Blenheim-Rondeau-Point Pelee This Weekend

Saturday I started at Blenheim Lagoons to check for shorebirds.  Not much has been there lately, but there were a few birds to sort through.  A couple of Baird's and a single Stilt Sandpiper were among the highlights in the sprinklers.

On to Rondeau, I met up with Steve Charbonneau and we checked out south point trail.  It was rather quiet for birds.
Later, I stopped to walk Black Oak trail.  Near the end is where the birds were!  Not a lot, but a good variety of warblers including Cape May, Tennessee, Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue, etc.  There was even a Gray-cheeked Thrush-a first for the fall migration, but not my earliest.

On the way home, I swung by Ridgetown Lagoons which actually had a few shorebirds in the one cell.  Nothing unusual though.
No sign of any Buff-breasted Sandpipers around these parts yet despite some looking.  It appears they are farther east!

Sunday I went to Point Pelee and did the same route as last week.  I started at Redbud trail which was a good choice.  There were lots of birds to sort through as Rick Mayos and I checked them out.

I finally got a couple looks at the Yellow-breasted Chat that has been hanging around!  It was been there close to 2 weeks.  I really did not have the camera ready, so this poor photo will have to suffice.

On to the Tip, there was hardly any action on the lake.  Upon arrival there, several warblers, including multiple Tennessee were at the very Tip.
Sanderlings were working the shoreline.

Sanderlings

Sparrow Field had some action as well, but nothing new.

Blackburnian Warbler

I walked back west beach trail.  Lots of Hackberry Emperors are out now.

One tree was attracting several species!  Many Hackberry, Eastern Comma, Question Mark and Red Admiral were present.

At the half way point I looked out onto the lake and the timing seemed perfect as a Red-necked Phalarope flew by.  We have seen them fly by before especially at the Tip.  It is almost time for Red Phalarope as well!

Red-spotted Purple

De Laurier was dead today.  At NW Beach some Common Buckeyes were present.

I also decided to check a bit of Sanctuary trails and there was some activity there as well.

Chestnut-sided Warbler

A check of Hillman Marsh found the trail littered with Eastern-tailed Blues.  There were dozens!