Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:32:30 -0400
To: Ont Birds
From: Alf Rider <ari...@xcelco.on.ca>
Subject: SARNIA to GRAND BEND BIRDING.
Hello Everyone.
Starting at 8.00am. at the Point Edward
Lighthouse, a group of us located the PEREGRINES, one sitting on a
blue light fitting on the Blue Water Bridge.
A single RED-THROATED LOON, still in breeding plumage flew overhead
and out of the lake on a SE direction.
Below in the Lake, we were able to find a small group of BLACK
SCOTERS and a couple of LONG-TAILED DUCKS were a long way out.
HERRING, RING-BILLED, and BONAPARTE'S GULLS were flying around. We
drove around the lake in Canatara Park but missed the BRANT GOOSE.
There were two slightly smaller geese among the CANADAS which were
possibly 'Richardson's' Geese.
Also on Lake Chipican, were about fifty REDHEADS. This flock will
spend much of the Fall building up to about 10,000 birds and be
matched in numbers by CANVASBACKS out in Lake Huron before they move
out, many to Lake St. Clair and Rondeau Park first before leaving
for less icy waters.
At Kettle Point we found an AMERICAN AVOCET, 34 DUNLIN and a Gt.
YELLOWLEGS. It was later reported that another three Avocets were
later seen there.
After a good Lunch at CJ's Cafe in Thedford we proceeded to the
Grand Bend sewage Lagoons down Mollard Line. (On Sundays the cafe
closes at 11am.)
There was heavy movement of SCAUP Sp. from the north down the Lake
all day, involving a few thousand birds.
At GBSL. we found that the N. SHOVELLERS had moved out, leaving
MALLARD, Am. WIGEON, GADWALL --which gave us very good views of the
wing patch both on the water and in flight.
More REDHEADS but the male CANVASBACK was not there but a female
remained. About 45 GREEN-WINGED TEAL were flying around but the
BLUE-WINGED TEALS moved out early in October.
Lots of BUFFLEHEADS and RUDDY DUCKS were reluctant to fly. About 70
SCAUP including about ten LESSER'S were accompanied by 2 male and a
female RINGNECK.
A single female-plumaged COMMON GOLDENEYE also flew around. She has
been there for three days.
The only hawk that was there was an Adult REDTAIL. The 'Merlin
post' was empty.
Quite a bird-filled day, especially for those welcome 'New' Birders.
Good Birding.
Alf.
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