Early December Wanderings

As many headed down to Niagara Falls this weekend, I stayed fairly local.  I used to do the Niagara thing each year, and it was always nice, but it seems it is uneventful anymore.  As well, birds are appearing later and later.  We used to go a week earlier as I recall, and found lots of gulls (many species), a Purple Sandpiper or two, etc.

On Saturday I decided to head up to north Lambton County.  As usual, it was a dreary day, but at least the rain held off until late day.  I first stopped at Perch Creek Habitat east of Sarnia.  I walked most of the circuit.  Some Common Redpolls flew over while I was in the woods, but once I got out beside the old landfill, there were dozens!  They never seemed to settle down for any length of time though.

I had expected them, as the old landfill seems to be a good spot to find them when they are around.  There were around 100 this day.

One of my target birds of the day was Long-eared Owl.  I never came across one last winter for whatever reason.  I did find one roosting in a Red Cedar--the very tree I saw whitewash the week before.  I did not get much of a photo after it flew (not that I meant to flush it).

For my next walk, I took another crack at Ipperwash Forested Dunes and Swales.  I did the Dunes trail and the trail to the big MNR parking lot.  Yet again it was very quiet, so that may be my last time this year!  The birds are not staying.

Next walk was the Ausable River Cut CA.  There, I could hear an Evening Grosbeak calling across the river cut.

The area has quite a history, and this cut was certainly an engineering feat.

On my way out, I heard an Eastern Phoebe chipping in the trailer park across the road.  Perhaps it was the same one I had a couple of weeks ago since it was the same spot.

As I left the parking lot, the power steering went out in my car, so I thought my day was over!  I drove for a while then stopped at C. J. McEwen CA close to Camlachie.  There I found out that if one shuts off the car, then restarts, the steering may return.  It did.  Computers......

I took a look at the lake there and among a few ducks, a Horned Grebe was far offshore.

Yes it is

A Common Redpoll flew over here as well.

On the way home, I took back roads and came across a large flock of redpolls on Waubuno Road.  Perhaps 80 in that group.  They never settled down to any degree either!
Appears that lots of redpolls were on the move Saturday, as Sean Jenniskens had hundreds in north Lambton as well.

Last stop was Peers Wetland near home.  More redpolls flying over, numbering about 20.

Today, I headed down to Rondeau.  Turned out to be an unusually nice day, and eventually temps reached 16 degrees inland.
It was actually too nice, as not many birds were seen.  I did have an Eastern Phoebe at south point.
After searching the usual spots, I left the park.  (Too soon since that Great Kiskadee revealed itself again!).

I headed east for a change, into Elgin County.  I walked around John E. Pearce P.P.  There were lots of chickadees, nuthatches and some kinglets (1 Ruby included), and an Eastern Phoebe.

On the Spicer Trail, I came across an Eastern Comma, the first butterfly I have seen in many weeks!

I was actually expecting to see one with the balmy weather.

Just as I was leaving, a flock of 16 Sandhill Cranes flew over.
I had hoped to come across a Barred Owl, since one was seen there a week ago.  It was probably roosting somewhere!

My last walk was at Wardsville Woods, a place I do not usually get to in winter.  Another Eastern Comma was along the trail, not unexpected.  I flushed it before I could get a photo.

There were lots of fall cankerworm moths out today.

Looks like more stable weather later this week!

Huron Hummer

Today was the day to go see that rare hummingbird up at Goderich in Huron County.  It was probably the nicest day we have had this month (or at least in a long time) with clear skies.  It was great to be out even though I had to lose a day's pay from work!  It was a good choice, as tomorrow, just like clockwork, the weather is supposed to go for a crap for the weekend.

I left Wallaceburg, timing myself to be at the location in Goderich right at 09:00, when the viewing area was open for business.  Upon arrival, there were already a few familiar faces in the crowd, including Judith King of Port Elgin.
I saw the Calliope Hummingbird within five minutes of arrival.

It took a few sips of nectar then disappeared for a while.  Over the course of a half hour, we saw it three times.

The property host is Linda Johnston, a very friendly and gracious person.  A pleasure to meet.  A guest book and donation box are there for each visitor.

The Calliope Hummingbird is a tiny creature of the west.  This individual is the first record for Ontario, not entirely unexpected I suppose.  So many of these hummingbirds look similar at first glance, but this time of year one must look closely.  As indicated by "experts", this bird is apparently a young male.
An article appeared yesterday in local newspapers:
https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/birders-flocking-to-goderich-yard-for-look-at-ultra-rare-hummingbird

Not to linger any longer, I headed towards the car.  After a brief chat with Mark Jennings and Matt Mills who were just arriving, I headed back south.

I stopped by one of my usual spots just south of Goderich,  Naftel's Creek CA.  It was deathly quiet today!

