Blustery Cold Brief Walk

Springbank Park, London, Ontario

I popped over to Springbank Park this morning to see if I can find the Redhead.  It was really cold (feels like -17c) with strong westerly winds gusting 65 with some light blowing snow.  I finally found it....took some photos and by then my hands were freezing and my fingers were numb.  I was done.

Mallard  (male)

Mallard  (female)

The Redhead was swimming around with the Mallards.  A very nice looking duck.

Redhead

Findings at Fanshawe CA

Fanshawe Conservation Area, London, Ontario

I thought I would go to the Fanshawe Conservation Area today to try to find the Evening Grosbeak again.  No luck.

There were a nice variety of birds feeding around the start of the Tamarack Trail area.  Lots of Dark-eyed Juncos around about 35 or even more. 

White-throated Sparrow

It was nice to see the rare Fox Sparrow.

Fox Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

There were Blue Jays, a Red-bellied Woodpecker, Back-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals, White-throated Sparrows and heard a Common Crow.  At the dam, I saw the continuing 4 Greater Scaups and Canada Geese.

I saw the White-crowned Sparrow briefly.

Before going home, I dropped by the Killarney pond to see what was there.  Lots of Canada Geese, Mallards, an American Black Duck and the Canvasbacks.  I counted 7.  Most of the Canvasbacks were sleeping.

Brisk and Snowy at Springbank

Springbank Park - London, Ontario

The weather has been an issue this week with freezing rain yesterday, snow, and rain.  Today is snowsqualls, blowing snow, strong westerly winds, and feels like -14c.
I made a short trip to Springbank this morning.  I just saw a few people around....very quiet.

I was delighted to see a Ring-necked Duck.  A beautiful male.  He was swimming around with a large flock of Mallards.

I finally found the continuing Wood Duck that has been seen lately at Springbank.  A beautiful duck!

Mallard X American Black Duck (Hybrid)

Slushy and Icy Week - February 4-7, 2019

Greenway Park - Monday, February 4, 2019   9c, overcast

It was a milder day but lots of slush and water around...I saw a nice variety of birds.  It's always nice to see a Great Blue Heron.  A Bald Eagle flew over and made a circle and came back...beautiful bird!

Great Blue Heron

Bald Eagle

There were a few ducks in the river.  A lot of Common Goldeneyes, Common Mergansers and Buffleheads. 

Common Goldeneye

Common Mergansers

I watched a flock of Robins (18) in the bushes and some looking around for bugs. 

Leucistic Robin

I saw this goose with a group of Canada Geese.  It has a Canada Goose body but has bright orange legs.  The neck is faded black and grey with a white face.  A Canada Goose X     ?

Greenway Park, Thursday, February 7, 2019   -1c, overcast

We've had freezing rain the last few days coating ice on trees and bushes. 

I spotted a male Long-tailed Duck.  I watched it for 10 minutes.  It's a very striking duck.  

Downy Woodpecker

There were 2 Canvasbacks near the grassy island off shore.  Not good photos as there are a lot of branches and twigs in the way.  

Findings at Greenway and Springbank Parks

Greenway Park, London, Ontario

I had to go out birding on this mild day.  The snow is melting into slush and a lot of water around.  It went to 6c and partly cloudy.  A lot of people were out for walks, taking their dogs for walks and joggers.
The first bird I saw was an immature bald eagle flying overhead.  There were lots of Canada Geese and Mallards.

I went to another area of the park where Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads and Common Mergansers can be seen through all the branches and twigs.

Common Goldeneyes and Buffleheads

Common Goldeneyes

Common Goldeneye

Common Merganser  (female)

Common Mergansers

It was nice to see Robins (5).

White-breasted Nuthatch

I went to Springbank Park too.  Didn't take any photos.  I saw White-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Northern Cardinals, Black-capped Chickadees, Mallards and Canada Geese.