American Redstart (F) Date: August 29th 2015
Weather: Sun & Cloud
Location: Mainly Thornapple Loop, near Rock Chapel
I picked up my good friend Steve at 6:00am and after a much needed coffee on the way, we arrived at the small pull-in parking at the north end of the trail. The light was still forming, so it seemed prudent to wait it out for another 10 mins or so, and during that time we could see several small birds (unidentifiable for the most part) zipping around between trees & shrubbery. so I think we both had a good feeling about the day. However (isn't there always a however), the first 3/4 of the 3km loop was uneventful, but at about the 3/4 point we were able to spot several birds at quite close range - Northern Parula, House Wren, Wilsons Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhees, American Redstart, a Flycatcher (Alder or Willow I think) . We saw all of these along a 200yard section of the trail. We also had glimpses of a what we think might have been a Hooded Warbler and a Carolina Wren (maybe wishful thinking). On the way home we swung around by Grass Lake and were able to get decent views of Parent and Colt Sandhill Cranes (the Colt is 95% grown now), so turned out to be a pretty good morning. It was pretty obvious from the Thornapple area that songbird migration has started, so the next few weeks, I hope, should be interesting.
After getting home ... I noticed some Hummingbird activity, so grabbed a few shots to finish off the day.
Weather: Sun & Cloud
Location: Mainly Thornapple Loop, near Rock Chapel
I picked up my good friend Steve at 6:00am and after a much needed coffee on the way, we arrived at the small pull-in parking at the north end of the trail. The light was still forming, so it seemed prudent to wait it out for another 10 mins or so, and during that time we could see several small birds (unidentifiable for the most part) zipping around between trees & shrubbery. so I think we both had a good feeling about the day. However (isn't there always a however), the first 3/4 of the 3km loop was uneventful, but at about the 3/4 point we were able to spot several birds at quite close range - Northern Parula, House Wren, Wilsons Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhees, American Redstart, a Flycatcher (Alder or Willow I think) . We saw all of these along a 200yard section of the trail. We also had glimpses of a what we think might have been a Hooded Warbler and a Carolina Wren (maybe wishful thinking). On the way home we swung around by Grass Lake and were able to get decent views of Parent and Colt Sandhill Cranes (the Colt is 95% grown now), so turned out to be a pretty good morning. It was pretty obvious from the Thornapple area that songbird migration has started, so the next few weeks, I hope, should be interesting.
After getting home ... I noticed some Hummingbird activity, so grabbed a few shots to finish off the day.
August 22nd & 23rd 2015
Nashville Warbler Date: August 22nd 2015
Weather: Sunny & Clear 22C (10:00am)
Location: Mizzy Lake Trail in Algonquin Park
On impulse I headed to Algonquin Park - I had read something on line on Friday about some good warbler sightings. I arrived at the rail trail parking at about 5:45 am and after a really misty start to the day it turned out real nice (Sunny). Initially (during the misty portion of the morning) there was little activity (I was beginning to wonder if this had been a good idea) but as the mist was burning off I found myself, at one location, watching several warbler species actively showing and feeding on insects and fruit - Nashville, Yellow-rumped & Black-throated Green. Further down the trail I spotted a Black-billed Cuckoo who dropped by for a minute or so, but my best sightings of the day were the Black-throated Blue Warblers - Two in total. A good birding day in spectacular scenery.
Weather: Sunny & Clear 22C (10:00am)
Location: Mizzy Lake Trail in Algonquin Park
On impulse I headed to Algonquin Park - I had read something on line on Friday about some good warbler sightings. I arrived at the rail trail parking at about 5:45 am and after a really misty start to the day it turned out real nice (Sunny). Initially (during the misty portion of the morning) there was little activity (I was beginning to wonder if this had been a good idea) but as the mist was burning off I found myself, at one location, watching several warbler species actively showing and feeding on insects and fruit - Nashville, Yellow-rumped & Black-throated Green. Further down the trail I spotted a Black-billed Cuckoo who dropped by for a minute or so, but my best sightings of the day were the Black-throated Blue Warblers - Two in total. A good birding day in spectacular scenery.
Date: August 23rd 2015
Weather: Sunny & Clear 23C (9:00am)
Location: Headwaters Trail near Copetown.
