Re: [Ontbirds] Slaty-backed Gull Thorold

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

At 2:05 the Slaty-backed Gull flew east towards the landfill. 

Good birding, 
Josh Vandermeulen 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 13, 2017, at 13:57, Marcie Jacklin via ONTBIRDS 
>  wrote:
> 
> Hello
> 
> The Slaty-backed Gull is currently in view in Thorold   Go to 110 NIagara 
> Falls Road. Turn right at the water towe
> 
> Marcie Jacklin
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> 

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[Ontbirds] Ontario winter bird list update #3

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

With the winter period 2/3 of the way through,  new additions to the list are 
few and far between. Since my last update on December 30, the following species 
have been added: Slaty-backed Gull, American Bittern, Osprey, "Hornemann's" 
Hoary Redpoll, Boreal Owl and Eared Grebe. The species total for this winter 
now stands at 212. It looks like the record of 224 species from 2011-2012 will 
stand, as will the second best winter list of 221 from 2015-2016. The third 
best mark, 216 species in 2012-2013, may yet be reachable.


The list can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/myyulvs . I have also provided a 
link on my blog, located at 
http://joshvandermeulen.blogspot.ca/p/ontario-winter-bird-list.html . I try to 
update the spreadsheet every couple of days or whenever I hear of a new 
addition. There are few remaining expected species that haven't been reported 
yet this winter. Some of the more likely ones include Barn Owl, Varied Thrush, 
California Gull and Eurasian Collared-Dove. If you know of any errors or 
omissions to the list, please let me know.


Good winter birding,

Josh Vandermeulen

joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com
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[Ontbirds] Black-headed Gull - Port Weller, St Catharines

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

This morning at 10:30 I was surprised to have the adult Black-headed Gull fly 
over my head while I was walking on the Port Weller east pier, in St 
Catharines. It came in off the lake with a few Herring and Ring-billed Gulls 
and appeared to be heading towards the sewer outflow at Lock 1 of the Welland 
Canal. I drove over there and the gull was present, allowing me to take a few 
photos. After 5 minutes it flew to the south along the Welland Canal and out of 
sight. 

This is presumably the same bird that was discovered on Niagara River in 
December, being observed most frequently at the Whirlpool. Dan MacNeal 
re-discovered it in Thorold along the Welland Canal on January 17, and Ryan 
Griffiths found it here at the Port Weller sewer outflow on February 2. 

Evidently this gull is hard to pin down and moves around frequently but it 
appears that checking the Locks along the length of the Welland Canal is your 
best bet to turn it up. 

The sewer outflow at Lock 1 can be viewed from Welland Canals Parkway a few 
hundred meters north of Lakeshore Road, on the west side of the Welland Canal. 
From the QEW, exit at Niagara St (Regional Road 48) and drive north towards 
Lake Ontario.  After 5 km, turn right on Lakeshore Rd. Turn left onto Welland 
Canals Parkway which is the road on the left immediately before crossing over 
the canal. 

Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] 2016-2017 Ontario winter bird list final update

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Birders,


Through the 2016-2017 winter birding season, a period running from December 1, 
2016 through February 28, 2017, a total of 216 species were observed in 
Ontario. This represents our third highest total since these annual 
compilations began in 2007-2008. We tied the 216 species seen in 2012-2013, but 
were still well short of the 224 species from 2011-2012, and the 221 species 
from 2015-2016.


Since my last update to Ontbirds on January 31, 2017, an additional four 
species were added to this winter's total. They included Barn Owl (an 
individual on private property seen earlier this winter), Varied Thrush 
(Thunder Bay), and a few exceptionally early spring migrants including Greater 
Yellowlegs (Long Point), and Blue-winged Teal (Hillman Marsh).


An impressive list of unusual species were seen during this past winter. As far 
as I could discern, two species represented the first winter record for 
Ontario, which were Red-necked Phalarope and Crested Caracara. Some of the 
other highlights included American Bittern, Sora, Western Sandpiper, 
Slaty-backed Gull, White-winged Dove, Cave Swallow, Smith's Longspur, 
Bay-breasted, Chestnut-sided and Black-throated Gray Warblers, Nelson's Sparrow 
and Western Meadowlark.


Some of the misses from this past winter included California Gull (seen in 8 of 
the last 9 winters), House Wren (8 of 9), Baltimore Oriole (8 of 9), 
Blue-headed Vireo (6 of 9), Cape May Warber (6 of 9), Yellow-throated Warbler 
(6 of 9), Spotted Towhee (6 of 9), Pomarine Jaeger (5 of 9), and Gray-crowned 
Rosy-finch (5 of 9).


The list can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/myyulvs . I have also provided a 
link on my blog, located at 
http://joshvandermeulen.blogspot.ca/p/ontario-winter-bird-list.html .  As 
always, please send me an email if you know of a sighting of one of the missing 
species observed between December 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017, or if you see 
any errors in the spreadsheet either from this winter or from winters past.


Good birding,


Josh Vandermeulen
Niagara Falls, Ontario
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com

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[Ontbirds] Fish Crow - Kopegaron Woods, Wheatley

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

I just located a Fish Crow at Kopegaron Woods, just west of Wheatley, Essex 
County. It was with several American Crows and flying around while calling, 
doing single and double-note calls. 

>From Wheatley, travel west of town on High 3/Talbot Rd E. the entrance to 
>Kopegaron Woods is on the left (south) after about 4 km. 

Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen

Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Ontbirds] Black necked Stilts- ganatio trail windsor

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

All seven Black-necked Stilts are still present at 4:40 PM. 

Josh

Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 15, 2017, at 15:00, Dwayne via ONTBIRDS  wrote:
> 
> Hello Birders,
> 
> Jeremy Bensette just called me to check up on an ebird report in East 
> Windsor. I'm looking at 7 beautiful black necked stilts.
> 
> See this ebird report for details.
> http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S35982291
> 
> Photos on blog tonight.
> Http://Dwayne Java.blogspot.com
> 
> Good birding,
> 
> Dwayme Murphy
> ___
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> https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
> 

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[Ontbirds] Lark Sparrow - Sparrow field, Point Pelee

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

I've got a Lark Sparrow in the dune grasses at the east beach at Sparrow Field 
at Point Pelee National Park. 

Good birding, 
Josh Vandermeulen 

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] Fourteen Fish Crows - St Catharines

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Fish Crows can still be found in north St Catharines. Today I found a flock of 
14 Fish Crows near Malcomson Eco-Park. I followed the flock to Sunset Beach - 
most of the birds are here now but some have flown north towards the Port 
Weller west pier. This appears to be a pure flock of Fish Crows as most birds 
are calling frequently and all birds are flying like and acting like Fish 
Crows. There are a few American Crows in the area as well but they are 
remaining separate from the Fish Crow flock. 

These crows do move around a fair bit. Yesterday morning Todd Hagedorn and I 
saw the flock of 14 crows as we were walking out on the Port Weller east pier; 
however at the time we could only confirm 3 Fish Crows (the rest Crow sp.) as 
only a few birds were vocalizing. 

I haven't seen Fish Crows at Port Dalhousie in my last few visits but that is 
another spot worth checking. 

To reach Sunset Beach - exit the QEW at Ontario street, drive north. After 
about 6 km turn left on Arthur St. At the end of Arthur, turn right on 
Beachaven and then your first left on Bogart St. 


Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen 
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] apparent Long-billed Dowitchers - Minesing Swamp

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

I am looking at 3 distant dowitchers with a big flock of shorebirds on the 
south side of Concession Rd 2 Sunnidale, just west of the intersection with 
McKinnon Road. This is along the south side of the Minesing swamp west of 
Barrie. The dowitchers appear to be Long-billed Dowitchers, as expected given 
the date. 

Take McKinnon Rd north from the intersection with County Road 90. Follow 
McKinnon to the intersection with Concession Rd 2 Sunnidale and turn left. 
After a few hundred metres the road is flooded. Park here and scan to the 
south. The dowitchers are with a group of shorebirds including both yellowlegs, 
Wilsons Snipe, and Dunlin. 

