Point Pelee & Hillman Marsh 6/05/26

- May 07, 2026

The weather was dry and fairly bright this morning after heavy overnight rain. I started the day birding some trails north of the Visitor Centre at Pelee, finishing at Delaurier Homestead.

I found three Swanson's Thrush in an open area at the Henry Camp, one bird being particularly approachable. A little further on, along the Centennial Trail, views of a Wood Thrush were frustratingly brief. However, three Rose-breasted Grosbeak showed very well, one of which was a female.

Unlike my previous visit the Delaurier Homestead was relatively quiet though a soaring Bald Eagle was nice.

I then headed to Hillman Marsh, a 15 minute drive away. The so called Shorebird Cell had both species of Yellowlegs though Lesser was far more numerous. I found several small peeps, probably Least though not totally sure as they weren't close.

Of ducks Gadwall was the most numerous species though American Wigeon and Blue-winged Teal were also present.

I walked the circuit of the cell, seeing some warblers in surrounding bushes, including two each of Nashville and Yellow-rumped. A Warbling Vireo, male American Goldfinch, and several Song Sparrows were also found. I heard a Sandhill Crane and then saw it in the middle of the lagoon, while an American Coot was along the edge in a reedy area, and a Belted Kingfisher flew over.

By the time I completed the circuit numbers of birds had increased on the west side and were attracting a fair number of observers.

Waders now included large numbers of Dunlin, around 20 Long-billed Dowitcher, approximately six American Avocet, and two Killdeer.

Numbers of gulls had also built up, mainly Ring-billed Gulls and Bonaparte's, though there was also a single Little Gull in second summer plumage, not so black on the underwing.

Whilst watching these birds the whole lot suddenly took wing due to the arrival of a hunting Peregrine. The falcon wasn't seen to catch anything however.