I have, over the last six weeks or so, had several trips along this quite excellent trail. Today, along with a good friend, Steve Lindsay (an excellent photographer) headed along the trails to see what we could find. Although not as good as it has been, still had a few warblers and other species around. At the parking lot we managed to coax a couple of Redstarts, a Chestnut-sided Warbler and Gray Catbird into the deep shrubbery, but after 20min we hadn't been able to see them in the open, so left that spot with nary a shutter pressed. Along the trail however we had better luck with (3) Chestnut-sided Warblers buzzing around the trees offering a couple of chances to get an image or two. Around the same time we spotted a female Scarlet Tanager ... hadn't expected that. All in all not a terrible day, and as always, good to share the moments with a friend and fellow photographer.
Weather: Sunny & Clear 23C (9:00am)
Location: Headwaters Trail near Copetown.
I have, over the last six weeks or so, had several trips along this quite excellent trail. Today, along with a good friend, Steve Lindsay (an excellent photographer) headed along the trails to see what we could find. Although not as good as it has been, still had a few warblers and other species around. At the parking lot we managed to coax a couple of Redstarts, a Chestnut-sided Warbler and Gray Catbird into the deep shrubbery, but after 20min we hadn't been able to see them in the open, so left that spot with nary a shutter pressed. Along the trail however we had better luck with (3) Chestnut-sided Warblers buzzing around the trees offering a couple of chances to get an image or two. Around the same time we spotted a female Scarlet Tanager ... hadn't expected that. All in all not a terrible day, and as always, good to share the moments with a friend and fellow photographer.
August 15th & 16th 2015
Warbling Vireo Date: August 15th - 16th 2015
Weather: Sunny both days ~28C
Location: Brantford & Brant County
Saturday, on impulse, went to Wilkes Dam in Brantford. I hadn't been there since mid January, so was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be, not a bad choice of location. I initially headed down to where Bald Eagles can often be seen and after a bit of waiting around, one was pointed out to me by a fellow birder/photographer (thanks Les Matthews). I also took one of the side trails and was entertained by about 7 or 8 Warbling Vireos that were zipping from tree to tree (I assume these were mainly a family group of juveniles). Every now and then one would land close to me and permitted a shot opportunity. I also had a cooperating Yellow Warbler show up a couple of times as well. On Sunday, after a somewhat late start, I headed to West Dumfries Road in Brant County - I have over the years had quite good luck along the gravel road. First stop wasn't too good, but after relocating to a spot near the pond I spotted several Blue-gray Gnatcatchers flitting from bush to tree to bush, so was able to get in a few shots, but boy! are they fast . Other sightings of note (and there wasn't many) were Pileated Woodpecker, Scarlet Tanager, Sandhill Cranes.
Weather: Sunny both days ~28C
Location: Brantford & Brant County
Saturday, on impulse, went to Wilkes Dam in Brantford. I hadn't been there since mid January, so was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be, not a bad choice of location. I initially headed down to where Bald Eagles can often be seen and after a bit of waiting around, one was pointed out to me by a fellow birder/photographer (thanks Les Matthews). I also took one of the side trails and was entertained by about 7 or 8 Warbling Vireos that were zipping from tree to tree (I assume these were mainly a family group of juveniles). Every now and then one would land close to me and permitted a shot opportunity. I also had a cooperating Yellow Warbler show up a couple of times as well. On Sunday, after a somewhat late start, I headed to West Dumfries Road in Brant County - I have over the years had quite good luck along the gravel road. First stop wasn't too good, but after relocating to a spot near the pond I spotted several Blue-gray Gnatcatchers flitting from bush to tree to bush, so was able to get in a few shots, but boy! are they fast . Other sightings of note (and there wasn't many) were Pileated Woodpecker, Scarlet Tanager, Sandhill Cranes.
