Early Winter Birding: Some Highlights

 The past few days have been winter-like for a change.  Not much in the way of snow around here, but more seasonal temperatures.  The northerly winds have made for some short walks!

There are not many "land birds" around this winter, but the cold and snow recently has helped to concentrate what few are around.

On Sunday, I made some rounds in the Rondeau area.  It was one of the better birding days of late.  I started at Rondeau Park for some short walks.  I have had the urge to do along walk out marsh trail, but it has been too windy on that side of the park.  So, I just checked the start of the trail which has harboured some birds.  The Ruby-crowned Kinglet was still flitting around, and I caught a glimpse of the Common Yellowthroat that has been there for some time.

I walked the campground, but it was quiet for birds, which has been the case for the most part.

While there, I got word that a Harris's Sparrow was found along Stefina Line.  I bypassed that spot for the time being and went to McGeachy Pond at Erieau.  There were not many birds, but the Northern Mockingbird was still taking advantage of various berries.

After seeing it further along the trail, I headed back to the parking lot.  I saw Steve at the end of the trail, and he sent a message that he was looking at the mockingbird.  What?  Obviously there was a second one!  I only got a glimpse of that one.

I then headed over to east of Blenheim to look for the Harris's Sparrow.  It took a few minutes for it to show, but it was there.  Photo conditions were not ideal from my position.

It was hanging out with a large number of White-crowned Sparrows.  Harris's Sparrows quite often accompany White-crowned Sparrows.  The one I found at Hillman Marsh a few years ago was the same deal.  As was the one along Gore Road many years ago.

While there, I got a glimpse of the Northern Shrike in the distance.  Seems every winter we have one there, but it is an ideal spot with hawthorns, etc.

Monday I looked at the St. Clair River.  It seemed to be getting a little better for birds.  Along the Chenal Ecarte, I saw another Pied-billed Grebe.

Tuesday, I did quite a bit of driving around, mostly to no avail!  Further south along the Chenal Ecarte, I found some more Pied-billed Grebes.  Must be quite a few around!  Also saw a Green-winged Teal in the same area directly west of town, which was nice for this time of year around these parts.

Wednesday, I looked at the Sarnia area, and upper St. Clair River.  There was a lot to look at in the way of gulls and ducks.  I did not take any photos this day, as nothing caught my eye.

I did get some "year" birds such as Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull.  I sorted through a lot of ducks and gulls, but nothing spectacular showed.  Maybe I did not look hard enough, as a Harlequin Duck was reported off Canatara Park west end not long after I left!  However, conditions were brutal there with the stiff cold wind, and lots of slush ice.

The St. Clair River was quite full of slush ice, finally.  More seasonal-like.  There was quite a concentration of gulls and ducks off the head of Stag Island.  Most were Herring Gulls and Long-tailed Ducks.  There were well-over 2000 Long-tailed Ducks in view there.  But again, I could not find anything of note.

Today, I headed down Rondeau way again.  It was just too cold to do much walking, but skies were cloudless for a change.  I had to take advantage of it!

First spot was Erieau.  With the Bay frozen, duck are at the channel area or on the lake.  First thing in the morning on a sunny day is not the best for viewing there, but I did get in a decent position to view a good portion of the ducks.

A few days ago, two Harlequin Ducks were present.  I searched for them, but only got a distant view on one today.  Later in the afternoon would have been better to view these, but I am never there later in the day.

I headed over to the park afterwards, but after just walking the north end of the campground, I drove around the rest of the time!  Just too cold.

The Hermit Thrush was still at the north end.  Seems it appears each time.  No Yellow-rumped Warblers this winter.  Or, at least none have been detected.

There were a few Black-capped Chickadees here and there, including this one roadside.

I briefly stopped at Keith McLean C. L. later.  There was a tiny bit of open water near the viewing tower where three Killdeer were hunkered down.  These guys seem to want to stick around!

*head just showing of the third at far left

The skies remained clear all day for a change.  That old moon was shining bright this evening!

There were some other decent sightings last Sunday, including this one.

Barred Owl

Barred Christmas Gift and Recent Outings

 On Christmas Day, I had some time to get out and view an owl that had been found recently in south Chatham-Kent.  It is not often we get a Barred Owl in Chatham-Kent, so when one has the opportunity to see one, it is a privilege.

I had tried to see this Barred Owl a couple of times previously, but it obviously hid well.  This third attempt I found it in short order!  It was a nice gift on an otherwise gloomy day.  Lighting was very bad.

I have only seen a couple of others in our county.  The first was pretty neat as it was found on the Christmas Bird count at Rondeau Park.  That one stayed several weeks.

A couple of years ago, one frequented Shrewsbury, being seen in several spots in the village.  It was always fun trying to find out where it was hiding!  Note how puffed up this one appeared.

