[Ontbirds] Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending October 18, 2007.
Now that most of the southbound land birds have passed through Presqu'ile Provincial Park, the focus of birding has shifted back to the surrounding waters, which have seen growing numbers of waterfowl in the past week and one rare gull. A lone Brant was at Owen Point on October 14, and a flock of about 60 flew past the lighthouse two days later. Four Gadwalls were in Popham Bay on October 16. Three Northern Pintails have been accompanying the Mallards near Owen Point for several days. In the huge flocks of Greater Scaup and Redheads in Popham Bay and Presqu'ile Bay, there were at least two Ring-necked Ducks, but surprisingly no Canvasbacks as yet. All three species of scoters have been seen this week, the most common being White-winged Scoters, which are in good numbers off the south shore of the peninsula. A few Surf Scoters are present almost every day now in Presqu'ile Bay and Popham Bay, and one Black Scoter put in a brief appearance off beach 1 on October 17. Two Long-tailed Ducks on October 14 were the first of the season. Small numbers of Buffleheads and Common Goldeneyes are being seen almost every day now. A few Hooded Mergansers have been off Gull Island for the past four days, and the flocks of Red-breasted Mergansers are beginning to build up towards the thousands that are expected within the next week. At least 60 Common Loons were counted on October 15, and a few dozen are still around. One other loon among them but seen at a considerable distance looked suspiciously like a Pacific Loon in breeding plumage. In Popham Bay the high count of Horned Grebes reached 140 on October 15, and a Red-necked Grebe was also there on that day and the next. A Bald Eagle was seen twice on October 15. A Merlin was near the lighthouse on October 13. Although ten species of shorebirds have been seen in the Park in the past week, only five remained today, including three Ruddy Turnstones on Sebastopol Island. A late Spotted Sandpiper on October 16 was one of two seen in the past week. Two Baird's Sandpipers were off Owen Point on October 14. Birders should be on the lookout for Red Phalaropes, which occasionally appear at this time of year, as well as rare gulls. Unquestionably the rarest find of this week was a Sabine's Gull that accompanied the Bonaparte's Gulls on October 16 but has not been seen since. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo spent much of the day on October 11 behind the Park store. A report of a Red-headed Woodpecker on October 15 could not be confirmed. Eastern Phoebes have been seen every day for the past week, averaging 2 or 3 birds a day. Carolina Wrens have been detected at two widely separated locations, - behind 83 Bayshore Road and near the lighthouse. The latter bird, present since late August, has made occasional visits to the feeders at 191 Bayshore Road. Unless it is calling it is difficult to find, and it is calling less frequently these days than before. One or two Eastern Bluebirds have been at the east end of the calf pasture for the past three days and two more were on the beach 1 access road today. Hermit Thrushes are still present in the Park, five individuals having been seen on one day late last week. There are good numbers of American Pipits on Gull Island. Warblers are now scarce and apparently limited to one species, Yellow-rumped Warbler. Sparrows are also less numerous than a week ago. The first American Tree Sparrow of the season was at the lighthouse on October 16. A flock of 25 Chipping Sparrows has been near there for the past two days. The first two Fox Sparrows of the season were near the lighthouse on October12, and another was at 83 Bayshore Road, along with a Field Sparrow, a few days later. A Vesper Sparrow was seen on two of the past three days along the road at 66 Bayshore Road. Small flocks of Snow Buntings have been on Gull Island and along the beach since October 16. As many as 30 Pine Siskins were swarming the feeders at 186 and 191 Bayshore Road for several days but most of them have moved on. Five Evening Grosbeaks spent the day on October 12 making frequent visits to the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road. To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton. Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid that is available at the Park gate. It should be noted that, because duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Gull "Island", High Bluff Island, and part of the calf pasture are not available for bird-watching on those days. Again this year, birders and others will be permitted at Owen Point on hunting days for the first few weeks of the hunting season. Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be directed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- -- Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road, R.R. #4, Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0 VOICE: (613) 475 5309 If visiting, access via Presqu'i
