Warblers 'n Things

The last few days produced quite a few migrants, likely spurred on by the northerly winds.  Birding has been pretty good lately.  Some warblers are showing up in the yard.

Blackburnian Warbler

I usually get to Peers Wetland once a day since it is only a few minutes from home.  A good variety of birds has been there.

Cuckoo with black bill

The Black-crowned Night-Herons have thinned out and I usually only see one or two now.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been numerous since the jewelweed is in bloom.

This morning I headed down to Rondeau Park and straight to south point trail.  Quite a few birds were along the first part of the walk, but fewer closer to the south beach.

Cuckoo with yellow bill

Wilson's Warbler

There was lots of action along the east side with the strong easterly winds, but not much on the south side.
After walking most of the the trail, I went out to the beach off the light beacon and noted hundreds of gulls on the move.  I found a log to sit on and spent an hour watching the lake.  There was a constant movement of Bonaparte's Gulls, and virtually no terns.  Various groups of Sanderlings went by, totalling 33 in that hour.
At one point, I caught sight of a darker gull with the bonies, which turned out to be a Sabine's.  These are very rare and it was only a few years ago Rondeau had its first.  I missed a fairly easy one at Erieau a couple of years ago, so this one was my first for Rondeau...long overdue!  Of course it was distant and moving quickly so I has no hope in getting a photo.

Afterwards, I went up to Harrison Trail near Maintenance and found a multitude of warblers.  They were moving around quickly, but many were quite low giving at least some opportunity to photograph.

American Redstart

Black-throated Green Warbler

Tennessee Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler

The last stop was Blenheim lagoons where the shorebirds have thinned out.  The sprinklers have been useless lately and the ponds are fairly high.  There was nothing of note.

I found this interesting plant near the entrance to Dillon Trail.  Looks like an ironweed I believe.

Sunday looks quite good for birding as well...