Sparrow Mania on Sunday

I headed back to Rondeau on Sunday, as it seemed to be the best option.  As usual for this time of year, the day started with a lakewatch at dog beach.  Steve was already there, and we watched the passing waterbirds for over 1.5h.  It was fairly active.  Here is the list:
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49189026

Highlight was a Red-necked Grebe that I spotted swimming not too far out.  It was only seen briefly.  True to character, it dove and was never seen again!

South point trail was next where it was fairly active with passerines.  Steve headed back early, but I kept going.

I was just about back to the car when Steve sent out a message that Nelson's Sparrows were being seen at McLean CA.  It was no surprise to me, as some time ago I mentioned that habitat there was excellent for the species, and I fully expected them to be reported there.

I headed straight to McLean's and it did not take long to find Nelson's Sparrows.
The first few were seen like this:

However, they kept popping up!  We spread out and they were simply everywhere.

We made a thorough search of the area and thought perhaps we came across about 20 Nelson's Sparrows.  Just to be conservative, we listed only 15.  I am sure there were well over 20 of this elusive species present.  It was difficult to ascertain how many as they kept popping up and flying short distances.

Nelson's Sparrows nest in Ontario along the James and Hudson Bay coast.  They pass through our area in migration, but are very secretive and very few are actually seen.  Although we try to look for them every fall, we do not see them every year.  If we do, there may be one or two!

This event at Keith McLean CA seemed unprecedented with the sheer number, but was certainly a nice surprise for local birders this past weekend.

Great Egret at McLean CA