[Ontbirds]Sandhill Cranes, Cackling Geese, etc - Ottawa
Hello Ontbirders With pleasant temperatures and calm winds we birded areas east of Ottawa this morning. At least 54 Sandhill Cranes were observed between Frank Kenny Road and Mer Bleue. Although small flocks of 3, 4 or 5 individuals each (likely family groups) kept flying from field to field, they finally came together into 2 main areas: 1) west of Milton Road, north of Perrault (25 and 3) 2) east & west of the corner of Trim and McFadden (10, 13 and 3) American Pipits, Red-tailed Hawks and Northern Harriers were fairly visible throughout the morning. Also one dark morph Rough-legged Hawk was hunting near Trim and Wall Roads. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/merblu8.htm With continued unseasonably warm and calm conditions, I birded the Ottawa Beach area this evening. Although most of the scoters from yesterday evening had vanished (200 + Black Scoters and 150+ White-winged Scoters - mostly adult drakes) There were still 16 Surf Scoter, 18 White-winged Scoter and 2 Black Scoter, all together and close to shore (including one adult drake each of Black and Surf). At least 14 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were present. 3 Cackling Geese came in with a small group of Canadas at about 5:30pm - besides obvious small size, look for short necks, short bill and a slightly paler appearance. The three stayed close together throughout my observation. Directions courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo13.htm Cheerio Tony Beck 158-B Woodridge Cr., Ottawa, Ont. K2B 7S9 tel.: 613-828-5936 website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds] Quinte Area Bird Report for the week ending October 18, 2007
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY AND THE QUINTE AREA FOR THE WEEK ENDING Thursday, October, 18, 2007 At Prince Edward Point this past week, a RED-THROATED LOON flew past on the 16th and a few COMMON LOONS are going past as well. The DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT numbers are dropping rapidly and only about 500 remain offshore most days now. TURKEY VULTURES (120) were seen on the 14th and 54 CANADA GEESE flew over that day as well. AMERICAN WIGEON are not common down here but 5 flew past on the 17th and a RING-NECKED DUCK was swimming just offshore on the 15th. Although there are not many GREATER SCAUP offshore yet there were 1000 seen on the 14th, but 50 or fewer is the norm. WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS have been increasing during the week and 300 have been seen feeding just offshore for the last two days. Thirty SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS were counted on the 14th along with 28 RED-TAILED HAWKS, and the first RED-SHOULDERED HAWK of the fall. Owling has continued to be very good with 421 NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS trapped during the week and includes a record breaking 236 on the night of the 12th/13th. We are now at 1162 SAW-WHETS banded for the fall with still another two weeks to go. Up to 3 BARRED OWLS have been seen nightly and 7 have been trapped during the week. On the 16th, a LONG EARED OWL was trapped and had also been heard the night before. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS were trapped on the 13th and 14th and HAIRY WOODPECKERS have started to move with up to 3 a day being seen. BLUE JAYS have almost finished moving with only 20 - 50 a day being seen although there were 155 on the 14th. The 14th saw a flock of 38 AMERICAN CROWS slowly make their way across the field. BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES continue to move with the best day this week being 100 on the 17th and 120 on the 18th. Fifteen WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were seen on the 14th with up to 10 seen most days since. The 12th saw 100 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS and 75 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS being observed, although numbers remain below average for this time of the year. A single GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH remains in the area and up to 20 HERMIT THRUSHES are seen daily. A few AMERICAN ROBINS have started moving and 48 were seen on the 14th, 230 seen on the 17th, and 80 were present on the 18th. CEDAR WAXWING numbers are starting to pick up and 50 were seen on the 16th, and on the 17th a small group of 15 feeding at the end of the woods had a nice BOHEMIAN WAXWING in with them; this is the first one seen here in the fall while the Observatory has been open, and usually they arrive just after the Observatory is closed for the fall. