We were up early again in the morning, and our plan for the day was to go to Point Pelee. In true Canadian fashion, our first stop was at Tim Horton's for a coffee, then on the road again. The drive isn't very long, even with an unnecessary stop. Sometimes the GPS can take you on its own adventure. We got to the park in good time and proceeded with our next adventure.
Great Blue Heron in flight along the water at our first stop.
Our first stop was the short boardwalk lookout area not far into the park. I pulled over in the small pull over area and got my camera gear out and was on my way out to see what I could see. It was a good area last year for photographs so I was hoping for good things. On my way out there were a couple people walking in. I asked what there was out there to see and the gentleman told me there were no birds out there. I didn't let this deter me, and continued on. Either those people had really bad timing, or they weren't paying attention to their surroundings. Within 10 to 15 minutes, I saw a few Bald Eagles, Some Great Blue Herons, Great Egret, some Turkey Vultures, and some Broad-wing Hawks. The best part was that the Bald Eagles were within the first 30 seconds. It was a fantastic start to our day.
Juvenile Bald Eagle passing over.
After several photographs here, we continued on and made our way to the boardwalk. This is a fantastic walk through a wetland area. Last year a Bald Eagle passed over while we were there. Other things to see here are turtles, and frogs and other wetland creatures. There is also a lookout tower there that I wanted to go up and have a look and hopefully get some photographs. But unfortunately it wasn't meant to be as it was fenced off due to some construction. According to the Point Pelee website, the construction is suppose to be finished in March, 2019.
Canada Darner Dragonfly.
The boardwalk was open so we continued on. Last year we saw a few variety of frogs on this walk, but this year I was only able to find one frog. I thought this was very strange, but it was a very warm day, so perhaps it was too warm for them. I got some photographs of this one lonely little frog and went to look for more. I wasn't seeing anything. No frogs, and no turtles. Others were asking if we were seeing anything because they weren't. But unfortunately we weren't either.
Green Frog (Rana clamitans) soaking in the sunshine.
We continued around the boardwalk which normally goes in a large circle. We got three quarters of the way around, and the boardwalk was closed due to the same construction that prevented us from getting to the tower, so back we went. Only thing I was seeing was dragonflies so I was doing my best to get pictures of them. I think Dragonflies are cool, but I was expecting more. Then just as we were getting close to the end of the boardwalk I finally spotted a Turtle. It was a Painted Turtle. Then I spotted another. And a couple more. There were four Turtles and they looked like they were playing tag or something. So of course I got some pictures. It took a while but we finally saw some wildlife in the wetlands.
Finally found a Painted Turtle along the boardwalk in Point Pelee.
Next stop was the point. We drove down to the Visitor's Centre to catch the shuttle to the tip. We timed this perfectly as the shuttle was just getting ready to leave. We hopped on the shuttle and took the leisurely drive while enjoying the scenery. We got to the tip and got off the shuttle and walked the rest of the way down the trail. I took some photographs of some Terns as we went. I was hoping to get some shots of one with a fish, but no luck this time. When we got to the tip, I was surprised how different it looked from the year before. I was able to get some pictures which wasn't easy with the amount of people that were there.
Common Tern down along the tip of Point Pelee.
The most southern point of mainland Canada. The tip of Point Pelee.
We decided to head back. When we got to the shuttle stop, there was a Gentleman playing an absolutely beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace on a Harmonica. I took his picture, but I really should have taken a video so everyone could have heard what I heard. As we waited for the shuttle several Broad-winged Hawks flew over. It was a nice surprise to get some more pictures before the shuttle arrived.
The tip of Point Pelee is south of the 42 Parallel.
We made our way to the car, and decided it was time to call it a day for the bird watching again. We found out that after September 4th, the Ferry goes out of Kingsville, so we decided to look for a room there. The night before I had a beer from The Grove Brew House which was in Kingsville. So I decided I will drive there and see what else they have. When I did a search to find an address, I found out there was also a Hotel there. Since we didn't have a place to stay yet, I decided to look and see if they have anything available.
Gentleman playing a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace on his harmonica.
One of the Broad-winged Hawks that flew over while we waited for the shuttle.
It was a nice drive and not very far. When we arrived I was very impressed with the outside of the building. And when I went in, I was even more impressed with how it looked. The two rooms that were available were Ghost Rooms. According to their beer, George The Ghost Hefeweizen, George the sea Captain has been haunting the Grove Hotel since the 1800s. These rooms are also themed. All their rooms are themed. I chose a room on the theme, not the ghost. And I didn't see George while I was there. It is a great place and I will certainly go back. Needless to say, this is another place I recommend.
Juvenile Bald Eagle at Point Pelee.
We checked in then went for supper at the Brew House, which is connected. The food was good and so was the beer. They had a Watermelon Beer so I had to try it. If you like watermelon, that's a beer for you. After our meal we left the Brew House and went for a little walk to see the town. We didn't go far, but looks like a really nice town. We made our way back to the room to get some rest and get up early to catch the ferry to Pelee Island.
Till next time,