More Lakewatches and Walks

 On Saturday I went up to Sarnia for a lakewatch at the parking lot in front of the water plant.  The winds were not all that ideal, but I did not feel like going up to Kettle Point.  The winds were too much west, but here we need a wind directly out of the north for best results.

I did not see anything noteworthy, except a pair of late Caspian Terns.  Latest I have seen some here.  Kettle Point was obviously the better spot, as a Purple Sandpiper, Red Phalarope and some Brant were seen!  I am sure better days are ahead.

I spent less than two hours at the lake, then worked my way back home by stopping at various spots.  Dow Wetlands had a few birds, including this Nashville Warbler.  It was a dismal day, so lighting was bad.

Some Cedar Waxwings were taking advantage of some nearby berries.

Nicholl's Memorial Forest and Wetland at Wilkesport had a somewhat late House Wren. This photo turned out quite well despite the dismal day.

Beavers have been busy in the area here.

Sunday, was a nicer day, but with a stiffer NW wind.  I thought it would be a better day for Kettle Point, so that is where I went!  

(old photo)

There were lots of ducks moving.  I hate trying to count ducks and trying to identify the more distant ones!

White-winged Scoter

We did see two decent types of birds!  Early on, a Black-legged Kittiwake went by.  I never got on it with the camera though.  Not long after, a jaeger suddenly appeared.  It was kind of obvious from the start it was a Pomarine.  Further analysis confirmed our suspicions.

Often, there is not much time to get the camera on things as they buzz by.  Here is what happens when one is not quick enough!

Today, I visited some local spots.  The morning was cloudless, but cold.  We had our first frost of the season overnight.

In the afternoon, I went for another walk through the woods at Reid CA.  The trees are turning nicely.

Hardly any birds, as expected, but I looked at plants and trees.

Moonseed

Along the river, I found a Giant Floater mussel, which is very common here.

I keep an eye out for what is passing through the yard.  This Hermit Thrush was in my yard all day.

You never know what may show up!

Last Kick at the Can (2011)

Today I went as far as Point Pelee.  I originally thought I'd go New Year's Day instead, but looking at the weather forecast, it turned me off.  It will probably be nice though, as today's forecast was totally wrong (as usual).
It was supposed to be sunny (did anyone see the sun?).
I started at the severely eroded Tip noting quite a few Bonaparte's Gulls.

Walking back along the trail, I caught sight of a red morph Screech Owl.  I could not get close, so this photo will have to do.    This is only the fourth of this colour morph I have seen. I heard there is another up by Sanctuary Pond, but I have not seen it yet.


Usually this time of year, lots of birds are along Shuster Trail eating the berries.  There was a fair number of birds today including White-throated Sparrows, Robins, Cardinals, a Yellow-rumped Warbler and a Carolina Wren.  Speaking of wrens, I turned up a House Wren here!  I heard it first, then it popped up briefly, but I was not able to get a photo before it disappeared.  Nothing was responding to pishing today  (like all month!).

As I drove by the entrance to the campground, I heard a Robin and other birds.  I stopped and got out to find quite a movement of birds.  About 15-20 Yellow-rumped Warblers were here with many Robins and a few Golden-crowned Kinglets.  They were quickly moving, so I lost sight of them.
More Robins were on Chinquapin Trail.
Absolutely nothing at De Laurier!

On the way out, I drove through the Onion Fields area and could not find the two Snowy Owls I saw earlier on the way in.
I had hopes this weekend of seeing a Black-legged Kittiwake in the area, but that was dashed upon learning that one was found dead yesterday.

I motored on up to Lighthouse Cove and saw lots of gulls.  Quite a few Great Black-backed here today.  At least 3 Double-crested Cormorants.
At Jeannette's Creek at least 3 Great Blue Herons were along the river, some ducks and a Kingfisher.  I could hear tons of ducks over in Bradley's!

Mitchell Bay water tower in background

On the way home, two Snowy Owls were north of Grande Pointe and one just south of Wallaceburg.  So, only five Snowy Owls today.  No doubt there are more out there.  All have been way out in fields.  The only one up close was the very first one I saw this month north of Wallaceburg.
More Snowy Owl blobs:

Golden-crowned Kinglets seem to be around as I encountered them in various spots today.