Early April:

Recent strong winds have resulted in aerial activity for many species including Turkey Vultures. I watched at least 50 sail over Canatara Park over the course of an hour earlier this week They are majestic, but unsteady soarers. Their teetering flight with wings raised in a 'V' is characteristic. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds)

We found a couple of Eastern Meadowlarks at the Sarnia Landfill on Saturday. 

These ground nesters are not actually members of the lark family, but belong to the blackbird family, which also includes cowbirds and orioles. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds) 

                                        Owl Pellet                                 Pellet bones

I found an owl pellet on the ground in an open field which was probably coughed up by a Short-eared Owl. Scientists can learn about the diet of owls by identifying the bones inside pellets. Owls will cough up undigestible bones and fur/feathers into compact pellets. I haven't dissected a pellet in a very long time so decided to see what was inside. Based upon the small size and the orange rodent teeth, I assume they were the skeletal remains of a shrew.

Red-winged Blackbird males will do everything they can to get noticed, sitting on high perches and belting out the 'conk-la-ree' song all day long. Females stay lower, skulking through vegetation for food and quietly weaving together their remarkable nests. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds.)

A recent walk along the Canatara Beach coincided with some nice lighting conditions!