A King Visits Port Lambton

 This past Friday dawned quite gloomy.  At least the wind had died down as I took a look at my usual lookout at Port Lambton.

At one point, I noticed a large duck flying upriver, not too far out.  It set down just to my right.  I originally thought Common Merganser, but it was too chunky and much different.  As I took a closer look, I realized it was a young male King Eider!

Of the hundreds (literally) of times I sat at this spot over the years, I finally saw something really good here.

Looks pretty ugly compared to an adult!  Too bad it was gloomy weather, otherwise I would have obtained a better photo.

The only other King Eider I have seen on the St. Clair River, was one that spent the winter of 2017 starting at Corunna.  I last saw that one at Sombra.  It was also a young male.

I followed it as it floated downriver to Brander Park.  I wanted to get it for my Brander Park list, since I have a substantial list there, including some incredible rarities.

Too bad no other birder was nearby to see it!

On Saturday, I took a look along the river, but it was not to be seen again.  I saw my first Tree Swallows of the year on that day at Cathcart Park.

I then headed inland for a walk at Reid CA.

At one point, I noticed this millipede in the leaf litter.

Salmon Cherry Millipede

Anytime along the river's edge, I look for mussels.  One stood out and was easily recognized as a Pink Healsplitter.  A large specimen it was.

I looked for Harbinger of Spring while there, and only found one sprout in a known spot.

Sunday, I headed down to Rondeau Park, but the weather was considerably less than desired.  The forecast was certainly a bit deceiving!

Dark-eyed Juncos were the bird of the day, with dozens along Lakeshore Road.

It was very cold with drizzle most of the morning, so I did not do much walking much to my disappointment.

Heading back towards home, I drove up Erieau Road.  Some gulls were near the landfill, including this odd-looking Ring-billed.  Must have got mixed up with something!

Herring Gull nearby

Today, was yet another windy day.  What is with all this wind anyway?  

Nothing along the river of note.

This afternoon, I had nothing else to do but go for a walk at Reid CA.  

Harbinger of Spring is popping up in the usual spots, finally.

Other spring plants are peaking through such as Trout Lilly, Virginia Spring Beauty and Wild Leek.

Wild Leek

I looked for mussels as well, but it was not a successful day for much.

Mapleleaf

I find Mapleleaf quite common here.

More Long (Pond) Walks and To The Point

 Nothing much of note to talk about lately, as things have been a bit stalled.  Lots of waterfowl moving in though.  Rondeau Bay is loaded with tens of thousands of ducks, but no rarities detected yet.

Last Sunday I had the notion to go for a long walk at Hillman Marsh.  It is getting to be the time for those "European" ducks such as Eurasian Wigeon and European Green-winged Teal.  Last year I found both there!  No such luck on this visit, but it is a bit early yet.

Ring-necked and Redhead were the most numerous ducks.

Along Hillman creek, I noticed lots of mussels.  All seemed to be the same species, namely Fragile Papershell.  A very common species.

A couple more long walks were locally at Reid CA.  One can spend hours there!  Never much in the way of birds here, but other things can keep one interested.

A few days ago, some American Wigeon were flying in circles above the river.

This little brown bird was creeping around at one point.

On one visit I came across a Painted Turtle shell.  Obviously it emerged early, but made the sacrifice of being someone's meal!

Something I have not really  taken a "lichen" to yet is lichens on trees.  There seems to be not much at Reid, but a common species is Script Lichen.

Reid is good for plants and especially a wide variety of trees.  Blue Ash is common here (small saplings).  I know of one more mature tree that is still alive, but it is not healthy.

There are a few of small Hackberry trees, less common here, but more common farther north along the river.

Yesterday I went for another long walk at Rondeau Park out marsh trail to Long Pond.  It is a good 10 km round trip!

There was nothing of note in the way of birds, but the Bay was loaded with ducks.  No rarities yet though!

Canadian Coot

On a more historical note, I have written in the past about 'Baby Point', Port Lambton.  Located essentially at Brander Park, it was one of Lambton County's oldest settled areas.

The land was owned by the Baby (pronounced 'bawby') family, particularly Francis Baby.  The Baby's were a prestigious family and he inherited the land from his grandfather in 1742.

 

Baby Point in low water

Baby Point in higher water

Brander Park can reveal lots of artifacts.  Many coins, medallions, button, tools, etc. have been unearthed by local metal detector enthusiasts.

We used to spend much time here watching boat traffic, and I always looked along the shoreline to see what was in the sand.  Some arrowheads and other artifacts have been found, as well as parts of old clay pipes which was date back to the early 1800's.

Port Lambton was established as a village in 1820.  In 2020, big celebrations were planned, but that was quashed due to the pandemic mess.

Theh "Port" was well known as a port, and was busy along the shoreline road.

And, Brander Park is one of my favourite local birding spots.

The north part has a pond and woodlot that attracts birds, especially in migration.

Redbud scattered about here

It is snowing today, so travel is limited.  I saw my first Blue-winged Teal of the year!

Port Lambton and Baby Point At 200

Been going through old blog posts that I wrote.  I started this blog in October 2007!
I have amassed 1846 blog posts since then!
The "labels" in the column on the right will bring you to certain subjects in past posts.  I read one in particular about Port Lambton and Baby Point that got me thinking about the 200th anniversary.

I thought I would put up some past material about the Port Lambton area.  In 2020, it will be Port Lambton's 200th anniversary!  Some events are planned for the bicentennial.

At the south end of Port Lambton is what is known as Baby Point.  (I wrote about it in the past).  Included is Brander Park, where I take a walk almost every day since it is right near my work place.  It is an interesting place especially for birds!  There are several interpretive signs, including this one:

I have been there at all times of the day and in all kinds of weather.

In the past I have written about the spot.  Here is a partial post from 2012:

Baby point--low water

Baby Point--high water

One of my local spots for birding is Brander Park, Port Lambton.  I have mentioned this place many times for birds and butterflies.  It is only a "stone's throw" from my workplace so I go for a walk there almost every day and sometimes after work.

Fiery Skipper

Sometimes it can even be good for dragonflies.  One fall, I came across a few Elusive Clubtails, which I had never seen before (or since!).

Originally this area was known as Baby's Point, one of the oldest settled areas in Lambton County. The land was owned by the Baby (pronounced 'bawby') family, particulary Francis Baby.  The Baby's were a prestigious family and he inherited the land from his grandfather in 1742.

Remains of old dock and wooden barge (barge left by a couple of my Dad's cousins!)

A settlement there preceded the village of Port Lambton and it was a busy place for trading.  Artifacts have been found over the years at Brander Park.  I recall when I was younger we would scour the beach area and find old clay (smoking) pipes and Indian artifacts.  I have a couple of arrowheads in my possession.

There was recently a display in the Sombra Museum of coins, badges, buttons, military items, artifacts, etc. found at Baby Point by Cliff Roy.

Over at the woodlot area there are some old Pear trees.  Whether these had origins with the Jesuit pear trees, I have no knowledge.

Brander Park seems to be an excellent spot for seeing birds of all types.  The woodlot there is a great migrant trap and in times of migration it can be crawling with birds.

The Pond

It is also a good spot for flyovers as birds come off or head towards Walpole Island or use the St. Clair River.  Then there is the river itself for waterbirds.

Behind Brander Park is the Port Lambton lagoon site which comprises two cells.  It is a good site for waterfowl and other birds.  In the spring, Black Terns can congregate there in big numbers.  I have seen about 200 at different times.  Needless to say, Ontario's first White-winged Tern was found there back in May 1991.  Although I went back to the lagoons to see it, I could stand at Brander Park and see the bird! (Black Tern at right).

I had never really stopped at Brander Park for birds until one August day back in 1988 and was amazed at the number, especially warblers.  I recall seeing a  Prairie Warbler that day.

Speaking of warblers, the potential for a rarity is there.  Back in 2003, May 14 to be exact, I was stunned to find a male Virginia's Warbler foraging along the treeline!  I watched it for about ten minutes, being certain of ID.  It was late in the afternoon, but we could not find it the next day.

I have recorded at least 210 species of birds at Brander Park over the years.  I am not sure what will be added next but the there are many possibilities.

Stream through the woodlot

River Run February 2

On Sunday I decided to just check out the St. Clair River.  There was quite a bit along the river.  Ducks were rather scarce of course, but gulls have been the story this winter.  We are overdue for a rarity!!
I started at Port Lambton.  Here is a scene from a couple of years ago:

At Sombra, lots of ducks were at the ferry(less) dock area.  The hybrid Ring-necked X Redhead was easily visible.  There was an American Wigeon reported later in the day which I missed.  Perhaps it was under a dock when I was there!  I did see it on Monday though, as I headed to Corunna.

Monday was one of the nicest days, but as usual, the skies cleared Sunday night for a cloudless Monday.  The vicious cycle continues.
There were hundreds of gulls and geese all along the river late Monday, but I did not look too closely.  Something of interest muct be there!

The Sombra waterfront is always a good place to see waterbirds.

Above photo shows the old cheese factory at Sombra on pilings.  I wrote about this building before since it was later owned by my Great Grandfather for his Thistle Rubber Type Works.  He died young, and my great Grandmother had it moved off the pilings and further inland in 1914.  The building still exists along St. Clair Parkway and South Street.

The Move, 1914

Back to Sunday, almost 1000 Canada Geese were at Cath's Cart park.  Do you think I could find any other goose type?  Of course not!

Cathcart Park is much better when we have a "cold" winter and lots of ice.  Clay Creek spills out here.

At Guthrie Park, Corunna I spent over two hours looking at the gulls and what ever else was around.
Well over 2000 Herring Gulls were present plus the less common types. Even a couple of Ring-billed Gulls made their presence known, which are usually scarce in winter.

Lighting was not the best, but afterall, it was still the weekend.

I came up with at least eight Glaucous Gulls, three Iceland (Kumlien's), one Lesser Black-backed.

Hybrids were also in the mix including two Herring X Great Black-backed and Glaucous X Great Black-backed.  I did not see any of the Herring X Glaucous ("Nelson's) Gulls that have been around though.

Other birds included several hundred Redhead, some Canvasback and other incidentals.  The wintering Snow Goose also made a brief appearance as most of the geese came from behind Stag Island.

Note:  The old postcards above are photos taken by Louis Pesha, a famous photographer of the day.  There was no copyright restriction on his work!