Hello Ontbirders. A total of 24 species of warblers were observed in the park this morning. Among these, highly-sought species included Cerulean, Blue-winged, Hooded and good numbers of Northern Parula. There have been no additional reports of the Townsend’s Warbler seen on Harrison Trail north of the Pony Barn on May 8. We have received photos - many thanks! New arrivals include Eastern Wood-Pewee and Common Nighthawk. The nighthawks were calling along Lakeshore Road yesterday evening. At the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons, the Eared Grebe was found again today at 10 am. Shorebirds there included 4 Least Sandpipers and a number of Dunlin. Observers did not see the Wilson’s Phalarope, Long-billed Dowitchers or Hudsonian Godwit reported at the lagoons on May 9. ---------------------------------------------------------------- I will lead a guided hike twice daily from Saturday May 2 to Monday May 18, inclusive (fee $5), as follows: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 am and 1:00 pm; Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 am and 7:00 pm; Friday at 7:30 am. All of the 7:30 am and 1:00 pm hikes listed above will meet at the Visitor Centre. The 7:00 pm hikes will meet at the entrance to the Marsh Trail. A second hike on Friday at 1:00 pm will meet at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons. The Friends of Rondeau will provide a Birders' Breakfast for a small donation (coffee, tea, bagels, soups and treats) daily from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Visitor Centre. There will also be a special new program on Saturday May 9, at 7:00 pm. This evening presentation will focus on spring migration at Rondeau. Tickets for "An Evening in the Forest with LaForest" are available from the Visitor Centre. Please note that there will be no bird hike at 1:00 pm on this day - Sat. May 9. More information on the park's nature programs and the Friends of Rondeau is available at the Friends' website: www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca. Directions: Take exit 101 from Highway 401 and drive South 16 km on Chatham Kent Road 15. Turn right and follow the signs to the park. The Bird Sightings Book, Bird Sightings Board and other relevant information are located at the Visitor Centre (open 7:00 am to 5:00 pm from May 2 - 18. To reach the Visitor Centre from the park Gate, travel 6 km South on Rondeau Road to Gardiner Ave., then follow it around the bend to the parking lot. Steve LaForest Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide c/o Rondeau Visitor Centre (519) 674-1768 _________________________________________________________________ Create a cool, new character for your Windows Live™ Messenger. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9656621_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
