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| A Report from birdtours.co.uk |
Ontario, Canada 9 -17 May 2002,
Trip by Bob Biggs and Steve Scott
BACKGROUND
We had visited
Prior to September 11, this year's trip was to be South
East Arizona. Our families went off that idea so we decided to return to
TRAVEL
We booked through Globespan again, flying from Newcastle to Toronto. This cost about £350 each for the flight and the car hire, which is very good value. On the outward flight, we went via Cardiff. We flew back direct to Newcastle [over 5 hours late but I won't bore you]. However, once in the air, we found out there was no tea, coffee or food on board - do you get the picture!
Accommodation each night was in a "Comfort Inn". This worked out at an average price of £20 per person per night, mainly because of special deals for Birders at Chatham and Simcoe. Very good value again.
WEATHER
Terrible!!! We suffered sleet, hail and driving rain at various times and it was cold for most of the time! Temperatures were sometimes as low as 6 degrees and seldom above 15 degrees all week, with birds really struggling for survival. This kind of weather continued after we left and large numbers of birds died through starvation.
INSECTS
None. You try living at those temperatures!
GENERAL
I should not have gone on this trip, as I was fairly ill with an ear, nose and throat infection a week before we left. I had convinced myself that after a week of antibiotics, I would soon be back to my old birding self! I got that wrong in a big way and it took about three months to clear the infection. My 9-day trip simply made it worse!!
ITINERARY
9 May - Left Newcastle 9 a.m. Flew to Toronto, via Cardiff, arriving 2.30 p.m. local time. Weather was misty and wet. It looked very good for birding and this proved to be the case. Unfortunately, we were unable to do any birding that day. Drove to Huntsville after picking up car.
10 May - Algonquin Park
11 May - Algonquin Park until mid pm. Drove to Chatham.
12 May - Rondeau
13 May - Comber, Big "O", Hillman Marsh, Kopegaron Woods, Point Pelee
14 May - St.Clair, McGeachy Pond, Rondeau
15 May - East ¼ line Rd, Port Rowan, Old Cut, Hastings Drive, "HQ", Cemetery
16 May - East ¼ line Rd, Wilson Tract, "HQ", Old Cut, Backus. Drove to Airport
17 May - Arrived back 3pm. In Doctor's surgery at 5.20 p.m!!
DAILY RECORD
9 MAY
We had a reasonable flight but it did my ears no favours. One passenger was in a worse state than me though and had to receive attention. Paramedics were on hand in Toronto and eventually wheeled her off the plane - I should have gone as well!
The weather was cool and misty with some rain. It looked perfect for migration. We later heard of a massive reverse migration at Point Pelee. The odd Starling, Crow, Grackle and Gull didn't do much to raise our spirits along the way. I did see what I presume was an American Kestrel, hovering by the road, but we didn't stop.
Steve drove in the rain to Huntsville, which took us about 2 1/2 hours. We stayed at the Comfort Inn. The price at Huntsville was higher than any of the others we stayed in.
10 MAY
We found a certain chill in the air when we went outside! We made our way to the West Gate at Algonquin Park and parked at the Reception area. It was raining fairly hard and the wind was blowing strongly. I opened the car door and felt the icy blast - great, just what I needed in my state. We moved the car closer to feeders and found White Crowned Sparrow [20], Blue Jay [6], Rose Breasted Grosbeak [3], Purple Finch [6], Red Breasted Nuthatch and then the highly sought-after Evening Grosbeak [3], our first lifer of the trip. There were a few other birds around as well. We braved the weather and went for a brief walk around the woods next to the car park - but saw very little we had not seen already.
We went into the Reception Centre, which was lovely and warm, paid the fee and drove along Highway 60. We then moved on to the Beaver Trail. This area had the advantage of being sheltered from the high winds and we spent a couple of hours walking the Trail. We came across a small party of migrants along the way, which included Yellow Rumped, Black Throated Green, Chestnut Sided [2], Black and White, Magnolia [3] and Palm Warblers. We also had good views of Blue Headed Vireo, Dark Eyed Junco and Veery [2].
We then decided to get out of the cold and moved on to the main Visitor Centre. Unfortunately, there had been a major strike in the weeks prior to our arrival and staff were just getting to grips with business again. This meant there was no food in the feeders! As it was so cold, I can't help but wonder how good the feeding area would have been if there had been something for birds to eat. As it was, we had to content ourselves with a glorious cup of hot coffee, a tour of the Centre [which is very impressive] and a trip to the shop so I could buy some more warm clothing!