Cheers,
Josh

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] Purple Sandpiper, Louisiana Waterthrush, fallout of birds - Port Weller, St Catharines

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

I birded the Port Weller pier in St Catharines, Niagara Region for a few hours 
this afternoon before and during the heavy rains. The highlight was a Purple 
Sandpiper on the rocks by the lighthouse at the east end of the pier, which 
landed in front of me while I was trying (unsuccessfully) to take shelter 
behind the lighthouse.

Hundreds of passerines, mostly warblers and sparrows, are all up and down the 
pier.

1 Louisiana Waterthrush - along the George Nicholson Memorial Trail, 100 m west 
of the parking lot at Jones Beach (end of Broadway St)
-Magnolia, Cape May, American Redstart among 15 warbler species.

A link to my checklist, which includes a few photos of the Purple Sandpiper, 
can be found here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S36461107


To get to Port Weller, take the Niagara Street/Regional Road 48 exit from the
QEW in St Catharines, and drive north towards Lake Ontario. Stay on Niagara
Street for 5 km, then turn right onto Lakeshore Road. Drive over the Welland
Canal and take your second left onto Seaway Haulage Road, approx 500 m after
crossing over the canal. Follow Seaway Haulage road north towards the lake. it
will turn into Broadway, follow Broadway to the end and park in the little
parking lot at the terminus of Broadway at Lake Ontario.

Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] Stilt Sandpiper - Niagara-on-the-Lake

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

I have been regularly checking a flooded cow paddock along Airport road south 
of Niagara Stone Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake recently as it has become quite 
productive for shorebirds. This afternoon I located an adult Stilt Sandpiper 
along with two White-rumped Sandpipers, among 10 total species. Photos of these 
birds are embedded in my eBird checklist, located at 
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S36909621. This spot has been very 
productive in the past week and the shorebird diversity is constantly changing. 
I would encourage anyone in the area to check it out frequently before the 
paddock dries up.


The field is located on the east side of Airport Road, about 1 km south of 
Niagara Stone Road. This is between St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake in 
Niagara Region. The shoulders of the road are quite narrow and traffic can be 
heavy at times, so exercise caution.

Good birding,

Josh Vandermeulen
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[Ontbirds] Cattle Egrets - Niagara Falls

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Two Cattle Egrets flew over our house in Niagara Falls at 8:04 PM this evening 
while Laura and I were having dinner. They were heading north along the Niagara 
River. I have just driven north along the river to Queenston but have yet to 
relocate them. They are likely heading somewhere to roost for the night. 

I am located in north Niagara Falls just off the Niagara Parkway. 

Good birding, 
Josh Vandermeulen 
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com


Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Ontbirds] Brown Pelican in Fort Erie

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

For those contemplating making the drive, the Brown Pelican had been seen 
regularly throughout the day. I just finished watching it with Blayne and Jean 
Farnan and Cecilia Verkley. It spent most of the time perched on one of the 
large green buoys close to the New York shore. It had been flying around and 
fishing earlier. 

This is the 3rd day that the Brown Pelican has been seen along the Buffalo/Fort 
Erie waterfront. It tends to favour the area between Strawberry Island and the 
north end of Unity Island. 

Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen 
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com



Sent from my iPhone

> On May 29, 2017, at 09:56, Marcie Jacklin via ONTBIRDS 
>  wrote:
> 
> Hi
> 
> A Brown Pelican was observed in Canadian waters this morning at 9:26.
> It rest on bouys on the U.S. Side but when a boat went by and flushed it 
> the bird flew into Canadian waters. Observed from the Niagara Parkway close
> To the end of Bowen Toad. There is a pull off on the river side. 
> 
> Marcie Jacklin
> ___
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> 

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[Ontbirds] Willet, Red-necked Phalaropes - Hearst sewage lagoons

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

This evening I stopped in at the Hearst sewage lagoons. There were a few 
shorebirds present, including 2 Red-necked Phalaropes in the northeast cell, 
and a Willet in the southwest cell (out of the four big cells). Photos of these 
birds can be found on my eBird checklist 
(http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37388339).


Hearst is located on Highway 11 in southern Cochrane District, roughly halfway 
between Longlac and Cochrane. The lagoons are south of town and accessed off 
Begin Road, just north of the intersection with Bosnick Road.


Good birding,

Josh Vandermeulen

joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com


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[Ontbirds] 40+ Fish Crows - Niagara Falls

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Over the last few weeks I have had multiple encounters with Fish Crows in the 
north part of Niagara Falls, so much so that I probably see/hear about as many 
Fish Crows as I do American Crows in my neighbourhood. This evening I came 
across a large group (80+) of crows near the Fairview Cemetery, off of Stanley 
Avenue. The majority of the birds that I heard vocalize were Fish Crows, and I 
have conservatively estimated 40+ Fish Crows in this one flock, though the 
numbers could certainly be higher. I took a video of part of the flock and have 
posted it on my blog. The link is: 
http://joshvandermeulen.blogspot.ca/2017/07/fish-crow-flock-niagara-falls-video.html

[https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/3kXh1JUvwCb3EMeGM3WgLXYWIi-6WLvvs5__p-qRikDvzDXAQg6cYYtGIv762HRAFmnCKDfuKQD9bqwK=w1200-h630-n-k-no-nu]

Fish Crow flock - Niagara Falls 
(video)
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.ca
Over the past several weeks I have had an increase in Fish Crow sightings in 
Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. Laura and I live in the north...




Almost all of the Fish Crows that I have seen over the last two weeks are 
undergoing primary molt, whereas most of the American Crows have finished their 
primary molt - something I'll continue to keep an eye out for!


Good birding,

Josh Vandermeulen

joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com
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[Ontbirds] Fwd: Tricolored Heron , yes at TTP, video https://youtu.be/zSJfMxQsBUI

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

I haven't seen any updates yet this morning. Just letting people know that the 
Tricolored Heron is present in the same location as indicated by Luc in the 
email, below.

Cheers,
Josh Vandermeulen
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Lucio Fazio via ONTBIRDS 
mailto:birdalert@ontbirds.ca>>
Date: July 21, 2017 at 22:12:54 EDT
To: OFO bird alerts hotline Ontbirds 
mailto:birdalert@ontbirds.ca>>
Subject: [Ontbirds] Tricolored Heron , yes at TTP, video 
https://youtu.be/zSJfMxQsBUI
Reply-To: Lucio Fazio mailto:lukefa...@rogers.com>>

  https://youtu.be/zSJfMxQsBUI
Hi folks..
The video of the Tricolored Heron

https://youtu.be/zSJfMxQsBUI

Was made early this morning at the Leslie spit.
The TRICOLORED HERON is still being viewed this evening, and for the weekend, 
it should stay at the Tommy Thompson Park.
DIrection... from the base Of Leslie St at Unwin Ave, walk some 30 minutes 
along the Lake side road to Cell 2. In the SW portion of the extended cell 2, 
there is a very Tall Fence surrounding a small area, go past this and look for 
a Car-sized RED PUMP   Close to which the Heron fed and preened for the most 
part. Basically it is where Paul Prior found the Common Ringed Plover last year.
Thanks Paul again, for your shrewd scurrying of these man made ponds.
Best of luck
LUc Fazio

Sent from my iPad
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[Ontbirds] Black Vultures - Thorold, Niagara Region

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

This morning while at the Walker Industries landfill in Thorold, Niagara 
Region, 3 Black Vultures flew over me slowly heading west. In the last few 
months I have only occasionally seen Black Vultures at the "usual spot", aka 
the Queenston area along the lower Niagara River, and usually only one or two 
birds; presumably some of those birds are the ones now in Thorold. 

The landfill is located on Thorold Townline Road just north of Lakeview 
Cemetery, in the northeast part of Thorold, Niagara Region. 

Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines - Forster's Tern, 17 Little Gulls

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

This morning I birded the Port Dalhousie pier which juts out into Lake Ontario 
in St Catharines, Niagara Region. The pier has been hosting over a thousand 
gulls and hundreds of terns this summer, while shorebird diversity has also 
been good. Today I counted 17 Little Gulls which I believe is a high count for 
this summer at the pier. Most were 1st summer (2nd calendar year) birds, though 
a couple of adults were also present. Bonaparte's Gull numbers have increased 
and today approximately 240 individuals were present, including quite a few 
juveniles. Most of the Little Gulls were near each other near the end of the 
east pier with a couple additional birds mixed in with the Bonaparte's Gulls on 
both piers. A first summer Forster's Tern was resting with Common Terns on the 
west pier; presumably it is one of the two individuals that have been present 
since at least July 18. Ten species of shorebirds have been reported on the 
piers this summer as well. It's definitely a location worth chec
 king if you are in the area.


Take the QEW east into Niagara Region, and exit at Ontario Street/Regional Road 
42 (exit 47). Turn left, cross over the highway and continue heading north. 
Turn left on Lighthouse Road and follow to the end. Park in the parking lot for 
the marina, and walk to the base of the east pier where both piers can be 
easily scoped.


Good birding,

Josh Vandermeulen

joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com
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[Ontbirds] Sabine's Gulls, Black Tern - Port Weller, St Catharines

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Due to the onshore winds I decided to lakewatch this evening from the end of 
Port Weller east. I just had a group of three juv Sabine's Gulls and one Black 
Tern fly past at a fairly close distance, heading west. Worth doing a lakewatch 
this evening if you are in the Hamilton - Niagara area.


To get to Port Weller, take the Niagara Street/Regional Road 48 exit from the
QEW in St Catharines, and drive north towards Lake Ontario. Stay on Niagara
Street for 5 km, then turn right onto Lakeshore Road. Drive over the Welland
Canal and take your second left onto Seaway Haulage Road, approx 500 m after
crossing over the canal. Follow Seaway Haulage road north towards the lake. it
will turn into Broadway, follow Broadway to the end and park in the little
parking lot at the terminus of Broadway at Lake Ontario. Follow the path
towards the end of the pier.


Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com

Sent from my iPhone
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ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the 
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[Ontbirds] 2017-2018 Ontario winter bird list

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Birders,

Today marks the first day of winter listing, the period of time running from 
December 1 until February 28/29. I will be compiling the winter bird list in 
Ontario again this year. Approximately 346 species of birds have been recorded 
in Ontario during the winter period, with usually between 200 and 220 species 
recorded in a given winter. Last winter 216 species were recorded, representing 
the third highest total ever, after the 224 species in 2011-2012 and the 220 
species in 2015-2016. Some of the highlights from last winter included two new 
species for the all-time Ontario winter list in Red-necked Phalarope and 
Crested Caracara. Other rarities and unusual winter species included American 
Bittern, Sora, Western Sandpiper, Slaty-backed Gull, White-winged Dove, Cave 
Swallow, Smith's Longspur, Bay-breasted, Chestnut-sided and Black-throated Gray 
Warblers, Nelson's Sparrow and Brambling.

Just post your sightings to Ontbirds (if sufficiently rare), ebird.org or send 
me an email, and I will update the list accordingly and provide an update to 
Ontbirds every couple of weeks. That way you can check the list and inform me 
of any species that have been seen but are not present on the list.

The list can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/myyulvs . I have also provided a 
link on my blog, located at 
http://joshvandermeulen.blogspot.ca/p/ontario-winter-bird-list.html . I try to 
update the spreadsheet every couple of days or whenever I hear of a new 
addition. Please let me know if you hear of a new addition or any other 
correction to the spreadsheet.

Good (winter) birding,
Josh Vandermeulen
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com


___
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[Ontbirds] Northern Rough-winged Swallows - Control Gates, Niagara Falls

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

There are at least 3 N. Rough-winged Swallows, flying over the Niagara River 
across from the Control Gates. They are mid river and ranging widely over the 
section of the river between the Control Gates and the rusty barge. 

Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen 

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] OFO gull trip - Sunday December 3, 2017

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Well over 100 birders joined Marcie Jacklin, Jeremy Bensette and I for the 
annual OFO gull trip along the Niagara River yesterday, December 3, 2017. We 
were treated to beautiful weather conditions - nearly 10 degrees, sunny and 
calm - and a wide variety of interesting birds were seen, including nine 
species of gulls as well as the Thayer's subspecies of Iceland Gull. The OFO 
group began at the overlook for the Adam Beck/Robert Moses power plants in the 
morning, then birded the stretch of river from Niagara Falls to above the 
Control Gates during the late morning and early afternoon. Due to the size of 
the OFO group, small factions broke off throughout the day, covering many 
location. Below are some of our highlights from an excellent day along the 
mighty Niagara River. My apologies if I have missed any sightings. Due to the 
size of the group I am sure there were several notable sightings that are not 
covered here.


Adam Beck overlook - several "Kumlien's" Iceland Gulls of various ages, 
including a nice comparison of several 2nd winter birds. One of the 2nd winter 
Iceland Gulls at Adam Beck appeared to lie more on the Thayer's side of the 
spectrum, while an adult "Thayer's" Iceland Gull was also viewed by some. Two 
Peregrine Falcons were seen here as well.


Niagara Falls - the Black-legged Kittiwake was seen well by most birders who 
tried for it. The bird would disappear for half an hour at a time but was 
frequently observed flying in and out of the mist at the base of the Horseshoe 
Falls, providing excellent looks at its distinctive juvenile plumage. A life 
bird for many!


Above the Falls - the group of five Harlequin Ducks were in their usual 
location, amongst the rocks mid-river and across from the Floral Showhouse 
building (greenhouse). At least eight different Lesser Black-backed Gulls of 
various ages were found in the stretch of river between the edge of the Falls 
and the Control Gates, while "Kumlien's" Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull were 
also observed here. A Snowy Owl spent a second consecutive day at the south end 
of the concrete breakwall extending south from the Control Gates. Two Common 
Ravens provided entertainment near the Control Gates as they flew around and 
exhibited some pair-bonding behaviour. I heard second hand that someone watched 
one of the Common Ravens steal the remains of a dead bird from the Snowy Owl! 
Common Raven has only recently become a member of the avifauna of Niagara as 
the species slowly extends its range to the south in southern Ontario. Three 
Northern Rough-winged Swallows were lingering on the river, flying back and 
forth from the area around the barge to the Control Gates. Northern 
Rough-winged Swallows are often seen here into early November, but it is 
unusual for them to linger into the winter birding season. This is only the 
second record out of the last 10 years during "winter" in Ontario.


Queenston - The Black Vultures were active on this warm sunny day and several 
groups saw individuals gliding over the river near Queenston. Some of us were 
not so lucky and our only views of Black Vulture were of 1-3 birds roosting on 
the roof of the usual church across the river in Lewiston, NY. The Queenston 
docks provided good views of up to three Little Gulls as they foraged along the 
river to the north.


Crystal Beach - While a little ways away from the Niagara River, several groups 
of birders reported success in observing the Brant at Crystal Beach Waterfront 
Park, located on the north shore of Lake Erie between Point Abino and Fort 
Erie. This bird does occasionally wander along the shoreline, but is usually on 
the beach immediately west of the parking area at Crystal Beach Waterfront Park.


Thank you to Marcie and Jeremy for assisting me with leading this hike, and 
thank you to all the other birders who were so generous in assisting with 
identification and aging of gulls with their fellow peers. Additionally, I want 
to give a special shout out to Justin Peter and Mark Peck who put together an 
excellent gull workshop and quiz at the Niagara Falls Public Library on the 
Saturday afternoon. I hope that a great time was had by all, and I'm looking 
forward to next year!


Good birding,

Josh Vandermeulen

joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com
___
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the 
provincial birding organization.
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[Ontbirds] 2017-18 Ontario winter bird list - update 1

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

After the first half of December the 2017-2018 Ontario winter bird list stands 
at 184 species, which is average or slightly below average for the date. One 
new species to the all time winter list has been added - the Townsend’s Warbler 
near Rondeau Provincial Park. Other rare species found so far include Nelson’s 
Sparrow at Kanata (observed in 1 out of last 10 winter periods), Northern 
Gannet at Hamilton/Burlington (1/10), Western Meadowlark at Dorion (1/10), 
Northern Rough-winged Swallow at Niagara Falls (1/10), Eurasian Tree Sparrow at 
Wawa (2/10), “Audubon’s” Yellow-rumped Warbler at Oakville (3/10), Mountain 
Bluebird at Waterloo and Prince Edward Point (3/10) and Black-throated Gray 
Warbler at Ottawa (4/10).



