 Rose-breasted Grosbeak Weather: Sunny 9C at 7:00, but by 11am it was 24C Location: Kitchener & area Headed out at 7:00am, to Flamborough to check if the Lark Bunting was still around, but no signs. Knowing my luck 5mins after I left it would be sitting 20' from the roadway :), posing !! Checked out Beverley Marsh as I was in the area and was serenaded by the Rose-breasted Grosbeak |  Eastern Bluebird (female) |
23rd May 2015
Osprey Date: May23rd 2015
Weather: Sunny, but very cool start to the morning with 1C at 7:00, but by noon it was 23C
Location: Kitchener & area
Being so cold this morning neither me or the birds were too keen to be out, so after less than 2 hours I've headed home, with only the Osprey pic to show. I had visited Freeport trail and then over to Grass Lake where there were a few Bobolinks around but they stayed in the grasses. Late in the afternoon I read on Facebook that a rare visitor had been spotted on Valens Road, Flamborough ... a Lark Bunting (normally only found on the grasslands of Southern Alberta), so too good a chance to pass up and headed over to see if I could be lucky enough to spot it. Radio was on on the way over and a Beatles song came on "Blackbird" - it was a good omen, and shortly after I arrived at the location I spotted it way off in a farmer's field. I fired off a few shots and waited an hour or so but the Bunting never really came any closer, so I had to be content with record shots only. By coincidence a Bluebird was nesting nearby, so managed a couple of shots in the failing light.
Weather: Sunny, but very cool start to the morning with 1C at 7:00, but by noon it was 23C
Location: Kitchener & area
Being so cold this morning neither me or the birds were too keen to be out, so after less than 2 hours I've headed home, with only the Osprey pic to show. I had visited Freeport trail and then over to Grass Lake where there were a few Bobolinks around but they stayed in the grasses. Late in the afternoon I read on Facebook that a rare visitor had been spotted on Valens Road, Flamborough ... a Lark Bunting (normally only found on the grasslands of Southern Alberta), so too good a chance to pass up and headed over to see if I could be lucky enough to spot it. Radio was on on the way over and a Beatles song came on "Blackbird" - it was a good omen, and shortly after I arrived at the location I spotted it way off in a farmer's field. I fired off a few shots and waited an hour or so but the Bunting never really came any closer, so I had to be content with record shots only. By coincidence a Bluebird was nesting nearby, so managed a couple of shots in the failing light.
Prothonotary Warbler Date: May 15th - 18th 2015
Location: Magee Marsh, Ohio
After I generally poor day at Pelee I was hoping that my luck would change for the better. Magee Marsh located on the Fort Erie shoreline about 25 miles East of Toledo, Ohio, is nicknamed the Warbler capital of the World, for good reason, as hundreds of all kind of songbirds stage along a small area of the marsh waiting on the right weather conditions to be able to continue their journey across Lake Erie into Canada, to breed. Birding friends, Theresa and Kathy recommended this spot, and to them I'm very grateful. I arrived at the marsh at 6:30am in relentless rain, along with many dozens of other birders (there would be several hundred people there before 10:00am), but instantly on entering the boardwalk I saw all kinds of Warblers. The rain stopped mid morning and turned into sun and from then until 4:00pm I was able to spot approx 15 warbler species as well as a couple of Vireos and a few Thrush species in just a few hours. Highlights were a few Prothonotory Warblers, an Ovenbird, a Canada Warbler and a Mourning Warbler. Prominent that first day were Magnolia, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Yellow, Bay-breasted, Cape May, Black & White, Blackpoll and Blackburnian Warblers, as well as a American Redstarts. Not as common were Northern Parulas, Wilson's, Nashville, Tennessee Warblers. Overnight Friday the winds must have been favourable as Saturday arrived there was a distinct reduction in the number of birds, but most of the species were still around, but in fewer quantities. Sunday continued to be slower (still amazing relative to even a good day in Ontario). Monday was a tad better that Sat/Sun with some interesting sightings - A River Otter (no pic - he was too quick), a Blanding's Turtle and a Northern Riversnake. On Sunday late afternoon, as well as Monday late morning I headed to Maumee State Park - and was able to find a Virginia Rail and a couple of Screech Owls. On a sour note (a huge trip spoiler) I dropped my 5D3 with the 500F4 and sheared the lens mount on the 5D .. luckily a) the 500 was undamaged, and b) I had a spare 5D2 and was able to continue, but a huge reduction in quality and focus speed, resulting in many, many lost shots). One thing for sure ...I know where I'm heading next May !!!!
