Rondeau Bird Report – Wednesday May 7, 2008 at 11 am Good morning birders. Warbler sightings today so far include Golden-winged, Hooded, Blue-winged, Northern Parula, Wilson’s and Blackburnian. Although our ‘reliable’ Prothonotary hasn’t been seen at the Log Pond / Pony Barn of late, there was a sighting on the Spicebush Trail at 8:55 am. Other passerines this morning include Yellow-throated Vireo, Orchard Oriole and Rusty Blackbird. The Harris’s Sparrow, present at the Visitor Centre feeder from May 2 – 6, has not yet been seen today. As noted previously, we have had no additional reports concerning the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher seen here on May 5. It was last seen just outside the park sometime before 4 pm on May 5. The hike on the Marsh Trail on Tuesday evening was quite productive, with American Woodcock doing display flights in several locations, Soras calling, and our first sightings of Whip-poor-will. It was a challenge to hear the night birds over the incredible chorus of Spring Peepers and American Toads. Virginia Rails, American Bitterns and Sandhill Cranes have also been heard calling in the marsh. The highlight of the tour was a ‘scope view of the Bald Eagle nest, with large chicks. In addition to these avian first sightings of the year, we enjoyed a first sighting of the thin crescent moon as well as observing the red planet Mars and the rings of Saturn. Good observing. Steve LaForest Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide c/o Rondeau Visitor Centre (519) 674-1768 I will lead a guided bird hike twice daily May 3 to 19 (fee $5), as follows: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 7:30 am & 1 pm; Tuesday & Thursday 7:30 am & 7 pm; Friday 7:30 am. All of the 7:30 am and 1 pm hikes listed above will meet at the Visitor Centre. The 7 pm hikes will meet at the entrance to the Marsh Trail. A second hike on Friday at 1 pm will meet at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons. The Friends of Rondeau will provide a birders' brunch for a small donation (coffee, tea, bagels, soups & treats) daily from 7 - 11 am. There will also be a special program, on Saturday May 10 at 7 pm - an evening presentation about the spring migration at Rondeau entitled "An Evening in the forest with LaForest" (contact the Visitor Centre re tickets). Directions: Take exit 101 from Highway 401 and drive South 16 km on Chatham Kent Road 15. Follow the signs to the park. The Bird Sightings Book, Bird Sightings Board and other relevant information are located at the Visitor Centre (open 7 am to 5 pm from May 3 - 19). To reach the Centre from the park gate, travel 6 km South on Rondeau Road to Gardiner Ave. and follow it around the bend to the parking. _________________________________________________________________ Enter today for your chance to win $1000 a day—today until May 12th. Learn more at SignInAndWIN.ca http://g.msn.ca/ca55/215_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] 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
