November Notes and a Novelty!

 This past Tuesday I went down to Rondeau and area for some birding.  Turned out to be rather quiet everywhere!

Campground was first stop, then about a 2 km walk out marsh trail.  I only went out the two kilometres since it was so quiet for birds.

A stop at Keith McLean C. L. revealed the Western Cattle Egret.  I was not really looking for it, but it suddenly flushed up alongside one the new ponds!

I also checked out Erieau's marsh trail and McGeachy Pond.  I do not think I have ever seen that much beach alongside McGeachy pond dike.

Low water levels have certainly changed the scenery everywhere.

First thing Wednesday morning I went to Mitchell's Bay.  Nothing of note, but it was quite calm making for a nice morning to view the lake.

A few birds were along the trail, including some Cedar Waxwings.

Thursday, it was back to Rondeau!  It was dead calm and one could hear things a long way off.  I checked out the campground first thing.  It was a little better than the previous visit, but not by much!  Highlight, I guess, was a Redpoll flyover.

It was a good day to walk out the marsh trail.  I ended up with 52 species to the half way point, and there was enough to keep one quite interested.

Not far out, I encountered a group of birds.  Up popped a novelty in the form of a Warbling Vireo!  I was unable to get good photos (as usual...stupid camera).  I will provide them here anyway.

I soon lost sight of it.  At least I knew what it was, although not thinking that Warbling Vireo had been split into western and eastern species.

This was certainly record-late for the area, and one of only a few November records for the province.

This caused a bit of a stir in the birding world.  Recently, Warbling Vireo was split into Eastern and Western.  Given the time of year, there were thoughts this might be the western version.  Due to my poor photos and observations, I just assumed it was an Eastern (which turned out to be correct).

The difference between the two is subtle!  Some minor differences can be noted, and apparently the song is a good indicator.  However, they cannot be reliably separated by photos alone.  DNA certainly comes in handy in this case!  When one looks at good reliable photos of a Western, it is rather obvious.

Luckily, the next day, Josh Vandermeulen and Jude Szabo ventured out the marsh trail (to the very end) and were able to re-locate the vireo.  They obtained decent photos which were subsequently posted on the Ontario Discord, as well as eBird.  After some discussion, it was concluded that this bird was an Eastern Warbling Vireo.  A good find indeed.  Much appreciation goes to those guys for getting photos, which certainly put the issue to rest!

Anyway, I had a good walk to the half way point of marsh trail and back.  I encountered an Eastern Phoebe at one point. (another eastern bird!).

A Common Yellowthroat was not too unusual at this date, since some attempt to winter.

On the return walk, I found a Midland Painted Turtle.  It was alive, but not in good shape.  Not sure how I missed it on the way out.

Several Isabella Tiger Moth caterpillars were decorating the trail.

Friday was a nice day to head to Sarnia and check out Canatara Park.  Recently, a Yellow-throated Warbler was frequenting the area around the animal farm.  My usual luck prevailed, and it was not present! I put in a valiant effort looking though.

Canatara is a good spot for birds dropping in or flying over, along the lake.  I managed to spot two Evening Grosbeaks at one point.  About eight Redpolls flew over during my stay.  Virtually all in a westerly direction.

Today I checked out Mitchell's Bay first thing, but it was extremely quiet for birds.  I then spent the rest of the morning finishing up a long-overdue project at home.

After lunch, I went for a long walk at Reid C. L.  Although it was a cool day, there were still some grasshoppers around the back field! (no photos).

I looked at some mosses in the woods. Not sure of ID.

Another week in the bag....what will next week bring?