Manitoba - October 2006
I
made a point to take better notes on this trip, and also it was just a
few days ago, so my memory is a lot better (10/30/2006). Three of
North America's 'snowbirds' were noted on this trip, with all three on
the 29th. Snow Goose, Snow Bunting, Snowy Owl.
October 24, 2006 - Sault Ste. Marie, ON, to the Farm, MB - 1490 km
We did the whole thing in one go this time, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. (EST), as this trip was to try and get my dad out to see his mom before she passed away. He had been out a few weeks previously, but he wanted to be there. We didn't make it in time, and he wouldn't have if he had flown either. 17 hours straight is a long time to drive, and we were all pretty exhausted by the time we got out there. We technically got there at 11:30 p.m., if you consider the time change. This trip was definitely not for birding, but I managed to get some time in anyway. As we drove through the more birdy area in the dark, not many western species were seen today. Some highlights were my season's first Snow Bunting, Northern Shrike, and Cackling Goose, with small flocks of the former and latter, and a single shrike. The Cackling Geese were in amongst a flock of ~300 Canada Geese, ~20 Snow Geese, more than 100 American Coots, and a pair of Mute Swans. All of these were in a small bay near Ashland, WI. Flocks of Franklin's Gulls flew in formation over the road as the sun was setting over western Minnesota. The day ended with 28 species (2 snowbirds), and one year bird - Snow Goose.
October 25, 2006 - The Farm, MB
We spent today with the cousins, playing games and having fun, so not many species were seen. Seven, in fact, with four new ones for the trip being House Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Common Redpoll and Red-breasted Nuthatch.
October 26, 2006 - The Farm and Whitewater Lake, MB - ~60 km
Got an early trip in down to Whitewater Lake. It was cold, but there were a lot of birds there, like always. On the entrance road, a Sharp-tailed Grouse flew by. As we drove in, the mudflats which had held so many shorebirds during the summer had only 5 Greater Yellowlegs left. A lone juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron sat on the shore, looking very cold. Ducks were everywhere, with 9 species and hundreds of individuals present. Out on the ice, a juvenile Bald Eagle sat beside it's older counterpart (it's parent perhaps?), and quite a few gulls flew, slept, or ran about. Franklin's, Ring-billed, and Herring were there, along with a lone California Gull. Muskrats joined the avifauna out on the ice, with more than 30 individuals spread out between the ponds. So far out that they were only white dots in the scope, thousands of Snow Geese sat in the water, and although they were hard to see, they were not hard to hear. We walked out to the far observation tower, where a Western Grebe quietly swam away, and a Greater Yellowlegs flew about, uttering it's tu-tu-tu call. A Peregrine Falcon dive-bombed the many ducks, but it didn't catch any. As I walked back to the car, several large flocks of Snow Geese flew over, with one flock containing a single Ross's Goose. They went to join the multitude already out on the water, and then without warning, the whole flock suddenly took off. My best guess is that there were between 4 000 and 6 000 individuals in the flock, and another flock of ~2 000 was off on the horizon. Another good morning at Whitewater, with 31 species, 18 of which were new for the trip, and one lifer being Ross's Goose.
October 27, 2006 - The Farm and Boissevain, MB - ~70 km
The day of the funeral service. It was a sad day for the whole family. Ten species were noted, the only new one for the trip being Brewer's Blackbird, with flocks numbering in the hundreds flying over the fields. On the way into town, huge flocks of Snow Geese were on their way to Whitewater, with strings of them stretched as far as the eye could see and beyond, in both directions (east and west). Looking through binocs out the car window, many more dots could be seen on both horizons. There were at least 20 000 inidividuals, but my guess was closer to 50 000, and that was only what I could see. I know there were more off in the distance. I didn't get to make another trip down to the lake to see what it was like with all those geese there, but I can imagine.
October 28, 2006 - The Farm, MB
Our last day on the Farm brought seven species, with Hairy Woodpecker being new for the trip. We had a huge bonfire down in the ravine, with hot dogs and marshmallows being insta-cooked for anyone who wanted to go near the fire. It was about 6 feet tall, and 10 feet across, and it was hot. The pop can that my cousin threw in melted within seconds. We made a smaller fire for those who didn't want to get burnt. After the fires, we went up to the top of the ravine, and released my grandma's ashes near an Ash tree. At almost that exact moment, a Bald Eagle appeared out of nowhere, and circled overhead.
