Good morning, Birders were shocked this morning to see and hear a PILEATED WOODPECKER near the Tip. This is by far the rarest bird of the spring. As far as we can tell from speaking to some of the long-time birders, this non-migratory species hasn't been seen since at least 1953 -- 50 years!! Several different groups were lucking enough to catch a glimpse of this increadible bird. It was first identified at 8:15 a.m. by Bill Martin and Sarah Rupert, flying south near the tip. Most recently, it was seen flying north through Tilden's Woods (10:50 a.m.).
Aside from the above, the cool temeperatures and light northeast winds appear to have thinned out the birds this morning. Bird activity was relatively light. Some of the bird reported at the Visitor Centre so far include: ***CHUCK-WILL'S WIDOW*** - (1) - flushed from edge of trail in Tilden's Woods Whip-poor-will - (1) - Sitting on the ground near the tip area Louisiana Waterthrush - (1) - Tilden's Woods "Gambell's" White-crowned Sparrow - (1) - Visitor Centre train loop Cerulean Warbler - (1 male) - Tip train stop White-eyed Vireo - (2) - Solar panel display at tip and elsewhere Wilson's Warbler - (1 male) - Solar panel display at tip Water Pipit - (3) - heard flying over periodically Blue-winged Warbler - (1) - word of mouth report of a bird near the tip Summer Tanager - (1) - reported in book from Post Woods but not details provided Rusty Blackbird - (10) - East Beach at tip and also Tilden's Woods Orchard Oriole - (several) Merlin - (1) - Cruising throught the tip area Grasshopper Sparrow - (1) south of Vistor Centre along west beach trail Cooper's Hawk - (1) - One observed doing a display flight Outside the park, the shorebird impoundment at Hillman Marsh saw the return of an number of WILLETS (12) and and adult-plumaged LITTLE GULL. The LARK SPARROW has not been reported so far this morning. It was last observed at Pioneer at 8:30 p.m. Also reported yesterday was our first ACADIAN FLYCATCHER of the spring and a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. Warmer temperatures on Tuesday may herald another push of migrants into the Park Good Birding, John Haselmayer, Karl Konze, Dave Martin, Pete Read, Alan Wormington Staff, Friends of Point Pelee ************************************************************************ Point Pelee National Park and the Friends of Point Pelee are pleased to present the 2003 Festival of Birds from April 26 to May 26. This years events include daily hikes, County Hot Spot Tours, "Birders Breakfast" and much. For more information, please visit www.wincom.net/~fopp/ or www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pn-np/on/pelee/ne/ne4_e.asp. Birders may also be interested in the free shorebird hikes offered by Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) at the new shorebird impoundment starting this weekend. - To contact the Friends of Point Pelee please call 519-326-6173, fax 519-326-7925 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] - For general park information, please call 519-322-2365. - To contact ERCA, please call 519-776-5209. ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! Friends of Point Pelee <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
