Rondeau Provincial Park!

The "star" of the Tulip Trail made an appearance for us! A male Prothonotary Warbler, with his brilliant "orange-yolk" colour landed not too far from us. Most warblers nest either on the ground, in shrubs, or in trees, but the Prothonotary Warbler is one of the few warblers that build their nests in standing dead trees. They may also use nest boxes when available and like to be close to water.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Prothonotary_Warbler/overview

While standing on the Tulip Trail boardwalk, we observed a researcher monitoring the nesting boxes. He was wearing hip waders and eventually walked straight to the board walk and climbed the railing right beside me. I learned that one of the two boxes visible in the area was being used by a pair of Prothonotary Warblers. The other nesting box was being used by House Wrens.

Sporting a different shade of yellow, a Yellow Warbler searched for insects hiding on leaves.

Another Yellow Warbler rested in a bush.

The tiny Blue-gray Gnatcatcher has a long tail, for the size of bird. A nest was being built in the 'V' of the tree, making it easy to see! Pairs will use spiderweb and lichens to build small, neat nests, which sit on top of branches and look like tree knots!

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blue-gray_Gnatcatcher/overview

Lake Erie Beach view near end of South Point Trail.

A Pileated Woodpecker drummed right above my head! It sounded like the loose piece of wood continued to vibrate even after the drumming ceased!

Magnolia Warbler along the Spicebush Trail

Largeflower Bellwort 

Common Yellowthroat, male

We enjoyed lunch in the company of a few Five-lined Skinks! Young skinks have blue tails. They are Ontario's only native lizard!

A pair of White-eyed Vireos have been hanging around this spring. Although Rondeau is at the extreme northern breeding range of the species, it is hoped that they may mate and have young! We were very lucky to find this uncommon bird as they tend to spend the majority of the time down low in shrubs. The yellow "glasses" and white eye are diagnostic.