Along south point trail we heard Yellow-billed Cuckoo early on. A bit later I heard a bird singing quietly where the trees meet the beach. I then spotted a Prothonotary Warbler! Obviously a new arrival since the one and only at Tulip Tree trail has been absent for the most part. This species certainly has taken a nose dive in the last number of years. It used to be a guarantee at Rondeau in many spots. I have seen them in virtually all areas of the park during migration, and even way out the south beach towards Erieau.
Speaking of the south beach, we had a Mourning Warbler out there this morning. Perhaps it was the first spot it hit landfall as it migrated in.
Not too many birds were out there, but we did get two Least Bitterns, with a good look at one. The American Coot and Pied-billed Grebe were still near the end of marsh trail.
Shorebirds included many Least Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstones, Semipalmated Sandpipers....
On the way back gulls were starting to come in and one odd-looking one turned out to be a single Whimbrel! At least we got that species out of the way for this weekend!
Almost forgot to mention a female Hooded Merganser was on the lake. It has been seen before and is likely nesting somewhere in the park. It got up and circled around, then headed into a slough.
this is a female Hooded Merganser!
An Eastern Bluebird was notable on the return walk on the trail. It is likely a new arrival as well since none had been seen before. We see this occasionally where they suddenly show up this time of year.
Flycatchers are still absent it seems. We did get a Yellow-bellied near the north end of the park. Still no Alder!
Ruby-throated Hummer
Blenheim Lagoons has been a disappointment this year for the most part. A single male Ring-necked Duck was notable today.
Common Ringlet butterflies were out in numbers today there, but always on the move.
Little Wood Satyr
Hello Blake---will try again to post a comment.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got that first Whimbrel--I've been on the look-out, and expect to have many in the next few days. Wish me luck !
In regards to your Eastern Bluebird--
did you mean that trail ,or the Park in general ? On Wed. 16 th. a smallgroup of us came across three E. Bluebirds on SPT, in the usual area just at the first bench where the path leads to the Lighthouse. Two were definitely male, and the third possibly female,
there was some doubt on that because of poor vision for the third bird. Just thought this might be of interest to you.
Cheers, Irene