Friday, May 20, 2011

Migration: A Journey Against the Elements

After their long flight over Lake Erie, songbirds burn up most of their fat reserves and depend on Point Pelee to fuel up for their next flight. Unfortunately the weather this past week has been unseasonably cool with lots of rain, and this combination makes it very difficult for them to find food (insects). The majority of the birds I encountered today were below eye-level, foraging in the undergrowth, and when I made it to the "tip" warblers were perched on the sand, completely exhausted. It was very hard to watch them as they struggled to find food after making it all this way, and because Mother Nature wasn't cooperating, these birds would probably perish. I couldn't help but wonder what these birds had already been through on this journey we call migration; it really is an amazing feat.


Black-throated Green Warbler 


 Chestnut-sided Warbler 


Red-eyed Vireo 


Magnolia Warbler



This Eastern Pipistrelle was hanging outside of the women's washroom down at the tip; looking a little chilly. 

Even the interior of the park was filled with hungry songbirds. It made for amazing viewing and photo opportunities. 

Scarlet Tanager (male)


Scarlet Tanager (Female)



 Prothonotary Warbler




 Eastern Wood-Pewee


 Black-throated Green Warbler 


 Wilson's Warbler 


  Lincoln's Sparrow 

Note the black-legged tick on the eyering.


American Redstart