First Impressions and Seeing Red

Red-necked Phalarope (adult--prebasic moult) Blenheim

Photo by P. Allen Woodliffe

Yesterday was a lazy day...not too many birds around.  I think the north wind that kicked in late Sunday pushed things out.  Went to Rondeau and weather was perfect, but few birds.
Several Caspian and Common Terns were out on the lake as I walked out south beach.  Only a few Great Egrets out in the marsh Monday.

Great Egret at Stewart Wetland

I went into Blenheim Lagoons hoping to see that phalarope.  There were rather few shorebirds compared to Saturday, but it was easy to find.  I wanted to get a good look at this crazy bird, and I did.  Concentrating on the bill I noticed it was fairly long and thin.  No doubt this was a Red-necked!  An adult moulting into winter plumage.  I got the adult part and phalarope part right earlier, but not species. LOL.
Goes to show that your first impression is usually correct.  I admit the photos were misleading (I could not get close enough) and was virtually talked into it being a Red.  I will thank those who commented (even though some may have been wrong!).
Other birders changed their minds as well.  First thought, Red-necked, then Red.  Power of suggestion has some influence especially if you do not examine something closely enough.
To those who saw Red, it was actually a Red-necked.  Make use of the White-out!

rather "yellow" Viceroy at Erieau

Late yesterday I went out to Stewart Wetland and found a number of shorebirds.  Habitat is good, so I must check it regularly.

Hundreds of Purple Martins and swallows hanging out on hydro lines lately, especially at Port Lambton.