Monday, January 16, 2023

Prowls and Owls

Been doing lots of prowling around lately.  Normally I would spend time along the St. Clair River, but there is virtually nothing out there to see.  In the 35 years I have been looking at the river, it is the deadist for birds I have ever seen it!  Everything is still out on the lakes, as there is no reason to leave the lakes.

A few days ago I travelled along Lake St. Clair to Belle River.  The Belle River pier and marina area is always a good spot in winter for gulls and waterfowl.  Better though, when we have a "normal" winter!

A pair of Ross's Geese had been hanging around along the beach in recent days, but I struck out on this occasion!  Things are quite fluid there, and obviously I picked the wrong day.....again.

A number of Ruddy Ducks, among others have been sticking around here.


On the way back home, I checked geese near St. Clair NWA.  About twenty Snow Geese were present in a a field, but no Ross's.

Some Snowy Owls finally came in!  Three were close together along Winter Line, while another was not far away.  Two seemed content on a rooftop.


Every winter, one Snowy Owl seems to feel safe  in a fenced-in area!



I also walked the south shore trail at Mitchell's Bay.  Lots of Tundra Swans were on the ice (what little ice there was!).



Saturday was a very nice day with clear skies.  Something we have seen little of since November, and certainly a rarity on a weekend!  I went for a walk at Rondeau Park.  It was quiet for birds, but just nice to see the sun.

Several Pileated Woodpeckers were out and about doing their thing.






Lots of American Tree Sparrows seem to be around this winter, if nothing else.


In the afternoon I went for a walk north of Wallaceburg and popped in to check on the Long-eared Owl.



Sunday was another fine day, but try and find some birds!  It is indeed a quiet winter for birds in the countryside, and I ended up doing too much driving, not finding anything.

The Ross's Geese were reported at Belle River again, so there was no choice but to try for them.  I could only find one (distant) upon arrival, walking around on the ice, then eventually resting.


There were oodles of Canada geese along the beaches, but no other types of geese.




1 comment:

  1. Happy that the Snowies are finally making their way down south, feels like this year has been crummy for raptors

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