Windsor Area Past Field Trips

Point Pelee and St. Clair National Wildlife AreaTop

27 September 2009 Point Pelee National Park

Leader: Ross Mackintosh.

A small working group (16 max) turned up 45 species within Point Pelee Park this morning and early afternoon. Participants were from Ottawa, Vineland (recently moved from Oregon), Toronto, Hamilton, Ajax, and local birders.

The highlight was an unexpected Piping Plover that joined our group, accompanied by a Sanderling, for our walk along the East side of the Tip. The Plover provided tremendous scope close‐ups and many photos. It was still present at 3:30 pm.

Tip Area: The early NW winds brought lots of Sharp‐shinned Hawks and Blue Jays. We were also treated to hundreds of Monarchs; we estimated a steady stream of 3–4 a minute for most of the morning. Four Gull species, Red‐breasted Merganser, Caspian Tern, and Double‐crested Cormorant were seen at the Tip. We had good looks at Merlins (1 perched briefly), a Peregrine Falcon, Northern Harriers, and a Bald Eagle. A possible Alder Flycatcher was one of the few small birds that dared sit in the open. Eastern Phoebe, Carolina Wren, Ruby‐crowned Kinglet, White‐throated Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Red‐winged Blackbird, Cape May, American Redstart, and Nashville Warblers were seen in the area. Nice photo ops of a new hatch Red Admiral and 12 Spotted Skimmer.

VC Parking Lot: Osprey and Red‐tailed Hawk

Tilden: very quiet except at Chinquapin end there was Magnolia Warbler, Black‐capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Golden‐crowned Kinglet, and Winter Wren.

DeLaurier: American Robin, Cedar Waxwings, Wood Ducks. In one flock on the east boardwalk we had Black‐throated Blue and Yellow‐rumped Warblers. In the same flock were Red‐eyed and Blue‐headed Vireo, Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker, and Gray Catbird. One Silver‐spotted Skipper.

30 September 2007 Point Pelee National Park

Leader: Marianne Reid.

A small group of eight people came to Canada’s most southern mainland point on Sunday morning to marvel at the migration that makes Point Pelee famous. We had a total of 60 species (61 if you count Wild Turkey). Highlights included the hundreds of migrating Blue Jays and the few Sharp‐shinned Hawks that take advantage of the situation where the Jays will not migrate over Lake Erie with strong southerly winds. After Point Pelee, we headed on out to do a quick survey of the onion fields and ended our field trip at the entrance of Hillman Marsh for waders, ducks and shorebirds. It was a leisurely birding trip on a nice warm Sunday.

Here is the complete list: Blue Jay; Sharp‐shinned Hawk; Ring‐billed Gull; Herring Gull; Northern Flicker; Great Black‐backed Gull; Bonaparte’s Gull; Double‐crested Cormorant; Red‐breasted Merganser; Scaup species; Merlin; Hummingbird (presumably Ruby‐throated); Northern Harrier; Chimney Swift; White‐throated Sparrow; Dark‐eyed Junco; European Starling; Red‐breasted Nuthatch; Downy Woodpecker; Golden‐crowned Kinglet; Ruby‐crowned Kinglet; Brown Creeper; Red‐bellied Woodpecker; Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker; American Crow; Peregrine Falcon; Winter Wren; Black‐and‐white Warbler; Black‐throated Blue Warbler; Magnolia Warbler; Hermit Thrush; Turkey Vulture; Eastern Phoebe; Wild Turkey; House Wren; Northern Cardinal; House Sparrow; American Goldfinch; Common Grackle; Mourning Dove; Rock Pigeon; Red‐winged Blackbird; White‐crowned Sparrow; Swamp Sparrow; Song Sparrow; Gray Catbird; Horned Lark; American Robin; Barn Swallow; Tree Swallow; American Kestrel; Bald Eagle; Great Egret; Great Blue Heron; Osprey; Black‐crowned Night‐Heron; Killdeer; Pectoral Sandpiper; Greater Yellowlegs; Wood Duck; Canada Goose.

Reported by Marianne Reid.

16 June 2007 St. Clair National Wildlife Area and Point Pelee National Park

Leader: John Miles.

