed Blackbird sticks in my mind as one of the "decent" birds Steve Charbonneau and I saw within the Bradley property that year.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year, I worked St. Luke's marsh (owned by Ducks Unlimited) once again. I have been doing this one off and on, often by myself, for the last twenty years or so. Adjacent to the wildlife area, it has much similar habitat.</div><div><br /></div><div>This past Monday, the weather was certainly more decent than any of the previous CBC's this season. The wind was a bit brisk out of the NW, making things uncomfortable along the lakeshore. However, in more protected sections of the marsh, it was quite pleasant. It started out very gloomy, but later we had bouts of that rare commodity call sun!</div><div><br /></div><div>Just after I started walking, things started out with a bang as an adult Golden Eagle soared overhead. Lighting was horrible, but I made sure it was not a young Bald! Apparently there were two other sightings of Golden Eagle that morning in other territories, so possibly it was the same creature.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like any other marsh, St. Luke's is getting choked out with phragmites, and that was all I could see in some sections.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE8xfIctD_oQvliTbl3bGZZwD3K2fL8mipcaZ5yz1rUwcrhQY0aC9HT-Aku1llf_KU-UcF24IxaURImrHyXi0aiWaMZ6jtP7wBOjKGsTgfEi22aYObe77OIb9gTYfv-Pv-Ox1qXXp-rFWQfniViAzkpyZY5sDtfZyeI3-PGjHQHQfzZvorvW61C4dMha4/s4624/St.%20Luke's%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE8xfIctD_oQvliTbl3bGZZwD3K2fL8mipcaZ5yz1rUwcrhQY0aC9HT-Aku1llf_KU-UcF24IxaURImrHyXi0aiWaMZ6jtP7wBOjKGsTgfEi22aYObe77OIb9gTYfv-Pv-Ox1qXXp-rFWQfniViAzkpyZY5sDtfZyeI3-PGjHQHQfzZvorvW61C4dMha4/w640-h480/St.%20Luke's%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View at the first opening</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One section has exposed lakeshore, but with the brisk cold wind, the lake was choppy and there was virtually nothing on the water. Usually it is ice, and it really should be at this time of year!</div><div><br /></div><div>Just before leaving the exposed area, I took this photo looking north.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGx5PR6URJR8VAONVwcD6EyNAvC_YtWO80cKUGgPGl1GzH-9QnAAd1zjTuLlVTD-yA82GR_29MtJ2cD0cooDQGYkRVajKsuUsW-gLd5mlvqM0JQpypOLgf-4Lyx-3vZ3bSz6F_ChDK_KigeCCa5nZbAnpkxC2TmdLTdAu_-tgRjZrFK3g58v5KdrkVXUh/s4624/St.%20Luke's%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGx5PR6URJR8VAONVwcD6EyNAvC_YtWO80cKUGgPGl1GzH-9QnAAd1zjTuLlVTD-yA82GR_29MtJ2cD0cooDQGYkRVajKsuUsW-gLd5mlvqM0JQpypOLgf-4Lyx-3vZ3bSz6F_ChDK_KigeCCa5nZbAnpkxC2TmdLTdAu_-tgRjZrFK3g58v5KdrkVXUh/w640-h480/St.%20Luke's%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The last few years there has been some erosion, as I recall walking along here in past years.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is a cross dyke in the middle which was thick with 'phrag' in most parts, but I made it through. Early along this part, I heard the familiar chirp of a Common Yellowthroat. I never did see it, but perhaps that was my second best bird behind the Golden Eagle. Not surprising for this mild winter.</div><div><br /></div><div>The only decent photo was one of three Ruddy Ducks that I saw.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYcx-Ibvlxa1-C64uSyWunYgfrTsrcZB__UWYFArXxwqaw1HRA4UrAJytcT9X0t6Jm_TM85qbi0iLucEc4dRtBIkk5EIawBeI1L5wTWvpK_uYb_VQABjobSPb_itpUxqxgKPwOP8DTUZk7a80ntFOFwbP8Nz4GFxsDSFiw6qJGoBemo1SESZhp5K-y17Q/s4014/IMG_2953.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2469" data-original-width="4014" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYcx-Ibvlxa1-C64uSyWunYgfrTsrcZB__UWYFArXxwqaw1HRA4UrAJytcT9X0t6Jm_TM85qbi0iLucEc4dRtBIkk5EIawBeI1L5wTWvpK_uYb_VQABjobSPb_itpUxqxgKPwOP8DTUZk7a80ntFOFwbP8Nz4GFxsDSFiw6qJGoBemo1SESZhp5K-y17Q/w640-h394/IMG_2953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My last walking section was that which parallels Townline Road. I walked most of the way to the pumphouse, and had absolutely zero birds! On the way back, the chit-chit of a Marsh Wren caught my attention. Another decent bird, but not unexpected here.</div><div><br /></div><div>I ended up with 31 species, a bit below average for here. I am told the total count tally is well over 80 species, which is decent. Waterfowl and waterbirds are a significant factor in this count.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, I ventured down to Rondeau and Erieau to check off some birds for the 2024 list. At the park, I only walked the campground and maintenance loop. I managed to get the Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, which seems to be hanging out with three of its Myrtle cousins. No photos as this day seemed to be terribly dark with the overcast skies.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another Yellow-rumped was along the maintenance loop.</div><div><br /></div><div>Over at Erieau, I wanted to get a look at the female Harlequin Duck. I saw it right away, but it was a bit distant.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSe74QyOCpixBpMYz0yNtGnh2IZ5RdvTjvJiBJzsVaKh4yTcFyXweAztgF6QOlEFi9jCFV8txxRZLNkvh2hyU9xI-Qmde6oWsXuacqjw3sBCSbrx060kToY2VHOQm2yC1rtl9dTCGx_AT00XA_V1XgK4Nx-NGgAHNX6EEZnxxY2bSKTRAhxnz0qHDF_I9C/s2423/IMG_2958.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1674" data-original-width="2423" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSe74QyOCpixBpMYz0yNtGnh2IZ5RdvTjvJiBJzsVaKh4yTcFyXweAztgF6QOlEFi9jCFV8txxRZLNkvh2hyU9xI-Qmde6oWsXuacqjw3sBCSbrx060kToY2VHOQm2yC1rtl9dTCGx_AT00XA_V1XgK4Nx-NGgAHNX6EEZnxxY2bSKTRAhxnz0qHDF_I9C/w400-h276/IMG_2958.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhqg5rA5AOlygktXKDPHmYP-ipBlY23-vEapYj3uF3jEaFiMxaCC615qWDEg5ewBbRV_XtcOfIAqzfXw2qf3UlPBauNiNSrgwmCBHvShmNTAyUXUnyEWG4jN6_YBr8zVvP-hOsrejqkdO7BwRLR0xdYkKNmoibT_AlTBkG_B93vc8Yb5N_BNdvsrLTSov/s2370/IMG_2955.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="2370" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhqg5rA5AOlygktXKDPHmYP-ipBlY23-vEapYj3uF3jEaFiMxaCC615qWDEg5ewBbRV_XtcOfIAqzfXw2qf3UlPBauNiNSrgwmCBHvShmNTAyUXUnyEWG4jN6_YBr8zVvP-hOsrejqkdO7BwRLR0xdYkKNmoibT_AlTBkG_B93vc8Yb5N_BNdvsrLTSov/w640-h426/IMG_2955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Last year, it took until December 31 to list a Harlequin Duck (this same bird)!, so it was nice to get on this one early in the year.</div><div><br /></div><div>The marina had lots of birds, including two Pied-billed Grebes. It was no good for photography, as this day seemed to be one of the gloomiest in recent memory.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_sBAfMq8AS7EtjdCPj3uby_UM2LiPFtzmM2s-RnULi0v5HRNfqWIUmM3CK8jNNu_i4ZoR5xr1dTDzzJNASDULzdu8vhLYjS1GNEmTI5MrY4sfB7TNcJ1dFtLZ0WntPKyurbY-hygq2XVxkj7PIexOV9g3aeW1UmcfOLCV3DTm6k2v_oVqKuiIfvjl8fr/s4316/IMG_2964.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1685" data-original-width="4316" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_sBAfMq8AS7EtjdCPj3uby_UM2LiPFtzmM2s-RnULi0v5HRNfqWIUmM3CK8jNNu_i4ZoR5xr1dTDzzJNASDULzdu8vhLYjS1GNEmTI5MrY4sfB7TNcJ1dFtLZ0WntPKyurbY-hygq2XVxkj7PIexOV9g3aeW1UmcfOLCV3DTm6k2v_oVqKuiIfvjl8fr/s320/IMG_2964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>There is a cormorant or two around Erieau, but for the life of me, I could not locate one yesterday.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also walked the Erieau marsh trail while in the area. Nothing noteworthy to my eyes there.