May migration is finally here!

The spring bird migration has been a little slower than most birders would like. But us birders always hope for more action!

As May began, winds swung around to the south and southwest bringing numerous birds up from points farther south.

Shorebirds are building in numbers and diversity. In this first photo are two Lesser Yellowlegs and a female Wilson's Phalarope, just two of several shorebird species seen at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons recently.

Wilson's Phalarope

As the diversity of birds increases, the number of birders does also. It wasn't that long ago that one might not encounter another birder hiking around the trails of Rondeau. For the next few weeks, it will be a lot busier!

On Thursday of this week, I spent much of the day at Rondeau. It was windy and wet, but the birds were there in good numbers. My initial target was to catch up with the Kentucky Warbler which had been seen the previous day by quite a few, and gave some incredible views and photo ops to some. When I arrived I didn't see anyone else, which did not bode well in my mind. I walked the maintenance trail loop, and it was when I got to the very south end when I saw someone I knew. It was Josh (J.B. on eBird). He caught my eye and pointed off to the east. The Kentucky was there, and in typical Kentucky Warbler fashion, spent most of its time on the ground, hopping from behind one bit of vegetation to another, and occasionally hiding behind some brush. It did perch in decent view on a few occasions, but at a bit of distance, and I only got one photo which was not worth keeping. But I have the image in my mind....I just can't share it with anyone! I found out that Denise, a fellow photographer friend, had an incredible experience with this warbler the day before. The bird essentially followed her around the very open section of the trail, giving clear, full frame photos of this rare bird. Maybe it was the camouflage clothing that Denise is known to wear......

The north end of the park was the place to be for warbler activity, especially along Water Street and the north end of the Marsh Trail. I managed to see 18 species of warbler altogether, including the likes of Cerulean, Blackpoll and Blue-winged, all of which are 'good' birds. Most surprising were three Blackpoll Warblers, usually an indication of the end of the warbler migration. Just more evidence of this spring migration being less than normal. Due to the wind and rain, I left my camera in the vehicle, so I missed the opportunity to get photos of some of these birds, in spite of them being low down and relatively close. I did get a distant shot of this Blue-winged.

Feeders are often effective in attracting birds as they first arrive in an area. The feeders at the Visitor Centre were busy, with several first year male Orchard Orioles. The second photo shows a young male a little farther along in its plumage transition, as some of the feathers are changing from yellowish to rusty brown.

There were several Baltimore Orioles....

....and several Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, both male and female.

With all of the rain, some of the grassy areas were flooded. This Solitary Sandpiper seemed to enjoy this spot.

A walk through part of the campground was uneventful but I did see this Mourning Dove on a nest. The nest was unusual in that it built its own flimsy nest on top of last year's robin nest. The light wasn't great, but a close look revealed a partially grown youngster.

Other wildlife was out and about. This Common Snapping Turtle was crossing the main road.

While talking to Denise (the Kentucky Warbler photographer mentioned earlier) along the roadside from our respective vehicles, I noticed a critter scampering up a small tree. It was trying to access the shed we were beside. We managed to get some photos of this Long-Tailed Weasel in various poses, but the back-lit conditions were a challenge.

Earlier this week I went over to McKerrall Woods, just a bit northeast of Chatham. I got my first of the year Gray Catbird skulking through the tangles.

A male Wood Duck kept an eye on me but didn't flush from its high perch.

The resident pair of Red-tailed Hawks were there, with one of the adults soaring overhead letting me know it was not happy with me. This woodlot is seldom visited by anyone, so was probably surprised by my presence.

Spring wildflowers were in good display. This first one is Dogtooth Violet, a.k.a. Trout Lily, a.k.a. Adder's-tongue.

Spring Beauty

Red Trillium

 I was pleased to see this next one: a yellow form of Red Trillium. It is quite rare. I only know of four locations of it in Chatham-Kent.

The weekend is here, and it looks promising for birds and other things.

