Some Holiday Weekend Highlights

 Weather was fairly decent over the holiday weekend for birding.  Bird radar looked good for Friday and Saturday, but there were not may birds to be found!  On Sunday, the radar did not look all that good, but there were lots of birds!  Goes to show one cannot draw conclusions from the bird radar.....

Friday, I checked out Rondeau in the morning, then headed into Erieau. I was just about to walk the "rail" trail, when word got out about a Laughing Gull on Rondeau's south beach.  I had not seen a Laughing Gull in a long time, so I thought I would get out the scope at the Erieau channel and hope for the best.

After a bit of looking, we finally spotted it.  This dark gull stood out like a sore thumb among the other gulls, even though very distant.

Also seen were three young Little Gulls.

With lack of other ideas for the day, I headed west to Wheatley and Hillman Marsh.  A quick stop at Wheatley Harbour revealed a few Whimbrel flying by.

Hillman shorebird cell had a good variety of shorebirds, including White-rumped Sandpiper.  Things are very fluid there, so the numbers and species keep changing during one's visit.

Dunlin

Saturday was not all that productive at Rondeau either.  Later, I stopped by Blenheim sewage lagoons to see if the three Red-necked Phalaropes from the previous day were still present.  They were, but only two out of three!

These tiny shorebirds were a bit distant and difficult to photograph.

We rarely see them in spring migration, but are a treat to see in breeding plumage.  Been a long time since I have seen them in spring.

Their larger cousin, a Wilson's Phalarope was nearby.

I was home by noon(!), so in the afternoon I took a long walk up at Reid CA.  Some FOY butterflies:

Spicebush Swallowtail

Silver-spotted Skipper

Sunday, I needed a change in scenery, so went to Point Pelee.  Weather was iffy with a cool northerly wind and damp conditions, but it was quite birdy.  Highlight was an unseen Connecticut Warbler.

I heard that Rondeau was very good as well....just my luck for the one day I stay away!  They even had a Piping Plover out south beach, which seems to be an annual event.

On my way home, I stopped by Mitchell's Bay (south shore nature trail), as I often do.  It paid off again!  Although not a mega, I spotted a couple of American White Pelicans!  These big creatures are often seen at Mitchell's Bay.

Distant, cropped photo

I usually have to go to Point Pelee in early June to list them.  They regularly show up at Pelee in late May to early June.

Some Map Turtles were sunning themselves along the trail.

Monday, I went back to Rondeau, and walked out to south beach.  It was something I wanted to do for some time, but conditions were better this day.  This time of year usually reveals lots of shorebirds.  Last year I managed to see a number of Red Knots, but none have been reported to this date this year.

Indeed, there were lots of shorebirds, mainly Dunlin.

Oops!  Some other shorebird got in the way.

A Piping Plover was still present, which was my main target for the day.

After returning from my long walk, I did some lazy birding around maintenance to pony barn area.  One or two Cerulean Warblers were singing in the area.

I came across a Painted Skimmer at one point.

Still more birds to come, and hopefully some rarities!

North Lambton Tour and Rondeau Rarities

I did some touring around this weekend.  Friday I went up to north Lambton County to check out Pinery, Port Franks and Ipperwash.  I was hoping to see some butterflies such as Olympia Marble and some elfins.
I first checked out the Heritage Forest at Port Franks for some birds.  It started out nice and sunny, but by the time I was done there, typical weekend weather rolled in.  It killed my chances for seeing many butterflies later!
I had a good variety of birds in the forest, including standard birds such as Acadian Flycatcher (4) and Hooded Warbler (4).  In the forest, I had no luck in taking photos, as usual.

Acadian Flycatcher

Several species of warblers including Mourning and Blue-winged.  No Cerulean this time though, although they do nest there.

I then moved into Pinery Provincial Park.  It was somewhat on the quiet side, but I did see a variety of birds. No doubt the crappy weather was a factor.

It looks like Prairie Warbler is there once again for the season.  I found one singing along the first dune ridge at P9.  They are always found in the first dune ridge somewhere along the Pinery beach.

At one point I saw a Common Raven fly over.  Seems they are quite regular in north Lambton anymore.

I checked for Dusted Skipper, but the cool overcast weather kept them at bay.

