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Nature Link

With Blake Mann

May Migration Update #4

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

This year will certainly be known as "the migration that never arrived". As I clearly indicated in previous columns, there was an incredible lack of birds to see this May. It has been one of the most bizarre springs on record in terms of weather and birds.

Here in Wallaceburg at the beginning of the week several species of warblers were noted. I had five Blackburnian Warblers plus several other species in one tree at the same time-- quite unusual to see that many in the same spot. On the same day, Brander Park at Port Lambton held at least sixteen species of warblers plus other migrants. I finally heard a Bobwhite calling at the north end of Walpole Island on the 26th. That was the first time since 2002 that I had heard one there.

Point Pelee reported a female Blue Grosbeak on the 26th, as well as a female Painted Bunting. Another White Pelican was seen, this time flying by the tip.

On the 28th, Alf Rider reported a Piping Plover on the beach at Pinery Park. It will never nest there because the nature reserve barriers were removed last year after a poor decision by park management. There is too much human disturbance. The attached photo (taken by myself on Sunday) is the area that the Piping Plover was seen.

I birded Pinery and Port Franks on the 29th. Even breeding birds seemed to be in low numbers. On Pinery's Riverside Trail, woodpeckers put on a good show. Pairs of Pileated, Red-bellied and Red-headed were seen at the same time along the boardwalk. A few warblers were seen including Black-and White, Mourning, and Yellow-rumped. These have all bred here in the past. Bluebirds seemed to be in large numbers throughout the park.

In the County Forest at Port Franks, I came across an Acadian Flycatcher in the same area as I did last year. As well, Hooded Warblers were evident. Ovenbirds were quite numerous throughout. This forest is a unique place for uncommon breeding birds.

Now it is time to concentrate more on the breeding birds to finish up the last year of the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas work. Walpole Island will be covered this weekend by special arrangement.