November Birding

TIP WATCH (photo by S. T. Pike)

Even though most birds have left the province, November is an interesting time for birding.  One will look for late records or rarities.  Lake watches can still be quite exciting such as the Tip of Point Pelee or up at Point Edward on Lake Huron.
It has been somewhat quiet lately as we are experiencing unseasonably mild temperatures.  The days are too short this time of year, so those like myself that have day jobs during the week, see little in the way of birds on weekdays.
Sandhill Cranes are moving in numbers this week.  I have seen a few this week, including a flock of 20 heading off Walpole Island late this afternoon as I drove home.
Usually we have heard of the first Cave Swallows by now, but there have not been any really good weather systems to bring them in.

Cave Swallow & Barn Swallow Erieau Nov. 2007

It is always exciting to look for late warblers in places such as Rondeau Park and Point Pelee.  Even rarites such as the Black-throated Gray Warbler that James Burk and I discovered in Rondeau 23 November 2008.

We occasionally see November records of Northern Parula, Cape May, Tennessee, Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue and Yellow Warblers.  A year ago we had a Black-throated Blue at Rondeau 7 November.
Some vireos (beside Blue-headed) can be late such as White-eyed and Warbling.  Last year Jim and I found a Warbling at Rondeau Park 31 October.  A White-eyed was at McGeachy Pond dike 6 November and a Red-eyed 7 November at Rondeau last year as well, so it was a good fall for vireos.

White-eyed Vireo (Erieau)

Jaegers, gulls and other waterbirds at fun to find at a lakewatch point.  22 November 2008 was interesting at Point Pelee when we (Alan Wormington, Kevin McLaughlin, myself) saw a tight flock of 22 Franklin's Gulls!  Cave Swallows (8) were also seen, among hundreds of other birds.

Even a Sabine's Gull is still possible as I saw one at Point Edward 17 November 2005.




            Franklin's Gull (Erieau Nov. 2007)

The weather forecast for this Sunday looks excellent for Point Pelee as S-SW winds are likely up to 40 km/h. Time will tell, but forecasts are so iffy anymore, one never knows!  Perhaps a birthday bird is in order, as Sunday is my birthday.  (Not going to tell you my age!)