Hello Ontbirders. Rondeau birders braved sunny but cool conditions today in search of migrants. Their efforts produced an impressive list of 25 warbler species. Highlights included a Prothonotary visiting nest boxes on Tulip Tree Trail, a reliable male Cerulean on the Maintenance Loop, Hooded Warblers on 3 different trails, and an Orange-crowned at the Pony Barn. Eastern Screech Owls in tree cavities delighted observers at both the Maintenance Loop and in the campgrounds at campsite #7. Both of these birds were gray phase. A good variety of birds may be seen and readily photographed at the Visitor Centre feeders. Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Tufted Titmouse and Indigo Buntings are just a few of the species that visit regularly. Sewage Lagoon aficionados enjoyed an Eared Grebe, 2 Black Terns, 2 Wilson’s Phalaropes and a Short-billed Dowitcher this afternoon at the Blenheim S.L. Shorebirds in the park included a flyby of 8 Black-bellied Plovers. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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. 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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