More Long (Pond) Walks and To The Point

 Nothing much of note to talk about lately, as things have been a bit stalled.  Lots of waterfowl moving in though.  Rondeau Bay is loaded with tens of thousands of ducks, but no rarities detected yet.

Last Sunday I had the notion to go for a long walk at Hillman Marsh.  It is getting to be the time for those "European" ducks such as Eurasian Wigeon and European Green-winged Teal.  Last year I found both there!  No such luck on this visit, but it is a bit early yet.

Ring-necked and Redhead were the most numerous ducks.

Along Hillman creek, I noticed lots of mussels.  All seemed to be the same species, namely Fragile Papershell.  A very common species.

A couple more long walks were locally at Reid CA.  One can spend hours there!  Never much in the way of birds here, but other things can keep one interested.

A few days ago, some American Wigeon were flying in circles above the river.

This little brown bird was creeping around at one point.

On one visit I came across a Painted Turtle shell.  Obviously it emerged early, but made the sacrifice of being someone's meal!

Something I have not really  taken a "lichen" to yet is lichens on trees.  There seems to be not much at Reid, but a common species is Script Lichen.

Reid is good for plants and especially a wide variety of trees.  Blue Ash is common here (small saplings).  I know of one more mature tree that is still alive, but it is not healthy.

There are a few of small Hackberry trees, less common here, but more common farther north along the river.

Yesterday I went for another long walk at Rondeau Park out marsh trail to Long Pond.  It is a good 10 km round trip!

There was nothing of note in the way of birds, but the Bay was loaded with ducks.  No rarities yet though!

Canadian Coot

On a more historical note, I have written in the past about 'Baby Point', Port Lambton.  Located essentially at Brander Park, it was one of Lambton County's oldest settled areas.

The land was owned by the Baby (pronounced 'bawby') family, particularly Francis Baby.  The Baby's were a prestigious family and he inherited the land from his grandfather in 1742.

 

Baby Point in low water

Baby Point in higher water

Brander Park can reveal lots of artifacts.  Many coins, medallions, button, tools, etc. have been unearthed by local metal detector enthusiasts.

We used to spend much time here watching boat traffic, and I always looked along the shoreline to see what was in the sand.  Some arrowheads and other artifacts have been found, as well as parts of old clay pipes which was date back to the early 1800's.

Port Lambton was established as a village in 1820.  In 2020, big celebrations were planned, but that was quashed due to the pandemic mess.

Theh "Port" was well known as a port, and was busy along the shoreline road.

And, Brander Park is one of my favourite local birding spots.

The north part has a pond and woodlot that attracts birds, especially in migration.

Redbud scattered about here

It is snowing today, so travel is limited.  I saw my first Blue-winged Teal of the year!

Port Lambton and Baby Point At 200

Been going through old blog posts that I wrote.  I started this blog in October 2007!
I have amassed 1846 blog posts since then!
The "labels" in the column on the right will bring you to certain subjects in past posts.  I read one in particular about Port Lambton and Baby Point that got me thinking about the 200th anniversary.

I thought I would put up some past material about the Port Lambton area.  In 2020, it will be Port Lambton's 200th anniversary!  Some events are planned for the bicentennial.

At the south end of Port Lambton is what is known as Baby Point.  (I wrote about it in the past).  Included is Brander Park, where I take a walk almost every day since it is right near my work place.  It is an interesting place especially for birds!  There are several interpretive signs, including this one:

I have been there at all times of the day and in all kinds of weather.

In the past I have written about the spot.  Here is a partial post from 2012:

Baby point--low water

Baby Point--high water

One of my local spots for birding is Brander Park, Port Lambton.  I have mentioned this place many times for birds and butterflies.  It is only a "stone's throw" from my workplace so I go for a walk there almost every day and sometimes after work.

Fiery Skipper

Sometimes it can even be good for dragonflies.  One fall, I came across a few Elusive Clubtails, which I had never seen before (or since!).

