Common Loons were on the move again today, with a tally of 101 in just over an hour. Pacific Loon was on our minds, but once again it was a no-show!
A few different ducks included a large number of Bufflehead. There were a few White-winged Scoters and a single Surf, as well as a single Long-tailed Duck.
As the sun started rising, we headed over to south point trail. It was somewhat quiet until we were well-along the trail, where a good mixed flock of birds was milling about. It included two Nashville Warblers (somewhat expected this time of year) and quite a few Ruby-crowned Kinglets.
Purple Finches seem to be in decent numbers right now.
A flock of Cedar Waxwings near the washout failed to contain a Bohemian. Somehow I think we will see a Bohemian this fall or winter. There are only about 4 records for Rondeau, strange as it may seem.
On the return walk, we again encountered the mixed flock. Knowing we did not see all the birds previously, we turned up a Blackpoll Warbler. As it is getting very late for it, I had a record late Blackpoll way back in 1997 (8 November), but that may have been exceeded.
We saw one of the Nashville Warblers quite well, but the camera did not.
At one point, we both got on a warbler with its back to us, and we knew it was something different. Turned out to be the Blackburnian Warbler! Steve had it this past Wednesday in the same area.
This is the second latest record. I already mentioned the latest (11 November 1965) in a previous post!
We walked the campground, but it was surprisingly quiet this day.
After Rondeau Park, we headed over to Erieau in hopes of finding that Northern Parula. We gave it a good try, but no dice. Irene Woods had the bird November 5, which constitutes a new record late date for the Rondeau birding area.
The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was still present though! Somehow we think there are two there (I had the same thought last week), but the usual strong weekend wind did not help matters. This one was laying low out of the wind.
A couple of Marsh Wrens were chipping in the reeds near the viewing platform. not unusual for there.
We had Cave Swallow on our mind, but that species never materialized after some looking. Perhaps tomorrow.
Insects today included a Common Buckeye and Monarch at Rondeau, some Orange and Clouded Sulphurs at the lagoons and a Red Admiral at Erieau. Dragonflies included Autumn Meadowhawk and Green Darner as expected.
This Katydid was on south point trail.
Four species of warblers in about the same number of hours is pretty phenomenal for this time of year!
ReplyDeleteVery surprised we did not get Orange-crowned though! Not even on Sunday.
DeleteWe're due for one of the rare ones!