As usual after only two weeks there are several holes to be filled in on this 
year's winter list. These include Boreal Owl, Fish Crow, Pine Warbler, Vesper 
Sparrow, Harris’s Sparrow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Eastern Meadowlark.



Other species missing from this winter's list that are more unusual but still 
observed most winters include Eared Grebe, Great Egret, Black-headed Gull, 
California Gull, Slaty-backed Gull, White-eyed Vireo, House Wren, Blue-gray 
Gnatcatcher, Cape May Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Spotted Towhee, 
Brewer’s Blackbird and Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch.



The list can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/myyulvs . I have also provided a 
link on my blog, located at 
http://joshvandermeulen.blogspot.ca/p/ontario-winter-bird-list.html . I try to 
update the spreadsheet every couple of days or whenever I hear of a new 
addition. Please let me know if you hear of a new addition or any other 
correction to the spreadsheet.



Good (winter) birding,

Josh Vandermeulen

___
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the 
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Re: [Ontbirds] Tufted Duck, Ben Machree Park, Mississauga

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

The bird was refound by Nancy McPherson and Garth Riley a bit east of here. It 
is currently with a big flock of mostly scaup just off shore. Best viewing is 
from the foot of Oakwood Avenue South, Mississauga, and looking southeast. 

Good birding, 
Josh Vandermeulen 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 16, 2017, at 13:41, Cheryl Edgecombe via ONTBIRDS 
>  wrote:
> 
> This morning around 11 a.m. Luc Fazio found a Tufted Duck while doing the
> South Peel Christmas Count .  At this time, the bird was only being seen off
> Lorne Park Estates which is a gated community and private property.  The
> bird was re found off Ben Machree Park in a raft of three hundred or so
> scaup and then was flushed by two Great Black-backed Gulls which put the
> whole flock up seconds after finding it.  The scaup eventually settled back
> into the same location which was just west of Ben Machree.  You can walk
> along the shore at the lake.  There is also an access to the Rhododendron
> Gardens down Godfrey Lane that will take you to this location.
> 
> 
> Take QEW to Royal Windsor Drive, Royal Windsor will turn into Lakeshore Road
> after Ford Drive.  Continue down Lakeshore Road to just past the
> Rhododendron Gardens (well east of Southdown Road and west of Mississauga
> Road).  You can access Ben Machree Park form Godfrey Lane which is on the
> east side of the Gardens where it meets the lake.  Walk along the shoreline
> to the west and the scaup were in the bay there.  
> https://www.bing.com/search?q=ben+Machree+Park,+Mississauga&form=IE10TR&src=
> IE10TR&pc=EUPP_HPDTDFJS
> 
> 
> Cheryl
> 
> 
> 
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
> ___
> ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the 
> provincial birding organization.
> Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca
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> http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
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> http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
> Visit the OFO Facebook page 
> https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
> 

___
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the 
provincial birding organization.
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[Ontbirds] Ontario winter bird list - update #2

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

The unrelenting cold weather that has descended upon even the most southerly 
reaches of the province has limited the number of lingering bird species being 
discovered, and as a result the Ontario winter bird list is lower than it has 
been by this date in previous winters.


Since my last update on December 14, eight new species have been added to the 
list, bringing it up to 192. In comparison, last year by this date the winter 
bird list was 207 species, finishing at 216 species. The new additions since my 
last update are: Vesper Sparrow (Ottawa, London, Sandbanks), Brewer's Blackbird 
(Long Point), Tufted Duck (Mississauga to Toronto), Eastern Meadowlark 
(multiple locations), Indigo Bunting (Seeley's Bay), Lincoln's Sparrow 
(Toronto), Ovenbird (Toronto) and Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Brantford).


There are very few remaining expected species. Some of the more likely species 
to be added to the list over the next two months include Boreal Owl, Fish Crow 
and Pine Warbler. Other species missing from this winter's list that are more 
unusual but still observed most winters include Eared Grebe, Black-headed Gull, 
California Gull, Slaty-backed Gull, Harris’s Sparrow, Spotted Towhee and 
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch.

The list can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/myyulvs . I have also provided a 
link on my blog, located at 
http://joshvandermeulen.blogspot.ca/p/ontario-winter-bird-list.html . I try to 
update the spreadsheet every couple of days or whenever I hear of a new 
addition. Please let me know if you hear of a new addition or any other 
correction to the spreadsheet.

Good (winter) birding,
Josh Vandermeulen

___
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the 
provincial birding organization.
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[Ontbirds] Ontario winter bird list - 2017-2018 summary

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Birders,

Through the 2017-2018 winter birding season, a period running from December 1, 
2017 through February 28, 2018, a total of 199 species were reported in 
Ontario. This represents our fifth lowest total in the eleven years where a 
winter season list has been kept, and well below the average of 204 species. 
The high water mark remains 220 species during the winter of 2015-2016. Colder 
than expected weather across most of the province in December was the culprit, 
as it prevented unusual species from lingering until the winter birding season 
began.


Since my last update to Ontbirds on January 2, 2017, an additional five species 
have been added to this winter's total. They include Boreal Owl (Thunder Bay), 
Harris's Sparrow (North Bay), Willow Ptarmigan (north of Red Lake), American 
Bittern (Long Point) and Lesser Yellowlegs (Amherstburg).


Despite the poor total number of species observed, there were still quite a few 
unusual species reported. The long-staying Townsend's Warbler near (and within) 
Rondeau Provincial Park was a definite highlight as it provided the first 
winter season record for the province. Some of the other highlights included 
Tufted Duck, Northern Gannet, American Bittern, early migrant Lesser 
Yellowlegs, Barn Owl, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Mountain Bluebirds, 
Ovenbird, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Nelson's Sparrow, Western Meadowlark and 
Eurasian Tree Sparrow.


Some of the misses from this past winter included Pine Warbler (seen in 10 of 
the last 10 winters), California Gull (8 out of 10), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (8 
out of 10), House Wren (8 out of 10), Slaty-backed Gull (7 out of 10), 
Blue-winged Teal (7 out of 10), Eared Grebe (6 out of 10), Yellow-throated 
Warbler (6 out of 10), Black-headed Gull (6 out of 10), Spotted Towhee (6 out 
of 10), Cape May Warbler (6 out of 10), Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (5 out of 10), 
Pomarine Jaeger (5 out of 10), White-eyed Vireo (5 out of 10) and 
Black-throated Blue Warbler (5 out of 10).

The list can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/myyulvs . I have also provided a 
link on my blog, located at 
http://joshvandermeulen.blogspot.ca/p/ontario-winter-bird-list.html .  As 
always, please send me an email if you know of a sighting of one of the missing 
species observed between December 1, 2017 and February 28, 2018, or if you see 
any errors in the spreadsheet either from this winter or from winters past.

Good birding,

Josh Vandermeulen
Niagara Falls, Ontario
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com

___
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[Ontbirds] 51 Red-throated Loons - Port Weller east, Niagara Region

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

This afternoon Daniel Riley and I counted 51 Red-throated Loons off of the end 
of the Port Weller east pier, in St. Catharines, Niagara Region. Due to the 
calm weather the viewing conditions were quite good, making it much easier to 
count waterbirds than how it has been recently. Many of the loons were 
relatively close (less than 300 m off shore), though some were quite distant; 
it would be interesting to know the true number present. Most of the loons were 
straight out off of the end of the pier, from the entrance to the canal east to 
the lighthouse off of the eastern tip, and beyond to the east - none were west 
of the canal entrance. I have been visiting Port Weller at least weekly and so 
far this year my highest count of Red-throated Loons had been 3, presumably all 
wintering birds. Most likely these 51 birds today were early spring migrants. 
Interestingly, not a single Common Loon was present. While high numbers of 
Red-throated Loons are often seen in western Lake Ontario during autumn 
migration (generally mid-late November), in the spring large numbers are rarely 
reported. It was certainly the most I have ever seen on the water at one time 
in Ontario, and it was a pretty spectacular sight.

