The 2018 OFO Rainy River tour was run on June 8 and 9th and scouted on the 7th. A total of 139 species was observed by participants between the 7th and 9th. 18 Participants this year. Highlights Western Kingbird at Harris Hill resort 7th and 8th. 4 Pairs of Marbled Godwits Wilson's Phalaropes nesting at Rainy River Sewage Lagoons. with 2 to 6 individuals observed. Brewers Blackbirds abundant and widespread. Western Meadowlarks several scattered across the area. Leconte's Sparrows widespread in low numbers but basically confined to wet ditches due to the drought. Franklins Gulls <10 observed at Harris Hill Sharp-tailed Grouse missed by all but one person on the tour this year. Sedge Wrens widespread but confined mostly to roadside ditches Connecticut Warbler, several calling in the peat bogs north of Pinewood. The tour got crippling looks at one and many amazing photos were taken. Yellow-headed Blackbird. several seen on Windy point through scopes at Harris Hill. One male was seen inland after the tour north of Sleeman. Red-bellied Woodpeckers nesting at Oak Grove with singing Yellow-throated Vireos present Red-headed Woodpeckers were widespread and several heard and seen this year. American White Pelicans and Black-billed Magpies were widespread but in lower numbers than in previous years. Yellow Rail and Nelson's sparrow absent due to drought. _______________________________________________ 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
