Weekend Is Here!

young male Common Goldeneye

After a dreary and dismal week weatherwise, the sun came out this afternoon for a pleasant day.  This bizarre weather (this winter) was really getting to me yesterday as the week came to a close.
The interesting thing this week was the "spring" migration of waterfowl, particularly Northern Pintail.  It seems to be an annual event at some point, usually around New Year's when a sudden mild spell spurs ducks from farther south to head north.  Pintails always seem to lead the pack.
Although I was working all week, as usual, I read with interest the numerous and multiple reports of waterfowl scattered throughout southern Ontario.  Certainly over 500 Northern Pintail were reported, and no doubt others were stuffed in between.  Ring-necked Ducks were also in the mix.
Locally I noticed an increase in Mallards, and today after work in the 'nice' weather, there were some plus a couple of Gadwall.  Quite often there is an handful of Gadwall on the St. Clair River each winter, but previous to today I knew of none until I saw two today at Sombra.

two Gadwall

Generally this winter, rather few ducks have been on the St. Clair River.  Most are Redhead (considerably less than 1000) plus a mix of others.  Common Mergansers seem to be the next most numerous species--more than usual compared to an average winter.

After work today, I drove up the river to Sombra then through the back country before the sun set.  As mentioned above, the two Gadwall south of  Sombra were notable.                                              

evening Red-tailed Hawk

I saw several Red-tailed Hawks--it has been a good winter for them around here, and three Northern Harriers in one field.  Down the road from the Harriers, was a group of approximately 20 Tundra Swans in a corn field.  No doubt they were influenced by the warm weather this week, as only a few have been wintering on the big river.


Tomorrow I will likely go to Rondeau.  White-winged Crossbills have been reported regularly there.  There seems to be a good number around the province this winter, and sightings have increased this past week.

The nearby Mountain Bluebird was still being reported yesterday.  Many photos have surfaced and a few are on the OFO photo page.  The bird shows a little more blue than we normally see, and it has brought up some discussion locally.

Quiz Time:  Can you identify this?