cktimes.ca Archives for Nature Link


Nature Link

With Blake Mann

LITTLE CHANGE

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

There was nothing new last week, hence the absence of Nature Link. Even this week there is little to report as winter refuses to let go. Spring migrant birds are trickling in though. There was little one could do on Saturday with the wacky weather. We sure are getting extremes this winter. Just look what is happening around the world and what we have had the last three months.

Sunday was a little nicer as the sun eventually came out. The wind was howling though, as it has many times since last fall. I checked out the Rondeau area and noted the return of Robins, blackbirds, sparrows and swans. American Robins were scattered around, especially where there was sumac to feed on.

Many Song Sparrows were at the visitor centre feeders and along roadsides. They are the first sparrow we usually see in early spring, so they are right on cue.

Tundra Swans are increasing in numbers, but I am sure they are not happy with all the snow and ice! Some were riding ice floes on the St. Clair River last week.

Waterfowl was aplenty at Erieau with many species represented. The first Horned Grebe (in almost breeding plumage) was swimming with them.

With warmer weather on the way, I would expect a big change in birds by next week. (I hope warmer weather and NO snow is coming