Day1 at Magee Images ...
Location: Magee Marsh, Ohio
After I generally poor day at Pelee I was hoping that my luck would change for the better. Magee Marsh located on the Fort Erie shoreline about 25 miles East of Toledo, Ohio, is nicknamed the Warbler capital of the World, for good reason, as hundreds of all kind of songbirds stage along a small area of the marsh waiting on the right weather conditions to be able to continue their journey across Lake Erie into Canada, to breed. Birding friends, Theresa and Kathy recommended this spot, and to them I'm very grateful. I arrived at the marsh at 6:30am in relentless rain, along with many dozens of other birders (there would be several hundred people there before 10:00am), but instantly on entering the boardwalk I saw all kinds of Warblers. The rain stopped mid morning and turned into sun and from then until 4:00pm I was able to spot approx 15 warbler species as well as a couple of Vireos and a few Thrush species in just a few hours. Highlights were a few Prothonotory Warblers, an Ovenbird, a Canada Warbler and a Mourning Warbler. Prominent that first day were Magnolia, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Yellow, Bay-breasted, Cape May, Black & White, Blackpoll and Blackburnian Warblers, as well as a American Redstarts. Not as common were Northern Parulas, Wilson's, Nashville, Tennessee Warblers. Overnight Friday the winds must have been favourable as Saturday arrived there was a distinct reduction in the number of birds, but most of the species were still around, but in fewer quantities. Sunday continued to be slower (still amazing relative to even a good day in Ontario). Monday was a tad better that Sat/Sun with some interesting sightings - A River Otter (no pic - he was too quick), a Blanding's Turtle and a Northern Riversnake. On Sunday late afternoon, as well as Monday late morning I headed to Maumee State Park - and was able to find a Virginia Rail and a couple of Screech Owls. On a sour note (a huge trip spoiler) I dropped my 5D3 with the 500F4 and sheared the lens mount on the 5D .. luckily a) the 500 was undamaged, and b) I had a spare 5D2 and was able to continue, but a huge reduction in quality and focus speed, resulting in many, many lost shots). One thing for sure ...I know where I'm heading next May !!!!
Day1 at Magee Images ...
Day 2,3 & 4 Images at Magee & Maumee ...
... and a few Reptiles & Mammals ...
14th May 2015
Headed out on a 5 day road trip, with the first stop being Pelee. I arrived at the Visitor Centre at 6:30 am and was a tad disappointed with the quantity of birds at the "Tip" - A male and a female Scarlet Tanager were the only birds, other than a few Yellow Warblers, a solitary Grosbeak and many, many Red-winged Blackbirds. Tried the West Beach Trail, which was only marginally better, then took the Woodland Trail back to the Centre - Here I saw several Orioles, both Baltimore and a lesser quantity of Orchard Orioles, a few Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and a pair of House Wrens that sang their little lungs out 10' away. Over to Dulaurier, and things were marginally better again, with lots of Yellow Warblers, an Eastern Bluebird, a couple of Magnolia Warblers and Yellowthroats and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher that was actively building a nest close by and entertained me with song and nest building material collection. Over to Tilden Trail and was pointed out a Screech Owl (things are looking up) and a Veery. Last stop was Blue Heron where a fair amount of Warblers were high up in a tree - Black-throated Blue, Canada, Yellow Warblers and a Philadelphia Vireo. Before heading for the border I headed over to Hillman Marsh (who knows !!) and was able to see some distant Black-bellied Plovers (hundreds), and a few dozen Greater Yellowlegs.
