Rondeau Campout and a "Lifer" in the Mix

 The past four nights I camped at Rondeau (place of choice for this time of year) as I usually do this time of year.  At least it cuts down on travel time in the car!  I never took many photographs though, but always had the camera on hand.

The weather was reasonably good with sunny days, except Thursday which was cloudy, cool and windy.  A bit of rain late in the afternoon dampened things.  Most rain, which was little, came at night.

Birding was generally slow for the most part, and there were not as many birds as I had hoped.  However, it is what it is and one makes the best of it!

Monday morning we started early on south point trail.  Some new birds had come in.  Highlight was an immature Little Gull flying by the washout.

I saw my first Prothonotary Warbler of the year on Tulip Tree trail.  It afforded close-up views!  (Hence a new header photo for this blog!).

Although a female, it was nice to see.

I ended up with 94 species for the day in the park.

Later in the afternoon, I took a jaunt over to Keith McLean C. L.  Highlight was a Willet, but probably not Willie the Willet.

In the evening, conditions were excellent to walk out marsh trail (ended up with 50 species).  I found it a bit quiet, but added Least Bittern (6) for the year's list.  Some Sora were calling, but no Virginia Rails were heard.

As usual, hundreds of swallows were heading back to the marsh to roost a dusk.  Difficult to count, but most seemed to be Bank.

I stayed out till dark, but oddly, no Whip-poor-wills were heard at the north end.  Are more to come?

Tuesday I was up bright and early.  I counted eight Whip-poor-wills along Lakeshore Road down to south point trail.  It ended up being a quiet day, although some new birds had come in.  The only new bird for the year was Gray-cheeked Thrush.

Plants are doing their thing.  One of the more abundant forest floor plants is Canada Mayflower.  Not quite in bloom though.

Maidenhair Fern

As I was crawling in the tent for the night, a Black-crowned Night-Heron flew over, calling incessantly.  Other birders in the campground noted it as well, as shown on their eBird lists!

Wednesday was a good day, where I surpassed 100 species in the park.  Added for the year were only two, including Eastern Wood Peewee and Wilson's Warbler.

More White-crowned Sparrows had come in. One would think a Harris's Sparrow might pop in with them!

Later in the afternoon, I walked south point east trail.  Not many birds, but for amusement I looked at some reptilian creatures!

Five-lined Skink

Dekay's Brown Snake

Also some leps.

Eastern-tailed Blue

Spicebush Swallowtail

While out there, word came in that a Ferruginous Hawk was found at Port Crewe by Brandon Holden.  It caused a flurry of activity by birders, as expected.  I really had no ambition to chase after it, so stayed in the park!

Thursday was a gloomy day.  With the traditional east winds for this time of year, the east side of the park was not desirable.  Steve and I walked south point west trail.  Once we got to the beach, we decided to keep going out south beach!

Shorebirds included Least Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Dunlin, Semipalmated Plover and Sanderling.  Later in the month is better for shorebirds out there.

A lone Long-tailed Duck kept going up on the beach.  It looked Ok and seemed to fly well, but we wondered about it.

On our way back, word came in that the Ferruginous Hawk was found again, closer to Port Alma.  With few birds in the park and nothing else to do, I took a run for it.

It was well out in the field when I arrived, but scope views afforded satisfaction.  For all it is worth, here is a photo!

Needless to say, it was a 'lifer' for many, or at least an Ontario 'lifer' for others.

On the way back, I checked out Erieau marsh trail, which was somewhat birdy.

I walked Tulip Tree trail upon returning to the park.  It was quite birdy, with numerous warblers.  Included was a pair of Prothonotary Warblers.  This time, the male was point blank in front of me.  Unfortunately, I did not bring the camera along!

A late Winter Wren was singing, but in the past they have nested in the park as I recall.

Later in the afternoon we had light rain, so not much happened.

Today, Friday, was another sunny day.  We started at south point trail where a few new birds had come in.  However, not many.  There were lots of Cape May and Chestnut-sided Warblers.

I later walked Harrison Trail south from Bennett to the old group campground.  It was actually quite pleasant with lots of birds.  While in group camp, word came out that a Swallow-tailed Kite had made an appearance over pony barn!

It was not far away from me, but I never saw it.  There is an open area in group camp where I watched the sky for some time, but it never passed my location.

Later it was briefly seen at dog beach, but several of us never did see it despite standing vigil there for some time  afterwards.

The bird must have been moving quickly, as it (presumably) was seen in west Chatham-Kent not long after.  I have yet to catch up with one in Chatham-Kent.  Been close a couple of times!

