Our annual Mother's Day weekend at the park this year was predictably quieter than what one can expect in a week or two, but the weather was fantastic for birding. Friday, our first of four days, started rainy and ended rainy but we birded in a 5 hour gap of brilliant sunshine. The following days right up to Monday were ideal, lots of sunshine and cool to warm temperatures...just right for birding the trails. Highlights were a pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers and a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers in the same tree at the tip. Red-headed Woodpeckers are also nesting again in the tree right outside Pelee Wings and can be seen there everyday. All that visit the park will see many species of warblers and the odds are good you'll see the Prothonotary Warbler and Yellow-breasted Chat as we did. Other warbler highlights for us were Mourning, Kentucky, Yellow-throated, and Orange-crowned. Thrilling many birders was the excellent viewing of the Kirtland's Warbler which we saw Friday and Saturday. This little guy was only a few feet from us and seemingly oblivious to our presence. The Great Horned Owls have their nest inside the park just past the gates. Two owlets are always visible and if you scan the nearby trees with your binoculars you'll find mom (or dad) keeping a watchful eye on the kids. Anyone thinking about visiting the park won't be disappointed as the bulk of the birds are yet to come and with the foliage about a week or two behind us here in Toronto, great views are a sure thing.
