Birding conditions were much improved on the island today. The morning began with a brief reverse migration off Fish Point that saw numbers of BALTIMORE ORIOLES (about 100), RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS (lots), INDIGO BUNTINGS (15), BOBOLINKS (2), and a few YELLOW WARBLERS, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS, and a SCARLET TANAGER, all departing for the south. The reverse movement began at about 7:00 am and had mostly dropped off by 8:00 am. Fortunately, most of the wood warblers stayed on the island and a selection of nearly 30 species was on view. Fish Point hosted a female HOODED WARBLER, WORM-EATING WARBLER, KENTUCKY WARBLER, and a WHITE-EYED VIREO. At Lighthouse Point, sightings included GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, ACADIAN FLYCATCHER, BLACKPOLL, GOLDEN-WINGED, BAY-BREASTED, and 3 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. A MOURNING and 2 CERULEAN WARBLERS were found at Sheridan Point as was a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was seen on Homeward Road yesterday afternoon. Total of species observed in May: 156 Rob Tymstra, Ron Tiessen Pelee Island Heritage Centre West Dock, Pelee Island, Ontario, N0R 1M0 (519) 724-2291 "pimuseum" <pimuseum@mnsi.net> ----------------------------------------- There will be daily bird hikes on Pelee Island until May 20. Cost is $5.00 which includes admission to Heritage Centre. Meet in front of the Centre at the foot of West Dock every day at 8:00 a.m. Check into the Centre for details on best birding areas and current rarities. The Heritage Centre is open from 10 am - 5 pm daily. The foyer contains a 'sightings board' listing May bird sightings (open 24 hours). Lighthouse Point is on the NE corner of the island, Sheridan Point on the NW corner, Mill Point on the SE corner, and Fish Point on the SW corner, due south of the West Dock. The Fifth Annual Pelee Island Bird Race / Baillie Birdathon will take place from noon Friday, May 12, to noon, Saturday, May 13. Special guest birder is PETER MATTHIESSEN. The Springsong Celebration continues Saturday evening with a 'Talk and Dinner' featuring ALICE MUNRO with an introduction by Margaret Atwood. The Bird Race will be all 'Green' this year, i.e. bicycle or pedestrian travel, with a public tram making regular circuits of the island (provided by Pelee Island Winery). All teams welcome! Contact the Heritage Centre for details. Pelee Island Bird Observatory (PIBO) continues its daily banding and census operation. Visitors are welcome. For more information about PIBO please contact the Heritage Centre or check the website: www.pibo.ca Pelee Island can be reached by ferry leaving Leamington several times daily. For times and reservations, call 1-800-661-2220.