WRN Outing to Long Point, Norfolk County, ON

12 March, 2022

Leader: David M. Gascoigne

Members:  Miriam Bauman, Jim Bowman, Betty Brechen, Doug Brunton, Lisa Den Besten, Tina Den Besten, Brigitte Gawtrey, Ross Getsinger, Fraser Gibson, Victoria Ho, Jen Leat, Bev McBride, Greg Michalenko, Peter Rasberry, Mark Seifert, Wendy Shaw, Julie Stork, Roger Suffling, Selwyn Tomkun, Mary Ann Vanden Elzen, Kathy Waybrant, Jamie Werner, Kath Werner. (23)

Guests: Caroline Cudmore

Doug, Jen, Betty, Mary Ann, Ross, Brigitte, Greg, David, Rog, Selwyn, Victoria, ?, Fraser, Peter, Jim, ?, Wendy Bev, Caroline

At the front: Lisa, Kathy

     There were several people on this outing that I had not previously met, and I apologize for not recalling the name of two people above (and a few did not join us for the group picture). Please give me your name and I will insert it and modify this comment accordingly.

     When we all gathered at Port Rowan Harbour it was a cold March day with a keen wind blowing.

     An immature Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) took it all in stride.

     There were many ducks and swans out on the water, but mostly quite far out and photography was not easy. An American Wigeon (Mareca americana), however, came within decent range.

     There was a constant burst of song from male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), recently returned to the wetlands and establishing dominance over others, staking out territory, and preparing for the arrival of females. 

     Kathy Waybrant, who wields a camera the way an artist uses a brush, captured this remarkable picture.

     Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) never fail to elicit admiration from all who see them.

     Hardy Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) often appear in southern Ontario long before the snow has disappeared for the season, and two individuals landed in front of us.

     Our photographers are tough folks and get right down to the task.

     The meteorological calendar may say it's spring, but you could be forgiven for thinking that winter has not said goodbye quite yet.

     The Long Point area has many locations to search for birds. The Big Creek National Wildlife Area will soon resound to the booming calls of American Bitterns (Botaurus lentiginosus).

     The causeway, with the wide expanse of Lake Erie on one side and fertile marshes on the other is a magnet for birds, and we made several stops.

     Most of the Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis) have already migrated north from Long Point, but we did find a few for Victoria and Mary Ann who especially wanted to see them. The Waybrant camera wizardry was once again at play.

     You can judge from the expressions of our group walking up to one of the observation towers that the wind was a vicious judge of character and fortitude - but everyone met the challenge. This is, after all, March in Ontario, and one never knows how the weather might turn.

     Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) seemed to be everywhere, and some came agreeably close.

     Many kept company with Redheads (Aythya americana).

     The bay that looked so foreboding to us, with the sure knowledge that a few minutes of immersion would be fatal, seemed like a winter playground for so many diving ducks.

     Jen Leat captured a great shot of Redheads off in the distance.

     I am always delighted when Greg Michalenko and Roger Suffling join my outings. These are people for whom my admiration and respect is boundless.

Rog, Greg

     Both are retired from the University of Waterloo, Roger being Professor Emeritus in the School of Planning, and Greg being Assistant Professor Emeritus in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability.

     One could certainly not fault them if they chose to rest on their laurels and retire to a comfortable life. Both of them have instead become fierce and determined warriors in the fight for environmental sustainability, ecological and social justice, and the enhancement of the area we live in, for flora, fauna and people alike.

     I salute them both.

     The Old Cut woodlot presented a wintry scene.

     Fraser Gibson, another highly distinguished member of our club, provided an impromptu discussion about Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), providing us with information I am quite sure few, if any of us knew.

     American Tree Sparrows (Spizelloides arborea) were, as always, delightful to see. 

     Soon, they will be leaving us for their breeding grounds among birch and willow at the limited of the tree line. No such journey is in store for Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) who will remain here to bring us joy.

     We wended our way back along the causeway, looking out over the bay at immense concentrations of waterfowl.

     A few Gadwall (Mareca strepera) swam close to shore.

     It was often hard to keep a camera still in the high winds that made standing still difficult, but imparted the kind of chill to stiffen cold fingers fiddling with camera focus and shutters.

     Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) were moving through Long Point in large numbers but most remained very far out.

     If I am not mistaken Canvasback (Aythya valsinaria) was a lifer for Jen and she managed a decent shot of distant birds.

     We had spotted a couple of Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) on the way in and Kathy took a great shot en route for home.

     The drive home was a bit of a challenge with blowing snow and whiteout conditions in a couple of spots. All in a day's birding, I say.

     Let's do it again next year!