Fall migration has been a little slow at Point Pelee, but at least a half dozen non-breeding Warbler species were observed in the Park this week including: Chestnut-sided; Blackburnian; Blackpoll; Black-and-white; Ovenbird; and Wilson's. There was a significant absence of breeding species such as Yellow, Yellow-rumped and Common Yellowthroat.
There was a good mix of flycatchers around including at least half-a-dozen Eastern Wood Pewee, Great-crested, Least, an Alder and several that will remain under the generic "Traill's". The bridge over Hillman Creek leading into Hillman Marsh opened back up this week. They put in a sidewalk on both sides of the bridge that will easily accommodate a spotting scope and keep us birders safely off the travelled portion of the road. Good thing the bridge is completed because the only shorebirds observed were on the west side of the bridge as the water is too deep in Hillman Marsh itself. Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper were in the deeper water west of the bridge with at least a dozen each of Great Blue Heron and Great Egret (no bands observed, Chip, as they were up to their bellies in water). There is an open patch of mud on the south (shady) side west of the bridge that had Least, Pectoral and a juvenile Baird's Sandpiper. The Horvath brothers reported a flock of at least a dozen Short-billed Dowitcher in this same area. Bald Eagle, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk and several Cooper's Hawk were observed within the Park and a pair of Osprey were in the dead trees at Muddy Creek leading into Wheatley Harbour. While a decent sand Tip had re-appeared in July, a storm in early August rounded it down to a small nub again. The breaking tide area off the Tip had at least 3 dozen Great Black-backed Gull in everything from 1st year to full Adult plumage, as well as Herring, Ring-billed and Bonaparte's Gulls and Common, Forster's and Caspian Terns. The suet feeders across from Pelee Wings had at least 3 Red-headed Woodpecker visiting regularly. Good birding. Todd Pepper Leamington, Ontario [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ 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