I then moved to Karner Blue Sanctuary where duskywings can be found in numbers.  Usually you can get four species this time of year.  I only saw two Sleepy Duskywings.

At one point I thought I had something unique, but it was just an azure.  However, it was the "marginata" form which is heavily marked and brighter blue on the upper side.  Actually a very attractive insect!

I briefly checked Ipperwash Forested Dunes and Swales, but it was deathly quiet.  From other's eBird lists there, it has been rather quiet  compared to what it should be.

Just before getting home, I stopped by Peers Wetland and found a good variety of warblers including Canada, Mourning and Wilson's among others.

As well, I spotted a Common Nighthawk sleeping in typical fashion.

Saturday I went down to Rondeau Park and sloshed through the water on south point trail.  I just did this trail since I wanted to get over to Erieau and try for the Neotropic Cormorant.

Several Northern Waterthrushes were still around, and lots of Tennessee and Blackpoll Warblers.

Warbling Vireo

A good number of shorebirds were along the east beach, including lots of Ruddy Turnstones.

Over near Erieau, I tried for the recent Laughing and Franklin's Gulls.  They were just too far out and heat haze was a factor.
The Neoptropic Cormorant was perched in a willow at the Erieau pier with its ugly cousins.  It was a new Rondeau bird for me, so nice to check off.  Now that I have seen it, and most others have, it can leave!  lol.  I did not even attempt a photo due to lighting issues.

I did a quick check of the gulls again with no luck so eventually ended up at Hillman Marsh.  Nothing special there, but one has to take the chance!

I had heard that the gulls were being seen again near Erieau, so went back.  I tried in vain, but the heat haze was even worse.  There are practically no places to pull off in the that area since roads are poorly designed.  As well, traffic was ridiculous with people in a hurry to go nowhere.
I gave up in disgust!

Today I went back to Rondeau under cooler conditions.  South point trail was not bad, but the interior of the park was very quiet for migrants.  More Alder Flycatchers were in, as well as Red-eyed Vireos.
Various warblers included a few Mourning.
World's worst photo:

The shorebirds were still along the east beach, but no rarities.

I came across a couple of Olive-sided Flycatcher.  One was silent but the other revealed itself by calling.

A few thrushes were still lurking in the woods.  Gray-cheeked seemed to outnumber Swainson's today.

With overcast conditions, I checked for the gulls again near Erieau.  I managed to find a spot to set up a scope along Erieau Road.  I was just in time, as I quickly picked out an adult Franklin's Gull. I just got on the second cycle Laughing Gull when everything took off to the lake.  I was there less than ten minutes, so I lucked out!

Middle gull is a Franklin's

I find mid June good for gulls, especially at Point Pelee, so who knows what else there will be to see this spring.  Last year I found a Black-headed Gull at Point Pelee!

Blenheim lagoons had about 70 Semipalmated Sandpipers and one Least.  Nothing else of note.

Now that we are near the end of May, time to fly off to other things such as breeding birds and butterflies.

Quality Birds at Rondeau and Weekend Activities

It is an interesting time of year as you never know what will show up.  Most of the warblers and vireos and other passerines have moved through, but some decent birds will show up. As well we look for "late" birds.
I headed down to Rondeau Park early this morning and was the first birder to arrive.  I set up shop at Dog Beach as usual for a lakewatch.  There was a very stiff SW wind--not the best for the location, but it was evident there would be lots of birds going by. Dog Beach is the best spot for a lakewatch at the park.

Soon after arrival, I caught sight of an interesting bird.  It was quite distant and lighting was not the best due to the early hour, but I determined it to be a juvenile Black-legged Kittiwake.  The black carpal bar and size was evident.
I was wondering where the other "regular" birders were, but just as the kittiwake was going out of sight, they had arrived at the parking lot.  Too late!

We stood vigil for some time and at one point a dark-mantled gull appeared.  Size was apparent and we concluded Laughing Gull.  It actually appeared several times.  I can best describe it as a second-winter plumaged gull.  There was not really a good opportunity to photograph the bird due to distance.

Then the loons started coming.  In bunches. Perhaps over 150 went by or were swimming at Dog Beach.  (A large number were swimming at the north end of the park as well bringing a total to over 200 birds).  And no Red-throated.  We have almost given up on Pacific as there is no record for Rondeau!

