Fall Fling at Rondeau

Today looked like a good day for birding, so I headed down to Rondeau Park.  Yesterday strong NW winds definitely pushed birds down from the north.  It was certainly a good day along lower Lake Huron on Thursday with many jaegers and other waterbirds seen.  It was bound to happen as it was the first really good wind this fall.  Naturally it was a weekday--we rarely get those kinds of days on weekends!  And, for those who headed up today, it never works the day after!

At Rondeau, I started with a lakewatch at dog beach with Steve Charbonneau.  It was not an ideal wind, but lots of ducks have finally come through.  Very few gulls though.  We saw several songbirds some in off the lake, as we often do.  Luckily, with few gulls, they made it to land!
South point trail was good for birds with lots to sort through.
Many were showing their butts though.

A couple of tardy Red-eyed Vireos were in the mix.

At one point we came across a very tame Eastern Phoebe.  Actually, a fellow coming off the trail when we started, said it landed on him!

There was a slight NW breeze, so it was a good day for hawks.  A Red-shouldered was nice to see, and several Red-tailed were on the move.

We next stopped by maintenance where we found lots of birds including another Red-eyed Vireo, and several Blue-headed.

A Northern Parula was nice to see.

After Steve left, I poked around and found a couple of Orange-crowned Warblers and a Tennesee Warbler among others.

A very drab Pine Warbler was not much to look at.

A male Black-throated Blue Warbler briefly posed for a photo.

At one point, I spotted a Yellow-billed Cuckoo.  For some reason, we often see late ones along this stretch of Harrison.  I could not get the camera to co-operate though!

I ended up with a decent total of 11 species of warblers and 78 species overall today.

This past week, there were few birds for me to see as the days are getting much too short.

Last Sunday, I once again headed down to Point Pelee on a very strong SW wind.  Perhaps it was too strong!  We did see a couple of distant jaegers and one adult Parasitic came close enough to be identified by those present.  It was moving too fast for a photo though.  No desirable gulls though!

I checked out De Laurier before leaving.  The back corner was good out of the winds, but nothing much of note.

Northern Harrier

Holiday Monday I headed to north Lambton County, starting at Forest Lagoons.  I looked hard for Nelson's Sparrow, but could only come up with numerous Song and Swamp Sparrows.

Ruddy ducks

I also stopped by Dow Wetlands on the way back.  There was a good selection of birds there including lots of sparrows.

This is a fun time of year to be out birding, so I look forward to more outings!

American Painted-Lady