Hello Ontbirders.
Of the 39 species of warblers on the Rondeau checklist, none is more
sought-after than the elusive Prothonotary. Early birders managed to
find one on the South Point Trail today at 6:30 am, just past the Anne
McArthur bench. Our other rare warbler, the Yellow-throated, was seen
at the Visitor Centre feeders in the “garden” at 4:30 and 6:20 pm.
Other good warblers included Blackburnian on South Point and Tulip
Tree Trails; Blackpoll on South Point Trail; Northern Waterthrush on
South Point Trail; Mourning on Maintenance Loop and South Point Trail;
Wilson’s on South Point Trail; and Canada on Tulip Tree and South
Point Trail. A female Hooded Warbler was also reported on Tulip Tree
Trail.
Carolinian species feature prominently in today’s report. One of our
nesting species is the Acadian Flycatcher – one bird was found on
Tulip Tree Trail this morning at 11:00 am. Another southerner, a
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, was seen on South Point Trail. It was the first
of the season.
Shoreline birders observed 2 Least Bitterns and 1 Whimbrel flying by
the south beach.
A well-photographed Common Nighthawk was perched on a branch on South
Point Trail.
Birders and photographers are reminded that they are NOT to use
electronic playback devices to attract birds in the park. We
appreciate your cooperation. If visitors encounter problems in this
regard, please contact park staff, and wardens will be notified
promptly.
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I would like to thank all of the birders who have made this year's
program such a huge success. These Ontbirds reports would have been
much less complete without all of the sightings supplied by birders at
the park Visitor Centre, as well information sent in emails. A few
individuals have gone above and beyond the call of duty in providing
extensive lists of sightings and photographs, and making an extra
effort to ensure that current data was available on the latest birds,
both in and near the park.
Ric and Anne McArthur, who hosted endless birders at all hours to see
the Yellow-throated Warbler at their feeders, deserve an extra special
mention. Besides Ric and Anne, all of the Friends of Rondeau, and
their staff, who assisted at the Visitor Centre have been very
helpful. The park’s Natural Heritage Education staff did a wonderful
job of helping visitors to make the most of their Rondeau birding
experience.
I would welcome any additional information or photographs that
observers wish to send regarding bird sightings at Rondeau. Data on
nesting birds is especially significant. The park and I are also most
interested in information and photographs concerning the park's
herptiles, mammals, butterflies / other insects, and flora.
As always, it's been great to enjoy my sixth season on the park’s
trails with the Rondeau birding community.
See you all next May!
Steve
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Our Bird Hikes and Birders' Breakfast will wrap up tomorrow, Victoria
Day. I will lead my final guided hikes of the season tomorrow (fee
$5), at 7:30 am and 1:00 pm, 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) from 7:00 am to 2:00
pm at the Visitor Centre. The Centre will be open tomorrow from 7:00
am to 5:00 pm. All proceeds from the Festival of Flight go to support
nature programs in the park.
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
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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/
