Shorebird/Rarity Alert -- May 26th

 Just wanted to write a quick post on tomorrows weather as it seems interesting..

Yesterday/today we've had long distance southwest winds, and although there hasn't been too much in Bruce there have been good birds in southern Ontario. The biggest highlight that comes to mind is a Royal Tern that was found at Point Pelee today (2nd Ontario record), so there are definitely rarities around. It may feel like summer, but we're still in peak rarity season here.

Overnight tonight/into tomorrow morning a large frontal boundary will be moving west to east and will likey have a lot of rain/possible thunderstorms associated with it. The conditions on the day that I put out my last shorebird alert (May 22) kinda fizzled... only light rain for 2 hours in Bruce ~ but this looks a lot more promising. The way this front of rain is hitting seems like it should be good for dropping shorebirds, so I recommend checking shorebird habitat all day tomorrow. Again when it's raining/just after the rain passes tend to be the most productive. If you're lakewatching, right when the rain is approaching can be great too. It's peak time right now to find uncommon shorebirds like Whimbrel, Ruddy Turnstone and Red Knot, so this weather could help by grounding a few. Also maybe something rare like Willet or a godwit?? Keep your eyes on the coast!

For those looking for sites to check, here are a few of the more traditional shorebird spots.

- Sauble Beach 

- Southampton Beach 

- Chalmers Pond 

- Oliphant Shoreline 

- Kincardine Harbour 

- Breakwall at Port Elgin Harbour  

- Ripley Lagoons

(Direction the storm is travelling)

Wind will be strong out of the west all day

As far as other rarities go, I wouldn't be surprised if an ibis or two showed up (it's been a great spring for them in southern Ontario). Maybe a rare southern heron if we're lucky. Also it seems like as good of a time as any for Bruce Mega Arctic Tern! Of course there are so many other possibilities, but those are a few guesses anyway.

Get out there and enjoy some good old storm birding : )