Hi All I know that it's been a while since you've heard what's going on here at Point Pelee, so I thought that I would post a long-overdue update.
The park has been just hopping with warblers all week. Like many other sites across Ontario, we had a huge fall-out of Blackpoll warblers last weekend and they have been seen in good numbers throughout the week. Other highlights have included Golden-winged Warbler at the Tip and I was lucky enough to spot a Canada warbler out my window this afternoon. Red-breasted nuthatches have also arrived in good numbers, large flocks of cedar waxwings are present throughout the park and thrushes are common throughout. Birds of prey have been moving through the area as well, in addition to the regular Sharp-shinned Hawks, we have been seeing Merlins and American Kestrels migrating daily, as well as Bald Eagles. Peregrines have also been noted several times during the last week and broad-wings have also moved in. There are shorebirds present in the park, but if you are interested in seeing species beyond the sanderling at the Tip sandspit (yes, a small one has returned!), you'll need to venture out into the marsh. Local birder and photographer Steve Pike has raved about how great the shorebird viewing has been in East Cranberry pond from his kayak (and has the photos to prove it!) There have also been shorebirds present at Hillman Marsh, they have been concentrated in the ponds near the north (main) entrance near the bridge. We've also had a great movement of monarch butterflies through the last couple of days and this weekend's cooler temperatures will likely spur further movement. I also wanted to let birders know that there is a 3 day birding pass available again this fall. The pass is good for entry to Point Pelee National Park and Holiday Beach Conservation Area for three consecutive days between now and October 15 (perfect for the OFO convention weekend!). The cost is $46.60/family-group pass and $25.80 for an individual pass and is on sale at Point Pelee National Park's gate, Holiday Beach CA gate and can be purchased in advance at either site (ERCA 519-776-5209, Point Pelee 519-322-2365). The annual Festival of Hawks will take place September 21-23, 2007 with events at both Holiday Beach Conservation Area and Point Pelee National Park. Visit www.erca.org for more details. Please note that there will be a partial closure of Point Pelee Nationa Park (south of DeLaurier) on Sunday, September 23, for the "Get to the Point Road Race" until 12:30 pm. Visitors will be allowed to drive in as far south as DeLaurier (as parking permits) and are welcome to walk trails further south if they wish. Point PeleeNational Park is currently open from 6 am - 10 pm and the shuttle runs from 8 am - 6pm. Good birding everyone! Sarah Rupert, Sr. Park Interpreter, Point Pelee National Park Leamington, Ontario _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
