Since last weeks post the ice on the east side of Point Pelee has opened up
to within 500 metres of the beach and Common Merganser and Common Goldeneye
can now be seen up and down the East Beach. Ice still surrounds the Tip
itself and the West Beach.
The lack of open water did not stop new spring migrants from showing up at
Point Pelee this week. The first Red-winged Blackbird and White-breasted
Nuthatch were noted around the Marsh Boardwalk and Concession E road on
Saturday. Ruby-crowned Kinglet was noted at the Tip and Woodland Nature
Trail, White-throated Sparrow on the Woodland Nature Trail and Hermit
Thrush in Tilden’s Woods on Sunday.
Over-wintering birds were much more vocal this week. The Yellow-rumped
Warbler has separated itself from the mixed flock and was making its
distinctive “chek” sound north of Delaurier. While not quite yet in full
“tea-kettle” song four Carolina Wren were chattering along the Woodland
Trail. Even the Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers were much more vocal. A
Cooper’s Hawk was checking out a former nest site in Tilden’s Woods and
mobbing American Crow revealed a Great Horned Owl on the Shuster Trail.
The Onion Fields outside the Park had one Rough-legged Hawk and several
Northern Harrier, including a beautiful plumaged male. While Horned Lark is
still present, they have dispersed and are scattered around the Concession
Roads. Snow Bunting was reported from the Tip, although were notably absent
outside the Park.
Muddy Creek at Wheatley Harbour had two adult-plumaged Black-crowned
Night-Heron sitting on the ice near the open water outflow from the Omstead
Food plant.
Visitors to Point Pelee National Park should note that the bridge over the
Sturgeon Creek from the Bevel Line Road to Point Pelee Drive is closed for
repair until April 18, 2008. To access the Park go east on Seacliff Drive
East from Erie Street South in Leamington. Continue east on Seacliff Drive
past the Bevel Line turn-off to Concession Road 12. Turn Right on
Concession 12 and join up with Point Pelee Drive at Paula's Restaurant.
Submitted by Todd Pepper for Friends of Point Pelee.
There will be no report for week ending March 13-08
FESTIVAL OF BIRDS
MAY 3 THROUGH MAY 19, 2008
BREEDING BIRD ATLAS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE NATURE NOOK BOOK STORE
SUPPORT THE FRIENDS OF POINT PELEE
_______________________________________________
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birding organization.
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For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
