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.
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.
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