WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, February 16, 2003 Frigid weather during the past week has kept most bird feeders operating at full capacity with higher than normal numbers of many species. An East Lake feeder operator has 4 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS coming to their feeder, and a feeder at Elmbrook has a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW coming on a regular basis. More than 60 TREE SPARROWS feed daily at our bird feeder at 23 Sprague Road (high numbers also on County Road 7), along with over 15 other species, including a COOPER'S HAWK that appears like clockwork every other day for a feast of mourning dove. Other guests include 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD, and a one-legged BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD. Another deformity coming to a feeder on Maitland Drive in Belleville is a TREE SPARROW with no tail feathers whose flying has been described as "abysmal at best." There is an OREGON JUNCO at a feeder east of Lake-on-the-Mountain, and a MERLIN at Mountain View. WILD TURKEYS are still patronizing a feeder on Moira Road, north of Belleville.
WILD TURKEYS were seen during the week on Sidney Street, north of 401 (fairly reliable flock); 8 on Chuckery Hill Road; 7 on Ridge Road; and 30 late this afternoon on West Lake Road. There was a RUFFED GROUSE on Fry Road yesterday, and another in the Sandbanks cross-country ski trails this afternoon. On Tuesday, a SHORT-EARED OWL was seen flying around Makatewis Island at Bayside in the Bay of Quinte. SHORT-EARED OWLS (4) were also found today on Amherst Island. Also seen on the island were 3 SNOWY OWLS and four light-phased ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS. A small flock of 15 SNOW BUNTINGS and 8 HORNED LARKS were also tallied. Despite the sub-zero temperatures, HORNED LARKS are starting to show up in increasing numbers in Prince Edward County as this species begins its typically early migration. Observers today found small flocks scattered along rural roads in Prince Edward County. A nice flock of 30 SNOW BUNTINGS was found on North Big Island Road near Allison Road. Also seen today was a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER at Point Petre as well as a NORTHERN FLICKER. There was another NORTHERN FLICKER seen this week in Bayside where there was also a NORTHERN SHRIKE seen and a dead GREAT BLUE HERON Open water that was free of fog and mist was at a premium today with -23 degree temperatures and a brisk east wind. There was no clear water visible at Sandbanks today, but observers at Glenora managed to find a few hardy ducks sharing the channel with the Glenora Ferry. Seen was a small flock of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS and a female COMMON GOLDENEYE. The BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was not present today. BALD EAGLES continue to be seen along Adolphus Reach where there was an immature on Tuesday and Friday. Other good sightings during the week included a flock of at least 200 AMERICAN ROBINS on Rock Crossroad in Prince Edward County, and 5 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS on Wellman's Road near Springbrook. And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and area. Our thanks to Joanne Dewey, Peter Mulloy, Paul Thompson, Margarete & Bill Greer, Jack Lashley, John Charlton, Donn & John Legate, Joe Victor, Jim Gooding, Judy Bell and John Blaney for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23rd. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good winter birding. Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.naturestuff.net "Terry Sprague" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
