Windy Day at Point Pelee!!

We headed down to Leamington to join the Friday evening presentation at the Ontario Field Ornithologists Conference. Our original plan did not include going to Point Pelee on Friday, but the forecast for Saturday rains inspired us to adjust our plan.

We enjoy the walk from the Visitor Centre to the tip but time was limited so we were happy to see that the tram was operating. Hurricane Helene was making news in the southern US and it sure felt like we were feeling the leading effects of the storm. The tip as we know it was completely submerged, or perhaps even washed away.

Gulls, including Bonapartes, Herring, Ring-billed and Great Black-backed, made some distant appearances as they soared along the tip. However, watching a group of 7 Sanderlings which were soon joined by 21 more provided lots of entertainment! They ran along they beach looking for food while trying to avoid the waves.

6 of 7 Sanderlings huddled in a sheltered area.

21 new Sanderling arrivals!

A few Sanderlings walked within 2 metres of where we were standing.

Video: Sanderlings at the tip of Point Pelee!

Stable Flies were abundant at the tip. My jeans, although they seemed to attract the flies, did protect me from their bites. They were a great nuisance for people with bare legs.