We left the Centre and soon took a left along Opeongo Lake Road and birded from the car, seeing Yellow Bellied Sapsucker in the trees and Common Loon and a few Duck species on the pools next to the road.
We moved on to the Spruce Trail, which was fairly quiet but we had both species of Kinglet, Golden Crowned being a lifer for both of us. We decided we'd had enough so made our way back along the Highway. We stopped again at the West Gate. There were even more White Crowned Sparrows [30] and higher numbers of Purple Finch and Rose Breasted Grosbeak but no new species for us.
11 MAY
An American Goldfinch greeted us on our arrival at the Hotel Car Park. It was cold again. We retraced our movements from yesterday and soon ended up at the West Gate. There were about 50 White Crowned Sparrows this morning. There were no new birds at the feeder area but we saw Chipping Sparrow and Yellow Bellied Sapsucker close by. Steve saw a Northern Flicker but I missed it. We moved on to the Km 3 Picnic site and walked the trail. Although there were not many birds, we were delighted to see a female Black Backed Woodpecker and later we saw Blackburnian Warbler and Brown Creeper. As we returned to the car we were surprised to see two Belted Kingfishers flying across the Highway. We then moved on to the Whisky Rapids and saw our first Black Throated Blue Warbler, together with a Broad Winged Hawk and another Belted Kingfisher. Making our way to the Spruce Bog, we stopped the car along the Highway to join several others who were enjoying excellent views of a female Moose close to the road. We then returned to the Visitor Centre for another welcoming coffee. We saw a splendid fox as we left. We then moved on to Chatham, which took us about 5 hours.
12 May
We woke to heavy rain. Although we were now 200 miles south of Algonquin, the weather was still awful. We took our time over breakfast but eventually moved on towards Rondeau. For about an hour, we stayed in the car and went to Morpeth, where we saw a number of Bonaparte's Gulls flying over the road. More interesting were the Yellow Warblers that kept appearing in nearby bushes. This raised our hopes that there would be good numbers of migrants. The rain stopped after a while and we made our way to the Entrance Gate at Rondeau. Once inside, we stopped and scanned the edge of the lake. Dunlin [30] and Least Sandpiper [6] were working their way along the edge. More unexpected were Blackburnian Warbler and Yellow Warbler [5]! It was clear that the weather had indeed provided us with a few migrants. We drove to the Visitor Centre to check out what had been seen and, more importantly, to have a coffee to warm up!
From the Visitor Centre, we watched the bird feeding area through a large window. One Pine Siskin made a brief appearance and disappeared never to be seen again. Baltimore Orioles and American Goldfinch, plus more White Crowned Sparrows, were seen well. We decided to walk the nearby Tulip Trail and immediately came across a number of new birds, including American Redstart, Eastern Towhee, Grey Catbird and a number of Thrush species. We also had brilliant views of a male Prothonotary Warbler. We decided it was coffee time again and went back to the Visitor Centre. This time we saw White Breasted Nuthatch, Ruby Throated Hummingbird and Downy Woodpecker at the feeders.
Warm again [for a while anyway], we drove back to the Spicebush Trail, where there was a lot of activity. Small groups of migrants made their way around the trail. We saw Black and White [3], Magnolia [2], Black Throated Blue and Yellow-Rumped [10] Warblers. New birds included Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird and Wilson's Warbler. An Eastern Screech Owl kept watch over proceedings as we made our way back to the start of the trail. Wood Thrush [2] was a new bird and a Common Yellowthroat added to our list of Warbler species.
Back out on the road, we walked straight across to walk Bennett Road, which had featured heavily in the daily log of birds maintained at the Centre. We had not visited this area in the previous year, mainly because there had been so little migration at Rondeau when we had been there. However, it would prove to be excellent this year! We had only walked 30 yards when we had a close-up view of a Black Throated Blue Warbler. This was followed immediately by equally close views of our first Parula for the trip. Yellow Rumped [5], Yellow [10], our first Bay Breasted for the trip, and a lifer for Steve by way of our first Cape May Warbler had us rooted to this area for an hour - and we were still only 100 yards from the Spicebush Car Park. Eventually, the cold and a reduction in activity gave us ample reason to finish for the day. Despite all that was against us, it had been a good day.
