A record high 270 registered participants enjoyed another great annual Ontario Field Ornithologists' convention at Hamilton on the weekend. As always, local birders organized and led some rewarding field trips on Saturday and Sunday. Conditions were not right for jaegers and rare gulls at Van Wagners Beach, but numerous interesting sightings occurred during the weekend at the many good birding spots visited by the field trips.
The total species reported now stands at 145. This is close to the 150 species to be expected at this time, in the locations visited, according to local experts. Observations included 20 duck species, and a noteworthy apparent male Northern Pintail x Mallard hybrid at Windermere Basin. There were 16 shorebird species, including Long-billed Dowitcher. A Short-eared Owl flying off Van Wagners for a lengthy period was enjoyed by many. Seventeen warbler species were observed. Many convention participants got to see Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows well, one of Hamilton's special birding opportunities. Thanks again to all the field trip leaders, and trip coordinator Cheryl Edgecombe, for a great job. And thanks also to the OFO Board Members and others who worked so hard to make this a memorable weekend for everybody. Mark your calendar now for next year's OFO convention: 3 and 4 October 2009 at Point Pelee. Hope to see you there! Ron Tozer Dwight, Ontario (OFO Convention MC and List Compiler) _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
