Point Pelee 11/05/26

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I left early this morning to get to the tip by 6.30. Weather conditions weren't exactly conducive to a significant fall, with clear skies and a northerly wind, and it was no surprise to find fewer birders there today.

Nevertheless, there was a sprinkling of warblers, including Blackburnian, Black and White, and Blue-winged, though sadly I didn't get on to the latter in time. Several Eastern Kingbirds were present, though best of all was a female Scarlet Tanager, which had me scratching my head for a while as to it's id.

Later in the morning I walked the Woodland Trail which leads back to the visitor centre. Part of this trail is a wetter, more open area, with some dead trees, and this was the most productive area today. The birds there included a couple of very obliging Prothonotary Warblers, one of which flew onto the path almost by my feet. There was a Great-horned Owl, though I would never have noticed it had not a fellow birder let me look through his 'scope. A couple of Red-headed Woodpeckers added to the sightings.

In the afternoon I was told that a Worm-eating Warbler had been found in the north of the reserve, so headed there immediately.  Birders were already watching it when I arrived, so fortunately saw it straightaway. The bird was very active, and seen to catch a number of insects. Great views were obtained, having only seen this species once before, in Florida.

Scarlet Tanager female 

Black and White Warbler


Red-breasted Nuthatch 

Blackburnian Warbler 


Prothonotary Warbler 



Great-horned Owl 

Red-headed Woodpecker 

Worm-eating Warbler 




Black-throated Blue Warbler 

Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 



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