Sunday, 10 March 2013

Sping is FINALLY Here!

The past few days, spring has most definitely arrived! Within the past 5 or so days, there have been massive movements of many species, including Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, Turkey Vultures, Killdeer, and Tundra Swans. Blackbirds had a massive movement on Wed-Thurs, they were everywhere on Thurs! And still are! I am hearing Killdeer almost everywhere I go!
Today I went to the Pinery Provincial Park with the family, and also hit a couple other spots in the area. First we went to the Lambton Heritage Museum Fields to take a look at the Tundra Swans that congregate there in huge numbers every year. My estimate today when I was there was approx. 3800 individuals. After that we went to the park and walked a bunch of trails. During thee walks, we found quite a few of the parks common species, lots of Tufted Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatches, also got my first Belted Kingfisher of the year, and a very close few of a young bald eagle, just about 30ft above our heads. Near the end of our walk on one of the trails, we found this little weird but cool looking squirrel. My best and only guess is that it was a Red Squirrel and Eastern Gray Squirrel cross.
After the Pinery, we went for a quick look at Kettle Point, there wasn't much around there, a male Northern Harrier made a round, and a single Cackling Goose amongst a small group of Canada's, which was also new for the year. There was also a young Iceland Gull flying around in the distance.

Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment:







Crazy Squirrel right?

Good Birding!

2 comments:

  1. Cute Squirrel. Apparently there are cases of hybrids, so I am not sure of this one.

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