Remembrance Day Birding

 Today I went down to Rondeau for some birding.  I did not really expect to see much, as things have been slow for birds.  Especially passerines in the woods!  The weather was deteriorating; it was nice all week, but the weekend was approaching....as usual you know the drill.

I joined Steve at dog beach for a lakewatch, as it would be the most interesting thing of the day.  There was actually a good movement of birds, especially ducks.

Some loons were in the distance, both Common and Red-throated, but Steve got on one that looked suspicious.  After some time, we both concluded it was a Pacific Loon!  It was slowly moving north, so we walked about half way to the VC to get closer.  It was still moving though, but more looks were obtained.

It was most certainly an adult in non-breeding plumage.  Too far for photos though, but seen well enough in the scope.

Pacific Loon is always uncommon in southern Ontario, and believe it or not, absent from the Rondeau Birding Area list.  Pacific Loon has never been recorded in the Rondeau birding area to our knowledge.....till today!  It was extremely long overdue for the list, but finally, we now have it.

While looking for the loon closer to the VC up the beach, I spotted a jaeger coming in from the north.  As it came closer, it was most certainly a Parasitic.  It played around with the gulls for more than ten minutes, and after it finally had enough it headed south!

Jaegers are very rare at Rondeau for whatever reason.  It almost seems like they avoid the area!  However, once in a while we see one and it is always a treat.

                                                                         

One must remember the importance of today, November 11.  We honour those who served in past wars, conflicts and peace-keeping missions.

My late father always had a vested interest in war and those who served.  He wrote several history books and articles over the years, but his most notable achievement was the book No Return Ticket.  It was the culmination of ten years of research into those from the Wallaceburg area who went overseas to serve, but never returned.

A trip overseas with the Essex-Kent Scottish Regiment in the summer of 2006 was a dream come true for him.  They toured Dieppe and  other areas.

A stop at one of the cemeteries was on the agenda to see the marker of a local man who died overseas.

Lest we forget...

Recent Outings and Notes

Today, June 7, was probably the nicest day we have had yet this year.  I took advantage and headed down to Point Pelee.  This time of year I tend to find some good gulls around, but it was not to be today.  Maybe next weekend?  As well, I was hoping to see some American White Pelicans, but struck out on that too!
I went right to the Tip and had it to myself for two hours.

There is a good sandspit, and lots of gulls were around, but just the usual four species that I could see.

Some Baltimore Orioles were attempting to fly out, but came back.

The only shorebird was a wayward Red Knot.  It flew over and I only got on it at the last second.

A funky pigeon was hanging around the Tip.  It had a band on its leg.

As I walked up the west side, the only butterflies were American Painted-Lady, Red Admiral and azures.

I later saw a FOY Little Wood Satyr at Cactus Field.

Other butterflies along the road included Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, and a FOY Giant Swallowtail.

I checked out Woodland trail where a number of Prothonotary Warblers are hanging out.  I saw at least two males.  I only checked the one section.

There was not much evidence of passerine migrants, but I did come across a Northern Parula at one point.  Often, we have these in June and even late June!

The resident flycatchers were going about their business.

Pelee Peewee

On the way home, I stopped by the Camper's Cove field fully expecting to find a Dickcissel or two.  A single male was singing away, but too far for a photo.  They are always expected here in the first week of June!

About a week ago, there were lots of Great Egrets at Stewart Wetland west of Wallaceburg.  I counted at least 12.  Usually on the last days of May, there are a number, probably heading north.

Recently, a couple of Snowy Egrets have been in the province, so be on the lookout!

And, this portion of the post I will dedicate to my father.
On an historical note, yesterday was the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion along the coast of France.  In particular, the Canadians were responsible for the Juno Beach--the massive landing there on June 6, 1944.
It reminded me of my father's trip to that area in the summer of 2006 when he travelled to England and France with the Essex-Kent Scottish Regiment to celebrate the Dieppe Memorial.  It was his last trip before he became too ill.  This was on my mind anyway as it was ten years ago this past Sunday that Dad passed away.

The group visited the beaches, including Juno.

In particular, it was a passion (one of many!) of my father's to study war history.  It was  dream come true for him to visit the gravesites of local war casualties.

After a culmination of ten years research, my father published a book on local war casualties--those who never returned.  The book was entitled No Return Ticket.

Saturday will  prove interesting, so stay tuned!