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, I slept in for a change, and just checked out the St. Clair River. It was virtually birdless! The Northern Pintail was still swimming at Sombra. It seems quite content there.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTT1OYWoTvzAgCHwzyPyeRFZvl09Dp1o0U2Gt8t3ilD3KkTlvjQwxUj9wAx0MKj8x4MFJ-N4JaXYKHU-fIUEprsBwLLMPPln9Sv-dJTj2kzD7fopiMqvXVNvi-ftxsOlfmynPtdeq_tJA50WDFYTWWY-b5eRzzsJa6jALrDHgJ-uxsg_Ux7YxJqma39p3s/s3185/Manitowoc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1775" data-original-width="3185" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTT1OYWoTvzAgCHwzyPyeRFZvl09Dp1o0U2Gt8t3ilD3KkTlvjQwxUj9wAx0MKj8x4MFJ-N4JaXYKHU-fIUEprsBwLLMPPln9Sv-dJTj2kzD7fopiMqvXVNvi-ftxsOlfmynPtdeq_tJA50WDFYTWWY-b5eRzzsJa6jALrDHgJ-uxsg_Ux7YxJqma39p3s/w640-h356/Manitowoc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Manitowoc </i>downbound at Seager Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The sun finally came out this afternoon. Been a long time since we have seen a sunny day!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPY1fxW8TftMqRVumlgzRG2UGVpdWmvA5zN7wr76NT7o2Ld55n4N3Pv7cBa5jFHCWgMBBO_6rPilF00RlwgOnKqY9huxfzNWJDGuL0NGBoIsV0i3FwclLfBuiQgJUM2IsB7ZmerTkH9RqDGP9WEOwJIkM3X-pYbATtd7vM7_dw-uHsLVWu173AX6iKyjIu/s4624/sky.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPY1fxW8TftMqRVumlgzRG2UGVpdWmvA5zN7wr76NT7o2Ld55n4N3Pv7cBa5jFHCWgMBBO_6rPilF00RlwgOnKqY9huxfzNWJDGuL0NGBoIsV0i3FwclLfBuiQgJUM2IsB7ZmerTkH9RqDGP9WEOwJIkM3X-pYbATtd7vM7_dw-uHsLVWu173AX6iKyjIu/w640-h480/sky.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Nothing new at the home feeders, but more House Finches seemed to have arrived yesterday.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJV2w7zZB2xYEdH4Irg29J3b1tmA2aSQSrtRaAf_1Hi0OR896fCU0nCexxFVdDUNH6M9Y_QgafKwZfdPHwCM-RpuT2fRsPMFJFh1_z_4AlB6KRrGjbOuVoUVuWJ_0jqXvHXBb3ZBNI8KSCleipzWDHtG8KhfIsaAJC6RYSpOCpxsVbncc3N-ilpaubGTh/s3840/IMG_2970.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2771" data-original-width="3840" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJV2w7zZB2xYEdH4Irg29J3b1tmA2aSQSrtRaAf_1Hi0OR896fCU0nCexxFVdDUNH6M9Y_QgafKwZfdPHwCM-RpuT2fRsPMFJFh1_z_4AlB6KRrGjbOuVoUVuWJ_0jqXvHXBb3ZBNI8KSCleipzWDHtG8KhfIsaAJC6RYSpOCpxsVbncc3N-ilpaubGTh/w400-h289/IMG_2970.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Just east of Wallaceburg, the Bald Eagles continue to build their new nest. Not sure why they need an upstairs!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygi96nTb8xytfJ_ZKXehIHJ-EbFpxolDluqHH6XwTsIuob8b4ggrPRbz1R62npVnJG30tB_aDAZ0S0A2VwPy3u6ZeaVC-diOe657oKoSKlztbKn_QZCpNENpJJMQNRxilEwuJ06gkQs8f7BYECy3Zhi2Rj7UJXDsvccq8Rcws59vF44ktXoSeKW_EHG-_/s5117/IMG_2969.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3248" data-original-width="5117" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygi96nTb8xytfJ_ZKXehIHJ-EbFpxolDluqHH6XwTsIuob8b4ggrPRbz1R62npVnJG30tB_aDAZ0S0A2VwPy3u6ZeaVC-diOe657oKoSKlztbKn_QZCpNENpJJMQNRxilEwuJ06gkQs8f7BYECy3Zhi2Rj7UJXDsvccq8Rcws59vF44ktXoSeKW_EHG-_/w640-h406/IMG_2969.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-71269067240102615562023-12-31T14:13:00.005-05:002023-12-31T16:14:01.732-05:00As 2023 Ends<p> Here we are at the end of yet another year. It was a decent year with lots of good sightings and occurrences. It was not the best year for butterflies and dragonflies, as I missed many things because they were absent or in low numbers. </p><p>It was disappointing for dragonflies, especially at Wardsville Woods. But, I lucked out on a couple occasions getting specialties like Arrowhead Spiketail and Twin-spotted Spiketail on one day. Another day, I managed a single Riverine Clubtail! I was lucky to get the photo of the Riverine. There was hardly anything there that day, and I saw this fly in. I took a very quick photo, then it was gone!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgforQvCk3Wnc0ymDXyvKqyM_K-wFoWTMl88s0ta_gT0Ly7rRmOmN7iSIPE2b5F1vXEj00bRKHsysg5Uiu0sNx3agCoXRt6-AGmLJv9Z3mCPp8AI36hidz_DgsFvnWRWY46c-dMVMBhY7-6Zm8MWfWC_T2IawEF-XWapm5x6uF3RBcvpgvDsMK7vRltcZ/s4902/riverine.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3514" data-original-width="4902" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgforQvCk3Wnc0ymDXyvKqyM_K-wFoWTMl88s0ta_gT0Ly7rRmOmN7iSIPE2b5F1vXEj00bRKHsysg5Uiu0sNx3agCoXRt6-AGmLJv9Z3mCPp8AI36hidz_DgsFvnWRWY46c-dMVMBhY7-6Zm8MWfWC_T2IawEF-XWapm5x6uF3RBcvpgvDsMK7vRltcZ/w400-h286/riverine.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riverine Clubtail<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbvsNx51YjY_NdgC1NzQGEdyPmdP3GEE1yskVqO05d16xtgqi5cCSB4MUH6bIAA5HGb8D0tBrsPw1TaI8E_CaPCf1SABxVSGnb4hxZAw898HfxoQ2c5ZRqvnIe1pBEXdCNJ5Jm2itSeQ4hDZnXJlYeqlW1hVy2n3r_-blVGR69Ubxu0Yq8SyJU9XSOAj6/s5355/arrowhead%201A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4066" data-original-width="5355" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbvsNx51YjY_NdgC1NzQGEdyPmdP3GEE1yskVqO05d16xtgqi5cCSB4MUH6bIAA5HGb8D0tBrsPw1TaI8E_CaPCf1SABxVSGnb4hxZAw898HfxoQ2c5ZRqvnIe1pBEXdCNJ5Jm2itSeQ4hDZnXJlYeqlW1hVy2n3r_-blVGR69Ubxu0Yq8SyJU9XSOAj6/w400-h304/arrowhead%201A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrowhead Spiketail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pm9eWZo5P91rvg1LbzfaxYi8Wk_YgFk_xzh8lcmwwBw3BFYLOV8PnRwPINBBJoSoLawsMRLkyIyozZEv_nujpISxvGZNe52dx_NgMYYfN4yGfWLmF1e1TWVwYQaOIZJwOaOG6TDq_0lyWyLgUhUkkSmN0CMTQiBsmrAGe3mPnNV47bWgFtjDbBIOjPxY/s5414/twinspotted%202.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3973" data-original-width="5414" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pm9eWZo5P91rvg1LbzfaxYi8Wk_YgFk_xzh8lcmwwBw3BFYLOV8PnRwPINBBJoSoLawsMRLkyIyozZEv_nujpISxvGZNe52dx_NgMYYfN4yGfWLmF1e1TWVwYQaOIZJwOaOG6TDq_0lyWyLgUhUkkSmN0CMTQiBsmrAGe3mPnNV47bWgFtjDbBIOjPxY/w400-h294/twinspotted%202.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin-spotted Sandpiper</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There were some other good odonate sightings such at the Westfall's Slender Bluets at Port Lambton's Brander Park.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSo8xGdMPejbT6lmPyR3GlYpy9rbHDNgZ-SggmlCeFjog2B-Q4f_FPI7FhiBmWjxryAqNRcUMTIX4YSvDWz-YIhbCoYAT9Sym3FqYszf0A74sKEHJFGq1TPP-oTQN8JfDXOhQseHPWqz65HN6ByPXfDTZwZr9O1AEiVQXor1dgKgOGQqTC7BSqXmbLTo_/s3378/IMG_9622.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3378" data-original-width="2926" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSo8xGdMPejbT6lmPyR3GlYpy9rbHDNgZ-SggmlCeFjog2B-Q4f_FPI7FhiBmWjxryAqNRcUMTIX4YSvDWz-YIhbCoYAT9Sym3FqYszf0A74sKEHJFGq1TPP-oTQN8JfDXOhQseHPWqz65HN6ByPXfDTZwZr9O1AEiVQXor1dgKgOGQqTC7BSqXmbLTo_/w346-h400/IMG_9622.JPG" width="346" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p>Birds this year were pretty good, but not as spectacular as the previous year. However, for someone who does not "chase" birds, except locally, I did quite well. I almost made 300 in Ontario, but there were some sore misses. I missed Summer Tanager, even though it was an exceptional spring especially at Rondeau. I went to Rondeau quite a bit, but the days I did not go was when they were seen!</p><p>This fall, Purple Sandpiper was a sore miss. There were multiples at Erieau/Rondeau, but I missed some by less than thirty minutes! Today was a good example of another miss.</p><p>And, do not get me started with the Roseate Spoonbill at Springwater CA!