River Runs and Other Findings

 I have not gone far lately, spending quite a bit of time along the St. Clair River and other places locally.  With more seasonal weather (for a change!), there has been more waterfowl on the St. Clair River.

Monday I found quite a few swans at the head of Fawn Island.  Most were Mutes unfortunately, but there were some Tundras.  One stood out though as a Trumpeter Swan, which has been increasingly more regular on the river.  It was still present today!

Long-tailed Ducks are the more common ducks along the river anymore.  I recall when it was a big deal to see one on the river!

And, a fair number of Common Goldeneye.

Afterwards, I drove some backroads and went for a short walk at Reid CA.  An immature Northern Shrike was along the road.  As usual, I was not in a position to get a decent photo.

Evidence of Pileated Woodpecker at Reid CA

Tuesday, I headed down Rondeau way for lack of any other idea.  It was too cold to do much walking, so it was mostly driving.  There was not much around, and some snow falling did not help.

Along Stefina Line, I saw the two Eastern Meadowlarks again, but as usual, they did refused to co-operate for any photo attempts.  I see them ahead, but then they fly behind me!

whatever!

Wednesday, it out the St. Clair River again.  It was clear when I headed out, and that old moon was shining bright.

There were even more swans at Fawn Island.  At least were 70 were Mutes unfortunately, but most were sleeping.  The Trumpeter was no doubt there, but I could not tell for sure with the sleeping swans.

Later in the afternoon, a Cooper's Hawk visited the backyard.  Hope it was hunting House Sparrows!

This photo I took very quickly through window glass, but it turned out quite well.

Today, it back out the river once again.  We had some snow and it was windy, so I did not want to venture far.

I stopped by Port Lambton first thing.  I noticed quite a few Redhead on the move or swimming.  No doubt the winter weather has put them into the river (the way we used to have it!).  Some Canvasback were amongst them as well.

A stope at Cathcart Park was worthwhile.  It seems to be one of the better spots of late.  I noticed a Glaucous Gull flying around, so I got out to get closer.

There have been very few white-winged gulls this year.

While scanning, I picked up on a Red-necked Grebe!  This species is quite rare at any time around here, let along this time of year.  It was a bit distant, but discernable by photo.

As luck would have it, a couple of seasoned Sarnia birders were only five minutes away.  They eventually got on the grebe.

I continued on up to Corunna.  Hundreds of Long-tailed Ducks at Mooretown as usual, but not much else.  There have not been many gulls along the river yet this winter.  I miss the days of hundreds of gulls!  It may happen yet.  Most are at Sarnia Bay it seems.

Later on and during one walk, I came across a cute little creature.  I came upon it suddenly, so maybe it was surprised to see me.

There was not much else the rest of my outing.  I drove back roads on the way home and barely saw a bird!  Stopped by Moore WMA and never saw a bird.  Usually this place is good in winter.  Goes to show how quiet things are this winter.

Debris Pile!

Winter Walks and Wanderings

 A couple of days ago I took a drive along the St. Clair River up to Willow Park.  Slush ice has almost filled the river due to the recent cold weather.  We did not see much of this last year!

Port Lambton

Some ships are still working including the Algoma Compass.  One of the nicer-looking ones.

Near the brine barge at Seager Park, I noticed an odd duck swimming about.  Turned out to be a Surf Scoter.  Not the most classic-looking one, but apparently it has been around for some time.  Of all the times I have been out to the river, this was the first time I encountered the creature.

We rarely seen a Surf Scoter in the St. Clair River!

Afterwards, I went for a  walk at Reid CA.  Hardly any birds as usual, but I enjoyed the fresh air and exercise, and always enjoy walking through the woods.

View from my favourite spot

Saturday, I joined the annual OFO field trip along the Detroit River.  I always enjoy this one since I rarely get down that way.

This year, we had more seasonal weather for a change!  There was a good concentration of birds around Peche Island, including about 36 Great Blue Herons on the edge of the ice.  They looked like sentinels! 

Lots of Hooded Mergansers were here.

A Trumpeter Swan, not all that unusual for here, was also seen.  A pair was Wood Ducks was a decent sighting.

There was a good concentration of waterfowl along the shoreline of Peche Island, the majority of which were Canada Geese and Mallards.  There were about 800 geese, but we could not pick out a single other species!

Here is a link to the eBird list for this location:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S208884570

Of course, I noticed the Bob-Lo boat Ste. Claire slowly taking shape downriver.  Although it does not look much different than a year ago.

