Hello Ontbirders.
Highlight of our morning here at Rondeau was a Prairie Warbler seen along
the road between the Maintenance Loop and the Pony Barn. A Hooded Warbler was
also observed near the Pony Barn. On the Maintenance Loop, a Summer Tanager
also put in an appearance.
A Northern Mockingbird, very difficult to find here at Rondeau, was singing
regularly at the Dog Beach. Nearby, a (presumed) pair of Red-headed
Woodpeckers was seen for the second consecutive day.
On the Marsh Trail guided bird hike yesterday evening, Whip-poor-will were
observed sitting on the roadway and flying nearby. American Woodcock were
calling and performing their display flights. The Bald Eagle nest is once
again active, with two large young (easily visible with a scope). A few Marsh
Wrens are singing on territory already, as are many Common Yellowthroats and a
fair number of Swamp Sparrows. The highlight of our walk was an American
Bittern calling persistently.
At the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons, the Eared Grebe found May 3 was still
present the next day. There were also about 200 shorebirds, including good
numbers of Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs as well as Dunlin. Birders visiting
there this afternoon will provide us with an update.
The Annual Rondeau Big Day Birding Competition
Saturday May 9th and Sunday May 10th
The Friends of Rondeau and Rondeau Provincial Park challenge you to
participate in the Annual Rondeau Big Day Birding Competition! Let’s see how
many birds you can find in Rondeau in just 24 hours! The winner(s) will have
their name inscribed on the Rondeau Plaque which will remain on display in the
Visitor Centre.
The area for the competition has been changed this year. All birds must be
seen or heard within the Rondeau Provincial Park Boundaries.
Registration is free and will be on Saturday at the Rondeau Visitor Centre
starting at 7:00 am. For more information please contact the Visitor Centre at
519-674-1768 or [email protected]
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I will lead a guided hike twice daily from Saturday May 2 to Monday May 18,
inclusive (fee $5), as follows:
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 am and 1:00 pm;
Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 am and 7:00 pm;
Friday 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 Friday at 1:00 pm will meet at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons.
The Friends of Rondeau will provide a Birders' Breakfast for a small
donation (coffee, tea, bagels, soups and treats) daily from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm
at the Visitor Centre.
There will also be a special new program on Saturday May 9, at 7:00 pm.
This evening presentation will focus on spring migration at Rondeau. Tickets
for "An Evening in the Forest with LaForest" are available from the Visitor
Centre. Please note that there will be no bird hike at 1:00 pm on this day -
Sat. May 9.
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 and other relevant information are located at the Visitor
Centre (open 7:00 am to 5:00 pm from May 2 - 18. 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
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