Thursday, August 27, 2009

Some Point Pelee Stuff

Usual Scene at the Tip

I spent part of the last two days at Point Pelee. Just my luck, the weather was crappy. There was supposed to be some sun today, but as usual, the weather forecast was wrong. It rained all morning! (Hence poor photos).
Wednesday, the park was virtually birdless. I did not see a single migrant warbler! Some activity at the Tip, but nothing unusual. The only interesting thing were the two Common Loons at the pilings on the east side. Some loaf around during the summer, mainly first summer birds. Eight were reported at the end of the St. Clair River two weeks ago by Dawne Mudford.

There seemed to be more freighters going through the Pelee Passage than birds to look at. The one below is the Pathfinder barge. It was formerly the bulker J. L Mauthe.

barge Pathfinder
This morning was different. Although it rained, the park had lots of migrants warblers, and the Tip was a little more active. I started at the Tip.
Shorebirds included Ruddy Turnstone (1), Least Sandpiper (7+), Semipalmated Sandpiper (2), Sanderling (3) and Killdeer (1).
Lots of terns and gulls. There were a total of five juv. Black Terns--one group of three, then later only two.
I saw one Little Gull. The underwings were not totally black, so perhaps it was not quite a full adult.
Ruddy Turnstone


Least Sandpiper and Sanderling


Semipalmated Sandpiper


There were small groups of warblers and other birds throughout the park. Best spot was De Laurier Trail were there was a flock of about 50 birds. There were large numbers of Magnolia Warblers and American Redstarts. I saw a total of at least 15 species of warblers.
Flycatcher were more numerous as well, including plenty of Eastern Kingbirds, unlike yesterday.
Two Bald Eagles were making some racket near the trail.
Tomorrow or the next day, something decent will likely show up!

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