Westmeath and Pembroke - Nelson's Sparrows!!

 October 9, 2021

The original OFO trip on October 3 was first cancelled, then reinstated unofficially when Derek and Erik agreed to lead.  However, it was then postponed to October 9 due to heavy rain on the 3rd.  However, that last iteration was also cancelled.  Somehow, we misunderstood the email and headed out bright and early for the Cobden boat launch.  We arrived at 7:50 in time to watch several fishing boats launch, but there were no other birders.  We waited until 8:10, then went to check the picnic site on the highway.  No luck there, so back to the boat launch.  There were many cormorants on the lake, and a Great Blue Heron flew by and settled in the reeds.  A River Otter came swimming by with vegetation in its mouth and gulls were wheeling back and forth. 

After a couple more fishing boats launched, by 8:30 it was obvious that we would be on our own.  We decided to head directly to Sand Point Road to explore Westmeath Provincial Park.

We parked at the cottage road and hiked along the beach into the park. We realized later that we could have saved quite a few steps by parking at the end of Greatview Trail, although cottagers might not have liked it if they were present.

We saw very few birds, just a few Song Sparrows and a small flock of Canada Geese.  And then, magically, Bill spotted a couple of sparrows in a tiny willow - our target Nelson's Sparrows!  We could scarcely believe our good fortune.  And they stayed put long enough for us to get these photos.

We went on a short distance and found a good patch of cranberries. We picked a few to bring home.

We decided to head back to the car along the edge of the woods where we got a few more species. Barbara saw a Rusty Blackbird under a tree beside Greatview Trail, but it flew off too quickly for a photo.

 

We drove to Westmeath and checked the boat launch, but there was nothing of interest.

We cruised Pleasant Valley, Hawthorne, Canola and Desjardins Roads looking for Sandhill Cranes, but came up empty.  So, we headed for Algonquin College in Pembroke to have lunch and look for a reported Dickcissel. Obviously, it was a long shot, and we did not know where to look.  We had a good hike on a trail behind the campus building, beside the river. It led to a large field and a forested area.  Here we found some sparrows, a Hermit Thrush and Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

We also checked the marina, but there were only gulls and a few Mallards present.

It was time to head home, but first we went along the Snake River Line where we got another Great Blue Heron at the bridge.

We were tired but elated at having seen and photographed Nelson's Sparrows at last.