Birds of Hamilton by Bob Curry mentions several high counts of Red-throated 
Loons in western Lake Ontario during the spring, including 103 migrating past 
Woodland Cemetery, Hamilton on 10 April 1994 (Bob Curry, Rob Dobos et al.) and 
68 migrating past Woodland Cemetery on 11 April 2000 (John Olmsted). He also 
mentions that the high count on Lake Ontario during the spring is only 11 birds 
on 3 June 1984 along the Burlington lakeshore (Mark Jennings, Paul Martin, Ian 
Richards).

To get to the Port Weller east pier, take the Niagara Street/Regional Road 48 
exit from the QEW in St Catharines, and drive north towards Lake Ontario. Stay 
on Niagara Street for 5 km, then turn right onto Lakeshore Road. Drive over the 
Welland Canal and take your second left onto Seaway Haulage Road, approx 500 m 
after crossing over the canal. Follow Seaway Haulage road north towards the 
lake. it will turn into Broadway, follow Broadway to the end and park in the 
little parking lot at the terminus of Broadway at Lake Ontario. Follow the path 
towards the end of the pier.


Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com

___
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the 
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[Ontbirds] Ontario Bird Records Committee - AGM (April 8, 2018) and call for nominations

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Dear Ontbirds subscribers and OFO members,

The Ontario Bird Records Committee (OBRC) will be holding its Annual General 
Meeting on Sunday, April 8. The OBRC meets in-person once per year at the AGM, 
where items up for discussion include the review and final voting on records 
submitted by the Ontario birding community, a review of the review lists 
previously identified by past committees (http://ofo.ca/site/Obrc), and the 
election of new OBRC members.

To provide clarity, I will explain the process determining how individuals are 
voted onto the OBRC. Any OFO member in good standing can nominate another OFO 
member, including themselves, to the committee. Each OFO member is limited in 
that they are allowed to nominate only one person. At the AGM all of the 
nominees are announced. Each currently serving member of the committee votes 
privately and ranks each of the nominees in the order that they think would 
best serve on the committee. The rankings are then tallied up based on 
everyone’s votes. Following the AGM, the Chair will contact the candidates 
regarding willingness to serve, in order of ranking, until willing candidates 
for each vacancy have been obtained. The main criteria for selecting suitable 
candidates are that the individual demonstrates an expert knowledge of the 
field identification of birds, and is a member in good standing with OFO. The 
full process is noted in the OBRC Operating Guidelines, found at 
http://ofo.ca/site/Obrc.

In the past, only currently serving OBRC members were permitted to nominate 
individuals; however this rule was changed four years ago. Now the nomination 
process has been opened up to any and all OFO members. It is up to the Ontario 
birding community to ensure that suitable candidates are put forward as 
nominees, since the committee members can only select the new members based on 
the pool of nominees that are provided.

The OBRC looks to the Ontario birding community for comments, suggestions, and 
critique. The OBRC will be nominating 2 new members to 3 year terms, commencing 
this year. The OBRC at this time would welcome nominations from OFO members for 
people to serve on the OBRC. Nominees should be OFO members in good standing, 
be actively engaged in the Ontario birding community, and positively support 
the OBRC by submitting rare bird reports. Ideally, nominations will include a 
few sentences of text providing justification why they believe that this 
nominee is well suited to serve on the committee.

Additionally, the OBRC would welcome any nominations for additions/deletions to 
the current OBRC review lists (for all zones and subspecies). In general, 
species are on the review list if they have fewer than 20 records in 5 years 
for that review zone.

Nominations for OBRC members and additions/deletions to the review list are 
required by April 7, 2018. All communication should be directed to 
obrcsecretary at gmail.com.


Kind regards,


Josh Vandermeulen
OBRC Chair
joshvandermeulen at live.ca


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Re: [Ontbirds] Chuck-wills-widow at Bronte Beach Park Oakville, Ontario

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

For those interested, the Chuck-will's-widow is still present, perched in the 
same spot. There are strong winds in the area but it is hunkered down and 
likely won't go anywhere this afternoon if people continue to keep a safe 
distance. 

See Andrew's directions in the post below.  

Good birding, 
Josh Vandermeulen 

Sent from my iPhone

> On May 4, 2018, at 12:14, Andrew via ONTBIRDS  wrote:
> 
> We are watching the bird right now right by the parking lot. Also 2 flyover 
> Fish Crows.
> Bronte beach is at bottom of West River street, don't drive up hill, pull 
> into the parking lot. 
> from Qew go south to Lakeshore road and turn right, go over the bridge and 
> the street is first street
> Please stay on lawn, don't flush the bird
> Andrew Don
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> ___
> 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
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> http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
> Visit the OFO Facebook page 
> https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
> 

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[Ontbirds] Cerulean Warbler - Port Colborne

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

I'm currently watching an extremely cooperative Cerulean Warbler at Morgans 
Point CA west of Port Colborne. It is a singing male and can be heard from the 
road. Currently it is on the east side of the park about 10 m west of the road, 
in the forest along the tree line by a white shed. This is about 100m south of 
the playground. 

I haven't yet explored the rest of the CA but there is a lot of warbler song, 
as well as Red-headed Woodpecker and Fish Crow. 


Morgans Point Conservation Area is located at the south end of Morgan's Point 
Road, south of Burnaby in Niagara Region. This is west of Port Colborne. 

Good birding, 
Josh Vandermeulen

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] Bells Vireo - Port Weller east pier

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

I've got a singing Bells Vireo on the Port Weller east pier. Location is along 
the main (center) path about 100 m north of marina. More details to follow in a 
subsequent post - just wanted to get the word out. 

Photos and recordings taken. 


Good birding, 
Josh Vandermeulen 

Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Ontbirds] Bells Vireo - Port Weller east pier

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Just an update that the bird hasn't been seen/heard since my last post. There 
are some good brush piles in the area and the species can be extremely skulky 
so it's likely still in the area.

Josh

Sent from my iPhone

On May 10, 2018, at 10:31, Josh Vandermeulen 
mailto:joshvandermeu...@live.ca>> wrote:

A few more details:

I first heard the Bell's Vireo singing at 9:46 AM and soon after located it 
deep within a brush pile. It sang on and off for the next 15 mins or so, and I 
managed a few poor photos. I haven't seen or heard it over the last 25 mins but 
it is likely still here.

I've posted a photo of the bird as well as screenshots of Google Maps showing 
my location on my blog:
http://joshvandermeulen.blogspot.ca/2018/05/ive-got-singing-male-bells-vireo-at.html?m=0



To get to Port Weller, take the Niagara Street/Regional Road 48 exit from the 
QEW in St Catharines, and drive north towards Lake Ontario. Stay on Niagara 
Street for 5 km, then turn right onto Lakeshore Road. Drive over the Welland 
Canal and take your second left onto Seaway Haulage Road, approx 500 m after 
crossing over the canal. Follow Seaway Haulage road north towards the lake. it 
will turn into Broadway, follow Broadway to the end and park in the little 
parking lot at the terminus of Broadway at Lake Ontario. Alternatively you can 
park at the end of seaway Haulage Rd which is at the base of the pier. Follow 
the main path north. Once you pass the marina keep going another 150 m or so 
until a path veers off the main path to the right (east). This is the second 
path past the marina. The bird was in the scrub around the intersection of the 
main path and the side trail mentioned above.


Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com<http://joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com>

Sent from my iPhone

On May 10, 2018, at 09:52, Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS 
mailto:birdalert@ontbirds.ca>> wrote:

I've got a singing Bells Vireo on the Port Weller east pier. Location is along 
the main (center) path about 100 m north of marina. More details to follow in a 
subsequent post - just wanted to get the word out.

Photos and recordings taken.


Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] Cattle Egret - Niagara-on-the-Lake, Bell's Vireo update

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

There is a Cattle Egret in a cow paddock behind (east of) the Avondale Dairy 
Bar (Parmalat) on Stewart Rd in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Region. This bird 
was originally found yesterday by Philip Downey at the nearby Avondale/Parmalat 
ponds, located a few hundred meters south of here. Address for the Avondale 
Dairy Bar (Parmalat) is 461 Stewart Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake. The bird is out 
of view if searching from Stewart Rd, but it can be seen looking north from the 
ponds. 

