Hello Ontbirders.
Today’s warbler count so far is 25 species. Good birds include BLUE-WINGED on Tulip Tree Trail and at the Pony Barn, HOODED on Harrison Trail and the Maintenance Loop, GOLDEN-WINGED at the Pony Barn, ORANGE-CROWNED on Harrison Trail and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT on South Point Trail. Some of our later warblers are also moving through, with MOURNING seen recently and BLACKPOLL in the campgrounds today. The main centre of activity continues to be the Maintenance Loop – Harrison Trail – Pony Barn area, which is coincidentally where most of the birders have congregated to search for rarities! Raptors often attract flocks of birders. The EASTERN SCREECH OWL on the Maintenance Loop continues to be well seen (and well photographed). Another prominent nesting species, the COOPER’S HAWK, has shown an amazing tolerance for visitor traffic on Tulip Tree Trail. The BALD EAGLES on the Marsh Trail don’t show too much concern for visitors – unsurprising, as it is impossible to approach within hundreds of metres of their nest. The adults are tending two large young that are more than half-grown. A late spring sighting of a GLAUCOUS GULL was an unexpected find on South Point Trail. I will report on our marsh birds, nocturnal songsters and eagles following this evening’s guided bird hike on the Marsh Trail. Yesterday, an EARED GREBE, 2 BLACK TERNS, 2 WILSON’S PHALAROPE’S and a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER were seen at the nearby Blenheim Sewage Lagoons. ---------------------------------------------------------------- I will lead a guided hike twice daily from Saturday May 2 to Monday May 18, inclusive (fee $5), as follows: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 am and 1:00 pm; Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 am and 7:00 pm; Friday at 7:30 am. All of the 7:30 am and 1:00 pm hikes listed above will meet at the Visitor Centre. The 7:00 pm hikes will meet at the entrance to the Marsh Trail. A second hike on Friday at 1:00 pm will meet at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons. The Friends of Rondeau will provide a Birders' Breakfast for a small donation (coffee, tea, bagels, soups and treats) daily from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Visitor Centre. More information on the park's nature programs and the Friends of Rondeau is available at the Friends' website: www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca. DIRECTIONS: Take exit 101 from Highway 401 and drive South 16 km on Chatham Kent Road 15. Turn right and follow the signs to the park. The Bird Sightings Book, Bird Sightings Board and other relevant information are located at the Visitor Centre (open 7:00 am to 5:00 pm from May 2 – 18). Please note that Rondeau Road is presently closed (to protect snake populations) between Bennett Rd. and the Visitor Centre. To reach the Visitor Centre from the park Gate, turn left (west) on Rondeau Ave., then right at the traffic circle onto Lakeshore Rd. and go 6 km South to Gardiner Ave., then turn into the parking lot. Steve LaForest Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide c/o Rondeau Visitor Centre (519) 674-1768 _________________________________________________________________ Create a cool, new character for your Windows Live™ Messenger. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9656621_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