October 29, 2006 - The Farm, MB to Bruce Crossing, MI - 1060 km
We tried to make it back in one day again, but we left too late. 12.5 hours was still long enough in the car. Today was better for birds, as we drove through the more birdy part during the daylight hours. Horned Larks flew across the fields, along with Rough-legged Hawks. Ducks were on almost every slough, but were hard to ID through the windows. My second lifer for the trip came in the form of a covey of ~15 Gray Partridge eating gravel on the highway shoulder. The third of the snowbirds was a Snowy Owl sitting on a telephone pole, looking around for prey. Flocks, clouds, strings, and V's of geese were everywhere. Thousands upon thousands of Snow Geese were flying by all morning, along with smaller numbers of Canada Geese. A flock of 9 Greater White-fronted Geese flew parallel to the car, being my third lifers for the trip. A few Red-winged Blackbirds still hung around near the sloughs, and Brewer's Blackbirds were out in the fields. Somewhere in eastern Wisconsin, an owl flew across the road at about 9:30 p.m. I think it was a Barred based on size, but I can't be sure. 30 species were seen today, with 8 new for the trip, and 2 lifers.
October 30, 2006 - Bruce Crossing, MI to Sault Ste. Marie, ON - 430 km
It took another 5.5 hours to get home, making the trip back an hour longer than the trip there. No new species for the trip, and 15 species total. It was sunny and warm, making perfect thermals for hawks. There were quite a few, with most of them being Red-tailed. 9 Bald Eagles were also counted, with one juvenile flying about 20 feet above the car. Amazing views. All told, I saw 60 species on this trip, pretty good for a non-birding trip in late October. The trip list is below, year birds in bold, lifers marked with a *.
Greater White-fronted Goose*
Snow Goose
Ross's Goose*
Cackling Goose
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Tundra Swan
American Black Duck
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Northern Pintail
Canvasback
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Common Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Gray Partridge*
Eared Grebe
Western Grebe
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Bald Eagle
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Peregrine Falcon
American Coot
Greater Yellowlegs
Franklin's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
California Gull
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Snowy Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Shrike
Blue Jay
Black-billed Magpie
American Crow
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
European Starling
Dark-eyed Junco
Snow Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Purple Finch
Common Redpoll
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
October 24, 2006 - Sault Ste. Marie, ON, to the Farm, MB - 1490 km
We did the whole thing in one go this time, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. (EST), as this trip was to try and get my dad out to see his mom before she passed away. He had been out a few weeks previously, but he wanted to be there. We didn't make it in time, and he wouldn't have if he had flown either. 17 hours straight is a long time to drive, and we were all pretty exhausted by the time we got out there. We technically got there at 11:30 p.m., if you consider the time change. This trip was definitely not for birding, but I managed to get some time in anyway. As we drove through the more birdy area in the dark, not many western species were seen today. Some highlights were my season's first Snow Bunting, Northern Shrike, and Cackling Goose, with small flocks of the former and latter, and a single shrike. The Cackling Geese were in amongst a flock of ~300 Canada Geese, ~20 Snow Geese, more than 100 American Coots, and a pair of Mute Swans. All of these were in a small bay near Ashland, WI. Flocks of Franklin's Gulls flew in formation over the road as the sun was setting over western Minnesota. The day ended with 28 species (2 snowbirds), and one year bird - Snow Goose.
October 25, 2006 - The Farm, MB
We spent today with the cousins, playing games and having fun, so not many species were seen. Seven, in fact, with four new ones for the trip being House Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Common Redpoll and Red-breasted Nuthatch.
