Sunny Day Walks

Wednesday was a write-off with the wicked weather, but Tuesday and Thursday I took advantage of the sunny skies and wandered about.

I was overdue for a really long walk to unwind, so Tuesday I opted to head out Rondeau's marsh trail all the way to Long Pond.  It was not as birdy as I had hoped, but the walk did me some good!

Eastern Phoebe

Along the way, this Brown Creeper was busy on a tree beside the trail.

There are still thousands of ducks on Rondeau Bay, but this day they were way out.  Many puddle ducks were in the wet areas along the trail, but always flushed before one could get close.

Insects are emerging, and the most common one lately is Narrow-headed Marsh Fly.

I have always looked at this Eastern White Pine out marsh trail.

I believe this deformity is called a witch's broom, common on pines.

Today we had a complete turn-around in temperature from the previous day.  Quite balmy!

First thing in the morning, I checked out the south shore nature trail at Mitchell's Bay.  I saw my  first-of-year Purple Martins already checking out the nesting houses.

Also new for the year were several Forster's Terns on the Bay.

This afternoon, I could not pass up a walk at Reid CA.  Lots of Eastern Commas were flying.

As well, a couple of Mourning Cloaks were soaking up the sun.

There were lots of Narrow-headed Marsh Flies here as well.

Much smaller, I noticed an Eastern Calligrapher at one point.  They are quite tiny, so difficult to photograph.

Harbinger of Spring is popping up in the usual spots.  This small and delicate plant is easily overlooked.

Not much else in flower yet, but some Virginia Spring Beauty were in bloom.

Reid has lots of Wild Leek, coming along nicely now.

I can never get enough of what Reid CA has to offer!  It is so nice to wander through the woods.  Here are some scenes.

I thought this tree was unique.

Lots of large Black Walnut trees here.

I usually do not go to Reid for birds since it has so much else to offer.  Some early spring birds today included Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (although the last two summers, one was resident).

And of course, the Eastern Phoebe.

As I got back to the parking lot, I heard some croaking.  To the south in the distance, were three Common Ravens.  I am sure they are nesting nearby, but I have not determined where yet.

Simply ravenous!

Even More Insects! Plus Some Mussels

 Monday I stayed fairly local.  I checked out the pond at Brander Park, Port Lambton first thing.  In the past, this has been a great spot for insects.  Need to check it more often!

I was rather early in the day, so there was not much activity, but I did find a decent species of bluet.  These appeared to be Westfall's Slender Bluet (ssp. of Slender) which is uncommon around here.  Perhaps it is more widespread than we know.

Other insects:

Narrow-headed Marsh Fly

Swamp Spreadwing

Tule Bluet

It was such a nice day, I headed up to Reid CA after lunch.  I saw a couple of Dukes' Skippers right away.

I even saw another hairstreak (Hickory), so I am up to three!

Some other thing were seen along the trail.

Slender Spreadwing

Acanthocephala terminalis

Common Thick-leg Fly

Eastern Tailed-Blue

Grey Treefrog (baby!)

Broad-winged Skippers were flying, but I still could not get a photo of one!

Yesterday, I had the urge to head up to north Lambton.  It was not as productive as I had hoped, but that has been the case in most places this summer.

I started at Ausable River Cut CA.  Very few dragonflies, but this Lancet Clubtail briefly posed.

A few skippers were along the river edge.

Delaware Skipper

Crossline Skipper

One spot along the river had a multitude of mussels.  Several were in the "rare" category.

Wabash Pigtoe
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Snuffbox
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Deertoe
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Mapleleaf

Three-ridge is quite common here.

Later, I walked L-Lake trail at Port Franks, then headed over to Ipperwash Forested Dunes and Swales. Mosquitoes were the most common thing!

Walking was very limited as many parts were flooded due to the excessive rain lately.

Spicebush Swallowtail

I even stopped by Forest lagoons, not expecting much.  It is not an inviting place for shorebirds this summer with the high water levels!  I was hoping to find Variegated Meadowhawk since I had them there in the past, but no luck.  Lots of Halloween Pennants.

Halloween Pennant

Another stop was Marthaville Habitat Management Area near Petrolia.  As expected, I found Slaty Skimmer there.

Last stop was Nicholl's Memorial Forest and Wetland at Wilkesport.  There is a little pond at the west edge of the property that few know about, and is good for odes.  Lots of variety here, but all common things.

Azure Bluet

Familiar Bluet

spreadwing sp.

Today, I checked out some spots locally first thing.  Peers Wetland had a few Great Egrets.  One of these days, I may find a Snowy!  No Limpkin either.

Along the St. Clair River, a Common Loon and Common Merganser were swimming in Sombra Bay.  Occasionally we see these in summer in the area.

Later in the morning, a number of us descended upon a private property near Brigden.  It is a fabulous spot for many things, especially insects.  Highlight was to see the Dukes' Skippers.  They seem to be doing well there, as I saw at least six.

I also spotted a Broad-winged Skipper in the mix.  A Mulberry Wing was seen a few days ago, but we did not encounter that one today.

Other insects included a Spotted Spreadwing (I think).

Common Thick-leg Fly (seem to be quite common everywhere!)

And, an Eastern Calligrapher which is very tiny!

Near the end of the walk, I spotted a Royal River Cruiser patrolling the pond!

A nice way to end the morning!

Eastern Amberwing