Good morning, Once again thunderstorms and moderately heavy rains greeted birdwatchers first thing this morning. Nevertheless, those willing to brave the weather and venture out into the open were rewarded with a SNOWY EGRET at the tip. Unfortunately it was there only briefly.
Because of the poor weather conditions, few birds have been reported at the Visitor Centre so far. Those that have include the following: Summer Tanager - (1 female) - West Beach by Visitor Centre (V.C.) Sandhill Crane - (1-2) - heard calling from the marsh Wilson's Warbler - (1) - Woodland Nature Trail (W.N.T.) Palm Warbler - (1) - W.N.T. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - (2) - Blue heron & DeLaurier Horned Grebe - (2) - Tip Blue-winged Warbler - (1) - Tip Bald Eagle - (2) - observed flying over at various locations The rain stopped at about 9:15 a.m. Bird activity also seems to be picking up. More reports are exepected as soon as more birders make their way back to the Visitor Center. In addition to the birds mentioned on yesterday's update (May 8) the following birds were also reported: Lark Sparrow - (1) - West beach south of tip train stop (rare bird report submitted; only one group observed this bird) Yellow-breasted Chat - (1) - Post Woods Cerulean Warbler - (1 female) - Post Woods Philadelphia Vireo - (1) - Post Woods Grasshopper Sparrow - (1) - West beach trail, south of the V.C. (same location as past several days) Yellow-billed Cuckoo - (1) - W.N.T. Golden-crowned Kinglet - (1) - Pioneer (late) Also reported on ONTBIRDS from yesterday, a KENTUCKY WARBLER was present at Heinz Woods in Leamington. It has not been refound today, May 9th. However, as a consolation prize, birders discovered 2 CLAY-COLORED SPARROWSS and the first OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER reported this spring. (Directions care of Cathy Coulter) The Heinz Bush is found behind the Zellers store on Erie St. south in Leamington at Erie and Pulford. Park your car behind Zellers and take the converted railway walking trail north towards the woodlot. Enter the bush at the only entrance and proceed north towards the creek and the back of the schoolyard. You will notice a large clearing beside the creek , turn east about20 feet. Bird is to the left usually at the base of a large tree. *** After reviewing avialable literature, the probable HERMIT WARBLER reported yesterday from May 7th, appears indeed to have been a female (likely adult female) HERMIT WARBLER. Initial confusion was caused by the fact the bird showed NO black in the throat. However, this field mark is apparently variable. (read Birds of North America account). All of the other field marks were well seen and documented. In fact, some curious birders not knowing entirely what the bird was were smart enough to videotape the bird. Initial looks at the video confirm many of the field marks. Unfortunately, frame by frame analysis was unavailable at the time. A copy of the video will be graciously donated to the Park for further analysis. Unfortunately, the bird was not reported yesterday or so far today. *** New migrants are expected to arrive in the Park over the next few days as temperatures warm up slightly and winds shift more to the south. Moree inclement weather is also associated with this shift. 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. Birders may also be interested in the free shorebird hikes offered by Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) at the new shorebird impoundment. - 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. - To contact ERCA, please call 519-776-5209. ________________________________________________________________ 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.
