Observers: Brad Robson, Shaun Robson, Rodger Howell and James Phillips
Summary and weather
Sat.11th May 0700hrs flight from Belfast City to Gatwick to meet up with the Dorset lads. 13.50hrs flight Gatwick to Detroit with NW Airlines £270 each arriving 16.50hrs local time. We were fairly quickly through immigration picked up the hire car from Dollar, £276 for an eight day hire of a Dodge Intrepid and hit the road over the bridge and into Canada. The weather was 8/8 persistent rain and quite cold <10°C. Within 3/4hr of leaving the airport we stopped at the edge of a small plot of wet woodland to get our first taste of North American birding and fortunately the rain stopped briefly. Despite the random selection the site held a few interesting species; ten Chimney Swifts passed over, a Red-bellied Woodpecker and Northern Flicker emerged from the woodland, 2 Eastern Kingbirds were along the roadside and the woodland edge held three Yellow-rumped and two Black-throated Green Warblers hinting at the brightness of spring warbler plumages to come and there were two song sparrows. The heavy sky brought dusk earlier than expected and we made our way to the pre-booked B+B off the Inman Side Road about 1/2hr from Pelee. The accommodation was excellent on a farm near Cottam where we had our evening meal and long deserved first beers.
Sun.12th May 8/8 torrential rain a.m. with serious thunder and lightening until late morning. SW 5 decreasing SW 3, cold initially but warming later and eventually rain stopped early p.m. By mid morning we were like drowned rats! Up at 04.30hrs for a sumptuous breakfast of fresh sliced strawberries, home made toast and jam and not enough room from the scones our landlady had already baked for us! She made us a couple of flasks and packed some muffins for our day. We arrived at the park in the dark, bought an annual group pass, the cheapest option for the week and made our way to sit in the car-park. A few other intrepid people were also there but no-where near the numbers anticipated for this Sunday in mid-May. The info for the previous day told of many good birds remaining from a big fall on the previous Thursday with recent highlights including Townsend's Solitaire, Painted Bunting and a Harris' Sparrow. White-crowned Sparrows flocked around the centre as we waited for the bus to the tip. At the tip the rain was still very heavy though there were a few brave birds including a male Scarlet Tanager, a Wilson's Warbler on the beach and a couple of Yellow-rumped's. Throughout the morning we pretty much stayed out and managed to see some good species when our optics would allow, the woodland trail was particularly good before we finally returned to the centre to dry off. c10.30 we set off for the onion fields along the first concession road to look in vain for the Harris' Sparrow. As the weather slowly improved we saw seven species of sparrow including our only Dark-eyed Junco of the trip and the first of many very smart Lincoln's. Numerous hirundines over the fields included Rough-winged Swallow and Purple Martin whilst an Ovenbird caused a quick dash, given our experience of these skulkers, we had no idea they were to be so numerous. Back at the park we stopped for a bit of lunch at the "Cat-tail Café" and found a Clay-coloured Sparrow around the picnic area in the company of several Chipping Sparrows and seemingly going un-noticed amongst the feeding birders. In the mid-afternoon we headed for the west dunes seeing our first Orchard Orioles and an Orange-crowned Warbler; we were just enjoying finding our own birds away from other birders when we found out that the Townsend's Solitaire had been refound c500m north of where we were. Our relaxing meander was abandoned for a rapid march/sprint along the path where eventually we enjoyed watching this western vagrant feeding on juniper. There was a small crowd and steady stream of people arriving and news of what else was about rippled amongst the onlookers; the Painted Bunting was still at Sleepy Hollow and the Harris' Sparrow may have been seen again. Listing got the better of us as we tried for the bunting and failed then tried again for the sparrow and again dipped. We needed to calm our nerves and fortunately a summer plumaged Franklin's Gull on the onion fields helped greatly being immaculate with a strong pink flush to the breast. Returning for the evening to Sleepy Hollow we waited in vain for the elusive bunting which hadn't been seen since mid afternoon and we eventually headed back to dry out at our B+B, the landlady running all of our stuff through the drier! The Cottam pizzeria lived up to our expectations with the added bonus of being cajoled and harassed by the waitress. Day list 97, trip list 99.
Mon.13th May 8/8 overnight mist gave way to light and steady rain from dawn until c10.00 N3 and cold with further rain from c11.30. Spent all day around the Point with a midday trip into Leamington to get the key to our cottage and a short bout of lake watching/garden listing over a cup of tea once we got in. As we arrived at the point at dawn there were far more birders about than on the previous morning and it was immediately obvious that there were birds all over the place. We took the bus to the tip and on getting off warblers zipped by overhead through the tree canopy. The first thrushes began to appear and as I tried to get SR onto an Ovenbird I noticed three others! It's very difficult to describe or guess just how many birds were present. As we walked through the trails thrushes and Ovenbirds ran and flitted in all directions, ten or more Veery's and Swainson's could be noted in a quick glance around, it was unbelievable. As we regrouped back at the tip shelter I took a break to use the facilities and within a few minutes came out to find out I'd missed a Mourning Warbler and a Gray-cheeked Thrush. Initially devastated I was soon able to get very close views of the thrush and after some sweating the male Mourning Warbler stood out on a branch. I needn't have worried as by the end of the day we'd managed six Mournings and four Gray-cheeked Thrushes. The supporting cast found by shovelling the Ovenbirds, Veerys and Swainson's out of the way was spectacular: a female Bufflehead at the tip, two Black-billed Cuckoos, two Buff-bellied Pipits in the field opposite our cottage with several shorebird species, 24 species of warbler including six Blackburnian, a male Blackpoll, three Golden-winged's, 2 Cape May's and whilst filming birds around a pool RH saw a Connecticut, much to the dismay of SR and JP. During the early afternoon break at the cottage it was soon noticed that several birds were passing through the garden along the lake shore. Numerous hirundines including c15 Cliff Swallows were impressive but soon eclipsed by a fly-by Blackburnian Warbler! Another Swainson's was in the only tree along with an Eastern Phoebe - this was the best garden birding ever! By the end of the day we'd seen 109 species and taken the trip list to 124. The movement had even surpassed our best day at Cape May with the actual number of thrushes and ovenbirds on the whole of the point in the order of several thousand.
