Early Winter Birding: Some Highlights

 The past few days have been winter-like for a change.  Not much in the way of snow around here, but more seasonal temperatures.  The northerly winds have made for some short walks!

There are not many "land birds" around this winter, but the cold and snow recently has helped to concentrate what few are around.

On Sunday, I made some rounds in the Rondeau area.  It was one of the better birding days of late.  I started at Rondeau Park for some short walks.  I have had the urge to do along walk out marsh trail, but it has been too windy on that side of the park.  So, I just checked the start of the trail which has harboured some birds.  The Ruby-crowned Kinglet was still flitting around, and I caught a glimpse of the Common Yellowthroat that has been there for some time.

I walked the campground, but it was quiet for birds, which has been the case for the most part.

While there, I got word that a Harris's Sparrow was found along Stefina Line.  I bypassed that spot for the time being and went to McGeachy Pond at Erieau.  There were not many birds, but the Northern Mockingbird was still taking advantage of various berries.

After seeing it further along the trail, I headed back to the parking lot.  I saw Steve at the end of the trail, and he sent a message that he was looking at the mockingbird.  What?  Obviously there was a second one!  I only got a glimpse of that one.

I then headed over to east of Blenheim to look for the Harris's Sparrow.  It took a few minutes for it to show, but it was there.  Photo conditions were not ideal from my position.

It was hanging out with a large number of White-crowned Sparrows.  Harris's Sparrows quite often accompany White-crowned Sparrows.  The one I found at Hillman Marsh a few years ago was the same deal.  As was the one along Gore Road many years ago.

While there, I got a glimpse of the Northern Shrike in the distance.  Seems every winter we have one there, but it is an ideal spot with hawthorns, etc.

Monday I looked at the St. Clair River.  It seemed to be getting a little better for birds.  Along the Chenal Ecarte, I saw another Pied-billed Grebe.

Tuesday, I did quite a bit of driving around, mostly to no avail!  Further south along the Chenal Ecarte, I found some more Pied-billed Grebes.  Must be quite a few around!  Also saw a Green-winged Teal in the same area directly west of town, which was nice for this time of year around these parts.

Wednesday, I looked at the Sarnia area, and upper St. Clair River.  There was a lot to look at in the way of gulls and ducks.  I did not take any photos this day, as nothing caught my eye.

I did get some "year" birds such as Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull.  I sorted through a lot of ducks and gulls, but nothing spectacular showed.  Maybe I did not look hard enough, as a Harlequin Duck was reported off Canatara Park west end not long after I left!  However, conditions were brutal there with the stiff cold wind, and lots of slush ice.

The St. Clair River was quite full of slush ice, finally.  More seasonal-like.  There was quite a concentration of gulls and ducks off the head of Stag Island.  Most were Herring Gulls and Long-tailed Ducks.  There were well-over 2000 Long-tailed Ducks in view there.  But again, I could not find anything of note.

Today, I headed down Rondeau way again.  It was just too cold to do much walking, but skies were cloudless for a change.  I had to take advantage of it!

First spot was Erieau.  With the Bay frozen, duck are at the channel area or on the lake.  First thing in the morning on a sunny day is not the best for viewing there, but I did get in a decent position to view a good portion of the ducks.

A few days ago, two Harlequin Ducks were present.  I searched for them, but only got a distant view on one today.  Later in the afternoon would have been better to view these, but I am never there later in the day.

I headed over to the park afterwards, but after just walking the north end of the campground, I drove around the rest of the time!  Just too cold.

The Hermit Thrush was still at the north end.  Seems it appears each time.  No Yellow-rumped Warblers this winter.  Or, at least none have been detected.

There were a few Black-capped Chickadees here and there, including this one roadside.

I briefly stopped at Keith McLean C. L. later.  There was a tiny bit of open water near the viewing tower where three Killdeer were hunkered down.  These guys seem to want to stick around!

*head just showing of the third at far left

The skies remained clear all day for a change.  That old moon was shining bright this evening!

There were some other decent sightings last Sunday, including this one.

Barred Owl