Apologies for missing yesterday’s post but we were all involved in a 24-hour birdathon. The Second Annual Pelee Island Bird Race has just finished with top honours going to the Ottawa team of Paul Jones and Jodie van Dieen with 119 species. Six teams from Ontario, Michigan, and Ohio competed. A total of 148 species was found by all teams. Farley Mowat will be speaking at a dinner tonight celebrating the Bird Race and arrival of spring on Pelee Island.
Highlights on the island include HENSLOWS SPARROW at Sheridan Point yesterday, two WILLETS at Fox Pond this morning, VIRGINIA RAIL, SORA, both CUCKOOS, and WHITE-EYED VIREO. A male SUMMER TANAGER was seen yesterday on Coopers Road. A good cross-section of warblers is present on the island including BLUE-WINGED, GOLDEN-WINGED, CERULEAN, HOODED, CAPE MAY, PARULA, ORANGE-CROWNED, WILSONS, LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH, and CANADA WARBLER. A CONNECTICUT WARBLER was reported as well. A well-described brown first winter NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen in the Stone Rd. Alvar May 8. Shorebirds in the wet fields include both YELLOWLEGS, BLACK-BELLIED and GOLDEN PLOVERS, DUNLIN, RUDDY TURNSTONE, and LEAST SANDPIPER. Many Raptors are moving through today including a dozen BROAD-WINGED HAWKS, several SHARP-SHINNED and COOPERS HAWKS, MERLIN, 2 PEREGRINES, and an OSPREY. ----------------------------------------- Cumulative May total for Pelee Island: 175 species ----------------------------------------- There will be daily bird hikes on Pelee Island until at least May 20. Cost $4.00 includes admission to Heritage Centre. Inquire at Centre at foot of West Dock for times and locations, and details on best birding areas and current rarities. The Heritage Centre is open from 10 am - 5 pm daily. 519-724-2291. The foyer contains a 'sightings board' listing May bird sightings (open 24 hours). Lighthouse Point is on the NE corner of the island, Sheridan Point on the NW corner, Mill Point on the SE corner, and Fish Point on the SW corner, due south of the West Dock. Attention Birders: All birders are invited to participate in the Second Annual Pelee Island Bird Race, noon Friday, May 9 to noon Saturday, May 10. 'Springsong' Dinner featuring talk with Farley Mowat, introduced by Margaret Atwood, Saturday evening at the Pelee Island Wine Pavilion (tickets for the dinner sold out). All proceeds go to the Heritage Centre and island conservation efforts. Inquire at Pelee Island Heritage Centre for more details 519 724 2291. -------------------------------------------- Pelee Island can be reached by ferry leaving Leamington daily. For times and reservations, call 1-800-661-2220. Rob Tymstra, Irena Knezevic, Paul Carter Pelee Island Heritage Centre [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [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.