August 8th & 9th 2015
Sandhill Crane Date: August 8th - 9th 2015
Weather: Sunny both days, but Saturday noticeably cooler (Sat 22C & Sun 25C)
Location: Back roads between Paris & Flamborough
Sat: During these mid summer days the birding gets significantly more difficult and this weekend was definitely no exception. I did a bit of back road cruising looking for any likely spots that, and maybe a new birding spot to add to my list, might hold a bird or two - wood lots, swamps, etc. My first stop was Riverside Park, where in the past at this time of year, I have seen, at the little pond near the boardwalk, Green & Blue Herons, as well as the occasional Sandpiper, but today not even a frog stirred. Next over to Whistlebare Road (Cambridge) at the back of the Rare Property and was pleasantly surprised to see lots of birds in and around the dense brush at the side of the road - nothing amazing but I counted 15 species inside half an hour. Final stop was Grass Lake where I hadn't been to in a few weeks, and was delighted to see that one of the Sandhill Crane families was in the act of crossing the road, so able to get a decent couple of shots through the window of my vehicle.
Sun: A not so early start of 8:00 am and headed to a lesser known piece of Crown Land I discovered a few weeks ago, hoping to see the Black-billed Cuckoo I had a few weeks back, and anything else that may be around. Unfortunately, no Cuckoo (I even tried calling him several times). The only activity I had was in a clearing along one of the paths that for about 10mins birds were bouncing back and forth giving me very brief glimpses, but they were too fast for me to get any photographs - there was a Great-crested Flycatcher, an Eastern Wood Pewee, Blue Jays, Waxwings, Goldfinches and Chickadees, and one or two that denied me an ID. Other than that it was a bit of a dud day, with the shutter pressed maybe 10 times and none of the images worth much! Oh well, until next week.
Weather: Sunny both days, but Saturday noticeably cooler (Sat 22C & Sun 25C)
Location: Back roads between Paris & Flamborough
Sat: During these mid summer days the birding gets significantly more difficult and this weekend was definitely no exception. I did a bit of back road cruising looking for any likely spots that, and maybe a new birding spot to add to my list, might hold a bird or two - wood lots, swamps, etc. My first stop was Riverside Park, where in the past at this time of year, I have seen, at the little pond near the boardwalk, Green & Blue Herons, as well as the occasional Sandpiper, but today not even a frog stirred. Next over to Whistlebare Road (Cambridge) at the back of the Rare Property and was pleasantly surprised to see lots of birds in and around the dense brush at the side of the road - nothing amazing but I counted 15 species inside half an hour. Final stop was Grass Lake where I hadn't been to in a few weeks, and was delighted to see that one of the Sandhill Crane families was in the act of crossing the road, so able to get a decent couple of shots through the window of my vehicle.
Sun: A not so early start of 8:00 am and headed to a lesser known piece of Crown Land I discovered a few weeks ago, hoping to see the Black-billed Cuckoo I had a few weeks back, and anything else that may be around. Unfortunately, no Cuckoo (I even tried calling him several times). The only activity I had was in a clearing along one of the paths that for about 10mins birds were bouncing back and forth giving me very brief glimpses, but they were too fast for me to get any photographs - there was a Great-crested Flycatcher, an Eastern Wood Pewee, Blue Jays, Waxwings, Goldfinches and Chickadees, and one or two that denied me an ID. Other than that it was a bit of a dud day, with the shutter pressed maybe 10 times and none of the images worth much! Oh well, until next week.
August 2nd 2015
House Wren Date: August 2nd 2015
Weather: Sunny and pretty warm
Location: Mostly Beverley Swamp
It gets trickier in the summer months to know where to go to able to see interesting birds and wildlife, but decided to hit Beverley Swamp again (I was there a couple of weeks ago). I arrived just before 7:00am and set myself up with camera on a tripod and a comfy lawn type chair (I'm getting smarter in my old age). For the next 90 minutes I was able to spot a family of Red-eyed Vireos, a couple of House Wrens, a Common Yellowthroat, which I got a glimpse off and not knowing what it was - I had visions of something a bit rarer, but after about 30 mins it popped into the open I was able to ID it as either a female or a juvi.). Other "visitors" were Kingbirds, Northern Flickers, a ton of Gray Catbirds. At this point I was pretty sure nothing new was going to show up so I cruised the back roads on the way home and came across an access into some Crown Land that I had never seen before. It looked interesting so I ventured forth so to speak. About 200' in I came to clearing and decided this was as good a place as any. After a few minutes I heard a Cuckoo off behind me and tried to lure it in with bird calls on my cell phone. Almost immediately I had a Black-billed almost land in my lap - I'm not sure who was the most startled - I know I was. Anyways the Cuckoo bounced around for a while and I was able to get a couple of mediocre shots. After about 10 or so minutes I left (bird looked agitated). Might head back there in the coming weeks ....
