Birding was great this morning. There was a reverse movement off the Tip which was quite active and included many BALTIMORE ORIOLES, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, INDIGO BUNTING, ETC. At least one SCARLET TANAGER was also noted, as well as a few smaller birds such as common warblers and vireos. Many blackbirds also were heading off the Tip. On the beach at the Tip there were some gulls resting and amongst many common ones, there was a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Just offshore a RED-THROATED LOON drifted southward about 8 am. There was a SEDGE WREN reported on the west side of the Tip near the Carolinian Canada Sign. Near the Tip Exhibit on the Loop Woods there was a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH.(photos) Because of the strong easterly winds, most birds were on the west side of the Point. A walk along the West Beach Trail produced many species, up to 12 warblers included. Best birds were PRAIRIE, GOLDEN-WINGED, BLUE-WINGED, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. A number of Sparrow species were also found, including a CLAY-COLORED and GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS. Another SEDGE WREN was noted on that trail as well. So the dam has burst and a flood of migrants is now present in the Park today. Of note, there are several problems on the trails. The Tilden Wood Trail boardwalk is having emergency repairs and so birders will have to detour on the seasonal and main trails around that spot. Please watch for trail maintenance equipment using the trails over the next few days. Also the Woodland Trail is somewhat flooded on the east side. And the new entrance to the Marsh Boardwalk tower is underwater. Good Birding,
Festival of Birds Hike Leaders Pete Read, Karl Konze, Justin Peter, Jean Iron, Geof Burbidge, Emma Burbidge, Chris Earley, Dave Milsom, Bruce DiLabio, Jessica Linton, Jeremy Bensette, Tim Arthur, Gabriel Foley, Mike Kent, Alan Watson, Dylan White, Aaron Brisebois and Paul Pratt. The Festival of Birds runs from May 1 - 20. For a detailed schedule visit: www.festivalofbirds.ca For highlights and other updates follow us at www.twitter.com/PointPeleeNP The Festival is brought to you by Parks Canada - Point Pelee National Park and the Friends of Point Pelee. Hikes are generously supported by Quest Nature Tours. Shorebird Viewing Nights are brought to you in partnership with Ontario Field Ornithologists and Essex Region Conversation Authority and Pelee Wings Nature Store. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