I also just heard from Dave Szmyr and Josh Mandell who observed the Bell's 
Vireo in the original location on the Port Weller east pier a few minutes ago.

Josh  
Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] OBRC update

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Dear Ontbirds subscribers,





The annual meeting of the Ontario Bird Records Committee (OBRC) was held on 8 
April 2018. At this meeting, the following changes were made (effective 1 
January 2018):



1. White Wagtail has been added to the Ontario list. This individual was of the 
yarrellii subspecies (Pied Wagtail), representing only the second documented 
record for this subspecies in North America. White Wagtail is also new to the 
South Review Zone and thus added to the South Review List.


2. Thayer's Gull has been removed from the Ontario checklist, as it was lumped 
with Iceland Gull by the American Ornithological Society. With the addition of 
White Wagtail and subtraction of Thayer's Gull, the Ontario checklist remains 
at 496 species.



2. Swainson’s Hawk has been removed from the South Review List, effective 1 
January 2018



3. Solitary Sandpiper (cinnamomea) has been added to the Subspecies Review 
List, effective 1 January 2018



4. Hoary Redpoll (hornemanni) has been removed from the Subspecies Review List, 
effective 1 January 2018



This year’s OBRC meeting minutes, as well as the updated Operating Guidelines, 
are available on the OFO website, here:

http://ofo.ca/site/Obrc



Past annual reports are available online at:

http://ofo.ca/site/page/view/obrc.annualreports



At this meeting the 3 year terms as voting OBRC members for Ken Burrell and Tim 
Lucas ended. The OBRC has elected Amanda Guercio and Barbara Charlton to 3 year 
terms going forward. The committee would like to thank all OFO members who took 
the time to submit nominations. I was re-elected to the chairperson role, while 
the remaining voting members are Donald Sutherland, Paul Pratt, Bill Lamond and 
Blake Mann. Mark Peck will continue as the non-voting Royal Ontario Museum 
Liaison. On behalf of the rest of the committee, I would like to thank Ken 
Burrell and Tim Lucas for their excellent service on the OBRC. Mike Burrell 
will continue as Secretary, while Barb Charlton and Ken Burrell will serve as 
Assistants to the Secretary.



I would also like to take this opportunity to remind the Ontario birding 
community to submit your documentation of birds on the OBRC Review Lists as 
soon as possible – this facilitates timely voting by the committee and helps 
ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. It also helps ensure your 
memory is fresh when writing the reports. Please don't assume others have 
documented a bird - the more reports we have on file, the more complete the 
record will be now and in the future. An online form is available at 
http://ofo.ca/site/Obrcreport but the OBRC accepts submissions in any form 
(send them to the OBRC secretary (obrcsecretary at gmail.com).



Guidelines for submitting reports are available at 
http://ofo.ca/site/page/view/obrc.guidelines .



If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me or any of the 
other OBRC members.





Josh Vandermeulen

OBRC Chair

joshvandermeulen at live.ca

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[Ontbirds] Swallow-tailed Kite - YES

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

I'm refound  the Swallow-tailed Kite near Wasaga Beach. It's perched in a tree 
on the east side of Klondike Park Rd, 900m north of Concession 12, near Wasaga 
Beach. 

Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen 

Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Ontbirds] Swallow-tailed Kite - YES

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

The kite just flew northeast, and disappeared over the trees. I'll report if I 
see it again. 

Josh

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 27, 2018, at 09:52, Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS 
>  wrote:
> 
> I'm refound  the Swallow-tailed Kite near Wasaga Beach. It's perched in a 
> tree on the east side of Klondike Park Rd, 900m north of Concession 12, near 
> Wasaga Beach. 
> 
> Good birding,
> Josh Vandermeulen 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> ___
> 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
> 

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[Ontbirds] 2018-2019 Ontario winter bird list

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Birders,

December 1 marked the first day of winter listing,  the period of time running 
until February 28. I will be compiling the winter bird list in Ontario again 
this year. Approximately 348 species of birds have been recorded in Ontario 
during the winter period, with 200 to 220 species typically recorded in a given 
winter. Last winter 200 species were recorded which represented the second 
lowest total out of the last eight winters. Despite the relatively low total 
there were many highlights, including the first Townsend’s Warbler for the 
all-time winter list, as well as Black-throated Gray Warbler, Northern Gannet, 
Nelson’s Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, American Bittern and early migrant 
Lesser Yellowlegs.

We are already off to a good start this winter with the Great Kiskadee 
miraculously appearing again, representing the first winter record for Ontario.

Just post your sightings to Ontbirds (if sufficiently rare), 
ebird.org or send me an email, and I will update the list 
accordingly and provide an update to Ontbirds every couple of weeks. That way 
you can check the list and inform me of any species that have been seen but are 
not present on the list.

The list can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/myyulvs . I have also provided a 
link on my blog, located at 
http://joshvandermeulen.blogspot.ca/p/ontario-winter-bird-list.html . I try to 
update the spreadsheet every couple of days or whenever I hear of a new 
addition. Please let me know if you hear of a new addition or any other 
correction to the spreadsheet.

Good (winter) birding,
Josh Vandermeulen
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com
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[Ontbirds] 2018-2019 Ontario winter bird list: update #1

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

After the first sixteen days of December the 2018-2019 Ontario winter bird list 
stands at 189 species, which is slightly above average for the date. As far as 
I can discern three species have been added to the all-time Ontario winter list 
so far, including the Great Kiskadee at Rondeau Provincial Park (last reported 
on Dec 9), a Western Kingbird found on the Long Point CBC on December 15, and a 
Yellow-billed Cuckoo that was discovered at Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto on 
December 15. If anyone knows of previous winter records for Yellow-billed 
Cuckoo, please let me know.


Other highlights so far include two Slaty-backed Gulls in Brantford as well as 
one in North Bay, a White-eyed Vireo at Rondeau Provincial Park, 13 species of 
warblers including a Hooded Warbler at Sedgewick Park in Oakville, a Summer 
Tanager at Sault Ste. Marie, and a Western Grebe in Sarnia.


There are a number of species that are typically recorded in a given winter 
that are still missing from this winter's list. They include Eurasian Wigeon, 
Gray Partridge, Osprey, Virginia Rail, Purple Sandpiper, Black-legged 
Kittiwake, Great Gray Owl, Boreal Owl, Harris's Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark and 
Brewer's Blackbird.

The list can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/myyulvs . I have also provided a 
link on my blog, located at 
http://joshvandermeulen.blogspot.ca/p/ontario-winter-bird-list.html . I try to 
update the spreadsheet every couple of days or whenever I hear of a new 
addition. Please let me know if you hear of a new addition or any other 
correction to the spreadsheet.


Good (winter) birding,

Josh Vandermeulen


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[Ontbirds] Probable Eurasian Collared-Doves, Hamilton (north end)

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

This afternoon while completing some arborist surveys in Hamilton, I came 
across a pair of probable Eurasian Collared-Doves. I was without binoculars at 
the time and only saw the doves in flight so I couldn’t eliminate African 
Collared-Dove which is sometimes seen as an escapee. The doves flew into three 
Norway Spruces located behind 528 Ferguson Ave N, City of Hamilton. I waited 
for five minutes and I did not see them reappear. In flight they were 
noticeably larger than Mourning Dove, pale sandy brown in colour and with dark 
collars and squared off tails. 

Good luck to anyone who searches for them. Keep in mind that this is a 
residential neighbourhood. 

Location is trees behind (east of) 528 Ferguson Ave N, City of Hamilton. Not 
far from Collective Arts Brewing. 

Cheers,
Josh

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] Ontario winter bird list - update #2

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Several days into 2019 the Ontario winter bird list stands at 197, following 
the addition of 8 new species since my last update on December 17, 2018. Last 
year at this time the list was 192 species (finishing with 200), while in 2016 
at this time the last was 207 species (finishing with 216). It is looking 
unlikely that the all-time record of 220 (from 2015-2016) will be surpassed, 
and we will likely finish somewhere between 204 and 207 species when it is all 
said and done.

