[Ontbirds]Rondeau - N Sharp-tailed Sp, Lesser BB Gull

[Steve LaForest]

Rondeau Bird Report – Tuesday May 13, 2008


Hello birders.


Rumours of the Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow’s departure were much exaggerated.  The bird was seen yesterday at the Pony Barn from 7:45 to 10:30 am, but there were no additional reports until about 4 pm.  It was then seen until near sunset, and then again today in the same area by a number of birders.  The sparrow continues to be elusive for extended periods.


Our warbler count for this morning was 21 species plus one hybrid.  The Worm-eating continues to be a crowd-pleaser at Spicebush Trail.  Other warblers du jour included Brewster’s on Rondeau Road north of Spicebush, Cerulean at the South Point Trail parking lot on Gardiner, Prothonotary at Tulip Tree Trail and Bennett, and Hooded on Tulip Tree Trail.  The best trails were South Point and Tulip Tree.  Yesterday afternoon, the Maintenance Loop was very productive.


Aside from the Prothonotary Warbler, other Carolinian species included Tufted Titmouse on Harrsion Trail, White-eyed Vireo singing at the Pony Barn, and both Red-bellied and Red-headed Woodpeckers seen in good numbers at various locations.  Both of these woodpeckers were seen at the Visitor Centre feeders.


An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen this morning at Erieau docks.  The two American White Pelicans in the area have been seen flying over the marsh and South Point Trail.  The most reliable way to see them, however,  is to drive to the fishing dock in Erieau later in the day (see directions below).  Others who checked on May 11 at 2 pm were unsuccessful, but I saw the birds from the dock at 8:10 pm.


Steve LaForest
Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide
c/o Rondeau Visitor Centre (519) 674-1768


I will lead a guided bird hike twice daily May 3 to 19 (fee $5), as follows: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 7:30 am & 1 pm; Tuesday & Thursday 7:30 am & 7 pm; Friday 7:30 am.  All of the 7:30 am and 1 pm hikes listed above will meet at the Visitor Centre.  The 7 pm hikes will meet at the entrance to the Marsh Trail.  A second hike on Friday at 1 pm 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 am.


Directions:


To reach Rondeau PP, take exit 101 from Highway 401 and drive South 16 km on Chatham Kent Road 15. 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 am to 5 p m from May 3 - 19).  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 parking lot.


For the American White Pelican, from McGeachy Pond C.A. (see above), continue southeast on Erieau Road (Chatham-Kent 12) into the town of Erieau.  At Nichols Ave., turn ~~left and follow Kerr Ave. to the end of the road at the fishing boat docks.  Look north into Rondeau Bay and marsh.  Most sightings at this location have been late in the day.  I saw the birds there from 8:10 – 8:25 pm on May 11.  The Lesser Black-backed Gull was also seen in this area.  It would also be worth checking the Government Dock at the end of Mariner's Road for gulls.


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