I took my time coming home, stopping at various locations to look for birds.
Although it was such a nice day and a joy to be out, birds were very scarce.  I first stopped at Ausable River Cut CA to walk along the river cut.  Not much to see in the way of avian creatures.

Next stop was Ipperwash Forested Dunes and Swales, in hope of coming across some finches or waxwings.  What finches/waxwings?  There was hardy a bird to be found!  Even Black-capped Chickadees were almost absent.

After losing some weight on the long walk, I checked the lake at one of the lookouts.  A couple of Cooper's Hawks were in the vicinity, and a number of gulls way out on the lake.

Heading down Lakeshore Road, I came across a flock of Common Redpolls on the move near Forest Herb Glen Farm.

I stopped by Highland Glen CA, a popular stop for birders this time of year.  A Double-crested Cormorant, Horned Grebe and a Herring Gull were the only life forms visible.

Next stop was the groyne in Bright's Grove.  The Western Grebe was still present, but one needed the Hubble telescope to get a good view.  There were lots of ducks at this location, but I was too lazy to count them, so no eBird list here.

One last stop was Perch Creek Habitat at Sarnia.  It too was rather quiet, but a few Common Redpolls flew over during the walk.  I looked for owls, but I think one needs to get there first thing in the morning before the locals flush them! I did find one cedar with white-wash from either a slender Long-eared or cute Northern Saw-whet Owl.

We will see what tomorrow brings in the usual weekend weather.....

North Lambton Birding November 18

It was northward bound today, as I headed up to Ipperwash and Pinery.  This is a good time of year to check things out in north Lambton.  I was hoping to find some finches, but there were not many. All these finch-type birds coming from the north are motoring right on through.  Very few are staying in SW Ontario.

I first checked Ipperwash Dunes and Swales.  There are several trails, but the best choice today was the Dunes trail which is more open and has lots of Pines and Spruces.  It also leads back out to the main road and the big parking lot.

Things were rather quiet. As I mentioned, the finches and all those chickadees did not stick around here.  I did have a couple of Pine Siskins and Purple Finches fly over, as well as a single Common Redpoll.

Bald Eagle

There were no waxwings on this walk.  I have seen Bohemian in the big parking lot in past years, so that is why I checked it out.

remains of old cabin along Dunes trail

After a look on the quiet lake, I headed up to Pinery Provincial Park.  Parts of the park are  now closed for the winter, so the only spots to check out are at the visitor centre, along the river beside the campground or P9 beach parking lot.
My first stop was Cedar trail beside the VC.  It is good for birds this time of year.
Not far in, I heard a ruckous of chickadees and nuthatches and knew they had an owl.  Here is what I found just a few steps off the trail

Upon arrival at the viewing deck along the river, I heard a curious bird sound, which turned out to be an Eastern Phoebe.  It did not come out for good looks though.

The VC feeders were somewhat busy with common birds, but certainly no northern finches.

I then went to P9 and walked out to the lake.  A Red-throated Loon was fairly close, but otherwise not much was on the calm lake.

My next walk was along the river beside Riverside Campground.  This is often an excellent spot in winter time for birds.
Another Eastern Phoebe started things off.

Some American Robins and Eastern Bluebirds were briefly seen.

At the far end of the campground, another Eastern Phoebe was making its rounds.

At one point, I had a Common Redpoll fly over.

I went back to the VC to check the feeders, and added Cedar Waxwings to the day list.

Before leaving the park, I stopped by the store and canoe rental place beside the river to have a snack.  I noticed some birds across the river, so I got out and walked around.  There were several American Robins and other birds.
At one point I heard a unique bird call, which I determined to be Pine Grosbeak.  Although I heard it several times, I could never get a visual on the bird.  It was one of the target birds I had hoped to see today.

I walked onto the bridge and watched the robins and other birds feeding nearby.  At one point I saw another (or perhaps the second Eastern Phoebe I saw nearby earlier).

Far to the east, I heard Sandhill Cranes migrating south.  I counted at least 90, but they were distant and through the trees.

One more walk for the day was at Ausable River Cut CA south of Pinery. I had never been here before and actually never knew about it until recently.  It is a neat little place beside the river cut.

My walk started off with yet another Eastern Phoebe!

There is nice scenery along the river cut, and I will be checking out this place more often in the future.

Hopefully some of these northern finches will stop soon and unpack their bags to stay a while!

Weekend Report August 11-12

Saturday morning I decided to head up to Port Franks and Ipperwash.  Along the way, I stopped at Forest Lagoons.  It was very disappointing....hardly any birds.  Not even worth doing an eBird list!

I walked the Lambton Heritage Forest.  

There were no migrant warblers, but a couple of resident Hooded Warblers were still present.  As well, I came across four Acadian Flycatchers, still calling.  One I did get a good look at was a youngster.

I then walked Karner Blue Sanctuary, which was rather quiet.  I was hoping to see some Leonard's Skippers, but that was not to be.  In fact, there were very few butterflies.  They are attracted to Rough and Cylindrical Blazing Star which is fairly plentiful there.

