The day that wasn't.. Or was? It was, but shouldn't have.. Or not expected to. But was

So, 3 trips to Pelee area, nothing terribly noteworthy. A few thousand geese to find a Snow and Some Cackling. Hundreds of Horned Grebes at Pelee, 2 at Blenheim SL and 3 at Townsend SL, but no Eared Grebe. Thayer's, Little, Iceland, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, but nothing "big time".

Anyways you get the point. Defeated, I was happy to turn my attention to my darling Jennifer; who was scheduled to lead a GFN* hike at Mounstberg C.A. The day started innocently enough, Jenn bounding out of bed at first light, then spending the rest of the morning trying to get me out of bed to make sure we weren't late.

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At the University of Guelph Arboretum, things were progressing like hikes usually do. Chatting well past the expected "start time" - as 50% of hike attendees usually arrive late. ;)

Then a dull trill enters my ears, it grows louder, what is it? Birds? A large flock of songbirds races overhead. I know that noise! 100+ Bohemian Waxwings zoom overhead! One of the most exciting bird sightings I've had in weeks! Maybe it's not all terrible news when trying to get out of bed in the mornings.


So yeah... Off we went to mountsberg. I could write some sort of long and melodramatic build up, but to cut it short, we soon found a Ross's Goose (adult white) on the lake with a number of Canada Geese and expected ducks. Boom! Apparently rare birds aren't found until you're not really birding. (see: Mountain Bluebird) but that may just make them better .

(Phone + Scope at big distance) - Yes, that white lump is the Ross's Goose
A bit scary how technology makes it easier to take terrible pictures eh?

Next up was my first Compton's Tortoiseshell of the season. (Well, first Butterfly of the season) in the woods. Neato!

Finishing the day was yet another Cackling Goose , this time in the "Bison field" at mountsberg... Actually at pretty close range, and a good binocular view for those who saw it.


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so, in March/April - Don't go birding and you have an ok shot at finding something!




*http://www.guelphfieldnaturalists.org/

Ross's Goose from December 2010 - just so you can see what they actually look like.