Last Hurrah for May 2008

RED-HEADED WOODPECKER

I headed down to Rondeau this morning thinking it would be a good day for birding, and it was! I spent about 3 hours on south point trail first thing. A number of warblers were around including lots of Blackpoll and Mourning. Large numbers of Cedar Waxwings were around, typical for this date.

BLACKPOLL WARBLER

Before leaving that area, I walked a bit up Harrison Trail and heard a Pine Warbler. I didn't get much of a look at it, but it seemed to be moving north. It was constantly singing. Heading up the road in my car, I again came across it beside the road. It was a male of course.

At the visitor centre, I headed down Harrison Trail and added a couple of more warblers includingn Black-thraoted Green and Blue-winged. I again came across what I assume to be the same Pine Warbler, but it was just south of the visitor centre. At this date, it will probably be nesting. Same for the Blue-winged.

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER

Other areas I checked out in the park included behind maintenance and the pony barn area.
I also walked the Gardiner deer exclosure trail hoping for an Acadian Flycatcher. This is typical habitat and in most years one is here. I was not disappointed! One was singing away probably looking for a mate.

ACADIAN FLYCATCHER

The summary for the day was at least 17 species of warblers including, Blue-winged (1)--likely nesting in the area at this date, Nashville (one behind maintenance), Chestnut-sided (3), Magnolia (8), Black-throated Green (2--could nest in the park), Blackburnian (3), Pine (1), Bay-breasted (1), Blackpoll (10+), Mourning (at least 7), Wilson's (5), Canada (3). I also had all six vireo species inc. 3 Philadelphia, 1 Blue-headed, 1 Yellow-throated (resident) and 1 White-eyed (heard but not seen--resident).

PHILADELPHIA VIREO

There were still a few Swainson's Thrushes around plus the resident Veerys, and Wood Thrushes.

Flycatchers included the usual locals plus Alder and Acadian and Yellow-bellied (2).
At Erieau it was disappointing but two Ruddy Turnstones were on the breakwater with a Dunlin.
At Blenheim Lagoons were several ducks including a pair of Blue-winged Teal. Two Wilson's Phalaropes were present and a Coot. I did not get back to the last cell because rain was threatening. Probably other duck species like Wigeon and Gadwall back there.
Butterflies included an American Painted Lady near the log pond.