This morning we got to sleep in as our trip did not start until 8:00 am. We had a few minutes to check out the singing Eastern Towhee and American Redstarts at our campsite. We even called in an Ovenbird.
We met our leaders, Bill Crins, Lynne Richardson and Michael Runtz as well as Colin and Hilda and the other birders at the Visitor Centre.
We drove in convoy to Sauble Beach where we stopped to view the Piping Plovers. Lynne gave a wonderful presentation, but our views were not nearly as good as the day before. We then realized how lucky we had been.
A couple of Caspian Terns down the beach caught our eye. Then we went further along to a washroom where a Pine Warbler was singing across the street.
We continued on our way stopping at Oliphant Fen. We hiked the boardwalk trying to listen to Bill Crins describing the unique plants. Michael pished out a couple of Yellow-rumped Warblers, while an Ospey stood guard on a snag. An immature Bald Eagle flew over.
Common Terns and a Northern Water Snake entertained us across the road. We then proceed to Evergreen Resort for a substanial buffet lunch, followed by a pontoon boat tour to the Fishing Islands.
We were with Michael on one of three pontoon boats. He turned it into a competition for bird numbers, which we won of course. The islands were teeming with birds – herons, egrets, gulls, cormorants, and bald eagles. It was a beautiful day to be on the water.
The group drove back to MacGregor Point and we decided to check a couple of known spots for Golden-winged Warbler. And we had success! As well we spotted a Gray Catbird and a Song Sparrow.
After a quick supper, we went over to the Visitor Centre for Jean Iron’s interesting talk on southbound shorebird plumages.