Armed with generous pledges from members who were at the annual meeting, Gene and Charlene Denzel, joined by Denise and Rod Potter for part of the time, birded in Pt Pelee National Park and HIllman Marsh from 13:30 on Monday 7 May to 13:30 on the 8th, with a total of 13 hours of birding during that period. The result was a total of 102 species, including only 14 warblers. The weather was good during this time at Pelee, meaning rain overnight and fog in the morning ( {-:} ). Some highlights were Hooded Warbler, Marbled Godwit, 3 wrens (Carolina, Winter, and House), and 5 thrushes (counting Robins).

During the next 4 days Gene and Charlene birded some more in the Pelee area, and then moved on to Rondeau Provincial Park. Rondeau was quite productive, with as usual much less crowding. For the 5 days, the total got up to 139 species for Gene and Charlene, including 25 warblers, with good views of Golden-Wing, Blue-Wing, Kentucky (see photo), a singing Hooded, Cerulean, and a swarm of Northern Parulas. All in all a delightful May outing.

For those who want to pledge, it can still be done either by contacting Gene directly or online through the secure aBird Studies Canada website using the following link Denzel-Baillie , and entering my ID (56301) at the appropriate place. If you have your own ID with Bird Studies Canada, you should enter it where requested to simplify processing.