14 stalwart birders met Blake Mann and me at the SCNWA parking lot at 7:00 am. There was a heavy dew and most of us got our feet wet walking to the ’former’ tower. We saw a family of Pied‐billed Grebe, several Least Bitterns and heard one American Bittern, many Marsh Wrens and Common Yellowthroats, a few Swamp Sparrows, 1 Green Heron, 4 Black Terns and several Forster’s Terns. The return walk produced a Common Moorhen and a co‐operative pair of Yellow‐billed Cuckoos in the parking area. We drove on to PPNP, making a short pitstop at Tilbury Tim Horton’s (must be the busiest in the country). Birds seen ‘en route’ included Ring‐necked Pheasant, American Kestrel and Horned Lark.

From the parking lot (our most productive habitat?) of DeLaurier trail we saw 2 Black‐billed Cuckoos, disappointingly we found no Yellow‐breasted Chat, but did see Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, House and Carolina Wrens and Indigo Buntings as we walked part of Ander’s and then the main trail. We lunched at Pioneer picnic area to the ‘sound of music’ ‐ a Wood Thrush ‐ and were rewarded with 4 Common Loons and a Horned Grebe in breeding plumage by walking out to the west beach.

We stopped at Wheatley for 4 gull species and at Dealtown to find Eastern Meadowlark and Bobolink before finishing the trip at Blenheim Sewage Lagoon, where approximately 10 Ruddy Ducks, 1 Redhead and 2 Black Ducks brought our day list to 80 ‐ we were all sated and I hope satisfied with our 9 hours of birding in the hot sun.

Reported by Maris Apse.

18 June 2005 St. Clair National Wildlife Area and Point Pelee National Park

Leader: John Miles.

Twenty-five OFO members and friends gathered at the entrance to the St. Clair National Wildlife Area where we were joined by John Haggeman of the Wildlife Area staff, who took us around to the various locations where King Rails had been reported this spring. None responded to the tapes, but several Least Bitterns were heard. A good numbers of Forster's Terns frequented one area, offering excellent views.

Yellow-headed Blackbirds have not been overly abundant this spring at the Wildlife Area and with the wind blowing usually stay low. John tried one spot along the south road where they often are found even when it is windy but none showed although an American Widgeon was seen. We bid John adieu and thanked him for assisting us and headed for Hillman's Marsh. At Hillman's a group of seven Common Egrets were seen and Yellow-billed Cuckoos kept popping up. We did not find the previously reported Tricolored Heron but a group of 27 Great Blue Herons went air borne as we were leaving. We had lunch at the Sanctuary Picnic area at Point Pelee with Orchard Orioles overhead and the flyby of a Giant Swallowtail. A walk a round of the Nature Trail south of the Visitor's Centre fed a lot of mosquitoes. The usual spot at the entrance to the Delaurier trail had a reluctant Yellow-breasted Chat calling sporadically for those fortunate to know the calls which were not regular. The trip over to Erieau was uneventful. At the dock a good number of Turkey Vultures were on the shoreline across the channel.

After a break at the park store at Rondeau the diehards picked up singing Scarlet Tanager and Wood Thrush while driving towards the Park Nature Centre. On the Tulip Tree Trail we had excellent views of the pair of Prothonotary Warblers as they were going to and from the nest box. The group formally broke up at 7 p.m. after recording 72 species on a slow birding day.

Reported by John Miles

14 June 2003 St. Clair National Wildlife Area and Point Pelee National Park

Leader: John Miles.

Seventeen people assembled at the entrance to the St. Clair National Wildlife marsh this foggy morning at 7 a.m. On the walk along the dike we saw numerous Common Moorhens including at least one family group with five chicks. Wood Ducks were everywhere and Pied-billed Grebes could be heard out in the marsh. Two males and a female Ruddy Duck were a special treat. Least Bitterns were calling and a couple perched out in the open or flew around. Both Black Terns and Forster's Terns were skimming over the open pools. On the way to Anger's Line Black-billed Cuckoos were heard and seen and the call of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo was heard from dense willows. At the end of Anger's Line were Mute Swans and numerous Forster's Terns. On the return drive to the highway we stopped for a metre and a half long Fox Snake to clear the road.

At Wheatley Harbour a Great Egret was in the creek on the north side of Omstead's fish plant. We headed for Point Pelee and stopped for lunch at the Dunes picnic area. Here a very co-operative second year male Summer Tanager was found on the trail from the picnic area to the west beac. After lunch the small loop trail on the south side of the parking lot of the Delaurie Trail produced a calling Yellow-breasted Chat. A co-operative Eastern Towhee sang from the top of a tree. Several Orchard Orioles were present here. We had goods looks at a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. An Osprey flew over heading south.

