I observed a MERLIN in north Richmond Hill today just south of Bethesda Road, east of Lake Wilcox. This dark little falcon was moving fast and low, almost brushing the flower tops in a field full of goldenrod and aster where I had only moments earlier seen a large group of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS. I would not be surprised if the flock now has one less member migrating south.
Yesterday my efforts to find a Saw-whet Owl at the Leslie Street Spit went unrewarded (thanks anyway, Craig), but I did observe a late EASTERN MEADOWLARK, a HERMIT THRUSH, two WINTER WRENS, several R-C KINGLETS, and a trio of displaying HOODED MERGANSER drakes. I crossed paths with Theo Hoffman who had just seen an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, then met up with Glenn Coady, whose group had observed a flock of SNOW BUNTINGS. (Hope Theo and Glenn don't mind my mentioning these sightings since they were not posted yesterday.) Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