A number of years ago, one was at John E. Pearce Provincial Park.  The day I found it, the owl still had a meal in its talons.  Obviously another owl!

I have seen or heard many further north in the province, such as the ones at Awenda Provincial Park.  This one was right in my campsite!

And, of course Algonquin Park.

The Barred Owl has to be my favourite.  Its unique call "who cooks for you" is certainly fun to hear.  As seen in the above photos, owls can puff themselves up in certain cases.  They are mostly feathers!

Boxing Day, I spent the morning along the St. Clair River, then through the countryside a bit.  There was actually a lot more things to see on the river than in previous visits.  But, a far cry from what it used to be.

At one point, there was a bear sighting.

Algoma Bear

It was Algoma's newest vessel!

Cathcart Park seems to be decent spot in recent times.  Gulls are collecting in the shallows, as well as ducks.

Swans can be numerous here as well.  Yesterday I saw three species here!

Tundra, Trumpeter, Mute

Least common in our area is the Trumpeter Swan.  There were two here.

A stop at my favourite walking place along the Kimball Road revealed some Eastern Bluebirds.  We usually see them at this location in winter.  Photos are horrible, but then so has the weather.  It has been very gloomy the last few days, and impossible for getting decent photos.

A Red-tailed Hawk was also here.

Just as I left, two Common Ravens were flying over  Kimball Road.  Not unusual in Lambton anymore.

Today, I needed a change in scenery, so headed into Elgin County.  It was still gloomy, but a little brighter at times.

My first stop was Port Glasgow.  I spent the better part of an hour there, as there was a lot of gull activity. Gulls were heading east. Out on the lake I noted a few Common Loons moving.

Farther east, I stopped by John E. Pearce Provincial Park south of Wallacetown.  I walked most of it, but it was rather quiet.  Only thing of note was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Scene in the woods along Lorne Spicer trail

Along one trail I noticed this Isabella Tiger Moth (aka wooly bear) caterpillar rolled up in a ball.  Must have been trying to keep warm!

A couple of Red Squirrels were chattering nearby.

Previously along Talbot Trail, I noticed two Golden Eagles soaring in a westerly direction at McColl Cemetery.  No chance for a photo though.

After Pearce, I worked my way home and went for one more walk at another favourite spot, namely Wardsville Woods.  It was really quiet for birds!  Better in early summer when I can look for dragonflies!

Barred From Shrewsbury

 No, I have not been banned from Shrewsbury in south Chatham-Kent.  😌

On Sunday, a Barred Owl was found in the little village of Shrewsbury by a local resident.  It was eventually found again Monday morning for many birders to see.  It was well-hidden though, so difficult to get a clear photo!

This species of owl is rather rare in in SW Ontario, probably due to lack of habitat.  Many will remember the one that spent the winter at Rondeau Park in 2018-19.  Everyone got to see that one eventually!

Here is another that I saw at John E. Pearce P.P. a few years ago.

Always a treat to see this owl!

Nipissing Notes and Tiny Tales

 Last Sunday I headed out on my annual week off this time of year.  Algonquin Park, in Nipissing, was the main destination.  It had been two years since I was last up there, so it was time to visit again!  One cannot predict things in advance, but the weather left a little to be desired.  Weather forecasts are almost useless anymore anyway, so just go with the plan!

I left Wallaceburg at 04:33 and was in Algonquin about 10:20, including two stops!  Sunday, there is little traffic on the 400 series highways.  

As per tradition, I first stopped to walk the old railway bed off Arowhon Road.  Must have been a sign of things to come, as it was the quietest I have ever seen it.

photo from happier times

To kill time before the campground check-in, I stopped by Cache Lake boat launch area, then walked Two Rivers Trail near the Mew Lake campground.  I lucked into a good-sized flock of warblers and other birds near the end of that trail, which lightened the mood under gloomy skies.

After going into Mew Lake campground, I walked around the old airfield, my favourite place. It was overcast, and few birds were about, but at least I was there.  This spot always has so much potential for good birds.

After a supper, I again walked the old airfield.  I bumped into someone from Sarnia, namely Dave Bourne!  He was with his family for a few days up there.  I am sure he would not mind a mention.

Since rain was forecast, I put a tarp over the tent, and it was a good thing for overnight when it rained. 

The first full day, I usually walk Mizzy Lake trail, but the weather was not good, so I opted for smaller trails and stops.  I walked Spruce Bog Boardwalk at daybreak.  No Spruce Grouse, but what the heck, I will start walking it again.  Not far along, there they were, three of them!

I only carried the point-and-shoot camera due to the weather, so quality is poor in the poor light.

Next trail was Beaver Pond.  Nothing much of note there, before I decided to give the Logging Museum trail a shot.

Just out the car, I heard the familiar call of a Canada Jay, and sure enough, three of them alighted atop a tree.  Very poor lighting again, but here is a photo.

