Sparrow Spotting, Rail (Trail) Ramble, Colgate Anniversary

 I had a fairly decent day today looking for birds.  Nothing rare, but there was enough activity to keep me interested.  After a walk at Peers Wetland at first light, I headed down to Keith McLean C. L.  

Sparrows were numerous, and I came across three Nelson's Sparrows.  Included was the "leucistic" individual!  It had moved from its previous location, and was quite close.  You can note all the white feathers.

This bird certainly caused quite a stir.  Even some seasoned birders had trouble with it, until closer looks were obtained.  It was a learning experience for all!

I saw two normal Nelson's in the area as well.

Among the Swamp and Song Sparrows, White-throated and White-crowned, were lots of Savannah Sparrows.  I even caught sight of a Vesper Sparrow.

For shorebirds, there were several Dunlin and at least eleven Semipalmated Sandpipers among many Killdeer.  Too distant for photos though.

Near one of the ponds, there was a pair of Gray Catbirds, a Swainson's Thrush and an Eastern Phoebe.

I then moved on to Erieau to check out the "rail" trail.  A sane individual would have turned back since the midges were so thick.  It was the worst outbreak I had ever seen!  I pushed through though.

Of note for warblers was a Northern Parula.

Also saw an Orange-crowned Warbler.  

I walked most of the trail as there were lots of ducks at the far end.  Several hundred American Coots were there, a couple hundred American Wigeon, and other ducks.  I did not see anything like a Eurasian Wigeon!  Perhaps one it out there somewhere.

I checked Blenheim lagoons, but did not cover the whole place.  Nothing of note.  Some Tree Swallows are still around.

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In the history department, it was on this date in 1916 that the James B. Colgate sank off Long Point.  The following is something I wrote a year ago.......

On October 20, 1916 a fierce wind blew across Lake Erie. It claimed at least three ships, one being the "whaleback" freighter James B. Colgate (built in 1892).  This event became known as the Black Friday Storm.

The gale-force winds were too much for the steamer, as water leaked through hatches, eventually causing the ship to founder off Long Point.  Only the captain survived, being found almost two days later in a raft.

What caught my interest, is that I have a few photos of the Colgate in my collection.  I do not know where they came from or who took them, but obviously they were taken at some point before this event.

A Western Visitor and A Kittygull

 Friday I ventured down to Rondeau way, and started with a lakewatch.  Nothing of note, but lots of Red-throated Loons appeared, as we now expect this time of year.  Numbers will likely build, and hopefully lots will be around for the Christmas Bird Count in two weeks.  Last year, we had a crazy record number!

"Land" birds are very scarce now, and a walk through the campground in the park and maintenance area revealed very little.

It was then over to Erieau to look for the "Western" Sandpiper.  On Thursday, Steve Charbonneau photographed a sandpiper which was obviously a Western.  Although almost a look-alike to the Semipalmated, Western is expected or default species this time of year.

The "peep" we saw there a week ago was undoubtedly the Western Sandpiper.  (We were too lazy to go back for a scope, lol).

The subject bird had been seen earlier in the morning, but disappeared over the edge for some time.  We were almost ready to give up after a long wait yesterday, but soon it appeared  with three Dunlin.

Others had better cameras than mine on site, so you can view those photos on eBird.

This is not the latest we have had around here.  I recall one in 2016 at Blenheim lagoons.  It stayed for several weeks well into December, till freeze-up!  One can see ice on its feet in one of my photos.

Lots of this species have been recorded over the years around the Rondeau birding area.

There were four species of shorebirds at Erieau's Marsh trail yesterday.  At least 25 Killdeer, 3 Dunlin, and 3 Wilson's Snipe!

Today, weather was the pits first thing (yep, it is the weekend!).  I went up to Sarnia for a lakewatch, which seemed to be the best thing to do in the rain.  My goal was to see a Black-legged Kittiwake. 

One these kitties seemed to be hanging around the last few days at the mouth of Lake Huron, but it was a longshot that I would see it.  Just after 08:30, I caught sight of it!  It quickly disappeared into the river, but there was no chance for a photo in the driving rain.  Mission accomplished.

A photo of one just over a year ago will have to suffice here:

There were two Iceland Gulls.  

The other bird of note was a Nelson's Gull (Herring X Glaucous).

From there I went up to Ipperwash for a brief lakewatch.  It was not productive for me!  And, landbirds were missing in action.

Some ships went to anchor on Lake Huron probably due to the wind.  I noticed the Mesabi Miner, Algoma Intrepid, an Algoma tanker and the Radcliffe Latimer.  The Latimer went upbound while I was watching the lake.

A Try for a Heron

 This morning we got word that a Tricolored Heron was seen at Erieau late yesterday.  Steve Charbonneau was on the hunt this morning and eventually spotted it!  An excellent bird for the Rondeau area, as there have not been many.  In fact, I have not seen one for my Rondeau list.

