Rondeau Provincial Park - May 2014

Thundershowers were in the weather forecast yesterday both for Waterloo and Rondeau Provincial Park.  However, to our pleasant surprise the weather from start to finish (i.e., loading up, driving and setting up camp) couldn't have been better.  We did see dark clouds last evening and heard some thunder, but the rain didn't materialize.

Once again we are on our favourite site #43 which historically has been excellent for watching birds.   As we write this blog there are four Rose Breasted Grossbeaks (3 males + 1 female) on our window feeders.  At any given time there are at least a half dozen Baltimore Orioles on the Oriole feeders and adjacent bushes.

The Park maintenance staff recently cut down some dead Ash trees and yesterday afternoon they tried to run the branches through their wood chipper.  After belching blue smoke for about an hour, the chipper motor died so the crew quit early.   This morning they were back in full force either with a different machine or at least a tuned up engine.   In a couple of hours they were finished.

Unfortunately the winter ice took its toll on the government pier that extends into Rondeau Bay, to the point that the decking material had to be removed.  The pier is now closed while the Parks staff consider their options.  On a more positive note, a new washroom facility has been constructed on Rondeau Road for day use visitors.

We hope you enjoy our pictures.

Remains of the government pier

Another view of the pier

Our campsite # 43

Male Rose Breasted Grossbeak

 

Female Rose Breasted Grossbeak

Male Baltimore Oriole

Oriole enjoying an Orange

 

Another pic of an Oriole

New washroom facility