May 13 Kick at the Can!

Some good birds have been found this week in southern Ontario.  You have to be in the right place at the right time for most of them!  Some birders seem to get more than their fair share which borders on the unbelievable, or so it seems. It is not for the lack of effort for some of us, but many are just out there to look at birds.
Rondeau's best bird so far was the Kirtland's Warbler.  It was a male that was well-seen by those who were in the area.  A nice photo by Denise is on the OFO photo site
And of course the flyby White-faced Ibis at Blenheim which will be Rondeau birding area's first record.

Headed down to Rondeau early this morning.  A rather cool day for this time of year!  What very few birds were around, held close to the ground today looking for grub.  There were some pockets of birds throughout the park, but the best area seemed to be at the north end of Rondeau Road south of maintenance.  A good variety of warblers and other birds including many Eastern Kingbirds were low in the forest.

An interesting hybrid warbler was seen in this area by some people, so more be coming on that later.

Steve and I started on south point trail where we found the continuing Chat.  It was making a lot of noise, but never seen until we came back. It was not close though.

The two Osprey were on south point trail once again today.




A few warblers were here and there including a Mourning.  A Bobolink was near the end of the trail. We seem to get them here every year.  This photo was later at the lagoons where there were many Bobolinks.

Some Canada Warblers were scattered throughout singing away, mostly hidden.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were numerous, and these two males were having some issues.

The lake was dead for birds, as it has been for a week or more.  Where did the gulls go already?!

After giving up in the park, I headed over to the lagoons.  As usual, many Dunlin were present, but also several other common species in the sprinklers.
Back along pond 5, some shorebirds were present, including 4 Short-billed Dowitchers and a male Wilson's Phalarope.  Another male Wilson's was present in the sprinklers.  Many birders do not go back to check this pond!

The Tundra Swan was still present. A couple of American Coots, four American Wigeon, etc. too.

I am taking a couple days off birding, but the weekend looks good as there are certainly a lot more birds to come.  Many species are not here in numbers yet!  Flycatchers anyone?