Although I have been quite busy with my mother's estate dealings recently, I have managed to get out each day. It is a chance to get my mind off things!
The last number of days have been very windy. Seemed to be no end to the stiff winds!
Last Wednesday, I headed into Elgin County to look around, then stopped by a friend's place for lunch.
There was not much in the way of birds, but I checked out some familiar places. Included was E. M. Warwick Conservation Area near Eagle.
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| Distant Bluff |
It is a cozy little place with a trail in the gully to the beach. Used to be a viewing tower there, but the eroding bluff took care of that years ago.
In the afternoon, I went for a walk at Reid CA. With the cooler weather this year compared to last, things are way behind. Some Virginia Spring Beauty was trying to pop up.
Thursday it was a Rondeau visit. Some early arrivals included Eastern Phoebe and Fox Sparrow.
A leftover from winter included a Yellow-rumped Warbler in the campground.
The Eurasian Wigeon was still present, but too distant for a photo (again).
Saturday, I went in the other direction and visited Point Pelee! Little to note there, but Hillman Marsh had some early shorebirds including Pectoral Sandpipers and Lesser Yellowlegs.
Nearby, a pair of Sandhill Cranes was standing around.
Sunday it was back to Rondeau, but the only notable things was the continuing Eurasian Wigeon.
Monday, another walk at Reid CA revealed a croaking Common Raven passing through. I was in the trees when I heard it, so ran out to the open to see it. I was a bit late with camera!
I suspect it is nesting in the area, but I do not know where!
A visit there always included a search for river mussels. Just the usuals this visit.
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| Mapleleaf |
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| Deertoe |
March 25 was my mother's birthday, so it was a bit of a sad day. I had hoped she would make it to that date, but it was not to be.
In the morning, I went for a walk at Mitchell's Bay. Some early Great Egrets had already arrived, and there were lots of ducks to look at on the Bay.
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| Red-breasted Merganser |
In the evening, I was bored, so decided to head out to Stewart Wetland for a short walk. On the way there along Langstaff Line, I encountered a Short-eared Owl! It flew right over the car near hwy 40. On the way back, it was still hunting the same area! I had no camera....
Wednesday morning, I took a walk at Reid CA. A freshly-fallen tree had lots of Hypoxylon Canker on it. Sounds scary!
In the afternoon, I worked my way up to Sarnia and eventually went to the Lambton Wildlife Meeting in the evening. It was a wonderful presentation by Alastair MacKenzie of Pinery.
I stopped by Moore WMA for a bit. The usual mussels were littered along the bank, but a less common one included Paper Pondshell. Imperiled in Ontario.
After supper, I sat by the Bluewater Bridge, an iconic spot for generations. French Fries and passing ships......some of the memories!
Here is a view at the same spot when I was very young! My grandfather in front, and my oldest cousin Michael Abraham in the middle. Not sure what I was holding....
Today was a rather nice day, but few birds. However, I did go down to Rondeau to look around. The standby Eurasian Wigeon was still on the Bay. It was even farther out today, so yet again no chance for a photo! Might be two out there.
This afternoon warmed up fairly well, so I went for another walk at Reid CA. A long one! Some Eastern Commas were flying.
Plant growth is quite retarded compared to last year, so little to see. Although I did pick out some things just popping up.
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| Purple Cress |
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| Sharp-lobed Hepatica |
The Virginia Spring Beauty from a week ago looked no different!
Harbinger of Spring has not even shown yet, although, I wonder if this is it.
Some Common Garter Snakes were slithering around on the forest floor.
Good days ahead.........
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