Fall Migration Has Begun!

The star of our week was finding a Juvenile Purple Gallinule. It doesn't have the glorious colours of the adult, but it was a Life Bird for Deryl and myself! A couple of birders were just leaving the lagoons when we arrived, after spending 90 minutes unsuccessfully searching for it. Deryl found it in less than 5 minutes. So the next time he complains to anyone about not being "bird" lucky, feel free to remind him of the Purple Gallinule! 😀

I love the size of its feet! They work well for walking on top of lily pads. 

This species is native to Florida.  

Many species of warblers were in Canatara this week. I found a 

Cape May Warbler bathing in a forest puddle, not far from the animal farm.

Black-throated Blue Warbler, female, before her bath!

Blackbirds are gathering together in large groups as they get ready to migrate. While at Camp Saredaca earlier this week, we saw 150 Red-winged Blackbirds mixed with some Grackles and Starlings.

A Great Egret, completely submerged its head and neck to catch his breakfast.

I found my first Praying Mantis of the year in the 

Canatara meadow, ready to grab some unsuspecting prey!

Eastern Red-backed Salamander! A surprise find near Goderich.

While traveling south of Goderich recently, a coyote ran across the road in front of us. We pulled over to the shoulder and probably would never have gotten a photo if it hadn't taken the time for a pee break! LOL!