Ship Sands Island Summer 2021 (Part 2)

This will be the second writeup on the Ship Sands Island adventure Ezra, Matt and I embarked on in August 2021.

On our first full day as light refilled our campsite and surroundings we awoke to heavy overcast conditions and a surprisingly chilly start between 5C and 10C. In this part of the world, the weather can be extremely variable and is something that should never be underestimated! After some powdered Starbuck's coffee and oatmeal, we started the day's birding close to camp and along the river edge that defines the island, coming up with a number of Nelson's Sparrows and Harriers. We were delighted to have another very close flyby Whimbrel, this time providing some great photographic opportunities.

Whimbrel Close to Camp

Fortunately, we arrived at the coast just after high tide. This meant the majority of shorebirds were concentrated at the vegetation's edge, filling the shallow pools that teamed with tasty invertebrates. As an ongoing theme, Semipalmated Sandpipers dominated the shorebird scene. On this day we estimated 2500. Other highlights from our survey along the coast produced a Wilson's Phalarope, two Red-necked Phalaropes, several Red Knots and a small flock of Marbled Godwits that spent most of the day near our camp. 

There is no doubt that the James Bay region is one of the greatest global stopover sites for migrating shorebirds and is pivotal to the successful pursuit of their wintering grounds from whether that be just south of Ontario to Argentina. For many juvenile shorebirds that are undergoing their first migration from the arctic, we may be the first people these birds encounter. For this reason, these birds can be extremely tame and curious of humans and cameras alike such as this young Wilson's Phalarope below.

A Very Obliging Juvenile Wilson's Phalarope

After completing our survey of the coast, the rest of the day involved stocking up on our brackish water supply followed by spending some time at the mouth of the Moose River dedicated to a lakewatch. It was a great time to maximize and savour the calm, mild and sunny weather even if the birding was not superb. 

An interesting dynamic on the island that was beginning to unravel is the distribution of Ammodramus Sparrows here. Surprisingly over all the walking we did we only encountered a single Le Conte's Sparrow, the only one of our entire trip. On the other hand, Nelson's Sparrow were one of the most common sparrows second to Savanah, seeing 5 to 10 each day.

An Afternoon Lakewatch With the Crew

Around this time we felt compelled to take a very specific group picture. While researching for the trip I stumbled upon a gem of a photo containing three Ontario birding legends that visited Ship Sands one summer back in the 70s. When I learned we would also have three birders travelling to the island it was hard not to resist composing our own rendition. Despite a gap of nearly 50 years (49!) I like to think the admiration and attachment between travelers to this nearly unchanged landscape has changed little between photos. 

As the day winded down, the camp-wits greeted our return to camp, still active and quite vocal. 

On most nights, the land was softly lightened by slivers of the intense star shows peaking through the clouds that would radiate across the land, as well as the discrete lights of Moosonee and Moose Factory off to the distant south. On this night, although not as brilliant as the photos suggest, we were more than happy to witness the faint green hues of the northern lights that danced along the horizon. A great way to end our first full day on the island!

Northern Lights With An Artistic Touch (Photo by Matt)

At Ontario's Edge --- Ship Sands Island Summer 2021 (Part 1)

It has been a long time since I've posted to this site, but I really wanted to capture the memories of the summer 2021 Ship Sands Island trip on the wonderful shores of James Bay.  This is seriously my favourite place in the whole world and in returning I got to relive the magic of this place all over again!

In the summer of 2021 after a year of pandemic driven lockdown and a summer term of my undergrad pulling me close to the urban themes of Waterloo I was eager to get somewhere far from civilization. It wasn't hard deciding a place. It had been exactly three years since I last visited James Bay and by the end of August it was prime time to witness the great spectacle of shorebirds known to the region. Not to mention the rarity potential waiting to be uncovered! 

