Saturday dawned cool as I headed down to Rondeau Park. It was slim pickings for birding, but it started off with a decent bird at the south point parking lot. A singing Sedge Wren, rather early, was singing away! I never got a decent photo of it as it skulked in the underbrush.
This morning, it was in the same spot. Later, Steve Charbonneau got a couple decent photos.
Sedge Wren is a regular migrant in our area, but uncommon in the breeding season. They usually nest out in the Rondeau marsh, and in some years, you will find them in appropriate habitat in Chatham-Kent or Lambton.
I birded most of each morning with Steve Charbonneau as we looked for new migrants. Yellow-rumped Warblers were even difficult to find though.
Saturday we saw a FOY Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
It was still present today in the visitor centre area.
Migrants seem to be a bit slow to come in this year, but today (Sunday) was a bit better. There were more Yellow-rumped Warblers, a couple of Black-throated Green, Yellow and Nashville Warblers. Pine Warblers were numerous today.
We caught up with the FOY Red-headed Woodpecker that has been in the area of the visitor centre the last couple of days.
These woodpeckers used to be quite common, but like many species, have declined considerably in recent years. Many appear in Rondeau in spring, but only a few stay while others move on.
The lake was quite calm this morning. A good number of Bonaparte's Gulls have been moving in the last day or so, but there is absolutely nothing with them. We wonder where the Little Gulls are, for example!
Of course the White-winged Dove is still at its regular routine! I did not bother trying to photograph it today. It frequents the cottage at 17168 Lakeshore Road and will be seen atop the stove chimney.
After checking out Rondeau on Saturday, I moved over to Erieau and walked McGeachy and the Rail Trail. A couple of FOY Palm Warblers were at McGeachy, and a FOY Yellow Warbler was singing at the rail trail.
Blenheim Lagoons is no good for shorebirds this year, but many ducks have been present. Yesterday there were over 800 Ruddy Ducks. OK, time for an Eared Grebe!
Many migrants will come in this week despite the prevailing east winds we always get this time of year. It is an exciting time of year!
Hopefully even more comes in by the time I come down to Rondeau on Sunday!
ReplyDeleteThere should be more in of course. However, the weather may be less desirable as it usually is this time of year on weekends.
DeleteYeah...but, hey, maybe it won't rain all day. I want just a few hours in the morning where I can pick up some FOYs and rarities (WWDO, SEWR, etc.)
DeleteIt can be good birding in the rain as long as it is not too nasty.
Delete