We then headed for Rondeau. Supper was at the Rondeau Park store where Chimney Swifts were flying over and a Red-headed Woodpecker was on a small tree. At the entrance of the Spicebush Trail we heard the Red-eyed Vireos calling. A Pileated Woodpecker flew in and landed on a dead tree trunk 30 metres away. At the nature centre a Red-bellied Woodpecker flew over the parking lot while a Red-headed Woodpecker was on the nature centre's feeder. Near the entrance to the Tulip Tree trail a second year male American Restart was seen and heard. Back in the sloughs from the trail we had good looks at a Prothonotary Warbler which sat for several minutes chipping over a nest box. A great end to a successful day during which the group saw about 84 species.

Reported by John Miles

29‐30 September 2001 OFO AGM weekend point Pelee National Park

The 161 registered participants at the Ontario Field Ornithologists' Annual General Meeting held on Saturday and Sunday, 29 and 30 September, at Point Pelee National Park were treated to a magnificent weekend of birding, on two fabulous, sunny days. The combined species total recorded by AGM participants for the two days was 162, with 18 species of waterfowl (including Snow Goose), 13 species of hawks, eagles and falcons (including Swainson's Hawk, Golden Eagle and several Peregrine Falcons), 18 shorebird species (including Red Phalarope), and 20 warbler species. Another highlight was the Long-eared Owl roosting over the Tip Boardwalk, which was a Point Pelee first for many present.

Rains of the previous week resulted in the flooding of Hillman Marsh, and disappearance of shorebird habitat there. However, Sturgeon Creek behind the Days Inn provided excellent mudflats for shorebird viewing. North winds during the weekend provided a good hawk flight, as well.

We really appreciated the efforts of all our trip leaders, Bob Curry, Karl Konze, Ian and Gavin Platt, Paul Pratt, Pete Read, and Alan Wormington, in making this a great birding event that OFO members will long remember. Hope to see you all next year at Kingston!

Reported by Ron Tozer (who was also a leader)

9 June 2001 St. Clair Wildlife Reserve and Pelee

Led by John Miles.

Fifteen members and friends of OFO met at St. Clair National Wildlife Refuge where we were joined by refuge staff member John Haggeman. Several Common Moorhens were out in the open offering excellent views, Forster's Terns were continually flying over the marsh along with good numbers of Black Terns. Common Yellowthroats and Marsh Wrens were everywhere, as were Wood Ducks on the water. A family of Pied-billed Grebes were out in the open in one pool. Two Least Bitterns were spotted flying low over the cattails. We were able to spot a couple of Yellow-headed Blackbirds from the top of the observation tower a way out over the marsh as they skimmed over the cattails from perch to perch. Not a single Least Bittern was heard calling. Only one Black-crowned Night Heron was seen flying by. After leaving the refuge we checked out the marsh along the road on the other side of the refuge where a Willow Flycatcher put on a good show calling from a perch out in the open. A Green Heron went sailing by.

We then proceeded to Wheatly Harbour. Chimney Swifts were over downtown Wheatly. At the harbour were many gulls including a couple of Great Black-backed Gulls. On the way to Hillman Marsh, good views were had of a pair of Cliff Swallows sitting on the hydro wires. From the bridge area at the north end of the Hillman Marsh, six Semipalmated Sandpipers were spotted on the mud flats a way out. Numerous Great Blue Herons were scattered along the shoreline. A flock of 20 or so Mallards did a fly by. On to Point Pelee, where we were serenaded by House Wrens, Eastern Wood-Pewees and the ever-present Yellow Warblers at our picnic site. A male Orchard Oriole flitted through the trees overhead. After lunch we walked the nature trail at the Nature Centre. As we started, Indigo Buntings were calling while a Cedar Waxwing was sitting on a hydro wire. Along the trail, a Black-throated Green Warbler's calls were being drowned out by a Carolina Wren. Further along, a Wood Thrush was sighted. Near the south end, excellent views were had of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Further along a Black-billed Cuckoo was heard as well as the call of an Acadian Flycatcher which came out in the open. Several Orchard Orioles were observed.

From the early-farming display, a couple of "chat" imitation whistles quickly produced a response and one bird sat on top of a pine tree in full view for nearly 5 minutes, while directly overhead sat a singing Indigo Bunting. As we walked back to the parking lot a Black-billed Cuckoo landed in front of the group.

We traveled through the onion fields and up the east side of the point to the south side of Hillman Marsh. Four Caspian Terns flew over out of the marsh. From the dyke a Lesser Scaup was found as well as a pair of Mute Swans.

