Our final day on our Migration Adventure was taking us to Pelee Island. This was a first for me, as I have never been to the island before. We got up early to catch the Ferry, the Jiimaan, which was docked very close by. We made our way there and got our tickets and patiently waited for the call to board. This didn't seem to take too long as the horn sounded and we made our way to board. I was surprised to see all the heavy equipment that was boarding. This ferry must be able to take a lot of weight.
The Jiimaan Ferry out of Kingsville Ontario.
With a little help from the crew we were able to find our way to the outside seating area. Earlier in the day we were warned that it was going to be really cool, but it was fine. I sat outside because I didn't want to miss anything. As we were waiting to depart there were several Turkeys Vultures gathering on a mount of dirt beside the ferry terminal asking to be photographed, so I obliged.
Turkey Vultures seeing off the ferry.
Once we left, we had Gulls following us. Maybe they had us confused with a fishing boat, because they followed us for the whole one and a half hour trip. I was sitting there enjoying the fresh air and the scenery when all of a sudden I spotted an American White Pelican. According to Merlin, they aren't supposed to be around there. I was on the wrong side of the ferry to get a good shot, because it was a little far away by the time I saw it. It was turning out to be a great weekend to see birds you normally wouldn't see.
Gull following the Ferry.
Cropped photo of an American White Pelican on the way to Pelee Island.
As we arrived at the island, first thing I noticed were all the Cormorants sitting on the rocks just off shore. Next thing was the really cool looking buildings. I couldn't wait to get off the boat for pictures, so I took some pictures before we were docked. It was a great angle as well.
Double-crested Cormorants with some American White Pelicans mixed in.
We decided not to take the car over, because we heard we could rent bikes on the island. First thing we did was go to the Visitor Centre and ask for some advice on where to go to get some good photographs. The answer we got was Fish Point. So that's where we were going to go. But first we stopped for lunch at the Westview Tavern before we continued with our adventure. It was a really good lunch, and a great way to start the adventure.
First building we saw as we were arriving on Pelee Island.
We decided to rent the bikes, and the Comfortech Bicycle Rentals was just down the street. We walked down the street and rented the bikes to bike down to Fish Point. Since I had my camera gear with me, we rented 3 wheelers because they had a basket to carry my gear. This was a first for me riding a large 3 wheel bike. It was either the bike or myself, but it kept wanting to turn right. Sure took some getting used to. It sure made the ride rather interesting.
Double-crested Cormorants hanging out just off the Island.
I had to stop suddenly because there was a Green Frog on the road. That matched the total of Frogs I saw the day before. I also had to stop and take pictures of the Cormorants on the rocks from a different angle.
Juvenile Bald Eagle on Pelee Island.
We got to Fish Point and realized we didn't have enough time to do the whole trail as we needed time to get back with a safe cushion of time. The Ferry was only departing one more time that day. So we walked for a bit and found a little lookout area. I walked down the lookout area, and I could hear lots of birds sing their songs. Looking to the right, I couldn't see anything within camera range. It sure was beautiful scenery though.
The Bald Eagle photo shoot was over.
Before I even turned around to look to the left, Shannon told me to turn around to look. In the trees which didn't have no leaves (the absolute best kind of trees for bird photography), there were two large birds. They were in separate trees at a bit of a different height and the sane sized birds. They were both Juvenile Bald Eagles looking proud as could be. One was facing me, and one was facing the other direction. I was able to get pictures of both, and also took a short shaky video.
I believe this an Orange Sulphur.
I tried to get closer to them by going back down the trail, then off the path towards them. But I was having difficulty figuring out which trees they were in, as there was lots of trees in the way. Unfortunately I didn't get the other angle, and when I returned to the lookout, they were making their way out of the trees and continuing their journey. I snapped a couple more shots as they flew away.
Monarch Butterfly on Pelee Island.
Looking at the time, it was time to head back. Time went so quick. It felt like we just got there, and we had to head back. So back to the head of the trail we went, and hopped on the bikes for the ride back. The ride back was a little easier, than I thought it was going to be. After some electric bikes flew by us, I thought maybe we rented the wrong bikes. But it was still an enjoyable ride.
We dropped the bikes off then thought we would reward ourselves with some ice cream, but unfortunately the ice cream place was closed. So we got a nice cold bottle of water from the bike rental place and say on a bench and enjoyed the scenery as we waited for the ferry.
Lots of amazing things to see in this Province and Country. Proud to be Canadian.
It was finally time to head home. It was sad that the adventure was over, but it was also nice to be going home. It was a fantastic extended weekend. We fit in a lot of great places. All places I would love to spend more time at. Perhaps another time. And a fantastic weekend for birds. And not only birds, just nature in general. I am really looking forward to next year to see new places, new birds and new critters. Also the people. It's great talking to people that are there for the same reasons you are.
That's it until our next photography adventure.
Till next time,