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was trapped on the 14th and one or two NASHVILLE WARBLERS are hanging on, as are a few BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS, and 200 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were counted on the 12th, but 15 or fewer daily is more normal this week. A PINE WARBLER was trapped on the 12th and later in the afternoon four more unbanded birds were seen feeding on the front lawn. A late BLACKPOLL WARBLER was banded on the 14th. One to three FOX SPARROWS a day are being seen or banded and the number of WHITE-THROATED and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS being seen has dropped to only a few of each. A few blackbirds are moving and 70 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS were counted going over on the 14th, and 17 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen on the 12th, and 8 were seen on the 14th. Six PINE SISKINS were on the feeders on the 12th and first thing on the 15th there were 6 EVENING GROSBEAKS on the feeders but they quickly flew off, but fortunately returned mid-morning and 5 of them were trapped and banded. Elsewhere across Prince Edward county, the bold and the beautiful were in the news this week. SANDHILL CRANES, presumably different individuals, have appeared east of Milford on October 13th (3), and another two at Cressy the following day, while the Milford individuals were still present. Last weekend, a Massassauga Road resident was surprised to see a colourful newcomer to his backyard which turned out to be an ORANGE-FRONTED PARAKEET, native to Mexico, and most probably an escapee from a private collection. Bird feeders across the region are experiencing high numbers of DARK-EYED JUNCOS as the species continues to migrate through the area. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, also moving through, have shown up at many feeders this past week, but it is still a bit too early to get a feel for what the winter may bring in the way of boreal species. While predictions indicate that the majority of PINE SISKINS departed Ontario some time ago in search of cone crops east and west, and that fewer than a handful are apt to visit feeders in this area this coming season, one observer in Stirling was alarmed to have at least 30 crowding around two niger seed feeders. Down in the Bay of Quinte area, only a few select feeders have the predicted two or three coming to dine. Predictions that EVENING GROSBEAKS may move south this winter ar
[Ontbirds]Evening Grosbeak - Norfolk County
Very suprised to find a female Evening Grosbeak at my feeder this morning. Didi not see it in the early afternoon and have been out since mid-afternoon. Will post again if it returns tomorrow. Anne H. Davidson 1805 Norfolk County Road 19 West RR3 Vanessa ON Canada N0E 1V0 519-446-3589 Southwest of Brantford and north of Simcoe near Highway #24. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]WNY Dial-a-Bird 18 Oct 2007
- RBA * New York * Buffalo * 10/18/2007 * NYBU0710.18 - Birds mentioned -- Please phone in any rare sightings so they may be shared via the DAB telephone update system, and submit email contributions directly to dfsuggs localnet com. Thank you, David -- RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD EURASIAN WIGEON ROSS'S GOOSE L. BLACK-B. GULL SANDHILL CRANE Great Egret Snow Goose Brant Gadwall Long-tailed Duck Surf Scoterwwsc Osprey Bald Eagle Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Wilson's Snipe Jaeger species Eastern Screech-Owl Great Horned Owl Red-bellied Wdpkr. Yellow-b. Sapsucker Pileated Woodpecker Eastern Phoebe Tufted Titmouse Red-br. Nuthatch Brown Creeper House Wren Golden-cr. Kinglet Ruby-cr. Kinglet Eastern Bluebird Hermit Thrush Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird American Pipit Blue-headed Vireo Pine Warbler Indigo Bunting Amer. Tree Sparrow Field Sparrow Lincoln's Sparrow Rusty Blackbird Red-winged Blackbird - Transcript Hotline: Dial-a-Bird at the Buffalo Museum of Science Date: 10/18/2007 Number: 716-896-1271 To Report:Same Compiler: David F. Suggs (dfsuggs at localnet com) Coverage: Western New York and adjacent Ontario Website: www.BOSBirding.org Thursday, October 18, 2007 Dial-a-Bird is a service provided by your Buffalo Museum of Science and this answering system was donated by the Buffalo Ornithological Society. Press (2) to leave a message, (3) for updates, meeting and field trip information and (4) for instructions on how to report sightings and use this system. To contact the Science Museum, call 896-5200. Highlights of reports received October 11 through October 18 from the Niagara Frontier Region include RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, EURASIAN WIGEON, ROSS'S GOOSE, L. BLACK-B. GULL and SANDHILL CRANE. The HUMMINGBIRD reports last week from Houghton, in the Allegany County Town of Caneadea, turns out to be two hummingbirds - one a confirmed, female RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD and the other likely an immature male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD. The female was identified in hand by a bander, and was still present on the 