Lambton County Finds:

On a recent visit to Henderson Conservation Area, we found some fresh Pileated Woodpecker activity. Wood chips from the excavation were lying on top of the snow fall from the day before. We also heard some distant drilling of the Pileated. In all my years of working there, this may be the closest I have come to that species at this location!

Somebody has been making and placing bird houses along some of the trails at Henderson C.A. The chew marks on the enlarged hole indicate squirrels have taken over this shelter.

Beauty is always evident in the colours on the female and male Northern Cardinals!

We also found a seasonally decorated Spruce Tree near a trail that had been marked with other hanging Christmas decorations.

Pinery Provincial Park:

Since the forecast for Tuesday was for sunshine, even though it was a cold day, we headed to the Pinery for some hiking and birding. We hiked close to 10 kilometres but saw very few birds, except at Beach Parking lot #9 where they were waiting for food.

Temperatures were much colder than the last time we hand fed the birds, so mitts ended up being a necessity. This little Black-capped Chickadee managed to stuff 2 sunflower seeds at one time into its beak. He tried for a third but wasn't successful.

I was able to use my macro lens with my right hand to snap close ups of Tufted Titmice that landed on my left hand. I was amazed at the detail in the feathers and the area surrounding the eye!