May the fourth be with you! With the clear sky and south-west winds last night we had a turnover of birds at Point Pelee. The most exciting find was a Grace's Warbler found near the washroom at the Tip. If accepted by the Ontario Birds Record Committee it will be the first sighting of a Grace's Warbler in Canada. Unfortunately the bird was seen by only one or two birders before flying south off the Tip. The first American Redstart for the spring was also seen at the Tip.
Other species in the reverse movement included: Baltimore & Orchard Orioles, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Kingbird and Blue Jay. Two Green Heron were seen flying south, but then flew back and were and seen flying north down the east side of the Tip. Further north in the park there have been reports of Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler and the first Gray-cheeked Thrush of the season. On a non-bird related note, we are asking birders to be cautious driving on the main road in Point Pelee as Dekay's Brown Snake and Common Garter Snake are actively crossing the road and sunning themselves. Good Birding, Festival of Birds Hike Leaders Pete R, Karl, Todd, Justin, Sarah, Jeremy, Jean, Geoff, Ian, Chris, John, Bruce and Paul. The Festival of Birds runs from April 29 - May 18. For a detailed schedule visit: www.festivalofbirds.ca For highlights and other updates follow us at www.twitter.com/PointPeleeNP The Festival is brought to you by Parks Canada - Point Pelee National Park and the Friends of Point Pelee. Hikes are generously supported by Quest Nature Tours. Shorebird Viewing Nights are brought to you in partnership with Ontario Field Ornithologists and Essex Region Conversation Authority and Pelee Wings Nature Store. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
