Exploring Pennsylvania

I have just returned from a weekend trip spent in the beautiful mountains and hills of Pennsylvania.  The landscape is so much different from what I am used to here in Ontario.

Birding and exploring was not my primary purpose down here, but I did have some time to do just that and had some interesting observations.

I was introduced to the persimmon tree while down here, not something that I see back in my area of Ontario.  Later in the season, it will be covered in large orange persimmons.

The tree has a very distinctive bark.

Birds were numerous and it was on this trip that I saw my first mockingbird.  Mockingbirds are very common down there and I saw plenty of them.  The species does occur in southern Ontario, but few seem to make their way up to my area. 

Another special species for me was carolina chickadee.  This species is extremely difficult to distinguish from the black-capped chickadee based on sight alone although there are subtle differences which  Brandon's recent post   highlighted .  Pennsylvania is an area where both black-capped and carolina could occur so I wanted to be cautious with any chickadee identification.  On the last morning in the area while picking through the usual birds, I heard a chickadee.  The song sounded a bit fast for black-capped.  I finally found it among the leaves and believe that I have photos of a carolina chickadee.  Once back home, I researched the subtle differences online which makes me feel more confident in identifying this bird.  I'm still no expert on them, so if anyone wishes to correct me please feel free to do so.

Even when away from home, it's great to see the familiar species.

Now that I'm back in Ontario, I am anxious to get out and see what is showing up closer to home.

White trilliums here at home.

A Photographic Tour of Recent Arrivals

Sunset over the barn.

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks

White-crowned Sparrow

American Pipit

Bobolink

Savannah Sparrow

Eastern Meadowlark

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Least Sandpiper

Yellowlegs

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Marsh Marigold

Muskrat

A Trio of Trumpeters

The eBird map has had numerous trumpeter swan sightings in southern Ontario lately, but I was still pretty surprised when I saw these three birds on our pond.

I didn't want to just assume so I tried to get closer and took some photos.  The size and distinctive features left me quite certain of my identification.

It helped that I heard them later in the evening, giving their distinctive trumpet sounding call, very much different from that of a tundra swan.

The birds on our pond only hung around for the day, so I was glad that I saw them when I did. 

In other bird news, I found the first batch of goslings for the year. 

The wood ducks continue to enjoy a flooded patch of the corn field.

And in the same field, this hen turkey was trying to remain unnoticed.  They have now started spring courtship and I have heard plenty of gobbling going on.

Out and About in Perth County

Looking over the pond

We have been having some gorgeous weather over the past few days and the temperature seems to climb every day.  I try to get out and enjoy it as often as I can in my busy schedule.

Purple Finch-home feeder

The good weather also means that work around the farm is picking up and that takes priority.  However one of the advantages of the lengthening days means that there is usually time and light enough to take a walk after the chores are done for the day.

Shovelers and blue-winged teal- Mitchell Sewage Lagoons

Over the last week or so, I have had the opportunity to explore around home, at the Mitchell Sewage Lagoons, Shakespeare Pond and the Ellice Swamp.

Little old lady found at the Ellice Swamp.

Some species seem to waste no time getting started on nesting and the canada goose is one of them.  There is not a lot of vegetation yet to hide the nests, but they can still sometimes be difficult to pick out.

 

Ducks are around in good numbers.  I found a flock of wood ducks in a flooded section of the neighbour's  field.

As well as a pair of american wigeon that have been moving around between various spots around the farm.

Tree swallows have been showing up in southern Ontario for some time already, but I saw my first for Perth county yesterday over one of our ponds.  Getting a decent photo was pretty tough.

I'm trying to expand my knowledge in forms of life other than birds.  I thought this close up of this fresh moss was rather interesting.

And one of our ash trees.  It's questionable how much longer they will last due to the continuing advance of the emerald ash borer.

This ash has an interesting history, scorched when a previous occupant of the property burned a bunch of possessions underneath.

It's great to be out and about on these nice clear evenings.