Juvenile Red-necked Phalarope from summer, 2018

After a long recruiting stage, we had assembled the ultimate crew. Ezra Campanelli has been a long time birding friend who runs a fantastic blog and is coming up to his 2022 Big Year journey (https://banterwithbirdboy.wixsite.com/mysite). Although not a birder yet ;), Matthew Trask is a good friend from school and a fellow outdoorsmen who takes killer night sky and nature photos. Big thanks to Matt for joining the crew within 24 hours notice and letting me use some of his superb photos.

Photo of the 2021 Crew Taken by Matt (From L to R - Matt, Nathan, Ezra)

By 8 pm August 23rd, we were off, with our Accord headed north and our heads held high. Unfortunately, our positive spirits could not translate into blessings from the car gods as we pulled into a gas station north of Vaughan with a faulty battery. This seems to be a recurring theme in northern Ontario birding trips between Ezra and I so I'm glad this happened in the near south (And not at a place such as the Marathon dump or Abitibi Canyon). After a car trade in with my dad we were back on the road with the newest (2020) Accord ready to tackle the 7 hour drive to the Cochrane train station.

We had arrived at the Polar Bear Express train station in Cochrane early on the 24th. There was just enough light for us to escape the confines of the car and take in our first taste of northern birding adjacent to the rail road tracks that run through town. It was surprisingly birdy, with a heavy haul of Sparrows tossing in the thick brush. At one point, I got on a Clay-colored Sparrow, my first for the Cochrane district.

Soon enough we were on the train and ready to embark on the five hour train ride to Moosonee. During this time we delegated the logistics of our transportation to Ship Sands Island. From Moosonee the only realistic access to Ship Sands is by taking a roughly 15 km boat ride along the Moose River from the docks of Moosonee (one could of course helicopter in or walk along an apparent trail?! according to locals). At a time these trips could be done in under a hundred dollars, but our lowest quote had been a whopping $700 when planning ahead, rising much fear and suspicion. Not to mention there was no evidence of birders travelling to the island since 2011! 

As the train came to a halt we threw our packs over our shoulders and began our trek through the streets of Moosonee. There seemed to be some pretty striking changes to the town in this post(ish)-pandemic era with health precautions taken very seriously in addition to an incredible hospitality (not that it wasn't before but wow I've never been greeted so kindly by so many strangers). For many I could not imagine the impacts that the pandemic had to the local tourism industry that had already been on the decline prior to 2020. 

Arriving at the docks, we almost instantly connected with one of the local high school students, Dakota. After proposing our $300 return offer, he seemed more than happy to take us to the island in his family's water taxi. It wasn't long before we were on the calm waters of the Moose River, off on the final leg of our own modified triatholon. Once the island was in our sights, we arranged for Dakota to drop us off and pick us up at high tide at one of the few manmade landmarks of the island. 

The Iconic Shelter of Ship Sands Island

Immediately upon our arrival, we were overwhelmed by bird numbers as hundreds of Semipalmated Sandpipers whizzed by us in constant streams. They seemed to be heading towards the mouth of the Moose River. Within these flocks we picked up several Baird's Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitchers and even a Red-necked Phalarope. As winds picked up, the wooden structure provided excellent cover. Assessing our situation further we decided the shelter area would not make a suitable camp site. The possibility of getting flooded was too high and the absence of potable water was concerning. 

A Very Small Sample of the Massive Semipalmated Sandpiper Flocks

With this in mind, we began making the exhausting march through thick masses of cattails carrying all our equipment, food and belongings. One major issue we hadn't anticipated was the tidal creeks that had become unsurpassable by the incoming high tide. Fortunately, we were able to weave our way across a series of narrow openings closer towards the center of the island. We did run into a few interesting birds along the walk including a Sora found by Ezra and a Northern Goshawk in a distant aerial battle with a Northern Harrier.

Eventually, as one travels NE on the island it gives way to some spectacular habitat where the world seems to open up. It is here where the islands best kept mudflats are found, and consequently, the best birding. One can quickly be convinced they have been teleported to the prairies of western Canada when admiring this landscape. 

