May 21 2025

Leader: Sue Weaver
Participants: Anne-Marie Benedict, Barbara Palmer, Becky Grieveson, BJ Martin, Bob Taylor, Carole Lupton, Cindy McGregor, Doug Martin, Fred Jazvac, Heather Drane, Heidi Harris and baby Holly, James Turland, Joanne Does, Judy Duncan, Judy Wyatt, Margaret Anderton, Margaret Beard, Marilyn Ohler, Marshall Byle, Nancy McHardy, Norma Nanni, Simon Turland, Susan Weaver, Yvonne Bieman, Bruce Edmunds

On May 21, 2025, 26 BBCers from distant reaches gathered at the Kincardine Lagoons and enjoyed a rain threatening but dry morning. Birds were not abundant, but we observed a good variety. Highlights included a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and both Golden and Blue-winged Warblers, The dunes turned out to be the most productive area. Hiedi also brought baby Holly in a stroller—probably the youngest ever to join a BBC hike! Bird activity at the lagoons seemed to pick up as we returned towards the cars, making it harder to leave. Kincardine Lagoons remains one of the county’s premier spots for compiling a sizable bird list. We ended the morning with 57 species.

From there the group convoyed to Fisherman’s Cove, Sue invited everyone into her home and provided a warm, hearty chili lunch—just right for a damp spring day. A few tears were shed as we said farewell to long-time member Cindy McGregor, who is moving to the East Coast to be closer to family.

Though rain fell heavily during lunch, it let up in time for an afternoon walk. Sue led us to a sand bank filled with Bank Swallow nests. The swallows were out actively feeding over the lake, picking insects off the surface since few were flying in the cool light rain. Two Ospreys soaring overhead added a dramatic touch, while circling the nesting platform. We wrapped up the day with a visit to the Greenock Swamp complex, one of the largest forested areas in the region. At this time of year, the winter thaw and spring rains flood the forest floor, leaving the road as the only dry path. Here we heard a Yellow-throated Vireo and saw Green Herons in trees and Great Blue Herons in the sky. All in all another great day of comradery and birding. Thanks to all who participated. Thanks to Marilyn for keeping the ebird checklists. To see Marilyn's Trip Report click on the link. https://ebird.org/tripreport/374665

Thanks to Sue for leading, feeding and sheltering us all. Cheers James

To see more of Bruce's photos from the day check out the BBC facebook page.

Complete list of birds 66 species

Kincardine Sewage Lagoons,and Fisherman's Cove Bruce, Ontario, CA
May 21, 2025 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
66 species

Canada Goose  X
Wood Duck  X
Mallard  X
Lesser Scaup  X
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  X
Mourning Dove  X
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  X
Killdeer  X
Spotted Sandpiper  X
Double-crested Cormorant  X
Green Heron  X
Turkey Vulture  X
Belted Kingfisher  X
Downy Woodpecker  X
Hairy Woodpecker  X
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher  X
Least Flycatcher  X
Great Crested Flycatcher  X
Eastern Kingbird  X
Yellow-throated Vireo  X
Blue-headed Vireo  X
Philadelphia Vireo  X
Warbling Vireo  X
Red-eyed Vireo  X
Blue Jay  X
American Crow  X
Black-capped Chickadee  X
Bank Swallow  X
Tree Swallow  X
Purple Martin  X
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  X
Barn Swallow  X
Cliff Swallow  X
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  X
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  X
European Starling  X
Gray Catbird  X
Swainson's Thrush  X
Wood Thrush  X
American Robin  X
American Goldfinch  X
Chipping Sparrow  X
Song Sparrow  X
Swamp Sparrow  X
Baltimore Oriole  X
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Northern Waterthrush  X
Golden-winged Warbler  X
Blue-winged Warbler  X
Common Yellowthroat  X
American Redstart  X
Northern Parula  X
Magnolia Warbler  X
Bay-breasted Warbler  X
Blackburnian Warbler  X
Yellow Warbler  X
Chestnut-sided Warbler  X
Black-throated Blue Warbler  X
Yellow-rumped Warbler  X
Black-throated Green Warbler  X
Canada Warbler  X
Northern Cardinal  X
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  X
Indigo Bunting  X