13 MAY
Another cold and damp day greeted us as we left the Hotel. We made our way to Comber and found the Big "O" Woods Conservation Area, which you access by walking through a gap between two houses. We had tried to find it last year and had been put off by the apparent lack of an official entrance. The area is a small wet woodland and the main birding is at the edge of the wood. There are also a couple of pools further on towards the main road but, like everywhere else, they were full of water. We concentrated on the woodland edge and saw a number of migrants - but nothing we had not seen already on this trip.
After an hour of looking, we moved on towards Hillman Marsh. In 2001, this had been the best site for waders. The level of water was so high this year that there were no waders at all! A few terns, duck and Cormorants were flying over the water and the occasional Warbler [usually Yellow or Yellow Rumped] flitted about in bushes. We moved on to the Bald Eagle site on Highway 37 and got cold and distant views! We then decided to have a look at Kopegaron Woods, which had been notable last year for having no birds at all!
What a difference a year [and cold rain] makes! The place was alive with birds, with Ovenbird [5], six species of Warbler, numerous Thrush species and a few Tanagers and Buntings. It was raining throughout although not too heavily. However, it was very cold and not enjoyable if I'm being honest.
We moved on to Point Pelee, had a coffee, and made our way along the Woodland Trail. This was also full of birds and many Warblers had to feed on the ground because it was their only hope of finding food. This gave us wonderful views of several Warbler species, most notably Golden Winged Warbler [male and female], Black Throated Blue [4], Bay Breasted [4], Canada [4] and Magnolia [5]. We also watched small birds "buzzing " a sleepy - looking Common Nighthawk. Ovenbird [20], Veery [10], Swainson's Thrush [10], Rose Breasted Grosbeak [6], Ruby Crowned Kinglet [4], Wood Thrush [4] Grey Catbird [10] etc were all over the Trail. My defining moment came after an hour or so when we saw our first Blackpoll Warbler for the trip. I was so cold that I could not hold my bins still. I was chilled to the bone despite having four layers of clothing on.
We went back to the Visitor Centre to try to warm up a little. The main items of news were that a Painted Bunting had been found back along the road near the "Dunes" car park. Additionally, there was a Townsend Solitaire in the same area. That warmed me up a bit! We had seen several Painted Buntings in Texas but the other bird would be a lifer for both of us. Unusually for us, we made our way to the right place and within a minute, the Townsend Solitaire was sat out on a small bush without a care in the world. We watched the bird for about 10 minutes and then made our way back to the car park. Along the way we came across another small group of Warblers, this one including Nashville [2] and Cape May. There were three species of Vireo in the same area. To finish off the trip nicely, someone pointed out a pair of Wood Duck high up in a tree along the track.
On our way back to Chatham, we stopped at the point where we had seen Bobolink last year [on County Road 8, shortly after leaving Highway 37] - and there they were again! There were only about 3 in the field this year but it was our only sighting for the trip.
14 MAY
We woke to find a bright but very windy day. We decided to visit St. Clair National Wildlife Area, which had been good last year. Unfortunately, we had not taken the strength of the wind into account and it was very hard work. We started well enough, with great views of Yellow Headed Blackbird [2] and several Black Terns. However, despite a long walk to the Observation Tower, we soon realised we were wasting our time and walked back, seeing a few birds badly!
We drove towards Rondeau but decided to take in a couple of new sites along the way. The first of these, McGeachy Pond, turned up trumps for us. We stopped the car and looked out over the pond to see 3 female Bufflehead, making their way towards the long grasses. These were lifers for both of us. We parked the car and walked along the back of the Pond. As we did a Sandhill Crane flew above us, giving excellent flight views. This was another lifer. We saw Purple Martin [5] for the first time on this trip as well as numerous terns and gulls on fields next to the Pond. Lesser Scaup [20] and hirundines were also at this site.
That was better! We moved on to the Rondeau Bay Marshes but the water level spoiled things. We saw 9 Short Billed Dowitchers but there was no room for anything else out of the water. On the water were at least 100 Lesser Scaup and a Belted Kingfisher kept watch over a small pool as we made our way back along the track.
