Colours along Thames River

The colours are really looking nice right now.

I saw this Painted Turtle at the Coves, October 11, 2021.  I think it's the latest date I've seen a turtle sunning on a log.  Weather is very warm today, high of 22, feels like 26c, and sunny.

Late September and Early October Birding

Uplands North Wetland

Yesterday, I walked around the wetlands to see what was around.  There was a nice movement of Turkeys Vultures flying over.  A lot of Killdeers and one Greater Yellowlegs.

Greater Yellowlegs

Small flocks of Yellow-rumped Warblers were flying around.  The photo below is the best I could get.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Way back in the swamp, I found one American Wigeon preening.

American Wigeon

I spotted this Wilson's Snipe on a small mud flat.  The sun was harsh and it was well hidden.  I took a quick photo and decided to go around the corner for a better look.  At that time, 3 people were walking by with dogs and I waited for them to go by first (water on the walkway).  The walkway is not too wide.  Then I went across the overflowed water....got my shoes a bit wet.  By the time I got around the corner I could not find it.  I spent the rest of the time trying to look for it but could not.  The photo below is the only one I got against the harsh morning sun.

Wilson's Snipe

I also saw lots of Blue Jays, Red-winged Blackbirds. Green-winged Teal, Red-tailed Hawk and American Crows.  It was a nice day, 20c and sunny.

Westminster Ponds

Last week at the Ponds...another nice day 15c, sunny.  Photos again are not good as I was taking them with the sun in front of me.  It was a nice surprise to see an American Coot.  

American Coot

American Coot

Flocks of American Goldfinches were feeding on Goldenrod seeds.

American Goldfinches

Eastern Phoebe

I also saw this Phoebe, lots of Blue Jays, Mallards, Canada Geese, Great Blue Heron, Downy Woodpecker, American Robins, Song Sparrows and Mourning Doves.

Uplands North Wetland - Green Heron

I spotted a Green Heron recently at the Uplands North Wetland.  Looking through my bins I noticed it caught a frog.  The frog was hanging out of its beak as the heron was preparing to eat it.  It was amazing to watch.  There are videos on Youtube where one can watch herons catching and eating their prey.  This is the first time I've seen it right in front of me.  The photo of the heron swallowing the frog is blurry.