We then headed for Rondeau. Just inside the park gates, we stopped and removed from the centre of the road way a four-foot long Fox Snake depositing it back in the brush out of harm's way. At the park store, both Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpeckers flew by. A walk along the Tulip Tree Trail produced several woodland species including Hairy Woodpecker. There was a brief look at a Prothonotary Warbler, while some half-hearted calls were heard. Back at the parking lot, a Pileated Woodpecker stopped by.

We broke up around 7:30 pm. The group recorded 92 species of birds for the day.

Reported by John Miles

Rondeau Provincial ParkTop

7 June 2009 Skunk’s Misery, Rondeau and Blenheim Lagoons

Leaders: Rob Read, Gavin Platt.

After meeting in Newbury, a small town at the edge of the large remnants of Carolinian forest known collectively as Skunk’s Misery, we ‘suited up’ in mosquito gear, and went in to “the Misery.”

Some birds, such as Blue‐winged Warbler and Hooded Warbler proved difficult to get looks at, though were noted through vocalizations. Others proved very cooperative, including Morning Warbler, Cerulean Warbler and Acadian Flycatcher–one of the rarest breeding birds in Canada, as this is the very northern edge of their range. Due most likely to overcast and slightly cold temperatures, with a little bit of scattered showers, the birds were not especially active, but WOW the mosquitoes were! One leader counted more than 40 bites on himself after the trip!

Other notable birds included Pine Warbler, an orange variant Scarlet Tanager, and the drumming of Pileated Woodpecker. Only four species of butterfly were seen, but numerous trees were observed, including many Sassafras, and some of the most enormous Tulip Trees in Ontario. We ended up with a collective total of 55 species. Although not a very large list, this trip is more about quality than quantity.

We’d like to thank the 15 or so brave souls who weathered the mosquito clouds to have a walk in an amazing place.

3 May 2009 Rondeau Provincial Park

Leader: Maris Apse.

Some 30 OFO members gathered at the Visitor Centre on a wonderfully warm and windless morning, with visions of warblers dancing in our heads. We started on theTulip Tree trail and soon found our first mixed flock of some 6 species busily foraging at mid‐height – relatively easy spotting and most people had quite decent looks. Some Sandhill Cranes bugled as we continued and we added 4 thrushes, including a late Hermit, 1 Veery, 1 Wood and several Swainson’s. A Pileated Woodpecker added some drama, a co‐operative Northern Waterthrush, Pine Warbler (for some) plus Blue‐headed Vireo, served as curtain raisers to a wonderful view of a roosting Whip‐poor‐will, some 12ft off trail the (especially through a big‐lens camera–thanks Karl!). The nesting Cooper’s Hawk at the end of this trail was not visible but we saw it later soaring/displaying its white tail tufts from the Spice‐bush trail.

Some saw a Red‐headed Woodpecker and Eastern Kingbird en route to South Point which proved to be somewhat quiet, but for Yellow Warbler, Blue‐gray Gnatcatcher, Baltimore Oriole and Eastern Towhee. Three White‐eyed Vireo, with one singing some 8/10 M high added spice as did an American Woodcock that flushed. At the beach lookout we added Red‐breasted Merganser, Bonaparte’s Gull, Forster’s and Common Tern and Herring Gull and 5 Great Blue Herons almost over us an interesting sight. En route to VC for lunch‐break, some ‘dawdled’ finding a Mocking Bird (rare at RPP) at Dog Beach as well as Indigo Bunting and Eeastern Phoebe. During lunch most of us saw Pine Siskin and some Ruby‐throated Hummingbirds at the feeders plus the ‘usuals’.

We walked Bennet Road and Spice‐bush Trail adding Magnolia Warbler and a Winter Wren that Donald found for our enjoyment. Behind the maintenance area we enjoyed many House Wrens, a loud Carolina Wren calling until a Blue‐winged Warbler made an all too brief appearance (only seen by 1 or 2 of us). It was almost 4pm – some were going on to Pelee, others decided to get started home and we discussed finishing the day with a trip to Erieau/ Blenheim Sewage Lagoons to ‘pump the list’ – opting for Blenheim. After a quick pit stop by the store the last 5 vehicles proceeded adding Mute Swan and Horned Lark en route. The lagoons did not disappoint. We started with Eared Grebe (in 1st lagoon to right, which I had seen the previous evening) and 12 duck species including 2 female Hooded Mergansers. Then we added single Spotted and Pectoral Sandpipers, over 30 each of Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and 50+ Dunlin in a variety of plumages. We also saw a Black Tern, Bank Swallow, Warbling Vireo (nice and low in the cut‐down willows) and several Savannah Sparrows.