Tues.14th May - Initially dry with occasional showers developing, NW 6 calming by evening; cool though warm once the sun broke through p.m. By the evening thick cloud moved in and by dusk more rain began to fall. Arrived at the point at dawn and headed to the tip. Despite the decrease in numbers birding was still very good as birds were blown off the tip and out over the lake, they then struggled to make it back and landed in the very last bushes or on to the beach giving excellent views. From 09.00 until 12.00 we did the woodland trail before heading to Hillman's Marsh p.m. Visited the onion fields on the way back and had an early evening meal at the "Fish Plaice" before going to the De Laurier car-park for the last two hours of daylight. At the tip several Blackburnian and Cape May Warblers showed superbly on the beach and four Eastern Bluebirds dropped in, Veery's, Swainson's and Ovenbirds were still numerous along the point with lower numbers of Wood Thrushes and three Hermit Thrushes.Baltimore Orioles were by far the most common passerine and another three Golden-winged Warblers were seen. Hillman's Marsh was initially disappointing with strong warm winds and high water levels. Shorebirds could only be seen in flight but the main flock of these contained a most unexpected Hudsonian Godwit! Brief views of an Ammadromus sparrow were frustrating but towards the end of the sapping circular walk we saw a few good species including two Brown Thrashers, a Black-billed Cuckoo and in the field behind the centre a singing male Bobolink along with two females. We made a stop further along the road from the marsh to view the nesting Bald Eagles and could make out two young in the nest, a broad-winged hawk flew over. Back at the onion fields we were amazed to find the or perhaps a second Hudsonian Godwit showing well quite close to the road in superb breeding plumage. This area isn't too far from Hillman's as the godwit flys so we settled on it being the same bird though another was in taller vegetation further along the road. Finally, we ended the day at the De Laurier car-park watching the bizarre display of the American Woodcock. These birds were superb taking off vertically and whirring their wings as they zoomed overhead before spiralling quickly back to earth. Unfortunately no goatsuckers were calling nor on show. Another great day with 118 species and the trip list on 144.
Wed.15th May dry all day 0/8, N3-4 becoming S 3-4 p.m., cool. Set off 05.10 to Rondeau c1.25hrs drive east of Pelee. Arrived 06.30 and set off along the South Point Trail until c09.30 when we returned for the "Birder's breakfast" at the centre. Walked the Tulip Tree Trail for the star attraction then spent c3hrs at the west end of the South Point Trail and the Spicebush Trail before setting off for the inaccessible Blenheim Sewage Works c18.15 and returning to the cottage c20.00hrs. Rondeau is a wonderful park with some large stands of deadwood and a totally different feel to Pelee. Far fewer birders and a more sedate pace. There were also far fewer birds though this probably reflected the change in weather conditions. The morning walk was quiet though thoroughly enjoyable. A female Blue-winged Warbler behaved much as expected though I finally saw it well, unfortunately RH didn't. There deadwood looked superb for woodpeckers and so it proved, there were 16 Red-headed Woodpeckers in the trees near the start of the trail and hairy woodpecker finally made the trip list. The star attraction naturally were the Prothonatory Warblers with two singing males and a female along the Tulip Tree Trail which were absolutely stunning and fully lived up to expectation. A Gray-cheeked Thrush was also along this trail but a hooded warbler remained frustratingly unseen. In the afternoon things became as quiet as at any time on the trip with no new birds added and little to attract the attention though just as we were thinking of leaving a small but very varied flock of passerines moved through momentarily refreshing our enthusiasm. In retrospect it wasn't at all bad with all five thrush species, the only pine siskins of the trip, a fly-over r.t.diver, 4 bald eagles including one carrying a fish, a Black-billed Cuckoo, both species of nuthatch, four species of vireo and twenty species of warbler, we're clearly becoming blasé! We also introduced a new system for counting individuals of different species and it became apparent that our earlier estimates of individual warblers and sparrows were way below the actual numbers seen. A stop at Blenheim Sewage Works was frustrating due to the lack of access, we could see over one bank but again water levels were high. The drive home was uneventful except for a quick turn around to look at some turkeys loitering around a house along the main road; initially identified as Turkey Vultures by one team member they didn't make the list on account of being all black! Back in the cottage the garden list continued apace as two were offshore and a Red-headed Woodpecker came into next door's garden.
Day list 100, trip list 155.
Thurs.16th May 7-8/8, rain from 07.30 until mid-morning. W7-8 mild initially becoming hot in the sun by midday. By late afternoon the rain began again and became very heavy causing an early retreat to the cottage. Arrived at the tip 06.30 where it was rather quiet. We headed off to the De Laurier area and boardwalk for the rest of the morning. Visited the "Cat-tail Café" for lunch then spent the afternoon on the boardwalk trail in the woodland. Made a short visit to Tilden's before packing in due to the rain which cancelled a planned search for a Conneticut warbler near Sleepy Hollow. The tip was the quietest it had been all week and we spent most time looking at the terns and gulls. I noticed a Sandwich Tern through my bins and went to look through SR's scope to confirm the addition to the trip list. Unfortunately, it couldn't be re-found and we later learned that it would have been a first for Pelee. Given the brief views I decided not to count it on our trip list but it became the most frustrating aspect of the trip for me. The De Laurier area was excellent with numerous pairs of singing territorial Yellow Warblers. At long last we had excellent views of Yellow-breasted Chat, also on territory singing and display flighting. In the same area was our only Yellow-throated Vireo of the trip and nine Orchard Orioles. The boardwalk produced a good array of warblers plus another Black-billed Cuckoo. Back at the car-park an American Crow flew over carrying an easily identified male Baltimore Oriole! In the afternoon we returned to the woodland trail where our previous day's trip to Rondeau was effectively nullified by a striking male Prothonotory Warbler in the company of a male Blue-winged Warbler! At long last the blue-winged performed marvellously gleaning inverts from below leaves and being openly on view. The late afternoon trip to Tilden's proved educational. Up until now we'd seen many Least Flycatchers plus a few Trail's types whilst RH had had a singing Alder. Initially we had good views of what appeared to be a Yellow-bellied before two more were heard one of which was also seen. Another empid seen very well unfortunately remained unidentified, possibly Acadian? And there were two Trail's and five Leasts; empids had clearly arrived. Finally, the most remarkable feature of the day was when it dawned on us that the White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows had departed. Until yesterday they were an ever present sight in most places we visited, we barely registered their presence and grossly underestimated their numbers but today they were gone; we saw a single White-throated in the whole day. The day list was 100 whilst the trip list moved to 159.
