MAY 12, 2011
There were a lot of expectant birders queuing along the
boardwalk this morning, hoping the thunderstorm from last night may have
brought in a few of the birds. While numbers were only up a little on
previous days, there was fantastic variety, with large numbers of a few
previously scarce species, and a couple of new ones. The action wasn't
confined to Magee Marsh though, with the trails behind the Ottawa NWR
visitor's center turning out to be quite birdy, including a few species
that weren't at Magee.

The highlight of the morning on the Magee Marsh
boardwalk, was definitely the MOURNING WARBLER which showed on and off
throughout the morning. The Mourning Warbler was definitely a morning
warbler, as it seemed to disappear after lunchtime. Those still looking
were able to pick-up a WHIP-POOR-WILL as consolation, the third day in a
row we have staked out this cryptic species. Other warblers showing well
included more CANADA and MAGNOLIA WARBLERS than previous days, while
CAPE MAY and BLACKPOLL WARBLERS were reliable near the observation deck.
The observation deck also proved to be a good site for BALTIMORE ORIOLES
throughout the day, and there were also quick stopovers by a male
SCARLET TANAGER and an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. A female CERULEAN was
seen briefly during the morning but couldn't be relocated, while
elsewhere on the boardwalk the EASTERN SCREECH-OWL moved to a new perch,
giving the best views yet and posing well for photos. A couple of
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS were also seen, one on the big loop, and another
over at the beach.

Magee Marsh was not hogging the limelight though.
Over at Ottawa NWR the visitor centre trails were pumping, with another
MOURNING WARBLER, plus GOLDEN-WINGED and BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS ensuring a
steady stream of birders paid a visit. There were also five species of
vireo reported from the trails including WHITE-EYED and YELLOW-THROATED
VIREO. The morning Ottawa NWR bus trips were also a success. At the
Cedar Point unit there were 20 species of warbler recorded, plus BLACK
TERN, GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS and PURPLE FINCHES. In the afternoon the
Ottawa NWR bus trips met with more success, as a GREAT HORNED OWL was
seen, along with plenty of CANADA WARBLERS, the long staying CANVASBACK,
REDHEAD and everyone's favourite blue jewel, INDIGO BUNTING.

The
afternoon Black Swamp Bird Observatory bus trip headed south looking for
some grassland birds. BOBOLINK and GRASSHOPPER SPARROW were found, and
an ORCHARD ORIOLE was seen briefly. Up at Metzger Marsh there were a few
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS, and more were seen at County Line Road later
in the day. The shorebirding was a little slow this afternoon with
DUNLIN found but not much else.

And so, the day wrapped up, with a
convoy of tired but happy birders leaving The Biggest Week, most ready
and raring to return tomorrow. The prediction is for an influx of
migrants overnight, and with any luck we might be able to turn up a
Kirtland's or an early Connecticut Warbler tomorrow. If not, the sheer
numbers should make a visit worthwhile. Many people have commented on
how impressive things have been this week, but tomorrow we are preparing
to arrive at a veritable aviary, a buffet, a smorgasbord, a platter, a
....... So what is the collective noun for a group of warblers?

See you
on the boardwalk!

NICK LESEBERG


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