The new additions since my last update include Great Gray Owl (several 
sightings in the north and one in southeastern Ontario), Eastern Meadowlark 
(several found on CBCs), Boreal Owl (north of Kingston), Eurasian Collared-Dove 
(two present in the north end of Hamilton), Virginia Rail (one heard at Keith 
McLean CA near Rondeau), Ovenbird (individuals coming to private yards in south 
Cambridge and Mississauga), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (one at Wallaceburg 
sewage treatment plant), and Dovekie (a deceased bird found in Whitby).

There are a handful of species that are typically reported in a given winter 
that are still missing from this winter’s list. They include Purple Sandpiper 
(observed in 11 of last 11 winters), Gray Partridge (11 of 11), Brewer’s 
Blackbird (11 of 11), Harris’s Sparrow (11 of 11), Black-legged Kittiwake (10 
of 11), Osprey (9 of 11), Eurasian Wigeon (8 of 11), Yellow-headed Blackbird (8 
of 11), California Gull (8 of 11), Blue-winged Teal (7 of 11), Blue-headed 
Vireo (7 of 11), Wilson’s Warbler (7 of 11), Pacific Loon (6 of 11), Eared 
Grebe (6 of 11), Black-headed Gull (6 of 11), Barn Owl (6 of 11), 
Yellow-throated Warbler (6 of 11) and Spotted Towhee (6 of 11).

The list can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/myyulvs . I have also provided a 
link on my blog, located at 
http://joshvandermeulen.blogspot.ca/p/ontario-winter-bird-list.html . I try to 
update the spreadsheet every couple of days or whenever I hear of a new 
addition. Please let me know if you hear of a new addition or any other 
correction to the spreadsheet.

Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen

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[Ontbirds] 2018-2019 Ontario winter list summary

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Birders,

Through the 2018-2019 winter birding season, a period running from December 1, 
2018 through February 28, 2019, a total of 201 species were reported in 
Ontario. This represented a roughly average year, tying for fifth place of 
twelve winters that I have data for. The highest single-season winter list 
total is 223 species from 2011-2012, while the lowest is 189 from 2009-2010. 
The median value is 201 species, while the mean (average) value is 204 species 
in the twelve years I have data for.

Since my last update to Ontbirds on January 3, 2019, only four additional have 
been added to this winter's total. However, a new species for the all-time 
winter list was reported among these four species, that being the Lazuli 
Bunting at a feeder in Ottawa. Not only was this the first winter record of 
Lazuli Bunting in Ontario, it is the first record outside the date range of 10 
May – 18 June, based on accepted records by the OBRC.  The other new additions 
to the list since my last update included Gray Partridge in several locations 
in Ottawa, Purple Sandpiper at Erieau, Chatham-Kent, and Yellow-headed 
Blackbirds in Comber, Essex and the Old Cut field station, Norfolk.

In addition to the Lazuli Bunting there were three other additions this past 
winter to the all-time Ontario winter list. These included Canada’s first ever 
Great Kiskadee at Rondeau Provincial Park which was seen sporadically until 
December 9, a Western Kingbird found on the Long Point CBC near Turkey Point on 
December 15, and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo found at Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto 
on December 15. Some of the other highlights from the 2018-2019 winter season 
included a deceased Dovekie, multiple Slaty-backed Gulls, White-eyed Vireo, 14 
species of warbler including Northern Waterthrush, Hooded Warbler and Audubon’s 
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eurasian Collared-Doves, Western Grebe, Tree and 
Northern Rough-legged Swallow, and Summer Tanager.

Some of this winter’s misses included Harris’s Sparrow (seen in 11 of previous 
11 winters), Black-legged Kittiwake (10 of 11), Osprey (9 of 11), Eurasian 
Wigeon (8 of 11), California Gull (8 of 11), Blue-winged Teal (7 of 11), 
Blue-headed Vireo (7 of 11), Wilson’s Warbler (7 of 11), Pacific Loon (6 of 
11), Eared Grebe (6 of 11), Black-headed Gull (6 of 11), Barn Owl (6 of 11), 
Yellow-throated Warbler (6 of 11) and Spotted Towhee (6 of 11).

The list can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/myyulvs . I have also provided a 
link on my blog, located at 
http://joshvandermeulen.blogspot.ca/p/ontario-winter-bird-list.html .  As 
always, please send me an email if you know of a sighting of one of the missing 
species observed between December 1, 2018 and February 28, 2019, or if you see 
any errors in the spreadsheet either from this winter or from winters past.

Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen
Niagara Falls, Ontario
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com

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[Ontbirds] Ontario Bird Records Committee - AGM (April 7, 2019), call for elections

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Dear Ontbirds subscribers and OFO members,

The Ontario Bird Records Committee (OBRC) will be holding its Annual General 
Meeting on Sunday, April 7. The OBRC meets in-person once per year at the AGM, 
where items up for discussion include the review and final voting on records 
submitted by the Ontario birding community, a review of the review lists 
previously identified by past committees (http://ofo.ca/site/Obrc), and the 
election of new OBRC members.

To provide clarity, I will explain the process determining how individuals are 
voted onto the OBRC. Any OFO member in good standing can nominate another OFO 
member, including themselves, to the committee. Each OFO member is allowed to 
nominate only one person. At the AGM all of the nominees are announced. Each 
currently serving member of the committee votes privately and ranks each of the 
nominees in the order that they think would best serve on the committee. The 
rankings are then tallied up based on everyone’s votes. Following the AGM, the 
Chair will contact the candidates regarding their willingness to serve, in 
order of ranking, until willing candidates for each vacancy have been obtained. 
The main criteria for selecting suitable candidates are that the individual 
demonstrates an expert knowledge of the field identification of birds, and is a 
member in good standing with OFO. The full process is noted in the OBRC 
Operating Guidelines, found at http://ofo.ca/site/Obrc.

In the past, only currently serving OBRC members were permitted to nominate 
individuals; however this rule was changed five years ago. Now the nomination 
process has been opened up to any and all OFO members. It is up to the Ontario 
birding community to ensure that suitable candidates are put forward as 
nominees, since the committee members can only select the new members based on 
the pool of nominees that are provided.

The OBRC looks to the Ontario birding community for comments, suggestions, and 
critique. The OBRC will be nominating 3 new members to 3 year terms, commencing 
this year. The OBRC at this time would welcome nominations from OFO members for 
people to serve on the OBRC. Nominees should be OFO members in good standing, 
be actively engaged in the Ontario birding community, and positively support 
the OBRC by submitting rare bird reports. Ideally, nominations will include a 
few sentences of text providing justification why they believe that this 
nominee is well suited to serve on the committee.

Additionally, the OBRC would welcome any nominations for additions/deletions to 
the current OBRC review lists (for all zones and subspecies). In general, 
species are included the review list if they have fewer than 20 records in 5 
years for that review zone.

Nominations for OBRC members and additions/deletions to the review list are 
required by April 7, 2019. All communication should be directed to 
obrcsecretary at gmail.com.

Kind regards,

Josh Vandermeulen

OBRC Chair

joshvandermeulen at live.ca

___
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[Ontbirds] Ontario Bird Records Committee Update

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Dear Ontbirds subscribers,


The annual meeting of the Ontario Bird Records Committee (OBRC) was held on 7 
April 2019. At this meeting, the following changes were made (effective 1 
January 2019):


1. Five new species were added to the Ontario list, bringing the total Ontario 
checklist to 501 species. The new additions include Costa’s Hummingbird (one 
individual banded in Niagara Falls, Niagara; present 3 or 4 Oct – 2 December 
2017), Reddish Egret (Oliphant, Bruce), Great Kiskadee (Rondeau Provincial 
Park, Chatham-Kent), Calliope Hummingbird (Goderich, Huron) and White-crowned 
Pigeon (Pembroke, Renfrew). Each of these five species was also new to the 
South Review Zone, and thus added to the South Review List.


2. Eurasian Collared-Dove has been removed from the South Review List and the 
Central Review List, effective 1 January 2019.


