Grant Lake

 August 31, 2020

Before leaving for the cottage, we spotted a Northern Flicker in the driveway across the road.

Since we were without Grant on this trip, we decided to explore the Martindale Road on the way up.

Our sightings included Kingbirds, Purple Finches, Phoebes and Barn Swallows.

Near Bouchette, we saw 2 older fawns right near the road.

Lac Grant has been on our paddle list for a long time, but the problem is the access.

As seen on the map, we tried the east side, but te roads were all private.  Nevertheless, we enjoyed seeing a new part of Messines for us.  We got a few good birds by a pond and Barbara got a Gray-cheeked Thrush!  Going back out, we had a close encounter with a Broad-winged Hawk.

So, we drove down Blue Sea Lake Road, and parked at the lot for the bike trail.  We had a short portage down the road and lifted over the guard rail.

We went counter clockwise around the lake; it took about 2 hours.  Grant lake is very clear and mostly shallow with a few deep areas and lots of weeds.

We saw Mallards, juvenile Hooded Mergansers, a Great Blue Heron and a family of Common Loons with 2 large young.

Half way around, we pulled into a beach for a snack, and saw a Red-breasted Nuthatch and Ruby-throated Hummingbird at feeders.

We both agreed, it was an enjoyable paddle.  Getting out was more challenging because of the guardrail.  While Bill was tying down the canoe, Barbara discovered a very birdy cottage road by the parking.  We got Bay-breasted, Black and White and Yellow-rumped Warblers.  Also Red-eyed and Philadelphia Vireos.

The next day, we headed for home, but took the Mulligan Ferry Road to look for birds. Actually, half way along the road was blocked, so we ad to retrace our steps.  No worries, just more birding time.

Barbara got a very yellow-throated female Common Yellowthroat, which we had to look up to be certain.

We also saw Barbara's favorite bird, a Song Sparrow, 2 American Kestrels and also a Red-tailed Hawk.

Fall Warblers at Mud Lake

August 28, 2020

We parked at the filtration plant because there were so many cars on Cassels. Right away, Barbara spotted birds in the pine trees by the lake - Pine Warblers!

We crossed the road to the large trees near the river. Lots of warblers, but high up. Cape May, Orange-crowned and Tennessee.

We met many of our birding friends and had a chat.  Eventually, we went up onto the ridge.  The place was crawling with Cape May Warblers.

We also spotted a Nashville Warbler and Bay-breasted Warblers really close.

There were also many Cedar Waxwings, including juveniles.

Also spotted were an Eastern Phoebe a Red-eyed Vireo and a peekaboo Rose-breasted Grosbeak . Then a Song Sparrow and Yellow-rumped Warblers.

Then a surprise - a moulting male Scarlet Tanager and also a female.

We went back across to the lake side and saw lots of Wood Ducks and a single Great Blue Heron, and a Red-breasted Nuthatch in the pine tree with the warblers.  Bill even spotted an American Redstart but was not quick enough to get a photo.

It was probably one of the best warblers day we have ever had.