The "Prairies" of James Bay

As the light faded, the sounds of distant Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese overwhelmed the sky and a lone Whimbrel gave a series of rattling cries as it circled us. One remaining logistical problem was finding drinking water. In total darkness, the hope of freshwater creeks led us far from camp as we scoured countless creeks towards the mainland side of the island. Eventually, we decided to cut our losses and make due with an "acceptable" brackish water. Nothing a little crystal light can't overcome! 

After 8 hours of driving, a 5 hour train ride, half hour boat ride and 10 km hike we had made it, to the edge of Ontario! After settling in to our campsite on the NW corner of the island, we quickly fell asleep, eager to awake to some sweet James Bay birding.

Campsite at Sunset (Taken by Matt)

A Waterloo County Big Year (Summary Post)

It's 2020 now and I haven't summarized my attempts of a County Big Year. Time isn't exactly of the essence right now so let's roll right on in with the 2019 highlights...

Final Total:  215 

Code 5s: American Avocet, Summer Tanager, Acadian Flycatcher, Cerulean Warbler, Forster’s Tern

Code 4s: Golden-winged Warbler, Sanderling

Code 3s: Snow Goose, Least Bittern, Tufted Titmouse, Red-necked Grebe, American Golden Plover, Bonaparte's Gull, Baird's Sandpiper and other fun stuff...

Boy, did this year speed by. Although concentrating one's efforts in an artificial boundary may seem somewhat absurd as I've begun to understand, each chance to get out was always a breath of fresh air, a unique opportunity to experience the nature that could be found directly past your doorstep. A misty summer morning at the edge of the roadside as Least Bitterns float across the Grass Lake marsh filling a recently lit sky, a chilly evening of watching Goldeneyes and Mergansers loaf along a mostly ice covered Grand or a rich mix of southbound shorebirds scurrying about along Floradale mudflats. These will be the memories I will take with me of this year.

I hope I can shed some light at some of the best birding of the year. To spicen things up a little, I’ll make this my take on the top 5 hotspots in the county. So if you happen to get lost and find yourself here, you'll have some birds to keep you busy. All photos were taken from this year in the county.

Columbia Lake

Columbia Lake has been the bread and butter of birding for the first two thirds of the year. With the first third consisting of a co-op based in Waterloo and the second third based on a study term situated at the University. Simply put, Columbia Lake is my favourite spot in the county. No other location suggests such a diverse range of birds present in an urban setting.

Grounded Red-necked Grebe (later returned to water)

 

Orchard Oriole

No other location suggests such a diverse range of birds present in an urban setting. A quick background check on the location can quickly reveal this truth with birds like American Avocet, Brant, Le Conte’s Sparrow, Worm-eating Warbler and Sedge Wrens! A Forster's Tern was a neat surprise in April. No matter what the conditions, Columbia Lake produces. Passerines, gulls, ducks, shorebirds…this place has it all!

A very tame Lesser Yellowlegs

Great Blue Heron

Floradale Reservoir

Floradale Reservoir gives a very minuscule taste of James Bay. Come fall this location’s shorelines become exposed, revealing life-giving mudflats attracting many shorebird wanderer’s from afar. Floradale is one of those locations that screams potential, something often challenging to come by for a landlocked county like Waterloo. For a location nestled in the county’s farthest northern reaches and one of the largest bodies of water in the county, it receives far less attention than it deserves. This year alone a Sanderling and Buff-breasted Sandpiper brought in the
    highlights.

Semipalmated Plover

Some other birds of note were American Golden Plover, Baird’s Sandpiper and Snow Goose. I imagine if this location received as much attention as the more famed Laurel Creek, it would surely deliver more goodies.

Les Snow Geese

Riverside Park

In the beginning of the year I’d never consider this location as my go to hotspot for passerines. But as this year has played out, it holds potential, big time potential. Just this year, the park has attracted a Summer Tanager and Prairie Warbler found by local birders, not to mention a number of more uncommon passerines including Gray-cheeked Thrush and Golden-winged Warbler.

