Recent Ontario Birding Reports - Rondeau Provincial Park and Kent County

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Report for May 11, 2003 (Sunday):

The warm front and associated strong south winds last night brought in many new 
birds to Rondeau today.  There is a distinct increase of such species as Bay-
breasted Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Least Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, 
Baltimore Oriole, Magnolia Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, etc.  There are 
scattered reports of Cape May Warbler, Canada Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, 
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Golden-winged Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, White-eyed 
Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Eastern Wood-Pewee, and Great Crested Flycatcher.

Prothonotary Warbler now appears to be regular on the Tulip Tree Trail, where 
this morning there were two different males.  Numerous Red-headed Woodpeckers 
can be found in the south section of the Park Campgrounds, and the occasional 
individual visits the feeders at the Visitor Centre.

Interesting birds today (May 11) include the following:

Hooded Warbler on Tulip Tree Trail

Acadian Flycatcher on Tulip Tree Trail (singing male)

Kentucky Warbler along Bennett Road

Mourning Warbler at the Pony Barns

Just outside the park gate at the intersection, the famous “flowering crab” 
tree is now in bloom.  This tree is always an easy place to see Ruby-throated 
Hummingbird, Baltimore & Orchard Orioles, and (soon) Cape May Warbler.  
Yesterday this single tree had (5) Orchard Orioles.

Alan Wormington,
Friends of Rondeau

*************************************************

DAILY BIRDING HIKES WITH AN EXPERT (free):

May 1-19 and May 23-26 inclusive

Each day there is a morning hike at 7:30 a.m. -- meet at the Visitor Centre.

Each day there is also an afternoon OR evening hike, as follows:

Mondays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park - meet at the Visitor Centre
Tuesdays:  1:00 p.m. at the Blenheim Sewage Ponds - map available at the V.C.
Wednesdays:  6:00 p.m. in Ridgetown -- meet at the Native Trail, Scane Road 
just south of Golf Course Line
Thursdays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre
Fridays:  7:00 p.m. on Marsh Trail -- meet at parking lot
Saturdays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre
Sundays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre

For Additional Birding Events at Rondeau, visit the “Friends” website at 
www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca

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Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Report for May 10, 2003 (Saturday):

Birding today is exceptionally slow, but small pockets of warblers and other 
migrants can be found throughout the park.  However both Sunday and Monday 
could be excellent birding days, as a new warm front approaches southern 
Ontario.

There has been no subsequent sighting of the EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE after seen 
at 8:00 a.m. on May 8, along Lakeshore Road south of the Visitor Centre.

Last night’s scheduled hike on the Marsh Trail produced a singing Sedge Wren at 
the same location as last week, a few km. south from the parking area.  Also a 
single Sandhill Crane was seen.

Just outside the park gate at the intersection, the famous “flowering crab-
apple” tree is now in bloom.  This tree is always an easy place to see Ruby-
throated Hummingbird, Baltimore & Orchard Orioles, and (soon) Cape May 
Warbler.  Yesterday this single tree had (5) Orchard Orioles.

Golden-winged Warblers were reported today at the Visitor Centre (tree above 
the bird-feeders) and Rondeau Road near Spicebush Trail.

The Blenhein sewage lagoons have a good variety of ducks including many Ruddy 
Ducks.  There is limited habitat for shorebirds, although a field adjacent to 
the north side had thousands of gulls including hundreds of Bonaparte’s Gulls.  
In the grassy meadow at the north side of the lagoons, a Western Meadowlark was 
present on Monday May 5 (Steve Charbonneau).  Note that a free permit is 
required to visit the site, available from the town office in downtown Blenheim.

Alan Wormington,
Friends of Rondeau

*************************************************

DAILY BIRDING HIKES WITH AN EXPERT (free):

May 1-19 and May 23-26 inclusive

Each day there is a morning hike at 7:30 a.m. -- meet at the Visitor Centre.

Each day there is also an afternoon OR evening hike, as follows:

Mondays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park - meet at the Visitor Centre
Tuesdays:  1:00 p.m. at the Blenheim Sewage Ponds - map available at the V.C.
Wednesdays:  6:00 p.m. in Ridgetown -- meet at the Native Trail, Scane Road 
just south of Golf Course Line
Thursdays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre
Fridays:  7:00 p.m. on Marsh Trail -- meet at parking lot
Saturdays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre
Sundays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre

For Additional Birding Events at Rondeau, visit the “Friends” website at 
www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca

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Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Report for May 8, 2003 (Thursday):

Migration was relatively slow today, but pockets of migrants were found 
throughout the park.  Best location seemed to be the start of the Marsh Trail.  
But there were numerous uncommon and rare species seen.

