Outing report for April 6, 2025 excursion to Long Point/Port Rowan
On April 6, 2025, 16 enthusiastic participants joined Stewart MacDonald for a great day of birding. The weather was mostly cloudy, with north winds off Lake Erie.
We observed 65 different species of birds, including 22 waterfowl species on the day.
We started off at the Birds Canada office in Port Rowan and we spotted waterfowl in the pond behind the office. Then we were off westward on Lakeshore Road, but most of the waterfowl flushed when we pulled into viewing spots. A Forster’s Tern and a large flock of Bonaparte’s Gulls were observed in one of our stops.
Then we were off to the Long Point Causeway where a Great Egret was observed. At the observation platform we observed several species of diving ducks, including both Greater and Lesser Scaup, Canvasbacks, and Redheads. Several Horned Grebes were spotted, with some developing breeding plumage.
Next, we walked and observed three Greater Yellowlegs, Trumpeter Swans, and other ducks, as well as Sandhill Cranes in flight. We were slowly building our list!
Off we went to Old Cut Bird Observatory and observed bird banding, before we walked in the woods and the Provincial Park. During this walk our highlights were Bald Eagles, Eastern Phoebe, Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker and Yellow-Rumped Warbler — the first warbler of the year for many of us! Also, Winter and Carolina Wrens, Golden-Crowned Kinglets, and Brown Creepers were added to the list.
Stewart then received a “tip” that a Eurasian Wigeon had been located in a particular place in Port Rowan. So, off we went!
Once we arrived there, we all observed a Red-Throated Loon, and then went to look for the Wigeon. While looking for this rarity, we spotted Blue-Winged and Green-Winged Teal, American Coot, Wood Duck, American Wigeon and others.
Our hardworking team’s patience was rewarded with the sighting of the Eurasian Wigeon! This Bird has recognizable head markings to differentiate it from the American Wigeon! This was a life bird for some of the observers, and was the SPECIES OF THE DAY for us.
Thanks to David Collins for sharing these great photographs. And thank you to all participants for a great day of birding, and hoping to see you next year!
