BOOT-CAST BIRDING ADVENTURE - MAY 8-10

Birding around Port Rowan.

Rob and I were on vacation for two weeks starting May 8th. We had booked a cottage in the Long Point/Port Rowan area months ago, long before I broke my foot. We decided to still go, even though I wouldn't be able to be out for hours a day like previous May vacations, but we made the best of it.

The cottage we rented was at Bayside Vacation Resort, recommended from a friend who works at Bird Studies Canada. It was the perfect location, just a few minutes from the Long Point Bird Observatory, Bird Studies Canada, Backus Woods, and many other great birding locations in the area.

I was kind of surprised at how few people we ran into during our 3 night, 4 day stay. I know Point Pelee and Rondeau are more popular birding spots during Spring migration, but honestly, the Port Rowan/Long Point area is great too, and without the crowds. We've already booked for next year!

We had just under 90 species during our trip. I noticed this trip that Rob spent more time looking through his binoculars than his camera lens. A testament to how relaxed he was? He did manage a few photos though.

 Please enjoy a few photos from out trip.

View from our cottage.

It was enjoyable watching the terns while having morning coffee.

This bunny lived under our cottage and welcomed us home every evening.

A great place to observe migrating birds. 

Palm Warbler.

Black and White Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler

Cape May Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler

Oven Bird

Magnolia Warbler

I watched this Carolina Wren sing for quite a while.

This Blue-winged Warbler was a surprise at the Turkey Heritage site, we saw two.

Mute Swan and a mix of Swallows on the Bay at sunset.

AWW!!

Always a treat to see Eastern Bluebirds in our travels.

Virginia Rail

I loved seeing all these gorgeous birds, but the high-light for me was FINALLY hearing the call of the Whip-poor-will! It has been on the top of my birding bucket list for almost a decade. We went out every night we were there, but finally on the 3rd night, our last night, the night of May 10th, and a full moon, with some advice from some birders who live in the area, it happened! You can hear a bit of what we heard by clicking the link under the moon picture. It was amazing! We were surrounded by 5 or 6 birds calling.

Hear the Whip-poor-wills we heard. 

The trip was the perfect mix of relaxation and birding.