Greetings Nature Watchers:
The incredible warm and sunny
November we have been enjoying here in the south-west was bound to bring a few
surprises. Snow and Ice are most certainly soon to be upon us.
But today was fairly uneventful for birds with hundreds of goldfinches at
the feeders, 50 house finches, 7 pine siskins, and a single female purple
finch. . .the sole reminder of greater numbers of this species, (closer to 100)
at the end of October. ( Ours is to watch and record the marvels that shift and
change and pass our way.)
Nothing so extrodinary, one immature white-crowned sparrow remains, amoung
several field sparrows, a chipper, a half dozen white -throated.
The other more exotic sparrows have gone back into the woods and meadows,
and perhaps a good snow storm, will bring them back to my window under the
feeders.. .Or they have headed farther south.
It was quite calm here today(+8C) and mostly overcast in the afternoon.
Several small flocks of Tundra swans passed by heading east over the lakeshore.
One "V" containing a single snow goose keeping line with the leaders.
The real surprise was on my ascent up from the beach. I stopped at the
summit to catch my breath and noticed a single swallow heading towards me about
70 feet above the water almost at eye level.
My initial guess was an extremely late tree swallow but as it passed some
15 feet away, I noticed the buffy rump and cinnnamon throat and forehead. WOW
it was a Cave!!
Any swallow on November 24th is amazing! At this location it must be a
record.
The lake temperature is still +8C, and I noticed a few small flocks of
midges today. There were also sunning diptera, and several Juniper carpet
moths, flying this morning at only +1C. So cunning and observant insectavores
have a few small gleenings to keep them flying. Amazing at this time of year!
Cheers, Keep looking up! Aa(ron) @ Monarch Landing
Monarch Landing is located 1 mile east of Port Burwell on the lake road. Port
Burwell is at the southern terminus of hiway 19 on lake Erie. Take the
Tillsonburg/ Ingersol exit (south) at hiway 401. Follow hiway 19(Vienna Road)
south to the lake.
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