I was at work all day today, and hummed and hawed whether I should go after work.  Well, I did!  I had to got for the fact that it was not only a new Rondeau bird for me, but it brought back good memories of my very first "rare" bird after I started birding in the 1980's.

In late August 1989, two Tricolored Herons were found at St. Clair NWA.  I heard about them from Tom Chatterton and Anton Van Eerd, whom I believe were the finders.  (The OBRC record lists "unknown finder").

I went out the next day and saw at least one of them (August 31).  They were still around on September 3, so I went out to see them again. I recall waiting on the old tower for some time with Tom Hayman (London) and others.  We did not see them from there, but I recall Jim Dowall (from Hamilton area) running back to the tower to tell us that one was in the "Triangle" Marsh across the road.  We then raced to the location to see it.

Today, I arrived just in time at Erieau Marsh Trail.  It was actively feeding, moving around quite a bit.  

I saw it less than ten minutes, before it took flight towards the village.  I think it was then viewable from Bayview Avenue.

Here is a view next to a Great Blue Heron for size comparison.

A nice way to top the day!

In Search of "Stilts"

 Today was a warmer day and many birds had dropped in overnight.  But, I think many more flew right on over taking advantage of the situation.  They are late this year and will be in a hurry.

I decided to do something different today and take my chances starting at Hillman Marsh shorebird cell as a starting point.

I arrived bright and early (I like it this time of day!).  At the parking lot, it was evident many songbirds had arrived as it was full of song.  Several species of warbler were present including Blackpoll and Tennessee.  Tennessee Warblers had finally arrived as they were everywhere today.

The shorebird cell seemed rather "quiet", as there were not many ducks and most shorebirds were Dunlin.  I had hoped to see the reported Stilt Sandpiper, but did not pick it out.  Possibly it was there in the weedy area.  Stilt Sandpipers are rare in spring migration.

But, I did get something with "stilt" in its name.

After some time, I decided to go towards the back corner to see if I could pick out anything different.  Indeed I did!  I saw a Black-necked Stilt, but then two more appeared.  They must have hid well, as I could not see them from the viewing stand area.

I put out the word around 07:45.  Soon, other birders were on scene.

Finally after a bit of a drought I found some decent birds!

While there, I saw an Osprey (twice) carrying nesting material it seems.

I had no idea what to do next, so just leisurely headed east keeping an eye out for things.  I first ended up at Erieau rail trail where a good number of birds were present to keep me busy.

Here is my list for there:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S88187221

Later, Reuven Martin reported a Marbled Godwit there, so things obviously come and go.  You just have to be in the right place at the right time!  Which is most often the case with "good" birds.

While there, I got report of a Kirtland's Warbler at Rondeau, but it had been lost to sight.  So, I headed up to Blenheim Lagoons instead.

The lagoons were rather quiet, but the Eared Grebe was still present.

The peaked head is certainly distinctive on an alternate Eared Grebe.

The sprinkler cells have had a good number of shorebirds, as well as the middle pond.  One needs to check often!

While there, I got word the Kirtland's had been refound, so what the heck, I will try for it.  Upon arrival, I just missed it by a short while, as many people were looking.  Consolation was a FOY Canada Warbler.  Actually many birds were at the location.

I later walked up Harrison a bit just in case, but no dice.  I have seen three Kirtland's at Rondeau before in past years, so I shrugged it off.

In any case, it was an enjoyable day in balmy weather.

Scarlet Tanager finally showed up in numbers too

Paying the Piper

 Lately we have had endless north winds and unseasonably cold temps.  As a result, bird migration was slowed considerably.  Today was much better as the weather finally turned to more seasonal, and tomorrow looks promising.

Last Sunday was better than Saturday but still left a lot to be desired.  There was no point in going to Rondeau so I checked out Erieau.  The Prairie Warbler was still present on the "rail trail", more appropriately called the Erieau marsh trail.

The rails are still there buried.  The rail line was last used about 1973.

The little warbler was looking a little more chipper and singing frequently.

Early in the week, Steve Charbonneau reported an Eared Grebe at Blenheim Sewage Lagoons.  It was certainly overdue and something to attract local birders.

I did not get down to see it until Tuesday evening, where it showed well in the late day sun.  Unfortunately, I was not interested in lugging a camera for this outing!

Also present was a good number of shorebirds especially in the sprinkler cells.  Two Wilson's Phalaropes were the highlight in the shorebird department.

After picking up a load of groceries in Blenheim, I was heading just north of town when the report of a Piping Plover at Erieau came in.  As is the case too often with me, I was heading in the wrong direction and decided not to turn back.

