Findings Last Week of July 2023

I went to a few places in London, Ontario to see what I can find.  A nice variety of things.

Turkey Vulture

It's getting a little crowded.

Northern Map Turtles and Spiny Softshells

I was at the Coves the other morning.  The mosquitoes are still bad.  I saw this beautiful Great Blue Heron...quickly got some pictures as the mosquitoes were buzzing around my head and face.

At Greenway, I didn't see to many butterflies but it was nice to see this Garter Snake.  This is the 3rd Garter Snake I've seen this summer. The snakes were at least 2ft long or more.  I did see another endangered/threatened snake species earlier this summer.  I did not see one snake last year.

This is the time of year to look for shorebirds.

Greater Yellowlegs

Today at Kains Woods ESA, I saw a few Monarchs, Cabbage Whites, Common Wood Nymphs and one Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.

Belted Kingfisher

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Monarch

Bald Eagle

I can't believe we are into August tomorrow,

White-winged Dove!

I headed down to Rondeau Park for the day.  It was sunny and warm high of 13.  I started the day at the VC looking at the feeders to see what was there.  There were Chipping Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, Rose-breased Grosbeak, Red-bellied Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Baltimore Oriole, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-winged Blackbirds, American Goldfinches.

White-crowned Sparrow

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

At the side of the VC, I found this beautiful House Wren singing.

House Wren

Took at walk around the Tulip Tree Trail.  I saw my favorite warbler the Black-throated Blue Warbler.

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Also saw a Veery, Brown Thrasher, Yellow Warbler, and Gray Catbird.  I missed the Prothonotary Warbler.

After lunch went to look for the White-winged Dove....went back and forth looking for the Dove between about 5 cottages.  Could not find it. 

Then went to the beach, it was very quiet....some barn swallows.

The end of Harrison Trail was the next stop.  There still is some water on the trail entrance...got a soaker.  It was nice to see the White-eyed Vireo. 

Wild Columbine

Then back to find the White-winged Dove.  A couple of staff were there looking for it and they found it!  It was in a tree preening. 

White-winged Dove

White-winged Dove

The white-winged Dove is a lifer for me.  It's hard getting lifers anymore.

Eastern Kingbird

Also saw an Eastern Kingbird.

Then went to the Spicebush Trail...saw a Black-and-White Warbler, Black-throated Blue again, Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, American Toad, Northern Leopard Frog and a Eastern Gartersnake.

Yellow Water Buttercup

Dutchman's Breeches

Red Trillium

White Trillium

American Toad

Northern Leopard Frog

Eastern Gartersnake

Marsh Trail - saw my first Blanding's Turtle, a lifer, an endangered species.  There were also Painted Turtles.

Blanding's Turtle

Midland Painted Turtles

Rondeau Park 2016

April 30, 2016

It was a cool day today...didn't see much bird wise but saw a variety of other things.

Tulip Tree Trail

Common Purple Violet

Mayapple

Eastern Gartersnake

Midland Painted Turtle

Red-breasted Merganser