Boreal Chickadee & End of Year Review

Merry Christmas, Happy Solstice and Happy New Year!

I have not birded too much in the last several months. Actually, I have a little but its been not too eventful.

I have a little bit of time off at this time of year, and I attempted to drive out towards Harrow/Pleasant Valley which is always a nice, relaxing drive. Today, I did not see much while driving out in that area, but I did actually get a wonderful look at at  nice Red-Shouldered Hawk perched 15 meters from the road. Around the hawk was also a small flock of Eastern Bluebirds which was nice to see.

I was in Essex and had a notification that a Boreal Chickadee was found earlier this morning - and I figured I would try my luck in going to see it. This bird is not a lifer for me as I have seen some in Banff Alberta, as well as Algonquin Park here in Ontario. Luckily there were some birdwatchers there already when I had arrived and not long after getting there, two friendly birds, Kit M and Paul G called me over to see the bird. Boreal Chickadees are notoriously shy and difficult to photograph - hence the diagnostic photo above. 

Usually at this time of year, I try to reflect on how my birding efforts were this past year --- and for the most part they have been good. 

I have really made an effort not to drive out too far, too often, opting to stay closer to home. My own backyard and back field behind my house offer some decent habitat to see migrants such as Blue-headed Vireo, Orange Crowned Warbler, Lincoln's Sparrow --- I simply need to spend time on my back porch looking for the birds!

Some Highlights for me this year are:

Bell's Vireo - Lifer (point pelee)

Harris's Sparrow - Lifer (Holiday Beach)

Kentucky Warbler (Point Pelee)

Tropical Kingbird (West Windsor)

Boreal Chickadee (Holiday Beach)

Blue Grosbeak (Illinois)

Henslow's Sparrow (Illinois)

Butterfly watching was not too eventful this year but I did see my first Harvester Butterfly at the Pinery.

So - its been a good year. I have slowed down a little but I'm still birding and getting out to enjoy nature.

Wishing you all a great new year for 2023!

Dwayne