The final group list was 102 – of which some 21 species were seen only at these lagoons. Of course not everyone saw everything along any trail or whilst travelling. Thank you to all the participants and helpers who made this an enjoyable experience – hope you enjoyed it and see you next year.

3 May 2008 Rondeau Provincial Park

Leader: Maris Apse.

18 intrepid and enthusiastic birders joined Maris for a decidedly wet day of early spring birding at Rondeau Provincial Park. In spite of the inclement conditions, we managed to record a respectable 80 species of birds. Highlights included, but are not limited to: Warblers: Nashville, Yellow, Magnolia, Yellow‐rumped, Black‐throated Green, Palm, Black‐and‐white, Prothonotary (’killer’ looks at the pond near the Pony Barn), Northern Waterthrush (Tulip Tree Trail), Common Yellowthroat and Hooded Warbler (a female seen on the Tulip Tree Trail). Sparrows: We enjoyed a ’7‐sparrow‐species lunch’ at the Visitor Centre featuring a resplendent male Harris’s in full breeding plumage, and his Chipping, Clay‐colored, Field, Lincoln’s, White‐throated and White‐crowned relatives. We also saw Field, Song and House Sparrows during the outing. Woodpeckers: Red‐headed (the lakeside portion of the South Point Trail), Red‐bellied, Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker, Downy, Hairy and Northern Flicker.

Reported by Heather Anne Campbell.

8 June 2008 Skunk’s Misery, Rondeau & Blenheim Lagoons

Leaders: Rob Read, Gavin Platt.

Not knowing how many people we’d actually get showing up for the trip ‐ with the harsh mosquito warnings ‐ we were very glad to have 14 people, many from London area, but also about a third from Toronto and greater Toronto –. Skunk’s Misery is a 19th century name for a large tract of Carolinian forest/swamp near Newbury Ontario, also called the Middlesex County Forest. We had planned to do some grasslands birding in the area as well if time permitted, but the forest kept everyone interested for the duration of the trip.

Our first stop was for Blue‐winged Warbler, which was singing immediately when we arrived, but proved to take a bit of time to see ‐ eventually it came out to the road, and everyone was able to get a great look. Although not many birds were singing (the conditions were somewhat hot and humid ‐ but for the most part, a heavy breeze and the cooling effects of the forest itself kept us relatively comfortable ‐ OTHER THAN THE MOSQUITOES. We were most impressed by how little the mosquitoes bothered all the courageous souls who followed us into the swarms ‐ which is not to say there weren’t very large numbers of mosquitoes ‐ which there were.

Despite the overall general quietness, Cerulean Warbler and Hooded Warbler were both singing extensively, and some members of the group were able to get tantalizing views of both these birds after much searching of the trees, which were waving in the wind, making spotting the birds difficult. Our final major target species, Acadian Flycatcher, eventually gave us very close excellent views as a male came over and checked us out, singing repeatedly. We ventured back to our first stop in the hopes that a Broad‐winged Hawk we’d seen briefly carrying food in the morning might be flying around now that it was nearly noon. Sure enough, the hawk gave a great show, flying right over us for a couple of minutes.

Butterflies were seen throughout the day, including many Giant Swallowtails, several Red‐spotted Purples, many Hobomok Skippers, and a fair number of Spicebush Swallowtails. Several Tiger Beetles (most likely Cicindela sexguttata) were spotted along the path, and several wood frogs and American toads were also seen. At one point a very large animal ‐ which was likely a deer, but seemed much larger by the sound! ‐ crashed away from us through deep wet scrub.

Part of the interest on the trip also turned out to be trees ‐ with the enormous tulip trees in one particular area being show stoppers at our last site. There were also abundant sassafras all through Skunk’s, from tiny sprouts right up to massive tall trees. A smaller number of Chestnut saplings and sprouts were also observed.

Reported by Rob Read and Gavin Platt.

5 May 2007 Rondeau Provincial Park

Leaders: Blake Mann, Maris Apse.

It was a cool and not too promising morning with a stiff northeast wind blowing when 35 OFO birders met at 8:00 am. We spent over two hours walking the South Point trail and almost everyone had great views of 10 warblers (including Northern Parula, Chestnut‐sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black‐throated Blue Warbler) and White‐eyed, Yellow‐throated, and Blue‐headed Vireos.

