West Perth Wetlands, Mitchell, ON

27 October, 2026

     On a fine autumn day Lisa joined me for a morning's birding and we decided to go to the West Perth Wetlands, lured in part by reports of a Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), a rarity here in southern Ontario. I have seen many of them in regions much farther south but only one previously in this area.

     In the first pond large numbers of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) were present, but there was little else.

     There were a couple of high spots above the water, but mostly there was insufficient dry ground for many species.

     We did spot a couple of small groups of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos), however. 

     Moving on to the next pond in this wetland complex we were delighted to see a few Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis), North America's smallest dabbling duck, and a very handsome little character.

     Spurred on by our quest for the ibis, we hastened over to a large pond, where a couple of birders already present signalled to us that they had found the bird. It didn't take long for us to locate it but it was on the far side of the lagoon and only clearly visible through Lisa's scope. It was outside my camera range, but by digiscoping with her phone Lisa managed to get a very acceptable picture.

     The feeding must have been good for many Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis) were cruising in, filling the air with raucous cries as they descended to the water to take advantage of the seemingly plentiful food at the surface.

     Knapweed (genus Centaurea) was still blooming prolifically and provided sweet nectar to abundant Common Drone Flies (Eristalis tenax).

     I don't think there was a moment when Clouded Sulphurs (Colias philodice) weren't flitting hither and yon, and occasionally alighting briefly.

     A Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) was an agreeable addition to our day.

     It was great to see a substantial Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) residence; a safe, warm haven for the cold months ahead.

     Most of the neoptropical warblers that spend their breeding season here have already departed. Myrtle Warbler (Setophaga coronata) is customarily the first species to arrive and the last to depart.

     Over many years, West Perth Wetlands has hosted Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata) in fall migration; this year was no exception.

     For the most part they were well camouflaged, but one obliging individual moved into the open.

     Spruce (genus Picea) have had a good mast year.

     Several noisy American Crows (Corvus brachyrynchos) kept us company.

     It is always a pleasure to interact with these highly intelligent birds.

     Small White (Pieris rapae) was not nearly so numerous as their Clouded Sulphur cousins. Occasionally one landed and remained stationary long enough for a picture. 

     Even a few Red-legged Grasshoppers (Melanoplus femurrubrum) were exploding beneath our feet.

     Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is just about at the end of its blooming period for another year - but you may rest assured it will return with increased vigour in the spring.

     What a scintillating morning Lisa and I spent together in our more than human world.