11th May 2015
Pair of male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (fighting) Date: May11th 2015
Weather: Foggy start, but gradually turned to Sun. Lows of 11C and highs of approx 22C
Location: Point Pelee
Weather started off being such that photography was tricky - misty and a tad dull, but as the morning progressed it generally was a fantastic day. As always Pelee never ceases to amaze during the Birding Festival. There were hundreds of birders here (more than I have ever seen in one day) , and there was lots to see. Started off at the Tip, and saw several Chestnut-sided and Magnolia Warblers, as well as several Baltimore Orioles, Yellow Warblers, Blackburnian Warblers, Redstarts, Black & White Warblers, Bay-breasted Warblers and a lifer for me .. an American Pipit (a poor pic, but ...). The West Beach trail was next and it was a bit mediocre (I've seen better days here), detouring back to the Visitor Centre via the Woodland trail was an excellent idea with a few Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, several Orchard Orioles, several Baltimores and (I can still hardly believe it ) a Canada Warbler (a lifer, but he was too deep in the undergrowth to get any type of pic) & a Hooded Warbler - DuLaurier homestead was next on the agenda, but other that a pile of Yellow Warblers (and I do mean a pile) not too much happening. Before heading back another look at the Visitor Centre seemed a good idea so back one more time and yet again spotted (2) Hooded Warblers, a Bay-breasted (male), a Veery and a Swainsons Thrush (a lifer for me)... a truly good day. Next week off to Magee Marsh in Ohio with Steve & Debbie ... can hardly wait!!
Weather: Foggy start, but gradually turned to Sun. Lows of 11C and highs of approx 22C
Location: Point Pelee
Weather started off being such that photography was tricky - misty and a tad dull, but as the morning progressed it generally was a fantastic day. As always Pelee never ceases to amaze during the Birding Festival. There were hundreds of birders here (more than I have ever seen in one day) , and there was lots to see. Started off at the Tip, and saw several Chestnut-sided and Magnolia Warblers, as well as several Baltimore Orioles, Yellow Warblers, Blackburnian Warblers, Redstarts, Black & White Warblers, Bay-breasted Warblers and a lifer for me .. an American Pipit (a poor pic, but ...). The West Beach trail was next and it was a bit mediocre (I've seen better days here), detouring back to the Visitor Centre via the Woodland trail was an excellent idea with a few Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, several Orchard Orioles, several Baltimores and (I can still hardly believe it ) a Canada Warbler (a lifer, but he was too deep in the undergrowth to get any type of pic) & a Hooded Warbler - DuLaurier homestead was next on the agenda, but other that a pile of Yellow Warblers (and I do mean a pile) not too much happening. Before heading back another look at the Visitor Centre seemed a good idea so back one more time and yet again spotted (2) Hooded Warblers, a Bay-breasted (male), a Veery and a Swainsons Thrush (a lifer for me)... a truly good day. Next week off to Magee Marsh in Ohio with Steve & Debbie ... can hardly wait!!
10th May 2015
Date: May10th 2015
Weather: Sunny. Lows of 14C and highs of approx 30C
Location: In and around Kitchener
Plan was originally to go to Pelee (probably one of the best weekends to go to Pelee, but weather was no looking promising, so canceled the the plans until Sunday. Instead headed around a few of the local spots in search of anything interesting. Started off at Homer Watson Park, with nothing there. Next stop Freeport Hospital - a few things around - Spotted a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a Eastern Towhee, a Great crested Flycatcher and spent a bit of time at the Flicker nest hole that I came across a few days ago. From here over to Tilts Bush ,and although I had fleeting glimpses of warbler nothing I could nail down, and certainly no pics.
Weather: Sunny. Lows of 14C and highs of approx 30C
Location: In and around Kitchener
Plan was originally to go to Pelee (probably one of the best weekends to go to Pelee, but weather was no looking promising, so canceled the the plans until Sunday. Instead headed around a few of the local spots in search of anything interesting. Started off at Homer Watson Park, with nothing there. Next stop Freeport Hospital - a few things around - Spotted a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a Eastern Towhee, a Great crested Flycatcher and spent a bit of time at the Flicker nest hole that I came across a few days ago. From here over to Tilts Bush ,and although I had fleeting glimpses of warbler nothing I could nail down, and certainly no pics.