Summer Memories!

The tanker Iver Bright flushed a couple of hundred Common Mergansers a bit downriver.

Our next stop, per tradition, was the Little River Corridor Park and the pollution control plant area.  There is always a concentration of ducks in the canal.  Among the hundreds of Mallards, were four more Wood Ducks.

Other birds included the expected Belted Kingfisher and a couple of American Robins.  As well, Jeremy Hatt spotted a junco which appeared to be an Oregon.

Here is a link to our bird list for this location:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S208919641

We then moved to the park.  At the parking lot, I spotted a Sharp-shinned Hawk which all in the group were pleased to see.

There were lots of juncos and other birds in the park.  The highlight was probably the Hermit Thrush we saw.  Lots of Northern Cardinals as well.  One perched motionless right beside the trail.

There was no surprise like last year, when we found the Northern Waterthrush.  Things were quite frozen, unlike last year, so obviously any bird like that would be foolhardy to stick around.

Here is a link to the eBird list for this location:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S208901950

After this walk, I headed back home, as there was not much else that interested me further downriver.

I drove a few backroads on the way home.  There were hundred of Snow Buntings and Horned Larks as one would expect.

Today, I aimed my car towards Rondeau.  I first went towards Stefina Line.  Along Mull Road, I encountered a couple of Eastern Meadowlarks.  A couple have been seen further along Stefina, so not sure if these are the same ones.  There are bound to be more out there!  Unfortunately, I could not obtain proper photos.

It is always nice to see these in winter.  We have seen them along Stefina before in the past.

The Harris's Sparrow was still present as expected.

I had been itching to get out Rondeau's marsh trail for a long walk for quite some time.  The cold north winds of late were too unbearable to do this walk, but the winds switched to the south for a change.  It was actually quite pleasant as I walked out to the half way point.

View at the half-way boardwalk

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet was still in the cottage area tirelessly looking for morsels of food.  Lots of Swamp Sparrows were encountered.  Nothing special seen during my walk, but it was just nice to get out there.

I decided to head homeward after this walk.  I thought of going to Erieau since there are now three Harlequin Ducks (!), but I bypassed that.

Early Winter Birding: Some Highlights

 The past few days have been winter-like for a change.  Not much in the way of snow around here, but more seasonal temperatures.  The northerly winds have made for some short walks!

There are not many "land birds" around this winter, but the cold and snow recently has helped to concentrate what few are around.

On Sunday, I made some rounds in the Rondeau area.  It was one of the better birding days of late.  I started at Rondeau Park for some short walks.  I have had the urge to do along walk out marsh trail, but it has been too windy on that side of the park.  So, I just checked the start of the trail which has harboured some birds.  The Ruby-crowned Kinglet was still flitting around, and I caught a glimpse of the Common Yellowthroat that has been there for some time.

I walked the campground, but it was quiet for birds, which has been the case for the most part.

While there, I got word that a Harris's Sparrow was found along Stefina Line.  I bypassed that spot for the time being and went to McGeachy Pond at Erieau.  There were not many birds, but the Northern Mockingbird was still taking advantage of various berries.

After seeing it further along the trail, I headed back to the parking lot.  I saw Steve at the end of the trail, and he sent a message that he was looking at the mockingbird.  What?  Obviously there was a second one!  I only got a glimpse of that one.

I then headed over to east of Blenheim to look for the Harris's Sparrow.  It took a few minutes for it to show, but it was there.  Photo conditions were not ideal from my position.

It was hanging out with a large number of White-crowned Sparrows.  Harris's Sparrows quite often accompany White-crowned Sparrows.  The one I found at Hillman Marsh a few years ago was the same deal.  As was the one along Gore Road many years ago.

While there, I got a glimpse of the Northern Shrike in the distance.  Seems every winter we have one there, but it is an ideal spot with hawthorns, etc.

Monday I looked at the St. Clair River.  It seemed to be getting a little better for birds.  Along the Chenal Ecarte, I saw another Pied-billed Grebe.

Tuesday, I did quite a bit of driving around, mostly to no avail!  Further south along the Chenal Ecarte, I found some more Pied-billed Grebes.  Must be quite a few around!  Also saw a Green-winged Teal in the same area directly west of town, which was nice for this time of year around these parts.

Wednesday, I looked at the Sarnia area, and upper St. Clair River.  There was a lot to look at in the way of gulls and ducks.  I did not take any photos this day, as nothing caught my eye.

