Huron Hummer

Today was the day to go see that rare hummingbird up at Goderich in Huron County.  It was probably the nicest day we have had this month (or at least in a long time) with clear skies.  It was great to be out even though I had to lose a day's pay from work!  It was a good choice, as tomorrow, just like clockwork, the weather is supposed to go for a crap for the weekend.

I left Wallaceburg, timing myself to be at the location in Goderich right at 09:00, when the viewing area was open for business.  Upon arrival, there were already a few familiar faces in the crowd, including Judith King of Port Elgin.
I saw the Calliope Hummingbird within five minutes of arrival.

It took a few sips of nectar then disappeared for a while.  Over the course of a half hour, we saw it three times.

The property host is Linda Johnston, a very friendly and gracious person.  A pleasure to meet.  A guest book and donation box are there for each visitor.

The Calliope Hummingbird is a tiny creature of the west.  This individual is the first record for Ontario, not entirely unexpected I suppose.  So many of these hummingbirds look similar at first glance, but this time of year one must look closely.  As indicated by "experts", this bird is apparently a young male.
An article appeared yesterday in local newspapers:
https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/birders-flocking-to-goderich-yard-for-look-at-ultra-rare-hummingbird

Not to linger any longer, I headed towards the car.  After a brief chat with Mark Jennings and Matt Mills who were just arriving, I headed back south.

I stopped by one of my usual spots just south of Goderich,  Naftel's Creek CA.  It was deathly quiet today!

I took my time coming home, stopping at various locations to look for birds.
Although it was such a nice day and a joy to be out, birds were very scarce.  I first stopped at Ausable River Cut CA to walk along the river cut.  Not much to see in the way of avian creatures.

Next stop was Ipperwash Forested Dunes and Swales, in hope of coming across some finches or waxwings.  What finches/waxwings?  There was hardy a bird to be found!  Even Black-capped Chickadees were almost absent.

After losing some weight on the long walk, I checked the lake at one of the lookouts.  A couple of Cooper's Hawks were in the vicinity, and a number of gulls way out on the lake.

Heading down Lakeshore Road, I came across a flock of Common Redpolls on the move near Forest Herb Glen Farm.

I stopped by Highland Glen CA, a popular stop for birders this time of year.  A Double-crested Cormorant, Horned Grebe and a Herring Gull were the only life forms visible.

Next stop was the groyne in Bright's Grove.  The Western Grebe was still present, but one needed the Hubble telescope to get a good view.  There were lots of ducks at this location, but I was too lazy to count them, so no eBird list here.

One last stop was Perch Creek Habitat at Sarnia.  It too was rather quiet, but a few Common Redpolls flew over during the walk.  I looked for owls, but I think one needs to get there first thing in the morning before the locals flush them! I did find one cedar with white-wash from either a slender Long-eared or cute Northern Saw-whet Owl.

We will see what tomorrow brings in the usual weekend weather.....