Tuesday, March 15, 2022

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!
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

71 comments:

  1. Très sympa la nouvelle présentation du blog!Il y'avait encore du monde pour cette sortie et beaucoup d'oiseaux. Bonne soirée

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  2. Yes, can't wait to do it again! Thanks for a great outing with great birds and birders!

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  3. Super photos. Birders see some of God's greatest creations. Your numbers are growing!

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    1. Unless God's name is Evolution she had nothing to do with it.

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  4. ...it looks like you had a delightful outing! Thanks for taking me along.

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    1. The border is not too far away, Tom. Come and enjoy it in person one day!

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  5. An outing in the middle of winter and with snow, something that I would like to do one day, with good bird watching, with very interesting and beautiful species. Above all I would like to do it with a group of friends like you have done.
    I did not know the exact location of the reserve, I looked at maps and I was surprised by that peninsula with multiple islands.

    I really like the new look of the blog.
    Saludos

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    1. Amigo Hernán:
      It would be one of the great pleasures of my life to have you join us one day. Un abrazo.

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  6. Another great outing. Tree Sparrows are here these days too. Love all the ducks!

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  7. I like the new look blog :)

    Great post and photographs of your outing.

    All the best Jan

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  8. Hari OM
    What a fabulous gathering of folks to watch the gatherings of feathers! Truly delightful to read and see yet again... and I really like your blog remodel, David! YAM xx

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  9. What a wonderful outing. That looks like so much fun!

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  10. I've heard it said that only Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the heat of the midday sun. I am thinking you need to be a Little Crazy or Absolutely Dedicated to go out birding in such cold conditions! But it sounds like you had a great time :)

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  11. You saw some great birds even though the day wasn't spring like. The swans are great, as are the cranes. Where do the cranes go when they migrate north? I see flocks of them flying in New Mexico, and you can hear them also. And you see flocks of ducks and see so many types, and I see flocks of ducks and they are all mallards. Ontario must be part of a flyway? And wow to the new header. KIngfishers are fun to watch aren't they? hugs-Erika

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  12. Thanks again, David, for a wonderful trip. The photo ( Waybrant Camera Wizardry ) of the sandhill crane (antigone canadensis)is magical. Thanks to Kathy.

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  13. That red winged blackbird certainly is casting the stink eye on his photographer.

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  14. That Red-winged Blackbird looks absolutely gorgeous! And the swans are always beautiful and elegant. Thanks for sharing them, David and the whole gang!

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  15. Love the beautiful and colourful blog header. A wonderful outing in the company of beautiful people having the same interest. Great sighting of beautiful birds.

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  16. Certainly a good turned out of people.
    The photos are lovely and a pleasure to see those white swans and the Northern Cardinal which has a good look on him.

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  17. Great new banner, so joyful.
    Love the shot with watching, sitting in the snow! And the lake pic.
    The crane look majestic!
    The red Cardinals are always a joy to see and the Tundra swans look beautiful.
    Crazy it is still so cold - here as well.

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  18. A very smart new look to the blog, David, especially that arresting header photograph. If only your fellow-birders could be given Latin names I'm sure you'd recall them all perfectly! :)

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  19. Congratulation with your new blog, David. The photos becomes even better than before. It must be wonderful to be a part of your bird group!
    I don't know if it is Poison Ivy or not. We don't have such evil plant here.
    Hugs and kisses, Marit

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  20. Hi David - I so agree with you about Kathy's 'Waybrant Camera Wizardry' - that red-winged blackbird photo is amazing. It does sound like a great day out with some delightful companions ... excellent chilly, but fulfilling day. Thanks - and I'm adjusting to the new layout ... it's very clean - cheers Hilary

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    1. In addition to her photographic skills, Kathy is a really terrific person, Hilary.

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  21. It looks to have been a great outing David with your fellow birders. My husband has just walked into our study, and mentioned that you have great pictures.
    Spring has gone mad here, there is no stopping her, she is very early.
    Great looking new blog.

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  22. Hello David,
    I like the new blog look. What a great outing and new sized group of birders too.
    I love seeing the big flocks of ducks, the view of the bay is pretty. Great series of photos. Take care, enjoy your day!

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  23. Hi David,
    first a lot of compliments on the new fresh look of your post.
    It seems spring has reached your post already, but not your country. Though I love to see the snowy landscape, I wish for you spring will arrive soon.
    I also love the picture of the Northern Cardinal. Wow, this red looks good here.

    Best regards, Corrie

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    1. I am very happy with the new look of the blog, Corrie.

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  24. Another great outing David, I've missed the snow (not the ice!) this winter, we've had a couple of days here and there and that's it. It's amazing to see the wildfowl in such numbers, it must be fun to scan through to pick out the different species!

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    1. It's lots of fun, Pam, and once in a while we find a rarity.

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  25. Wow, I got a shock... New header and new design. They look really, really good, so congrats on that.
    Also congratulations with such a great group with skilled expertise in both photography, environmental sustainability and much more. What a pleasure to read. And what a pleasure it must be for you.
    The crane is very elegant - more pleasure!
    Best regards Lisbeth

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  26. How exciting getting lots of people to join your outing. Beautiful photos as always and a nice new look to your blog.

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  27. Your new blog format is fabulous, David. (I see Linda's hand at work -- nice job!) It's easier to read with the lighter background. The banner is great and the layout. As for this outing, some splendid sightings and it certainly looks like everyone was pleased! They all sound very compatible with you and each other. And that crane in flight photo -- that's a forever keeper!

