Rondeau Report September 10

I spent another morning at Rondeau Park, which turned out to be a good choice.  The park was full of migrant birds and it was probably one of the better fall days of birding I have had in several years.  Although there was no rarity, it was nice to see so many birds.
I arrived at the usual starting point, which we may soon name Connecticut Corner.  Jim had already seen a Connecticut Warbler in the exact same spot as last week.  I did not get on the bird--I just saw movement in the dogwoods.  Turns out we saw two different Connecticut Warblers later on!

The first part of the trail was a bit quiet, but later on there were oodles of birds to sort through. Different warblers from yesterday included Ovenbird, Black-and-White, Palm and Canada.
Vireos were quite plentiful, with several Philadelphia.  Total warbler species for the day was 21.
It was not a day to get photos of the birds, as they were moving quickly or in hidden in the shrubs.

Crappy Cape May

I did not get any good photos today!  The only co-operative bird was a curious Northern Parula which stayed in one shrub right in front of us for quite a long time.  (Too may sticks in the way, and I do not Photo Shop them out!)

Most of the birds were quite low in the shrubbery as Merlins patrolled the area.  They were often difficult to ID as they worked through the trees.

Near the entrance to the old Dillon Trail, we spotted a Connecticut Warbler working low in the tangles.  I attempted a photo, but it was too challenging.

After south point, I suggested we stop at the VC and check that area.  It turned out to be a good choice as there were dozens of birds flitting around near the intersection of Harrison and Gardiner.  It was quite the show here!  We also found another Connecticut Warbler, which was a little more visible, but still difficult to get on with the camera.

We added Black-throated Green and Yellow Warbler to the day's list here, not to mention the first Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Our next stop was along Harrison near maintenance--a usual stop.  There were quite a few birds here as well, including several Philadelphia Vireos.

Northern Parula

After we parted ways, I walked Black Oak trail which did have quite a few birds.  This trail is not high on the list for birders, but sometimes I find it rather good.  I added a few more to the numbers plus a Winter Wren.

After almost five hours in the park, I called it quits and headed home!
Link to today's list:  http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S39107299