Originally this area was known as Baby's Point, one of the oldest settled areas in Lambton County. The land was owned by the Baby (pronounced 'bawby') family, particulary Francis Baby.  The Baby's were a prestigious family and he inherited the land from his grandfather in 1742.

Remains of old dock and wooden barge (barge left by a couple of my Dad's cousins!)

A settlement there preceded the village of Port Lambton and it was a busy place for trading.  Artifacts have been found over the years at Brander Park.  I recall when I was younger we would scour the beach area and find old clay (smoking) pipes and Indian artifacts.  I have a couple of arrowheads in my possession.

There was recently a display in the Sombra Museum of coins, badges, buttons, military items, artifacts, etc. found at Baby Point by Cliff Roy.

Over at the woodlot area there are some old Pear trees.  Whether these had origins with the Jesuit pear trees, I have no knowledge.

Brander Park seems to be an excellent spot for seeing birds of all types.  The woodlot there is a great migrant trap and in times of migration it can be crawling with birds.

The Pond

It is also a good spot for flyovers as birds come off or head towards Walpole Island or use the St. Clair River.  Then there is the river itself for waterbirds.

Behind Brander Park is the Port Lambton lagoon site which comprises two cells.  It is a good site for waterfowl and other birds.  In the spring, Black Terns can congregate there in big numbers.  I have seen about 200 at different times.  Needless to say, Ontario's first White-winged Tern was found there back in May 1991.  Although I went back to the lagoons to see it, I could stand at Brander Park and see the bird! (Black Tern at right).

I had never really stopped at Brander Park for birds until one August day back in 1988 and was amazed at the number, especially warblers.  I recall seeing a  Prairie Warbler that day.

Speaking of warblers, the potential for a rarity is there.  Back in 2003, May 14 to be exact, I was stunned to find a male Virginia's Warbler foraging along the treeline!  I watched it for about ten minutes, being certain of ID.  It was late in the afternoon, but we could not find it the next day.

I have recorded at least 210 species of birds at Brander Park over the years.  I am not sure what will be added next but the there are many possibilities.

Stream through the woodlot

Brander Park/Baby Point

Winter finally arrived this week.  The sun was very bright today and hard on the eyes since we have not seen much of it in the last six weeks!  After work today I took a short walk at Brander Park for some fresh air, one of my favourite spots.

A seen in the woodlot this past Sunday.  Lots of ash trees have fallen:

In the past I have written about the spot.  Here is a post from 2012.

Baby Point

One of my local spots for birding is Brander Park, Port Lambton.  I have mentioned this place many times for birds and butterflies.  (Yesterday I saw several Fiery Skippers and a Common Checkered-Skipper!).  It is only a "stone's throw" from my workplace so I go for a walk there almost every day and sometimes after work.

Originally this area was known as Baby's Point, one of the oldest settled areas in Lambton County. The land was owned by the Baby (pronounced 'bawby') family, particulary Francis Baby.  The Baby's were a prestigious family and he inherited the land from his grandfather in 1742.

Remains of large dock and wooden barge (barge was abandoned there in the 1950's by a couple of my dad's cousins!)

A settlement there preceded the village of Port Lambton and it was a busy place for trading.  Artifacts have been found over the years at Brander Park.  I recall when I was younger we would scour the beach area and find old clay (smoking) pipes and Indian artifacts.  I have a couple of arrowheads in my possession.
Over at the woodlot area there are some old Pear trees.  Whether these had origins with the Jesuit pear trees, I have no knowledge.

Brander Park seems to be an excellent spot for seeing birds of all types.  The woodlot there is a great migrant trap and in times of migration it can be crawling with birds.

Pond

It is also a good spot for flyovers as birds come off or head towards Walpole Island or use the St. Clair River.  Then there is the river itself for waterbirds.

Behind Brander Park is the Port Lambton lagoon site which comprises two cells.  It is a good site for waterfowl and other birds.  In the spring, Black Terns can congregate there in big numbers.  I have seen about 200 at different times.  Needless to say, Ontario's first White-winged Tern was found there back in May 1991.  Although I went back to the lagoons to see it, I could stand at Brander Park and see the bird! (Black Tern at right).