</p><p>A couple of lifers were a nice addition. This fall, the Western Flycatcher (if accepted) at Rondeau was certainly not on the radar. It will potentially be a first for Ontario.</p><p>The recent Limpkin at Wheatley Provincial Park was another unexpected bird.</p><p>The male King Eider and Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler at Rondeau Park were nice finds.</p><p>A Harlequin Duck was seen at Erieau yesterday, and I knew it would likely be present again today. I went to Mitchell's Bay first thing for a walk along the south shore trail. While I was there, a Purple Sandpiper was seen at the Erieau pier, then a bit later the Harlequin Duck was found again. On to Erieau!</p><p>Upon arrival the Harlequin Duck was not a problem as I could see it from my car as I parked.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOP9wl9aS-OJmM3iMLXlyAXnrmm1aXjGFY448B9f0iFTiboCnBkEvqP6xBcNgmb1Kp3nIWP0gUnzg4hQUfzh3Jxyo7JAHQFeCZFJnu7v12ir03-GfsbKn5jMYC0Xi8WFCZQ9gUYHZhwHIK4rqgnO5_JDNoKs4pbeseWCjPbR_QPN0poOScjk3YWMgeU70/s3515/IMG_2933.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2318" data-original-width="3515" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOP9wl9aS-OJmM3iMLXlyAXnrmm1aXjGFY448B9f0iFTiboCnBkEvqP6xBcNgmb1Kp3nIWP0gUnzg4hQUfzh3Jxyo7JAHQFeCZFJnu7v12ir03-GfsbKn5jMYC0Xi8WFCZQ9gUYHZhwHIK4rqgnO5_JDNoKs4pbeseWCjPbR_QPN0poOScjk3YWMgeU70/w400-h264/IMG_2933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The Purple Sandpiper was at the end of the pier earlier, but obviously disappeared before I arrived. In any case, the Harlequin was a nice way to end the birding year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-11ImpSh8_GnxnvChOTZ_Qn5D7qnOv-HPZIT3Ay1aTZudSSglA_9x1YIEB2_djiPgcoFMRwQ2Wj7PleBNQxFyOeF8Xu4Lajq66OH_YSSMCsrIb2ujbS24RsaEnYb50am_1us5tXXu1U0WY7IoE5NX3KXMz7rIbQHeGMU82nnzGWsYpOeaH57roa320uu/s2864/IMG_2936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2254" data-original-width="2864" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-11ImpSh8_GnxnvChOTZ_Qn5D7qnOv-HPZIT3Ay1aTZudSSglA_9x1YIEB2_djiPgcoFMRwQ2Wj7PleBNQxFyOeF8Xu4Lajq66OH_YSSMCsrIb2ujbS24RsaEnYb50am_1us5tXXu1U0WY7IoE5NX3KXMz7rIbQHeGMU82nnzGWsYpOeaH57roa320uu/w400-h315/IMG_2936.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><p><br /></p><p>A bonus appeared in the form of a Snowy Owl. They have been extremely scarce this fall in southern Ontario and I was under the impression that I would not see one. The Erieau bird was a bit distant, but showed well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GhcJlPdHeA2Un0S_ijdz1wmMMga6xl0Ow7dmWCaCP_LT6KfT3TtgRKBpSujzdTT0D8Jb9jI2WX8_4rHU2yYCk-No57CkdFmkAQfxS6rLTS3qPnLcpNFTM1Hb5aNwX0qndgv0GN2QLZPs_iGp73x0zqzHrCjtmAioYYXjOLUsBHWC7bVe4oFsafXtTNP3/s2156/IMG_2944.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2034" data-original-width="2156" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GhcJlPdHeA2Un0S_ijdz1wmMMga6xl0Ow7dmWCaCP_LT6KfT3TtgRKBpSujzdTT0D8Jb9jI2WX8_4rHU2yYCk-No57CkdFmkAQfxS6rLTS3qPnLcpNFTM1Hb5aNwX0qndgv0GN2QLZPs_iGp73x0zqzHrCjtmAioYYXjOLUsBHWC7bVe4oFsafXtTNP3/w400-h378/IMG_2944.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjI_nppQeifG3UpjXxKJQBJi7KWFANW1LYxiShC3Dc69xqAtIVU7WUjQDXr8Z-vdXZnEDF-_It-e0ULGy1Woga5tZvdjtABCFVpnwl-Fu2uwjFxkQ5rdwv9S4bLM3SdNnyf6B3kMv0MlEEbW4dYk9U95JxyRvPYFUvLKc03MEorPCTAIzV37h28nrgmN2/s2312/IMG_2949.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1686" data-original-width="2312" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjI_nppQeifG3UpjXxKJQBJi7KWFANW1LYxiShC3Dc69xqAtIVU7WUjQDXr8Z-vdXZnEDF-_It-e0ULGy1Woga5tZvdjtABCFVpnwl-Fu2uwjFxkQ5rdwv9S4bLM3SdNnyf6B3kMv0MlEEbW4dYk9U95JxyRvPYFUvLKc03MEorPCTAIzV37h28nrgmN2/w400-h291/IMG_2949.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I have seen various Purple Sandpipers at Erieau before. Here is one I found on the pier about 15 years ago.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm8-mvJb5MAt23AIk-64LWOb4V2ypIBCmq_sPmTZocpzjrHIIn_p7r2EImtXA0_SFgx5vLrjrPyx5QcRzYSZVBUL_pIhyphenhyphenfthbtDdYVaffN_iM-boUcO-unamBzz4bARHJlLEsgG17_jR_om9S26Ak8t2Zveo1ek2V3UvPd6zXePXBCc4aquNkBaeW-9XK/s400/Purple%20Sandpiper%20Erieau.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm8-mvJb5MAt23AIk-64LWOb4V2ypIBCmq_sPmTZocpzjrHIIn_p7r2EImtXA0_SFgx5vLrjrPyx5QcRzYSZVBUL_pIhyphenhyphenfthbtDdYVaffN_iM-boUcO-unamBzz4bARHJlLEsgG17_jR_om9S26Ak8t2Zveo1ek2V3UvPd6zXePXBCc4aquNkBaeW-9XK/w400-h268/Purple%20Sandpiper%20Erieau.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Tomorrow, New Year's Day, is the annual St. Clair NWA Christmas Bird Count (CBC). I went to Mitchell's Bay this morning in anticipation of seeing what was around. I was going to check various spots before word came in of the Erieau birds.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-OE966FvQtrj2foIWFL9GMTi8sDavxP6S5QF6yuMS75ZmPNX-yPoyVet6TmDk4ae8f0f8A7NHagsuIYdrtFT4Nhk91cbqBdKh1cAYPKUoYw_vEQL0XT-2Mlb78aODhpDwwESrnho31o9jcBqy4LFwvdzAJ7nxj3IV0QASxuETZO9HPc4ZAhIlkWosivf/s3985/IMG_2931.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3985" data-original-width="3974" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-OE966FvQtrj2foIWFL9GMTi8sDavxP6S5QF6yuMS75ZmPNX-yPoyVet6TmDk4ae8f0f8A7NHagsuIYdrtFT4Nhk91cbqBdKh1cAYPKUoYw_vEQL0XT-2Mlb78aODhpDwwESrnho31o9jcBqy4LFwvdzAJ7nxj3IV0QASxuETZO9HPc4ZAhIlkWosivf/w399-h400/IMG_2931.JPG" width="399" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Blue Heron at Mitchell's Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>One of the trusty Eastern Screech-owls was keeping watch.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcobo-egr2k1lwe8ClEglxYmMAZ5puJILDx-g5JsQoyz0YQoNDq7COQBXAcVEMIEHcSZT15MYNRulLBYprYMc7dyphqhthv8KVb2iB9o8Bzzu0hk5RgKnitiCB2A68rAAbjdhofLLx76EXBziJ5d8Lwq9rOURjioy9dS3zVNtvyrSXFMYQuDlUnW9BEhGH/s4153/IMG_2930.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4153" data-original-width="3770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcobo-egr2k1lwe8ClEglxYmMAZ5puJILDx-g5JsQoyz0YQoNDq7COQBXAcVEMIEHcSZT15MYNRulLBYprYMc7dyphqhthv8KVb2iB9o8Bzzu0hk5RgKnitiCB2A68rAAbjdhofLLx76EXBziJ5d8Lwq9rOURjioy9dS3zVNtvyrSXFMYQuDlUnW9BEhGH/w363-h400/IMG_2930.JPG" width="363" /></a></div><br /><p>Yesterday was the Skunk's Misery CBC under cloudy skies, but at least no precipitation! Looked like there was some sun well to the south, but that never materialized in our area.</p><p>I worked the Thamesville area, but I found it one of the quietest counts I have done there. Very disappointing.</p><p>The Thames River was running unusually high.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi3lG6Stiu6tjLZOrEW5T84XhrkUUPhirvtojjaar7kg2iqNFc8LQKls4dOzPRfL7BlvG1n8dtOADfArnfVuMxzGOFgWdJyZ5kiHhJNVdcRHannFfTYNagJDmOB3YxkLtp1unH-WEYVL143H_PKGmJueMvoAkv1l0E4g7pdHBMZOMNii5eUWFNp2PrUBz/s4624/Thamesville%2030%20Dec%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi3lG6Stiu6tjLZOrEW5T84XhrkUUPhirvtojjaar7kg2iqNFc8LQKls4dOzPRfL7BlvG1n8dtOADfArnfVuMxzGOFgWdJyZ5kiHhJNVdcRHannFfTYNagJDmOB3YxkLtp1unH-WEYVL143H_PKGmJueMvoAkv1l0E4g7pdHBMZOMNii5eUWFNp2PrUBz/w640-h480/Thamesville%2030%20Dec%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from under Victoria Road Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>However, the count overall did quite well, breaking 60 species, though I did not get the final results yet. I heard that Ring-necked Duck (multiples) and Common Raven were new for the count. Common Raven is not a surprise, as they are getting numerous in Lambton.</p><p>The count covers parts of four counties which is unique. The area was well-covered by many veteran birders.