Bohemian Waxwings east of Ottawa
Hi all, A total of 155 Bohemian Waxwings were observed perched together in seven poplars this afternoon. To reach the site take exit 51 from Hwy 417. Go south to Maxville on Cty Rd 20. Continue through Maxville for about 2.5 km then turn left (east) on Concession 5 and go another 3.5 km. The waxwings were in the trees located on the east side of the road. Jacques Bouvier [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jacques Bouvier [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Snowy Owl, Col. Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke.
The immature Snowy Owl, reported the past couple of days at Colonel Samuel Smith Park in Etobicoke was still present this morning at 8.00 A.M. The bird is heavily streaked and was spending its time either on the ice near the marina or on the marina itself. Directions: From the QEW go south on Kipling Ave. Drive straight through Lakeshore and you are in the park. Park at the lot nearest the lake and walk west towards the marina. Regards, Brendan O'Sullivan Mississauga Brendan O'Sullivan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Snowy Owl, Col. Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke
The immature Snowy Owl, reported for the past couple of days, was still present this morning at 8.00. A.M. at Colonel Samuel Smith Park. The bird is heavily streaked and was spending its time either on the ice near the marina or on the marina itself. Directions: From the QEW go south on Kipling Ave. Go straight through Lakeshore and you are in the park. Drive to the last parking lot-the one nearest the lake. Walk west towards the marina. Regards, Brendan O'Sullivan, Mississauga. Brendan O'Sullivan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
ROBINS GREAT HORNED OWL by Newcastle
Hello Ontario Birders, I heard the first ROBIN yesterday morning and saw the first two ROBINS this morning. And Yesterday as I was X-country skiing at the back of my property I saw a GREAT HORNED OWL. I am also enjoying a number of squirrels bunjy jumping on my cobs of corn. Directions: Take 440 exit off Hwy # 401 by Newcastle on Mill St. S. and 500 m. before the lake is my humble abode at 590 Mill St. on the west side. Markus J. Lise Newcastle, On Markus J. Lise [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Re: Cowbirds in Caledonia
It's always nice to get new visitors to our feeders especially when they show up on a Feeder Watch day. Four male cowbirds, along with 10 chipping sparrows came to the feeders. Across the street by the Grand River, several Red-Wing Blackbirds were heard. Can Robins be far behind? Christine Paterson Abbey Road Caledonia, Ontario Caledonia is located south of Hamilton off Hwy 6 and midpoint between Hamilton and Port Dover. paterson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Bald Eagles to Grackles - Cayuga to Long Point
Good morning birders I know it's old news but I didn't get home until 11 last night after 24 hrs of birding and I don't bounce back like I used to. Yesterday Sat., Feb.28, 2004 Stan Bajurny and I birded the Cayuga, Fisherville and Long Point areas and the following are some of the highlights. We started out after midnight checking back roads around Cayuga for Owls and came up with 5 E. Screech and 11 Great horned Owls and we were not even looking for those 2 species. From here it was off to Simcoe to the necessary Tim Horton's at dawn. We now went off to the Long Point area and in the Long Point Provincial Park (closed so no fee, but you have to walk in) and there to the right of the gate in the maintenance building area we found C. Redpoll, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, C. Grackle, Rusty Blackbird, B-h Cowbird, P. Siskin, and lots of common winter species. In the Port Rowan area we found H. Lark, Bald Eagle, 10 Tundra Swans together overhead, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shined Hawk and N. Goshawk along with 2 E. Bluebirds (1 male checking a nest box). In the afternoon we headed back towards the Fisherville area stopping at the Nanticoke hydro plant area and here we found 2 N. Shrike and a nice adult Bald Eagle. (Note- As we walked towards the bluff to view the waterfowl we were stopped by security and told that we were on private property, so be aware because he was right and you may be stopped also). It was now off to the road areas bound by Regional Rd 53, Conc.6 Rd, Reg. Rd 20 and Conc. Rd 4 at Fisherville and in this area we found many Rough-legged Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, N. Harriers, Horned Larks and 1 Short-eared Owl roosting and hunting at dusk. Here are some of our totals-Tundra Swan 10, Bald Eagle 2, N. Harrier 6, Sharp-shinned Hawk 2, N/ Goshawk 1, Red-tailed Hawk 28, Rough-legged Hawk 21, American Kestrel 7, N. Shrike 2, Owls - see above, Horned Lark 32, Common Redpoll 8, N. Cardinal 13, Re-winged Blkbird 57, C. Grackle 2, Rusty Blkbird 7, Brn-h Cowbird - 62 plus there lots of waterfowl on Lake Erie west of Peacock Point and at the Hydro plant area (south of Hagersville east and west of the foot of Sandusk Rd). We now headed home and thanks to Stan we received a bonus along Lakeshore Rd just west of the bridge at Bronte an E. Screech Owl was spotted as it flew across the road in front of us. PS - In about 2 weeks time the Long Point area should be teeming with Swans and other waterfowl (do not quote me). Norm DIRECTIONS LONG POINT PROVINCIAL PARK (FEE IN SEASON) The Provincial Park at Long Point is southwest of Hamilton, directly south of Port Rowan. To reach it you can drive south on Hwy 6 from Hamilton, passing through Hagersville and turning right, west in Jarvis onto Hwy 3, drive to Simcoe and turn left, south on Hwy 24 and follow this to Hwy 59, ( it curves to the west south of town) turn left, south on Hwy 59 and drive right down about 8 km and past the golf coarse and you will be on the causeway. Drive on across the bridge and continue past the marina on your left. The road comes to Lake Erie where it curves to the left through the cottage / retail business area. Continue driving along this road passing Old Cut Road and you will come to the park entrance. NOTE: Be sure to lock your car and put your valuables out of sight). CAYUGA and FISHERVILLE RAPTOR or OWL SANCTUARY ON 6th CONCESSION IN HALDIMAND-NORFOLK On the way down to Long Point on Hwy 6 to the centre of Hagersville, turn left on Hwy 20 (King Street). Drive along Hwy 20 past the junction with Hwy 9 to Selkirk Road (Road 53) and turn right (south). Drive down Selkirk Road past Hwy 3 and turn LEFT (east) at the 3rd road (Concession 6) south of this highway. Drive along here about ½ to 3/4 km and you will see a sign on your right with a picture of an owl on it. This is the sanctuary. (NOTE) After passing south of Hwy 3 you will notice Concession 6 on your right, continue on about ½ km as the Concession 6 you want is on your left. HWY 20 S.E. OF HAGERSVILLE Use the above directions, but instead of turning right at Selkirk road continue on down towards Lake Erie. There are many wood lots in the area as this is the Fisherville area made famous by John Miles with his Christmas counts and annual February OFO outings. CAYUGA Return to Hwy 3 from the Owl Sanctuary area and drive east for about 10km and your there. If you are coming from Hagersville just drive southeast down Regional Rd 20 to Hwy 3 at Nelles Corners and turn left (east. If coming from Toronto and the QEW an alternate route could be that you exit at Exit 88 (Centennial Pkwy) and drive south). This is Regional Rd 20 that becomes Reg, Rd 56. Drive straight down 56 to Hwy 3 and turn right (west) for about 8km and you will bump into Cayuga. A good alternate route from above is to turn right (west) on Indiana Rd E just below Empire Corners and drive to the Grand River at Hwy 64 and turn left to Cayuga checking for Owls all along the
Peregrine among 5 raptors in southwest Whitby-Feb.29
After a wonderful 2 weeks of birding, pyramid-climbing sightseeing in the Yucatan I return to my Cranberry Marsh haunt--on Leap-day Sunday I was pleased to see 5 different raptors in the Lynde Shores C.A. properties-- in trees near Hall's Rd. were a PEREGRINE, a white morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS. Below the Lynde Shores woodlot were a N.HARRIER and an AMERICAN KESTREL. A male R-n Pheasant was noted crossing the north pathway leading to the marsh. The only birds that I was able to pick up at the feeder areas were House Finch, Tree Sparrow, Swamp Sp., Song Sp., Am. Goldfinch, Chickadee, Blue Jay, N.Cardinal and W-b Nuthatch. Hall's Rd. is the first street east of Lakeridge Rd. in southwest Whitby, accessible from Victoria St. Doug Lockrey, Whitby Doug Lockrey [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Horned Larks and Wild Turkeys in Markham and Uxbridge
Valerie and I spotted 4 Horned Larks in a farmfield northeast of Steeles Ave on Conc 11 in Markham. Further along in our drive north along the concessions, we then spotted 4 Wild Turkeys in a field at Durham Regional Rd 21 and Salem Road, near the large cellular tower at the Durham Regional Forest. The field was north of the entrance to LaFarge on the west side of the road. The snowy field was covered in a large maze of turkey tracks. Steve Squires and Valerie Walker Toronto [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Snowy Owl- Lakeshore Psychiatric grounds
The owl was seen today at around 1:30 pm, perched on a roof architectural detail,on one of the former psychiatric hospital buildings. On a tip from Ray Geras, Dennis Duckworth, Dave Don and daughter, Tom Crooks and myself, observed him at length. He was preening and revelling in the sunshine. Directions: Follow Kipling Ave south past Lakeshore Blvd. Immediately before the road curves sharply right, turn left into Humber campus access road. There is a row of renovated buildings, parallel to the lake. The owl was on the roof of the secondbuilding. AnnePinteric [EMAIL PROTECTED] Toronto, Ont. sp; The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* "anne pinteric" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Quinte Area Bird Report
