Hi Birders
The month of May will go down as one of the most miserable months for migrant birds with most arriving more than two weeks later than usual. The Tree Swallows, I think, will be the hardest hit and I’m not sure if their breeding will be at all successful.
I observed 64 species in the checklist area during the month and there was one other observation of a Oriole Sp. seen along the boardwalk by a visiting birder.
There were still good numbers of migrating geese in the marsh in the early part of the month, with both Greater White-fronted and Cackling Geese.
A single Pied-billed Grebe was seen in the first week as was a Double-crested Cormorant.
A possible migrant Sharp-shinned Hawk was down beside the golf driving range and a single Vaux’s Swift flew over the boardwalk during the first week.
Things didn’t get any better in the second week, but 5 Hooded Mergansers in the DU pond was a nice show. Highlights of the second week was a Peregrine Falcon flying out over the boardwalk and a single Western Sandpiper in a flooded area behind the school board offices, 7 Short-billed Dowitchers were also in the same puddle another day.
Highlight for the second week was a new bird for me in the marsh a Mourning Dove that was on the golf driving range only the second record for the checklist. I felt lucky to see this bird as I was just about to leave and had one foot in the car when I saw it fly down.
8 Lesser Scaup were a bit late leaving the area mid-month and were, sadly, some of the only ducks seen out on the lake after this.
Both Yellow and Orange-crowned Warblers finally started to sing with some vigour into the third week and were in full song at the end of the month
A male Western Tanager flew across the marsh to Timbercrest; a rare sight at this location; also Black-headed Grosebeaks started to arrive and sing late.
A single American Pipit was down the long field early one morning and I was lucky to have my scope with me this day. Killdeer were seen running around also this morning, but I have not seen any young this year.
A male Osprey has taken to sitting on the old pole down the long field and also on a dead snag much nearer the hwy; twice now I have seen him with a tasty fish breakfast.
Cedar Waxwings finally arrived during the last week of May and were quickly seen sitting near their interpretive sign.
Swainson’s Thrush could be heard giving it’s call in the last few days down beside the golf driving range and should be in full song now as I write.
The only species that has seen to be having a good year are the Canada Geese who can be watched charging around with many young in tow down the long field.
All in all a disappointing cold month which has had an effect on the birds and we can only hope for better things to come
Good Birding
Derrick