Backus Woods, May 17th 2019
On May 17th 2019 I revisited Backus Woods Nature Preserve, west of Port Dover, Ontario.
A rare fragment of old growth Carolinian Forest (Eastern Deciduous Forest), it is the smallest and most endangered eco-system in Canada.
I was intent on seeing and hopefully photographing the rare and elusive Prothonotary Warbler. This time, unlike last year, I was rewarded.
A lifer for me, the Prothonotary Warbler, is one of the rarest breeding birds in Ontario. They are restricted to the north shore of lake Erie. These birds are stunningly beautiful, with a yellow-orange head, yellow breast, olive-green back and bluish grey wings and tail.
Also seen and heard: Hooded Warbler, Great Crested Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, American Redstart, Cerulean Warbler, Red Bellied Woodpecker, Yellow Bellied Sapsucker, Broad Winged Hawk, Red Winged Blackbirds, Grackles, Wood Thrush, Catbird and Field Sparrow.
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| Tulip Tree |
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| Scarlet Tanager |
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| Grey Catbird |
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| American Redstart |
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| Yellow Bellied Sapucker |
