We packed up and left our Air B & B in Leamington, and headed for Rondeau under sunny skies.
A couple of detours on the Talbot Trail did not bother us much. Our first stop was at Erieau to try for the White-fronted Ibis. It was close to shore but unfortunately backlit. But we adjusted our cameras and made the most of it. The wind off the lake was absolutely fierce!
We proceeded to Rondeau Park and drove to the Visitor Centre. It was disappointing that the feeders had all been taken down due to an outbreak of the avian flu that was affecting wild birds. We also heard that birding was slow in the Park, although the attendant did indicate some areas to check on our map.
We hiked the Tulip Tree Trail and the Spice Bush Trail and the birds were indeed scarce, but the flowers were lovely. Our only new bird for the trip was a House Wren.
We had our lunch at a picnic table, then started off on the Marsh Trail in search of a reported Henslow’s Sparrow which many had seen the day before. Barbara, watching her step to avoid a fall, walked right into the metal barricade and cut her lip. Colin performed first aid as the others had disappeared ahead.
We joined the stake out for an hour but were again disappointed.
We moved on to Warbler’s Way and had better luck. We got a Brown Thrasher, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Baltimore Oriole.
We left Rondeau and headed for Burlington for a Ben Thanh Vietnamese and Thai restaurant that Colin and Hilda liked. We had an excellent meal.
Colin got inspired to show us the red morph Eastern Screech Owl in Colonel Sam before going to their condo. The red morph was not home, as the nest had apparently been raided by racoons. However, we got a glimpse of the grey morph, which was quietly singing in its hole.
Barbara took some moon photos and a late sunset photo from Colin and Hilda’s balcony before turning in.
