Hello Ontbirders. At Rondeau, a total of 21 species of warblers were reported for Sunday May 6. Our Warbler-in-residence, the Yellow-throated, is being seen regularly at a cottage on Lakeshore Road just north of the Visitor Centre. It was observed up to at least 7 pm on Saturday and 6:30 pm Sunday.
Additional warbler highlights featured Prothonotary and Brewster’s. The Prothonotary showed up in just the right spot, near the nest boxes and interpretive sign on Tulip Tree Trail. Not another species, but another noteworthy warbler, was the Brewster’s at South Point Trail. Other good warblers included Orange-crowned on Bennett and Tulip Tree Trail; Northern Parula on 4 trails; Northern Waterthrush at Pony Barn and on Spicebush Trail; Wilson’s at Pony Barn and Canada on Spicebush Trail. The Pony Barn was a particularly good birding spot. An American Bittern hunting actively in the log pond there was an unexpected discovery. Birders then turned up a White-eyed Vireo in the shrubbery bordering the pond. It was easy to find, as it was singing persistently. The many flowers in the area attracted a variety of butterflies, including American Lady and Question Mark, as well as the ubiquitous and numerous Red Admiral. A Green Heron at the boat dock was also of interest. I apologise for the late posting - our internet connection was flummoxed. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Bird Hikes and Birders' Breakfast start Friday May 4 and go through to Victoria Day. I will lead a guided hike twice daily from May 4 to May 21, 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. Bird hikes for absolute beginners will be led by Ric McArthur on Saturdays at 10:00 am, meeting at the Visitor Centre. 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. The Centre will be open daily up to May 21, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. All proceeds from the Festival of Flight go to support nature programs in the park. The Big Birding Day Competition is 24 consecutive hours during the weekend of May 11th - 12th. For details on this bird-a-thon, contact the Visitor Centre. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new birding companions during my sixth spring season at Rondeau! 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, Bird Checklists and other relevant information are to be found at the Visitor Centre. 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 _______________________________________________ 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/
