May Madness? Not Yet.

 Birding was quite slow this past week until today after some southwest winds kicked in....finally.

Been spending some time at Mitchell's Bay since it is close to home.  Friday evening I was bored to the point where I went out to the Bay to get a look at a Yellow-headed Blackbird.  Seems everyone is only seeing one, but it is a tick on the year list!  Coming to a local feeder.

I did a quick walk of the south shore nature trail and finally saw some Cedar Waxwings.  They have been incredibly scarce this year!

Great Egrets are a regular sight along the trail.  One of these days we may see a smaller relative!

Heavy clouds were over the lake that evening.

Saturday morning was crisp but clear and I stayed relatively close to home.  I stopped by Port Lambton, Wilkesport, then Peers Wetland.

Scene at Wilkesport

Scene at Peers Wetland

Sunday morning I was up early and checked out Mitchell's Bay.  Still very quiet for birds!

I then decided that I needed to see some White Pelicans, so went on to Hillman Marsh where they have been quite reliable.  Upon arrival, they were there!

These are not considered rare in Essex anymore.

A stop at the shorebird cell was quite productive with a number of Long-billed Dowitchers.  They have been rather numerous this spring.  Lots of other shorebirds were present as well.

While there, my first of the year Black Tern made a pass through, as well as some Common Terns.

Southwest winds were brisk overnight and there was anticipation that a good number of birds would come in.  Not a huge number, but there were many new arrivals at Rondeau Park.  The weather was warm and sunny for a change!  Birders were out in full force today.  It has become a popular sport.

I ended up with 81 species in the park when all was said and done.  Many first-of-years included several warblers (Hooded, Black-throated Green, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-White, etc.)

Quite a few sparrows came in overnight.

White-crowned

Lincoln's

Just before I left, two male Scarlet Tangers were putting on a show near the Park Store.

Butterlfies included numerous American Painted-Lady.

I kept an eye out for some plants along the way, including Sharp-lobed Hepatica, trilliums, etc.

One of the rarer plants was Goldenseal, just coming into bloom.

Showy Orchis will be a while before flowering, but I did see some leaves...lol.

As usual, after a nice day, the winds switch back to the north with rain and cool weather starting tomorrow!  Will we ever get two good days in a row?