Fri.17th May 2-7/8 dry all day but incredibly cold with a biting NE 3-4 p.m. The sad day of departure from Pelee. We initially went to the tip before visiting Tilden's and then the onion fields one last time before heading off c10.00 at least there wasn't a massive fall going on to make it any harder to leave. Drove 3hrs north via Detroit into Michigan to the Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area where we spent another c3hrs. Once again shorebirds were frustratingly absent. We carried on to Grayling and booked into the "7 Days Inn" as the only offer of sharing beds at the "Holiday Inn" didn't appeal to everyone. There was a vintage car rally in town and the main hotels were fairly well booked up. Once again the tip was very quiet for passerines though a willet on the beach and a 1st summer Little Gull amongst the throngs of Bonaparte's, Common and Black Terns were new; throughout the week the tip had proven a reliable spot for something of interest though given our good fortune with the passerines we'd spent precious little time looking at the gulls and terns. Tilden's was also good. JP and I spoke to Peter Read "expert birder" and not Sunderland manager! who was pointed out several songs we'd not learned. Most notably the brief song of a distant cerulean warbler which frustratingly wasn't seen and remained a target for another trip. He also pointed out the song of a Mourning Warbler and we saw another male a little later. Least Flycatchers were also seen singing and we enjoyed our last Ovenbirds, Blackburnians, Wood Thrush, Swainson's and Veerys. JP and RH caught up with an Eastern Bluebird in the car-park. What a place! Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area despite being very cold provided some excellent species. An American Bittern flew about below the tower viewpoint and there were three male Yellow-headed Blackbirds. New duck species included Green-winged Teal, Black Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon and Redhead; an adult Bald Eagle dived to catch a fish and four male Marsh Wrens sang from rush stems on a single island. Once again shorebirds were mostly overhead due to the high waterlevels, a fly-by Willet along the lake shore was unexpected. There were three Black-crowned Night Herons and 30 Great White Egrets. The combination of Pelee and Nyanquing produced the highest day list by far with 121 species and the trip list motoring to 173. Our evening meal was excellent and an extra beer or so could be enjoyed due the late start of 06.00hrs set for the following morning.
Sat.18th May 8/8 dry though a light snow flurry early a.m. Very cold though winds very light. Some heavy rain showers near Detroit late p.m. Following our lie-in until 06.00 we made our way to the "Holiday Inn" for the Fish and Wildlfie Service presentation on Kirtland's Warbler. We then followed the ranger in convoy the c15 miles to the young jack pine plantations between Grayling and Mio. As we turned off the road a superb immature Bald Eagle sat atop a small pine next to the road. This was the third day of the annual tours and so far they had seen the species each day. It wasn't too long before we heard the first singing male Kirtland's but seeing one was a different matter. It took some time until one sat up on a dead tree and sang and what a beauty it was! Two or three were singing but not all of the group had seen one but fortunately the paths are open to the public so even when it was time for the ranger to leave we could stay on and keep looking. Just as well as RH was becoming a little stressed not yet having seen one! Three of us went on to see a cowbird trap and managed to see a beaver near its lodge plus and a mink. Further singing Kirtland's were along this trail and a female was seen briefly close to the ground under the trees. By the time we returned RH had thankfully secured good views and added Vesper Sparrow to the trip list. Two sandhill cranes were heard but remained unseen and the evocative calls of Great Northern Divers rang out over the site. We returned to Grayling c11.00 for breakfast and then went back out to another area up the road from the tour site. Here another male Kirtland's was found in a mixed flock of warblers and a group of six Eastern Bluebirds were making sallies from the trees. The heathland habitat was fantastic and a good array of species were seen. Brewer's Blackbirds were numerous in one area and we all caught up with another Vesper Sparrow. The only disappointment was not finding Upland Sandpiper which were present in the area; the tour had seen one at the roadside the previous day. By 15.00 we unfortunately had to head south. The drive south was uneventful and only took 3hrs to Detroit airport. We flew to Gatwick at 21.00 and the strong tailwind got us back in 6hrs allowing me to catch an early flight back to Belfast rather than the expected six-hour wait for a connection. The final day list was only 52 species but the Kirtland's had to go down as bird of the trip on limited distribution alone though they were also very big and strikingly marked. The trip list ended on 182.
It had been a superb trip; we were very fortunate with the weather in terms of delivering birds though sometimes it didn't feel that way. Seemingly the spring at Pelee has been rather unusual being particularly cold and wet, slowing migration and producing regular falls of good numbers of birds. The trip north into Michigan particularly whetted our appetite for a return visit, possibly to Whitefish Point in 2003!
Systematic list numbers in brackets = (total number seen on trip, total number of days observed, maximum seen on any one day)
1.Red-throated diver Gavia stellata (1, 1, 1) A single flew over Rondeau 15th.
2.Great northern diver G.immer (5, 2, 3) Three were seen flying over the main road between Leamington and Rondeau early morning 15th and the evocative calls of two were heard in the Grayling area 18th.
3.Pied-billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps (5, 2, 4) A single was on Blenheim Sewage works 13th and four at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
4.Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus (00s, 6, 00s) Seen daily on L.Erie; hundreds were off Pelee tip on each visit.
5.American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus (1, 1, 1) A single was seen well at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
6.Great blue heron Ardea herodias (27, 7, 7) Seen almost daily in small numbers.
7.Great egret A.alba (31, 2, 30) A single was at Hillman's Marsh 14th and 30 at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
8.Green heron Butorides virescens (5, 2, 3) Three flew over the onion fields 12th and two from the picnic area at the Cattail Café, Point Pelee 16th.