Natural Areas of Chatham-Kent, Part 13 (Sinclair's Bush)

Sinclair's Bush is one of the few areas in Chatham-Kent where you can drive and have forest on both sides of the road. Not for a long way, mind you, but it is a start, and gives a hint of what driving through southwestern Ontario was like a few decades ago. It is not far from where I grew up, and I remember spending time there many years ago, exploring the natural features. It continues to be an attraction to me and others, partly because it is so accessible. Spring time is the perfect time to visit.

So where is this place? Note this first photo, showing the town of Blenheim. Towards the middle right hand side, is the letter "S", indicating Sinclair's Bush.

A closer view, also complements of Google Earth, shows the configuration of the overall woodland. Most of this almost 40 ha woodland complex is privately owned, but in the centre of the site, shown within the blue line, is the approximate boundary of the Conservation Area owned by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.

This parcel now owned by LTVCA was slated for development in the mid 1980s. It was going to be the site of a single house surrounded by woodland. In fact along the trail, the pipe where a well was dug, is still visible. However local landowners, who took pride in this larger woodland area and were not in favour of the house, joined together with conservation agencies and the Ministry of Natural Resources which had identified the overall site as part of an Area Of Natural and Scientific Interest to oppose this development. Funding from landowners, conservation groups and others as well as a significant contribution from Union Gas, allowed this site to be purchased and retained in its natural condition. It was turned over to the LTVCA.

This site is a mix of upland and lowland forest typical of southwestern Ontario. The rich, well-developed soils support a lush forest.

As mentioned above, spring is one of the best times to visit, before the leaves of the trees are out which shade the forest floor. The spring wildflower display on the CA property as well as those adjacent properties that are privately owned can be impressive! In the earliest period, the lowland forest can have some wonderful displays of Marsh Marigold.

 Dog-toothed Violet, a.k.a. Trout Lily, is in prime condition on a sunny day in early May. On cloudy days, the flowers close up.

 Cut-leaved Toothwort is plentiful.

 Starry False Solomon's-seal is scattered about.

This next one is seldom noticed, although there are good sized patches of it. Normally all one sees is the mostly round green leaves. However if you take a closer look, and move some of last year's leaves that cover the base of the plant, you may see a purplish/chocolate brown flower. It is known as Wild Ginger.

  The flower is in bloom under the leaves, since it is pollinated by ground beetles, not the flying insects that pollinate many of the other flowers you will see here.

 One of the more interesting discoveries I had here was to find the yellow form of the Red Trillium. It is not commonly seen anywhere. I know of only 4 locations for it in Chatham-Kent, although undoubtedly there are more.

 A woody plant that Sinclair's Bush is known for is Pawpaw. The flowers are fully open just as the leaves are developing. The leaves here with the flowers look like ordinary leaves, but they are still quite small.

 The flowers may develop into a greenish fruit. When it ripens fully, it can be fairly aromatic. Note the size of the leaves here.

 To get a fuller appreciation of the leaf size, see the next photo. The leaves at the top are those of Black Walnut, which are not small themselves. But the huge leaves are Pawpaw.

I found my first American Woodcock nest at Sinclair's Bush many, many years ago. This species returns to southern Ontario in late March or early April, and nesting begins shortly afterwards.

The young are able to leave the nest shortly after hatching, and blend in well with their surroundings. Do you see it in this next photo?

 How about here?

 Okay...here is a much closer view.

Red-bellied Woodpeckers are a regular feature here, as it is in many southern Ontario woodlots these days. However that wasn't always the case. In the early 1970s, it was quite a rarity in Ontario. I remember an experienced Canadian naturalist from another province camping on our lawn, since he wanted to get to Sinclair's Bush to see a Red-bellied Woodpecker which had recently been discovered there.

It is a likely place for lots of other birds in season. There are currently 85 species known for this site.

SInclair's Bush is well worth getting off the nearby paved road known as Talbot Trail (Hwy #3) and quietly driving down this rural, gravel road to experience this small remnant of what much of C-K used to look like.