Rondeau May 23

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (without the ruby throat)

Today was certainly different.  Not surprisingly, dense fog developed overnight.  I headed down to Rondeau anyway knowing that some new migrants would have come in.

Chestnut-sided Warbler 

There were definitely more birds today, especially on South Point Trail.  Along the beach area it was obvious that some birds had just arrived as they looked tired.  Sometimes very early in the morning along the lake you will see birds still coming in.  They just "dive" into the shrubs!

Magnolia Warbler

Notably, Magnolia Warblers, Wilson's Warblers and Blackpoll Warblers had increased in numbers.  Later in the morning I went out Marsh Trail and found an abundance of these.  I had at least 25 Blackpoll, 12 Wilson's and a number of Magnolia among other birds. 

female Blackpoll Warbler

A couple of Yellow-rumped Warblers were still hanging around.
Wilson's are always reliably found in dogwood shrubs.  They seem to like dogwoods!

Wilson's Warbler

A couple good "winter" birds were out Marsh Trail including Red-breasted Nuthatch and White-crowned Sparrow.
Although migration is winding down, there are still lots of birds to come.  Some will show well into June.  The latest Blackpoll Warbler I have ever seen was June 22, 2003 at Rondeau!
Fall migration starts in a few weeks!!

Near the Gardiner Deer Exclosure, I found a couple of Showy Orchis, Galearis spectabilis, plants. 

Steve LaForest found them yesterday and I was curious to find them.  They are somewhat uncommon anymore and are found in rich deciduous forests.  They are certainly easilly overlooked!  These were past their prime though.

Showy Orchis

Another plant .....

Star of Bethlehem (introduced species)

Blenheim Lagoons were very "quiet" today.