I did get some "year" birds such as Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull.  I sorted through a lot of ducks and gulls, but nothing spectacular showed.  Maybe I did not look hard enough, as a Harlequin Duck was reported off Canatara Park west end not long after I left!  However, conditions were brutal there with the stiff cold wind, and lots of slush ice.

The St. Clair River was quite full of slush ice, finally.  More seasonal-like.  There was quite a concentration of gulls and ducks off the head of Stag Island.  Most were Herring Gulls and Long-tailed Ducks.  There were well-over 2000 Long-tailed Ducks in view there.  But again, I could not find anything of note.

Today, I headed down Rondeau way again.  It was just too cold to do much walking, but skies were cloudless for a change.  I had to take advantage of it!

First spot was Erieau.  With the Bay frozen, duck are at the channel area or on the lake.  First thing in the morning on a sunny day is not the best for viewing there, but I did get in a decent position to view a good portion of the ducks.

A few days ago, two Harlequin Ducks were present.  I searched for them, but only got a distant view on one today.  Later in the afternoon would have been better to view these, but I am never there later in the day.

I headed over to the park afterwards, but after just walking the north end of the campground, I drove around the rest of the time!  Just too cold.

The Hermit Thrush was still at the north end.  Seems it appears each time.  No Yellow-rumped Warblers this winter.  Or, at least none have been detected.

There were a few Black-capped Chickadees here and there, including this one roadside.

I briefly stopped at Keith McLean C. L. later.  There was a tiny bit of open water near the viewing tower where three Killdeer were hunkered down.  These guys seem to want to stick around!

*head just showing of the third at far left

The skies remained clear all day for a change.  That old moon was shining bright this evening!

There were some other decent sightings last Sunday, including this one.

Barred Owl

A Look Back As A New Year Begins

 Now that we are well into the new year of 2025, I look back at 2024.  I will touch on a just a few highlights.  As I am a "local" person, these were not too far from home!

It was not the best year for birds.  There were fewer birds and less rarities than the year before to my eyes.  It did not help that I had a lot of bad luck this year.  Almost every time something of significance showed up, I was in the opposite direction!  As well, I could not find much of note.  The only half decent self-found bird this year was the Snowy Egret at Mitchell's Bay back in May.  Many went to see it.

There were some highlights with life birds though.  The Ferruginous Hawk at Port Alma in May was a long-desired Ontario bird for many including myself.  It was way too distant in a field when I saw it though.

LOL!

The Black-tailed Gull at Port Glasgow was indeed a nice life bird for myself as well as others. This was another day I went in the opposite direction, but I was not going to miss this one!

It was nice to see the Mountain Bluebird near Rondeau.  It was a long-overdue record for the Rondeau birding circle.  Thanks Steve!  Not a life bird though, as I have seen a couple others.

On the other hand, it was a good year for insects.  I found lots of rarities and did well with other uncommon things.  The fact that I spent a lot of time looking for insects certainly paid off.

There were lots of things in the backyard garden, some uncommon to rare.  The tiny Cobalt Hover Fly was a nice spot one day.

There were a few things up at Reid CA, including this Virginia Giant Hover Fly.

Also the Smiling Mason Wasp, a species of concern.

There was not a huge number of butterflies, but there were lots of good sightings.  Topping the list was Zabulon Skipper.  There was already a good showing in Essex County, then Dale Buchner found one at Canatara Park in June for Lambton' first record.  I thought there had to be some around elsewhere.

One nice day at Reid CA, I spotted a skipper flitting about.  It would take off and then go back to the same perch many times.  I thought at first it was just a Peck's Skipper, but after a closer look, I realized it was a Zabulon Skipper!

I found another a bit farther along the trail the same day.  These were males waiting for females that never arrived.  They stayed a good two weeks.

Later on, I found another male a Wilkesport's Nicholls Memorial Forest and Wetland.  One had to wonder how many were actually out there!

Not long after, I was checking one of my favourite insect spots at Wardsville.  I found another Zabulon Skipper, constituting that county's first record.

Also saw the one at Point Pelee, which was the park's first record.

The sedge skippers did well in 2024 during a very wet early summer.  Lots of Duke's Skippers were at Reid and it was no problem finding some any time I visited.

I found a couple of Skunk's Misery during the butterfly count which constituted that county's first record as far as I know.

For the first time, we saw Mulberry Wing at Reid.

We also saw them at a private property near Brigden.  Nice to see these uncommon creatures.

It was also a treat to see the uncommon-for-the-south Silvery Blue at Sarnia.

