Pinery: Waxwings and a Warbler!

On a recent visit to Pinery Provincial Park, one of our goals was to see a Bohemian Waxwing. Several had been reported in the area. On the day of our visit, stopping to rest, wasn't on the Bohemians' schedule. Small flocks continually flew across the skies, but we were tucked in amongst the trees which made it difficult to see them in advance. Thanks to some "young ears" in the group, we occasionally got to see Waxwings fly directly overhead. Most of them however, were Cedar Waxwings.

We found large tracks indicating that Wild Turkeys had passed through.

Then finally, I found a "birdie" that stayed still for a picture!

Eventually some Cedar Waxwings came down within photographic range.

It was snack time for the birds.

An unexpected Yellow-rumped Warbler made an appearance! This individual probably stayed all winter.

Lake Huron shoreline at Pinery Provincial Park.

An adult Bald Eagle made an abrupt turn to head inland off the lake.

An immature Bald Eagle wasn't far behind.

At long last, a Bohemian Waxwing stopped for a break! It still wasn't very close, but the rusty undertail is visible in the photo.

 LaSalle Park Waterfowl

In addition to the many swans, lots of ducks were swimming in the area. A Bufflehead Drake swam close to shore. While foraging for food, they can spend half their time underwater.

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

Female Gadwall: Gadwalls are known to steal food from diving ducks as they surface. "Pirates of the duck world."

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

This Mallard is showing off the iridescent purple-blue colour of the speculum. The speculum is a patch (sometimes coloured) on the secondary wing feathers. The colour of the speculum and the colour of the border can help to identify the species.

Mallard/Black Duck hybrid

Red-breasted Merganser females

Although White-winged Scoters winter primarily along the coasts, small numbers winter on the Great Lakes. Populations on the Great Lakes may have declined during the 1970's but now appear to be increasing in response to the invasion of zebra mussels.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-winged_Scoter/overview

We found 25 bird species including some on land such as this Red-bellied Woodpecker

 Trumpeter Swan Song!

Trumpeter Swan pair

Once close to extinction, Trumpeter Swans are making a comeback. They winter in open water including at LaSalle Park Marina near Burlington.

Hand feeding these large birds, doesn't seem like a wise idea.

The trumpeting sound of Trumpeter Swans can be heard in this video.

Weighing over 25 pounds, Trumpeter Swans are North America's heaviest flying bird.

The large size of the Trumpeter Swan is evident when viewed near a Mallard Drake and tiny Bufflehead Drake.

Mixed in amongst the 57 Trumpeter Swans were 4 Mute Swans, identifiable with their orange bills. Both swan species are similar in size.

This Mute Swan means business! Notice how much water it is pushing as it swims aggressively forward. A pair of Mute Swans were maintaining control over their little patch of shoreline.

Success! Scared another swan away.

 Suncor Trail, Jan. 29th:

Just at the edge of the parking lot, we noticed some bird activity and spotted 3 White-crowned Sparrows, my first of the year!

Our target bird, a Northern Shrike, was at the east end of the channel. It was actively hunting and we never got very close.

A Cooper's Hawk sat low on a tree branch watching for a snack to come near.

Over 200 Canada Geese were present in the area.

A Muskrat almost went unnoticed as it fed on the opposite side of the water.

Always nice to see a Northern Cardinal brightening the day!

Coyote in Canatara, Feb. 1st.

Canatara Trees on Groundhog Day.

 A Snowy Owl Flew Off Lake Huron and Landed on The Beach!

During a walk along the beach, I was trying to determine what some noisy squirrels were nattering at. It was my lucky day because a Snowy Owl chose that time to come off Lake Huron for a landing.

I only saw the last few meters of its approach before it landed. It's possible that the owl flew in from Michigan.

It sat and stared at me. I was 50 yards away.

Another quick flight a little further inland.

It then landed on some metal stakes where its head bobbed up and down as it listened for the sounds of a future meal running through the long grasses. I didn't want to disturb it in its quest for food, so turned and walked in the opposite direction. A very cool experience!! As I moved further away, I glanced over my shoulder to see that it was moving on.

 Down By The Sarnia Bay:

When the ice melted, I ventured down to the Sarnia Bay on Jan. 29th. I didn't realize that the Common Loon which has been present for much of the winter was still in the area. It stayed fairly close to the boardwalk while diving and hunting for fish.

Some American Coots have been present at the Bay. This species was new to me for the year.

The diagnostic white bill is more noticeable in this closer bird.

Young male Common Goldeneye

Lots of Red-breasted Mergansers were swimming in the open water. One pair swam towards me and I noticed the male's bill was upturned. He seemed healthy and not bothered by the slightly irregular bill.

 A Few Feathered Friends!

Visiting the birds at Pinery Provincial Park is definitely a "Happy Place" for me! I can't resist the inquisitive little faces of Black-capped Chickadees.

A fresh snowfall created a beautiful backdrop!

Although the temperatures were reasonable, a snowshoe through deep snow along the Pine Trail helped to warm us.

Tufted Titmouse

For the first time in several years, White-breasted Nuthatches landed for food hand-outs. In my recent experience, these nuthatches have watched where other birds cached sunflower seeds, then proceeded to take the cached seeds for themselves.

Waiting in line!

Recent Pileated Woodpecker activity.

Someone wants a close up!

Looking towards Lake Huron, January 21st.