Odds 'n Frogs

It is still quite cool, but signs of spring are here and there.  Coltsfoot was out in bloom today at the workplace.

A Fox Sparrow was in at Brander Park, while the wintering birds were still present and enjoying the sun.


Stewart Wetland has held many wigeon all week, and others include several Northern Shoveller, Gadwall and Blue-winged Teal.  Also Ring-necked Ducks.  A single Pied-billed Grebe is swimming around too.

Early Morning at Stewart

I stopped at McKeough this evening for a walk. It was bitterly cold in the wind, but I went into a sheltered spot to listen to the frogs.  Many chorus frogs were croaking and a few Leopard as well.  The chorus were difficult to spot, but the leopard were less skittish.

Many Turkey Vultures were out and about today in migration.

Even the lizard-types were out today as well.

I would imagine by Sunday, many migrants will start to show with the warm SW wind predicted!

Midweek

The last of the ice is flowing downriver. Apparently the massive ice bridge at the mouth of Lake Huron is breaking up nicely and poses no threat.

Chenal Ecarte looking Towards Walpole Island

Today was the most pleasant day so far this year. Obviously it is midweek!

I took a walk in a woodlot north of town this evening. Chorus frogs were cranking it up. Not many birds were around--just a few common species.

I have not seen a butterfly yet, but no doubt some are out. Other places have reported Compton Tortoiseshell, Mourning Cloak and Eastern Comma.

I have only seen moths.

The last few days there have been lost of plumes of smoke coming off Walpole and St. Anne's Islands. The annual spring burning is taking place. It has become more prominent in recent year's as the importance is recognized for prairies, oak savannahs, etc.

Much of the ash settles on Wallaceburg!

One of many smoke plumes today

The Tufted Titmouse pair is still at Port Lambton's Brander Park. Perhaphs they are going to stick around. Things were a bit quiet this morning, but hopefully some new birds will come in. I did hear a White-throated Sparrow, but it may have been a winter leftover as there were a couple there earlier in the winter.