More Long (Pond) Walks and To The Point

 Nothing much of note to talk about lately, as things have been a bit stalled.  Lots of waterfowl moving in though.  Rondeau Bay is loaded with tens of thousands of ducks, but no rarities detected yet.

Last Sunday I had the notion to go for a long walk at Hillman Marsh.  It is getting to be the time for those "European" ducks such as Eurasian Wigeon and European Green-winged Teal.  Last year I found both there!  No such luck on this visit, but it is a bit early yet.

Ring-necked and Redhead were the most numerous ducks.

Along Hillman creek, I noticed lots of mussels.  All seemed to be the same species, namely Fragile Papershell.  A very common species.

A couple more long walks were locally at Reid CA.  One can spend hours there!  Never much in the way of birds here, but other things can keep one interested.

A few days ago, some American Wigeon were flying in circles above the river.

This little brown bird was creeping around at one point.

On one visit I came across a Painted Turtle shell.  Obviously it emerged early, but made the sacrifice of being someone's meal!

Something I have not really  taken a "lichen" to yet is lichens on trees.  There seems to be not much at Reid, but a common species is Script Lichen.

Reid is good for plants and especially a wide variety of trees.  Blue Ash is common here (small saplings).  I know of one more mature tree that is still alive, but it is not healthy.

There are a few of small Hackberry trees, less common here, but more common farther north along the river.

Yesterday I went for another long walk at Rondeau Park out marsh trail to Long Pond.  It is a good 10 km round trip!

There was nothing of note in the way of birds, but the Bay was loaded with ducks.  No rarities yet though!

Canadian Coot

On a more historical note, I have written in the past about 'Baby Point', Port Lambton.  Located essentially at Brander Park, it was one of Lambton County's oldest settled areas.

The land was owned by the Baby (pronounced 'bawby') family, particularly Francis Baby.  The Baby's were a prestigious family and he inherited the land from his grandfather in 1742.

 

Baby Point in low water

Baby Point in higher water

Brander Park can reveal lots of artifacts.  Many coins, medallions, button, tools, etc. have been unearthed by local metal detector enthusiasts.

We used to spend much time here watching boat traffic, and I always looked along the shoreline to see what was in the sand.  Some arrowheads and other artifacts have been found, as well as parts of old clay pipes which was date back to the early 1800's.

Port Lambton was established as a village in 1820.  In 2020, big celebrations were planned, but that was quashed due to the pandemic mess.

Theh "Port" was well known as a port, and was busy along the shoreline road.

And, Brander Park is one of my favourite local birding spots.

The north part has a pond and woodlot that attracts birds, especially in migration.

Redbud scattered about here

It is snowing today, so travel is limited.  I saw my first Blue-winged Teal of the year!