Some days were nice, but some days were just plain frigid!
Last Friday I started at Mitchell's Bay. There was a brisk southwest wind, but a good movement of birds was noted. Forster's Terns had arrived in numbers.
There were lots of ducks, but most notable was a big movement of Northern Pintail into the wind. A conservative estimate was 275.
There was not much opportunity for photographing things, but this Northern Harrier passed by at one point.
By the time I left, some turtles were coming out to warm out in the sun.
In the afternoon, it was just too nice not to go for a walk at Reid C. L.
Plants were starting to pop up through the leaf litter, including hepaticas. I have only found Sharp-lobed there though.
In the onion family, Wild Leek was just making an appearance.
And, of course I kept an eye out for Harbinger of Spring.
I only saw two garter snakes, and they were both together.
I walked randomly through the forest, but I came across that old pop can that I first found almost 15 years ago!
Came across this moth, called a Wedgling.
Walking along the river, I noticed this beaver swimming across.
Saturday was a rainy day, so not much went on.
Sunday, I went to Rondeau and walked various places. I got some first-of-year birds, some of which were long overdue. Included was Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Along the way, I noted this twisted tree. I have seen it before.
Before leaving, Steve and I looked for the Eurasian Wigeon. We found it off the yacht club. Remarkably, I set up my scope and first look I had the scope dead on the wigeon! Strange how that happens!
On Tuesday, I checked out the St. Clair River from Port Lambton to Sombra area.
A river watch at the Port noted a good movement of gulls and terns northbound into the cold north wind. Lots of Bonaparte's Gulls!
Yesterday was sunny but very cold. I needed a long walk, so went out Rondeau's marsh trail about 4 km.
Lots of Fox Sparrows out there.
There were still thousands of ducks on the Bay, but I did not bring a scope for the walk.
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| Gadwall |
Still not done, I walked the length of south point trail (west).
There were lots of Eastern Phoebes along the way.
Any oldtimer would remember the Dillon trail (was even drivable!) that connected each side of south point trail in the middle. This photo shows where it came out. One would never know it today.
Before leaving, I took a quick look at the Bay off the yacht club. I had no problem picking out the Eurasian Wigeon with binoculars! Too far for proper photo though.
Today started out rainy, but the afternoon was actually quite warm and sunny. As you might guess, I went for a walk at Reid C. L.
Several butterflies were out including commas and cloaks, and my first-of-year Red Admiral.
Some flies and bees were out, including this (possible) Horn-faced Mason Bee, which is actually an introduced species. Note that it is on Harbinger of Spring!
Birds included a few Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.
And even a Common Raven croaking its way around the property!
Some other plants just appearing included.....
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| Cut-leaved Toothwort |
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| Dutchman's Breeches |
Looks like lots of rain in the coming week, but hopefully the birds will keep coming!
