Mish Mash of Birds!

We headed out on a sunny Monday morning in search of some rare Geese that have been spotted in different locations around west Lambton. We started at the Suncor Trail. We didn't find the geese but did find a lovely male Northern Pintail. Although we saw 3 Pintails earlier in January, this is the first time we have seen one at the site since then.

About 40 American Crows were in the field on the north side of the Suncor Trail. A few flew into nearby trees, then all left at once. We thought they had found a predator to chase, but they seemed to just be having a noisy party!

Despite the mild temperatures, it may still be awhile before the hard packed snow drifts melt.

American Tree Sparrow lurking in the reeds.

We heard a report that the Ross's Geese had landed at Hiawatha Race Track so headed there once we had completed walking the Suncor loop. Luckily for us, they were still at the race track upon our arrival! However, 10 minutes later, hundreds of Canada Geese, 9 Cackling Geese, and the Ross's Geese made a quick exit when a Bald Eagle flew past.

A diminutive version of the familiar Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose is also white with black wingtips, but it has a shorter neck, stubbier bill and a more rounded head. The 2 species seem to be hybridizing more frequently as a warming climate allows their breeding ranges to come into contact. Based upon an inflight photo (not shown), it is possible that one of the birds is a Ross's X Snow Goose Hybrid. 

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

Back at Canatara Park, some fluffy Cattail Seeds were blowing in the wind!

On Lake Huron, off shore of Canatara Beach, some Canada Geese were spotted standing on thin ice!

Female Purple Finch at Camp Saredaca.

American Robins have been digging for bugs in the thawing ground surface.

The iridescent colours on a Common Grackle glowed as he worked on defending his territory.