Good day, Aside from only a couple very short episodes of light rain, the possible thunder showers did not materialize. By about 11:00 p.m., temperatures dropped noticeably and the winds picked up a bit. By morning it had cleared up once again but the winds were now out of the northeast. Temperatures were about 6 degrees C at sunrise.
Compared with yesterday (which was apparently much better than we gave credit for in yesterdays introduction - see additions below) fewer birds could be heard singing and seen, at least from the the Visitor Centre south. Still with a bit of walking a decent variety could be observed. Some of the mornings highlights included: PINE WARBLER (3-4 throughout), TENNESSEE WARBLER (near the V.C.), WOOD THRUSH and VEERY (Post Woods) , NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (V.C.), MERLIN (Tip) and SANDHILL CRANE (V.C.). In addition, one of a only a few CAROLINA WRENS could be heard this morning. The YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continue to be the most common songbird species moving through the park. Late lingering species spotted included RUSTY BLACKBIRD (near the tip), WINTER WREN and YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. In addition to the list of species noted in yesterdays post, the following species were also observed, albeit mostly singles: CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (solar panel display), RED-EYED VIREO, BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, TENNESSEE WARBLER, CLIFF SWALLOW, EASTERN KINGBIRD, GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, MERLIN, and HORNED GREBE. Apparently, the Hillman Marsh shorebird impoundment had both BLACK-BELLIED (11) and GOLDEN PLOVER (32) yesterday evening. Hopefully with warmer daytime temeperatures expected to arrive in the next few days, bird activity will increase once again. However, now is the time to enjoy the lack of leaves in the trees. While there may not be the masses of birds seen later in May, getting good looks at them now is not a problem! Good Birding, John Haselmayer, Karl Konze, Dave Martin, Pete Read, Alan Wormington Staff, Friends of Point Pelee ************************************************************************ Point Pelee National Park and the Friends of Point Pelee are pleased to present the 2003 Festival of Birds from April 26 to May 26. This years events include daily hikes, County Hot Spot Tours, "Birders Breakfast" and much. For more information, please visit www.wincom.net/~fopp/ or www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pn-np/on/pelee/ne/ne4_e.asp - To contact the Friends of Point Pelee please call 519-326-6173, fax 519-326-7925 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] - For general park information, please call 519-322-2365. ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! Friends of Point Pelee <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
