I have been spending lots of time along the St. Clair River, taking advantage of the waterfowl situation. Since the last two winters there was virtually nothing on the river during winter, it is more like the "old" days! The only thing, there are not many gulls except at Sarnia, apparently.
There is lots of ice, concentrating waterfowl in certain areas. There is always ice on the St. Clair River (except last year!) in some form or another. I always throw this photo in at this time of year. Note the thick ice.
The Sainte Marie was launched at Toledo, Ohio on 22 January 1913. Later, it took its maiden voyage to the Straits of Mackinac, passing through the St. Clair River. A well-known photo was taken by Port Lambton's grocer, Mabel Smith as it passed her vantage point. She had the photo made into post cards, as seen above.
In the distant past, the river would freeze over solid and smooth. Racing ice boats was a popular activity. I recall my grandfather talking about it.
As well, at international river crossings such as Sombra, one could drive a car across. Routes were marked with Christmas trees!
Back to the present day, the Fawn Island area has consistently been good for waterfowl. Up to three species of swans have been seen. Back when I first started birding, it was rare to see a swan in winter. Mutes were unusual, Tundras never wintered, and Trumpeters were not around.
Some of the ducks float by fairly close.
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| Canvasback with food |
Another good spot the last few days is the warm water outflow of OC Industries. On Friday, it was packed with ducks! Yet again, I could not find anything unusual. However, it is fun to sort through the rafts.
The Mooretown dock has been fairly good for a vantage point. The most common duck there is Long-tailed, but others can be seen. This Hooded Merganser came close, but I failed to get a proper photo. It was wrestling with something, thinking that it was a good meal. Not sure what it was though.
I went back out today. Weather was nicer with warmer temps, little wind and clear skies. There was not as much at Fawn Island today, but Cathcart Park was decent. There were at least seven Ring-necked Ducks there among the hundreds of Canvasback and Redhead and others.
As well, at least five Gadwall were there, the first I have seen on the river this calendar year, oddly enough.
The OC outlet was good too. The four Trumpeter Swans were hanging out once again.
Next stop was the Mooretown dock. It was quite impressive at times with all the Long-tailed Ducks.
The Algoluna was downbound and flushed thousands of ducks, including the Long-tailed.
Times sure have changed. It was unusual to see a Long-tailed Duck on the river back in the early1990's. Now there are thousands every winter!
As well, the ship flushed thousands of Canvasback! Those were obviously tucked in towards the Michigan side, and I did not realize how many there were until they were airborne. I estimated over 2600 at one point. They were high-flying, as opposed to the Long-tailed which were low-flying!
Next stop was Guthrie Park at the north end of Corunna. A fair bit here including lots of Common Goldeneye. I tried in vain to pick out a Barrow's, but did not. Still a chance there this winter though!
A couple of adult male White-winged Scoters were nice to see, but too distant to photograph.
More gulls were here, but not what we would like to see (as in the past).
Some Bald Eagles were in the area.
Friday, a large flock of Common Grackles descended upon the yard in early afternoon. I thought it was odd since I have not seen a blackbird in weeks. Some Brown-headed Cowbirds and European Starlings were with them, but I estimated about 95 grackles.
Today, just as I arrived home from the river run, a flock of about 60 grackles flew over. Obviously they are hanging out somewhere!
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