Random Scenes and Wildlife

Little in the way of subject matter the last few days, as things have been slow at my end. 

Sunday was crappy weatherwise, and we had a bit of snow on the ground in the morning.  Here is a photo of one of two White-throated Sparrows that were in the yard.  I had one all winter, but did I miss one?

Monday turned out fairly nice, but there were no new birds around as I checked out Rondeau and area.  The wintering Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was at the Park Store, so it wanders widely!  I was unable to get a photo though, as I only caught sight of it briefly.

I spotted the Eurasian Wigeon again from the same spot, but it was farther out this time.

Tuesday, I took an early morning walk at Reid CA.  I ended up walking almost 4 km within the property, and that was only part of it!  I rarely go to Reid for birds, as there are lots of other things to look for.

At the start, the adjacent field was full of American Robins.  No doubt migrants working their way through.

Here are some scenes on my walk.  Included is one of my favourite spots, as seen in the current header of this blog.

High point on the property

Random Forest View

Scene in the old river course at the north end

Today, promised to be a warm sunny day, though it started out a bit cloudy, cold and quite windy.  I wanted to walk out marsh trail, but it was just too uncomfortable first thing.  I drove around at dawn and heard or saw a few American Woodcock before they went quiet for the day.

I then went for a walk on south point trail (east).   Certainly no new birds were in.  Some things were moving on the lake including White-winged Scoters and Horned Grebes.

By the time I finished this walk, it was warm enough to head out marsh trail.  Again, nothing new, except I encountered a Brown Thrasher at one point.  I would assume it wintered somewhere nearby.

I guess it was a day of exercise, as there were not all that many birds, and nothing new much to my disappointment.

This afternoon was just too nice and warm to stay home, so I went for a walk at Reid CA.  Some insects were out in the 20 deg weather.

Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle

yellowjacket

Oddly, with regards to butterflies, I only encountered one Eastern Comma which did not co-operate very well either!

Lots of Chorus Frogs were singing, but they are difficult to actually see.  They go quiet when one gets anywhere near them.  Leopard Frogs are more co-operative, as this one did not move.

This small Hop-Hornbeam tree had the gall to get in my way at one point (!).

Several American Beech trees are quite rotted out, and it is amazing that they are still alive.

Mosses are another thing to look at in the forest.  This one is common, which I believe to be Ohio Haircap.

Here is another at the base of a hickory tree which I have not determined yet. iNaturalist cannot ID it!

The next few days I hope to see tree swallows or phoebes.  They have been reported elsewhere.  I had hoped to see one or two today, but that did not happen!