Good evening Ontbirders. An impressive count of 27 species of warblers was seen at Rondeau today. Top of the list were a Yellow-breasted Chat on South Point Trail (past post #7), a Prothonotary on Bennett Road, and a Cerulean on Spicebush Trail. The Chat has been singing in the same vicinity for two days now.
Other good warblers included Golden-winged on Spicebush Trail and at Pony Barn, Northern Parula on Spicebush Trail, Blue-winged on Harrison Trail, and Orange-crowned at Pony Barn and Tulip Tree Trail. The best trails for warbler action were Spicebush and South Point, closely followed by Tulip Tree. Passerines of the non-warbler persuasion were also of interest. Both White-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireo were observed on South Point Trail. Orchard Orioles were seen on South Point and Tulip Tree Trails. Significant numbers of thrushes finally put in an appearance, with flocks that had apparently just arrived. Good numbers of Veery were seen in many parts of the park, plus late Hermit Thrushes on Tulip Tree Trail and South Point Trail. Shorebirds can be a challenging group to find in the park itself. Today's reports included 2 Willet north of the Beach 2 access. Other shorebirds were seen at the muddy shoreline behind the Park office, including 1 Semipalmated Plover, 3 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, and 2 Solitary Sandpiper. A Stilt Sandpiper was noted there yesterday. Raptors were also part of the show today. A Peregrine Falcon was seen on South Point Trail, and the Cooper's Hawk nest on Tulip Tree Trail near the Visitor Centre was still active. A flock of 5 Sandhill Cranes was observed over the Marsh Trail this afternoon. Near the park, a good variety of waterfowl and shorebirds are at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons, including Wilson's Phalaropes. We have had no further reports yet of the Blue Grosbeak (first-year male) seen at Rondeau on the evening of Sat. May 8. I will post updates as soon as we have any further sightings. Good birding! Steve LaForest Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide c/o Rondeau Visitor Centre (519) 674-1768 _______________________________________________ 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/