</p><p>As a new year dawns, tomorrow's CBC will kick things off. There should be lots of waterfowl, as there is absolutely no ice. Some lingering birds will be lurking around in this mild weather.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicBdISNd4ecG7xQqB-bQMiDB50lewFrkS3L2EzvtNijRbtt8Tdonyx0MJYmKhXiytLepZSxNPG237D2A8Kg_aO7BMXKh1tDFLZeribcxr3Jplh9hBEUcRekKjmsiVcYseQzOQzqUyapNvpu6OlwKuZMOu8CG-SkIeQ3RJS9EqFBQcWwq6861xD6G-oMSN/s2724/IMG_2829.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2168" data-original-width="2724" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicBdISNd4ecG7xQqB-bQMiDB50lewFrkS3L2EzvtNijRbtt8Tdonyx0MJYmKhXiytLepZSxNPG237D2A8Kg_aO7BMXKh1tDFLZeribcxr3Jplh9hBEUcRekKjmsiVcYseQzOQzqUyapNvpu6OlwKuZMOu8CG-SkIeQ3RJS9EqFBQcWwq6861xD6G-oMSN/s320/IMG_2829.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div> ************************************************<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In the history department, the <i>Algoma Transport </i>was on her final voyage from Superior Wisconsin yesterday. She will be going to Port Colborne for the scrap lineup after discharging her last cargo at Hamilton. These more "modern" lakers are already going to scrap!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA33u-r53o0hsdrF9stJdDGuERFIxNzdULxD98PUF5htEHVuquhxz3vyn0uVpqDSD7VzCvH8wDVFkxT_unUogI1yXN1L3C_y_0Qrg0rxWJsxKncIhMQ3ggxoZbQ8JDL5bmzI8OiaDlHt9XNHudFCSug71ErgnvkZaDQxRuFXD77CeO7mjY_jv9213vlnc-/s6960/Algoma%20Transport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA33u-r53o0hsdrF9stJdDGuERFIxNzdULxD98PUF5htEHVuquhxz3vyn0uVpqDSD7VzCvH8wDVFkxT_unUogI1yXN1L3C_y_0Qrg0rxWJsxKncIhMQ3ggxoZbQ8JDL5bmzI8OiaDlHt9XNHudFCSug71ErgnvkZaDQxRuFXD77CeO7mjY_jv9213vlnc-/w640-h426/Algoma%20Transport.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Algoma Transport </i>at Port Lambton 18 April 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div></div></div>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-89052188266827017362023-12-27T19:54:00.009-05:002023-12-28T14:29:52.455-05:00Christmas Season Birding and CBC's<p>Weather is the talk of the season. For a season of Joy, the weather has certainly made it depressing. It is difficult to believe it is the winter season. Warm, rain, drizzle and fog!</p><p>I have not gone far the last few days. A few ducks have been around, but not like it used to be. Lots of Gadwall have been hanging around Roberta Stewart Wetland. On one occasion, I saw as many as twenty, but 13 seems the usual number.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS08dZb1Vgqh36nCrMMtx543s71L9aqnLPec1L9nLVsfRc9xzmjqTzBHAnjmNhOBF7oPdsyfMkDofDaiGADj7hN1I0YroE0X8wk8C3a6lbtfp7P4YztX7L8mTgYorZUGgaxTjK_D1iNm5kHsWgtByTgzVqTXT_Y_lSctRMLMO2hVMxg6-g8k7LWAyZnph0/s2846/IMG_2869.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="2846" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS08dZb1Vgqh36nCrMMtx543s71L9aqnLPec1L9nLVsfRc9xzmjqTzBHAnjmNhOBF7oPdsyfMkDofDaiGADj7hN1I0YroE0X8wk8C3a6lbtfp7P4YztX7L8mTgYorZUGgaxTjK_D1iNm5kHsWgtByTgzVqTXT_Y_lSctRMLMO2hVMxg6-g8k7LWAyZnph0/w400-h250/IMG_2869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The day before Christmas, I encountered several Sandhill Cranes near Port Lambton on another foggy day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVqxiFA6clN5gY6OvzemU8ugsJfba-f-8WF6w3CB1fQNS0FhkaPe52x-SF8sJi5doAT_vHEtvDXUATQPqDNbbQz9opbvV5u3BhCzWMINuwJJF1dJ6R3vMhg8UiRYProLMxTv1F2A2VF2NWFkVkZubm9qAWN-sj0EmCZiLCVH3dKwf-dGTQDZvhgW0_PP8/s5965/IMG_2873.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2492" data-original-width="5965" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVqxiFA6clN5gY6OvzemU8ugsJfba-f-8WF6w3CB1fQNS0FhkaPe52x-SF8sJi5doAT_vHEtvDXUATQPqDNbbQz9opbvV5u3BhCzWMINuwJJF1dJ6R3vMhg8UiRYProLMxTv1F2A2VF2NWFkVkZubm9qAWN-sj0EmCZiLCVH3dKwf-dGTQDZvhgW0_PP8/w640-h268/IMG_2873.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzbhCr219O3pBMQH69yOQf8SdxsSh9cnsRyUx2e3Od7q419OurhioEq_ntseCSu7YJ69zEg5KG_eR-Fw76xQ6X49KVerICQyB956AMcWqsDGI_ind9rrXt9ucpej_DObW5nc5tv2lqJPLHrnZtgbKuuCrap3W1Iz-v8yHkRT703pLq53NdwUqhqy9Hvum/s6763/IMG_2871.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2539" data-original-width="6763" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzbhCr219O3pBMQH69yOQf8SdxsSh9cnsRyUx2e3Od7q419OurhioEq_ntseCSu7YJ69zEg5KG_eR-Fw76xQ6X49KVerICQyB956AMcWqsDGI_ind9rrXt9ucpej_DObW5nc5tv2lqJPLHrnZtgbKuuCrap3W1Iz-v8yHkRT703pLq53NdwUqhqy9Hvum/w640-h240/IMG_2871.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Now, on to the Wallaceburg Christmas Bird Count which was today, December 27. As usual, the weather forecast was wrong, and we had completely miserable weather......again! I was looking forward to a day without precipitation and fog, but that is what I woke up to. It was rain, drizzle, dense fog all morning off and on and well into the afternoon. Not in the forecasts I looked at!</p><p>However, as always, we persevered with little choice. </p><p>I started at Roberta Stewart Wetland at first light as usual. Thirteen Gadwall were there on cue. A couple of Marsh Wrens chittering in the phrag were a nice addition to the list, as were the two Pied-billed Grebes in the reeds just offshore. The grebes are often found here this time of year, and not an unusual species on the Wallaceburg CBC. I recall one year we tallied 21!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpDlV6EAvQekenWiTa-E4fZr9CgFSpm-5ud-x74nR8yz041Na2XxBuXgYyPtyHuCtAp_5wVrtGHM9PLBLH7cmlpjsiKvzrLthJ5MGTamgUWcfAjnVhUkiPU9teDZ3gE_6vCFS7TzzZWmIGDdB5xjIqGd4la2bw-60wRnaxh3mT_meWu_RhYkgc6tbE4rF/s1600/IMG_7162.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpDlV6EAvQekenWiTa-E4fZr9CgFSpm-5ud-x74nR8yz041Na2XxBuXgYyPtyHuCtAp_5wVrtGHM9PLBLH7cmlpjsiKvzrLthJ5MGTamgUWcfAjnVhUkiPU9teDZ3gE_6vCFS7TzzZWmIGDdB5xjIqGd4la2bw-60wRnaxh3mT_meWu_RhYkgc6tbE4rF/w400-h209/IMG_7162.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(old photo at same location)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>No sign of the Sandhill Cranes this morning. I think they looked at the weather and took a day off!</p><p>Connected to the Stewart Wetland is MacDonald Park. This area used to be all marsh, but was filled in and two cuts were made. Connecting these two cuts is a neat little channel that is well hidden.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjUnwudXVdCQet_q9ylYkefb3OCQXJQR0NSH-HJxOybxDWI0HMiNf6QOrHItykKaF_JROXRkl9CbilVRKSSl8BloE0QdZS9YtOygMvs5wdO3yDj1wGBwmHJd98qWN6aew_pjgyAasDSNfrE3TuoV0sWzBJMEy39Ef0z2bKcOH-ZGl4dURPZloUbt7f00K/s4624/20231227_081207%5B10729%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjUnwudXVdCQet_q9ylYkefb3OCQXJQR0NSH-HJxOybxDWI0HMiNf6QOrHItykKaF_JROXRkl9CbilVRKSSl8BloE0QdZS9YtOygMvs5wdO3yDj1wGBwmHJd98qWN6aew_pjgyAasDSNfrE3TuoV0sWzBJMEy39Ef0z2bKcOH-ZGl4dURPZloUbt7f00K/w640-h480/20231227_081207%5B10729%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>After checking out this area, it seemed to stop raining and I was going to go for a walk nearby on private property. As soon as I started driving, it poured rain again, so I just drove around for a while.</p><p>I then walked Peers Wetland in the rain, no less.</p><p>The precipitation let up a bit as I headed west of town on Baseline Road. There was nothing on the Snye (Chenal Ecarte), but farther along Bluewater Line I suddenly encountered some blackbirds. I was in a bad position, and could not see a lot. However the flock moved and grew to an enormous size.