Hello Ontbirders. Despite a cool rainy start to the day, Rondeau birders had some excellent sightings today.
The bird of the day was a beautiful *LeConte's Sparrow* on Harrison Trail, 250 m. north of the Visitor Centre. It was found at 11:00 am, but was so secretive that it was not seen again until late in the afternoon, when birders relocated it in exactly the same location! This individual was well seen by many observers from 3:00 to at least 4:30 pm. A *Yellow-throated Warbler* was seen on and off all day at the Visitor Centre (7:15 am, 11:45 am, 12:50, 1:20 and 2:00 pm). It flycatched in the treetops, fed from the suet feeder, and posed for the paparazzi on our front railing and recycling bin. It was also seen at the feeder where it was originally found, at #17372 Lakeshore Road (the sixth cottage north of the VC). It was presumably a different bird that was found at maintenance at 9:30 am. We are hoping that we will be able to compare photos of the birds to help determine how many individuals are present. A total of 20 species of warblers were reported today. Highlights included *Blue-winged Warbler* on Bennett, Road, Marsh Trail, at Pony Barn and Spicebush Trail; *Golden-winged* at Maintenance; *Northern Parula* at Spicebush Trail; and *Cerulean* on Tulip Tree Trail. Other interesting songbirds included *Yellow-thoated Vireo* on Tulip Tree Trail and *White-eyed Vireo* on South Point Trail. A cooperative *Scarlet Tanager* landed on the ground for observers on South Point Trail and other birds were seen on Maintenance Loop and Tulip Tree Trail. *Orchard Orioles*were reported from Lakeshore Road and on Tulip Tree Trail. Our first *Yellow-bellied Flycatcher* was observed yesterday on Spicebush Trail. Outside the park, 3 *Common Moorhens* were seen at Erieau Marsh Trail. In addition to the sightings at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons posted previously, a number of shorebirds and waterfowl have been reported recently from the Ridgetown Lagoons. I will report highlights from my hike on the Marsh Trail this evening tomorrow. Our Wednesday afternoon hike will visit the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons. Birders are reminded that a permit is required should they wish to visit on their own - available from the Visitor Centre or online from Chatham - Kent Offices. Your cooperation will ensure that we birders continue to have access to the lagoons. When you visit, please use the pedestrian access gate ONLY, and park on the same side of the road as the lagoons. Be sure to close and lock the gate behind you. Sightings may be written into the log book located just inside the gate. I would like to thank all of the birders who have taken the time to report their sightings to us, and help to make these Ontbirds reports as comprehensive as possible! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rondeau Provincial Park welcomes birders! We have morning coffee and snacks waiting for early birders. Our Bird Hikes and Birders' Breakfast start Thursday May 5 and go through to Victoria Day. I will lead a guided hike twice daily from Thursday May 5 to Monday May 23, inclusive (fee $5), as follows: Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursday at 7:30 am and 1:00 pm Tuesday and Friday at 7:30 am and 7:00 pm; as well as Wednesday 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 Wednesday at 1:00 pm will meet at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons. The Friends of Rondeau will provide a Birders' Breakfast/Lunch 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 14, at 7:00 pm. Peter Middleton of Quest Nature Tours will give a presentation entitled "Gardens and Birds." He will focus on how to do your gardening ecologically. Tickets are available from the Visitor Centre. A second special presentation that day will be offered by renowned birder and nature photographer Jean Iron. She will be giving us an in-depth look at northbound shorebirds. You had better pay attention, too - this is an interactive program and there WILL be a test afterwards! Contact the Visitor Centre for additional information. Good birding! Steve Steve LaForest Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide [email protected] _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