Highlights today (May 8) include the following:

EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE at the south end of Lakeshore Road, S of the Visitor 
Centre (Alan Wormington)
-- surprisingly the bird has not been seen since first found at 8:00 a.m., but 
it must be somewhere along Lakeshore Road amongst the many cottages, etc.

Prairie Warbler at the start of Marsh Trail

Orange-crowned Warblers were seen at several locations including South Point 
Trail, start of Marsh Trail, and just outside the Park gate (crab-apple tree).

Peregrine Falcon at South Point Trail

Tufted Titmouse on Tulip Tree Trail.

Yesterday (May 7) there was a Wilson’s Phalarope at the Ridgetown sewage ponds 
(visible from the viewing platform along Palmer Street).

Just outside the park gate at the intersection, the famous “flowering crab-
apple” tree is now in bloom.  This tree is always an easy place to see Ruby-
throated Hummingbird, Baltimore & Orchard Orioles, and (soon) Cape May Warbler.

The Blenhein sewage lagoons have a good variety of ducks including many Ruddy 
Ducks.  There is limited habitat for shorebirds, although a field adjacent to 
the north side had thousands of gulls including hundreds of Bonaparte’s Gulls.  
In the grassy meadow at the north side of the lagoons, a Western Meadowlark was 
present on Monday May 5 (Steve Charbonneau).  Note that a free permit is 
required to visit the site, available from the town office in downtown Blenheim.

Alan Wormington,
Friends of Rondeau

*************************************************

DAILY BIRDING HIKES WITH AN EXPERT (free):

May 1-19 and May 23-26 inclusive

Each day there is a morning hike at 7:30 a.m. -- meet at the Visitor Centre.

Each day there is also an afternoon OR evening hike, as follows:

Mondays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park - meet at the Visitor Centre
Tuesdays:  1:00 p.m. at the Blenheim Sewage Ponds - map available at the V.C.
Wednesdays:  6:00 p.m. in Ridgetown -- meet at the Native Trail, Scane Road 
just south of Golf Course Line
Thursdays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre
Fridays:  7:00 p.m. on Marsh Trail -- meet at parking lot
Saturdays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre
Sundays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre

For Additional Birding Events at Rondeau, visit the “Friends” website at 
www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca

-------------------------------------------------
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friends@rondeauprovincialpark.ca

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guidelines.

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Report for May 7, 2003 (Wednesday):

Migration has definitely slowed today with the cool temperatures.  Warblers are 
present, but they are mostly in small, scattered groups.

The Kentucky Warbler was still present yesterday (May 6) on the Tulip Tree 
Trail, in the vicinity of Posts #6 and #8.  Another was reported on Spicebush 
Trail

Also yesterday, a Worm-eating Warbler was seen on Spicebush Trail.

Today (May 7) Spicebush Trail had both Bay-breasted and Cape May Warblers.

The Blenhein sewage lagoons have a good variety of ducks including many Ruddy 
Ducks.  There is limited habitat for shorebirds, although a field adjacent to 
the north side had thousands of gulls including hundreds of Bonaparte’s Gulls.  
The highlight of yesterday's hike was two huge Snapping Turtles.  In the grassy 
meadow at the north side of the lagoons, a Western Meadowlark was present on 
Monday May 5 (Steve Charbonneau).

Alan Wormington,
Friends of Rondeau

*************************************************

DAILY BIRDING HIKES WITH AN EXPERT (free):

May 1-19 and May 23-26 inclusive

Each day there is a morning hike at 7:30 a.m. -- meet at the Visitor Centre.

Each day there is also an afternoon OR evening hike, as follows:

Mondays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park - meet at the Visitor Centre
Tuesdays:  1:00 p.m. at the Blenheim Sewage Ponds - map available at the V.C.
Wednesdays:  6:00 p.m. in Ridgetown -- meet at the Native Trail, Scane Road 
just south of Golf Course Line
Thursdays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre
Fridays:  7:00 p.m. on Marsh Trail -- meet at parking lot
Saturdays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre
Sundays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre

For Additional Birding Events at Rondeau, visit the “Friends” website at 
www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca

-------------------------------------------------
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For the last many weeks there has been a Great Horned Owl and her single chick in the St Clair National Wildlife Area nature reserve (near Mitchell's Bay). Head down the regular path, cross the bridge, turn left towards the observation tower and the birds are in the dead trees on your right about 3/4 of the way to the tower. At closest, you are about 200 feet from the birds. There is also an active Bald Eagle nest on the shoreline about one mile south from this sight.
Dennis Loyer,
Quality Processor - Operations,
SiemensVDO,
700 Park Ave. East,
Chatham, Ontario, Canada
N7M 5M7.
Phone: 519-436-3761
Fax: 519-436-3790
e-mail: dennis.loyer@siemens.com

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Report for April 30, 2003 (Wednesday):

This morning there was a good variety of migrants, but these are to be found 
only in discreet pockets.  Also, almost all activity is concentrated in the 
area of the Park Campground, Park Entrance, Water Street and start of the Marsh 
Trail.  On the woodland trails within Rondeau (including South Point Trail) 
there are virtually no warblers and very few migrants overall.

Miscellaneous sightings (April 30):

The WILLET remains at the start of Marsh Trail (present since Saturday)
Orange-crowned Warbler , start of Marsh Trail
"Yellow" Palm Warbler, start of Marsh Trail (Gavin Platt, Ian Platt, Ann White)
Female Hooded Warbler, just north of park in subdivision off of Kent Bridge Road
Blue-winged Warbler, main road just N of entrance road to Campground

Also today in the Water Street area were numbers of Yellow Warbler, Nashville 
Warbler, House Wren, Blue-headed Vireo, etc.  A flock of 30 Rusty Blackbirds 
was along Gardiner Road, near the junction with Rondeau Road.

Expect even more migrants during the next couple of days, with the arrival of 
warm air and associated precipitation.

There are mudflats developing along the bayshore just inside the park entrance, 
in the vicinity of the park store and start of the Marsh Trail, etc.  In this 
area there are hundreds of Bonaparte’s Gulls, Forster’s Terns, Dunlin, Pectoral 
Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper and the above-mentioned Willet etc.

The Blenheim sewage lagoons have little shorebird habitat, but 1000+ ducks are 
present including hundreds of Ruddy Duck (Note: A free permit from the town 
office is required for entry to this site).

Alan Wormington,
Friends of Rondeau

*************************************************

DAILY BIRDING HIKES WITH AN EXPERT (free):

April 30
May 1 to 19 inclusive, and 23-26 inclusive

Each day there is a morning hike at 7:30 a.m. -- meet at the Visitor Centre.

Each day there is also an afternoon OR evening hike, as follows:

Mondays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park - meet at the Visitor Centre
Tuesdays:  1:00 p.m. at the Blenheim Sewage Ponds - map available at the V.C.
Wednesdays:  7:00 p.m. on Marsh Trail -- meet at parking lot
(Note:  May 7 and 14 hikes are in Ridgetown, and will start at 6:00 p.m. -- 
meet at the Native Trail, Scane Road just south of Golf Course Line)
Thursdays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre
Fridays:  7:00 p.m. on Marsh Trail -- meet at parking lot
Saturdays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre
Sundays:  1:00 p.m. in the Park -- meet at the Visitor Centre

Group size limited -- sign up at the Visitor Centre

For Additional Birding Events at Rondeau, visit the "Friends" website at 
www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca

-------------------------------------------------
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friends@rondeauprovincialpark.ca

Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving
and joining the list. As well as general information and content
guidelines.

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Hi birders,
Now that spring is here, I will be spending more time at Rondeau!  Yesterday
I heard 2 SANDHILL CRANES on the east beach off south point trail light
beacon.  I went to investigate and observed two standing  on the beach.
They later flew towards the marsh.  They were still calling in the marsh
this morning (Sun.).
There are a few EASTERN PHOEBES in the park.  One was along Gardiner
Ave.(near V. C.) and a couple of others along south point trail.
There are some FOX SPARROWS in various spots.  Although some may have
wintered, I believe some are fresh migrants.
The Bay is still mostly frozen, but there are some open areas with
waterfowl.  One viewing spot is at the boat launch just inside the park
gate.  At Erieau there is abundant open water with quite a number of
species.  Out in the lake from Erieau  Pier are tens of thousands of scaup.

