*Friends of Point Pelee provide guided birding hikes throughout the Festival of Birds at Point Pelee National Park of Canada. Proceeds from hikes support the Friends of Point Pelee and Point Pelee National Park. This submitted report is a service of the Friends of Point Pelee Hike Leaders.*
* * *Point** Pelee National Park** Migration Update for: MAY 2, 2011* The Park continues to impress! After yesterday’s report was emailed out, staff received a well described report of a PILEATED WOODPECKER seen flying over the Visitor Centre parking lot in the afternoon. This would only constitute the second record of the species from the Park since about the 1950s. Unfortunately, and despite some strategic searching, no one else has seen the bird since. Also reported by at least two different groups, a WESTERN MEADOWLARK was seen, heard and photographed yesterday along the west beach, north of the transit loop at the tip. The GRASSHOPPER SPARROW reported yesterday morning was relocated (different bird?) in this general area (near the “Serengeti tree” – aka Honey Locust) as well and was still being seen this morning (May 2). However, the species that has received the most attention today was the PROTHONOTARY WARBLER. Observations have come in from the Tip, Woodland Nature Trail (WNT) and Shuster Trail. It is not clear exactly how many birds are involved, it was heard second hand that at least two birds were seen together along the WNT. Although slightly less active than yesterday, a variety of warblers were being reported from the tip this morning, including a lovely BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, showing well at the very tip, along with PALM WARBLER and BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER. Also on the beach at the very tip was 38 WILLET. Despite the very short amount of sand present, they didn’t seem bothered by all the onlookers. Closer to the Tip transit stop, a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER and BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER were seen. Elsewhere in the Park, the YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen again along Shuster trail (approx. 125 m past the turnoff to Tilden Woods). Some patience is required however, as it only comes up to feed on the Staghorn Sumac every 20 minutes or so. Closer to the East Beach, a VIRGINIA RAIL was heard calling. Three lingering DARK-EYED JUNCOS were reported yesterday from the group campground area, as was a least one PINE SISKIN heard calling over the Visitor Centre. The first MOURNING WARBLER was seen next to the Visitor Centre building this morning. Despite the overcast and cool conditions a nice variety of species are being reported. A quick count revealed that 26 species of warbler have been seen today and yesterday. With the lack of leaves on the trees and shrubs, most are being seen very well. Outside the Park, the EARED GREBE was reported again yesterday from the shorebird cell at Hillman Marsh. Two SANDHILL CRANES were reported from a field near Paula’s Fish Place this morning. Also, a SNOWY EGRET was report from along County Road 20 in Amherstburg (Malden Centre). Good Birding, Hike Leaders: Pete, KARL, Todd, Justin, Marianne, John, Ellen, Alvan and Jeremy FESTIVAL OF BIRDS APRIL 30, 2011 THROUGH MAY 23, 2011 Point Pelee National Park of Canada and Friends of Point Pelee For more information on the festival and archived Point Pelee Migration Reports, please check our www.festivalofbirds.ca FOLLOW the park on Twitter.com/PointPeleeNP<http://mail.google.com/mail/Point%20Pelee%20Migration%20Update%20-%20Template.doc> -- Janice Rogers, General Manager Friends of Point Pelee ~ Celebrating 30 years "Our Point is Pelee" www.friendsofpointpelee.com 519-326-6173 *Festival of Birds ~ April 30 though May 23, 2011 * *www.festivalofbirds.ca* <http://www.festivalofbirds.ca/>* * _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
