Recent Outings-Rondeau and Forest

Things are certainly on the move and I was out Friday and Saturday to take advantage.  Friday seemed to be a good day to go to Rondeau where I met up with Steve Charbonneau on the Great Kiskadee anniversary (it was Friday September 7, 2018). 
A short lakewatch at dog beach proved quiet.  Better days are ahead and we are anxious for a good lakewatch there soon!
We then moved to south point trail where we found lots of birds from the get-go. A good variety of warblers and vireos were working the trees.

Even Swainson's Thrushes were plentiful.

Highlight was a Dickcissel!  At one point I got a glimpse of  bird that I remarked looked "almost like a Dickcissel".  Sure enough, we saw it fly up and perch!

It is rather late for the species.  They arrive late in the spring, do their business and leave early, so they are not around very long!

We spent almost three hours on the trail and at the parking lot when we returned.  Lots of birds were moving around at the parking lot that delayed our departure.  Even a Common Nighthawk was foraging overhead.

Here is my eBird list for Rondeau:
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S59556657

Our next stop was at a location to look for a family of King Rails which were found some time earlier in the week.  Some patience was required, but at least one came out for a peek.

Luckily, it eventually came out in full view.  I managed to get a good photo (hence the new header photo for this blog).

Note the large 'mudhooks' which allow them to get around in the marshes.  We could see tracks in the nearby mud.

King Rails are considered a threatened bird in Ontario and are often difficult to find.  When listed on eBird, the entry will not appear to the public for good reason.
This year, perhaps, they may have had a good nesting year with all the high water.

It is not often one gets to see a King Rail. Ironically, we had seen one this past May in the Rondeau marsh.  So, it was not a new one for the year list!  I have seen them in the past, such as a pair on Walpole Island during the atlas data-gathering period.

The flooded field at McLean Conservation Lands is good for birds right now.  We stopped by to venture out on to the mudflat to see what was around.  Earlier in the summer, many shorebirds were there but difficult to get a handle on. 

Now that the water has receded somewhat, one can walk around McLean's.  We did not see much variety on Friday though.  Something good will certainly show in the near future!

Today, Saturday, I took made my weekly visit to Forest lagoons.  It felt like a weekend as it was overcast when I drove up, and eventually a brief rain ensued shortly after I arrived.  Eventually the sun came out though.

Upon arrival, there were few shorebirds to be seen.  I knew something was afoot.  A Willet was in view for a short period of time, but then all the birds scattered.  The culprit was a Merlin.  It has been present for at least a week, creating headaches for visiting birders, not to mention for the shorebirds.

It took some time, but eventually many birds came back to settle in.  Highlight was a Red Knot.  It would better be called a Gray Knot this time of year though!  Like most birds, it was too distant for a decent photo.  However, good scope views were obtained.

Some Sarnia birders present were knot disappointed in seeing this "moonbird".

I refer to it as moonbird since a book came out a number of years ago called Moonbird.  It is the story of a Red Knot that returned to southern South America for several years in a row.  A long journey each year!

While observing this bird, I realized it was a new Lambton bird for me.  Oddly enough, I had never recorded one in Lambton till now!

Four Baird's Sandpipers were still present today.  They have been around for over a week.

Two Baird's and two Pecs

Not sure what I was photographing here:

Here is my eBird list for Forest today:
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S59577036

On the way home I stopped by Wilkesport.  An American Snout was a surprise at Nicholl's Memorial Forest. No Hackberry trees near here!

At home, I even saw one in the yard.  It was a new yard butterfly (I think)!  Obviously they were on the move today.
A Common Checkered-Skipper was among those seen in the yard today as well.

Shorebirds to Insects

This morning I ventured up to Forest Sewage Lagoons, a birder-friendly facility.  Once again, this place is shaping up to be the best spot for shorebirds. Habitat is excellent.

I did not see any rarities, but it takes a good hour to sort through everything.

There were lots of Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpipers, etc. and a FOY Stilt Sandpiper.  Something decent will be there soon!

Common Gallinules nested there this year and proud parents with two young were feeding on the far side of the one cell.  Too distant for good photos though.

This was my target spot for the day, and it was a toss-up where to go to next.  I decided to check Ausable River Cut CA south of Pinery next.  I enjoyed the walk as it was very good for butterflies.
Several Wild Indigo Duskywings were on the wing.

I was delighted to come across my FOY Coral Hairstreak along the river bank.

Delaware Skippers and Northern Broken-Dash were plentiful as well.

