Hi Ontbirders,
Led by myself and Larry Cornelis (with assistance from Steve Charbonneau,
early morning), about 20 OFO members braved the cool weekend weather at
Rondeau Provincial Park on May 6. A rather successful outing was achieved
with a collective total of 85 species seen by the group. As usual, some
scouting ahead of time proved beneficial.
We started on the east side of south point trail where the warm morning sun
brought out many birds. Highlights there included stunning looks at a
singing male CERULEAN WARBLER. Beside it was a WHITE-EYED VIREO. We also
had looks at a male NORTHERN PARULA. Farther down the trail a singing male
BOBOLINK in a tree put on quite a show.
Later in the afternoon we went to look for a pair of SUMMER TANAGERS in the
campground. Upon arrival at site 64 we found a first year male. The female
was not seen by the group but was nearby.
Other notables included 15 warbler species, 5 common flycatcher species, an
adult BALD EAGLE over the visitor centre first thing and at noon, and a
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (day's end) in the picnic area near the store.
Of course there were many other species in the park not observed by the
group. We searched in vain for the CLAY-COLORED SPARROW that I found beside
the store late Friday. It was, however, seen this morning.
.
Next year's Rondeau Outing is tentatively scheduled for May 5.
Blake A. Mann
Wallaceburg
Chatham-Kent, Ontario
boatmannATkentDOTnet
