A Snail's Pace At Times

 Birding has been at a snail's pace at times the last few days.  Some decent things have come in, as well as the regulars, but it seems many went farther north (at least for Yellow-rumped Warblers).

I look for other things along the way, and I always end up at my "go-to" place.  You guessed it...... Reid Conservation Area.  The place is so unique to me and and one can find such a diverse array of species, many of which are uncommon to rare.

Today, I went for a long walk, and closer to the end of it, I stumbled upon a snail's shell.  I had no idea what species, but it turned out to be a Broad-banded Forest Snail.

Upon further investigation, it is critically imperiled in Ontario.  It lives on the forest floor in flood plains, which is exactly where I found it!

I have seen various snails over the years, but I don't think I have seen this one.  Of course, it was long-since dead, but obviously was living in the area.  So, chalk up another rarity for Reid CA!

This past Thursday, I went to Rondeau.  Not much in the way of birds again, but the usual Eastern Screech-owl hole was occupied.  The owl has changed colours!  Actually, a red morph has recently taken up residence in this cavity.

Always nice to see the red morph of the species.

Spring ephemerals are always a bit behind along the lakeshore, but Bloodroot was popping up along the trails.

As a naturalist, I always look for other things.  This fungus is called Hypoxylon Canker.  A recently-fallen tree was covered with it.

The next day I went to Mitchell's Bay to see if anything of interest was around.  Potential for rarities is always good there! It was rather quiet for birds.  Lots of tree swallows around.

Needless to say, later in the morning, I went for a walk at Reid CA.

Yellow Trout Lily

more Harbinger of Spring

Bloodroot (not overly abundant at Reid)

Purple Cress (leaves)

Spring Beauty Miner (bee)

Yesterday, I went back to Rondeau.  It was somewhat disappointing birdwise.  It was quite obvious that a lot of the birds skipped over the Rondeau area in the latest push.  That is often the case where one can note more birds farther north, in my opinion.

Today, I went to the Lake St. Clair area.  Lots of blackbirds and gulls in the fields, but nothing noteworthy.

Greater Yellowlegs

Unco-operative Palm Warbler!

I continued on and I went for a long walk at....you know where (!).  I cannot get enough of Reid!

Early Blue Cohosh

White Trout Lily (lots at Reid)

more Bloodroot (different area of the property)

Dutchman's Breeches is abundant.  A very similar plant called Squirrel Corn is apparently there, but I have yet to find some.

Dutchman's Breeches

I always keep an eye out for Harbinger of Spring.  As eluded to in the past, it is quite abundant at Reid.  I found yet another spot today.  However, it is just about done for another year.

I have found a variety of snakes on the property, but usually Common Garter Snake.

Not much in the way of mussels today.  This Mapleleaf was a bit out of reach.

Around the yard, birds have been trickling through.  Yesterday, a Pine Warbler briefly stopped late in the day.

Local birds include Northern Flicker.

More to come.....