Despite the less than stellar conditions with very high winds, 26 birders uncovered exactly 70 species by trips end. Down 11 from last year, but given the wind, I thought we may have a chance at the fewest # seen on an OFO outing.
Passerines were difficult to nail down, and some very common species were missed as a result. These included Am. Goldfinch, Downy Woodpecker, and House Finch. The highlight of the trip was discovered by yours truly at Windermere Basin. Just as we were about to leave, I scanned the shoreline one last time and discovered a sub-adult PARASITIC JAEGER resting on one of the small islands in the basin. The bird was studied in scopes for about 6 or 7 minutes and then, as if on cue, stretched its wings, flew around the basin, and directly over our heads at close range. Excellent looks and photos were taken, and this was a life bird for about half the trip attendees. 2 young LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were seen at various times at Hutch's, one decidedly more mottled than the other. Other highlights included: Eastern Meadowlark at Windermere Basin Merlin(f) at Windermere Basin and another(m) at Van Wagners Ponds 9 Common Terns at Tollgate Pond and 1 at Windermere Basin Ruddy Turnstone near the CCIW seen after lunch by some observers Black-bellied Plover and Sanderlings at Windermere Basin a very late Yellow-bellied Flycatcher at Van Wagner's Ponds I thank everyone that attended, and Andrew Don, Dan Macneal, Kevin Shackleton, and Wayne Renaud for their assistance in getting others on the birds, and I thank Dave Milsom for organizing all of the OFO field trips. Participants e-bird checklists will be completed and shared by tomorrow morning. If I miss you, please send me a reminder. Until next year Len _______________________________________________ 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
