Hello Ontbirders. On my Marsh Trail outing on the evening of Friday May 4, we saw a pair of adult Bald Eagles, one of them on the nest, as well as an immature bird flying about the area. As the nearly-full moon rose and a crescent Venus set, we also observed American Woodcocks performing their aerial flight displays, 6 Whip-poor-wills, 5 Sandhill Cranes, and our first Marsh Wren of the year.
Rondeau’s warbler liste du jour for Saturday May 5 reached 27 species. New for today was the much-sought-after Prothonotary Warbler on Tulip Tree Trail. Another highlight was a Hooded along Rondeau Road midway between Gardiner and Bennett, as well as a Golden-winged on South Point Trail. Other noteworthy warblers included Blue-winged on South Point and Tulip Tree Trails; Orange-crowned on South Point Trail; Northern Parula on Bennett, South Point and Spicebush Trails; Northern Waterthrush on South Point Trail and at Pony Barn; Mourning on Spicebush and South Point Trails; Wilson’s at Pony Barn and South Point Trail; and Canada at Pony Barn, Spicebush and South Point Trails. As for other songbirds, White-eyed Vireo was reported on Marsh Trail and at the Pony Barn. Its Yellow-throated brethren was witnessed at South Point Trail. Clay-colored Sparrows were seen in the Campground and near the Marsh Trail parking. On Saturday evening (May 5), there were 3 Sedge Wrens and 3 American Bitterns on the Marsh Trail. Whip-poor-will and American Woodcock were heard at the Visitor Centre. Sorry for the late posting - our internet connection was down. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Bird Hikes and Birders' Breakfast start Friday May 4 and go through to Victoria Day. I will lead a guided hike twice daily from May 4 to May 21, inclusive (fee $5), as follows: Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursday at 7:30 am and 1:00 pm; Tuesday and Friday at 7:30 am and 7:00 pm; as well as Wednesday 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 Wednesday at 1:00 pm will meet at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons. Bird hikes for absolute beginners will be led by Ric McArthur on Saturdays at 10:00 am, meeting at the Visitor Centre. The Friends of Rondeau will provide a Birders' Breakfast/Lunch for a small donation (coffee, tea, bagels, soups and treats) daily from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Visitor Centre. The Centre will be open daily up to May 21, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. All proceeds from the Festival of Flight go to support nature programs in the park. The Big Birding Day Competition is 24 consecutive hours during the weekend of May 11th - 12th. For details on this bird-a-thon, contact the Visitor Centre. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new birding companions during my sixth spring season at Rondeau! 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, Bird Checklists and other relevant information are to be found at the Visitor Centre. To reach the Visitor Centre from the park Gate, travel 6 km South on Rondeau Road to Gardiner Ave., then follow it around the bend to the parking lot. 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 [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
