With a continuation of recent mild conditions observers should be checking for the vanguard of Greater Snow Geese a couple of weeks earier than expected (birds in Southern Ontario are Lesser Snow Geese). In recent days there have been reports of small to medium-sized flocks over the Kingston area as well as near Gananoque. We do not expect the main flight yet but it may arrive in early March rather than after mid-March. When they first arrive in numbers, areas near the St. Lawrence River offer greater opportunities for sightings before they spread out. Most flocks do not put down until they appear much further east on the river.
Weather conditions have also brought an influx of migrant Snowy Owls back from the northern U.S. These birds are augmenting those that have spent the winter here, many of which are still present. The Kingston area benefitted significantly last week and other areas in the East are seeing a few new birds here and there including in the Winchester-Chesterville areas. The same will be true for Southern Ontario. Areas that have been traditional sites for Snowies, even if none or few birds were present there this winter should be checked at this time. During migration, Snowy Owl behaviour changes. They are much more likely to be travelling within a moderate distance of others and may even appear within close proximity of other Snowies so if you spot one keep your eyes open for others nearby. Brian Morin Cornwall _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