17th, at house #9705j on Route 19 in Houghton. October 18, a male EURASIAN WIGEON at the north blind, at Tifft Nature Preserve in Buffalo. October 14, an immature ROSS'S GOOSE in the Wyoming County Town of Bennington at Folsomdale and Bear Roads. On the 15th, probably the same goose near Bennington, on the Erie- Genesee county line. The RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD and ROSS'S GOOSE are first records for their respective counties. Another county first this week - 2 L. BLACK-B. GULLS on Rushford Lake in Allegany County. Highlights from the bos October 14th Count - 5 SANDHILL CRANES at Goose Pond in the Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area. In northwest Niagara County, including the Niagara River and Lake Ontario shore, 85 species and almost 10,000 individuals were counted. Highlights,, 3 GADWALL, 14 SURF SCOTER, 162 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, 7 LONG-TAILED DUCK, OSPREY, BALD EAGLE, 3 EASTERN SCREECH-OWL, 5 GREAT HORNED OWL, 23 RED-BELLIED WDPKR., PILEATED WOODPECKER, 13 RED-BR. NUTHATCHES, 12 each of EASTERN BLUEBIRD and HERMIT THRUSH, 200 AMERICAN PIPITS, AMER. TREE SPARROW, LINCOLN'S SPARROW and 65 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. Other count day highlights - on Lake Ontario at Olcott, 3 JAEGER SPECIES, possible POMARINE JAEGERS. On Niagara- Orleans County Line, 7 SNOW GEESE. In the Oak Orchard Area, 40 GREATER YELLOWLEGS and 5 WILSON'S SNIPE. In the Tonawanda Area, at the Lewiston Overlook, 9 GREAT EGRETS and 12 LESSER YELLOWLEGS. and, numerous RUSTY BLACKBIRDS in both areas. October 18 at Fort Niagara State Park, 14 BRANT feeding on the lawns. Other reports - FOX SPARROW in a Williamsville yard. And at Tifft Nature Preserve, 6 duck species, 9 YELLOW-B. SAPSUCKER, EASTERN PHOEBE, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, TUFTED TITMOUSE, 9 BROWN CREEPERS, HOUSE WREN, GOLDEN-CR. KINGLET, RUBY-CR. KINGLET, HERMIT THRUSH, GRAY CATBIRD, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, PINE WARBLER among 5 warbler species, FIELD SPARROW and LINCOLN'S SPARROW among 7 sparrow species and an almost late INDIGO BUNTING. And, at a feeder on Ruie Road in North Tonawanda, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. Dial-a-Bird will be updated Thursday evening, October 25. Please call in your sightings by noon Thursday. You may report sightings after the tone. Thank you for calling and reporting to Dial-a-Bird. - End Transcript ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]HSR: Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch (18 Oct 2007) 198 Raptors
Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 18, 2007 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Black Vulture0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 188 12789 13031 Osprey 0 19204 Bald Eagle 0 70315 Northern Harrier 2492 1724 Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 4264 13710 Cooper's Hawk0211400 Northern Goshawk 0 12 12 Red-shouldered Hawk 0252253 Broad-winged Hawk0 7 41018 Red-tailed Hawk 1750801 Rough-legged Hawk0 2 2 Golden Eagle 0 3 3 American Kestrel 0695 4397 Merlin 0 39231 Peregrine Falcon 0108138 Unknown 5 14 Total: 198 19718 76253 -- Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours Official Counter: Colin Horstead Observers:Alf Rider, Mary Carnahan, Ronnie Goodhand Visitors: None todayjust the usual suspects braving the threat of rain. Weather: Well...I have to give the group that did today's count credit for sticking it out with such rotten weather in the area. Luckily, the rain didn't get going till almost 1:00 p.m. at which point the count was shut down. Winds were quite strong to start the morning coming from the SE then eventually working around to the E and light. Temp is still high (thanks to the warm air being dragged up from the Gulf by this latest massive low) and got to a high of 20 C. Raptor Observations: Such a dismal day always results in a small count and today was no exception with just 198 birds tallied. Most of these were TV's (188) with a few Sharpies (7) and a couple of Harriers. Non-raptor Observations: Of note has been fairly significant flights of crows (they seem to like the heavy tail winds from the E) and reports of decent numbers of passerines. There were also 4 Monarchs spotted today. Predictions: As we come up to the weekend the weather is supposed to clear a bit which should help get the flight going a bit more. However, given the predicted winds are strong from the SW we'll likely see a split in the flight... with perhaps late Peregrines and Osprey and a few more Bald Ealges along the cliffwhile flights of buteos will almost certainly occur further inland. Report submitted by Dave Brown ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch information may be found at: http://www.ezlink.on.ca/~thebrowns/HawkCliff/index.htm Site Description: Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch: Oldest Hawkwatch in