Early December Wings!

Finding "Things with Wings" is a case of being in the right place at the right time, which is especially true during the winter months when critters are hiding from the elements! Walks along the Suncor Trail and in Canatara Park led to a few recent finds. 

One of 2 Tree sparrows eating seeds from the invasive Phragmites australis plant. It is an aggressive plant that outcompetes native species. Work is underway to remove this plant on lands managed by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority and other natural areas.

The well-placed feet of a female Northern Cardinal, allowed her to rest in a sheltered area without being stabbed by the rose thorns.

The only ducks that could be seen from the bridge over the Wawanosh Drain (which connects the Suncor Trail with Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area) were Mallards.

Canada Geese found grain in a farm field adjacent to the Suncor Trail.

Noisy House Sparrows perched along a fence row, Canatara Park.

Well camouflaged Mourning Doves enjoyed the sunshine on an old fence.

As temperatures continue to drop below freezing overnight, the number of ducks found in Lake Chipican dropped from 1,800 birds to the seven in the above photo. As of December 3, the lake had completely frozen over and there were no birds left. Many of them have moved onto Lake Huron or the St. Clair River and may return to Canatara if we get a warming period.

American Goldfinch

A Black-capped Chickadee foraged on the ground on a windy day. It had success finding food under the leaf layer!