Ontbirders, There was an excellent fall-out of migrants along the Beachville River Trail this morning, as good as any local day in years. I had 21 species of warblers, about 300 individuals, most noteworthy was a persistently singing Connecticut. [my earliest record by 10 days]
The protracted spring has created a mash-up of early and late migrants. I had many Yellow-rumps, Palm's, White-throated Sparrows and Ruby-crowned Kinglets mixed in with first-for-spring Blackpoll, Bay-breast, Wilson's, Philadelphia Vireo etc.. Many Red-eyed Vireo's and Swainson's Thrush as well. To reach the trail....from Beachville Road take Domtar Line over the tracks and river, then turn immediately right [east] and park at the trail entrance. Walk about 800 m along the river, to the 1st Red Pines on your left. The Connecticut was singing along the river slope, and gave a few furtive peeks as well. PS - I thought I should update shorebird numbers at Hillman from yesterday, as the reported numbers were so low. Ross Snider and I were there in the afternoon and there was a tremendous number of birds on the flats. Something spooked the whole flock [most of which didn't return] while we were scoping, so the numbers were hard to assess but we estimated 1200 Black-bellied Plover and 300 Short-billed Dowitcher, some of which may have dispersed to the onion fields. We also had 3 White-rumps with the many Dunlin. Cheers, James Holdsworth, Biological Consulting Services 14 Marian St, RR#1 Woodstock, On, N4S-7V6 [519]537-2027 226-228-0093 [NEW][cell] [email protected] _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