I then walked the trail as it is interesting to look at the displays.  

Near the end, I caught sight of an owl taking off.  Luckily it stopped, and there was a Barred Owl staring at me!

It was certainly a bonus bird not on my radar, at least to photograph.  I have heard them before in Algonquin.

Heading back west, it started pouring, so I sat it out for a while.

After an expensive lunch at Two Rivers Store (good grief, bring your own food!), I had plans to walk Bat Lake trail.  It looked like it would clear for a while, so I started out.  Nope!  I had to head back and wait out some more rain.

Looked like it would clear for a while, so I headed in again for the better part of 6 km.  Well along the trail, it started to come down in buckets.  I kept going anyway, getting soaked to the bone.  About one-third along, the sun finally came out for a nice afternoon!  A little late I must say.

View from the lookout

It was the trail where I last had Boreal Chickadee.  The Boreal in very difficult to find in Algonquin anymore, so it is highly sought-after.  In the past, I did not have much problem with them, finding them in many different locations.  It is said that climate change is a significant factor.

Nothing of note was seen, so after that, I went to take a shower to 'dry' off, lol.

Had a nice walk on the old airfield later on, and came across the only two butterflies of the trip there.

Clouded Sulphur

Orange Sulphur

I usually get American Copper, but could not find a single one this trip!

There were numerous dragonflies seen over the various walks, many being Black-tipped Darners.

The next day, Mizzy Lake trail was on the agenda, and I arrived there at first light.  It is a long, sometimes gruelling 11 km walk, so one has to be prepared.  It was overcast most of the way, but as soon as I got on the old railway bed, I saw more birds.  I had very nice flock of warblers, etc. at one point.  I even heard a Red Crossbill there in the distance.

Raven posing for a moment

West Rose Lake and Wolf Howl pond area was eerily quiet, but I did hear the familiar call of an Evening Grosbeak.  Soon, I saw it fly overhead!  It was another bonus bird that I did not really expect to see.

The trail was overall very quiet for birds, but you never know until you check it out.  I encountered a Ruffed Grouse in probably one of the darkest areas of the entire trail.  Although I put the ISO off the scale, the photo was not good.

By this time, it was near noon, so I headed to Two Rivers Store for an even more expensive lunch.  Oh well, better that someone else get me a good meal!  It was very good, but not on the wallet.

The afternoon, I walked Big Pines Trail.  I found a good number of warblers, etc. here.  The White Pines are impressive on this trail, hence the trail name.

At the back, is a good area to look for dragonflies in the summer, as I recall many years ago on a visit here.  Not this day though!

The rest of the afternoon and evening I took two walks on the old airfield.  Very quiet again, but it was a stellar evening.  

It could get no better with clear skies, and calm conditions.  I was praying for a rarity!  Last time I came up with record-early fall migrant Bohemian Waxwings, but this time, only American Robins as the sun set.

Wednesday, I headed out and for one last walk, I did Whiskey Rapids Trail.  It was horribly quiet.  In my early days, this was my favourite trail, and I had good luck with some of the specialties here, among other things.

It was a reminder of my youth, as this was a trail we walked in the old days.

(don't laugh!)

Just out of the park, I saw the only Moose of the trip, right in the middle of the road!  I was too lazy to get out the camera though.

Off the 400, I headed west through Gravenhurst, then stopped for a walk at Hardy Lake Provincial Park, as I often do.

It was then a beeline to Awenda Provincial Park north of Penetanguishene in Tiny Township.  Getting into the 'shene, the sky to the north was as dark as night.  I waited it out in a park as heavy rain fell.

After it cleared a bit, I went into the the park while the sun came out.  I stopped by Kettle Lake for a look.  One of the maintenance guys came along and he said he had never seen a storm like that here before.  High winds, hail and heavy rain!

The rest of the day was nice, but before sundown, it clouded over and wind came up.  It was terribly windy and a bit concerning at some points.

It was nice along the lakeside later in the afternoon though.

Giant's Tomb Island in the distance

The above is a display on the ship Reliever at the viewing stand.  This ship once sank in the St. Clair River!

I had the notion to head straight to Sarnia the next day, since a good north wind was forecast.  I got up early since the drive was the better part of six hours from there.  I had just got the tent packed, and down came the rain.....again!  So, just as well since it would be no fun at Awenda in the rain.

It poured to just north of Barrie and then the sun came out.  However, all the way to Sarnia, it was either rain or sun, off and on.  The fronts just kept coming!

I arrived at Sarnia after most of the action had occurred with Sabine's Gulls or jaegers unfortunately, but I did the best I could.  Luckily, I stayed a while and saw a Sabine's Gull!  I nice way to end a somewhat damp, whirlwind trip.

Next time, a report on the OFO conference at Point Pelee this past weekend!