Waterbirds, Water, and More Water

With the wacky weather continuing (where the heck is the sun?), water levels are at a crazy high with the runoff.  As a result, the McKeough Dam was closed to mitigate flooding in Wallaceburg.  Completed by the mid-1980's, the mega project has saved Wallaceburg from flooding many times.

The diversion channel, which empties into the St. Clair River south of Sombra was put to good use this weekend.  It was still flowing today.  Here is the scene at Baseline Road this morning.

Looking East

Looking West

This afternoon, I went up to Wilkesport and water levels were still high, so I think the dam was still closed.

Flooded Field

Yesterday, I did a thorough look along the St. Clair River.  Best area was around Sombra where there were lots of Redhead and Canvasback, a number of Ring-necked Ducks, and others.  A far cry from the "old" days though.

I did pick out a Ring-necked X Redhead hybrid at Sombra, but we see at least one of these every winter.  It was too far, and too gloomy for a photo though.

Ruddy Ducks are uncommon on the St. Clair River, especially in winter, but I did find one female off the old Lambton Generating Station dock.  Again too far!

Long-tailed Ducks seem to be the most common duck on the river anymore.  They used to be a rarity!

I went all the way to Sarnia for a change.  In Sarnia Bay (which really should be frozen), a good variety of waterfowl was swimming about.

Red-breasted Merganser

Although not a waterfowl type, a couple of American Coots have been wintering in the Bay.

While there, I got word that the Black-legged Kittiwake was still being seen at the mouth of Lake Huron.  Just after I arrived at the lakewatch spot, it came out of the yacht club, then flew downriver.  I got there just in time! I did not have any time to focus on it as it went by.

Despite waiting the better part of an hour, it never made another appearance.  Certainly nice to have this Arctic seabird wintering in the area!

There is a handful of ships in the Sarnia harbour and north slip, but not like the "old" days.

North Slip in 1974

Today I went out to the river again.  Although most things were still at Sombra, it seemed a bit "quieter".  Even walking some areas, there were virtually no birds!

Along the Chenal Ecarte (Snye), I found one of the wintering Pied-billed Grebes.

Several Red-tailed Hawks were seen today.  They are getting ready for nesting already!