REPORT FROM PRINCE EDWARD POINT for the week of August 19-25, courtesy of David Okines
The MALLARD numbers in the harbour are slowly increasing and up to 33 can be found there now. An OSPREY has been fishing in the harbour since the 22nd and single BALD EAGLES were seen on the 20th and 25th, both were immatures. SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER’S HAWKS have been seen regularly while a NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen on the 20th. A MERLIN was present on the 25th. Up to 12 WILD TURKEYS have been present most of the week. Shorebird activity has remained similar to last week although SOLITARY SANDPIPERS increased to 15 on the 20th. COMMON NIGHTHAWK numbers were down this week but they normally peak next week. Two CHIMNEY SWIFTS were seen on the 22nd and 6 were seen the next day. NORTHERN FLICKERS showed an increase with 8 seen on the 23rd. The first EASTERN WOOD PEWEES were seen on the 20th. Two COMMON RAVENS were seen on the 22nd and the only AMERICAN CROW so far for the fall was on the 24th. 33 BANK SWALLOWS were counted on the 22nd and BARN SWALLOWS peaked at 120 on the 23rd. The first VEERYS (2) and SWAINSON’S THRUSH of the fall were banded on the 23rd and a WOOD THRUSH was caught on the 24th. Eighteen species of warblers were seen this week with TENNESSEE WARBLERS arriving on the 22nd, NASHVILLE WARBLER on the 24th, 2 CAPE MAY WARBLERS were seen on the 23rd as was a western PALM WARBLER. A BLACKPOLL WARBLER was recorded on the 24th and the 22nd had the first WILSON’S WARBLERS of the fall. One to five CANADA WARBLERS are still being seen or retrapped daily. Up to 65 BOBOLINKS are being seen in a day and occasional COMMON GRACKLES are going over. To reach Prince Edward Point, follow County Road 13 from South Bay for 17 kilometres. The network of birding trails in the Point Traverse Woods have been mowed and groomed for the fall season. The Observatory is just a half kilometre past the Point Traverse corner. Terry Sprague tspra...@kos.net www.naturestuff.net _______________________________________________ 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/
