I did not come across anything of note, which seems to be the trend for me lately. Migration is a bit late for passerines this summer and nothing noteworthy turned up in my walks.
I started at the Tip of Point Pelee on Saturday morning with a stiff westerly wind. It was quite nice to be there. The only shorebirds were Sanderling and Semipalmated Plovers. Lots of Bonaparte's Gulls were moving, but nothing with them.
A Merlin passed by at one point, on its way to Pelee Island. It was the only raptor I saw.
Cactus Field was quite active at the north end with resident birds moving about.
After the Tip watch, I headed up west beach trail in search of butterflies. It was a little better than the previous visits, but nothing like the "old days".
Buckeyes have finally arrived in numbers, as I saw several.
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| American Painted-Lady |
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| Common Painted-Lady |
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| Northern Broken-Dash |
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Spotted Datana Moth caterpillar |
After exiting the park, I stopped by Pelee Wings which is having a closing out sale. If you want something from there, get it now while on sale. It is a popular store for optics and other nature things. I have purchased a lot things there over the years, so it will be missed!
After lunch, I headed over to Hillman Marsh and walked around the shorebird cell. There were lots of Monarchs, a few Buckeyes, Peck's Skippers, etc.
I found a night-heron at one point, which I could not turn into a Yellow-crowned.
Mersea Road 21 wetlands had a few shorebirds, but nothing new for me.
I started heading west. At the end of the day, there was a nice get-together near Amerstburg of birders/naturalists. It was great evening of camaraderie. Many thanks to Kory and Sarah Renaud for hosting the event.
As it was too late and too far to head home, I stayed at the Renaud residence overnight. This morning, I decided to head back into Point Pelee for another look a the Tip. I got there later than usual, so obviously missed some things. Shorebirds included a couple of Semipalmated Plovers, a Least and a Spotted Sandpiper.
Several Sanderlings scurried along the beach offering photo ops.
A walk up west beach trail saw fewer butterflies than the previous day. As is often the case at Point Pelee, it is feast one day, famine the next!
I stopped by Pelee Wings once more to buy a new tripod since my old one was getting worse for the wear. It was a good deal with the sale price.
I by-passed Mersea Road 21 and Hillman beach where some shorebirds were reported earlier and headed home for some relaxation.
Next weekend remains a mystery!
If only Pelee Wings were closer for me. I've heard a lot of good things about that place.
ReplyDeleteIts a popular place! I've spent a lot of money there over the years!
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