A first year Golden Eagle was observed hunting over the Turkey Point marsh between 10:40 and 11:00am this morning, 2 March 2011. The bird was spotted by Kevin Kavanagh at 10:40am and we continued to observe it for about 20 minutes. The eagle appears to be actively hunting, sometimes flying low over frozen ponds, landing briefly, then flying high over the western tip of Turkey Point. The typical juvenile pattern with white in wings and at base of tail is clearly seen, as is a bit of the golden wash. (Note: there is also at least one dark-phased Rough-legged Hawk hunting the marsh this morning for contrast and comparison.) We observed the Golden Eagle from 1634 Front Road, but if it remains in the area it should be visible from the public roadside lookout a few hundred metres to the west of that address.
For Tundra Swan watchers, we have also observed the arrival of numerous flocks this morning and in recent days. The inner bay of Long Point remains largely ice-covered, but the strong north-westerly wind this morning has cleared the outer bay of most ice. Ice cover may change rapidly today so waterfowl numbers could increase as a result. Directions: Follow Highway 24 south and then west from Simcoe. Turn south onto Turkey Point Road (Reg. Rd 10). Turn west onto Front Road. The Turkey Point marsh roadside lookout is approximately 2.5km west of Turkey Point Road on Front Road. Gregor Beck St. Williams, Ontario _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