Golden-winged Warbler

Another rarity of the season, a female Summer Tanager

Another angle, bussed from Waterloo to Cambridge for this one!

Even on slow days, close views of most birds makes this spot a must see!

A dapper Canada Warbler

Linwood Area

The Linwood area hosts some Waterloo specialties and is one of my favourite getways from the more urban themes of the county. Here, life is run by horse and buggies and dirt roads (and a Bobwhite farm??!!). This location provides some of the more specialty birds of the county. Winter brings Rough-legged Hawks, Snowy Owls, Horned Larks and Harriers that can be a dime a dozen. Lapland Longspurs and Short-eared Owls at the right times can be almost guaranteed. A Gyrfalcon last fall/winter proves this region holds goodies. I spent a good chunk of winter on Linwood’s country roads, but I’d be interested to see what birds linger throughout the rest of the year.

Snowy Owl

Hespeler Mill Pond

If you’re looking for a location with minimal walking, a peaceful and picturesque environment and ducks, ducks, shorebirds and ducks, Hespeler Mill Pond produces. I managed to pick up a Stilt Sandpiper, Canvasback, Cackling Goose and both scaup here. An American Avocet was an exciting kickoff twitch to the shorebird season in early July. As more of an aside, I thoroughly enjoyed kayaking through this location throughout late summer and early fall. 

Double-crested Cormorants, October evening

Sandhill Crane, April morning

The truth is, every stretch of Waterloo County holds something special for someone and some bird. Numbers aside, I’ve enjoyed every moment exploring the county.  I can’t possibly include all the spots here so I’ll finish with a few more pictures below from locations spread across the region. 

Black-crowned Night-Heron coming to evening roost, Mill Race Park (Galt)

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Sudden Tract (Cambridge)

Scarlet Tanager, Steckle Woods (Kitchener)

Into the North Country (Days 3 and 4)

This is the second installment of my late October trip to the realms of northern Ontario with Ezra Campanelli and our hosts Ken and Angie Williams. Days 1 and 2 can be found below:

Into the North Country (Days 1 and 2)

Day 3 (October 26, 2019)

We had a later start Saturday, enjoying some breakfast at the local Smoothy's and watching overhead flocks of Siskin's and Crossbill's including our only Evening Grosbeak of the trip. It's always refreshing to indulge in northern Ontario's bird diversity (yumm!).

As more of an aside I find it amazing how easily it is to trip the eBird filter (meaning higher than expected quantities of birds/"rare" birds) this far north. I think the most comical "filter trip" on this venture was seeing more than 11 Ring-billed Gulls in Timmins. Shows the lack of birding coverage this area receives!

Over breakfast it was decided Ezra, myself, Angie and Ken would do the complete northern (semi)loop from Smooth Rock Falls to Kapaskasing (about a 200km trip). After driving the paved 634 to Fraserdale, the highway transitions into a gravel road as you drive northwest. I wouldn't be surprised if you can drive to Moosonnee via logging roads someday, these roads appeared to be poppin' up everywhere branching off from the main route.

Saturday's intriguing loop

The drive itself is a fantastic way to fall in love with the northern scenery, however it was apparent we were a little late for any interesting rarities that may have recently wandered these roads.

Typical view from gravel highway

Nonetheless it was an excellent opportunity to scope out potential vagrant traps for future trips of this nature. The Little Long Dam (marked on map above) includes a 5km berm and can be found at the most northern section of this (semi)loop. I won't hype things too much here, but I like the way this place looks! Interestingly, Ken mentioned that a hunter had told him he had 15 Ptarmigans (!!!) along this stretch earlier this fall.

Fragment of Little Long Dam (feat. The Jeep)

After Little long things were rather quiet in the bird department. Once back along the highway 11 corridor, we stopped at the Moonbeam Sewage Lagoons where we were greeted to a Pectoral Sandpiper, Northern Pintail and a funky looking Ring-necked Duck.

