Sometimes It Works Out !

 Although I enjoy being outdoors as much as I can, birding or looking at other things, it is nice to see some decent birds along the way.  It is the thrill of the hunt that intrigues many birders.  One often goes to a particular location in the hope of seeing an interesting bird, or a rarity.

Today, I went back to Rondeau.  Weather was less than ideal with a strong east wind under cloudy skies.  And yes, the usual prevailing east wind for this time of year!

Although it is only May 1, there were not a lot of birds to keep up one's interest.  I decided to leave at one point and try my luck elsewhere.  Ten Willets were reported at Wheatley Harbour, so I headed in that direction.  Upon arrival, they were still there huddled up in the wind.

A couple of early Ruddy Turnstones were on the beach as well.  Here is one.

Since I was that far west, I decided to head into Point Pelee National Park.  I did not expect to see much, and birding was a bit slow.  However, there were some quality birds around, and that coupled with the meeting of old friends made the visit worthwhile.

I parked at White Pine, and walked in to the trails and down to Tilden Woods.  There were not many birds, but already this day, people had seen Cerulean Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, and early Magnolia Warbler and an early Wilson's Warbler.

The Cerulean was at ground level, feeding.  One of the brighter ones I have seen!

With some effort, I managed to see the warblers, but not the Chat.  As you know, chats are good at hiding even though they may be 'within reach'.

At least three Yellow-breasted Chats had been reported this day.  Another was on Redbud trail, so I headed in that direction.  After some waiting, the Chat was very briefly seen after making some characteristic chatters.

At this site, an early Cape May Warbler (male) and another White-eyed Vireo were nice to see.

I then headed back towards the VC, when a message came through that the "afternoon shift" (Richard Carr) had discovered a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at the Tip.  I was not far from the tram, so I waited till it arrived and hopped on board with the mob.

Luckily, the long-tailed creature was still at the Tip catching insects!  I was not a position for a good photo, but who cares.

While there, a number of gulls were on the long Tip.  Someone spotted a Franklin's Gull among them!  Rather distant, but a nice bird for this time of year.

The gull was indeed a bonus!

It was then time to head home after a long day.  Ending up at Point Pelee today certainly worked out!

Earlier this week, Tuesday had looked like a promising day for birds.  There were lots of new birds and some rarities reported, but it did not pan out as most had expected.  The numbers just did not arrive.  I stayed fairly local, checking out Mitchell's Bay, Port Lambton and Peers Wetland.  It was not as productive as I had hoped.

Osprey at Peers

shy Black-and-white at Mitchell's bay

A Lark Sparrow was found at the north end of Rondeau Park, which later ended up at Keith McLean Conservation Lands.  This happened at least once before!  

I was not going to rush down for it though.

Wednesday I was at Rondeau first thing.  I wanted to get there early enough for Whip-poor-wills, but I slept in about 15 minutes too late!  Lots of time for them this month.

Although a nice day, there were not many birds.  Some first-of-year birds were added though.  I left the park before 08:30, if that tells you anything!

I then decided to check out McLean's in case the Lark Sparrow was still around.  I spent some time there, and eventually I spotted it!

first observance

It was nice that it stayed another day.  Actually it was still there today.

I moved on from there and went to the marsh trail at Erieau, and McGeachy Pond.  Some new birds included this Bobolink.

Bobolinks must have come in overnight as they were in multiple locations on Wednesday.

I then went to the Blenheim lagoons.  A large number of Lesser Yellowlegs was still present.  I counted over 120, which is the most I have seen at this location.

While walking I noticed some insects in the grasses.  Here is a Yellow-shouldered Drone Fly, which I do not think I had photographed before.

While in that neck of the county, I decided to try for the wacky Whimbrel near Erie Beach.  It had arrived a couple of days earlier, and in fact probably the same bird at the same location from last year!  It is incredibly early for a Whimbrel, but these things happen.  It was another bird that Jim Burk spotted for his "tractor" list.

Thanks to Jim for directing me up the laneway of the field to see this bird.  Unfortunately, there was a lot of heat haze this day and I could not focus.

The month of May is now here.........!!  (And I already have Whimbrel on my list!)