A King Visits Port Lambton

 This past Friday dawned quite gloomy.  At least the wind had died down as I took a look at my usual lookout at Port Lambton.

At one point, I noticed a large duck flying upriver, not too far out.  It set down just to my right.  I originally thought Common Merganser, but it was too chunky and much different.  As I took a closer look, I realized it was a young male King Eider!

Of the hundreds (literally) of times I sat at this spot over the years, I finally saw something really good here.

Looks pretty ugly compared to an adult!  Too bad it was gloomy weather, otherwise I would have obtained a better photo.

The only other King Eider I have seen on the St. Clair River, was one that spent the winter of 2017 starting at Corunna.  I last saw that one at Sombra.  It was also a young male.

I followed it as it floated downriver to Brander Park.  I wanted to get it for my Brander Park list, since I have a substantial list there, including some incredible rarities.

Too bad no other birder was nearby to see it!

On Saturday, I took a look along the river, but it was not to be seen again.  I saw my first Tree Swallows of the year on that day at Cathcart Park.

I then headed inland for a walk at Reid CA.

At one point, I noticed this millipede in the leaf litter.

Salmon Cherry Millipede

Anytime along the river's edge, I look for mussels.  One stood out and was easily recognized as a Pink Healsplitter.  A large specimen it was.

I looked for Harbinger of Spring while there, and only found one sprout in a known spot.

Sunday, I headed down to Rondeau Park, but the weather was considerably less than desired.  The forecast was certainly a bit deceiving!

Dark-eyed Juncos were the bird of the day, with dozens along Lakeshore Road.

It was very cold with drizzle most of the morning, so I did not do much walking much to my disappointment.

Heading back towards home, I drove up Erieau Road.  Some gulls were near the landfill, including this odd-looking Ring-billed.  Must have got mixed up with something!

Herring Gull nearby

Today, was yet another windy day.  What is with all this wind anyway?  

Nothing along the river of note.

This afternoon, I had nothing else to do but go for a walk at Reid CA.  

Harbinger of Spring is popping up in the usual spots, finally.

Other spring plants are peaking through such as Trout Lilly, Virginia Spring Beauty and Wild Leek.

Wild Leek

I looked for mussels as well, but it was not a successful day for much.

Mapleleaf

I find Mapleleaf quite common here.