Rondeau Birds on Saturday

I headed down to Rondeau Park early this morning. Weather was very nice--actually too nice for lots of migrant birds. However, there were a few things to look at, including some decent groups of warblers.
On south point trail, a juvenile Turkey Vulture was perched atop a snag. It had the dark head, but not the head of a Black Vulture! One of these days I may come across one there as the Black Vultures are being reported more and more now.

Along the way, I heard the first White-throated Sparrow of the fall, unfortunately. I did not see it, but it is a sure sign of fall.
A couple of Merlins hanging around. This one perched for a while.

There were a few warblers here and there. Up near maintenance along Harrison Trail, there was a large number. Most common was American Redstart. Quite a few vireos too, including a Yellow-throated which was partially singing.

I checked out Erieau R/R trail as well. A few warblers were along there too. The lone Whimbrel, reported by Mike Nelson last Sunday afternoon, was still in the onion field. Nothing else was with it though. I certainly did not see it last Sunday!

Along with Donald Pye, we checked out the beach near the R/R trail and saw a Semipalmated Plover. An Osprey was patrolling the lake off McGeachy Pond. I later saw it later alongside the road as I headed out.

This afternoon I checked out Reid and McKeough north of Wallaceburg. A few warblers were at McKeough, including Cape May which I did not see at Rondeau this morning. Titmice were at both locations, some moving with chickadees and warblers.

Lots of Common Ringlet and Eastern Tailed-Blue butterflies were out. Only recently have the blues been plentiful.

Dragonflies were scarce, but among the common stuff, an Eastern Amberwing was along the Sydenham at McKeough, and Canada Darners were at Reid. The darners were impossible to photograph as they kept patrolling around, so I assume that is what there were!

Almost forgot, a Solitary Sandpiper was at the Dam. It is actually the first one I have seen there to my recollection, so I will add it to the 160 other species of birds that I have seen there.