Exploring the north- plus a bonus Oliphant oddity

I just got back from a few days of exploring Manitoulin Island and area.  It was an enjoyable trip and was made even better thanks to some sharp-eyed Bruce birders.

The trip started with a lifer mammal on the way up the Bruce peninsula.  Hit on the side of the road is not how I would have liked to see a Fisher.

The time on the island was spent on the beautiful shoreline of Lake Mindemoya.

The place where we stayed is very considerate of smaller critters.

Any type of wild organism was of interest to me when out and about exploring.

My vacationing brain was quickly perked up when I decided to check in on my emails and found a list of ontbirds updates about a Reddish Egret that had been found near Olliphant on the Bruce peninsula.  I can rarely chase these exciting rarities unless they are somewhat close to home, but the location of this bird was hardly out of the way to look for on the way home.

After a brief detour and carefully scanning the reported area, there it was.

My photos don't do it justice,but this Ontario first was a great ending to the trip.

I visited a bit with others enjoying this rarity.  It was nice to see the Konzes again and meet Gavin McKinnon as well.

Happy to get a little blue

Little Blue Heron that is.

After unsuccessfully looking for the Wildwood reservoir bird last night, I returned tonight and within minutes was staring at a suspicious white bird off in the distance.  As it slowly moved closer there was little doubt what I was seeing.  Eventually it came up incredibly close and I had some gorgeous views through the scope.

It joined up with a Great Egret at one point, providing a great size comparison.

Several other birders stopped in and enjoyed the heron as well.  I enjoy opportunities like this to visit with like-minded nature enthusiasts.

Also of note, were numerous species of shorebirds.

And loads of Great Blue Herons.  Standing in one spot, I counted 25 individuals.

A great local bird and a new species for me.