We arrived at the Entrance Gate at Rondeau and re-traced our steps from Sunday. Dunlin and Least Sandpiper were still on the weed/grasses at the edge of the Lake and, incredibly, so was the Blackburnian Warbler! We moved on to the Visitor Centre to find out what had been seen. It appeared that we were unlikely to have such a good day as last time. Red Bellied Woodpecker was our first new bird for the trip at the feeders. The rest were the same as Sunday. We walked the Tulip Trail again, seeing 7 species of Warbler and several Thrushes. Try as we might, we did not see Hooded Warbler, which had been seen every day for a week. We then drove to the South Trail where we had few birds but those we did see were new for the trip. Having seen Red Headed Woodpecker on the way to the trail, our first bird along the path was a Blue Grey Gnatcatcher and the second a White Eyed Vireo. Unfortunately, there was little else to see. Making our way back along Lakeside towards the Centre, we stopped the car to get great views of another Red Headed Woodpecker, followed by Eastern Bluebird and Eastern Kingbird. There were also a few more Warblers in this area, showing that anything can pop up almost anywhere.
We drove to the Spicebush Car Park and walked the Trail. As soon as we had gone 30 yards, it was obvious that we were in business! Black and White Warbler [6], Northern Parula [2], Chestnut Sided, Black Throated Blue [2], Bay Breasted, Yellow [10], and Yellow - Rumped [5] were all over the place, as were Ovenbird and Northern Waterthrush. As we eventually walked further on, we had great views of Pileated Woodpecker - a lifer for Steve - and there were numerous Thrushes and Sparrows.
We moved across the road to Bennett Road, where we had 5 species of Warbler but nothing new. As we were watching this group of Warblers, we heard a loud splash. Two Hooded Mergansers had jumped out of a tree close to us. Unfortunately, once they hit the water, they flew off - very frustrating. This was a lifer but with particularly poor views!
We moved on to the "Church" area to try to find Clay Coloured Sparrows but no luck. There was a Brown Thrasher in the area though. By this time, we had done enough so we made our way to Simcoe. Steve had our only Chimney Swift for the trip along the way.
15 MAY
The Weather Channel had promised us a warmer day and they were right to an extent - although far from the 23 degrees they had offered two days previously! There was still a cool breeze chilling the air as we made our way towards Long Point. Along the way, as last year, we visited a site on East ¼ Line Road [junction with 6th Concession]. Last year we had seen and heard Prairie Warbler at this site and it was not long before we heard one singing well back in bushes. Our luck changed as the song became stronger and stronger and for a precious few seconds we had reasonable views of the bird low down in a bush in front of us. The song would have led one to believe that it was singing from the top of a bush - it was virtually on the ground! We had been joined by a couple of local birders who told us that they were on their way to Hastings Drive [our favourite place last year] as a Harris' Sparrow had been seen there on the previous day. We had heard of one near Point Pelee but had not followed it up.
We were not far behind them but decided to take in Port Rowan Look-Out along the way. There were a few birds near to the shore but only a Blue-Winged Teal was new for the trip. Making our way towards Long Point, we stopped on the Causeway to check a number of duck. Although fairly distant, there were Redhead [10], Bufflehead [6], a couple of Blue-Winged Teal and several Lesser Scaup. Looking across the other side, we saw a couple of Birds of Prey in the air and decided to add Northern Harrier and Red Tailed Hawk to our trip list after considering a few others first!
We joined Hastings Drive with a sense of potential disappointment. We knew from the weather conditions that we would not have the magic moments of last year when Warblers were in our face along the hedge! We were completely right to feel that way and to add insult to injury, there was no sign of the Harris' Sparrow either. There were lots of White Crowned Sparrows again and our day was brightened up when someone put us on to a Whip Poor Will, which was spread out along a branch next to the car! We had decent views of a Bald Eagle as it flew by but there was not much else. We moved on to the Old Cut Banding area, again bringing back fantastic memories of the year before. We did better here, although compared to the previous year, it was dead! We managed 7 species of Warbler in all, with our first Orange Crowned for the trip. There were several Ruby Crowned Kinglets, which started to annoy us because we had to keep checking them in the hope of finding another Warbler instead. I suppose the hot weather was making us irritable!!
We then met someone who told us that the Harris' Sparrow had been seen again shortly after we had left - well, it would have, wouldn't it! Off we went again and parked in the same place. The Whip Poor Will still looked on. The number of Sparrows built up at the feeding area just next to the road and we quickly added Field Sparrow to our list. Then, from nowhere, there was a Harris' Sparrow in the gang! We got good views for a minute or so before a car came along and the flock flew off. This was a lifer for both of us.