We did a quick and very quiet tour of Tulip Tree trail before lunch and re‐assembled at 1:00 pm to walk the Harrison trail to the Pony Barns and Log Pond adding 7 more warbler species with a stunning Cerulean Warbler which was often below eye‐level, Bay‐breasted Warbler and later a Cape May Warbler; all definite crowd‐pleasers.

We saw an immature Bald Eagle, heard a Marsh Wren and a Virginia Rail at the lookout on the Marsh trail and then wrapped up a very good day’s birding.

Our total count was 78 species. Some highlights were Red‐headed and Red‐bellied Woodpeckers, Eastern Kingbird, Veery, Hermit and Wood Thrushes, Black‐throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Pine Warbler, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Rose‐breasted Grosbeak and Baltimore Oriole.

Reported by Maris Apse.

6 May 2006 Rondeau Provincial Park

About 20 OFO members braved the cool weekend weather at Rondeau Provincial Park on May 6. A rather successful outing was achieved with a collective total of 85 species seen by the group. As usual, some scouting ahead of time proved beneficial. We started on the east side of south point trail where the warm morning sun brought out many birds. Highlights there included stunning looks at a singing male Cerulean Warbler. Beside it was a White‐eyed Vireo. We also had looks at a male Northern Parula. Farther down the trail a singing male Bobolink in a tree put on quite a show. Later in the afternoon we went to look for a pair of Summer Tanagers in the campground. Upon arrival at site 64 we found a first year male. The female was not seen by the group but was nearby. Other notables included 15 warbler species, 5 common flycatcher species, an adult Bald Eagle over the visitor centre first thing and at noon, and a Northern Mockingbird (day’s end) in the picnic area near the store. Of course there were many other species in the park not observed by the group. We searched in vain for the Clay‐colored Sparrow that I found beside the store late Friday. It was, however, seen this morning.

Reported by Blake Mann.

7 May 2005 Rondeau Provincial Park

Leaders: Maris Apse and Blake Mann.

Twenty-five enthusiastic birders shared a very enjoyable day of early spring birding and fellowship in Rondeau Provincial Park. Seventy-eight (78) species were recorded as of 3:30 p.m. Highlights as follows:

Warbler/Vireo: Nashville, Yellow, Magnolia, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Palm, Black-and-white and Common Yellowthroat Warblers. The vireo species included Blue-headed, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireo. Woodpecker: Red-headed, Red-bellied, Downy, Hairy and Northern Flicker.

Glamour birds: Red-headed Woodpecker (at least 5) and Baltimore Oriole.

Participants also enjoyed some fine and close-up views of a soaring and perched adult Bald Eagle - always a nice feast for the eyes!

Reported by Heather Campbell

1 May 2004 Rondeau Provincial Park

Leaders: Maris Apse and Blake Mann.

Twenty-eight birders braved the threat of rain and met at Rondeau Provincial Park or the annual OFO field trip. The total of bird species seen was 74, including 13 warbler species. Rain held off for the most part and did not get in our way.

Noisy Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were very common in the park as were Red-headed Woodpeckers, a bird of "special concern" in Ontario.

We started on Tulip Tree Trail and spotted several warblers including a Cerulean Warbler, a couple of Tennessee and some Black-and-whites. Swainson's and Hermit thrushes rustled about. A Wood Thrush sang in the woods. The next stop was behind the maintenance buildings where we saw a Palm Warbler, a Solitary Sandpiper and three White-crowned Sparrows. We then walked the fairly quiet Spice Bush Trail where some of us saw a Northern Waterthrush.

For lunch, we stopped at the visitor centre. At the feeders, a bright Baltimore Oriole didn't need sun to show its colour. A Red-bellied and Red-headed Woodpecker fed at the same feeder and Ruby-throated Hummingbird made a brief appearance.

We then headed down to South Point Trail (end of Lakeshore) where we had killer looks at a male Blackburnian, a Yellow and a Black-throated Green Warbler. A Blue-headed Vireo landed over our heads. Both a Brown Thrasher and a Gray Catbird gave great mimic performances. An Eastern Towhee sang in the open, a few feet from the path. Two Indigo Buntings flew around in the bushes. From the beach we could see a Common Loon, Forster's Terns flying by and many Red-breasted Mergansers

Only 2 butterflies--a Cabbage-white and a Red Admiral were seen. Spring flowers were in abundance: red and white trilliums, trout lilies, Dutchman's breeches and yellow and purple violets to name a few.

