We both got there around 08:15-08:20 and so the search started. Going down the main trail we both heard both of the most common flycatchers in southern Ontario (Great Crested Flycatcher and Eastern Wood-Pewee). A little ways down the path we both realized we were outnumbered by chipmunks by at least 5 to 1, it seemed like every time we turned around there was another one. As for birds the walk towards where the warblers were last seen was decently quiet (just your typical Red-eyed Vireo and Cedar Waxwing).
Once we got to the pond they were last spotted we stayed there for a while but the only birds we seen/heard was a Black-throated Blue Warbler calling from the tree tops and a mother Wood Duck with 3 ducklings (and of course the plethora of Common Grackle). There was another birder looking for the warblers as well and he tipped us off on a Northern Waterthrush up the trail and in a little pond not too far the other way, so we continued on and said we would come back.
A little ways up the trail we heard some interesting calls, what I call the basketball shoe squeak, Rose-breasted Grosbeak. We heard a quite a few of them but always missed seeing them, until we got to the pond where the Waterthrush was calling from, there was a gorgeous male right above our heads! The pink breast stuck out on the background of white and black of the rest of the bird. Then, all of a sudden, there was what Liam describes as a Squeaky Toy call, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker! Neither of us realized this bird bred this far south and most of the individuals we've both seen this time of year were much farther north (Mine just south of North Bay and his in Gogama). A real interesting find.
On the way back through we seen a quite a few snakes which makes sense with the amount of food they have kicking around with the chipmunks! After a little bit of a struggle with a real aggressive one Liam got himself bit, thankfully it was only a Garter because it got him pretty good, but like a typical dedicated birder he said we should just push on and put pressure on it to stop the bleeding.
Finally back to where the Prothonotaries were last seen.. it was quiet. The Black-throated Blue Warbler had moved on and the Grackles were finished chasing each other, but we were dedicated (or stubborn) we both wanted this lifer, and wouldn't stop until we seen it! Lots of waiting, lots of listening, then I pulled out my phone to listen to exactly what their call sounded like, the call must have triggered a territorial behaviour in the bird because we got an answer! And the best part was, it was almost right in front of the 2 of us! A little more playback and all of a sudden we had one bird calling to the left of us and another hopping around the branches right in front of us! This was it, the bird we have been searching for, and was it ever amazing! Strikingly bright and the grey back just seemed to make the whole bird stick out like a sore thumb! That is definitely a moment I don't think either of us will ever forget! After snapping a couple of pictures, and a lot of celebration, we started back towards the path with the excitement of a lifer flowing through our veins! I will never not have that feeling when I see a life bird!
Just as we thought the day was over, we got a little treat for our ears as a Northern Parula was buzzing its trilly call throughout the forest, been a while since I've heard one of those and man was it amazing!
After we said our goodbyes we both headed home, but as for me I made a little stop to an Eco Center not far from where I live. I have always thought of stopping there and just checking it out, it was super small, about 10-15 mins to walk through the whole thing but it didn't stop the Cedar Waxwing and Yellow Warbler from calling everywhere! These 2 social species made this place just a pleasure ear-wise as they were both calling non-stop. I even snagged a nice photo of a trio of Waxwing drinking out of a small puddle. All in all I think it was a pretty good day.
Bird of the day - Prothonotary Warbler - these bright little birds breed in wet forested areas and unfortunately are an endangered in Ontario. Nicknamed the "Swamp Candle" for their bright upper plumage they are common breeding birds in Backus Woods near Long Point and are consistently viewable through the breeding season there, as long as you keep your distance. Would definitely suggest going to see these wonderful birds.
30 Species - 123 Individuals
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| What cool life bird Prothonotary Warbler - Norfolk ON |
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| An American Robin jumping around the grass - Haldimand ON |
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| These Cedar Waxwing seemed a little parched on this sunny day - Haldimand ON |
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