3. White-winged Dove has been removed from the South Review List and the 
Central Review List, effective 1 January 2019.


This year’s OBRC meeting minutes will be available shortly on the OFO website, 
as well as the updated Bylaws, here: http://ofo.ca/site/Obrc


Past annual reports are available online at: 
http://ofo.ca/site/page/view/obrc.annualreports


At this meeting the 3 year terms as voting OBRC members for Paul Pratt and 
myself ended. The OBRC has elected Ken Burrell and Reuven Martin to 3 year 
terms going forward. The committee would like to thank all OFO members who took 
the time to submit nominations. Amanda Guercio was elected to the chairperson 
role, while the remaining voting members are Barbara Charlton, Bill Lamond, 
Blake Mann and Donald Sutherland. Mark Peck will continue as the non-voting 
Royal Ontario Museum Liaison.


Mike Burrell has decided to step down from his role as Secretary after many 
years serving in this position. Mike has volunteered countless hundreds of 
hours in this role, and the OBRC would like to extend him a heartfelt thank you 
for his hard work. Mike will stay on with the OBRC as he was elected in the new 
role of Archivist.


The duties of the Archivist include some of the duties previously completed by 
the Secretary, and include:

-Furnish anyone, upon request, with all evidence, including Committee comments, 
concerning any record that has received a final Committee decision;

-Maintain digital database listing all records and their details;

-Maintain a copy of this database on eBird;

-Maintain digital archive of all records and their documentation;

-Provide access to digital archive for anyone requesting details;

Update/maintain species lists and review lists (section 6.2 and 7 of these 
bylaws); and,

-Ensure any changes to these lists are reflected on OFO website.


The OBRC has elected Daniel Riley as the new Secretary, while Barbara Charlton 
was re-elected to serve as Assistant to the Secretary.


I would also like to take this opportunity to remind the Ontario birding 
community to submit your documentation of birds on the OBRC Review Lists as 
soon as possible – this facilitates timely voting by the committee and helps 
ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. It also helps ensure your 
memory is fresh when writing the reports. Please don't assume others have 
documented a bird - the more reports we have on file, the more complete the 
record will be now and in the future. An online form is available at 
http://ofo.ca/site/Obrcreport but the OBRC accepts submissions in any form 
(send them to the OBRC secretary (obrcsecretary at gmail.com).


Guidelines for submitting reports are available at 
http://ofo.ca/site/page/view/obrc.guidelines


If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me or any of the 
other OBRC members.



Josh Vandermeulen

2018 OBRC Chair

joshvandermeulen at live.ca

___
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the 
provincial birding organization.
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[Ontbirds] Cinnamon Teal - Sombra lagoons

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Just a heads up for those chasing this bird. A number of us were asked to leave 
by one of the municipal workers. Enter at your own risk!

The Cinnamon Teal was present until a few minutes ago, when most of the teal 
flushed after the worker drove around the lagoons in his truck, but it may 
return. 

Cheers,
Josh Vandermeulen 

Sent from my iPhone
___
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the 
provincial birding organization.
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[Ontbirds] White-winged Dove - Point Pelee

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

I’ve got a White-winged Dove at Point Pelee. It’s in a tree right where the 
tram drops people off at the tip. 

Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen 

Sent from my iPhone
___
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the 
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[Ontbirds] Blue Grosbeak, Summer Tanager, Dickcissels, etc - Point Pelee tip

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Heavy reverse migration going on at the moment at the tip of Point Pelee. 
Highlights include at least 4 different Dickcissels, a female Summer Tanager, 
an Olive-sided Flycatcher and a female Blue Grosbeak. Photos will be on my 
eBird later. 

Good birding 
Josh Vandermeulen 

Sent from my iPhone
___
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the 
provincial birding organization.
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[Ontbirds] Marbled Godwit - Niagara Falls

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

For some reason this hasn’t been posted on Ontbirds yet, but there is a Marbled 
Godwit at Dufferin Islands in Niagara Falls. It is currently along the north 
side of the Dufferin Islands area, on the north side of the water and about 30 
m west of the Niagara Parkway. It is heavily feeding at the moment, paying no 
heed to pedestrians, Canada Geese and Ring-billed Gulls. I believe this 
constitutes the first record of this species for Niagara Region, a long-overdue 
species! It was photographed yesterday by Lisa Prieur Bacon and posted to the 
Facebook group “Ontario Birds” this morning, at which point it’s identity was 
confirmed. 

Take the QEW to Niagara and exit at McLeod Road. Take McLeod Road east towards 
the Niagara River and turn left onto the Niagara Parkway. Follow this and 
Dufferin Islands will be on your left after a few km. There is lots of free 
parking here along the south and west sides of Dufferin Islands.

Good birding,
Josh Vandermeulen 
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com

Sent from my iPhone
___
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the 
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[Ontbirds] Greater White-fronted Goose - south of Beaverton

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

This afternoon I found a Greater White-fronted Goose at the intersection of The 
Trans Canada Highway (HWY 12) and Brock Concession 13, which is located 
approximately 9 km south of Beaverton. This is located in northern Durham 
Region. 

The goose is with about 75 Canada Geese in a wet area of a field on the west 
side of the Trans-Canada, approx 200 m north of Brock Concession 13. Distant 
photos taken, which will be up on my blog later. 

Good birding
Josh Vandermeulen
joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com


Sent from my iPhone
___
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birding organization.
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[Ontbirds] Smiths longspur, north of Hillman Marsh - yes

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

After a 5 hour hiatus, at least one of the longspurs is back. It flushed into 
the edge of the corn stubble directly across from the deserted white house 
(where Kory reported it earlier). It is where the corn stubble ends and grass 
begins, about 100 m west of the road.  

Good birding, 
Josh

Sent from my iPhone
___
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birding organization.
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[Ontbirds] Smith's Longspurs, Willets - north of Hillman Marsh

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

At least 5 Smith's Longspurs were still in the grassy field on the west side of 
Mersea Rd 21 just north of Road 2 early this afternoon. This is located on the 
north side of Hillman Marsh in Essex County. Directly across on the east side 
of Mersea Rd 21 there were 10 Willets in a flooded field and 8 are still there. 

Josh Vandermeulen
David Szmyr

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] Summer Tanager - Rondeau

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

A female along Harrison trail about 500 m past the Pony Barn at Rondeau 
Provincial Park.

Good birding,

Josh Vandermeulen
Todd Hagedorn
Mark Dorriesfield
Beverly McClenaghan


Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Western Kingbird - point Pelee tip

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

Both seen by many birders this morning flying south off the point. Neither have 
returned. 

Josh Vandermeulen

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] Pacific Loon off Sparrow Field

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

The Specific Pacific Loon is off the east side of Point Pelee, just north of 
Sparrow Field. It's pretty far out and a scope is necessary. It is on it's own, 
but on the right (south) side of the big feeding flock of mergansers and gulls. 
We had been scanning for almost an hour before finally Kory spotted it. A 
welcome addition to our "Big" day. 

Josh Vandermeulen
Kory Renaud
Dominic Cormier
Jeremy Bensette 

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] Henslow's Sparrow - Sparrow Fitld

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

We just found a nice Henslow's at the south end of sparrow field in point Pelee 
national park. 

Good birding, 
The dream team (Kory, Josh, Jeremy, Dominic)

Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Ontbirds] White Pelicans at Hillman Marsh

[Josh Vandermeulen via ONTBIRDS]

For those interested, the pelicans began flying 10 mins after Steve posted 
them. I followed them in my car to the shore of Lake Erie but they eventually 
soared back to Hillman and are currently sitting pretty in the section of marsh 
surrounded by the Couture Dyke. The entrance to the couture Dyke is just east 
of the bridge Steve referred to. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On May 24, 2014, at 15:43, Steve Pike via ONTBIRDS  
> wrote:
> 
> Adam Pinch just found six white pelicans which are being seen from the
> bridge on the east side of hillman marsh which is not the bridge next to
> the entrance of the shorebird cell and is the next bridge as your heading
> towards Lake Erie.  Hillman Marsh is around 8km east of Point Pelee.
> 
> Cheers,
> Steve Pike
> ___
> ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial 
> birding organization.
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> http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
> 
> 
> 

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