This year, because of the early spring, we won't know just when the peak will be, but you can't go wrong visiting the park from May 10-20.
There have already been some interesting migrants, as reported by Sarah Rupert in a report on April 25. She notes "black, white-winged and surf scoters have been seen off the tip most mornings." A group of long-tailed ducks was reported April 23 from West Beach.
Both Northern and Louisiana water thrushes were seen in the woods near the Tip transit stop this week. The Northern was singing. Northern was also noted on the Woodland Nature Trail this morning.
Other warblers reported include yellow-rumped, Nashville, Palm and Black-throated green. A Wood thrush was reported from the Woodland Nature Trail as well.
A Grasshopper Sparrow was spotted along the West Beach footpath south of the half way point. About 20 Ruddy ducks have been seen in Sanctuary Pond in the last week. Common nighthawks were seen at DeLaurier parking area.
Shroebirds have started to arrive at Hillman Marsh. Sightings included pectoral and spotted sandpipers, dunlin, greater and lesser yellowlegs and some black-bellied plover.
Mike Malone of Pelee Wings Nature Store says they will be hosting the 14th annual Sports Optics Expo on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ten manufacturers of the worlds finest binoculars and spotting scopes will exhibit and demonstrate their sports optics to birders and the general public on the lakefront at 636 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington.
Manufacturers represented will include Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss, Bushnell, Pentax and Canon. For more information contact Mike, 1-877-326-5193.
The event coincides with the Point Pelee Festival Of Birds which sees hundreds of thousands of birds and thousands of birders from around the world flock to Point Pelee to enjoy one of the most phenomenal bird migrations on the continent through May.
Updates
On May 12, at 6:30 p.m. there will be a visit to the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate which is open to the public. Meet at the parking lot of the estate at 101 Windermere Road. Call 519-686-0160 for information.
On May 19 at 6:30 p.m. there will be a visit to Komoka Provincial Park open to the public. View wild flowers, migrating birds and interesting trees. Be prepared for hilly terrain. Call 519-472-6103 for information.
E-mail thomasnhayman@rogers.com
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