White stuff

The onset of winter-like conditions, even though it is officially more than a month away, drew me out to explore the former Dover Township today, especially in the area between Chatham, St. Clair NWA, Mitchell's Bay and the Bear Creek area. In past winters, this area has been known to harbour a dozen or more Snowy Owls in the winter. I was hoping to find my first Snowy Owl of the season, hence my new header for this blog.

Although most people consider Snowy Owls to be a winter time phenomenon, if the birds are abundant but not able to find adequate food sources farther north, the weather can drive them to this area much earlier. For example there are records at Rondeau Provincial Park as early as October 31.

It was close to record cold and breezy and there was some white stuff, but no Snowy Owl to be seen. However the brisk winds usually cause them to sit on the ground and flatten themselves quite a bit, to escape the worst of the wind. Given all of the corn stubble around, an owl could hunker down and be missed quite easily.

I did see other white things, including snow flakes. But of greater interest was a large number of Tundra Swans, recently arrived in the area.

There were several flocks scattered between Pain Court and St. Clair NWA. I estimated at least 1500, some of which were fairly close to the road. There were birds coming and going almost constantly, so it was hard to get a true estimate.

 There were a few young-of-the-year birds, not surprisingly, looking quite gray by comparison to the white adults.

There were at least three Snow Geese, white phase, although since I saw them from a distance in flight only, I couldn't be absolutely sure that they weren't the much rarer Ross's Geese. I find that Snow Geese more often than not, are associated with flocks of Canada Geese, whereas Ross's Geese can be found with either Canada Geese or Tundra Swans. There were no Canada Geese in the vicinity of the swans. Then again, many birds that are reported as Ross's Geese are often hybrids between Ross's and Snows. I didn't get any photos of them, but it would be worthwhile to keep an eye open for them again.

I covered a lot of back roads. I did see a handful of Snow Buntings on the wing, the first of the season for me, but again not surprising considering the cold, wind and snow flurries.

A Great Blue Heron was hanging out at the edge of a partially frozen canal, out of the wind and in the sun.

A small group of Hooded Mergansers were winding their way carefully along the brushy edge of another canal.

But no Snowy Owls to be seen......maybe next time. In the meantime, it is nice to see such a large group of Tundra Swans back!