Hello Ontbirders,
A cool sunny morning has turned into another excellent birding day at
Rondeau. A fine total of 28 species of warblers have been seen on our trails
so far today. The stars of the show are KENTUCKY, CERULEAN and YELLOW-BREASTED
CHAT. The KENTUCKY was seen near corner of Bennett Road and Harrison Trail, on
the northwest side of this intersection. The CERULEAN was on the Maintenance
Loop. Not to be outdone, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT has been noted at Harrison
Trail, Maintenance Loop and Pony Barn. The PROTHONOTARY has been seen on Tulip
Tree Trail. Other good warblers include 3 BLUE-WINGED as well as MOURNING and
BLACKPOLL on South Point Trail; and GOLDEN-WINGED on Maintenance Loop and South
Point Trail. The more common species have been seen in high numbers - for
example, 16 BLACKBURNIANS on South Point Trail.
As for other songbirds, RUSTY BLACKBIRD has been observed on Tulip Tree
Trail, and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen on Harrsion Trail. WHITE-EYED
VIREOS have been reported from South Point trail and Tulip Tree Trail.
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was seen on Tulip Tree Trail and YELLOW-BELLIED
FLYCATCHER was also seen on Tulip Tree Trail.
Shorebirds are generally sparse in the park itself, but a RUDDY TURNSTONE
was seen on South Point trail near the lighthouse.
At the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons today, observers saw a BLACK TERN, but did
not see the EARED GREBE. Note that the grebe has been present for over two
weeks, and is sometimes not reported on one to several days at a time. For the
lagoons, please be sure to park on the lagoon side of the road only, and don't
block the vehicle gate.
I would appreciate receiving messages concerning observations at the lagoons
and other Rondeau area birding locations (e.g. Erieau) for posting on Ontbirds
and to forward to the local Bird Records Committee.
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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 pm.
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. The
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' web site: www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca
Birders and photographers are reminded not to play recordings of bird calls
to attract birds in the Park, as this interferes with nesting activities and
other vital behaviours.
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 Boards, and other relevant information are located at the Visitor
Centre (open 7:00 am to 5:00 pm from May 2 - 18). To reach the Visitor Centre
from the Park Gate, drive 6 km south to Gardiner Ave., then follow the road
around to the parking lot.
Steve LaForest
Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide
c/o Rondeau Visitor Centre (519) 674-1768
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birding organization.
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