Hello Ontbirders, Warbler watchers at Rondeau had an excellent day, finding an impressive 30 species plus one hybrid. The best of these were PRAIRIE, CERULEAN, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, HOODED, BLUE-WINGED, BREWSTER'S hybrid and, as always, PROTHONOTARY.
As for other songbirds, SUMMER TANAGER was seen at Bennett Road and on Harrison Trail, and WHITE-EYED VIREO was observed at the Pony Barn. My previous post mentioned sightings of both CLAY-COLORED SPARROW and GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. A pair of TUFTED TITMOUSE is visiting the feeders at the Visitor Centre, as well as several ORCHARD ORIOLES and RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, and sometimes INDIGO BUNTINGS. For the afternoon guided bird hike today, we visited Blenheim Sewage Lagoons. In addition to the EARED GREBE in Pond 3, there was a male RED-NECKED PHALAROPE in Pond #2. Other shorebirds included a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (possibly with an injured leg), 8 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS and 100+ DUNLIN. I would appreciate receiving messages concerning observations at the lagoons and other Rondeau area birding locations (e.g. Erieau) for posting on Ontbirds and to forward to the local Bird Records Committee. ___________________________________________________ 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 pm. 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. The 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' web site: www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca Birders and photographers are reminded not to play recordings of bird calls to attract birds in the Park, as this interferes with nesting activities and other vital behaviours. 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 Boards, and other relevant information are located at the Visitor Centre (open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm from May 2 - 18), 6 km south of the Park Gate. Steve LaForest Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide c/o Rondeau Vistor Centre (519) 674-1768 _________________________________________________________________ Internet explorer 8 lets you browse the web faster. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9655582_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
