Hello folks, Well, we were a jovial band of 29 birders today for the annual spring outing to the Islands. Weather conditions were cool with an afternoon high around 12 degrees. Winds overnight switched to a more northerly direction and so we were left a bit disappointed with overall numbers of birds but the group was pleased with the quality. A total of 82 species for the day. We observed 14 species of Warbler. I think all of our warblers with the exception of the elusive Common Yellowthroat managed to be seen by everyone present at the time. American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow, Ovenbird, Black-Throated Blue (10), Black-Throated Green, Black & White, Blackburnian, Northern Parula, Yellow-Rumped (30+), Nashville, Chestnut-Sided, Palm and Cape May. We had two nice male Cape Mays on Hanlan's. A Peregrine Falcon was observed adjacent to Snake island and sat in a tree for us to have great looks. We managed to find five Scarlet Tanagers. Females and males to study. Two bright males dazzled us at the Hanlan's ferry docks. The group spotted a male Bobolink out on the grass by itself and gave us absolutely stunning views for as long as we wanted to watch it. That was on Hanlan's as well. We liked seeing the Purple Martins in their house behind the school, Cliff Swallows flying around Centre Island. Tree, Barn and one Northern Rough-Winged being observed on this day. Baltimore Orioles and Blue-Grey Gnatcatchers allowed us to study them as they were present in good numbers. Swainson's and Hermit Thrush, one Veery. Common and Caspian Terns. An obliging pair of Horned Grebes on Ward's gave great views. House and Carolina Wrens. Brown Thrashers and Gray Catbirds. Sparrows today: White-Crowned, White-Throated, Song, Swamp, Chipping and Field. Plus some great looks at the always pleasing Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks and Eastern Towhees. A pretty good day for an admittedly "quiet" Island day for this date in time. Birds are never too predictable or we wouldn't find it challenging! Thank you to all that came out and spent the day. I enjoyed everyone's company as usual and a big thank you again to Ian Cannell and Norm Murr for all their help with the birds and assisting people to locate them. Next OFO outing to the Islands is on Sunday, September 1. As the Happenings sang in 1966 "See you in September; see you, when the summer's through". Good birding, Jay PetersonToronto Directions:The Toronto Ferry Docks are located at the foot of Bay Street in Toronto. Bay Street is on the east side of Union Station and from there it takes Only about 10 minutes to walk south on Bay to the ferry docks. There is a bus, but no longer a streetcar. The entrance to the ferry docks is on the south side of Queen's Quay, just west of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. Parking ($15, I believe) is available 1 block north of the docks on the west side of Bay, at Lakeshore. or, 1 block west of Bay, on the north side of Queens Quay. or, 1 block east of Bay, on the south side of Queen's Quay, opposite the Toronto Star building and adjacent to Captain John's Restaurant. There are washrooms on the islands as well as at the city side at the ferrydocks. There are water fountains throughout, should you want to refill your water bottles. The Kitchen Table store opens at 6am and sells coffee and food. It islocated across from the ferry docks, on the north side of Queen's Quay,about 100 metres east of Bay. Food and beverages on The Islands are very expensive, e.g. soft drinks $3.00and up, so I recommend that you bring beverages and food adequate for the time that you expect to stay on the Islands _______________________________________________ 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/