Ontbirders
A small working group (16 max) turned up 45 species within Pt Pelee Park this morning and early afternoon. Participants were from Ottawa, Vineland -recently moved from Oregon, Toronto, Hamilton, Ajax, and local birders. The highlight was an unexpected Piping Plover that joined our group, accompanied by a Sanderling, for our walk along the East side of the Tip. The Plover provided tremendous scope close-ups and many photos. The Piping Plover was still present at 3:30PM. Tip Area: The early NW winds brought lots of Sharp-shinned Hawks and Blue Jays. We were also treated to hundreds of Monarchs; we estimated a steady stream of 3 - 4 a minute for most of the morning. 4 Gull species, Red-breasted Merganser, Caspian Tern, and Double-crested Cormorant were seen at the Tip. We had good looks of Merlins (1 perched briefly), a Peregrine Falcon, N. Harriers, and a Bald Eagle. A possible Alder Flycatcher was one of the few small birds that dared sit in the open. E. Phoebe, Carolina Wren (h), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-throated Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Red-winged Blackbird, Cape May, American Redstart, and Nashville Warblers were seen in the area. Nice photo ops of a new hatch Red Admiral and 12 Spotted Skimmer. VC Parking Lot: Osprey and Red-tailed Hawk Tilden: very quiet except at Chinquapin end there was Magnolia Warbler, Black-capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Winter Wren. DeLaurier: American Robin, Cedar Waxwings, Wood Ducks. In one flock on the east boardwalk we had Black-throated Blue and Yellow-rumped warblers. In the same flock were Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireo, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Gray Catbird. One Silver-spotted Skipper. Ross Mackintosh Leamington, Ont. _______________________________________________ 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/
