Winter took a long time to arrive this year, but it refuses to leave. It is milder this week, but this past weekend was just too wintry. We cannot complain though, as it has not been harsh like last year. I thought for sure some Red-winged Blackbirds would be claiming territory, or a Killdeer or two would be calling on the weekend.
The ice is disappearing though. The St. Clair River finally cleared out by last Friday. There is still a lot of ice to come down, so things can jam up quickly.
Rondeau Bay is starting to open up and waterfowl is moving in. Hundreds of ducks were around Erieau last weekend along with a few more gulls. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was notable.
The last day of February is the last official day for those who keep winter bird lists. Fewer birds were seen this winter as compared to last. The autumn was so nice, and couple that with the poor cone and seed crop, the birds just kept on heading south. It was quiet in the woods this year.
Last week, a Black-crowned Night-Heron was at the outlet of the Chatham water treatment plant. Likely it was around all winter. Thanks goes to Allen Woodliffe for bringing that to our attention and providing the photograph that accompanies this column.
Hopefully the winter spell will be broken by next week, and there will be more things to talk about.
By the way, what a fabulous ending to the Vancouver Olympic Games on Sunday! The hockey game was one of the best ever and the win by Team Canada was so fitting.
