Date: May 3rd 2015
Weather: Sunny. Lows of 7C and highs of approx 25C
Location: In and around Kitchener
With only a couple of hours to spare (I promised my better half that I would do some much needed gardening), but not a good day to skimp on birding! I headed first to Homer Watson Park - I like the overlook to Deer Ridge Golf Course, as it can sometimes be really good. Today it wasn't terrible, but no pics, but I did spot my 1st two warblers of the day - A Pine and a Yellow-rumped pretty high up the the canopy. I also saw a few Rough-winged Swallows over the river, as well as a Downy & a Hairy Woodpecker. After 1/2 hour I headed over to Tilt's Bush (a location in my neighborhood), and as soon as I arrived (before even getting to the boardwalk I spotted a Palm Warbler who gave me some great poses (things are looking up :)). I continued on to the end of the boardwalk (which is usually the best location, but nothing). Returning to the path before the boardwalk there was a flurry of Warbler activity - Several Yellow-rumped flitted from tree to tree and gave some great opportunities. I also spotted a Black-fronted Blue or Green (my friend Steve was in the same area a bit later and he saw a Black-throated Blue, so I'll record mine as a blue as well - thanks Steve). I also noticed, at first what I thought was another Warbler, and after a few tries to get a shot - the bird took off. Later, I discovered that what I had seen was a Blue-headed Vireo :)
Weather: Sunny. Lows of 7C and highs of approx 25C
Location: In and around Kitchener
With only a couple of hours to spare (I promised my better half that I would do some much needed gardening), but not a good day to skimp on birding! I headed first to Homer Watson Park - I like the overlook to Deer Ridge Golf Course, as it can sometimes be really good. Today it wasn't terrible, but no pics, but I did spot my 1st two warblers of the day - A Pine and a Yellow-rumped pretty high up the the canopy. I also saw a few Rough-winged Swallows over the river, as well as a Downy & a Hairy Woodpecker. After 1/2 hour I headed over to Tilt's Bush (a location in my neighborhood), and as soon as I arrived (before even getting to the boardwalk I spotted a Palm Warbler who gave me some great poses (things are looking up :)). I continued on to the end of the boardwalk (which is usually the best location, but nothing). Returning to the path before the boardwalk there was a flurry of Warbler activity - Several Yellow-rumped flitted from tree to tree and gave some great opportunities. I also spotted a Black-fronted Blue or Green (my friend Steve was in the same area a bit later and he saw a Black-throated Blue, so I'll record mine as a blue as well - thanks Steve). I also noticed, at first what I thought was another Warbler, and after a few tries to get a shot - the bird took off. Later, I discovered that what I had seen was a Blue-headed Vireo :)
May 2nd 2015
Bald Eagle (juvenile) Date: May 2nd 2015
Weather: Sunny. Lows of 8C and highs of approx 22C
Location: Long Point
Some days are winners & some days are losers ... today was a loser!! Took the 1.5 hour drive to Long Point and was really hoping for a good day. The signs were all there - good reports from earlier in the week, nice warm sunny day, and a good feeling to boot. Sightings were pretty thin on the ground, and this feeling was being experienced by several birders .. not just me. Only highlight was that there were several Brown Thrashers were around (.. but not within shooting distance, so no pics). I did get a flash of yellow at one point, but was unable to focus in on time so I'm not sure what it was .. the clues I did pick up on suggested it might have been a Tennessee Warbler, but ???. Other general sightings were Hermit Thrush, Bald Eagle, Common Tern, American Coot, Song & White-throated Sparrow. By late morning I had had enough and headed back to KW.
Weather: Sunny. Lows of 8C and highs of approx 22C
Location: Long Point
Some days are winners & some days are losers ... today was a loser!! Took the 1.5 hour drive to Long Point and was really hoping for a good day. The signs were all there - good reports from earlier in the week, nice warm sunny day, and a good feeling to boot. Sightings were pretty thin on the ground, and this feeling was being experienced by several birders .. not just me. Only highlight was that there were several Brown Thrashers were around (.. but not within shooting distance, so no pics). I did get a flash of yellow at one point, but was unable to focus in on time so I'm not sure what it was .. the clues I did pick up on suggested it might have been a Tennessee Warbler, but ???. Other general sightings were Hermit Thrush, Bald Eagle, Common Tern, American Coot, Song & White-throated Sparrow. By late morning I had had enough and headed back to KW.