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY AND THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, February 29, 2004 Today is the close of the winter season, as far as winter bird lists go, and birders this evening are likely compiling their totals for the season. In Prince Edward County, a total of 114 species was confirmed. Nothing too terribly spectacular during the season, although GLAUCOUS GULL, ICELAND GULL, BLACK VULTURE, HERMIT THRUSH, FOX SPARROW, TUFTED TITMOUSE, COMMON RAVEN, and what appears to be southeastern Ontario's only appearance of a GRAY JAY (near Bloomfield) were all nice additions to the season's final tally. Warmer weather during the past week reflected favourably on ice conditions around the county. Although limited open water can be found at Wellington Harbour (there were 4 MUTE SWANS there Saturday), conditions along the Lake Ontario shoreline are improving. The large ice banks are slowly dwindling along this shoreline and large numbers of waterfowl are vacating the south shore and slowly moving in toward Prince Edward Bay. Over 1,800 COMMON GOLDENEYE were counted between Kaiser Road and the end of Cressy Lakeside Road during the week, many of which were engaged in courtship. COMMON MERGANSERS, relatively absent all winter, started to reappear last week, but are still likely a week before their peak. A pair of NORTHERN PINTAIL turned up just west of Point Traverse on the weekend, and WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and LONG-TAILED DUCKS were present at Prince Edward Point. During an aerial survey of the Lake Ontario shoreline on February 23rd, between Prince Edward Point and the Cressy area, and Nicholson's Island at Huyck's Point over 16,000 ducks were seen comprising 10 species. Among them were 8,408 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 4,803 COMMON GOLDENEYE, 1,606 scaup, and 1,163 BUFFLEHEADS. Included in the totals for the day too were 51 REDHEADS, seen in the Soup Harbour and south shoreline area. But it wasn't just waterfowl that was seen during the week in the county, particularly in the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. Birders down that way on Friday saw NORTHERN FLICKER, 2 PURPLE FINCHES and a BARRED OWL. Of particular interest was a flock of 450 waxwings, 250 of which turned out to be BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS. With the 9 seen almost two weeks ago at Massassauga Point, and recent reports of them on the OntarioBirds listserv, birders in the county should be watchful of any flocks of waxwings appearing in the area over the next little while. The North Marysburgh peninsula, including Waupoos, Cressy Lakeside, Prinyer's Cove and crossroads in between, and located directly across Prince Edward Bay from Prince Edward Point, has been drawing the interest of birders in recent years. Prinyer's Cove in recent years has hosted a varied thrush, Say's phoebe and Ross's goose, just to name a few of the specialties this area has produced. In addition, Kaiser Crossroad in the spring hosts thousands of ducks in the flooded fields there, and the lakeshore harbours large numbers of waterfowl as well. Understandably, birders are focusing on this area more and more now. Birders down there on Friday came up with 2 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, NORTHERN FLICKER, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, and WILD TURKEYS. An accommodating NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL was found sitting on a fence under a cedar overhang, where it was seen again in the same spot some three hours later. On Friday, there was an adult BALD EAGLE in a tree near Waupoos, a MERLIN at the Milford Road turn-off, 2 NORTHERN FLICKERS, and a PILEATED WOODPECKER at South Bay, NORTHERN SHRIKE at Cressy, and 4 female PURPLE FINCHES at Massassauga Point. Also of interest was a backyard RED-TAILED HAWK in Bloomfield, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS at the Rutherford-Stevens Lookout above Smith's Bay, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER near Little Bluff Conservation Area, and 5 SCREECH OWLS north of Trenton. Feeder reports were few during the week, but of interest were RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, COMMON REDPOLLS and PINE SISKINS coming to a feeder on Glenora Road, just east of Picton, and a PINE SISKIN at a feeder along County Road 8 just west of The Rock. Whether or not it's a good omen, there was a KILLDEER calling vigorously along Dundas Street at the east end of Belleville on Tuesday. And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Silvia Botnick, Fred Chandler, Albert Boisvert, Lloyd Paul, Donald McClure, Bob Sachs and Michael Schummer for their contributions to this week's report. This report also appears weekly on the Birding page at www.naturestuff.net. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 29th. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good winter birding. By the way, a new Nature Forum has just been introduced to the NatureStuff website. Join us if you can for lively discussions. Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.naturestuff.net Terry Sprague [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit
Blackbirds in Guelph - Feb. 29 2004
Hi everyone, Tonight at dusk (Feb. 29th) I had a mixed flock of approximately 40 Common Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds fly overhead while I was walking my dog. I suspect they were going to roost along the Speed River. I live in the northern part of Guelph. This is a sure sign of things to come! Cheers, Karl Konze Guelph, Ontario [EMAIL PROTECTED] Karl Konze [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
