Saturday, April 20, 2013

Rondeau Birding April 20

Headed into Rondeau Park early this morning with snow and ice on the car.  Very strong winds made for some cold birding!  However there were a few birds of interest.
I met up with Steve and Jim.  After walking TTT, we headed up the road from the VC and found the Yellow-throated Warbler. But wait!  I spotted a second one high in a tree.  The two milled about making their characteristic chip notes.  Looks like they are here to breed again!  At least one was seen at the VC garden as well.

Purple Finches and Pine Siskins were around too.  The Red-headed Woodpecker was in the neighbourhood today as well, but we did not see it.

Roadcock!

Our main walk was south point trail.  We walked the entire loop. It was difficult along the lake as severe erosion has taken place  Since the early 1970's, several hundred feet (width) of shoreline has disappeared, and this past week a big chunk is gone!
We noted a couple of Blue-headed Vireos among a few Yellow-rumped Warblers.  Other warblers included Black-throated Green and Pine.


Hermit Thrushes were plentiful throughout as were White-throated Sparrows.


Along Harrison Trail we noted an early Gray Catbird feeding on some berries.
Later, Jim and I walked spicebush trail and came across a waterthrush.  Expecting a Louisiana, it turned out to be a Northern!  Despite looking in all accessible spots in the park, we did not encounter a Louisiana.
Another strange thing is that we never found a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.  Everyone else has them but Rondeau!

Winter Wrens were numerous

I stayed around and walked some other spots.  Along Tulip Tree Trail I had a brief encounter with a Wood Thrush. Somewhat early, but a couple others have been reported in the province.
I headed over to Erieau later and noted some Horned Grebes in the harbour.


Four Great Egrets were along the R/R track trail.  A couple of them seemed to be looking skyward, but nothing was above them!



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