9.Black-crowned heron Nycticorax nycticorax (3, 1, 3) Three were in ditches at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
10.Mute swan Cygnus olor (12, 2, 6) Six were at Hilman's Marsh 14th and six more at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
11.Canada goose Branta canadensis (c130, 6, c50) Seen regularly throughout the trip including numerous pairs with small broods at various wetlands.
12.Wood duck Aix sponsa (17, 5, 4) Often noted flying over woodlands at Pelee and four seen landing in tall trees at Rondeau 15th.
13.Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (52+, 8, 20+) Seen regularly throughout trip.
14.American black duck A.rubripes (1, 1, 1) A single male was at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
15.Gadwall A.strepera (4, 1, 4) Four at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
16.American wigeon A.americana (2, 1, 2) A pair at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
17.Northern shoveler A.clypeata (11, 2, 8) Three at Bleheim sewage works 15th and eight at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
18.Blue-winged teal A.discors (18, 3, 12) Four were on rain flooded fields near the cottage 13th, two Hillman's 14th, and 12 at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
19.Green-winged teal A.carolinensis (10, 1, 10) Ten Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
20.Canvasback Aythya valisineria (2, 1, 2) two males were at Hillman's 14th.
21.Redhead A.americana (20, 1, 20) Twenty were at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
22.Lesser Scaup A.affinis (77, 5, 30) Seen almost daily from the tip of Pelee with a max of 30 13th with three Hillman's 14th, 3 Blenheim Sewage Works 15th and 6 Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
23.Bufflehead Bucephala albeola (1, 1, 1) A single female was with lesser scaup off the tip of Pelee 13th (SR, BJR).
24.Goosander Mergus merganser (2, 1, 2) A pair were seen from the cottage on L.Erie 15th.
25.Red-breasted merganser M.serrator (93+, 5, 30+) Seen almost daily on L.Erie.
26.Ruddy duck Oxyurus jamaicensis (95, 3, 60) Sixty were at Hillman's 14th, 20 Blenheim Sewage Works 15th and 15 Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
27.Turkey vulture Cathartes aura (87+, 7, 30+) Seen almost daily in all areas.
28.Bald eagle Haliaetus leucocephalus (11, 4, 6) An adult with two well grown young were in a nest near Hillman's 14th, 6 were around Rondeau 15th including an adult carrying a fish over the Tulip Tree Trial, an adult was seen catching a fish at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th and a probable 3rd year was at the Kirtland's site near Grayling 18th.
29.Northern harrier Cycus cyaneus hudsonius (10, 4, 5) 1-5 seen on three dates in the Pelee area and 2 ringtails at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
30.Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus (5, 3, 2) Two Pelee 14th, a single at Rondeau 15th, 2 Pelee 16th and a single near Grayling 18th.
31.Cooper's hawk A.cooperii (1-2, 1-2, 1) A single flew across the road on the way north through Michigan 17th and a single cooperii/gentilis soaring over the Kirtland's area 18th remained specifically unidentified.
32.Broad-winged hawk Buteo platypterus (2, 1, 2) A single was at Pelee and another at the bald eagle nest 14th.
33.Red-tailed hawk B.jamaicensis (11, 5, 3) 1-3, mostly immatures, were seen on five dates throughout the trip.
34.American kestrel Falco sparverius (9, 4, 6) 1-6 were seen, mostly along roadsides, on four dates.
35.Peregrine falcon F.peregrinus (4, 3, 2) A good run of records of a scarce species. A single was over Pelee 12th, 2 Hillman's 14th and a single at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
36.Ring-necked pheasant Phasianus colchicus (5, 2, 3) Two were at Hillman's 14th and three at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
37.Wild turkey Meleagris gallopavo (1, 1, 1) Following five black turkeys in a garden on the way back from Rondeau 15th causing an about turn, a no less controversial single, correctly coloured, bird was loitering with intent a bit too close to a garden for comfort in the Grayling area 18th. On the positive side there is a re-introduction scheme for the species in the area.
38.Common moorhen Gallinula chloropus (1, 1, 1) A single was at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
39.American coot Fulica americana (36, 2, 30) Six were one of the "highlights" at Hillman's 14th and 30 more were at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
40.Sandhill crane Grus canadensis (2, 1, 2) Frustratingly heard only, over the Kirtland's site 18th with unconfirmed possibles heard on two dates from Pelee where a pair is nesting in the marsh not far from the boardwalk trail for the first time.
41.Grey plover Pluvialis squatarola (84+, 3, 60+) Seen in the flooded onion fields area and over, the not too distan, Hillman's 8 fields 12th, 60+ Hillman's/fields14th and 16 fields 17th.
42.Semipalmated plover Charadrius semipalmatus (6, 2, 5) Five were in the flooded field near the cottage 12th and a single on the beach near Pelee tip 17th.
43.Killdeer C.vociferous (59+, 7, 30+) Seen regularly throughout trip often in display flight and calling loudly true to their name. A pair was even in the car-park of a shopping centre along the main road north of Detroit 17th.
44.Greater yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca (2, 1, 2) two were in the flooded fields near the cottage 13th.
45.Lesser yellowlegs T.flavipes (6, 2, 4) Four were with the above in the flooded fields near the cottage 13th and two in the onion fields 17th.
46.Solitary sandpiper T.solitaria (8, 2, 6) Six were in flooded fields near the cottage 13th and 2 Hillman's 14th.
47.Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus (2, 1, 2) Two sightings of this scarce shorebird. A single was on the beach at the tip Pelee and another at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan both 17th.
48.Spotter sandpiper Actitis macularia (11, 5, 4) Seen regularly in small numbers on five dates around L.Erie shore and the flooded fields including one on the beach from the cottage 15th.
49.Hudsonian godwit Limosa haemastica (1, 1, 1) One was seen in flight with a flock of grey plovers over Hillman's 14th and presumably the same bird, a stunning adult male, was later relocated preening and feeding in the onion fields 14t h - one of the finds of the trip! Another was reported further east along the onion fields the same day though not showing so well in tall vegetation.
50.Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres (4, 2, 3) A single was in the onion fields 14th and three there 17th.
51.Red knot Calidris canutus (50, 1, 50) A flock of c50 breeding plumaged birds were over Hillman's 14th.
