OFO Trip - Grand Bend, Pinery, Kettle Point.

We registered for the Ontario Field Ornithologists Trip to North Lambton today and were greeted along the way by a beautiful sunrise over the Thedford Bog.

While waiting for participants to arrive, we saw a flock of Canada Geese 

flying overhead as well as a Snow Goose, Great Blue Heron, 

Common Loon and over 200 Red-winged Blackbirds.

Our first stop of the day was spent scanning the 

Grand Bend Beach for Scoters, Loons and other waterfowl.

A visit to the Pinery included a stop at Beach Parking #9 where we took a few moments to feed the birds. The Tufted Titmice were a hit with a couple of our members who were seeing that species for the first time. This Titmouse has securely clasped a seed between his feet to break open the shell.

A White-breasted Nuthatch also came in for some seed.

Another beach scan at the Pinery found us Black and White-winged Scoters, Red-throated Loons, Grebes, ducks, gulls and many raptors.

Although these birds were distant, the upturned bill 

on these Red-throated Loons is still visible.

On our return to the vehicles, we passed a 

Red Squirrel enjoying some left over bird seed.

A pair of Sandhill Cranes strutted across a field near Ravenswood.

During a stop at Kettle Point, we watched a 

Snow Bunting fly in off the lake and have a rest on land.

Several Turkey Vultures were enjoying a fishy snack which was left on shore.

Thanks to our leader for a great day!