Birding in South-East Lambton

We drove to the far corner of Lambton County in hopes of finding a couple of target species. For their first several years of life, young Golden Eagles (such as the one in the above picture) have neatly defined white patches at the base of the tail and in the wings. Adult Golden Eagles are dark brown with a golden sheen on the back of the head and neck. They breed in NW Canada and Alaska but during migration, will sometimes enter the Great Lakes region.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden_Eagle/id

An adult Bald Eagle posed for us in the morning sun.

Horned Larks form large nomadic flocks in winter, often mixing with other bird species, including Tree Sparrow, Dark-eyed Juncos, Lapland Longspurs, and Snow Buntings.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Horned_Lark/lifehistory

We only found one location where a few dozen birds were feeding on the road. The Horned Larks and Longspur weren't very approachable, but Deryl was able to get a few shots.

Horned Larks

Two Lapland Longspurs flew with the small flock of Horned Larks, searching for grit on the road. The name "Longspur" refers to the unusually long hind claw on this species. Of the 4 species of Longspurs that can be found in North America, the Lapland Longspur is the only one that can be found outside of North America. Its breeding range encircles the most northern regions of the Northern Hemisphere. 

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lapland_Longspur/overview

During our travels we found an artistic garden on a rural road being guarded by an Owl Skeleton. It looks like this Night Owl needs a night light!