52.Sanderling C.alba (15, 3, 11) Three flew past the cottage early a.m. 14th, a single was at Pelee tip 16th and 11 there 17th.
53.Least sandpiper C.minutilla (3, 2, 2) A single was in the onion fields 12th with another there 17th and one at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan also 17th.
54.Dunlin C.alpina hudsonia (267+, 4, 200+) Twenty were at the tip and the onion fields 12th, c40 onion fields/Hillman's 14th, 7 tip 16th and 200+ Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
55.Short-billed dowitcher Limnodromus griseus griseus/hendersoni (c181, 3, c150) Thirty in the flooded fields near the cottage 13th, c150 onion fields 14th and a single onion fields 17th. Birds seen well appeared to be mostly hendersoni though a few were pale vented and probably griseus.
56.American woodcock Scolopax minor (6, 1, 6) Following one flushed near De Laurier car-park, Point Pelee 14th six were seen displaying over the car-park at dusk, probably including the earlier flushed bird. This was on of the sights of the trip seeing the verticle take off, whirring wings of the flight, sometimes two together and spiralling descents along with the creeking calls and sounds presumably generated from the three narrow outer primaries.
57.Franklin's gull Larus pipixcan (1, 1, 1) A spectacular pink-breasted, breeding plumaged, adult was in the onion fields 12th often being harassed by herring gulls. Unexpected and on the same day as a breeding plumaged laughing gull at a nearby harbour which we didn't go to see.
58.Little gull L.minutus (1, 1, 1) A first summer was at the tip of Point Pelee 17th.
59.Bonaparte's gull L.philladelphia (00s, 6, 00s) Seen daily 12th - 17th with 15 at Pelee tip 12th increasing to several hundred there 13th - 17th, most birds were 1st summers but a few breeding plumaged adults were present. Additionally a flock of several hundred was at Hillman's 14th and c30 Bleheim Sewage Works 15th.
60.Ring-billed gull L.delawarensis Seen daily often in large numbers on flooded fields.
61.Herring gull L.argentatus smithsonianus Seen daily often in large numbers.
62.Greater black-backed gull L.marinus (200+, 5, 120+) A single flew past the cottage over the lake 13th with 20+ tip 14th then 20+ Rondeau 15th and 30+ at the tip on 16th and 17th.
63.Caspian tern Sterna caspia (7, 3, 4) 1 - 4 seen at Pelee tip on the first three days (12th - 14th) but not thereafter.
64.Common tern S.hirundo Seen daily at Pelee tip where a very large flock congregated each morning, estimates by park staff reached 6,000+. Also seen whenever on the shore of the lake.
65.Forster's tern S.forsteri (205+, 6, 100) Also seen daily at Pelee tip though in small numbers (up to 30). Much more numerous than S.hirundo at the base of the Point e.g. from the cottage, and over freshwater lakes such as Hillman's, Blenheim Sewage Works and at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
66.Black tern Childonias niger surinamensis (130, 6, 45) Seen daily 12th - 17th in small numbers at Pelee tip (up to c30 17th) also over Hillman's 14th, Blenheim 15th and at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th. All were breeding plumaged adults.
67.Rock dove Columba livia Reassuringly inconspicuous noted only in Detroit whilst driving!
68.Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Seen daily throughout.
69.Black-billed cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus (7, 5, 2) Surprisingly numerous. Following a mini twitch at the tip to see one in the top of a conifer 13th another was found on the woodland trail also 13th, 1 boardwalk and 1 Hillman's 14th, 1 Rondeau 15th, 1 De Laurier 16th and 1 Tildon's 17th.
70.Common nighthawk Chordeiles minor (2, 2, 1) Singles were seen at Pelee overhead during the morning of 13th and another at dusk at De Laurier 14th.
71.Chimney swift Chaetura pelagica (81, 8, 20) Seen daily throughout the trip peaking with 20 14th.
72.Ruby-throated hummingbird Archilocus colubris (58, 6, 20+) Seen at Pelee and Rondeau 12th - 17th with a noticeable arrival of c20 p.m. 12th and 20+ 13th.
73.Belted kingfisher Ceryle alcyon (1, 1, 1) A single was on overhead wires at the marina west of Pelee 12th. This was a tick for RH. Much to SR's chagrin he decided we shouldn't stop as they would undoubtedly be very common on the trip - it proved to be the only record despite attempts later to re-find it at the same marina!
74.Red-headed woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus (34, 7, 16) Undoubtedly one of the highlights was the large numbers of these woodpeckers in adult plumage including one in our garden tree at the cottage 16th. Seen daily from 12th - 18th with a maximum of 16 at Rondeau 15th.
75.Red-bellied woodpecker M.carolinus (4, 4, 2) A single was in a roadside wood along Route 3 11th, 2 were coming to feeders at Rondeau 15th and a single was at the tip 17th.
76.Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens (51, 6, 15) Seen frequently throughout including the garden tree at our cottage.
77.Hairy woodpecker P.villosus (5, 2, 4) Much less numerous than the former species with four at Rondeau 15th and 1 at the Kirtland's site 18th.
78.Northern flicker Colaptes auratus (15, 6, 6) Singles were seen on four dates plus six Rondeau 15th and five in the Grayling area 18th.
79.Eastern wood-pewee Contopus virens (5, 4, 2) Singles were seen on three dates and two 16th.
80.Yellow-bellied flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris (3, 1, 3) There was a noticeable arrival of empids from 16th with two flaviventris heard and seen and a third heard only in Tilden's p.m. 16th.
81.Alder flycatcher E.alnorum (1, 1, 1) A single was singing at Pelee 14th (RH).
82.Alder/Willow Flycatcher E.alnorum/ traillii (5, 3, 2) Unidentified, i.e.silent, Trail's were at Hillman's 14th, 2 Rondeau 15th and 2 Pelee 16th.
83.Least flycatcher E.minimus (46+, 6, 15) By far the most numerous empid and easily identified even when silent. 1 - 15 on six dates. Three were singing in Tildon's 17th.
85.Great crested flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus (13, 5, 6) 1 - 3 were at Pelee on four dates plus 6 Rondeau 15th.