Suitably cheered up, we went to Long Point Provincial Park, where a Summer Tanager had been seen earlier. There was very little to see here so we did not stay long. We stopped again on the Causeway and added Canvasback to the list. We noticed a wader on the near shoreline and walked across to find 2 Greater Yellowlegs. We then made our way to an area, which had been attracting large numbers of waders. To get to this area, you turn right once you have left the Causeway and then immediately right again, where you park, trying not to run over breeding Killdeer!! This area is now the Headquarters of a Birding Association, the precise name of which escapes me. Despite my vague description, I am sure that you would not miss the muddy pools or the HQ building itself if you were to visit this area. The pools provided us with the best wader viewing of the trip. There were Short Billed Dowitcher [30], Least Sandpiper [25], Dunlin [20], Semipalmated Plover [3], plus Green Heron and Sora [2] and Great Blue Heron [2]. There were also 3 Swallow species here. We were told that Tree Swallows were suffering from the cold conditions and that records showed that it had been 25 years since breeding had been so late. It didn't surprise me one bit!
We returned to Simcoe via the Prairie Warbler site but neither saw nor heard anything.
16 MAY
Our last day. I had mixed emotions as I still felt grotty and felt the need to be home. Nevertheless, there was still some birding to be done so off we went to the Prairie Warbler site to hear but not see our friend! We saw a Cooper's Hawk fly over and a Chestnut Sided Warbler showed well once it was safe to do so!
We decided to move on to Wilson Tract. On our way there we came across a group of Birders who were scanning a field next to the road leading to Wilson Tract. They told us they had seen Vesper Sparrows there. That was enough for us and shortly after we had bagged another lifer. Eastern Bluebird also showed well in this area. The group had already moved on by the time we made our way to Wilson Tract. That was unfortunate as we didn't really know where we should be looking and although we found their cars, there was no trace of them. We had a stroll for a few minutes before the heavens opened. A small group of Warblers made their way through the trees, including 3 Blackburnian Warblers and a Black Throated Green Warbler.
The rain got harder so we left the area and drove back to the HQ pools. The birds were similar to the previous day but not as numerous. However, a Lesser Yellowlegs was a new bird for the trip. The two Greater Yellowlegs were still near the Causeway as we made our way to the Old Cut, but the ducks, gulls and terns were too distant for good views. The Old Cut area was quiet but we saw 4 species of Warbler, a few Thrushes and glimpsed a Vireo, which was either Warbling or Philadelphia. We re-visited Hastings Drive but even most of the White Crowned Sparrows had gone!
We made a snap decision to visit Backus Woods before setting off to Toronto. We thought we would have about 2 hours there. Like Wilson Tract, we didn't know where to go but we followed a trail and kept walking. We saw very little but the odd Magnolia Warbler and a Blackburnian helped to pass the time. We then followed a call that we could not recognise. Eventually, we got on to a Warbler high up in the trees. After a while it started to descend and before long, we were watching a stunning Cerulean Warbler at close quarters. What a brilliant end to the trip. We made our way back, realised we were lost, worried a bit and then came out on the road about 200 yards from where we went into the wood!
The journey back to Toronto was just what you would expect - the worst thunderstorm I've ever driven in!! Thank goodness the plane was shown "on time" when we eventually arrived at the Airport. Well, if that little 12" strip of floor lighting had been working, it would have been on time.
SUMMARY
This was a strange trip. Illness and weather won the day and spoiled things. However, as they say, the worse the weather, the better the birding and this was true. In the previous year, our first day at Long Point had been wonderful but after that the weather had improved and migration had been slow. Consequently, some of the "hot-spots" had failed to deliver. In particular, Rondeau had been disappointing and Point Pelee not much better. However, this year, both had been excellent [if cold] and Long Point had been slow. We should have concentrated on Pelee towards the end of our trip as the birds were in and were going nowhere in weather like that. Unfortunately, we had pre-booked accommodation in Simcoe for the last two nights so we were committed to moving on. That is something to remember for next time.
I don't know why it still surprises me that migration is only as good or bad as the weather but I think I was feeling very sorry for myself when I realised that we were not going to have another magic day at Hastings Drive - totally irrational but there you are! It really is hit or miss and if you are going to visit, I would give yourself some flexibility if possible as the weather can make your trip memorable for all the wrong reasons! Having said that, there is a problem in getting accommodation near Pelee in mid-May so that can make deciding where to stay even harder.
