Hi there, Brisk east winds and steady rain greeted birders this morning. However, bird activity picked up noticeably after the rain stopped at 9:00 a.m. Just south of the Visitor Centre, a male HOODED WARBLER could be observed flashing its tail feathers in the understory. Nearby a NORTHERN PARULA could be heard singing its raspy rising song. Also present were BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, YELLOW-THROATED VIREO and MAGNOLIA WARBLER.
Activity at the tip was predictably quiet first thing while it was raining. Most obvious were the WHITE-THROATED and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS observed low down on the ground or on the beach. Only 5 species of warbler could be found on the park bird hike: YELLOW-RUMPED, NASHVILLE, YELLOW, BLACK-THROATED BLUE and CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER. A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER was later reported from the tip. Also of interest was a small tree with many swallows all perched waiting out the rain. Additional observations made yesterday included: A Plegadis ibis sp. - (1) - Observed by Alan Wormington land somewhere in or around Sanctuary Pond Hooded Warbler - (2) - The Dunes and Northwest Beach Sedge Wren - (1) - Northwest Beach Willet - (11) - Hillman Marsh C.A. shorebird impoundment Black Tern - (1) - Hillman Marsh C.A. shorebird impoundment (first of the spring) The PILEATED WOODPECKER observed yesterday was last reported yesterday at about 11:00 a.m. flying north through Tilden's Woods. The LARK SPARROW was not reported again yesterday. The forecast calls for the winds to shift to the south sometime today. More rain is also forecast tonight with the winds eventually sweeping around to the west. Depending on when the rains arrive overnight and if the winds are from the south, another push of migrants may arrive tomorrow. Good Birding, John Haselmayer, Karl Konze, Dave Martin, Pete Read, Alan Wormington Staff, Friends of Point Pelee ************************************************************************ Point Pelee National Park and the Friends of Point Pelee are pleased to present the 2003 Festival of Birds from April 26 to May 26. This years events include daily hikes, County Hot Spot Tours, "Birders Breakfast" and much. For more information, please visit www.wincom.net/~fopp/ or www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pn-np/on/pelee/ne/ne4_e.asp. Birders may also be interested in the free shorebird hikes offered by Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) at the new shorebird impoundment starting this weekend. - To contact the Friends of Point Pelee please call 519-326-6173, fax 519-326-7925 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] - For general park information, please call 519-322-2365. - To contact ERCA, please call 519-776-5209. ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! Friends of Point Pelee <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