86.Eastern kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus (52+, 7, 15+) Seen daily until 17th peaking at 15+ 13th.
87.Horned lark Eremophila alpestris (21+, 5, 10+) Seen frequently in open fields and occasionally singing though never seen well enough to consider racial variation.
88.Purple martin Progne subis (111+, 6, 50+) Several houses close to Pelee had nest boxes and gourds for this species though the greatest numbers were c50 at Blenheim Sewage Works 15th. Several were sitting on the beach next to the cottage 13th.
89.Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolour (00s, 7, 00s) Very common throughout including at provided nestboxes at pelee and Hillman's.
90.Northern rough-winged swallow Stelgidopteryx serripenis (16, 4, 6) 1 - 6 seen on four dates. Generally amongst flocks of commoner hirundines over water or the onion fields.
91.Bank swallow Riparia riparia Seen daily in large numbers 12th - 17th with notable movements along the point 13th and 14th.
92.Cliff swallow Petrochelidon pyrronota (c41, c20, 5) First noted 13th when c15 flew along the lake shore past our cottage with other hirundines, c20 were passing the tip and at Hillman's 14th, two were at Bleheim Sewage Works 15th, 2 Pelee 16th and 2 Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
93.Barn swallow Hirundo rustica Seen daily until 17th in large numbers.
94.Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata (170+, 50+, 8) Seen daily with notable movements of 50 over the point and passing the tip 14th and on the way back from Rondeau 50+ 15th.
95.American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos (74, 8, 20) Seen daily in small numbers with a peak of 20 over the tip 14th.
96.Common raven C.corax (5+, 1, 5+) Only seen in the Kirtland's area with 5+ 18th.
97.Black-capped chickadee Poecile atricapilla (21, 7, 6) 1 - 6 seen daily from 12th.
98.Red-breasted nuthatch Sitta canadensis (12, 5, 4) Small numbers seen and heard at Pelee and Rondeau with a max of 4 15th. A single was also heard at the Kirtland's site 18th.
99.White-breasted nuthatch S.carolinensis (2, 1, 2) Two singles were seen at Rondeau 15th with one coming to the feeders outside the centre window.
100.Brown creeper Certhia americana (2, 2, 1) Singles were along the woodland trail Pelee 14th and Rondeau 15th.
101.Carolina wren Thryothorus ludovicianus (5, 3, 2) Two were in roadside bushes at the onion fields 12th with 2 more at Pelee 13th and 1 Hillman's 14th.
102.House wren Troglodytes aedon (32, 6, 10) Up to 10 seen daily 12th - 17th.
103.Marsh wren Cistothorus palustris (7, 1, 7) Seven males were singing from the tops of emergent vegetation in one small area at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
104.Ruby-crowned kinglet Regulus calendula (102, 8, 30) Up to 30 seen daily throughout trip.
105.Blue-gray gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea (25, 5, 11) Seen in small numbers with a max of 11 16th.
106.Eastern bluebird Sialia sialis (12, 3, 7) Four landed in the last bushes at the tip 14th, a single female was in the Pelee centre car-park 17th and 7 were in the Kirtland's area 18th.
107.Townsend's solitaire Myadestes townsendi (1, 1, 1) Possibly the least expected species on the trip. A vagrant had been found in the dune scrub near Sleepy Hollow the day before we arrived at Pelee and remained until 14th. We made a mini-twitch to see it once we discovered it was still present on 12th and watched it eating juniper berries.
108.Veery Catharus fuscescens (289+, 6, c200) We were pleased at having excellent views of three at Pelee 12th following frustratingly brief views at Cape May in 2000. However, we were not prepared for the huge thrush invasion of 13th. Our estimate of 200 that we saw is likely to be rather conservative, there were clearly thousands of thrushes on the point. Along with Swainson's they were everywhere you looked and constantly running and flitting ahead of you as you walked. Numbers petered out through the rest of the week with c60 Pelee and Hillman's 14th, 20+ Rondeau 15th then just three on 16th and 17th. This was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip with all five thrush species noted on 13th and 15th and Jon Dunn commenting on what an amazing arrival it was.
109.Gray-cheecked thrush C.minimus (5, 2, 4) Clearly the least common and most sort after of the thrushes. Four were at Pelee 13th and a single at Rondeau from the Tulip Tree Trail 15th.
110.Swainson's thrush C.ustulatus (302+, 6, c160) Equally the most numerous thrush and also likely to have been wildly underestimated. Two were at the tip 12th, c160 13th including one in the cottage garden, c80 Pelee and Hillman's 14th, 50+ Rondeau 15th with five 16th and 17th.
111.Hermit thrush C.guttatus (23, 7, c8) This beautiful thrush was seen daily 12th - 18th in small numbers with 3 12th, c8 13th, 4 14th, 5 15th, 1 16th and 17th and 1 near Grayling 18th.
112.Wood thrush Hylocichla mustelina (17, 5, 7) Seven were at Pelee 13th, 5 14th, 3 Rondeau 15th and singles at Pelee 16th and 17th.
113.American robin Turdus migratorius Seen daily including an adult feeding young in a nest at Rondeau 15th.
114.Gray catbird Dumetella carolinensis (202+, 8, 50+) Seen daily with a maximum of 50+ 13th.
115.Brown thrasher Toxostoma rufum (11, 5, 4) Two were at Hillman's 14th, 4 Rondeau 15th, a single at Pelee 16th, two Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th and 2 in the Grayling area 18th.
116.American pipit Anthus rubescens (2, 1, 2) Two breeding plumage birds were in the flooded fields near the cottage 13th.
117.Cedar waxwing Bombycilla cedorum (69, 2, 66) Only seen on two days with three Pelee 14th and 66 there 16th.
119.White-eyed vireo Vireo griseus (4, 4, 1) Singles were at Pelee 13th, 14th, Rondeau 15th and Pelee 16th.
120.Blue-headed vireo V.solitarius (6, 4, 3) Singles were at Pelee 12th and 13th then three Rondeau 15th and a single at Pelee 16th.
