Pelee Pelicans and other Goodies

I was overdue to visit Point Pelee, so that is where I went today.  Pelicans were certainly on my mind, as it was a year ago this weekend that we had some at the Tip (along with a Franklin's Gull).  I parked at west beach and decided to take a quick scope view towards the Tip.  Right on cue, American White Pelicans were in sight!  I could see at least nine, but some could have been out of sight.

I walked down to the Tip and met up with Dan Greenham where we found eight pelicans just offshore.

They are certainly curious birds with the long bill and big pouch.

Soon, Jeremy Hatt and Marianne Balkwill arrived to see the big white birds.

Not long after, the pelicans took off and headed NE.  I looked towards that direction, and could see more in the distance.  There were at least two dozen.
I would think these birds are going to attempt to nest on the "Chick" Islands on the other side of Pelee Island just like last year.  Apparently they were not successful last year, but perhaps that was a trial run!

After some time, we headed up to Sparrow Field and then walked up the road.  We cut into Woodland trail to see what the Prothonotary Warblers were up to.  Two different pairs were present.

The second pair was feeding quietly right beside the trail for some close views.

Upon exiting Woodland trail, we heard a Cerulean Warbler singing high in a Basswood tree.  It was constantly singing, but we could never get a look at it.  A curious sighting for this time of year indeed.

After a quick lunch, I checked a couple of other spots without anything of note.  I did see the first Little Wood Satyr of the year up at NW Beach.

I stopped by Hillman Marsh shorebird cell where a number of shorebirds were still present. These included Dunlin, Semipalmated Sandpipers (~60), Semipalmated Plovers, and a couple of White-rumped Sandpipers.
A FOY Least Skipper was along the trail.

At the end of the trail, found this foxy-looking snake.

A check of Wheatley Harbour revealed few birds and mostly tourists!  Earlier, the only shorebirds were two Sanderling on the beach.

A check of the field beside Camper's Cove Road was on the agenda, as it is time for Dickcissels to be singing on territory.  Sure enough, I did hear at least one male singing away.

All in all, a decent day for early June in nice weather (and a weekend to boot!).