Reported by Sandra Eadie

3 May 2003 Rondeau Provincial Park

Leader: Maris Apse and Blake Mann.

A fine group of 27 birders met at Rondeau Provincial Park on Saturday 3 May for the annual OFO field trip. Total bird species seen was 86, including 14 warbler species. Some other excellent birds were found during the day. We started on Tulip Tree Trail and spotted several warblers including a Northern Parula. We then headed down to south point trail (end of Lakeshore) to where there was good activity. Some of the warblers included killer looks at a female Hooded Warbler, male Blackburnian, Bluewinged, male Black-throated Blue and Palm Warblers. A Lincoln's Sparrow made a brief appearance among the hundreds of White-throated Sparrows. A Yellow-breasted Chat was heard, but not seen. Blue-headed Vireos were common. Some Red-headed Woodpeckers were flying about. For lunch we stopped at the visitor centre and some had brief looks at a possible hybrid ChippingXClay-colored Sparrow at the feeders. After lunch we headed to Marsh Trail, and noted Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs on the mudflats. There was also a Spotted Sandpiper and a couple of Least Sandpipers. Our highlight was the discovery of a Grasshopper Sparrow along the edge of the trail. At the new viewing tower we noted a lonely Dark-eyed Junco. A Marsh Wren was in the cattails as we left the tower. Several ducks (mostly Greater Scaup) were in the Bay. The next stop was behind the maintenance compound where it was quite birdy. We noted an Ovenbird there. We finished the outing on Bennett Ave., where we saw two Great-Crested Flycatchers and a pair of resident Eastern Phoebes. It was an excellent day with slightly cool weather. The numbers of birds was good for the early days of May

Reported by Blake Mann Wallaceburg

5 May 2001 Rondeau Provincial Park

Led by Allen Woodliffe.

Between 55 and 60 OFO members and friends met at the park's Visitor Center in anticipation of finding a few early spring migrants. The weather for this trip was mostly sunny, with light to moderate southeast winds and comfortable temperatures. The clear skies of the previous night had allowed some birds to continue their migration, but unfortunately the southeast winds were not conducive for a lot of new avian arrivals.

We first headed along the Tulip Tree Trail where we spotted Wood Duck, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Wood Pewee, Baltimore Oriole, Great Crested Flycatcher, Veery, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Lincoln's Sparrow and a brilliant Scarlet Tanager and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Members of the wood warbler family were one of our target groups and here we found American Redstart and a cooperative male Prothonotary Warbler, a species added to the provincial Endangered Species list in 2000. Rondeau still is the Canadian stronghold for this species, with at least a dozen or more pairs taking up residency in the sloughs of the Park during most of the last few years.

In the vicinity of the Visitor Centre, we added Double-crested Cormorant, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Eastern Kingbird, Chipping Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird, Purple Martin, American Goldfinch, Grasshopper Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow and White-crowned Sparrow. The north end of Harrison Trail was our next destination. Here we added Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Solitary Sandpiper, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow and Song Sparrow.

After lunch we explored the north end of the Marsh Trail area. An area that had been subject to a prescribed burn just a week before to enhance its savanna characteristics proved attractive to Swainson's Thrush, Savannah Sparrow, Yellow Warbler and Chipping Sparrow. We also added Carolina Wren, Warbling Vireo, Chimney Swift, Nashville Warbler and Common Yellowthroat. One Shagbark Hickory tree that was just coming out in leaf was particularly busy with insect activity and therefore birds, with several already seen warbler species, as well as Warbling Vireo and both male and female Orchard Oriole present.

Our final stop for the day was the Blenheim Sewage Lagoon. The water levels were fairly high, but we did manage to record Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper and Dunlin. Bank, Barn and Tree Swallow were all present, and several duck species, including Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Ruddy Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck and Bufflehead all added to the day's checklist.

We had a trip total of more than 90 species.

Reported by Allen Woodliffe

Holiday Beach Hawk WatchTop

21 October 2000 Holiday Beach, Essex County

Led by Paul Pratt.

Ontario Field Ornithologists members gathered at the Holiday Beach Conservation Area, located along the shores of Lake Erie in the Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, on a clear fall morning. Birding leader Paul Pratt, City of Windsor's Ojibway Nature Centre's Naturalist, welcomed birders hoping for good sightings of raptors at this well known raptor migration location. Predictions of light winds from the northeast were perfect conditions to bring migrating birds of prey past the Conservation Area's hawk tower.