121.Yellow-throated vireo V.flavifrons (1, 1, 1) A single was in the scrub area to the south of the De Laurier car-park 16th making this a six vireo species day though no team members managed to see all of them. (BJR/SR)
122.Warbling vireo V.gilvus (47+, 6, 15) Reasonably numerous in S.Ontario with 15 Pelee 13th and 10+ Rondeau 15th. A single was at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
123.Philadelphia vireo V.philadelphicus (5, 1, 5) Initially conspicuous by their absence five arrived in the afternoon 16th along the Pelee woodland trail.
124.Red-eyed vireo V.olivaceus (68, 6, 20) As expected this was the most numerous vireo species though the maximum count was only 20 at Pelee 13th.
125.Blue-winged warbler Vermivora pinus (2, 2, 1) A female made a typically brief appearance at Rondeau 15th and although at last BJR got a good view RH missed it. Fortunately, a wonderful male appeared around one of the woodland trail pools at Pelee 16th and showed superbly gleening insects from below leaves over the water and sallying backwards and forth. It even joined a male Prothonatory warbler for a while where upon it was depressingly identified as a female prothonotory by some of the watching crowd!
126.Golden-winged warbler V.chrysoptera (6, 2, 3) Surprisingly numerous, a male was at the tip on the morning 13th with two further males showing superbly well along the boardwalks later the same day. Two males and a female were also at Pelee 14th.
127.Tennessee warbler V.peregrina (8, 3, 4) At Pelee there was a single 12th, 3 13th and four 16th.
128.Orange-crowned warbler V.celata (4, 2, 3) A single was in dune scrub bushes on the west of the Point 12th with three also at Pelee 16th.
129.Nashville warbler V.ruficapilla (57+, 8, 20+) Seen daily with a peak of 20+ 13th and three in the Grayling area 18th.
130.Northern parula Parula americana (18, 6, 6) 1 - 6 including some singing birds were seen daily from 12th - 17th.
131.Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia (265+, 7, 75) The most numerous of the warblers with 75 counted 16th when many were singing and defending territories at De Laurier. It's likely that numbers were underestimated earlier in the week.
132.Chestnut-sided warbler D.pensylvanica (47, 6, 16) A single bedraggled male landed on SR's foot during the torrential rain 12th, 16 were then at Pelee 13th, 12 14th, 10 at Rondeau 15th,six at Pelee 16th and two 17th.
133.Magnolia warbler D.magnolia (125+, 7, 50+) Reasonably numerous and seen daily 12th - 18th with a maximum of 50+ at Pelee 13th.
134.Cape May warbler D.tigrina (19, 4, 12) One of the most sort after of the warblers the males were absolutely stunning and the females relatively easily overlooked. Four were in a large tree at the onion fields 12th, 2 Pelee 13th, 12 Pelee 14th and a single there 16th.
135.Black-throated blue warbler D.caerulescens (122+, 6, 50+) As with magnolia warbler this species was reasonably numerous with 50+ at Pelee 13th.
136.Yellow-rumped warbler D.coronata (184+, 8, 70+) The third most numerous warbler, the males striking, and as Nashville warbler seen daily. Max 70+ 14th.
137.Black-throated green warbler D.virens (62, 7, 25) Surprisingly numerous, seen daily 11th – 17th with max of 14th.
138.Blackburnian warbler D.fusca (25, 5, 7) Possibly the most sort after of the regular warblers the males were breathtaking. Six were at Pelee 13th including a fly-by on the "sea-watch" from the cottage! 7 Pelee 14th, 6 Rondeau 15th, five Pelee 16th and a single in Tildon's woods 17th.
139.Kirtland's warbler D.kirtlandii (9, 1, 9) Probably bird of the trip. We made the four hour drive from Pelee to Grayling 17th and took part in the Fish and Wildlife Service tour from the Holiday Inn at 07.00hrs on the 18th. We saw one male and heard four others on the tour itself, heard another male and saw a female briefly whilst returning from seeing the cowbird trap and saw a male and heard another at a track further up the road in the afternoon. It's just as well that you can search for the birds yourselves now as by the end of the tour RH hadn't seen one and was looking seriously distressed but fortunately caught up with them a little later.
140.Palm warbler D.palmarum (107+, 6, 50+) Seen daily from 12th - 18th with a peak of 50+ 13th at Pelee.
141.Bay-breasted warbler D.castanea (33+, 5, 20+) 1 - 5 were seen on four dates with 20+ at Pelee 13th, most were striking males.
142.Blackpoll warbler D.striata (1, 1, 1) A single male was along the boardwalks at Pelee on the afternoon 13th. This species is one of the later warblers to come through though we were surprised at how scarce it was. Another male on 17th was looked for but not seen. (JP/BJR).
143.Black-and-white warbler (164+, 6, 50) Seen daily 12th - 17th with 50 on 14th at Pelee and 50 at Rondeau 15th.
144.American redstart Setophaga ruticilla (89+, 6, 40+) As with the other warblers most individuals seen were males. Seen daily 12th - 17th with a max of 40+ 12th.
145.Prothonotary warbler Protonotaria citrea (4, 2, 3) This species was the main driving force in our trip to Rondeau 15th and two males and a female were seen along the Tulip Tree Trail. They were stunning, one of the males singing and wrestling a large beetle larva of some kind and often climbing low on tree trunks so as to get a perfect reflection in the still waters below. The following day a male was along the boardwalk trail at Pelee in the company of a male blue-winged warbler cancelling out the only two species we'd added to the trip list at Rondeau. Fortunately, the lack of birders and excellent woodlands made the trip worth while, dipping on a hooded warbler though didn't help a relatively quiet day.
146.Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus (258+, 6, 200+) A single was seen well 12th along a bank near the onion fields and caused the other team members to hurry around to see it. However, early on the morning of 13th it became apparent that this species wasn't going to be its usual scarce and skulking self. Conservative estimates of 200+ seen by the four of us can only be a very small fraction of the number present on the point; there were ten at a time running ahead of you as you walked the woodland trails! As with the thrushes numbers decreased in the following days with 30 14th, 20 at Rondeau 15th, 4 Pelee 16th and 3 there 17th.