</p><p>This was my kind of blackbird flock! We used to get these in the earlier years of the CBC, consisting of thousands of birds. On a few occasions, I have found Yellow-headed Blackbirds. </p><p>I was absolutely certain that I would find a Yellow-headed Blackbird or two with today's flock. At one point I saw white wing flashes, and I knew immediately what it was. A male Yellow-headed Blackbird! The flock kept moving and I spotted yet another. Could have been more, but the flock moved some distance towards the Snye into some trees.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoRmqHrL4aPBEs3XD0k_CSLT3a3CigpvGC8A0dP3TZ_ifoVVG_Pb7PYjg2EqJ6DofMvetd-YLOyw0orjHo2YGsMq4ns0f698g01vdwMON3itT2f8ZbJHrJ7IpBkKwNOIWmEQ0S2yi7xdlN0rAiz5IJXKO19j8WjqlVDjePQxpBRY_U4riS3eRPYFWI1DC/s2916/IMG_2890.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="2916" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoRmqHrL4aPBEs3XD0k_CSLT3a3CigpvGC8A0dP3TZ_ifoVVG_Pb7PYjg2EqJ6DofMvetd-YLOyw0orjHo2YGsMq4ns0f698g01vdwMON3itT2f8ZbJHrJ7IpBkKwNOIWmEQ0S2yi7xdlN0rAiz5IJXKO19j8WjqlVDjePQxpBRY_U4riS3eRPYFWI1DC/w400-h326/IMG_2890.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYID1lYbvK6-hW8HdJT6KAzeR4lXZJGzDN9NqQs2bwTbmyw9I_bdkowqLxxOi3Izt1YAtmpTorI1sZD_HqebJIUm3yp65o9TuhkJcXqnA-jTSILBch-6rPOz_MYHYUGmNJmnGZKAMjaGRVjPjzz6kzxfFYLpg9EWX6JzkSrGXk2m4UL89W38AKjAZHhVWo/s6929/IMG_2892.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="6929" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYID1lYbvK6-hW8HdJT6KAzeR4lXZJGzDN9NqQs2bwTbmyw9I_bdkowqLxxOi3Izt1YAtmpTorI1sZD_HqebJIUm3yp65o9TuhkJcXqnA-jTSILBch-6rPOz_MYHYUGmNJmnGZKAMjaGRVjPjzz6kzxfFYLpg9EWX6JzkSrGXk2m4UL89W38AKjAZHhVWo/w640-h282/IMG_2892.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWikj7GJI4jNNqo6e7VKWSpneOoxHl_6P2QM4RMEo42X5lBdNBGCrmCLZqt3kU0mCu1uBPTtaj-az4KOMjBXiKfL6wqlQwH6PDUKAPJ6zUw1ijNc7xvZwZRLBwrvEU53bai69OR-7QXuWhbPJPJ9DhZtZv6BTWX3PPqBTGEFbtcPW-NGI5n-MqRqm9J_-/s3299/IMG_2891.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2243" data-original-width="3299" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWikj7GJI4jNNqo6e7VKWSpneOoxHl_6P2QM4RMEo42X5lBdNBGCrmCLZqt3kU0mCu1uBPTtaj-az4KOMjBXiKfL6wqlQwH6PDUKAPJ6zUw1ijNc7xvZwZRLBwrvEU53bai69OR-7QXuWhbPJPJ9DhZtZv6BTWX3PPqBTGEFbtcPW-NGI5n-MqRqm9J_-/s320/IMG_2891.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTXV-1lmQ2hzFImlhtRWY1DCyKXLxhg-1ychSxcHqhhJNEcc7540AD8oDnAWUhGCYKiMWls8glPUrX8SEBJqcOYpam63g9O_nKcK24M2liL_wGUgjmKV3eLoRLPuJs0Q-2aCV3SyqcZ74gaIJovq_S69hxwRn910eq_cDku-YoUBmceBcO085234Ii4iA/s3805/IMG_2879.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1319" data-original-width="3805" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTXV-1lmQ2hzFImlhtRWY1DCyKXLxhg-1ychSxcHqhhJNEcc7540AD8oDnAWUhGCYKiMWls8glPUrX8SEBJqcOYpam63g9O_nKcK24M2liL_wGUgjmKV3eLoRLPuJs0Q-2aCV3SyqcZ74gaIJovq_S69hxwRn910eq_cDku-YoUBmceBcO085234Ii4iA/w640-h222/IMG_2879.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNU9kwF95AvAtr3XWg9aItW6hSeZ6oJtkZqLvmWeRz2Ufd7HAAwSrhnepOQQ3-xntWfFUYDW-BoMiTEbQB1T8zIkL9n3l1F0UFFPFhEymcOTtNmGrjexmsa5hXwVb8mSiS1xZEbABJV-Ky-hU17ZoEtVG8stKJzXFvxVFDLX-304GdL5SzB8oylZ4AQMn/s6720/IMG_2887.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2898" data-original-width="6720" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNU9kwF95AvAtr3XWg9aItW6hSeZ6oJtkZqLvmWeRz2Ufd7HAAwSrhnepOQQ3-xntWfFUYDW-BoMiTEbQB1T8zIkL9n3l1F0UFFPFhEymcOTtNmGrjexmsa5hXwVb8mSiS1xZEbABJV-Ky-hU17ZoEtVG8stKJzXFvxVFDLX-304GdL5SzB8oylZ4AQMn/w400-h173/IMG_2887.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>That made my day, so I moved on to the private property I wanted to walk. It was quiet at first, but at the very back corner of the woodlot there was some bird activity. Highlight was an active Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Another bonus bird for the day!</p><p>I could not get a decent photo though.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaWwLog8KOR9nrC6_L7cSoiPIFuRwNx4o2ekuKWzF8-puC1w8iDfEb2AJETqSlvq-LonZfBqhDY9-FuqrHgNCC5tebNuE2QkIBgZcdokQRwyg7lDKBxfW5ZLlCLas4WVets8ZITg_YgywAqeMjWVbdTLGIVbbesNsjlpoRQLL8SN0s3B8j19vCIz-IN82/s2980/IMG_2897.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2092" data-original-width="2980" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaWwLog8KOR9nrC6_L7cSoiPIFuRwNx4o2ekuKWzF8-puC1w8iDfEb2AJETqSlvq-LonZfBqhDY9-FuqrHgNCC5tebNuE2QkIBgZcdokQRwyg7lDKBxfW5ZLlCLas4WVets8ZITg_YgywAqeMjWVbdTLGIVbbesNsjlpoRQLL8SN0s3B8j19vCIz-IN82/s320/IMG_2897.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7a72yjCHsecxCFavaC1xW8D-rdgueWRYkzR5iWWYlxkAhe9zU18mg934P-Hu1GAObA1C4PlQDG8HjPVccc9mKlUmH0ApY5vS_YNB-uum1R3vlJ-JsvuvUzxHimMVCv6I14_4ggPaR0yn6gKxvjM0ks9EG_IbpqrMeTl-SfngtujixKX3YxBPNrWYpynox/s3277/IMG_2899.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2388" data-original-width="3277" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7a72yjCHsecxCFavaC1xW8D-rdgueWRYkzR5iWWYlxkAhe9zU18mg934P-Hu1GAObA1C4PlQDG8HjPVccc9mKlUmH0ApY5vS_YNB-uum1R3vlJ-JsvuvUzxHimMVCv6I14_4ggPaR0yn6gKxvjM0ks9EG_IbpqrMeTl-SfngtujixKX3YxBPNrWYpynox/w400-h291/IMG_2899.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Dense fog had rolled in by this time, so I spent the rest of the time driving around, walked Peers Wetland again, and Crothers Park along Running Creek.</p><p>I ended up with 38 species which was OK all things considered. The blackbirds made it worthwhile, as well as the Ruby-crowned Kinglet (first in 8 years on the count).</p><p>I am told, final tally is 82. Although numbers down, that is pretty good for a slow year in horrible weather.</p><p>Next CBC locally is the Skunk's Misery on Saturday. Pray for decent weather......!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjINlppjPvE75gJEgRegH4HFAW7_8b_ztMY3D3wh0urndMYSbKL53DZOL-9vRxpI30AjGS1VwlCIiwygfscHhDROGSmBMKVR6yr1cMaZEE1yxvTx05z2sDJ7Clhc1wDk1C9Z-cFoDHQtxGbEAUjSFFgunpe36IOTrREFWgP6FzywQep_8mhM-Yi-EdBcHi/s1600/015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjINlppjPvE75gJEgRegH4HFAW7_8b_ztMY3D3wh0urndMYSbKL53DZOL-9vRxpI30AjGS1VwlCIiwygfscHhDROGSmBMKVR6yr1cMaZEE1yxvTx05z2sDJ7Clhc1wDk1C9Z-cFoDHQtxGbEAUjSFFgunpe36IOTrREFWgP6FzywQep_8mhM-Yi-EdBcHi/w640-h480/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset off Stewart Wetland from a previous CBC (this is the way it should be!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-21948563801962167952023-12-23T12:07:00.004-05:002023-12-23T13:10:39.179-05:00Recent Observations and a Trek Out Rondeau South Beach<div class="separator"> I have been checking out the St. Clair River lately, but very little is out there! Certainly a far cry from what it used to be. With climate change, it is just too warm with no ice, and no concentration of birds. Very discouraging! Last winter was the worst I have ever seen for birds.</div><p>Lately, a Northern Pintail male has been hanging out with the Mallards at the old Sombra ferry dock. Always nice to see in winter, but hopefully it will be seen on the 27th during the Wallaceburg CBC.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriT2XvhFwVmz2uUfDbIYf1rHInlki65uTfLN8uqcRVNSb2JifXRXliUGiRx8x1c4nYp-F-LQHYcQ4E7p8NySAhWNmSOQxzPaw9QWfjxDXt4bCLsRFu1gZHIsVgwG1sTtE9RBGpK5Li37lGr7uJoLCF6P__D-yqM9ovfK6UpekpO0cxg-18va2msI8tbLk/s3739/IMG_2856.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2343" data-original-width="3739" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriT2XvhFwVmz2uUfDbIYf1rHInlki65uTfLN8uqcRVNSb2JifXRXliUGiRx8x1c4nYp-F-LQHYcQ4E7p8NySAhWNmSOQxzPaw9QWfjxDXt4bCLsRFu1gZHIsVgwG1sTtE9RBGpK5Li37lGr7uJoLCF6P__D-yqM9ovfK6UpekpO0cxg-18va2msI8tbLk/w400-h251/IMG_2856.