Generally speaking, there are lots of birds yet to come.  Most flycatchers have yet to arrive for example. This coming week should give us lots to look at, although the weather may be something to be desired.

Will be spending more time at my place of choice next week.

Some Tuf(ted) Birding

 Been cold the last two days!  Not much new has come in since last Sunday due to the weather.  Some of the birds we are seeing lately probably came in last Sunday. Some tough days of birding!

I went down to Rondeau early this morning.  There was not much to sort through and hardly any warblers.  I did get some FOY birds such as Sedge Wren, White-eyed Vireo, Ovenbird, Hooded Warbler and later Grasshopper Sparrow.  All did not want to be photographed!

Swainson's Thrush

During my time at Rondeau, I heard that a Tufted Duck was at Point Pelee.  Since Rondeau was virtually dead (again), I headed that way.  I did not rush, and took a leisurely pace.

After arrival, I took the tram to the Tip, and had a nice chat with Paul Pratt.  I then headed up the west side, and soon noted a Yellow-throated Warbler working a tree.  I watched it for ten minutes.  As easy find.

Quite a few of these creatures have been around southern Ontario so far this spring, but not one at Rondeau (yet).  Nice to see that one!

I heard that the Tufted Duck was still being seen, so I headed up that way.  Eventually I got good looks at it in the distance.  It was a new Pelee bird for me!  It was tuf tough to see as it quickly moved around.

It is the third one I have seen in Ontario, the last being.....way back....in the winter of 1994 at Sombra!  Long time coming.

A couple of White-eyed Vireos were in the vicinity as well.  Again, I had no luck in photographing one!

Been quite a few of those around recently.

I walked back to the VC via Woodland Trail.  For some reason I keep missing a Louisiana Waterthrush!  Been a nemesis this spring!

I did get a co-operative Prothonotary Warbler though.  A FOY.

Nothing else for the rest of the day, except a FOY Eastern Kingbird.

A good day, but better days are ahead!

Along Sparta Line and Miscellaneous Birding

Friday I ventured into Elgin County.  I wanted to check out the Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area, a place I had never visited before.  It is a neat natural area with some decent birds just off Sparta Line.
The trip there was quite foggy in spots and certainly had me agitated as at one point I could hardly see anything!  I arrived after about an hour and half drive, but unfortunately it was gloomy there and almost threatening rain.  Felt like it was a weekend.
However, there were lots of birds to see or hear.  Most notable was a Prothonotary Warbler in the wetland.

I spent about an hour at the place, but certainly is worth spending more time someday.  On the walk out, I heard the Cerulean Warbler singing that had been reported in previous days.

There were several other warblers including Mourning and Blue-winged.  Yellow-throated Vireo was singing here as well.

In recent weeks, a Yellow-throated Warbler was singing here, but unfortunately it must have left about a week ago.  It was thought to be on territory, but perhaps it gave up after a female never showed up!

Yarmouth NHA is along the scenic Catfish Creek.
More info here:  https://www.catfishcreek.ca/conservation-areas/yarmouth-natural-heritage-area/

Coming from the west, one must pass through the historic village of Sparta.  This village I had visited several times in the distant past.  Back when I was in high school, I researched the Mann family genealogy, and Sparta played a key role.  In the 1830's when the Mann family emigrated to Canada from England, some settled at Sparta while others settled at Strathroy (Napperton), and some eventually went over to Michigan.

While doing the research, I checked out the Sparta cemetery and found several Mann's buried there.  One was Noah, a brother to my Great Great Grandfather.

There are many historic buildings in Sparta, including the "Forge and Anvil" which, incredibly, was built about 1827.  It still stands today, with thick walls made of clay bound with straw and pea pods!

photos from the past

On the way back, I stopped by Port Stanley as well as the lagoons.  The lagoon site was virtually devoid of shorebirds except for a White-rumped Sandpiper and two Killdeer (if one can believe).
Stopped at various places on the way back but did not see anything of note.

I also went to Rondeau for a bit of a walk.  Note, gate fees apply now.  The lake was still foggy though.  Looked for anything with wings.

Eastern Tailed-Blue

Twelve-spotted Skimmer (f)

Common  Whitetail (f)

Today, Sunday, I did way too much driving in search of birds.  Not much out there!  I went as far as northwest of Leamington to view a Eurasian Collared-Dove that has been hanging around for months.
I saw it right away, so that was nice.

These doves are showing up in more places anymore.  One was reported to me as seen in Chatham on June 1.