147.Northern waterthrush S.noveboracensis (31, 4, 16) A single was defending a territory around a pool near the onion fields 12th then there were 9 Pelee 13th, 16 14th and 5 at Rondeau 15th.
148.Connecticut warbler Oporornis agilis (1, 1, 1) A single was seen in the afternoon 13th along the woodland trail by RH only causing great consternation amongst two of the team members.
149.Mourning warbler O.philadelphia (9, 2, 6) One of the successes of the trip was the number of mourning warblers seen. The first male near the "train" stop at the tip caused much anxiety but by the end of the day we'd found six. Three more on 17th, one at the tip and two in Tilden's included one singing, the song being pointed out by Peter Read (one of the park staff not the Sunderland manager!)
150.Common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas (118+, 6, 30+) Not as numerous as on other north American trips but still seen regularly with a max of 30+ 13th.
151.Wilson's warbler Wilsonia pusilla (16, 6, 5) Considered the team bird as we always seem to see good numbers two were seen at Pelee 12th, 13th and 14th, 5 Rondeau 15th, 4 Pelee 16th and 1 there 17th.
152.Canada warbler W.canadensis (20, 5, 10) Even more numerous than the above species there were 10 stunning males Pelee 13th, 2 14th, 5 Rondeau 15th, 2 Pelee 16th and 1 in Tildon's 17th. Given our success at seeing these two Wilsonia it's frustrating not to have caught up with a hooded.
153.Yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens (3, 1, 3) This species breeds in the scrub and small cedars near the De Laurier car-park and was located on 16th when a pair were on territory, the male sitting out singing and seen in display flight. A second male was in an adjacent area.
154.Scarlet tanger Piranga olivacea (12, 5, 3) Up to three, mostly males were at Pelee on five dates.
155.Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis (65+, 8, 13) Seen daily.
156.Rose-breasted grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus (257+, 6, 150+) Seen on six dates, often in flocks of up to 10 or so feeding quietly in trees and occasionally on the ground a minimum of 150+ were present at Pelee 13th. Several males were singing.
157.Indigo bunting Passerina cyanea (33, 6, 10) Up to ten, mostly dazzling males, were seen on six dates.
158.Eastern towhee Pipilo erythropthalmus (14, 6, 5) Small numbers of these large sparrows were seen at Pelee and Rondeau 12th - 16th and a single at Grayling 17th. The males were oddly confusable with male orchard orioles at first glance!
159.Chipping sparrow Spizella passerina (57, 7, 20) Fairly numerous, seen on seven dates from Pelee to Grayling.
160.Clay-coloured sparrow S.pallida (1, 1, 1) Whilst we took a break at the "Cattail Café" in the park 12th we noticed a single clay-coloured sparrow feeding on the ground near the picnic tables and around the café buildings, seemingly un-noticed by other birders.
161.Field sparrow S.pusilla (13, 4, 7) Fairly scarce two were at Pelee 13th, 3 there 14th, a single at Rondeau 15th and 7 Pelee 16th.
162.Vesper sparrow Pooectes gramineus (2, 1, 2) Only seen in the Kirtland's area a single was found by RH and another seen by everyone later in the afternoon.
163.Savannah sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis (4, 3, 2) One was at Pelee 12th and two there 13th with a single at Rondeau 15th.
164.Song sparrow Melospiza melodia (55, 7, 20) Reasonably numerous and seen daily except in the Grayling area with a max of 20 at Pelee and Hillman's 14th.
165.Lincoln's sparrow M.lincolnii (26, 7, 10) Surprisingly numerous this superbly marked sparrow was seen daily except 11th with a max of 10 at Pelee 13th, 3 were at Rondeau 15th and a single in the Kirtland's area 18th.
166.Swamp sparrow M.georgiana (37, 6, 15) Seen on six dates with a max of 15 at Rondeau 15th.
167.White-throated sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis (181+, 5, 50+) These two species were largely ignored after initial observation in the first light and heavy rain of 12th; they seemed to be everywhere and we took little notice until 16th when we realised they were pretty much all gone! On the first few days hundreds were present though not really counted, several males singing. The above figures are crude underestimates. A single remained at Pelee 16th.
168.White-crowned sparrow Z.leucophrys (300+, 4, c100) See above species. White-crowned was marginally more numerous with large numbers along the gardens and weedy fields at the onion fields. At least 100 were at Rondeau 15th and that was the last we saw of them!
169.Dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis (1, 1, 1) A single male at the onion fields 12th proved to be the only record.
170.Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus (5, 1, 5) Following two females at the top of a tree at the tip 14th a superb singing male and at least two females were in a field of young trees and weeds at Hillman's the same day.
171.Eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna (2, 1, 2) Two were at the tip, one landing briefly, 17th. (RH)
172.Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Ubiquitous, the males often displaying to each other and the females, spreading their bright wing coverts and calling loudly. They also patrolled the picnic areas for scraps, being very bold. They are incredibly numerous seeming to be nesting in any wet area and spread as far as you could see over the Pelee marshes.
173.Yellow-headed blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (3, 1, 3) Three males were at Nyanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Michigan 17th.
174.Brewer's blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus (20, 1, 20) Seen only on one area near Grayling. After the Kirtland's tour we explored another trail further up the road and once beyond a small stand of mature trees c20 Brewer's were singing from isolated trees and hanging about.
176.Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater Seen daily from 12th including several in a trap at the Kirtland's site 18th.
177.Orchard oriole Icterus sprius (19, 4, 9) Seen only in the more open and scrubby areas of Pelee especially around De Laurier and the west dunes/scrub Five 12th, 2 13th, 9 16th and 3 17th.
178.Baltimore oriole I.galbula (294+, 7, 150) Seen daily from 12th with at least 150 14th when they were the most numerous passerine at the tip.
179.House finch Carpodacus mexicanus (7, 2, 4) Four were coming to the feeders outside the centre at Rondeau 15th and 3 Pelee 17th.
180.Pine siskin Carduelis pinus (4, 1, 4) Only seen at Rondeau 15th where three were in the top of a tree and a female came to the feeders.
181.American goldfinch C.tristis (237+, 7, 100+) Seen daily from 12th in all areas. The males are the colour of highlighting markers!