October 26, 2006 - The Farm and Whitewater Lake, MB - ~60 km
Got an early trip in down to Whitewater Lake. It was cold, but there were a lot of birds there, like always. On the entrance road, a Sharp-tailed Grouse flew by. As we drove in, the mudflats which had held so many shorebirds during the summer had only 5 Greater Yellowlegs left. A lone juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron sat on the shore, looking very cold. Ducks were everywhere, with 9 species and hundreds of individuals present. Out on the ice, a juvenile Bald Eagle sat beside it's older counterpart (it's parent perhaps?), and quite a few gulls flew, slept, or ran about. Franklin's, Ring-billed, and Herring were there, along with a lone California Gull. Muskrats joined the avifauna out on the ice, with more than 30 individuals spread out between the ponds. So far out that they were only white dots in the scope, thousands of Snow Geese sat in the water, and although they were hard to see, they were not hard to hear. We walked out to the far observation tower, where a Western Grebe quietly swam away, and a Greater Yellowlegs flew about, uttering it's tu-tu-tu call. A Peregrine Falcon dive-bombed the many ducks, but it didn't catch any. As I walked back to the car, several large flocks of Snow Geese flew over, with one flock containing a single Ross's Goose. They went to join the multitude already out on the water, and then without warning, the whole flock suddenly took off. My best guess is that there were between 4 000 and 6 000 individuals in the flock, and another flock of ~2 000 was off on the horizon. Another good morning at Whitewater, with 31 species, 18 of which were new for the trip, and one lifer being Ross's Goose.
October 27, 2006 - The Farm and Boissevain, MB - ~70 km
The day of the funeral service. It was a sad day for the whole family. Ten species were noted, the only new one for the trip being Brewer's Blackbird, with flocks numbering in the hundreds flying over the fields. On the way into town, huge flocks of Snow Geese were on their way to Whitewater, with strings of them stretched as far as the eye could see and beyond, in both directions (east and west). Looking through binocs out the car window, many more dots could be seen on both horizons. There were at least 20 000 inidividuals, but my guess was closer to 50 000, and that was only what I could see. I know there were more off in the distance. I didn't get to make another trip down to the lake to see what it was like with all those geese there, but I can imagine.
October 28, 2006 - The Farm, MB
Our last day on the Farm brought seven species, with Hairy Woodpecker being new for the trip. We had a huge bonfire down in the ravine, with hot dogs and marshmallows being insta-cooked for anyone who wanted to go near the fire. It was about 6 feet tall, and 10 feet across, and it was hot. The pop can that my cousin threw in melted within seconds. We made a smaller fire for those who didn't want to get burnt. After the fires, we went up to the top of the ravine, and released my grandma's ashes near an Ash tree. At almost that exact moment, a Bald Eagle appeared out of nowhere, and circled overhead.
October 29, 2006 - The Farm, MB to Bruce Crossing, MI - 1060 km
We tried to make it back in one day again, but we left too late. 12.5 hours was still long enough in the car. Today was better for birds, as we drove through the more birdy part during the daylight hours. Horned Larks flew across the fields, along with Rough-legged Hawks. Ducks were on almost every slough, but were hard to ID through the windows. My second lifer for the trip came in the form of a covey of ~15 Gray Partridge eating gravel on the highway shoulder. The third of the snowbirds was a Snowy Owl sitting on a telephone pole, looking around for prey. Flocks, clouds, strings, and V's of geese were everywhere. Thousands upon thousands of Snow Geese were flying by all morning, along with smaller numbers of Canada Geese. A flock of 9 Greater White-fronted Geese flew parallel to the car, being my third lifers for the trip. A few Red-winged Blackbirds still hung around near the sloughs, and Brewer's Blackbirds were out in the fields. Somewhere in eastern Wisconsin, an owl flew across the road at about 9:30 p.m. I think it was a Barred based on size, but I can't be sure. 30 species were seen today, with 8 new for the trip, and 2 lifers.
October 30, 2006 - Bruce Crossing, MI to Sault Ste. Marie, ON - 430 km
It took another 5.5 hours to get home, making the trip back an hour longer than the trip there. No new species for the trip, and 15 species total. It was sunny and warm, making perfect thermals for hawks. There were quite a few, with most of them being Red-tailed. 9 Bald Eagles were also counted, with one juvenile flying about 20 feet above the car. Amazing views. All told, I saw 60 species on this trip, pretty good for a non-birding trip in late October. The trip list is below, year birds in bold, lifers marked with a *.
Greater White-fronted Goose*
Snow Goose
Ross's Goose*
Cackling Goose
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Tundra Swan
American Black Duck
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Northern Pintail
Canvasback
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Common Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Gray Partridge*
Eared Grebe
Western Grebe
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Bald Eagle
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Peregrine Falcon
American Coot
Greater Yellowlegs
Franklin's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
California Gull
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Snowy Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Shrike
Blue Jay
Black-billed Magpie
American Crow
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
European Starling
Dark-eyed Junco
Snow Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Purple Finch
Common Redpoll
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
