On Christmas Day, I had some time to get out and view an owl that had been found recently in south Chatham-Kent. It is not often we get a Barred Owl in Chatham-Kent, so when one has the opportunity to see one, it is a privilege.
I had tried to see this Barred Owl a couple of times previously, but it obviously hid well. This third attempt I found it in short order! It was a nice gift on an otherwise gloomy day. Lighting was very bad.
I have only seen a couple of others in our county. The first was pretty neat as it was found on the Christmas Bird count at Rondeau Park. That one stayed several weeks.
A couple of years ago, one frequented Shrewsbury, being seen in several spots in the village. It was always fun trying to find out where it was hiding! Note how puffed up this one appeared.
A number of years ago, one was at John E. Pearce Provincial Park. The day I found it, the owl still had a meal in its talons. Obviously another owl!
I have seen or heard many further north in the province, such as the ones at Awenda Provincial Park. This one was right in my campsite!
And, of course Algonquin Park.
The Barred Owl has to be my favourite. Its unique call "who cooks for you" is certainly fun to hear. As seen in the above photos, owls can puff themselves up in certain cases. They are mostly feathers!
Boxing Day, I spent the morning along the St. Clair River, then through the countryside a bit. There was actually a lot more things to see on the river than in previous visits. But, a far cry from what it used to be.
At one point, there was a bear sighting.
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| Algoma Bear |
It was Algoma's newest vessel!
Cathcart Park seems to be decent spot in recent times. Gulls are collecting in the shallows, as well as ducks.
Swans can be numerous here as well. Yesterday I saw three species here!
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| Tundra, Trumpeter, Mute |
Least common in our area is the Trumpeter Swan. There were two here.
A stop at my favourite walking place along the Kimball Road revealed some Eastern Bluebirds. We usually see them at this location in winter. Photos are horrible, but then so has the weather. It has been very gloomy the last few days, and impossible for getting decent photos.
A Red-tailed Hawk was also here.
Just as I left, two Common Ravens were flying over Kimball Road. Not unusual in Lambton anymore.
Today, I needed a change in scenery, so headed into Elgin County. It was still gloomy, but a little brighter at times.
My first stop was Port Glasgow. I spent the better part of an hour there, as there was a lot of gull activity. Gulls were heading east. Out on the lake I noted a few Common Loons moving.
Farther east, I stopped by John E. Pearce Provincial Park south of Wallacetown. I walked most of it, but it was rather quiet. Only thing of note was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
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| Scene in the woods along Lorne Spicer trail |
Along one trail I noticed this Isabella Tiger Moth (aka wooly bear) caterpillar rolled up in a ball. Must have been trying to keep warm!
A couple of Red Squirrels were chattering nearby.
Previously along Talbot Trail, I noticed two Golden Eagles soaring in a westerly direction at McColl Cemetery. No chance for a photo though.
After Pearce, I worked my way home and went for one more walk at another favourite spot, namely Wardsville Woods. It was really quiet for birds! Better in early summer when I can look for dragonflies!
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