Ontario - since 1931 - located just east of Port Stanley on the cliff overlooking Lake Erie Directions to site: >From east 401, take the Highbury south cut off at London, follow Highbury (Hwy 30) south to St. Thomas. Highbury changes into South Edgeware at a large curve in the road to the west. Follow South Edgeware west to the first set of traffic lights - Burwell Road, turn left (south) and stay on this road. It becomes Fairview Ave (Regional Road 22), which runs directly into Hawk Cliff Road. You will see a sign for Hawkes Cliff Farm, where they sell fresh vegetables and a gravel road just beyond sign. Just continue down gravel road to viewing area. >From west 401, take the Highway # 4 (Colonel Talbot Rd.) exit south, through Talbotville, road now is Sunset Rd. continue towards St. Thomas; you will come to a veer in the road, straight up to St. Thomas, veer to the right for Port Stanley, follow Highway 4, now Sunset to Port Stanley. As you approach Port Stanley you will come to a large curve in the road with a sign saying East St, to the left. Take East St., and follow it to the first road left, (opposite Port Stanley Water Tower) Dexter Line. Follow Dexter Line approximately 2 km. and turn right down gravel road at Hawkes Cliff Farm, and follow gravel road to viewing area ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]Snow Geese at Grand Bend
Hi all, This afternoon at ~3:30 I observed 3 Snow Geese on the beach ~4/500 M south of the pier - 2 were blue and 1 white morph. There were also about a dozen Bonaparte's Gull flying around close to shore. Tuesday there were many more 'bonies' here, along with 5 Ruddy Duck and from Beach #3 in Pinery P.P. I saw 8 Horned Grebe. In the big burn area towards Burleigh bridge I saw 2 male E. Bluebird, 5/6 Purple Finch 3 Red-headed Woodpecker(2 ad. + 1 juv.) plus 1 ad. at the burn near the maintenance area. Birds seem to be on the move in this area despite all the southerly winds this week. Cheers! Maris Maris Apse 10094 Red Pine Road, Box 22, RR #2 Grand Bend ON N0M 1T0 (519) 238 - 8415 _ Express yourself with free Messenger emoticons. Get them today! http://www.freemessengeremoticons.ca/?icid=EMENCA122___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]Ottawa: Cackling Goose & migrants
Hello Everyone Today, October 17, 2007, birded along the Ottawa River from Britannia to Constance Bay. At Andrew Haydon Park there was 1 Cackling Goose along with 100's of Canada Geese swimming along the shoreline. At Shirley's Bay, 2 Red-necked Grebes were observed off the end of the dyke. In the Dunrobin area 18 Eastern Bluebirds, 20+ American Tree Sparrows, 2 Northern Shrike and a flock of 3 Evening Grosbeaks and 2 small groups of Pine Siskin were noted. Most of the birds were along Thomas Dolan Parkway and Greenland Roads. At Constance Bay an immature Bald Eagle was observed feeding along the shoreline. If you requiem additional information, please email me privately. good birding, Bruce Directions: Andrew Haydon Park: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west, turn north on Bayshore Drive, continue to Carling Ave. Turn left (west) on Carling Ave. Proceed along Carling Ave. and after passing Andrew Haydon Park Water playground entrance continue west to Holly Acres Road and turn right into Andrew Haydon Park. Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defence property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding. Bruce Di Labio 400 Donald B. Munro Drive P.O.Box 538 Carp,Ontario,K0A 1L0 (613)839-4395 Home (613)715-2571 Cell Di Labio Birding Website Courses and Field Trips http://www3.sympatico.ca/bruce.dilabio/ ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]OFO 25th Anniversary Convention: Leamington
Over 270 registrants (a record high) enjoyed a superlative 25th anniversary OFO Annual Convention at Leamington this past weekend. Field trips to Point Pelee National Park, Holiday Beach Conservation Area, St. Clair National Wildlife Area, Rondeau Provincial Park, Blenheim Sewage Lagoons, and nearby areas were undertaken on Saturday and Sunday, in great weather for birding. An all-time high tally for OFO conventions of 168 species was achieved over the weekend. Highlights particularly appreciated by participants included: Snow Goose, Cackling Goose, Red-throated Loon, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Long-billed Dowitcher, Little Gull, Sabine's Gull, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Wheatear, Cerulean Warbler, Grasshopper Sparrow, Le Conte's Sparrow, and Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. As always, we wish to thank all the trip leaders and birders for their enthusiastic participation on the field trips. Already, we are looking forward to next year's great convention at Hamilton, tentatively set for 4 and 5 October 2008. Hope to see you there! Good birding. Ron Tozer OFO Convention Bird List Compiler ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