I'm sure I'll go back again in the near future. It's so easy to get to and the birds are beautiful in their breeding plumages. There are now very few new birds for me but that is not my main motivation. However, I've come back without seeing Grey Jay and Boreal Chickadee so Algonquin might need a return visit. Similarly, there are a few migrants that have escaped my Canadian list [not that I keep one] so I really ought to find the time somehow. Now then, I wonder if my nice employer would consider a very early retirement request!
My e-mail address is - bob@rpbiggs.fsnet.co.uk
COMMON LOON - Seen at Algonquin both days, max
4 on 10/5
PIED-BILLED GREBE - One at St. Clair was our only sighting
DOUBLE - CRESTED CORMORANT - Several on the Lakes
GREAT BLUE HERON - 2 seen at "HQ" site near LP on 15/5
GREEN HERON - "HQ" site both visits
MUTE SWAN - Seen occasionally, max 8 at Hillman Marsh 13/5
CANADA GOOSE - Seen regularly
WOOD DUCK - Pair at "Dunes" area, PP in tree 13/5
BLACK DUCK - 2 at Algonquin 10/5
MALLARD - Morpeth 12/5 and St Clair 14/5
BLUE WINGED TEAL - Port Rowan Look Out 15/5 ; 2 LP Causeway 15/5 ; 2
"HQ" 16/5
CANVASBACK - 2 from LP Causeway 15/5
REDHEAD - 10 from LP Causeway 15/5
LESSER SCAUP - Large numbers in LP area on both visits. Also large numbers
at Rondeau Bay Marshes 14/5
BUFFLEHEAD - 3 females at McGeachey Pond 14/5. At least 6 from LP Causeway
15/5 but distant.
HOODED MERGANSER - Pair at Rondeau [Bennett Rd] 14/5
COMMON MERGANSER - At least 3 at Algonquin 10/5
RUDDY DUCK - Hillman Marsh 13/5 and LP 15/5
TURKEY VULTURE - First seen at Algonquin 10/5, then occasionally.
BALD EAGLE - Seen at nest site on Hwy 37 13/5 and at Hastings Dr 15/5
NORTHERN HARRIER - Seen from LP Causeway 15/5
COOPER'S HAWK - Seen flying over East 1/4 Line Rd 16/5
BROAD-WINGED HAWK - One at Algonquin nr Whisky Rapids 11/5
RED-TAILED HAWK - Seen from LP Causeway 15/5
AMERICAN KESTREL - Probable from car 9/5
SORA - 2 at "HQ" site 15/5
AMERICAN COOT - St. Clair 14/5
SANDHILL CRANE - One flying over McGeachey Pond 14/5
BLACK BELLIED PLOVER - 15 over St. Clair 14/5
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER - 3 at "HQ" site 15/5 ; one there 16/5.
KILLDEER - Seen regularly
GREATER YELLOWLEGS - 2 seen from LP causeway both visits
LESSER YELLOWLEGS - One at "HQ" site 16/5
SPOTTED SANDPIPER - Hillman Marsh 13/5 ; Woodland Trail, PP 13/5 ; Port
Rowan 15/5
RUDDY TURNSTONE - 6 at St. Clair 14/5
LEAST SANDPIPER - At least 6 at Rondeau both visits ; 25 at "HQ" 15/5
and 6 on 16/5
DUNLIN - 30 at Rondeau 12/5, with 15 there on 14/5. At least 30 at "HQ"
16/5
SHORT- BILLED DOWITCHER - 9 at Rondeau Bay Marshes 14/5 ; 30 "HQ" 15/5,
with 20 there on the following day.
BONAPARTE'S GULL - Several in the Morpeth/Rondeau area 12/5 ; Hillman
Marsh 13/5
RING - BILLED GULL - Large numbers nr. Morpeth 12/5 and Hillman Marsh
13/5
HERRING GULL - Tea Lake, Algonquin 10/5
COMMON TERN - A few in fields with other Terns and Gulls nr. McGeachey
Pond 14/5
FORSTER'S TERN - First seen at Hillman Marsh 13/5, then occasionally.
