Rondeau Birding May 15

Red-necked Phalarope (far away and too cloudy!)

Gray-cheeked Thrush at Erieau


Bay-breasted Warbler

NOTE: There has been some glitch in the system that I cannot place photos where I want them.

Rondeau Park was not dripping with birds, but there were enough to keep the birdwatcher busy. A few quality birds were around too.

Northern Parula

I started at south point trail. Highlights there included a Yellow-breasted Chat, Brewster's Warbler and Grasshopper Sparrow. A couple of Mourning Warblers were singing as well.

Brewster's Warbler (singing Blue-winged song!)

Tulip Tree Trail was very quiet. I did hear the Prothonotary Warbler way down the slough and the ever-present Northern Waterthrush was singing.

I then decided to walk up Harrison Trail, and I ended up going all the way around down Rondeau Road. Near the start, I saw a Brown Creeper. That species is tough to get this time of year; where was it last weekend?! Half way up Harrison I caught sight of a silent Prairie Warbler. A Pine Warbler was here as well. (A second Pine Warbler was near the visitor centre). There were a number of birds along this stretch that made things interesting. Rondeau Road was terribly quiet.

South of the visitor centre, I heard another Chat making all kinds of noises. I never did see it as it was closer to Lakeshore Road. By the way, the Clay-colored Sparrow was still along the road and singing down from the visitor centre.

Next stop was behind maintenance and down to the log pond. A few warblers were here as well. And the only butterfly I saw all day was a Tiger Swallowtail--new for the year.

I decided to leave the park at this point and check out Erieau. Nothing special there, but a Northern Mockingbird was at the fish warehouse. I saw one Dunlin and heard some Black-bellied Plover.

Along the railroad track trail, there were some warblers and thrushes, including a Gray-cheeked. Soras were calling in the marsh.

At Blenheim Lagoons, the Eared Grebe was still present in pond 3. It is a treat to see this time of year. Too bad it did not have a mate. It would be like being at the Emo Sewage Lagoon near Rainy River! A single Red-necked Phalarope was in the first pond--always nice to see this time of year. Perhaps it was a male since it was not in bright plumage.

Overall today I noticed more Canada Warblers, Northern Parulas and Blue-winged Warblers. Gray-cheeked Thrushes have come in as well as Mourning Warblers. Cuckoos have not arrived yet. I heard some Cedar Waxwings along the road (where were they last week too?).