At 4:30 pm I checked the location where the Greater White-fronted Geese were reported earlier in the day (2936 Lakeshore Rd). While I didn't see them, there were 4 Snow and 5 Blue Geese nearby in the field west of the James Berry Drain wetland. The wetland was also harboring about 70 Sandhill Cranes (that I could see) and almost 2000 ducks (mainly Mallards with a few Blacks mixed in). The Mallards are recent arrivals while the cranes are overwintering birds, the last of the over 1200 that were here in mid-December.
The White-fronteds were reported farther west around mid-afternoon but a search of the area was unsuccessful. What Mark Conboy and I did find was the flock of Ross's Geese back at this morning's location about 5 km. west of Port Royal on Lakeshore Rd. And, in keeping with the ongoing influx of waterfowl into the area, the flock has grown to 13 birds. I also noted a single Snow Goose in with some Canadas in the same area. So, all of the geese are moving around a great deal throughout the day. A driving tour starting at the corner of Hwy 59 and Lakeshore Rd. and working west should be productive. Remember to pull off as far on to the shoulder to allow traffic to get by. Also, please be aware that all of the fields in the area are private property. Wandering out into them without permission to get a better look at the birds or to photograph them is absolutely not permitted. Bring a scope and observe from the roadside. Good luck Ron Ridout Bird Studies Canada _______________________________________________ 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