We walked south point trail, but not much was seen there except Yellow-rumped Warblers and one Blackpoll.
A good number of birds were along Harrison Trail north.  I added a Nashville Warbler to the list.
I found some Closed Gentian, past its prime, in a known location.

While I was near the pony barn, I received a message about a Franklin's Gull at the north end of the park.  Interesting that showed up as well.  Steve Charbonneau found the bird and I soon arrived to see a first cycle bird.

A few days ago, Steve found a Eurasian Wigeon at Erieau behind the fire hall.  (It is nice to be retired!). That was my next stop.  I found it after less than ten minutes of searching.  There are thousands of ducks on the Bay right now, so who know what all is out there.  Most are distant.

There is also a weed mat out from the fire hall which shorebirds and gulls are taking advantage.  There were 20 Caspian Terns on it today--a good number for this date.

Blenheim Lagoons had no shorebirds except for some flyby Killdeer.  Some swallows were present including 2 Barn.

Yesterday we had nice weather and many of us were at Point Pelee for a special day. I arrived early for a Tip watch.
There was a decent SW wind, but nothing of note showed up!

Sunrise at Point Pelee Tip

It was a day to remember and share stories about the legendary Alan Wormington.
We had a nice walk through the woods as well.

While we were all having a fabulous lunch at Blue Heron, a Cloudless Sulphur flew through, much to the delight of Bob Curry.  Bob had never seen one before!

Bob looking for the Cloudless Sulphur

Here is a photo courtesy Kit McCann.

After lunch I headed over to Hillman shorebird cell to look at the reported Hudsonian Godwit and Cattle Egret.  The egret was a "year-bird" of course.

Just after I left, a Fish Crow showed up...............cannot get 'em all!

Wheatley-Pelee Gulls and More!

I decided on a trip to Wheatley and Pelee area today.  It was  cool, windy and cloudy today, but then...it is the weekend!  However, gulls seemed to like the weather.
I started at Camper's Cove Road where the Dickcissels have traditionally colonized a field.  I could pick out three singing birds.  How many will be there this year?
Today they were a bit distant from the road.

Dickcissel Field

On to Wheatley Harbour, a fair number of gulls were milling about.  Just as I was driving up, something put up the gulls. Most returned, but not all.  I quickly picked out 2 immature Little Gulls.  A young Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the rock pile among other gulls.

Next stop was Hillman shorebird cell.  I had the whole place to myself!  Luckily this year, ERCA has left the water in and many birds have found it very useful.  A number of shorebirds were still around including at least 14 Dunlin, 5 White-rumped Sandpipers, a few Semipalmated Sandpipers and a single Semipalmated Plover.  I am almost certain I had a Least Sandpiper as well, which would be good at this date.  Lighting was not all that great.
Ducks included a couple of male Northern Shovelers, both regular teals, Mallards and even two Gadwall.  Lots of Great Egrets.

In Point Pelee, I walked out Shuster Trail, heard an Ovenbird,a redstart and a Virginal Rail among other common birds along the way.  Many Herring Gulls were streaming up the east beach and I thought it might be a good day at the Tip.

A few gulls were at the pilings.

Arriving at the Tip, I was pleasantly surprised to find hundreds of gulls.  Most were Herring, but I did pick out a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Lots of bonies too.

Dive!!

I thought it might be a good day for a Black-headed, but instead I found a Laughing! (I will take it!).

I had been there sitting on the bench for almost a half hour (I had this place to myself as well) and after looking straight east for a bit, I glanced at the Tip sand and there was this dark gull all of a sudden.
The bird stood there for a bit, then took flight and milled about for a while off the Tip.

It appears to be a first cycle bird, but a nice find for the day!

After some time, the gulls thinned out and I walked up west beach trail.  There were quite a few butterflies despite the weather.

Black Swallowtail male

American Painted-lady

I checked De Laurier area and the top end of Anders, then NW Beach area before heading out.

Once again I stopped at Hillman and walked all the way around the cell.  The same birds were present plus more ducks and egrets (16).

Bronze Copper at Hillman

A stop at Wheatley again revealed a few gulls and some Common Terns.  I had a nice chat with Dave Martin while there.