Rondeau Bird Report Friday May 11 to Sunday May 13, 2007
The highlight for the period was a report of a Plumbeous Vireo reported May
11 on Bennett Road between Harrison Trail and the first bench to the west of
the trail. The observer obtained a photograph and will submit it to the
OBRC, along with a report. A Blue Grosbeak (female) was also reported on
May 12 in the group campground, and we are awaiting documentation. Also
seen there on May 11 was a Summer Tanager.
Always a focus of attention in the park, Prothonotary Warblers were seen
intermittently on May 11 and 12 at Tulip Tree Trail, the Pony Barn and
Bennett Road. Other warblers of note include Hooded (seen daily with a
maximum tally of 3), a number of Northern Parulas, and several Blue-winged.
A report of a Yellow-throated Warbler on May 13 was received without further
details.
On May 13, a Grasshopper Sparrow and two Clay-colored Sparrows near the
Visitor Centre attracted considerable attention.
Shorebirds were seen in the park and elsewhere in the region. On the beach
at South Point Trail, there was 1 Ruddy Turnstone and 20 Black-bellied
Plover on May 10. The Blenheim Sewage Lagoon hosted a Wilsons Phalarope on
May 11, as well as 5 Black-bellied Plovers and a variety of other
shorebirds.
Recent breeding activity of interest included a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher nest
(photographs) and a Red-bellied Woodpecker nest.
I will lead a guided bird hike twice daily May 5 21 (fee $5), as follows:
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 7:30 am & 1 p.m.; Tuesday & Thursday
7:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.
Friday 7:30 am
All of the 7:30 am and 1 pm hikes listed above meet at the Visitor Centre.
The 7 p.m. hikes meet at the entrance to the Marsh Trail.
A second hike on Friday at 1 p.m. will meet at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons.
The Friends of Rondeau will provide a birders brunch for a small donation
(coffee, tea, bagels, soups & treats) daily from 7 11 a.m.
Saturday May 12 at 7 p.m. evening presentation of spring migration at
Rondeau
An Evening in the Forest with LaForest (contact Visitor Centre for
tickets)
Directions: from Highway 401, take exit 101 and drive South 16 km on Chatham
Kent Road 15, then turn right on Chatham Kent Road and 17 travel 1.1 km to
the park. The Bird Sightings Book, Bird Sightings Board and other relevant
information are located at the Visitor Centre (open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from
May 5 21). To reach the Centre from the park gate, travel 6 km South on
Rondeau Road to Gardiner Ave. and follow it around the bend to the left to
the parking lot.
Steve LaForest
Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide
c/o Rondeau Visitor Centre (519) 674-1768
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