Fantastic, Phenomenal Phalarope Flocks

Most people in southwestern Ontario probably know about the long-staying Phalaropes at the East Essex S.L. The funny thing about this sighting was that day by day, it seemed more Phalaropes incrementally appeared. I had gone on one occasion and I had not seen any. Then on my second try, I was able to see 5 Red-necked Phalaropes and 2 Wilson's! I also had a Kory and Jeremy H sighting!

At Ojibway, I have not been too active recently due to the fact that I've taken four university night courses this summer. The occasional walk has revealed some decent sightings though. I had seen a small family of four Eastern Bluebirds (both parents and two juveniles).  Back in early August, Dense Blazingstar was at peak bloom. I made it out occasionally just to appreciate how cool they are. I also noted my first square stemmed Monkeflower (Mimulus ringens).

I've come across a few good birding related articles over rhe last few days and thought i would share. Great reading!


Rise of the Millenial Birder
http://www.macleans.ca/society/the-rise-of-millennial-urban-dwelling-birders/

Birdwatchers Behaving Like Paparazzi
http://www.macleans.ca/society/life/the-flocking-instinct/

Great website devoted to TICK AWARENESS
http://www.tickencounter.org/prevention/top_ten_things_list

How to avoid bone-headed birding mistakes
http://www.audubon.org/news/birdist-rule-4-avoid-making-these-boneheaded-birding-mistakes

The Birdist's top 100 rules for Birding
http://www.audubon.org/section/birdists-rules-birding?page=6


Good Birding!
Dwayne

Dimorphism of the Indigo Bunting

American Goldfinch in a sea of wildflowers at Ojibway Prarie

I did a quick walk at Ojibway this afternoon. I just absolutely love going there and spending time witnessing the beauty of nature. I could seriously spend a full day going to the various parts, like the Black Oak Heritage Park or the Spring Garden area. But, I find I'm constantly looking at my watch thinking, its already been an hour?

Anyway, today I think I've photographed my first female Indigo Bunting. I think I saw one last summer with the first Indigo Bunting I had seen at that point, but I did not get a photograph of it. Below are two shots of the female, followed by a previously taken photo of a male Indigo Bunting. (Post script: The title of this post is a mis-nomer. It should really be 'sexual dimorphism' of the Indigo Bunting. Its not like there are two morphs for Indigo Buntings... as you might find a Red Morph or Grey Morph for Eastern Screech Owls.)

 

More can be read about these wonderful birds at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Indigo_Bunting/id.

I also found out what 'scolding' calls are for House Wrens.  I was walking with my wife in the Ojibway Prarie when we both heard what we thought was a rattle snake! But, as I looked around, I saw no snakes (Mississauga Rattler?) ... I saw a tiny little rust-coloured House Wren.

Scolding House Wren (I actually used flash).

This blog has incredible, extensive listings of bird calls: (http://pjdeye.blogspot.com/2009/03/wren-calls.html).This link would actually let you listen to the rattle-snake like scolding of the House Wren.

I also saw two Green Herons today in the waterway in front of the nature center. This shot below really shows the beauty and texture of its green plumage.

At the risk of self engrandizing, a photo of this site's author with his son. The backback was given to me by my neighbor who was having a garage sale.

Author with his son, amongst the 'weeds' of Ojibway.

 By the way, this image below should compliment/suppliment the "Save Ojibway" posting I recently did.

The red area shows where the Big-Box development would go. Notice also the yellow line on the top of the image. The new DRIC bridge crossing will follow Huron Church (#3) then take a sharp left below the EC Row to the river. This will cut very close into the Black Oak forest area from my understanding.

Good Birding,
Dwayne