Hi there, I didn't even get out to the feeders to check them before the bird showed up, just after 8 am. I think it is getting more accustomed to visiting these feeders, especially the new one I set up with mixed seed, although it continues to eat sunflower seeds whole as well as other bits and pieces. It is still very wary of people. Unfortunately it flew away to the southwest at about 9:15 and didn't return until 12:05 pm. However, once back it remained until 3:50 when it had fed one more time, and then flew the short distance to the large spruce at the end of the road, and will likely roost there for the night. It was not sitting so much in the open today, owing to the wind and snow. Look for it mainly in the deciduous trees above the platform feeder. It could be in the back trees, usually on a horizontal branch. It sometimes is much lower or even on the ground. Have patience and look carefully. I guess the best time to arrive now is first thing in the am, probably near 8 to see first feeding, but the bird sure hasn't arrived at a firm schedule. And the only way to catch it entering the roosting area, is to be on the road in front of the trees sometime between 3 and 5. Gerry and the neighbours who are hosting the event, are still pleased with the birders. Sammy has almost sold all his Boy Scout chocolates. He and Sarah told mom the last three bars were broken and so they probably couldn't be sold so could they just eat them. Several birders present said they would help eat the damaged goods. All is well in the neighbourhood. I filled the feeders before I left today, and will be there tomorrow, probably until 11 at least. And then I will check to make sure of the bird at the roost between 3 and 5pm. Ann said there are over 170 names in the register that we will be giving to Gerry, and likely a copy to the Bilous family.
Pete Directions to access the area... If from Toronto...come west on 401, and take the 402 towards Sarnia, exiting very soon at the Wonderland exit (100) to London, and head north. About 3-4km north on Wonderland is the Westmount Mall, a large sprawling mall on the west side of the road. Keep going north just past the mall to a streetlight indicating Village Green Avenue (one light before Commissioners Road). Turn left, to the west and proceed for about 5 streets, some from left, some from right, till you get to Lynngate PLACE (Pl). There is also a Lynngate Ct but don't go up there. Do not park on this quiet street. Park on the north(right) side of Village Green. Walk up Lynngate Place to number 120. Go to the RIGHT side of the house, and walk up the driveway of the nextdoor neighbour's house, #116, along the stone path to the large patio, at the back of that house. Try to shield yourself behind the tarp "blind" and the bird will be less skittish. PLEASE STAY OFF LAWNS. Coming from west, come east on 401 to Highway 4, and head north to the 402, then east to Wonderland exit (100), turning north . About 3-4km north on Wonderland is the Westmount Mall, a large sprawling mall. Keep going north just past the mall to a streetlight indicating Village Green Avenue(one light before Commissioners road). Turn left, to the west and proceed for about 5 streets, some from left, some from right, till you get to Lynngate PLACE (Pl). There is also a Lynngate Ct but don't go up there. Do not park on this quiet street. Park on the north(right) side of Village Green. Walk up Lynngate Place to number 120. Go to the RIGHT side of the house, and walk up the driveway of the nextdoor neighbour's house, #116, along the stone path to the large patio, at the back of that house. Try to shield yourself behind the tarp "blind" and the bird will be less skittish. PLEASE STAY OFF LAWNS. >From London, Village Green is one light south of intersection of Commissioners and Wonderland. Turn left, to the west and proceed for about 5 streets, some from left, some from right, till you get to Lynngate PLACE (Pl). There is also a Lynngate Ct but don't go up there. Do not park on this quiet street. Park on the north(right) side of Village Green. Walk up Lynngate Place to number 120. Go to the RIGHT side of the house, and walk up the driveway of the nextdoor neighbour's house, along the stone path to the large patio, at the back of that house. Try to shield yourself behind the tarp "blind" and the bird will be less skittish. PLEASE STAY OFF LAWNS. "Peter Read" <[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.
