Birding By Ear

While there are some areas to spot birds, the last couple of days have been tough due to leaf-out.  For those who do not know bird songs....go home!
Things have been stagnant for a couple of days with little in the way of new arrivals and some of the same birds sticking around.  I have noticed the same birds at Rondeau since Wednesday!  The east side of south point trail has been good for numbers and variety, but the rest of the park has virtually been dead.  A few birds are here and there, but you can go long distances without finding a warbler.
Wednesday, May 9 I drummed up 24 species of warblers, mostly on south point trail. Late in the day at the start of marsh trail, I saw a Mourning Warbler bathing in a puddle to add to the day's total.  The afternoon was a washout due to unforeseen thunderstorms.  Not many birds anyway.  Just before the storm hit I was at Blenheim Lagoons.  Two Ruddy Turnstones were among the many Dunlin.

Turnstones on Concrete

Late in the day I went back to south point and still found a good number of birds.  I pished in 12 species of warblers while standing in one spot.  Pishing is allowed in Rondeau Park!!

Veery

I listened for Whip-poor-wills at the VC.  The first one started at 8:44 p.m.  No Chuck.  Would have been nice since it has been a few years since we have had one.

The next morning was excellent on south point trail where I got 25 species of warblers, including a Prairie.  Two Orange-crowned Warblers were in the mix.  Most of these were still found today, May 11.

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Just as I was coming off the trail, I got word from a friend that he found two Cattle Egrets south of Morpeth early in the day.  I hurried over and saw them.  Apparently they left shortly afterward to parts unknown.

2 Cattle Egrets

I also took a look at at one of the Yellow-throated Warblers near the VC on Thursday.

A Long-tailed Duck was along the shore in the afternoon off south point.  We always seem to get at least one this time of year!

In the afternoon I went to the lagoons.  Not much variety.  Lots of Dunlin.

There were a lot of swallows today and all of the regulars were at the lagoons.
Again, I went back to south point trail in the evening and found lots of warblers.  A Mourning was working the top of a Pine tree, to add to the day's total.

Magnolia Warblers were very plentiful Thursday.

The day's species total was a decent 140--rather good for little effort!  Several obvious misses too.

Today, was similar on south point trail, but perhaps two Golden-winged Warblers were present.  I heard one singing constantly, while others up ahead were watching it.  I never did see it.  Later, I found one myself in another location.  Due to leaf cover, I did not get long looks at it.  It did not want to pose for a photo either!

this is a Golden-winged Warbler!

There have been lots of Bonaparte's Gulls this spring, but absolutely nothing with them.  Yesterday, the bonies were mobbing a Bald Eagle off south point trail.

Things were very slow elsewhere in the park, so I left for home in mid afternoon.

Showy Orchis