This is the weekly report from the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory for the week of May 17-23, courtesy of Bander-In-Charge Stéphane Menu.
The songbird migration entered its last act this week, with only a few new species of the late migrants, like GRAY-CHEECKED THRUSH for example. A COMMON TERN was seen flying over the lake on May 18th. BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was heard in the morning of the 21st. The most exciting bird of the week was a singing CHUCK-WILL’S WIDOW very near the banding station. It was heard briefly in the evening of the 18th and again on the 20th. It was the first record in the County since 1978. At almost the same time on the 18th, an EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL was singing too, as well as late LONG-TAILED DUCKS, an interesting combination. The late flycatcher species arrived almost at the same time: EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE on the 20th and YELLOW-BELLIED and ALDER FLYCATCHERS on the 21st. The first PHILADELPHIA VIREO arrived on the 18th, with other observations on the 21st and 22nd. Surprisingly for the area and this time of year, a few RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were observed at the end of this week. The first GRAY-CHEECKED THRUSH was detected on the 20th, followed by a more important movement the following day (when 5 were banded). Many SWAINSON’S THRUSHES were moving through 18th and 20th of May, as well as GRAY CATBIRDS. After a few individuals seen earlier, the first flock of about 40 CEDAR WAXWINGS was seen on the 21st. Like for the red-breasted nuthatches, quite a few YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were seen during this week, quite late for this species. It is possible that some reverse migration took place for this species. On the 20th, two rare species of warblers for Prince Edward Point were banded: a CERULEAN and a HOODED WARBLERS. The first WILSON’S WARBLER was detected on the 19th, but the main movement happened only on the 22nd. A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen on the 20th on the lawn in front of the cottage. A BOBOLINK was singing in low brush on the 20th. To reach Prince Edward Point, follow County Road 10 from Milford, or County Road 13 from Black River Cheese, and follow for 17 km to the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. Terry Sprague Prince Edward County www.naturestuff.net [email protected] _______________________________________________ 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/
