Kingston Field Naturalists (KFN) maintains records in a 50km radius of MacDonald Park, Kingston. Birders already using eBird are encouraged to share their sightings with 'Kingston FN'. Alternatively, please email, phone or post records directly to me - contact details below. Please note that some sightings may require review and remain unconfirmed unless stated otherwise.
Highlights: As we slip into March, and with the promise of southerly winds and something other than minus temperatures on the cards, the first genuine migrant has arrived - a Killdeer. Other than that, the list of highlights is little changed from last week and includes; WOOD DUCK, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, KILLDEER, SNOWY OWL, GOLDEN EAGLE, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, TUFTED TITMOUSE, CAROLINA WREN, HERMIT THRUSH, and RUSTY BLACKBIRD. City of Kingston The 'Tett Centre' CAROLINA WREN was seen again this week on a couple of dates and is no doubt doing the rounds of local feeders. Just one of the resident PEREGRINE FALCONS has been seen this week, on 5th. A slight increase in waterfowl has been noted, with increasing numbers of GREATER SCAUP, LONG-TAILED DUCK and COMMON GOLDENEYE in the ferry channel. An adult male SNOWY OWL was seen hunting waterfowl along the channel directly in front of City Hall on 6th. At Little Cataraqui Creek CA, a HERMIT THRUSH was seen on consecutive days (28th and 1st) by different observers. Bohemian Waxwings were seen at Lemoine Point CA on 28th and a NORTHERN FLICKER was seen there on 3rd. A possible Northern Goshawk was reported there this morning (6th). Wolfe Island HORNED LARK numbers fluctuate but are generally on the low side. However, 50 were seen on 4th. LAPLAND LONGSPURS have reappeared after a brief absence and were seen on several dates this week, with 7 being seen on 4th. Twelve SNOWY OWLS were counted on the 5th and at least 3 different birds have been seen on the ferry crossing this week. The 2 RING-NECKED PHEASANTS seen on 28th are the first for several months. Amherst Island A KILLDEER was first heard, then seen on the island on 4th; the first genuine spring migrant this year. ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and SNOWY OWLS continue to be seen in dwindling numbers with just 2 of each seen on 4th. Other sightings The male WOOD DUCK continues at Springside Park in Napanee and the male WHITE-WINGED SCOTER seen inland at Chaffey's Locks also continues. An adult NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen at Hay Bay on 3rd and at Moscow, 2 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen on the same date. A NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL was found sheltering in a shed near Camden East on 4th but has not been seen since. Near Sunbury, 2-3 HOARY REDPOLLS continue to visit a local feeder and, in the same area, a small flock of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen on 3rd. Another immature GOLDEN EAGLE was seen this week; this one on Perth Road near the intersection with Opinicon Road. Photos appear to show a different bird to that reported last week. The Howe Island RUSTY BLACKBIRDS have again been reported this week with 10 seen on 1st. Another continues near Gananoque. And finally, 2 TUFTED TITMICE were seen across the border near Watertown on 3rd. In order to minimise disturbance to wildlife and property, Kingston Field Naturalists has adopted the KFN Sensitive Sightings Policy <http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/birding/KFN_sensitive_sightings_policy. pdf> . Also note that, as requested by the landowners, sightings of owls at the privately-owned Owl Woods must not be distributed on the Internet (this includes posting as 'Amherst Island' on eBird) by KFN or anyone who visits. To ensure continued access to this location, please respect their wishes and follow the guidelines posted on-site. To maintain records for conservation purposes, sightings from that location are welcomed through all the traditional channels. As always, thanks to all those who have submitted sightings over the last week. Mark. Mark D. Read 47 Ellerbeck Street, Unit 1, Kingston, Ontario K7L 4H5 Canada Mobile: +1 (613) 217-1246 Email: markdr...@gmail.com Blog: "Confessions of a Global Birder" http://markdread.blogspot.com <http://markdread.blogspot.com/> Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/markdread/ eBird Guidelines for Reporting Sensitive Species <http://help.ebird.org/customer/portal/articles/1006789-guidelines-for-repor ting-sensitive-species> _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide