North Lambton Stuff to South Beach Stuff

Friday I decided to head up to north Lambton to look around.  It is the season to look for insects more than birds.  However, there was a brisk and cool north wind which did not help in that regard.
In any case, I started at Rock Glen Conservation Area early and had the place to myself.
I was interested in looking along the river at the outlet of the falls ravine where one could find some odonates.  It was really too early in the morning, but as things warmed up, I spotted a couple of American Rubyspots.

There were a few birds, but nothing of note.  Earlier in the week, some Louisiana Waterthrushes were noted there.  There is somewhat decent habitat in the area, but at the "Glen", there are too many people that would disturb their activities.  It is a popular spot for tourists and when I went back in the afternoon, it was packed!  The birds likely vacated the area after having the place to themselves earlier when the place was closed.

Midland Clubtail

I walked the two main trails at Ipperwash Forested Dunes and Swales as well.  I thought it was once again rather quiet for birds just like last year.  There really should be more birds there!  Of note, was a singing male Canada Warbler which is probably on territory.  It was at the exact same spot I had one two (?) years ago.

One can find Pink Ladies Slipper here, among other things.

Tufted Loostrife

Usually Sandhill Cranes nest in the area, and stumbled upon a family with one colt.  However, I did not get a decent photo.

Along Cedar Trail, I saw this Northern Watersnake slithering through the wetland.

After this "long" walk, I slipped over to the "MNR" parking lot to take a quick look around.  I noted perhaps eight Dusted Skippers.  These bandits are now declining for the year and will soon be gone.

I came across this Spiderwort plant which I thought was neat.  Not often I see these.  The flowers usually just bloom for one day.

With all the walking this day, I headed home to rest!

Today, Sunday, I had no idea what to do.  I just pointed the car towards Rondeau and ended up there.  I did not even know where I wanted to walk there, but started at south point and walked along the edge of the woods.

A pair of Northern Mockingbirds has been in the area.  I saw them today, and it was interesting to watch the one bird going back and forth.  It was also entertaining to listen to the mimicry.

I met up with "M.B." and he was heading out to south beach.  I was game for that so on we went.  It is always an intersting walk and one never knows what to encounter.  Part way out, Steve came along, so  we had more eyes to look at things.

There are usually lots of gulls out there, and today was no exception.

We spotted a couple of young Little Gulls among about 350 Bonaparte's and others.

It is a good time of year for Black-headed Gull, but one never materialized. I have seen two at Point Pelee around this time.

Some Common Terns were out there, including this youger one.

A bleached out Herring Gull (assuming pure Herring) stood out.

Heading back, we spotted another Little Gull which was more advanced in plumage sporting almost a full hood.  However, I did not get a decent photo.

Four Sandhill Cranes were spotted.

After getting back to the car, I headed home, as this is all I wanted to do today!

The Waning Winter

I was out and about the last few days as the end of february draws near.  Even though it has not been a harsh winter, I have had enough!
Signs of spring were here this weekend as expected spring migrants arrived.  I did not see much on Friday and Saturday despite a lot of travelling in the area!  Quite disappointing actually.
A brisk SW wind blew in on Sunday bringing lots of Red-winged Blackbirds, right on schedule.  More puddle ducks have arrived, and the odd Killdeer has been reported, although I have not yet seen one.

Friday I went up to north Lambton and started at Ausable River Cut CA.  I think it is a neat place.  Nothing new, but a wintering Hermit Thrush revealed its presence.  A large number of geese was in the distance.  Perhaps one of the Greater White-fronted was among them!  Too distant though.

I next moved over to Pinery Provincial Park.  It was much quieter for birds than on my previous visit a couple of weeks ago.  Trails were treacherous with ice, so I did not do much walking.  Winter decided to finally arrive this week so it was cold.
There was one small open spot on the river where three mergansers took advantage.

The only highlight was the wintering Eastern Towhee at the visitor centre.

After Pinery, I decided to go down to Rock Glen CA at Arkona.  It was a nice walk, but very quiet for birds, as it has been all winter.

Rock Glen Falls

Old Dam Site at Rock Glen

Ravens have been reported in north Lambton recently, but strangely (oh, maybe not with my usual luck), I did not come across any.  A pair was reported on Sylvan Road last weekend, but several people have looked to no avail.  I can only guess they moved on!

Ausable River Valley

I did quite a bit more driving around inland but found virtually nothing.  A boring waste of gas!

Saturday I checked the St. Clair River to Sarnia, then walked a bit in Perch Creek WMA.  There was nothing new and certainly fewer birds to look at than in previous weeks.  Just nothing to report!

Sunday I went to Rondeau.  Nothing new again except Red-winged Blackbirds all around.

I found the Chipping Sparrows in the campground, as well as one Yellow-rumped Warbler.  First one I have seen there since December!

Some of the wintering birds were seen, including White-throated Sparrows.

This time of year is a good one to check Ridgetown Lagoons for waterfowl.  Today, thousands of Tundra Swans were milling about.

I though maybe a Bewick's would be present, but I did not find one!  Too many to look through.

The four Snow Geese, present for several weeks, were in the back almost out of sight. The juvenile is showing more white now! Also, a Greater White-fronted Goose was with them trying to hide.  Try and find its head in this photo:

Several Cackling Geese were in the mix.  Perhaps fifteen or more were there.  Some other geese were slightly larger, but probably not cacklers.  For whatever reason, Ridgetown is good for cacklers.

The only ducks visible were three Mallards, a pair of Redheads, and a single Gadwall.  I did not check the south cell though, but it may have been frozen.

Things will be on the move in the coming days and weeks, so stay tuned!

Rock Glen Falls to Sarnia Bay

Today I headed up to Arkona for the first Canadian Br  Christmas Bird Count (CBC).  Road were bad on the way due to WAY too much snow, but that was the trend all week as the weather forecasts for amounts were WAY  off.  It actually snowed all morning (was not supposed to!) making conditions less than ideal.
Rock Glen and Arkona village is always my area and I started at the CA before 08:30.  This spot is well-known for fossils.

A number of birds greeted me at the parking area, including a Song Sparrow (any sparrow other than American Tree, is good on this count!).

I headed past the falls, then down the stairs to the river valley.

frozen falls

I often get a number of birds in the valley, but it was slim pickings all over today.  I did  find a group of birds farther along, but nothing too noteworthy.  A couple of Golden-crowned Kinglets were mixed in and I heard a flicker.  I used to go quite a ways downriver, but have not done that in several years.

old dam along river

Although it was uphill to get out of the valley, it was downhill for birds from there.  There was hardly anything throughout the CA and I did too much walking in deep snow for no birds.
Looking out over the field to the north, there was nothing to see.  In the past I have seen hawks, shrikes and Golden Eagles, but not a single bird today.
Back at the parking lot, there was one small highlight in the form of a Winter Wren.  There seems to be one here almost every year so it was no surprise.

A check of Arkona village was a birdless adventure, save for a Sharp-shinned Hawk and some Horned Larks south of the village.
I was done by 11:00, so turned in my list and headed towards Sarnia.
I wanted to check out the gulls in Sarnia Bay.

There were oodles of them!  They came in this week with the weather.

Herring Gulls were impossible to count, but numbered over 1500.  There were almost 100 Great Black-backed Gulls, an Iceland, and Glaucous (7) Gulls.  A Lesser Black-backed was among them. I probably would have seen more things, but I did not stay too long.  We are certainly due for an Ivory Gull in these parts!

dirty Glaucous in mid photo

No special ducks were seen, but I did not get out a scope.

A Double-crested Cormorant was on the dock in the marina.  There always seems to be at least one here each winter.

Sunday I will be at Rondeau with Quinten to turn up some good birds. (I hope!)