Hello Ontbirders.
The Prairie Warbler reported this morning was present in the vicinity of
Harrison trail near the Pony Barn from about 9:30 am to at least mid-afternoon.
Other good warblers seen today included a Blue-winged Warbler in the same
area, a Northern Parula on Spicebush Trail and a Hooded Warbler on Tulip Tree
Trail. There was a major influx of warblers today, with an overall total of 18
species observed.
Other sought-after songbirds seen in increasing numbers included Scarlet
Tanagers and White-eyed Vireos. Our morning bird hike on South Point Trail
featured a mini “flock” of four Gray Catbirds. A highlight of the afternoon
bird hike at the Maintenance Loop was a cooperative Lincoln’s Sparrow.
I have found two Blue-gray Gnatcatcher nests - one on Spicebush trail, and
one on South Point Trail. Observers from around Southern Ontario have reported
that some of the lingering Pine Siskins have paired up and started nesting.
While we have no breeding evidence to date for Rondeau, it is interesting to
note that Pine Siskins are still present in the area. Several birds were seen
today just outside the park at the Bates subdivision.
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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