The plover was reported again Wednesday morning, then it disappeared.  I suspected it headed over to the Rondeau Park sand spit.

My plan today was to walk out the south beach in hopes of finding it and whatever else was present.  I started on the east side of south point, and birding was fairly steady along the way....for a change.

I started on the long trek out south beach, noting things like Dunlin, Sanderling and Semipalmated Sandpiper.

Many blackbirds were moving along, and at one point I spotted a Yellow-headed Blackbird!  Even though not a "year bird" as I saw a couple in January here in Wallaceburg, it is always a nice find.

I soon lost sight of it, but some time late farther out, I picked up on it again.  Looks like a young male.

I had walked most of the way out and did not find a or 'the' Piping Plover, so I headed back.  Meanwhile some friends were heading out south beach to look for the blackbird.  After meeting them, I headed back to the car.

Lincoln's Sparrow

After walking part of Harrison trail south of Bennett, I got word that they had found a Piping Plover out south beach.  @#$%!

I decided to head down the west side of south point trail contemplating whether or not I should head back out south beach.  There were actually a good number of warblers along the way, plus many Red-breasted Nuthatches.  Even Purple Finches were numerous during the day.

After getting most of the way down the trail, I decided to take a chance and go out the beach.  It was going to be a tiring day, but I was determined to see that plover.  I got to the big break and about half way across it, I spotted the lovely little plover!

It moved around quite a bit as I tried not to disturb it too much.

I had not seen a Piping Plover in a few years (made no attempt!), so that was on my  bucket list for today.  I have only seen previously in Chatham-Kent, a bird I found out south beach on 17 May 2004.

This was the same bird seen at Erieau in the previous days!  Apparently it was born last year in the US at the eastern end of Lake Ontario.

Interesting that it has been hanging around for this time.  Historically, Piping Plover nested on the sands of Rondeau.  It would be nice if it found a mate out there, but chances of nesting are slim.  Too much disturbance by boaters, beachgoers, tourists, etc.

On the way back, I encountered a Clay-colored Sparrow.

Total species for the day was 114 and even an owl sp.

I certainly paid my dues today with all that walking....~25km!  At least I should get a good night's sleep.

Another May Report: Lowlights and Highlights

 Really not much to say as this stupid weather continues.  Today was probably the worst as I could not continue after noon....spent the rest of the afternoon thawing out!

Not the greatest photos this week, but when it is heavy overcast and you are shaking from the cold, it does not help.

Monday was no good, but Tuesday was not too bad for migrants.  The sun even came out.  I was out locally and found some nice migrants.

Wednesday I went down to Rondeau on another cloudy day.  Some FOY birds included Eastern Wood Peewee, Willow flycatcher, Hooded and Cape May Warblers, as well as an American Redstart or two.

Palm Warblers were in huge numbers (80+), as well as Yellow-rumped Warblers.

best I could do!

Later, Steve and I walked the west trail of south point and at the lake I found a  nice male Cerulean Warbler.  I could not get on it very well with the camera as it was flitting about down low.

Thursday was useless for birding except a White-winged Dove was spotted SW of Wallaceburg.  I arrived on scene about 15 minutes after it was seen, but it was nowhere to be found!  It must still be there as there is good habitat.  It is a first for the Wallaceburg area.

Friday was not much better under yet another cloudy sky.  I went to Rondeau and walked out marsh trail to Long Pond.  It was a good choice as there was virtually nothing elsewhere in the park.  There was nothing special, but you never know until you look!  FOY were some Common Gallinules.  Several Sora were calling in the marsh.  In any case, I always enjoy the walk out marsh trail.

Gray-cheeked Thrush

That same duck from last fall was still patrolling Long Pond.

That walk took the better part of the morning, and by late morning the sun had come out much to our delight.  There was no point in spending any more time in an almost birdless park, so I took advantage of the time and headed over to Hillman Marsh.

A Western Sandpiper had been discovered the previous evening, and it was still present.  It did not take long to find it after I arrived.  It moved around constantly and never came too close.

very highly cropped

I had not seen a Western in some time, so it was nice to get this year.

Also present were two Long-billed Dowitchers, and various other shorebirds including countless Dunlin.

The two resident Trumpeter Swans were showing nicely.  They are getting a little rusty from hanging around so long!

Today it might as well have snowed for how cold it was.  Quite windy as well.  There was no point in going to Rondeau Park, so I checked out Erieau.  I walked McGeachy Pond dike, and then the rail trail.  A few birds of interest were along the trail, and at one point I kept hearing a Prairie Warbler singing.  It took quite a while to find the little shivering creature, but there it was, down low.

I also watched at the pier area for a while, but nothing of interest showed.

Next stop was Keith McLean C. L. but nothing new was there either.  By this time, I worked my way home and thawed out the rest of the day.

To the weather! 
(what species is this?)