I have been taking advantage of the wonderful weather lately. This past Sunday, I did a big tour, heading to Strathroy first thing.
The lagoons at Strathroy provide a good birding spot. Black-necked Stilts have returned to nest there once again. In fact, there are two pairs! I only saw three birds, assuming one was tending to a nest hidden in the weeds.
They were not close, but I attempted a photo anyway.
It was then back west to check some pastures (what few remain). More and more disappear each year, which is devastating to grassland birds. I was really hoping to find Grasshopper Sparrow on this outing, but that did not happen. One field I always get them is now a wheat field!
Some pastures remain, and attract Upland Sandpipers.
Another location near Glencoe had a couple as well. This one was a bit agitated right beside the road. No doubt young were nearby.
Used to be more pastures here even a couple of years ago, but only a couple remain.
It was then on to Skunk's Misery where I stopped by a popular birding spot. Here we get various warblers and even Acadian Flyatcher.
I heard Prothonotary Warbler singing around a woodland pond, but it never showed. I think it was my first for Middlesex.
A Cerulean Warbler was singing constantly along the road, in typical fashion high in a tree.
Since I was in the neighbourhood, a stop at Wardsville Woods was mandatory. As readers of this blog know, it is a hotspot for insects, especially dragonflies.
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| Common Whitetail |
Just before leaving, a dragonfly flew past me that I instantly recognized as a spiketail. Which one? Turned out to be a Twin-spotted.
Arrowhead Spiketail also resides here, so maybe next trip I will find one. I discovered these two species here a number of years ago.
Lots of Midland Clutails were flying. I had hoped to see the rare Cobra Clubtail, but it was a tad early in the season yet.
Along the trail, I caught sight of a fast-flying skipper. I knew it had to be a Zabulon, and sure enough it was!
This is the third year in a row I have seen one here. I discovered it here and am probably the only to have seen them here, as a first for Middlesex.
Monday I did not do too much, but came across my first Common Ringlets of the season.
Tuesday I headed down to Rondeau. I did not come across anything of note, but you never know until trying. While there, a friend sent me a note and recording that a Kirtland's Warbler was in their yard. I had a difficult time believing it! This was near Brigden.
There was no mention of having visitors, so I took my time, then went home. I received another note that the warbler was still present and asked if I could see it. Off I went!
As soon as I got out of the car, I could hear its loud song.
I stayed about an hour taking in this marvel. As they often are, Kirtland's Warblers are very co-operative once they find a spot.
There are only a handful of records for Lambton, and this was my first for the county, needless to say. One I have always wanted for Lambton!
I wish more people could have seen it, but it was on private property and was not my call to invite people.
Today, a few of us did a breeding bird survey at a new conservation lands. Called Bradshaw Conservation Lands, it is a unique piece of property between McCallum and Burman Lines west of Brigden Road.
It was obtained in a partnership between Thames Talbot Land Trust and St. Clair Conservation, but it is a "closed" property meaing no general public access.
There is one exposed area that contains numerous fossils and rocks. Pretty unique!
June is probably my favourite time of year, so more things to come!
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