Down the road, I stopped by Karner Blue Sanctuary.  Strangely, I did not see a single duskywing here!  Usually this is one of the better spots for them.
I did come across a couple more Coral Hairstreaks.

Some Great-spangled Fritillaries were flying about, never landing.  They have been scarce this year like many other species.

There was not much in the way of odes this day.  This darner perched briefly.  Not sure what it is yet as I have not looked closely.

Rough Blazing Star is coming along.  Soon, Leonard's Skippers will be taking advantage of it here.

During this moth week, I have kept an eye out for moths.  This attractive Neighbour was at Karner Blue.

A plume moth, likely Morning Glory was on the back door this week.

Yesterday, I came across another 'dead' Ceropia moth.

I decided to bypass other spots in the area, as I am tired of mosquitoes!

On the way home, I stopped by Moore WMA.  One can finally cross the creek!  I looked for Mocha Emeralds in a known spot, but came up short.

A couple of American Snouts were at the river crossing.  There are lots of Hackberry trees at Moore which is their larval foodplant.

A couple of Banded Hairstreaks were spotted. One landed on my car as I was leaving....

Some flowers in the garden are starting to wilt, a sign that summer is moving along.  Black-eyed Susan and Purple Coneflower continues to flourish in the backyard.  This year, one coneflower was white!

The odd European Skipper is still around.

More Running Around!

Friday I decided to go to Point Pelee.  As usual, I started at the Tip, but did not get there as early as in the past.  This time of year there are too many "tourists" that HAVE to go to the very Tip, oblivious of the birds they are scaring off. Luckily, I did have some time to myself at first.

A few Sanderlings were working the Tip, and eventually a Lesser Yellowlegs landed.  Eight more Lessers flew by towards Pelee Island.

I walked back west beach trail in hopes of seeing some insects.  Once again, very few.  One can only savour the memories of the "good ole days"!
I did see my FOY American Snout.

Wandering Glider

I decided to check out the marsh boardwalk before leaving. Black Terns had a good nesting year, as I counted over 60 birds.

Next stop was Hillman Marsh.  I walked around the shorebird cell looking for butterflies, which of course were scarce.  Checking one familiar spot, I came across about ten Broad-winged Skippers, which were FOY.

Some Common Painted-Lady were along the way.

I shuffled over to Blenheim Lagoons on the way home, but nothing of note was there.


Today, it was a toss-up, but I ended up in Elgin County.  I went as far as Port Stanley Lagoons.  Water is very high, so few shorebirds. Only two Lesser Yellowlegs and a Wilson's Snipe were seen besides Killdeer and Spotted Sandpiper.  Wood Ducks were there by the dozens.

Heading back, I stopped by Southwold Earthworks, which I always check out while in the area.  A number of years ago I had all kinds of butterflies there, but it has been downhill ever since!  (Probably the big year of 2012).
Today was overcast and damp, so practically nothing.  I did find a Common Sootywing though.

Farther west, I checked out Joe's Bush on Silver Clay Line. 

Besides too many mosquitoes some notable birds included Pine Warblers and a Hooded Warbler.  The Hooded was a bit of a surprise.

Joe's Truck

My main goal today was to stop by the old quarry at Clear Creek Nature Reserve and look for Comet Darner. 

Last year, I discovered them there, so I knew they had to be out.  Sure enough upon arrival, I saw one.  I could only attempt flight shots, but made out fairly well.

Two in upper left

Eventually I saw two.  Comet Darners are rare but annual in various places in southern Ontario.  The bright red abdomen sticks out!

Comet and Calico

There were lots of dragonflies to look at here.  Calico Pennants are very common.

Skimmer with Twelve Spots

Blue Dasher

This afternoon I did a quick check of Reid and McKeough CA's.  Due to the heat I did not linger long.  I did see a couple of Dukes' Skippers at Reid and several Banded Hairstreaks.

A couple of Royal River Cruisers were patrolling as well.

At McKeough I was targeting Flag-tailed Spinyleg.  With the high water, there is no edge to the river this year where they like to perch.  I kept a keen eye as I walked along, but at the very end, I finally came across one!

Pronghorn Clubtails are regular here, but I have not yet seen one here this year.
By this time, the heat had done me in, so I went home!

By the way, National Moth Week is upon us.  I usually see only common stuff  in my travels.  Here are some from today.

Large Lace Border

Celery Looper

Spring Dead Leaf Roller

The above creature is very tiny.  It was on the back door today!