September Stuff and More Rain Events

 Time for another blog post I suppose!  But not much to talk about lately.

Last Friday I went down to Rondeau and dealt with some rain.  There was a fair number of birds, but all expected.  I did a bit of a lakewatch at dog beach first thing, but little was moving.

Quite a few birds were moving through the parking lot.  This Great-crested Flycatcher stopped briefly.

About 18 species of warblers were on south point trail, including Blackpoll which was the most common.  Not chance for photos due to rain and bad lighting!

One of the most common ladies' tresses is showing well now.  Great Plains can be found throughout the park.

On Saturday, a stiff NW wind was forecast, so I headed up to Kettle Point.  Unfortunately, there was relentless rain!  There were brief periods where it stopped, but it kept coming.  

As a result, it was very uncomfortable and soaking wet!  As well, it curtailed the number of birds we saw.

Rainbows showed a couple of times.

However, there were some highlights, including a close Long-tailed Jaeger.  Photos were taken by another birder which can be found on eBird.  This bird was swimming on the water for a while, then eventually got up passing in front of us.

We also saw a Parasitic Jaeger fairly close just before that.  A couple of other distant jaegers remained unidentified.

Red-necked Phalaropes were around, and we caught sight of one as it laboured in the wind in front of us.

It would have been nice to stay there longer, but it was just too miserable and we eventually decided to head out.  There was no rain inland of course!

On the way home, I stopped by Marthaville Habitat Management Area to eat my lunch, and dry out during a walk.

Here are some insects encountered there:

Common Painted-Lady

Slender Spreadwing

White-faced Meadowhawk

It was nice later in the afternoon for a walk at Peers Wetland.  The place is back to "dead" mode!

Yesterday, I ended up at Sarnia.  It was a beautiful day, but no birds to speak of.  The John D. Leitch was downbound after layup.  This ship is likely in its final year, being the last holdout of the old Upper Lakes Shipping.  Not the most attractive design!

Not many insects in the garden lately.  This Hornworm Tachnid Fly was working the garden late yesterday.

Today 'seemed' like a good day to check out Rondeau.  Not really though, as there were very few birds!

Only a handful of warblers and vireos were on south point trail and elsewhere, among other things.

Over at Keith McLean C. L., things are looking better for shorebirds.  Only four Greater Yellowlegs were there today though.  I suspect a Hudsonian Godwit will show soon!

I am still seeing Fiery Skipper there.

As well, lots of Common Checkered-Skippers were out today.

In the history department, the Great Lakes passenger steamer South American burned on this day in 1925 at Holland Michigan.  It was rebuilt and sailed until the 1960's.

I recall seeing this ship and here is the evidence!  Albeit a very poor photo at Seager Park on the St Clair River, late afternoon looking into the sun.

1965

It was eventually towed to Camden, New Jersey on the Delaware River.  I actually saw it in July 1984 when my father and I took a trip to Philadelphia.  It was under the steel structure at Camden, New Jersey as seen near the left of the photo (barely visible).  Note balloon pollution!