This is the time of year we usually concentrate on waterfowl watching. Lots of stuff coming in on their journey north!
Last Friday, I checked out Lake St. Clair area. There was still quite a bit of ice though.
The day before, a Eurasian Wigeon was along Angler Line, but did not show up for those looking Friday. However, I did find a Ross's Goose which is almost as good. A bit distant and looking into the sun did not help in the photographic department.
A couple of Sandhill Cranes nearby appeared to be in a mating ritual.
Saturday, I had the urge to head to Sarnia along the St. Clair River. The river has completely cleared out, so not much in the way of waterfowl concentration. Long-tailed Ducks were the most numerous, scattered all the way along. There were no notables on my jouney!
Sunday, it was in the opposite direction where I headed to Hillman marsh for a long walk. Water levels are quite low.
Still lots of ice there as well, but there was a good number of waterfowl and gulls by the hundreds.
At least five Trumpeter Swans were in the marsh.
Bald Eagles were nesting nearby, obvious to the very large nests they build.
On the way home, I checked out Balmoral Line. Among other things, a single Greater White-fronted Goose was among Canadas. Too distant though for a photo. It was a first-of-year for me.
Monday, I did not do much, but spent some time along the river. Went for a walk in Brander Park.
A large White Ash tree was a victim of the Emerald Ash Borer here.
Tuesday I went to Rondeau! It was rather quiet for birds though. I could see thousands of ducks on the far side of the Bay, much too far even for the scope. No doubt a Eurasian Wigeon was among them!
Heading home, I swung over to Erieau and walked the marsh (rail) trail. It was quite birdy with waterfowl.
Highlight, was a flock of eight Greater White-fronted Geese in the corn field. Eventually, they got up and circle several time not knowing what to do next.
Today, was a cool, but sunny day, so I went for a long walk at Reid CA. Practically no birds, but I did flush up an American Woodcock. A first for the year. I was quite happy with the long walk to get my mind off things of late.
The ice went out of the Sydenham last week very quickly and the water levels had receded by today. I came across a couple of river mussels.
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| White Heelsplitter |
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| Fragile Papershell |
Back when I was very young, I took a photo of this vessel on the Detroit River while on one of the Bob-Lo steamers.
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