Shorebirds and Songbirds

Blanding's Turtle

It was a beautiful day for birding at Rondeau Park. There were still lots of warblers around and more vireos, flycatchers and thrushes were in. Hundreds of shorebirds were along the lakeshore.

Driving into the park first thing this morning, I noticed a large number of thrushes (mostly Swainson's) along the road. Previous to this there had not been many yet.

Later in the morning, I checked a reliable spot for Acadian Flycather, and was not disappointed. I immediatley recognized the "pi-za" sound.

Acadian Flycatcher

There were several Alder and Willow Flycatchers along south point trail. I still did not see a Yellow-bellied though.

Shorebirds and gulls were the most notable thing along the beach on south point. Among the gulls, I quickly picked out a first summer Little Gull among hundreds of Bonaparte's. Shorebirds were by the dozens along the surf-line. There had to be up to 100 Ruddy Turnstones in various spots--probably the most Turnstones I have ever seen. Among them were some Sanderlings in various states of plumage. Most were in breeding though. The odd Semi-palmated Sandpiper was mixed in as well.

Ruddy Turnstones

Later, I checked the beach again and found up to eight Whimbrel. They are one of my favourite shorebird with their unique call and long decurved bill.

Larry, Curly, Moe?

Whimbrel in flight

Along the trail I saw my first Black-billed Cuckoo of the season--the only one of the day!

There were many warblers including several Blackpoll, Tennessee, Blackburnian and Wilson's. Surprisingly there were a lot of Black-throated Green as well. I also saw Black-and-White, Magnolia, Canada, Redstart, chestnut-sided, Bay-breasted, Mourning and a lone Palm along the beach.

Palm Warbler

I also heard Northern Waterthrush and Ovenbird.

Along the beach I caught sight of a late-migrant Savannah Sparrow.

Many birds were carrying nesting material, including Orchard Oriole.

After lunch, I walked out marsh trail. I only went two-thirds of the way to the half way point, but there were many birds. Most notable were Blackpoll Warblers. I probably had up to 20. There were other warblers, but the most notable was a Prothonotary at the start of the trail on my return. Not the usual spot to see one!

I had one Blue-headed Vireo out the trail that had me going for a while. It was high in the tree tops and had very little colour. I tried to make it into a Plumbeous, but it was not gray enough!

I also heard two different White-eyed Vireos.

A Green Heron was a nice sight at one point. It perched atop a dead tree.

There were three "getting-late" White-crowned Sparrows along the trail.

On my way home, I went into Blenheim Lagoons to check for shorebirds. Along the way, I saw the only flock of Black-bellied Plover for the day flying overhead.

There were lots of shorebirds there too, but mostly Dunlin. There was one White-rumped that posed for a photo. Others included one Greater Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper and Semipalmated Plover.