Dickcissels are now showing up but I did not find any on my own.  None at Camper's Cove Road yet as far as I could tell.  I had to rely on reported birds near Pardoville west of Cedar Springs to see some today!

Stopped by Blenheim Lagoons as well, but nothing of note.  Only one migrant shorebird was in the cells--a White-rumped Sandpiper.

Mind-boggling as it may seem, fall migration is just around the corner!  Where did spring go?

Recent Outings and Notes

Today, June 7, was probably the nicest day we have had yet this year.  I took advantage and headed down to Point Pelee.  This time of year I tend to find some good gulls around, but it was not to be today.  Maybe next weekend?  As well, I was hoping to see some American White Pelicans, but struck out on that too!
I went right to the Tip and had it to myself for two hours.

There is a good sandspit, and lots of gulls were around, but just the usual four species that I could see.

Some Baltimore Orioles were attempting to fly out, but came back.

The only shorebird was a wayward Red Knot.  It flew over and I only got on it at the last second.

A funky pigeon was hanging around the Tip.  It had a band on its leg.

As I walked up the west side, the only butterflies were American Painted-Lady, Red Admiral and azures.

I later saw a FOY Little Wood Satyr at Cactus Field.

Other butterflies along the road included Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, and a FOY Giant Swallowtail.

I checked out Woodland trail where a number of Prothonotary Warblers are hanging out.  I saw at least two males.  I only checked the one section.

There was not much evidence of passerine migrants, but I did come across a Northern Parula at one point.  Often, we have these in June and even late June!

The resident flycatchers were going about their business.

Pelee Peewee

On the way home, I stopped by the Camper's Cove field fully expecting to find a Dickcissel or two.  A single male was singing away, but too far for a photo.  They are always expected here in the first week of June!

About a week ago, there were lots of Great Egrets at Stewart Wetland west of Wallaceburg.  I counted at least 12.  Usually on the last days of May, there are a number, probably heading north.

Recently, a couple of Snowy Egrets have been in the province, so be on the lookout!

And, this portion of the post I will dedicate to my father.
On an historical note, yesterday was the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion along the coast of France.  In particular, the Canadians were responsible for the Juno Beach--the massive landing there on June 6, 1944.
It reminded me of my father's trip to that area in the summer of 2006 when he travelled to England and France with the Essex-Kent Scottish Regiment to celebrate the Dieppe Memorial.  It was his last trip before he became too ill.  This was on my mind anyway as it was ten years ago this past Sunday that Dad passed away.

The group visited the beaches, including Juno.

In particular, it was a passion (one of many!) of my father's to study war history.  It was  dream come true for him to visit the gravesites of local war casualties.

After a culmination of ten years research, my father published a book on local war casualties--those who never returned.  The book was entitled No Return Ticket.

Saturday will  prove interesting, so stay tuned!

Rondeau to Clear Creek and Some Insects

Today was a more leisurely day.  I went down to Rondeau to see what was going on.  Midges were in the millions and mosquitoes were thick as well!  It is that time of year.
On the drive through the park, a couple of Acadian Flycatchers were singing along Bennett Avenue as usual.
The Yellow-breasted Chat was singing along Lakeshore Road in the neighbourhood of the White-winged Dove (which still has not given up!).
The walk along south point trail revealed lots of Little Wood Satyrs and crescents, among a few other common butterflies.
I walked Tulip tree trail to see the Prothonotary Warblers.  Two were in the first slough, and another male was at the usual location at the back.

Just after that, I got word from Jim Burk that he had found some Dickcissels near New Scotland.  I was going to head in that direction anyway, so that was the next stop.
There were at least three males singing in that field.  One was quite close, but I could not even see it, while another was at the back.

This IS a Dickcissel!

Today I wanted to walk through Clear Creek Forest.  Here are some scenes.

I always check out the pond on the north side of the road for insects.

It is a good spot for Calico Pennants, and a couple were indeed working the edge.

Butterflies were still scarce.  I did see one Tawny-edged Skipper, but never got on it with the camera.

I did find this attractive moth.

Chestnut-marked Pondweed Moth

On the way home, I stopped by the Thamesville bridge.  Here we find American Rubyspot and Smoky Rubyspot later in the summer.  Today, there were some dragonflies including Midland Clubtail (?).

I tried to photograph one dragonfly on the wing, which is quite difficult!  I think this one is a Midland Clubtail.

This afternoon I checked out Reid CA in anticipation of hairstreaks showing up in a week.  Some Long Dash were working the clover.

A single Juvenal's Duskywing was still hanging on.

It was hot today, so maybe it will bring out some more insects!