Twinleaf Hunt, and More Updates

Yesterday was a pleasant day. I toured around south of town in the morning, but still did not find much in the way in migrants.  Yellow-headed Blackbirds have been quite visible in the fields near Grande Pointe this year.  I came across this one near the roadside.

They nest in the lower Lake St. Clair marshes, so it is not unusual to see them around Mitchell's Bay and surroundings.  They used to nest at St. Clair NWA in good numbers, but due to habitat change there, they have not in many years.  It was our "go-to" place to see them!

In the afternoon it was so nice, I went for a long walk at Reid CA.  Butterflies (4 species) and other insects were out enjoying the warmth.  

Narrow-headed Marsh Fly

There were a few Yellow-rumped Warblers and a single Palm Warbler to keep one's interest in birds.

As well, a pair of Tufted Titmouse has arrived.  They produced young the last two years, and will likely do so again this year.

I did manage to find the patch of Twinleaf at Reid.  I overlooked it just by a little bit the other day!

Twinleaf is a somewhat uncommon plant found in rich woodlands.  The name refers to the unique shape of the leaves.

Today was a cold and wet day, so birding and birds were at a standstill for the most part.

The Piping Plover I found last Sunday was again seen this week out Rondeau's south beach. It was an unbanded bird, so difficult to determine origin.  One unbanded bird was at Point Pelee late last fall, so perhaps it was the same individual.

Last May, we had two out south beach.  They were banded.  I was given some information this week, where those two ended up.  One was a male named "Han", and it went on to Toronto to nest with "Chewie".  They raised two chicks.

The other eventually went to Pennsylvania and found a female to raise two chicks!

Interesting to find out this information, as we thought those were a male and female at first.

The Keewatin should be at its destination in Hamilton by now.  For those wondering, it is referred to as an "Edwardian" ship since it was built during the reign of King Edward VII (1901-1910).

One will notice the size and height of the smokestack.  Ships in those days burned coal, so the stacks were built high to disperse the coal smoke.

It had four coal-fired Scotch marine boilers.  Two were removed from the ship, but two were left and cut open for viewing.