Thursday 25 May 2023

Pelee Island

On the 2nd weekend in May I made the annual pilgrimage to the hallowed ground of Pelee Island to enjoy some excellent migration and R&R.  We were stationed at the 'Cedar House' right behind the (former) bakery on Sheridan's Point.  We were disappointed to learn that the bakery, a fixture of the island, has now closed permanently.  

Molly and Amy had a great time on the trails looking for snakes and salamanders and enjoying the spring wildflowers and beaches.  I spent some time trying out the new Fuji lens (150-600mm), and I was quite happy with how it performed.  A few of my favourite shots are below:

Palm Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler

The first morning I was on the island I walked out to Fish Point and there was a decent reverse migration happening.  A few pelicans were also around.

American White Pelican

I always enjoy the reorientation flights, whereby birds that have overshot the night before attempt to correct things by flying back out across the lake.  This gives lots of opportunities to do some in flight photography.  Most of these birds were very high and as such the shots are heavily cropped.
Cliff Swallow

Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole

Blue Jay

Baltimore Oriole

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Orchard Oriole

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting

Orchard Oriole

Green Heron

Yellow Warbler missing tail feathers!

Dunlin

American Redstart

Common Yellowthroat



Watersnake

Ferry dock in early AM

Great Egret in the rain

A wild Amy enjoying the hammock

Bay-breasted Warbler

Wilson's Warbler

Cape May Warbler


Magnolia Warbler

Tunnel of trees on Sheridan Point road

Molly walking off into the sunset

Once again, we had an amazing time on the island.  More family memories to cherish.