Gander at Some Geese

Snows

Took a tour down Rondeau way today.  First stop (and last!) was Ridgetown Lagoons.  As usual, there were hundreds of geese and swans, as well as ducks.  For whatever reason, Ridgetown always attracts a huge number of geese and swans.

First thing this morning, 13 Snow Geese (there yesterday) and 4 Blue form plus an anomaly were present.  When I went back two additional Snow Geese were present for a total of 15 of the white form.  The four (+1) were present last weekend as well.  There were both adults and young birds.

Snows in flight

I am not sure what to make of the slightly smaller goose.  It hangs out with the blue geese and looks quite a bit like them, but not identical.  It is definitely smaller and smaller-billed.  It is a young bird too, so there was direct comparison the young blue goose.

"runt"?

Tundra Swans were all over the place.

Down Mitton Line, I caught sight of a Northern Shrike.  This bird has been in the area all winter I think.
As well, a Rough-legged Hawk took flight.

roughie

In Rondeau, there was not much to see.  More blackbirds and Song Sparrows were in, as well as American Robins.  The usual wintering birds (YR Warblers, kinglets, creepers, etc.) were in the campground.

Lots of ducks were on the Rondeau side of the Bay, most being Canvasback.  More American Wigeon and Northern Pintail were in as expected.

Erieau was uneventful!
Next weekend there should be more stuff in.....

The Shetland Mountain Bluebird was last reported 19 February.  If anyone has can confirm a later date, please let me know.  Apparently there was a Merlin hunting that field, so perhaps the bluebird became a treat!