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYicdlzHGudyDftCCSJmpOlVE730GWtr6KWe03KRSJzeCmdTmoqfjBKqB9g1bl_0piFK8tgwzyRVQEq5epr2Cy5brMi8bhf9a-acFSx9xVZMwVhDkUoICr76nyi30ozFOSFpQXKvqDrcz0zWoQ-mb4smDGxkoFDz_vSHb1QGKfr2ignXpOBxe5o2K6iurL/s3409/IMG_2857.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2556" data-original-width="3409" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYicdlzHGudyDftCCSJmpOlVE730GWtr6KWe03KRSJzeCmdTmoqfjBKqB9g1bl_0piFK8tgwzyRVQEq5epr2Cy5brMi8bhf9a-acFSx9xVZMwVhDkUoICr76nyi30ozFOSFpQXKvqDrcz0zWoQ-mb4smDGxkoFDz_vSHb1QGKfr2ignXpOBxe5o2K6iurL/w400-h300/IMG_2857.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Just outside of town, Bald Eagles are busy making a new nest. I guess they gave up on last year's nest!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJC_X2ZjZj6AnC-rhxhPWtxbEOuJ7o_pJrJATxPzaLm1kgJ864e5lIFgGLfhvjvoVPCAmsqgIYIKMQQmwWutjXnvA5TKsQfPK3Bv9qrhNxcJxRG93oiB9AMXaUuZRtd97WGSJ31fycr_I65hZe3FBIcz-pcCEudeCGgcx3AO91ylLIWO-JqFqjcDC1A07O/s3886/IMG_2860.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2933" data-original-width="3886" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJC_X2ZjZj6AnC-rhxhPWtxbEOuJ7o_pJrJATxPzaLm1kgJ864e5lIFgGLfhvjvoVPCAmsqgIYIKMQQmwWutjXnvA5TKsQfPK3Bv9qrhNxcJxRG93oiB9AMXaUuZRtd97WGSJ31fycr_I65hZe3FBIcz-pcCEudeCGgcx3AO91ylLIWO-JqFqjcDC1A07O/w640-h484/IMG_2860.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Today, there was light rain, so with nothing else to do I drove up to Corunna along the river. Very little to see, needless to say. The pintail was still present at Sombra though.</p><p>Lots of gulls have been off Guthrie Park at Corunna, but not today! I think I saw four gulls, lol. Some Hooded Mergansers were swimming offshore.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkc6eDDFInRiNerxlcMwzzOoqhg4LBMafkPKdCxffvtQeO69H7-ao0b0hvmZe0qNYwtsiNpBWbb2VTPZPrN_3dTjJ7jd3Fg1bneMxIbSzvOZCL8I4_pl_UH86sy_WVWe35Rx4OddDgPpzeuF4uPo4dOgg6633_W6pVxMYtyKqRZOkICNmx5hGnCeTMSK7/s4269/IMG_2865.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2359" data-original-width="4269" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkc6eDDFInRiNerxlcMwzzOoqhg4LBMafkPKdCxffvtQeO69H7-ao0b0hvmZe0qNYwtsiNpBWbb2VTPZPrN_3dTjJ7jd3Fg1bneMxIbSzvOZCL8I4_pl_UH86sy_WVWe35Rx4OddDgPpzeuF4uPo4dOgg6633_W6pVxMYtyKqRZOkICNmx5hGnCeTMSK7/w400-h221/IMG_2865.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>A couple of days ago, there was a window of opportunity to walk out Rondeau's south beach. I was hoping to come across the Purple Sandpiper that was discovered on the CBC last Sunday. Despite a thorough look, it was not to be found. There is excellent habitat for it on the Bay side for more than a kilometre.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItlNqJay7p-YCmIN0gIdEyurNGJ9fFV_kIFhh3hh8Qf8G0jnHrYEC_XVJQE_FHhX78QtgW8_KXaMv-JehJN8T7FNmF1FQfGT1Ph03o0z0cFKKqsOq7Y4O46L2SzcbLlbRw2-kx77NI81DDib49_MP7ZEsFGPBcb_5OlLNtJoUfwjAoOLAU9874fkbbHDE/s4624/Beach%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItlNqJay7p-YCmIN0gIdEyurNGJ9fFV_kIFhh3hh8Qf8G0jnHrYEC_XVJQE_FHhX78QtgW8_KXaMv-JehJN8T7FNmF1FQfGT1Ph03o0z0cFKKqsOq7Y4O46L2SzcbLlbRw2-kx77NI81DDib49_MP7ZEsFGPBcb_5OlLNtJoUfwjAoOLAU9874fkbbHDE/w640-h480/Beach%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>A few years ago, there was a rare spring record Purple Sandpiper in this same location.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO4OM3-ZXxOfu0MxEpbStVohyphenhyphenCjwDFo-vm4AK3gEUDQsDb3SULxbIgBhrDcTJycZBDP7DKzykdTaDTWbB2yQShJBKLMO6BtwT_9Y2E4iI9NGtrSpjqCBZ0j7k_NN2ngKgEOxRUd-LCxC4S4Yim6Sc0IIzz0zbbL9KUn0ZiFZqDUmAqfOtDhOQi4j6C_7Z/s1600/_MG_3539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO4OM3-ZXxOfu0MxEpbStVohyphenhyphenCjwDFo-vm4AK3gEUDQsDb3SULxbIgBhrDcTJycZBDP7DKzykdTaDTWbB2yQShJBKLMO6BtwT_9Y2E4iI9NGtrSpjqCBZ0j7k_NN2ngKgEOxRUd-LCxC4S4Yim6Sc0IIzz0zbbL9KUn0ZiFZqDUmAqfOtDhOQi4j6C_7Z/w400-h271/_MG_3539.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Here is another view looking at the terminus of the marsh trail. I remember one autumn it was dry enough to walk across!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I-cUZFOYdo0NksWhyg3BNN3hqJa9xtWkyDeYyaPicRbV3aeCSHqrOilYgdIkdIcKwejZ5cjPQk29d4NgnQr0Y9Vkc42os6jV_4C7ClaifHEmfO4nQHeYTwN3GDjSzufqPJTNKsVbgB54P1yAiq2OqHE8zK7ZJz5meJdjlQszPhyVfbZSh53JEbrd2-uc/s4624/Beach%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I-cUZFOYdo0NksWhyg3BNN3hqJa9xtWkyDeYyaPicRbV3aeCSHqrOilYgdIkdIcKwejZ5cjPQk29d4NgnQr0Y9Vkc42os6jV_4C7ClaifHEmfO4nQHeYTwN3GDjSzufqPJTNKsVbgB54P1yAiq2OqHE8zK7ZJz5meJdjlQszPhyVfbZSh53JEbrd2-uc/w640-h480/Beach%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I do not go out there as often as I used to, but it is forever changing. There used to be quite a bit of wooded area, but that is all gone due to the high water a few years ago. There were even times, there was no sand to walk on. It was quite narrow a couple of years ago, as seen in the following photos.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhnj8BMcFyZ1IiC6-Ho3fx7zRduTCx9lxlvpQxgbvAWR3A85aebRoZXcbb1zsfGV1o1_7BKI2hEXPlR1RPrHN4R-4cY0ImmHDdXCm31gr_LAYD-D5iXHP8K_Qw_Bk_sNeWsHol1SI7lgVQTi1U05YkAZlFTNbmia24rgzYOd_GhS6D0zJEsFU-zeqPI6k/s1600/20200308_130707.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhnj8BMcFyZ1IiC6-Ho3fx7zRduTCx9lxlvpQxgbvAWR3A85aebRoZXcbb1zsfGV1o1_7BKI2hEXPlR1RPrHN4R-4cY0ImmHDdXCm31gr_LAYD-D5iXHP8K_Qw_Bk_sNeWsHol1SI7lgVQTi1U05YkAZlFTNbmia24rgzYOd_GhS6D0zJEsFU-zeqPI6k/w640-h360/20200308_130707.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBjl5ndwcraIqgt_5E9zIqojluemQ2TvnKAmZj4sYz8drX2yBQVqo2yxiE9VLNy3qjUwqGi8uJ99Y67_HAFYiyJ6RY0U3XTFDu0xpG4DbftZC4WFET15a_75uFW-vTFwnAOYlXi8L-TzyAcYpC3eq34uXZJB6fIRYvIC3zauZhjdAYns-CW6o4bUun9o-/s1600/20200308_130657%5B1058%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBjl5ndwcraIqgt_5E9zIqojluemQ2TvnKAmZj4sYz8drX2yBQVqo2yxiE9VLNy3qjUwqGi8uJ99Y67_HAFYiyJ6RY0U3XTFDu0xpG4DbftZC4WFET15a_75uFW-vTFwnAOYlXi8L-TzyAcYpC3eq34uXZJB6fIRYvIC3zauZhjdAYns-CW6o4bUun9o-/w640-h360/20200308_130657%5B1058%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>As always, I look for mussel shells to photograph. There were lots, but most seemed to be Fatmucket.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRVbsjMZOTw3cun85_xQG3pWgF725VppGf_cnXvBn-ScDZbblau_QOB5uCPso_7zsWmcquCwaBbf5F6CMuhCP95E7vDGY7-koG4rDlmrq1LE_d-N5fK2syWLEnX6ApD2_mZn_HgnmqklYXyoC5ymYNLXzIP-MGJKz-DPLlkuq4NonyAfQ_9pJbJ_dflt5/s3237/R3A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1945" data-original-width="3237" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRVbsjMZOTw3cun85_xQG3pWgF725VppGf_cnXvBn-ScDZbblau_QOB5uCPso_7zsWmcquCwaBbf5F6CMuhCP95E7vDGY7-koG4rDlmrq1LE_d-N5fK2syWLEnX6ApD2_mZn_HgnmqklYXyoC5ymYNLXzIP-MGJKz-DPLlkuq4NonyAfQ_9pJbJ_dflt5/s320/R3A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GPNUFs8TXnZ3oB2ApCspypJ4ExrZe9MxV7eL6OLN1zlZyFZBctYahkzo0GOWl4-qdLQWWGbp3OofXB8s_BsHv0KLNTRWR1dZxWinbYHwCDlcUjg620gK1BSURy2AbQSYSM-ZJUsKXJrD3FdFY3mLL3InV1MBDZrihXyh9TgEZarSSrAUmM27R_W19RBP/s3831/R3B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2987" data-original-width="3831" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GPNUFs8TXnZ3oB2ApCspypJ4ExrZe9MxV7eL6OLN1zlZyFZBctYahkzo0GOWl4-qdLQWWGbp3OofXB8s_BsHv0KLNTRWR1dZxWinbYHwCDlcUjg620gK1BSURy2AbQSYSM-ZJUsKXJrD3FdFY3mLL3InV1MBDZrihXyh9TgEZarSSrAUmM27R_W19RBP/s320/R3B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>One was an Eastern Pondmussel, which is now an imperiled species.