Stratford CBC and Highlights of 2017

I was originally going to make two separate posts for these topics, but I didn't have a lot to share from the bird count.  Despite that, it was an enjoyable CBC and we saw a decent variety (although low numbers) of species.  It snowed quite heavily, giving us little choice but to finish the count a bit early.

 Nevertheless, we ended with 37 species.  Notable species this year, was Turkey Vulture.  Since they first showed up on the count three years ago, they have been seen every year since.  Very low numbers of raptors around here compared to Linwood, but Red-Tailed, Coopers and Rough-Legged hawks were all represented.

2017 was a good year for me in terms of nature related stuff.  I didn't have a lot of time to go out of my way chasing rarities or new species, but still managed to add a good number to my life list.  I thought I would share my most notable sightings from the year.  Clicking on the species name, will take you to the related blog post.

Algonquin Park- Pine Marten

My favorite mammal sighting of the year would have to go to this especially cute Pine Marten.  I had visited Algonquin to look for winter finches.  I managed to find several of my hoped-for species, but this guy was a special bonus.  It popped up on the Spruce Bog Boardwalk, sending the chickadees and nuthatches into a panic.

Rondeau Provincial Park- White-Winged Dove

This bird was quite cooperative for most observers, hanging around for quite some time in the same general area.  Fortunately my trip to this area for some spring birding overlapped with this dove's time in the park and I managed to find it.


Waterloo- Dickcissels

With the influx of Dickcissels into the province this summer, I was fortunate to observe a couple birds in grassy field outside Waterloo. 

Manitoulin Island- White Admiral

I know that this is not at all a rare butterfly, but it meant a lot to me to finally find one.  Ever since I started trying to identify butterflies, I had been on the lookout for this strikingly patterned species.  I finally caught up with several on Manitoulin Island including this one at a campsite on Pike Lake.

West Perth Wetlands- Glossy Ibis

Rarities like this are an uncommon occurrence in my home county and when I heard about this sighting, I arrived as soon as I could to look for it.  It gave me and my nephew some great views as it preened, foraged and finally flew off not to be seen here again.

Waterloo- Mountain Bluebird

After a couple unsuccessful attempts to see this long-staying rarity, I finally managed to catch up with it.  Although a cloudy day, it was a great sighting.


Of course all this doesn't mean that I didn't appreciate the common species as well.  Those special moments of watching a Red-winged Blackbird puffed up in song or a scolding wren bouncing through the brush are some of the many moments that draw me outdoors again and again.

                                              Best wishes to my readers in 2018!