Next walk was at Ipperwash Dunes and Swales.  It was extremely quiet for birds, but I do like checking out the place.

Cardinal Flower in a Swale

I saw  few dragonflies, including Shadow Darners.

I have been looking closer at moths lately.  There are a lot out there!

Red Twin-spot

Closer to home, I stopped by the old landfill along Sarnia's Blackwell Road.  Most if not all of the Dickcissels have left, but I did catch a glimpse of one as it flushed out of the grass.

Sunday I decided to check out Rondeau since I had not been there for a while.  I met up with Jim Burk, and we walked south point trail.  There was actually quite a few birds, including migrant warblers.

A few Blackburnian, a Bay-breasted, a Tennessee and a Blackpoll were among the early migrants. Flycatchers are moving through as well, including the couple of Yellow-bellied that we saw.

A pair of Yellow-throated Vireos were singing near the parking lot on the way back.

I stopped by Blenheim Lagoons on the way home and a few species of shorebirds were present.  A couple of early White-rumped were in the mix among the Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers.

Butterflies seem to be picking up.  A couple of Common Checkered-Skippers were at the lagoons, and I even had one in the garden when I got home.

PairaPeck's

We are well into fall migration, so stay tuned!

Getting Dusted at Pinery and some Racket (tailed) at Ipperwash

I took today off and went up to Pinery and Ipperwash to beat the weekend.  It was an enjoyable day with excellent weather--something we almost never see on on a weekend.  As usual, the forecast did not look good for Saturday (what is new?).

Before going into Pinery, I checked out Klondyke Road where there is some good grassland and pastures.  Some time ago, a Dickcissel was found here, and it was still singing away this morning.

Other grassland species included Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Grasshopper Sparrow, etc.

In Pinery Provincial Park, I started at Riverside Trail which was always one of my favourite trails in the past.  It was a bit quiet today, but highlight there was a late Olive-sided Flycatcher working the snags along the river.  This spot it almost guaranteed the flycatcher during migration.

My next walk was Wilderness Trail.  Several Pine Warblers and Ovenbirds were singing all along.  In past years, I used to get Prairie Warbler in the first dune ridge along the beach, but not since the 1990's.  Prairie Warblers have returned to Pinery in recent years, and this year is no exception.  However, I did not find any today.  Perhaps I was not in the right spot at the right time?
The only semi-notable warbler today on Wilderness was a singing Blackburnian.
This trail has yielded Hermit Thrush in breeding season in the past, uncommon this far south.

After checking the beach areas, including P9 where the Prairie Warbler were seen, my next walk was Cedar Trail near the VC.  A few butterflies were visible, including Dusted Skippers at the hydro line corridor on the extension trail.  The Dusted Skipper is very rare for Ontario, but only found in the Pinery/Ipperwash area.

A Yellow-rumped Warbler was singing at this location.

Some Juvenal's Duskywings were still flying along the trail.

Next walk was Carolinian Trail at the south end of the park.  Just as I was getting out of the car, a Pine Siskin flew over.  They are occasionally found this time of year in the park.

Highlight for birds on the trail, was a singing Cerulean Warbler near the pond.  No Hooded this year!

Numerous Northern Cloudywings were along the trail.  Most I have seen!

I tried to find Southern Cloudywing, but they all seemed to be of the northern variety.

I may have had Common Roadside Skipper at one point too.

Dragonflies at the pond included Chalk-fronted Corporal and Dot-tailed Whiteface among others.

Nipissing Trail is another favourite of mine.  It is good for both butterflies and birds.  At one point I came across a tiny Columbine Duskywing, but it never settled any length of time for a photo.

At the end of the trail, was a Blue-winged Warbler.  The odd song (almost Golden-winged like) caught my attention at first.  However, good looks were obtained it appeared to be a Blue-winged.

It was early afternoon by this time, and after a bit of relaxation beside the Ausable River, I headed over to Ipperwash to check out the Dunes and Swales trail.
It was quiet for birds at this time, but I was more interested in insects.  I did come across what was possibly a Beaver Pond Baskettail, but the most numerous dragonfly was Racket-tailed Emerald.  I had this species as a target today, and I was not disappointed.

They are rather uncommon in Lambton, but indeed common at Ipperwash.

A pair of Aurora Damsels caught my attention along the trail at one point.

Birds included a Black-and-White Warbler right at the start, a couple of Pine Warblers and a Magnolia, which is uncommon, but somewhat regular in the area at this time of year.
There seems to be no Acadian Flycatcher here this year.  A swampy area with hemlocks is where it is usually found.

At the end of the the walk, I came across a Dreamy Duskywing to cap off the day.

It was time to head for home, as I was tired from all the walking.  (Somehow, I do not seem to be as young as I used to be!).

Pink Mocassin Orchid