This is the weekly report from the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory for the week of May 10-16, courtesy of Bander-In-Charge Stéphane Menu.
This past week, major movements happened in the first two days, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures and strong west wind that neatly stopped migration in its tracks for at least 3 days. Only in the last 2 days that migration resumed in earnest, with clear, calm nights inducing heavy flights. Only 6 new species were detected for the spring this week, a reflection of where we stand in time now: there are still new birds to show up but the bulk of arrival has now happened. The first RED-EYED VIREO was in our nets on the 11th. The first SWAINSON’S THRUSH was detected on the 10th. Four new species of WARBLERS complete the new weekly arrivals : BLACK-THROATED BLUE and BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS on the 11th, WILSON’S and CANADA WARBLERS on the 16th. On the 10th, there was an amazing, diverse movement of birds, with many ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS (including 16 banded), BALTIMORE ORIOLES, and SCARLET TANAGERS. The following day, heavy movements continue, with, notably, MYRTLE (YELLOW-RUMPED) WARBLERS. On the best day so far of the spring in terms of banding, 134 birds of this species were banded! Eighteen species of WARBLERS were detected on that day, including the two “WINGED” species (BLUE-WINGED and GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS), NORTHERN PARULA, and BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. On that fantastic day, we banded an AMERICAN WOODCOCK, a treat enjoyed by the many Saturday visitors. The following few days brought a sharp drop in temperatures. But we were the lucky ones, since it didn’t snow here! With a strong west wind, there was very little activity around the Point. Of note, there were 2 male ORCHARD ORIOLES in the maple tree next to the station on the 14th. Finally, the weather turned and migration resumed during the last 2 days. In the morning of the 16th, the woods were filled with the rainbow colours of spring birds, from AMERICAN REDSTARTS and INDIGO BUNTINGS to BALTIMORE ORIOLES and SCARLET TANAGERS. The bird of the day was definitively MAGNOLIA WARBLERS: 22 were banded and many, many more were observed. A daily account of spring arrivals can be found on the NatureStuff website, under BIRDING. To reach Prince Edward Point, follow County Road 10 from Milford, or County Road 13 from Black River Cheese, and follow for 17 km to the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. Kaiser Crossroad can be reached by taking Highway 33 (Loyalist Parkway) from Picton to Lake on the Mountain and following County Road 7 to Kaiser Crossroad. Terry Sprague Prince Edward County www.naturestuff.net tspra...@kos.net _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