I had never really stopped at Brander Park for birds until one August day back in 1988 and was amazed at the number, especially warblers.  I recall seeing a  Prairie Warbler that day.

Speaking of warblers, the potential for a rarity is there.  Back in 2003, May 14 to be exact, I was stunned to find a male Virginia's Warbler foraging along the treeline!  I watched it for about ten minutes, being certain of ID.  It was late in the afternoon, but we could not find it the next day.

American Tree Sparrow (good area for sparrows!)

I have recorded at least 207 species of birds at Brander Park over the years.  I am not sure what will be added next but the there are many possibilities.

Stream through the woodlot

More Morning Trivia

Stewart Wetland

This morning I started out once again at Stewart Wetland.  Not as many birds, but the Sandhill Cranes headed east on schedule.  This time I counted one big flock of 71.  Rather distant for the G16 camera though.

Intrigued by yesterday's finding at Brander Park, I checked out the other interpretive signs at Brander Park.  There are several on different themes.
After walking past the one of birds that I showed yesterday, I saw this one on passenger ships.  The photos are from my father's collection at the Sombra Museum.

Another sign was about Baby Point (pronounced Bawbee).  I have mentioned this before as Brander Park location was the oldest settlement in the area dating back to the mid 1700's.

View from Baby Point

Other signs were on the Prohibition days (rum running!) and shoreline rehabilitation.  I thought the most interesting one was this one on Maud Menten.  Obviously a very scholarly lady!  Read it for yourself.

Baby Point Birding

Baby Point

One of my local spots for birding is Brander Park, Port Lambton.  I have mentioned this place many times for birds and butterflies.  (Yesterday I saw several Fiery Skippers and a Common Checkered-Skipper!).  It is only a "stone's throw" from my workplace so I go for a walk there almost every day and sometimes after work.

Originally this area was known as Baby's Point, one of the oldest settled areas in Lambton County.  The land was owned by the Baby (pronounced 'bawby') family, particulary Francis Baby.  The Baby's were a prestigious family and he inherited the land from his grandfather in 1742.

Remains of large dock and wooden barge (barge was abandoned there in the 1950's by a couple of my dad's cousins!)

A settlement there prededed the village of Port Lambton and it was a busy place for trading.  Artifacts have been found over the years at Brander Park.  I recall when I was younger we would scour the beach area and find old clay (smoking) pipes and Indian artifacts.  I have a couple of arrowheads in my possession.  

Brander Park seems to be an excellent spot for seeing birds of all types.  The woodlot there is a great migrant trap and in times of migration it can be crawling with birds.

Pond

It is also a good spot for flyovers as birds come off or head towards Walpole Island or use the St. Clair River.  Then there is the river itself for waterbirds.

Behind Brander Park is the Port Lambton lagoon site which comprises two cells.  It is a good site for waterfowl and other birds.  In the spring, Black Terns can congregate there in big numbers.  I have seen about 200 at different times.  Needless to say, Ontario's first White-winged Tern was found there back in May 1991.  Although I went back to the lagoons to see it, I could stand at Brander Park and see the bird! (Black Tern at right).

I had never really stopped at Brander Park for birds until one August day back in 1988 and was amazed at the number, especially warblers.  I recall seeing a  Prairie Warbler that day.

Speaking of warblers, the potential for a rarity is there.  Back in 2003, May 14 to be exact, I was stunned to find a male Virginia's Warbler foraging along the treeline!  I watched it for about ten minutes, being certain of ID.  It was late in the afternoon, but we could not find it the next day.

American Tree Sparrow (good area for sparrows!)

I have recorded at least 203 species of birds at Brander Park over the years.  I am not sure what will be added next but the there are many possibilities.

Stream through the Woodlot

With the low water in recent weeks, mudflats are developing along the river.  I took some photos this evening.  Some shorebirds will take advantage, but I only saw Killdeer today.