BLACK TERN - 6 at Hillman Marsh 13/5 ; Several St. Clair 14/5
MOURNING DOVE - Seen en route from Algonquin to Chatham 11/5
EASTERN SCREECH-OWL - Spicebush Trail, Rondeau 12/5
COMMON NIGHTHAWK - Woodland Trail, PP 13/5
WHIP- POOR -WILL - Hastings Drive, LP 15/5
CHIMNEY SWIFT - Seen by Steve from car 14/5
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD - Visitor Centre at Rondeau 12/5
BELTED KINGFISHER - Seen at several sites
RED- HEADED WOODPECKER - Seen twice at Rondeau 14/5
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER - Visitor Centre at Rondeau 14/5
YELLOW - BELLIED SAPSUCKER - Seen at 3 sites at Algonquin on 10 and
11/5
DOWNY WOODPECKER - Rondeau 12/5 ; 2 at Woodland Trail, PP 13/5
HAIRY WOODPECKER - Algonquin 10/5 and Rondeau 12/5
BLACK - BACKED WOODPECKER - Female along trail from Km3 Picnic Site 11/5
NORTHERN FLICKER - Seen by Steve nr West Gate 11/5
PILEATED WOODPECKER - Probable nr West Gate 11/5 ; Spicebush Trail 14/5
LEAST FLYCATCHER - 3 on Woodland Trail, PP 13/5 ; Rondeau 14/5
EASTERN PHOEBE - Near West Gate 11/5
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER - Seen occasionally on migration
EASTERN KINGBIRD - Lakeside, Rondeau 14/5
HORNED LARK - One nr back of Hillman Marsh 13/5
PURPLE MARTIN - 5 near McGeachey Pond 14/5 ; also at Rondeau Bay Marshes
14/5
TREE SWALLOW - Seen regularly
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW - Morpeth 12/5 ;"HQ" and Old Cut 15/5
BANK SWALLOW - 5 at McGeachey Pond 14/5
CLIFF SWALLOW - St. Clair 14/5 ; McGeachey Pond and "HQ" site 15/5
BARN SWALLOW - West Gate 10/5
BLUE JAY - 6 at West Gate feeders 10/5
AMERICAN CROW- Seen nr. Airport 9/5
COMMON RAVEN - Seen from Visitor Centre at Algonquin 10/5
BLACK- CAPPED CHICKADEE - Seen occasionally at Algonquin and Rondeau
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH - West Gate feeders 10/5
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH - Visitor Centre at Rondeau 12/5
BROWN CREEPER - Km 3 Trail 11/5
HOUSE WREN - Tulip Trail, Rondeau 12/5
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET - Spruce Trail 10/5 ; Km 3 Trail 11/5
RUBY- CROWNED KINGLET - Spruce Trail 10/5 ; also seen regularly on migration
BLUE- GREY GNATCATCHER - South Trail, Rondeau 14/5 ; LP Prov Park 15/5
EASTERN BLUEBIRD - Lakeside, Rondeau 14/5 ; also nr. Wilson Tract 16/5
TOWNSEND SOLITAIRE - "Dunes" area, PP 13/5
VEERY - First seen at Algonquin [2] 10/5, then regularly on migration
[10 plus at PP 13/5]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH - Common migrant, 10 at PP 13/5
HERMIT THRUSH - Tulip Trail, Rondeau 12/5
WOOD THRUSH - Seen regularly on migration inc. 4 at PP 13/5
AMERICAN ROBIN - Common
GREY CATBIRD - Common migrant, inc.10 PP 13/5
BROWN THRASHER - Near "Church" area, Rondeau 14/5
STARLING - Seen near Airport 9/5
WHITE-EYED VIREO - South Trail, Rondeau 14/5
BLUE - HEADED VIREO - Beaver Trail 10/5 ; Spruce Bog 11/5; "Dunes", PP
13/5
PHILADELPHIA VIREO - "Dunes", PP 13/5
RED - EYED VIREO - Kopegaron Woods and "Dunes", PP 13/5
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER - Male and female along Woodland Trail, PP 13/5
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER - Only one sighting at Old Cut, LP 15/5
NASHVILLE WARBLER - 2 at "Dunes", PP and one on Woodland Trail, 13/5
; "Church" area, Rondeau 14/5 ; Old Cut 15/5
NORTHERN PARULA - Bennett Rd 12/5 ; 2 Spicebush Trail 14/5
YELLOW WARBLER - Seen regularly after 12/5, max 20 Spicebush Trail 12/5
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER - 2 at Algonquin 10/5 ; Seen most days in small
numbers
MAGNOLIA WARBLER - Seen every day in reasonable numbers
CAPE MAY WARBLER - Bennett Rd 12/5 ; "Dunes", PP 13/5
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER - Whisky Rapids 11/5, then most days in small
numbers, inc 4 Woodland Trail, PP 13/5
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER - Seen regularly, max 10 plus on Spicebush Trail
12/5
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER - 2 at Algonquin 10/5 ; One at Whisky Rapids
11/5 and Bennett Rd 12/5 ; Wilson Tract 16/5
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER - Km 3 Trail 11/5 ; Rondeau shoreline both visits;
3 at Wilson Tract 16/5 ; One at Backus Woods 16/5
PRAIRIE WARBLER - One seen and heard at East ¼ Line Rd 15/5 : heard only16/5
PALM WARBLER - One seen by Steve on Beaver Trail 10/5 was the only record
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER - Seen most days after 12/5 in small numbers, inc.