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjsSmPnAhVmRkEgrMdqiepUnYga-QfCXxlXYnAGSklmSq9utJn95JUch05Rbp_uIkFQBXsDLRc4rdWn4a3QuVoBGC6o-g_5f6xNWHugu0-rXHhxlg-uBnkwgXdfyjgsdNWJ8q5XB333eAC1TGD5ViFsbhS9LemijzLUsHhZ918j8fvD4thseWA1zPhjAF/s4435/R6A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2889" data-original-width="4435" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjsSmPnAhVmRkEgrMdqiepUnYga-QfCXxlXYnAGSklmSq9utJn95JUch05Rbp_uIkFQBXsDLRc4rdWn4a3QuVoBGC6o-g_5f6xNWHugu0-rXHhxlg-uBnkwgXdfyjgsdNWJ8q5XB333eAC1TGD5ViFsbhS9LemijzLUsHhZ918j8fvD4thseWA1zPhjAF/s320/R6A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_I2YpV3Fo1PulmJO_2R3zQ3p2cVWW4y8YR1eoky_kRcrJ0AG9AhkxubmI_9A3A1EKslmHLHhmqK6F_xABbZ76RdGjdT-H8ssfULOd0ihLhQZ7ylVZJPsLMPAlkiw7zuVp9ygVPVxspulqVmL8TG1TxsIgjHy1kYsVxBtCXezpyTLwHFp8WaqYGGhHw1s/s4624/R6B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_I2YpV3Fo1PulmJO_2R3zQ3p2cVWW4y8YR1eoky_kRcrJ0AG9AhkxubmI_9A3A1EKslmHLHhmqK6F_xABbZ76RdGjdT-H8ssfULOd0ihLhQZ7ylVZJPsLMPAlkiw7zuVp9ygVPVxspulqVmL8TG1TxsIgjHy1kYsVxBtCXezpyTLwHFp8WaqYGGhHw1s/s320/R6B.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Another I found on the Bayside, remains unidentified. Not the best specimen, but it is suggested that it is a Plain Pocket-book (or Pocketbook).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCcMWaOS9GS8K40kGH7utuyJemrB2B2L7fGk-q4dwu5YhGqqHKzKHO4YL4tTLTey6eAOA22_UVT6pnwrZH53korjvuDeRPoRwlIXjqu1vgCLW7HpSxnpdxGKtFppzyoxjdjRJBqVV65Ke_4S5_-GjEvHFrehha-7ONaqQj1q0JrFoJSIXG201TuhulZbV/s3918/R7A.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2889" data-original-width="3918" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCcMWaOS9GS8K40kGH7utuyJemrB2B2L7fGk-q4dwu5YhGqqHKzKHO4YL4tTLTey6eAOA22_UVT6pnwrZH53korjvuDeRPoRwlIXjqu1vgCLW7HpSxnpdxGKtFppzyoxjdjRJBqVV65Ke_4S5_-GjEvHFrehha-7ONaqQj1q0JrFoJSIXG201TuhulZbV/s320/R7A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJaI5rmQc4O1ayqVSLe9jXsfj9PXNVsVuzAJAoXri-A1kKSWsbYn5jiwGSzd0DKNJgsuq7gAu_VuA11HxykcgR-U5cFl8XrPnpWDKbY1fgo8_fO4JC7Aa92-DPh432-wY7T0b9Gpy3ao-eyfu4Nld-8xDxwjApdczTaYDjEpj3VsUguI0x9AARLE0xOqk/s3761/R7B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2972" data-original-width="3761" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJaI5rmQc4O1ayqVSLe9jXsfj9PXNVsVuzAJAoXri-A1kKSWsbYn5jiwGSzd0DKNJgsuq7gAu_VuA11HxykcgR-U5cFl8XrPnpWDKbY1fgo8_fO4JC7Aa92-DPh432-wY7T0b9Gpy3ao-eyfu4Nld-8xDxwjApdczTaYDjEpj3VsUguI0x9AARLE0xOqk/s320/R7B.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p>After that long walk, I was too tired to check the campground. Along the way, the trusty Eastern Screech-owl was showing in its usual cavity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix54xL8DsqT-phC6t4slY6mBybgcfKHoUsr8rZKXoorU5BBFsPlniSTWYSoeB4gwnrHlx2ADBaIiWTUe3c0X1-38rFoGyS2tqQornB9kvGXHJLq8JPZlyDU3rEQrMI5ll_-q27M7yCUl9hLWq_R_mv7cXkhRdnDF2mdBUIcxOg9b69tXeSb7O3z_UH5p29/s2093/IMG_2861.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2093" data-original-width="2016" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix54xL8DsqT-phC6t4slY6mBybgcfKHoUsr8rZKXoorU5BBFsPlniSTWYSoeB4gwnrHlx2ADBaIiWTUe3c0X1-38rFoGyS2tqQornB9kvGXHJLq8JPZlyDU3rEQrMI5ll_-q27M7yCUl9hLWq_R_mv7cXkhRdnDF2mdBUIcxOg9b69tXeSb7O3z_UH5p29/w385-h400/IMG_2861.JPG" width="385" /></a></div><br /><p>In other notes, the Limpkin was still being seen on December 22 at Wheatley Provincial Park. Apparently it was looking well.</p><p>The Limpkin is truly a unique bird. Something like a large rail, it is in a class of its own. It is not all that common to begin with, but several records in Ontario this year, it is amazing.</p><p>Today in the history department, the sandsucker <i>Charles Dick</i> was scrapped in 1976. It was frequent visitor to Wallaceburg back in the day.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGya-V4sCi6jFmezsIyOEYVkR4Znl9lc3moTZswLIkU098eVo7Wubj5rYbEZKJDK0P-QOH1K88jvTk73ocDlpTZu25ADb98qZoBjox0YqGOzk3fWjqun4Z_VgqZrugY6LxGIqVwxK8rITj4uboVKG3FUyXa7UVnCSO2NvwfTNDaCfuJg2-d7GsIbFktdsI/s4405/Charles%20Dick.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4405" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGya-V4sCi6jFmezsIyOEYVkR4Znl9lc3moTZswLIkU098eVo7Wubj5rYbEZKJDK0P-QOH1K88jvTk73ocDlpTZu25ADb98qZoBjox0YqGOzk3fWjqun4Z_VgqZrugY6LxGIqVwxK8rITj4uboVKG3FUyXa7UVnCSO2NvwfTNDaCfuJg2-d7GsIbFktdsI/w400-h216/Charles%20Dick.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1949</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910011439894323445.post-92128265277298742492023-12-19T18:19:00.005-05:002023-12-20T21:29:23.696-05:00A Southern Bird and Christmas Bird Count Notes<p> Yesterday, December 18, was the Point Pelee Christmas Bird Count. Weather was not very good (what's new?), but as we dedicated birders do, we persevere. There are always some surprises on these counts, and yesterday was no exception.</p><p>While covering Wheatley Provincial Park, Pete Read and Peter Kelly somehow discovered.......wait for it.......a Limpkin! Certainly on nobody's radar. But, these things happen.</p><p>Local birders rushed to the scene to catch a glimpse of this out-of-place rail-like bird.</p><p>Today saw nicer weather, and myself, along with many other birders, went to see the bird. It was tucked in, so photos are not all that great.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l-tf7WUboCneznH0asqeKWf0TxcgyjMBibHQLXwzUmlwRXUDV11xkSe44SJJa3_E2MTjCOIHiizJPq4Wn6mshOqpy7_UI0J1Ew8Ry8L6n2dU-eWzyJ01zrV7CJz7eqwZK7DNCHtmFLywW3tI2FnalRuM7lQ3cPetwvl4jP1H4RrnwN8i7FbP0kjvI5hp/s3311/Limpkin%208.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2980" data-original-width="3311" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l-tf7WUboCneznH0asqeKWf0TxcgyjMBibHQLXwzUmlwRXUDV11xkSe44SJJa3_E2MTjCOIHiizJPq4Wn6mshOqpy7_UI0J1Ew8Ry8L6n2dU-eWzyJ01zrV7CJz7eqwZK7DNCHtmFLywW3tI2FnalRuM7lQ3cPetwvl4jP1H4RrnwN8i7FbP0kjvI5hp/w400-h360/Limpkin%208.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4UARAUkr_bz9EzpLbBsE6HyZp92-IZ7s6Tc-XupTgAHc6XAKlOCTS7jvdYFBU3xQyRNGz3HyEmBs2np8E3fvsePWHZ6c-MWTeyqXgj2JLYPpSHkRY5yNy4QXDO3emZzhj_7VI2xAcNI5mkOdbVBsGhnYqU17VG6vq97qrCPkUE-r3IhcY3wC_CTtnSZx/s3358/limpkin%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3154" data-original-width="3358" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4UARAUkr_bz9EzpLbBsE6HyZp92-IZ7s6Tc-XupTgAHc6XAKlOCTS7jvdYFBU3xQyRNGz3HyEmBs2np8E3fvsePWHZ6c-MWTeyqXgj2JLYPpSHkRY5yNy4QXDO3emZzhj_7VI2xAcNI5mkOdbVBsGhnYqU17VG6vq97qrCPkUE-r3IhcY3wC_CTtnSZx/w400-h376/limpkin%202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>There was a northward movement of Limpkins this year, and a few were seen in Ontario. Not being a "chaser" of rarities farther away, I thought I would never see one. But that changed this morning.</p><p>This bird will not likely survive, it looked cold and did not move much during my observation. It certainly does not have the strength to fly back south. It did move around today though, apparently.</p><p>Wheatley Provincial Park has always been a nice birding place, but it has been quite a while since I have been there. Today, there were other birds, such as Yellow-rumped Warblers, Fox Sparrows, Hermit Thrushes and others.</p><p>Included was a hardier type of waterbird.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWob8c5dXr1zMu5aTRn1t0B1BL30ntgyBsKg_8TZvlhaEsxcs9gFNH-2rlK1w0D6xPjlExk79t2ja1Gho7JGyWsixrYcFqJoPfKAkJ_Zz8cE4QerDSl9seK5THcqCjKjF-WkaDBPJOUD1sGRkIwdjk9CocI6eca-5A8Oml35sKPupJfJea2H-a0lR0YL7/s5060/IMG_2847.