Feb. 21 2024

Leaders; James Turland, Simon Turland

Participants;  Bill Hatten, Bob Droine, Carole Lupton, Eloise Jantzi, Filmon, Heather Drane, James Turland, Jenny Halpin, Judy Wyatt, Lynn Beaton, Margaret Anderton, Marshall Byle, Nancy McHardy, Norah Toth, Norma Nanni, Pat Sein, Penny Brown, Rob Wray, Rod Sein, Simon Turland, Susan Weaver

HI BBC; The Feb. 21 hike started with a ruckus at the boathouse, a crow mobbing for unknown reason. At our first stop on the 8th of Bruce we scoped two Bald Eagle nests. Both aeries had two adults close. Eagles start mating early and there may well be eggs in the nests already. This was a very eagle-filled morning with over 70 counted at Baie du Dore alone. Two baldies pleased the camera totters by letting us approach very close. A first of the year Turkey Vulture teetered overhead and gave us great views. We ate lunch at The Bruce Inn Restaurant in Kincardine. 

At Blair's Grove we saw red and grey morph Screech Owls in side by side bird houses. Apparently they like to sit in south facing doorways to bask in the sun. 

RED AND GREY MORPH SCREECH OWLS LIVING SIDE BY SIDE

We cruised the Blair's Grove neighbourhood until we heard the chickadees. After we located the chickadees with some careful scrutiny we found the Titmice that travel with them. Blair's Grove is a mini Oak Savanna habitat and is the most reliable place in Bruce County to see a Titmouse . At our last stop the Carolina Wren teased us from the other side of a cedar hedge and was only seen by a lucky few  who had time to wait for its second coming. 

Thanks to Rob Wray for sharing all the photos in this email.

Following is a checklist of the birds seen on the hike.

Southampton to Point Clark, Ontario, CA

Feb 21, 2024 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Protocol: Traveling

50.0 kilometer(s)

Checklist Comments:     BBC Hike lead by Simon and James

36 species

Canada Goose  X

Mute Swan  X

Mallard  X

American Black Duck  X

Greater Scaup  X

Bufflehead  X

Common Goldeneye  X

Common Merganser  X

Red-breasted Merganser  X

Wild Turkey  X

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  X

Mourning Dove  X

Herring Gull  X

Great Black-backed Gull  X

Glaucous Gull  X

Bald Eagle  X

Eastern Screech-Owl  X

Red-bellied Woodpecker  X

Downy Woodpecker  X

Pileated Woodpecker  X

Merlin  X

Northern Shrike  X

Blue Jay  X

American Crow  X

Common Raven  X

Black-capped Chickadee  X

Tufted Titmouse  X

Red-breasted Nuthatch  X

Carolina Wren  X

European Starling  X

American Robin  X

House Finch  X

American Goldfinch  X

Snow Bunting  X

American Tree Sparrow  X

Dark-eyed Junco  X

To see accurate locations where birds were seen check out the eBird Trip Report

Link to eBird Trip Report.   https://ebird.org/canada/tripreport/206073

If any participants want copies of the day's checklists just send me a request.