4 on Woodland Trail, PP 13/5
BLACKPOLL WARBLER - Only one seen on Woodland Trail, PP 12/5
CERULEAN WARBLER - One seen at Backus Woods 16/5
BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER - Beaver Trail 10/5, then regularly seen after
12/5, inc. 6 on Spicebush Trail 14/5
AMERICAN REDSTART - Seen most days after 12/5 in small numbers, inc.
3 Woodland Trail, PP 13/5
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER - Tulip Trail 12/5
OVENBIRD - Seen regularly after 12/5, inc. 20 plus on Woodland Trail
13/5
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH - Seen occasionally at Rondeau on both visits ;
Big "O" 13/5 : Kopegaron Woods 13/5
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT - Seen occasionally after 12/5 at various sites,
inc. 4 on Woodland Trail, PP 13/5
WILSON'S WARBLER - SpiceBush Trail 12/5 ; Kopegaron Woods 13/5 ; Old
Cut 15/5 and 16/5
CANADA WARBLER - 4 on the Woodland Trail 13/5 were our only records
SCARLET TANAGER - Kopegaron Woods and Woodland Trail, PP 13/5
NORTHERN CARDINAL - Seen a few times after 12/5
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK - 4 West Gate feeders 10/5 and 11/5 ; 6 on Woodland
Trail, PP 13/5 ; 4 at Visitor Centre feeders at Rondeau 14/5
INDIGO BUNTING - Kopegaron Woods and Point Pelee 13/5
EASTERN TOWHEE - Tulip Trail 12/5 ; 2 at East ¼ Line Rd 15/5
CHIPPING SPARROW - One near West Gate 11/5 and near Morpeth 12/5
FIELD SPARROW - Hastings Drive 15/5
VESPER SPARROW - In field near to Wilson Tract 16/5
SONG SPARROW - Seen at Algonquin and in small numbers at migration sites
LINCOLN'S SPARROW - Seen occasionally on migration
SWAMP SPARROW - One from Woodland Trail 13/5 and St.Clair 14/5
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW - Several at Algonquin and seen occasionally elsewhere
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW - A common migrant, with 50 at Algonquin 11/5 and
reasonable numbers elsewhere
HARRIS' SPARROW - Male at Hastings Drive 15/5
DARK-EYED JUNCO - Beaver Trail 10/5
BOBOLINK - 3 next to County Road 8 [near PP] 13/5
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD - Seen regularly after 12/5
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD - 2 at St.Clair 14/5
COMMON GRACKLE - Seen occasionally with 6 at West Gate 10/5
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD - West Gate 10/5 ; Rondeau 12/5
ORCHARD ORIOLE - Woodland Trail 13/5
BALTIMORE ORIOLE - Rondeau both visits ; "Dunes", PP 13/5
PURPLE FINCH - At least 6 at West Gate feeders 10/5 ; 4 there 11/5
HOUSE FINCH - One on feeders at Rondeau 12/5
PINE SISKIN - One on feeders at Rondeau 12/5
EVENING GROSBEAK - 3 at West Gate feeders 10/5
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH - Outside Motel at Huntsville 11/5 ; Rondeau 12/5
HOUSE SPARROW - Outside Motel at Chatham 12/5
148 Species
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