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    1. She is such a pleasure to work with, Jeanie. Thanks for the original introduction.

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  28. A journey with pleasant photos.

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  29. Wonderful group of people and so dedicated to go out in that cold wind. I love to read your posts and thoroughly enjoy seeing the photos.

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  30. hello David
    a huge group, it's easy to lose track of things.. but everyone has arrived back at their destination with fantastic photos, the cardinal stands out again... I still have to get used to the new blog design...;-))
    Greetings Frank

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  31. Add my own compliments and congrats on your new blog format, David. I especially liked that header photo! Your group outing looked like it was a wonderful photo event for yourself and friends. It does seem like Spring will take a bit longer to arrive in Ontario.

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  32. Querido David me encanta el nuevo formato del blog, la cabecera con el Martín pescador preciosa.
    En cuanto a la salida me parece maravilloso estar rodeados de personas estupendas, ver hermosas y abundantes aves y disfrutar de buenas fotos, no se puede pedir más. Un enorme abrazo para ti y para Miriam.

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  33. Another superb outing!

    It's so encouraging to see groups of birders and explorers around the world coming together to enjoy Nature, learn from one another and discuss topics of mutual interest.

    As long as we can keep doing this sort of thing, there may be a ray of hope for the planet.

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  34. In a few weeks those red wing blackbirds will become very territorial.

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  35. Thanks for sharing your wonderful outing! The photos are great.

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  36. You are all so dedicated to birding. It's wonderful and then you share it all with us. Thanks Dave.

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  37. You do have some great outings, David. Thanks very much for sharing them with us. :)

    Take good care.

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  38. What a fabulous place you visited. But sitting in the snow, oh my, hardy folk indeed. Love the new look of your blog. Sorry I am so late calling in, so little time at the moment! Hugs, Valerie

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  39. Of all the birds on that outing the one that fascinated me the most was the American Tree Sparrow. It appears to have the most unusually flat topped squared head.

    I find it fascinating when you go walkabout. The only interesting thing I've seen for ages is a couple of Sparrowhawks trying to catch my Sparrows.

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    1. And Kathy got a great picture. I am glad you enjoy these accounts, Graham. We have another full day's outing scheduled for next week.

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  40. Buenos días estimado David, entro un poco tarde ya que estoy teniendo problemas en el blog. Bello reportaje y mejor equipo de gente. Esas salidas dan gusto de realizar.
    Mis felicitaciones por el blog nuevo.
    Siempre es un placer ver tan bellos reportajes con tus buenas y exhaustivas explicaciones.
    Un gran abrazo querido profesor y amigo.

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    1. I hope your blog issues have been resolved, amigo Juan.

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  41. Hi David.

    You had a nice large group to enjoy nature.
    And also a lot to see.
    People will certainly enjoy it.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  42. Thank you for letting us tag along, virtually. Looks like a wonderful outing. Love your new blog cover photo. What are those glorious birds?

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    1. Common Kingfisher, Amy, common in most of Europe, parts of North Africa and western Asia.

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  43. Hi David,
    Let me start by saying that I love the new layout of your blog. A clean and fresh design.
    Another wonderful outing. Winter didn't say goodbye around there and the snow and the cold still continue.
    Beautiful birds and great photos. I especially liked the photo of Sandhill Cranes flying, it's awesome.

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  44. Hi David,
    I like your new Layout of the blog!
    And great outing still in the snow!! I must say: I wish we had those birds in the Nederlands...Red-winged Blackbirds, Sandhill Cranes and the lovely American Tree Sparrow. Beautiful photos and great Post.
    Happy weekend ahead
    Big Hug
    Maria

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  45. My flabber has been thoroughly ghasted by so many people congregating in such weather conditions to go birding, David. I've never seen so many people birding together, except at a 'twitch'! It's a certain testament to your ability and reputation as a group leader, and this is born out by your narrative here and the super images that accompany it.

    Best wishes to you both - - - Richard

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  46. Get that flabber back in place! Every outing is wonderful, and the number of people who return time after time is very encouraging, Richard.

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  47. Wow, what a wonderful trip, even if it isn't quite spring yet! I've always admired photos of the red-winged black bird but never got to see one for myself.

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  48. Hi David. Looks like a successful trip to Long Point. How nice that Caroline
    could join you. I like the new look of your blog. I see you are doing some presentations. Are they live or on-line?

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  49. Just one is live, Carol. Everything else is on line for the time being. Zoom has become a household word. You must be due back in Ontario soon.

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  50. I like the new look. I think your photos might be even more impressive in this new setting. It was great fun to see a Killdeer in such a different setting, and as for that photo of the poison ivy vines: well. It took me entirely too long to understand that every part of the plant can cause trouble; now that I've learned to recognize the vines, I see them everywhere.

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  51. I like your blog's new look, too.. Kingfishers are such lovely creatures. The photos from your outing are stunning as always and all that snow makes me feel a little less under heat stress. Oh well it will cool down a little here fairy soon.

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  52. Querido amigo David, siempre maravillosas tus salidas con amigos, me encantaría estar en esa fotografía. Abrazos.

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  53. For ornithologists and bird lovers, frost, strong wind or snowstorm are not terrible. Each tour presented is beautiful. Thank you very much for seeing beautiful birds, wonderful landscapes, wonderful nature.
    Greetings.

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We acknowledge that the land on which we are situated are the lands traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today. We are all treaty people with a responsibility to honour all our relations.

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