St. Clair National Wildlife Area

A recent visit to Windsor provided the opportunity to stop at the St. Clair National Wildlife Area. A 10-15 minute walk will get you to the Viewing Tower which elevates viewers above the phragmites. Work has been done on removing the invasive phragmites, but it continues to be a problem. The wetlands are adjacent to Lake St. Clair.

View from tower looking towards Lake St. Clair.

A pair of Sandhill Cranes "bugled" for us as we walked along the trail. Sandhill Cranes have long windpipes that coil into the sternum. This helps the sound to develop a lower pitch and harmonics that add richness. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds.) I never tire of hearing their sound!

Meanwhile, back in Lambton County...

Mallard Reflections in Lake Chipican!

Brown Creeper looking for food. These tiny birds can burn between 4-10 calories per day. By eating a single spider, a Creeper gains enough energy to climb nearly 200 feet vertically. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds)

Black-capped Chickadee nibbling on Silver Maple flowers.

A Red-winged Blackbird, with wing patches flared, struts in confidence along a branch informing a nearby male that this is HIS turf!

Our neighbourhood Wild Turkey is making appearances again. I found her peeking out from behind a tree in Canatara recently.

Black Pussy Willows in Canatara Park.