It was an excellent year for odonates.  Hands down, the highlight was the Golden-winged Skimmer at Port Franks found by Darrell Parsons.  After hearing about it, I went the next morning and found it with no problem.  A gorgeous creature.

It was the first record for Canada!

It was a good location for other odonates as well.  Comet Darner, relatively rare for Ontario, was also here.

At Reid CA, I found lots of odonates, including a Great Blue Skimmer.  I had found two there two years previous which was a first for that location.

Also at Reid, I saw a couple of Mocha Emeralds.  Although this species is expanding its range, it is always nice to find this rarity.

A Mocha Emerald was also at Skunk's Misery, certainly a unique sighting for there along a creek.  Probably a first for that specific location where I found it.

One of my favourite spots for odes is Wardsville Woods.  I have covered the rarities there in the past such as Arrowhead Spiketail, Twin-spotted Spiketail, Cobra Clubtail, and Riverine Clubtail.  Odes were rather scarce there in 2024, but I managed to get everything except Twin-spotted Spiketail.

Riverine Clubtail

Cobra Clubtail !

I also found another uncommon spreadwing there called an Amber-winged.

Along the Sydenham, we have the rarities such as Flag-tailed Spinyleg.  I found my first one for Reid CA this past summer, and also the first at Peers Wetland just outside of Wallaceburg.

Good spots  for odes include the Shetland CA boat launch, Mosside boat launch near Aughrim, and the bridge at Florence.

One day I met Jon Pleizier from the Hamilton area at Shetland.  We saw some of the good ones including the endangered Blue-ringed Dancer.

We later checked out Florence and found the Arrow Clubtail cruising the river, another good rarity for Ontario.

Arrow Clubtail (photo by Jon Pleizier)

We also saw the endangered Dusky Dancer during that visit.

It would not be complete without mentioning the Royal River Cruiser, my favourite.  Although classified as critically imperiled, I saw lots of these in various locations this year.  Included were several in my yard right here in Wallaceburg, Peers Wetland, the south shore nature trail at Mitchell's Bay (really weird!), Moore WMA, McKeough CA, and of course the hotspot of Reid CA.

The Royal

On last mention is the Elusive Clubtail that landed in my backyard late one afternoon.  I saw it come in to the yard from my window and thought that looked interesting.  It was impossible to get proper photos, but I concluded it was the Elusive.    I know the average person would not ID it from the photo, but I know that is what it was!  An incredible record indeed for the yard.

These are uncommon around here, and spend much time high in trees, so often go unnoticed.

Lastly, as you all know, I look at mussels.  This year I found Lilliput at Reid CA, a critically imperiled species.  This was last spring.  I found another there just last week.  These are quite small for mussels.

Also found one or two up on the Ausable River at the river cut.  Only the second record for there.

                                                **********************************

December ended with a whimper, but I was out on New Year's Day to see what was around.  I ended up going to Wheatley Harbour Point Pelee.  The theme continued with very few birds seen!  

Double-crested Cormorant at Wheatley

Waterfowl watching has been good though, where-ever one goes.  There were lots of ducks on the lake to sort through.  

There was some estensive shoreline off Sparrow Field in the park, while off Shuster Trail, there was no shoreline!  I guess this is where the sand went.

It was not the best day weatherwise, and I was happy not be doing a Christmas Bird Count, especially along windy Lake St. Clair.

I passed through the area though on my way home.  I spotted a White-crowned Sparrow at one point near the St. Clair NWA.  Turns out it was the only one in the area for that count!  So that is my nickel's worth for the count.....

Next day was not good.  I headed down towards Rondeau, but had to turn around due to the traffic being diverted off the 401.  Roads were bad anyway due to the heavy snow (not in the forecast!).  I ended up heading out to the old Dover Twp. but there was not as much around as the previous day (just my luck again!).

I did spot a Snowy Owl in the usual spot.  Although it was there the last day of December, I think it was not seen on the count day!

Today, I checked out the St. Clair River.  Not the best day weatherwise either with quite a  bit of wet snow at times.  

The Redheads were still at Sombra dock, which seems to be the only place they are on the entire river so far. 

 Amongst them was an annual visitor in the form of a Redhead X Ring-necked Duck.  Although we have seen several of these, it is interesting how they return to the same spot every winter.  It was yet another gloomy day, so photos are poor.

Also of note were two Common Loons off Willow Park south of Courtright.

Some better days are ahead, no doubt. I hope!