This morning's hike on Fish Point saw vireos outnumbering warblers at Fox Pond (WHITE-EYED, WARBLING, RED-EYED). A VIRGINIA RAIL and SORA continue to be relatively easily seen. At the southern tip, we witnessed a small reverse migration. Someone we met coming back from the tip said things were quiet there before 8:00 am, so we're estimating this reverse migration began around 8:30 a.m. We watched for about an hour and estimated birds flying south at the rate of about 10-20 birds per minute. Apart from various blackbirds, NASHVILLE WARBLERS constituted the greater part of the reverse movement, supplemented by RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, several INDIGO BUNTINGS, many BALTIMORE ORIOLES, a few ORCHARD ORIOLES, BOBOLINK, several female SCARLET TANAGERS, and a few ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS.
Total of species observed in May: 148 Rob Tymstra Ron Tiessen Pelee Island Heritage Centre West Dock, Pelee Island, Ontario, N0R 1M0 (519) 724-2291 "pimuseum" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ----------------------------------------- There will be daily bird hikes on Pelee Island until May 20. Cost is $5.00 which includes admission to Heritage Centre. Meet in front of the Centre at the foot of West Dock every day at 7:30 a.m. Check into the Centre for details on best birding areas and current rarities. The Heritage Centre is open from 10 am - 5 pm daily. 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. The Fourth Annual Pelee Island Bird Race / Baillie Birdathon will take place from noon Friday, May 13, to noon, Saturday, May 14. The Springsong Celebration continues Saturday evening with a 'Talk and Dinner' featuring Jane Urquhart with an introduction by Margaret Atwood. Sunday, May 15, features a talk by Bill Lishman, 'Father Goose.' The 'Green' category of the Bird Race continues this year, allowing only human-powered or non-fossil fuel modes of transportation. Pelee Island Bird Observatory (PIBO) continues its daily banding and census operation. Visitors are welcome. For more information about PIBO please contact the Heritage Centre or check the website: www.peleeisland.org Pelee Island can be reached by ferry leaving Leamington several times daily. For times and reservations, call 1-800-661-2220.