South Point trail is at the end of Lakeshore Rd. on the easterly side of the
park.
________________________________
Blake  A. Mann
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email:  boatmann@kent.net

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Hi Ontbirders,
With the arrival of warm weather finally, spring migrants have shown up in
numbers.  At Fawn Island south of Sombra there were hundreds of ducks to
look at.  This was in mid afternoon, so lighting was not the greatest.
Among them were at least two dozen GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL
(male), a WOOD DUCK, several PINTAIL, several AMERICAN WIGEON, GADWALL, and
of course MALLARDS and BLACKS.
At Port Lambton dock (near shore), a few birds caught my eye.  They were 2
HORNED GREBES, 2 PIED-BILLED GREBES, and 4 AMERICAN COOTS.

I was at Rondeau Bay this morning in the fog.  At Rondeau Park out the marsh
trail were a few EASTERN BLUEBIRDS flying around.  Two EASTERN MEADOWLARKS
landed on the ice.  At Erieau where the little open water is, were quite a
number of ducks.  Included were at least 14 WOOD DUCKS, 2 PIED-BILLED GREBES
and several HOODED MERGANSERS.  There were thousands of TUNDRA SWANS in the
field north of Erieau.

Directions to Sombra and St. Clair River:  Find Hwy 40 which runs N/S
between Sarnia and Wallaceburg.  Turn west on Lambton Rd. 2 (Bentpath Line)
and take to Sombra on the river.  Sombra Bay is right in front of you.  Fawn
Island is
just to the south of the village.  The St. Clair Parkway (Rd. 33) follows
the river along its length.
________________________________
Blake  A. Mann
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email:  boatmann@kent.net

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

(This message has been approved by the coordinator)

Rondeau Provincial Park is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual
to provide quality interpretive birding hikes and programs this spring.
This position is funded through the Ridgetown-Rondeau Festival of Flight
Committee with funds from the Trillium Foundation. Please pass this message
onto any interested candidates that you might know.

This will be a 6 week position, beginning approximately April 21
(negotiable) and running through May. The successful candidate will be
conducting bird hikes and birding workshops. He/She will also be
responsible for maintaining the bird sightings board, daily bird records
and regular updates to the Friends of Rondeau website and Ontbirds. 

Desired qualifications include:

1. Excellent knowledge of Ontario birds and ability to identify 95% of
expected spring migrants by sight (and a significant number of them by sound)

2. Good natural history skills as they pertain to Carolinian flora and
fauna (other than birds)

3. Well developed interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with and
communicate to the public in a friendly, tactful manner

4. Experience conducting interpretive hikes and/or programs to the public

5. Familiarity with computers and computer software. Experience with MS
Frontpage will be an asset

6. Willingness to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, some
evenings, weekends and week days. 

Renumeration will be $4200 for the 6 weeks, paid by the Festival of Flight
Committee. 

Interested candidates are to forward their resume (PREFERABLY BY EMAIL) to:

Sandy Dobbyn
Natural Heritage Education Leader
Rondeau Provincial Park
sandy.dobbyn@mnr.gov.on.ca

If email is not feasible, you may send your resume by fax:
519-674-1755

or regular mail:
Sandy Dobbyn
Rondeau Provincial Park
R.R. #1
Morpeth, ON
N0P 1X0

Jon (Sandy) Dobbyn and Myrna Dobbyn	
P.O. Box 1393 Blenheim, ON CANADA
N0P 1A0
519-676-0184			(Home)
smdobbyn@netrover.com 	(email)

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Hi All,

Stuck way out in the marsh today was not that bad a place to be.  Although a
little cool when not moving, it proved to be a good place for birds.

Two Bald Eagles, one adult way up early in the morning, and an immature bird
later on by the Tower on the Marsh Trail.
One Red-tailed Hawk, one Rough-legged, a great view of a Red-shouldered just
off Spicebush Trail.  Several Kestrels, six species of sparrow and two
Eastern Meadowlarks.

There Downey, Hairy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers scattered along the marsh as
well.

I found one really upset Carolina Wren singing and calling when I was
standing waiting for the deer to come back.  Also had a good look at a
coyote running at full speed though the Phragmites and Buttonbush.  Must be
nice to be lower to the ground and have an extra two legs!

I could hear Tundra Swans out on the Bay but could not see them.

A good day.

Brett Groves
Leamington, Ontario

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
To get to Rondeau P.P.
Take exit #101 from Highway 401 south on C-K Road #15, turning right at the
end, and head into the park.


Vicki & Brett's Email 
mckgrov@netrover.com

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This page was created: Saturday, March 01, 1997
Last Updated: July 31, 2004 09:51:35