Hello Ontbirders. Despite the rainy weather, stalwart and rust-resistant Rondeau birders managed to find 20 species of warblers in the park today. Once again, the bird of the day was the Yellow-throated at #17372 Lakeshore Road, just north of the Visitor Centre. Note that yesterday’s (revised) tally included TWO Yellow-throateds – both attending feeders at the same instant.
The best warbler trails today were South Point and Tulip Tree. The latter trail had a burst of activity in mid-afternoon. Birder Kevin Shackleton, in the midst of a big year push, said he added several species of warblers to his year list within just a few minutes. Observers reported that both Black-and-white and Chestnut-sided were in particularly good numbers on the trails today. Good warblers seen today included Wilson’s on Tulip Tree Trail, Canada on South Trail and (another) early Blackpoll on Tulip Tree Trail. Feeders at the Visitor Centre continue to be very active. Highlights today included Tufted Titmouse and Pine Siskin as well as both Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Outside the park, the Railway Trail at Erieau had some good birds on May 6. Birders reported 3 Virginia Rails, a Lincoln’s Sparrow, a Lesser Yellowlegs and a Pectoral Sandpiper. Tomorrow at 7 pm, my evening hike will give participants an opportunity to view our Bald Eagle nest, as well encountering American Woodcock, Whip-poor-will and a variety of marsh birds. On Wednesday at 1 pm, we will visit the Blenheim Lagoons. Both days will also feature a morning hike meeting at 7:30 am at the Visitor Centre. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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/
