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Nature Link

With Blake Mann

EARLY MAY MIGRATION

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Many species of birds have been reported, but not in large numbers. I think this weather, which is too nice for this time of year, is allowing northbound birds to keep on going. One had to work hard to see a good number of birds this past weekend. Some quality birds were around though.

The weather did not help of course. As usual, the clouds rolled in on Saturday and we had some rain. As usual every weekday previous was nice and sunny. As usual after Sunday, the sun came out and it was very warm on Monday morning. As usual, the weather cycle repeated itself. As usual, I am dumbfounded by this weather!

Rondeau has had a good variety of birds. Notables, included a Summer Tanager found this past Saturday. Red-headed Woodpeckers have arrived in good numbers. A Prothonotary Warbler put on a good show at the visitor centre window on Saturday. During a thunderstorm (must be the weekend!) it dropped in and flitted about for some time.

Over at Point Pelee, a couple of Worm-eating Warblers were well seen on the weekend. While there on Sunday, I found a Henslow’s Sparrow on the west beach trail. Only a few of these are found each year in Ontario. On Monday, a Yellow-throated Warbler allowed many birders some looks at the north end of the park. These are normal uncommon birds seen every spring, and highly sought after by birders.

At Amerstburg, a rare White-faced Ibis has attracted many keen birders. Far away at the Soo, an Anhinga was reported on the weekend. These are Florida birds! Other than that, no big rarities have been seen yet.

In other news, the warm southerly winds have brought in huge numbers of Red Admiral butterflies. They are everywhere. On Saturday, I saw well over 100 at Rondeau Park. The admirals are immigrants that come into Ontario and may set up temporary colonies.