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4066" data-original-width="5060" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWob8c5dXr1zMu5aTRn1t0B1BL30ntgyBsKg_8TZvlhaEsxcs9gFNH-2rlK1w0D6xPjlExk79t2ja1Gho7JGyWsixrYcFqJoPfKAkJ_Zz8cE4QerDSl9seK5THcqCjKjF-WkaDBPJOUD1sGRkIwdjk9CocI6eca-5A8Oml35sKPupJfJea2H-a0lR0YL7/w400-h321/IMG_2847.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>After getting my Limpkin fill, I headed over to Erieau to check out the marsh trail. Seven Killdeer are still working the mudflats.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZM47yX2zTYfjHr3KFnj2MEO8p4Q80NGUUl6PXWy9tianY8Sv8YWfE-6cA4mNDCI_aw5PMgrA4qJBZx80W7TD29mowSuQCr7lQRG6S2Rppi0z9rLGXHwG2tLJDFcd5S9esKrb0hHSb1dGnv8iJ0mhFpuXweG0ZlgxhpZnPxOPsQPl6DsHASZJ7Ez4a5YJ/s3067/IMG_2851.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2539" data-original-width="3067" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZM47yX2zTYfjHr3KFnj2MEO8p4Q80NGUUl6PXWy9tianY8Sv8YWfE-6cA4mNDCI_aw5PMgrA4qJBZx80W7TD29mowSuQCr7lQRG6S2Rppi0z9rLGXHwG2tLJDFcd5S9esKrb0hHSb1dGnv8iJ0mhFpuXweG0ZlgxhpZnPxOPsQPl6DsHASZJ7Ez4a5YJ/w400-h331/IMG_2851.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>This past Sunday was the Blenheim/Rondeau Christmas Bird Count. Weather was absolutely horrible, and I am not hesitant to say it was the most disappointing count I personally have ever done. It was very windy, with rain or drizzle most of the day, and the roar of the waves breaking onshore made things difficult to hear. Perhaps I got the short end of the stick, as my area was just too exposed, and it was too uncomfortable to do a long lakewatch.</p><p>I spent the first hour and a bit doing a lakewatch. Not too much was moving, but I heard that a little later it was much better for movement. I did get a couple of Red-throated Loons as a highlight. Simply put, I did not want to stand there in the wind and rain for a long time!</p><p>I walked the south point east trail, and there were practically no birds. I then walked back in along a slough where I did find a nice pocket of birds at one point. It was quite a mixed group with robins, a couple of Purple Finches, a couple of Golden-crowned Kinglets, Brown Creeper, chickadees, and a Hermit Thrush, among others.</p><p>Random scenes:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7GCjRJFX_dPFCFhTuqacKLcvCopZtqaIbXWV-hdeo5VCeX801J1eSLr797nK7d_SH-TCVsiMgZB_WNB1s8t46S_s8Y6MZ2QrhSfDeE4SF_2dC7PvB_ifF0tj__kjMoao7um1CTTxw7DbLL3Yu1Lq_kXgWiAa9ThOuIz9RmPSxQ_5dzzexv25J4Qr_gnw/s4624/20231217_093234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7GCjRJFX_dPFCFhTuqacKLcvCopZtqaIbXWV-hdeo5VCeX801J1eSLr797nK7d_SH-TCVsiMgZB_WNB1s8t46S_s8Y6MZ2QrhSfDeE4SF_2dC7PvB_ifF0tj__kjMoao7um1CTTxw7DbLL3Yu1Lq_kXgWiAa9ThOuIz9RmPSxQ_5dzzexv25J4Qr_gnw/w640-h480/20231217_093234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD180IHMrUerpElkSEfG69C7XeQ6FOM6hCRxxWNw8JE6ng92RYNtMbDonQwLFiKk9CyJVWp7-ekcx6_9uTJkTQyTVs33lEgsyi4siWVwEPPUjR5REXPcPMiBHQWFqDxZ5P4WNeyummo0wg044oZPbkGddrdkgfRsv1BsVWGZmiPb3b6_P1E42RogGJndp/s4624/20231217_093230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD180IHMrUerpElkSEfG69C7XeQ6FOM6hCRxxWNw8JE6ng92RYNtMbDonQwLFiKk9CyJVWp7-ekcx6_9uTJkTQyTVs33lEgsyi4siWVwEPPUjR5REXPcPMiBHQWFqDxZ5P4WNeyummo0wg044oZPbkGddrdkgfRsv1BsVWGZmiPb3b6_P1E42RogGJndp/w640-h480/20231217_093230.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I like these walks way back in. One always can find some birds, and see some interesting scenery.</p><p>I usually walk northerly till I hit the old Dillon trail, but I completely overshot it by quite a ways! It is getting too unrecognizable back there anymore.</p><p>Here is a scene later when I walked back the old Dillon for a while.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlwfhR9R1WFgHN79rfACBEce4F_irCEUnGjsujCXpfrTL0vomthXEiufiuWsUC-NzGUddLhU_A0E6bbBKRTzmhSgqEHzye_vzrgbeER3Kku2DyrGw-j7Q9WN9ojAUtGnvWYOD-YZ8RD7WL8ZI2joop7d2WGd1Wunabb6jL7dfv6xp7GxZS2dOcYU-1E2N/s4624/20231217_122252.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlwfhR9R1WFgHN79rfACBEce4F_irCEUnGjsujCXpfrTL0vomthXEiufiuWsUC-NzGUddLhU_A0E6bbBKRTzmhSgqEHzye_vzrgbeER3Kku2DyrGw-j7Q9WN9ojAUtGnvWYOD-YZ8RD7WL8ZI2joop7d2WGd1Wunabb6jL7dfv6xp7GxZS2dOcYU-1E2N/w640-h480/20231217_122252.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note, Prothonotary boxes</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Dillon was actually a drivable road that connected the east side with the west side of south point trail.<br /><p>The count did exceptionally well considering the weather and quiet year for birds. Unofficially, 109 species were tallied, but I do not know the final results. As always, there were some highlights such as the Purple Sandpiper out south beach, a House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, among others. The Audubon's Warbler was seen as well. </p><p>Ending my day (earlier than usual), I walked the north end of the campground and saw the Audubon's in less than 20 min.!</p><p>A few days ago, I had a nice walk at St. Clair NWA. With the open water, thousands of waterfowl were present. I saw nothing unusual though!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIj-ljEhhR_6MbYU7v-KStQ6UU0PWi6Evnfg9VvVm-92fr4elncZ4U_cH4Q4xzmAKZd5URgwKHyTVVeZYZuzIavpRcys5Ryv87cdJTjlqAyAQNcZVa0r9eGAV6L-rRoFssxSIcW8kbhLKP8pDol8ZL4Jk40UgUMIdcjF1XdRkDiS2x_F3ZX3bNxDKqYZhj/s6923/IMG_2825.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3260" data-original-width="6923" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIj-ljEhhR_6MbYU7v-KStQ6UU0PWi6Evnfg9VvVm-92fr4elncZ4U_cH4Q4xzmAKZd5URgwKHyTVVeZYZuzIavpRcys5Ryv87cdJTjlqAyAQNcZVa0r9eGAV6L-rRoFssxSIcW8kbhLKP8pDol8ZL4Jk40UgUMIdcjF1XdRkDiS2x_F3ZX3bNxDKqYZhj/w640-h302/IMG_2825.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>A couple of Marsh Wrens were heard/seen along the dike, but are indeed expected.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiea3sI6jCbsDh_8daj3pLs05fkNK8JoF7pP52_Mq2S3CTpXto_dwUR6-8AInvdxfQ71OPLPASKAoY6kg29_X-ekqnz2lCF-GRCJNY1vhirCRvSJRJvDdUF2HQ4dK-F70WLNvqE3_3RXUv8YcfPTepHonJ0EEAgZSO487khb2QEGt1A9uy7szoGLUduvY8Y/s2724/IMG_2829.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2168" data-original-width="2724" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiea3sI6jCbsDh_8daj3pLs05fkNK8JoF7pP52_Mq2S3CTpXto_dwUR6-8AInvdxfQ71OPLPASKAoY6kg29_X-ekqnz2lCF-GRCJNY1vhirCRvSJRJvDdUF2HQ4dK-F70WLNvqE3_3RXUv8YcfPTepHonJ0EEAgZSO487khb2QEGt1A9uy7szoGLUduvY8Y/w400-h319/IMG_2829.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Feeder operations have been slow this year. Just too mild. This White-throated Sparrow showed up here late yesterday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt6dOQSFbXFhAwx7vsEGda02YJJ52YgSm6p9JZOuE1Wv9TZ-tybvtufWESnVLsct8QvxufZKWoj_vH39bgqpb0WgX_njkl_XEAbN7GVf99tmNw0HNNmQcbCjqUScBedAso2RSj1r0FMElwQ6Z2Y730h_V7Jx-5Ls44Yv_pd2BtqQT5XL93WgAkqquc1GC/s3288/IMG_2830.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2469" data-original-width="3288" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt6dOQSFbXFhAwx7vsEGda02YJJ52YgSm6p9JZOuE1Wv9TZ-tybvtufWESnVLsct8QvxufZKWoj_vH39bgqpb0WgX_njkl_XEAbN7GVf99tmNw0HNNmQcbCjqUScBedAso2RSj1r0FMElwQ6Z2Y730h_V7Jx-5Ls44Yv_pd2BtqQT5XL93WgAkqquc1GC/w400-h300/IMG_2830.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Next CBC locally is Wallaceburg on the 27th. I sure hope the weather is decent....</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Blake A. Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11773931667770190780noreply@blogger.com0