The day began with a Peregrine Falcon perched atop a dead tree on Eagle Island in Big Creek Marsh, with a second reported flying through. The 30-member group moved directly below the Holiday Beach hawk tower to view the fine congregation of waterfowl resting on Big Creek Marsh. These included a record number of Ruddy Ducks, and a few lingering herons. Overhead Sharp-shinned Hawks migrated west across Big Creek Marsh along with flocks of Blue Jays and American Crows. Flocks of American Goldfinch and Cedar Waxwings hurried westward, the usual flight direction at Holiday Beach. Hawk watcher Bob Hall-Brooks brought news of an Eastern Screech-Owl enjoying the warm sun on a broken poplar tree trunk. This comfortable perch had often been occupied by a rufous phase Eastern Screech-Owl during the 1999 fall migration. Oddly, the perch had remained empty this fall until Bob s fortuitous discovery.

While walking to the owl's roost, the group stopped to observe some of the season's first Dark-eyed Juncos foraging along a grassy parking lane, in the company of two Field Sparrows. The group set up telescopes on the grassy strip where the Festival of Hawks festival tent is usually located in September Telescopes gave a fine portrait view of a gray phase Eastern Screech-Owl which was fully alert, very much aware of the visitors. Kinglets called from the dogwood thickets behind while two Brown Creepers explored a poplar tree trunk in the woodlands.

Upon returning to the roadway beside the Trout Pond at 11:00 a.m., two Golden Eagles, an adult and an immature, were spotted over Big Creek Marsh. Participants were delighted with these sightings, anxiously scanning the skies for more Golden Eagles. Light northeast winds were indeed bringing good numbers of migrants by the hawk tower. Two kettles of Turkey Turkey Vultures were observed to the north, while Red-tailed Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks and straggling flocks of American Crows passed overhead. Sixty Turkey Vultures, dramatically dark against a deep blue sky, streamed over the hawk tower. The next Golden Eagle was seen at 11:20 a.m. This sighting was followed by good views of Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, and a Cooper's Hawk.

At 11:40 a.m., another three Golden Eagles were seen together, followed at 11:45 a.m. by four Golden Eagles passing overhead, one behind the other. An American Kestrel was noted at 11:50 a.m., followed at 11:54 a.m. by yet three more Golden Eagles. An adult male Northern Harrier was spotted soaring overhead with Red-tailed Hawks.

Excited birders exclaimed as an adult Bald Eagle soared low to the west of the hawk tower. More Turkey Vultures kettled over the tower as birders headed out for lunch. Some who lingered in the parking lot saw another Golden Eagle overhead.

After lunch, the group explored the Conservation Area's northern nature trail. A light phase Rough-legged Hawk was seen overhead flying east at 1:50 p.m., then another Golden Eagle was observed at 2:10 p.m heading west. Birders explored several pine plantations for roosting owls, one unknown owl species flushed from its roost in the pine plantation across from the Conservation Area on County Road 50.

Banders Dorothy and Gary Balkwill reported that their banding total for the day was six raptors, five Sharp-shinned Hawks and an American Kestrel. The raptors overhead were intent upon migrating, oblivious to the banders' set-up. At 12:30 p.m., the station lost one of its nets when a Golden Eagle dropped from a height of two hundred feet, flew through the net, then evaded a second net by passing under it. Banders reported hearing the mist net material snap as the Golden Eagle flew through the net.

Our thanks to Paul Pratt for sharing his expertise and knowledge of Holiday Beach Conservation Area. 21 October 2000 was a memorable day at Holiday Beach as thirty-five Golden Eagles were observed by tower hawk watchers, a new one day record for Golden Eagles seen at this site.

Compilation of the day's sightings were provided by participant Paul DesJardins.

Total Species - 76

Total Bird Species - 64

Total Butterfly Species 4

Cabbage White Butterfly, Pieris rapae - 2

Clouded (Common) Sulfur, Colias philodice -1

American Painted Lady, Vanessa virginiensis -1

Monarch, Danaus plexippus -1

Total Odonata Species - 4

Familiar Bluet, Enallagma civile - 1

Common Green Darner, Anax junius - 6

Yellow-legged Meadowhawk, Sympetrum vicinum - 7

Black Saddlebags, Tramea lacerata - 1

Total Beetle Species - 2

Box Elder Beetle - 2

Southern Lady Beetle, Harmonia axyridis - +300

Northern Brown Snake - Road Kill -1

Northern Leopard Frog - 1

Reported by Betty Learmouth