Moonbeam Sewage Lagoons featuring some lovely exposed mudflats

Day 4 (October 27, 2019) 

It was time to head back south. After giving our goodbye's and thanks to Ken and Angie, we were back on the road. On our way, we made a quick pitstop in Timmins hoping to catch up to a Laughing Gull that had taken up residence at Porcupine Lake. Laughing Gulls are commonly found along the Atlantic/Gulf coast. Having one this far north and east was certainly rare, but not unprecedented. For us, it was not to be, despite a thorough investigation.

The last stop for birding we had planned for, was a patch of forest that had burned this past summer (I believe...) near the town of Gogama, approximately an hour south of Timmins. In short, forest burns provide a very unique habitat, supplying ample beetles and in turn attracting countless Black-backed Woodpeckers and sometimes the more uncommon American Three-toed Woodpecker. Outside of forest burns, Black-backed Woodpeckers can often be difficult/unpredictable to locate due to its nomadic behaviour.

Ezra on road surrounded by burn

Scenes from the burn

Almost immediately, a Black-backed Woodpecker began giving its distinct 'pik' call. It didn't take long to find several more. There was something incredible about crunching through the burnt ground of a barren forest, while woodpecker's danced from tree to tree. They seemed almost as thrilled as we were.

Male Black-backed Woodpecker #1

We counted at least 10 Black-backed Woodpeckers scattered across the burn. A few Pileated Woodpeckers were also taking advantage of this unique location.

A dapper and damp Pileated Woodpecker

These photogenic beauties didn't seem to mind our presence, here's a few more below...

Black-backed Woodpecker #2

Black-backed Woodpecker #3

The birds were suuuper tame. Just how tame....

Ezra within tree-length of a Black-backed Woodpecker

After 2500 km of driving, we were ready to pack in a superb experience in the north country. All in all, we managed to locate almost all our boreal specialties, enjoy some fantastic grouse and wonderful company, all without the car breaking down! It seems quite easy driving north as if there's this magnetic pull and mystical draw, but it's always a struggle to gravitate back southwards. Ahhh...the wonders of the north!

Paddling for Birds

Towards the end of this past summer, I had the idea of getting into kayaking, particularly for birds and bird photography. Being a lifelong cambridg (?ion/ian/an?) living right next to the Grand River I decided it was about time to explore the river head on. The result .... I present to you the Pelican Trailblazer ....

Preliminary Setup of the Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT

There were a number of routes I covered, but I put an emphasis in the following stretch of river travelling south from Moyer's Landing in Preston to Riverbluff's Park in Galt.

In short, I didn't fulfill my initial hopes and dreams of Western Sandpiper's, Whimbrel's and other wonderful assortments of rare shorebirds. However I've had some great opportunities to improve my photography skills as well as develop a deeper appreciation for photographing birds in their natural element.

Without further rambling, here are some of the results from my Grand River adventures spanning from August - November.

Ring-billed Gull stretching

Great Egrets heading to roost for the night 

Double-crested Cormorants against Moonrise 

Along the Grand, Yellowlegs, Killdeers and Spotted Sandpipers formed the bulk of shorebird's, but these Pectoral Sandpiper's mixed in with some Lesser Yellowlegs were an exciting addition to the kayak list.

Pectoral Sandpipers amongst Lesser Yellowlegs 

 It seemed that no day was like the other, where a slight change in conditions can drastically change the mood of a photo, providing some experimentation of settings when taking pics.

Bald Eagle in Flight

American Black Duck

I was pretty pleased with the results produced, having recently upgraded my camera body to the Canon 7D Mark II. One of the benefits of kayaking was being able to get unusually close to generally timid birds.

A very late Great Egret (Nov. 10)

There's this inner feeling of relaxation and ease when on the water, that is quite difficult to explain in words. To say the least, I am already looking forward to explore some new locations next season!