Weather: Sunny and pretty warm
Location: Mostly Beverley Swamp
It gets trickier in the summer months to know where to go to able to see interesting birds and wildlife, but decided to hit Beverley Swamp again (I was there a couple of weeks ago). I arrived just before 7:00am and set myself up with camera on a tripod and a comfy lawn type chair (I'm getting smarter in my old age). For the next 90 minutes I was able to spot a family of Red-eyed Vireos, a couple of House Wrens, a Common Yellowthroat, which I got a glimpse off and not knowing what it was - I had visions of something a bit rarer, but after about 30 mins it popped into the open I was able to ID it as either a female or a juvi.). Other "visitors" were Kingbirds, Northern Flickers, a ton of Gray Catbirds. At this point I was pretty sure nothing new was going to show up so I cruised the back roads on the way home and came across an access into some Crown Land that I had never seen before. It looked interesting so I ventured forth so to speak. About 200' in I came to clearing and decided this was as good a place as any. After a few minutes I heard a Cuckoo off behind me and tried to lure it in with bird calls on my cell phone. Almost immediately I had a Black-billed almost land in my lap - I'm not sure who was the most startled - I know I was. Anyways the Cuckoo bounced around for a while and I was able to get a couple of mediocre shots. After about 10 or so minutes I left (bird looked agitated). Might head back there in the coming weeks ....
Later in the day I pottered around the back yard ... bees, flowers and some experimentation
August 1st 2015
Date: August 1st 2015
Weather: After an evening shower a much better temp 24C (10:00am)
Location: Headwaters Trail near Copetown
A bit of a later start this morning ... I didn't get rolling until 7:00am, but the weather looks promising - cooler a bit, so I was feeling pretty good about today. Late July & August are usually pretty quiet times for song birds as the birds are in full molt, so they tend to keep hidden in the dense undergrowth, but a little patience can usually find some. Headwaters Trail is the upper section of Dundas Valley Conservation Area, and in the past it has produced better than average songbirds, and today I was hoping for the elusive Mourning Warbler that even after a half dozen or so attempts I had yet to get a decent photograph. I knew where to find this little guy as I've had fleeting glimpses of it, all at the same spot. It took an hour but he finally showed, and better than hoped he was foraging low in the undergrowth, but yet again he (or possibly a she) only gave fleeting glimpses - see shots in Gallery. However I was able to spot and photograph a couple of Chestnut-sided and a couple of Blue-winged Warblers. The usual Indigos and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were not hard to find - they seemed to be everywhere. On the way back I checked out a few other spots in the general area, but by this time 10:30 the heat was back and bird sightings were poor. The Juvi Turkey Vulture was pretty much the only interesting bird I saw in the next hour.
Weather: After an evening shower a much better temp 24C (10:00am)
Location: Headwaters Trail near Copetown
A bit of a later start this morning ... I didn't get rolling until 7:00am, but the weather looks promising - cooler a bit, so I was feeling pretty good about today. Late July & August are usually pretty quiet times for song birds as the birds are in full molt, so they tend to keep hidden in the dense undergrowth, but a little patience can usually find some. Headwaters Trail is the upper section of Dundas Valley Conservation Area, and in the past it has produced better than average songbirds, and today I was hoping for the elusive Mourning Warbler that even after a half dozen or so attempts I had yet to get a decent photograph. I knew where to find this little guy as I've had fleeting glimpses of it, all at the same spot. It took an hour but he finally showed, and better than hoped he was foraging low in the undergrowth, but yet again he (or possibly a she) only gave fleeting glimpses - see shots in Gallery. However I was able to spot and photograph a couple of Chestnut-sided and a couple of Blue-winged Warblers. The usual Indigos and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were not hard to find - they seemed to be everywhere. On the way back I checked out a few other spots in the general area, but by this time 10:30 the heat was back and bird sightings were poor. The Juvi Turkey Vulture was pretty much the only interesting bird I saw in the next hour.
