I was down to Rondeau the past few days during this era of wacky weather. Friday was actually fairly good for birds despite the weather. There were not many photos ops, naturally.
Birds were streaming north in excellent numbers at the north end at dawn, and many actually stopped to be seen in the poor lighting. Over 20 species of warblers were seen.
Blue-headed Vireos and Black-and-white Warblers were in ample supply.
Hooded Warblers, now regular these days, were around here and there. Not a big deal anymore! Attractive birds though.
A Golden-winged Warbler attracted many birders at the pony barn area. It was very elusive. I finally caught up with it late in the day.
White-throated Sparrows were in exceptional numbers on Friday and Saturday. They littered the park everywhere, probably in the thousands. I saw 500-700 on both days.
At one point I came across a co-operative Pileated Woodpecker.
The highlight of the day was a Fish Crow seen or heard by a few birders. Around 15:00h, Steve and I were on Gardiner when we heard it call several times. The first time it did not dawn on us (probably due to the cool, damp weather affecting our brains), but then Steve suggested Fish Crow. Ironically I was thinking the same thing. After consulting with others, a Fish Crow was indeed seen and heard around the VC!
The first Fish Crow at Rondeau was in May 2000 which we managed to see.
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| Gray-cheeked Thrush |
Saturday dawned to another drizzly day. It drizzled until mid-afternoon, despite the fact that some sun was deviously predicted previously. There were fewer birds, but some were around.
Still lots of Blue-headed Vireos and Black-and-white Warblers were around.
We saw the Golden-winged Warbler again at pony barn.
An attractive "Lawrence's" Warbler was found along Bennet, which was rather elusive. I never got a photo.
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| Veery |
The Grasshopper Sparrow near maintenance was sporadically seen, typical of ammodramous sparrows.
At sunset I walked TTT and came across three Hooded Warblers together. I listened for Whip-poor-wills and came up with six. Three were along Rondeau Road. One can see their beatty orange eyes in the headlights before you see the bird!
Sunday we finally were blessed with nice weather, but very few birds! I finally caught up with one of the Prothonotary Warblers on Tulip Tree trail. No photo though.
There were lots of people around this day partly due to the 125th anniversary celebration of Rondeau Park. Many park staff alumni were present. The Rondeau Bay Waterfowler's Association kindly grilled up free hot dogs and hamburgers for those present!
I seemed to find more birds at the back side of south point trail--a trail we seldom visit.
In the evening, I walked out marsh trail to Long Pond.
There were at least four Amercian Bitterns calling, and I heard two Least Bitterns. Virtually no rails except one Virginia seen and heard. There were not as many sparrows as usual. I only had seven Swamp Sparrows for example there and back! Perhaps next weekend will be better.
A Red-headed Woodpecker seems to be hanging around out there.
Monday was another fine weather day. More birds had come in, but not in big numbers. The north end of the park appeared to be best. We checked out south point first thing. A nice male Prothonotary Warbler came in to the parking lot while I was waiting.
South point trail is challenging as it is once again flooded (and some other trails). It is worse than last year with all the water and mud everywhere!
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| Solitary Sandpiper |
We then went up to the tennis court area where a Yellow-breasted Chat was taunting birders. We managed to get some looks.
While there, a good variety of warblers were there and around pony barn, including Orange-crowned, Tennessee, "Brewster's", Cerulean, Blue-winged, etc.
The north end of the campground was decent with warblers, including a Cape May.
Many spring butterflies were out this day.
More birding and bad weather to come......
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