We turned around where the church and an old one-room school marked the the Shouldice corner and headed back down the narrow gravel road, probably only used by farm equipment. Drove down through the swamp again in the opposite direction, and this time we did spot some birds.
There's more open water on this side, though the bulrushes block the view at this time of year.
We watched carefully and this time we saw a Great Egret, stalking the shallow water.
Great Egrets are Blue Heron sized, and similar shape, but all white. They're a spectacular bird to see.
We had a really good look at it, as we were quite close.
Lots of the native Bulrushes along the ditch, not yet out-competed by the invasive Phragmites.
And on the other side the entire surface of the water was covered in lily pads of White Water Lilies.
I caught a photo of a Kingfisher, but just a dark silhouette, not showing its vibrant colour.
Off in the distance Mrs. F.G. spotted a pair of swans, probably the Trumpeter Swans, which have been building their population since reintroduction 30 years ago, after being extirpated for decades. Swans form life-long pair bonds.
And then on the far shore she spotted another Great Egret, though it was certainly too far away for a decent photo.
So although we only saw 4 Sandhill Cranes flying over, we considered our outing a great success!
That is perfect habitat for those birds. You got some good shots of the egret. Waterlilies can be a fascinating plant and the flowers are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLovely shots of the egret. I miss seeing them around the lake I walked around where I used to live.
ReplyDeleteI think I would call that a successful trip.
ReplyDeleteI think seeing the Swans and Egret on the same day is some pretty good bird watching. And then to spot an elusive and normally skitterish Kingfisher as well. But there was a third bird presence involved in the sightings too and that was the Eagle eyes of both of you in sighting the birds.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful area, wild and claimed by nature. A sighting of cranes would be a delight. Seeing the Egret was a nice bonus.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, every one. I love the herons and the kingfisher especially.
ReplyDeleteThat was a successful bird sighting trip I'd say. In any case, getting out for a drive in such an area is a treat. I had never heard of Phragmites...I learned something new today.
ReplyDeleteYes it was a successful time out. Great egrets are beautiful birds, as the climate changes they may soon nest up our way and eventually around the Great Lakes.
ReplyDeletePretty scenes! Swans can become a nuisance.
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