[Ontbirds]Corrections: Ottawa - "5 Goose Day"
Hello again Ontbirds people, In case anyone caught this OOOPS - There was only ONE "Chris Lewis" with us when we saw these birds...maybe I was just "beside myself" with excitement ;-) If there was another Chris Lewis out there who saw them too, I hope she/he enjoyed as much as I did! And, if you're really good spotter (and really interested in the directions to the Ross's Goose) - you may also have noticed the mention of "Break Brook" in the directions. This should be "BEAR Brook". Maybe the "other " Chris Lewis had something to do with this;-) Chris Lewis Ottawa, ON [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Red-breasted Mergansers, west Ottawa
The west side of Shirley's Bay dike is now basically open, with just some lingering ice in the far bay this morning. Birding was decent, with a pair of Red-breasted Merganser (quite uncommon in spring in Ottawa), an adult Bald Eagle (which landed on the aforementioned ice), and my first Double-crested Cormorant of the year, which was showing its double crests to advantage. There were also several of the common bay ducks. Note that a scope was required to get good views of most of these birds. On the road down to the dike there were at least a dozen Rusty Blackbirds (in the flooded area) and a Winter Wren. The crows were making a tremendous racket. They presumably had a Great Horned Owl (known residents of the area), but the flooding didn't allow me to investigate. On the west side of Rifle Rd (about half way down), look for the huge Osprey nest on one of the big electricy pylons--not that you're likely to miss it! Paul Matthews, Ottawa Directions: You MUST call ahead to Range Control (613-991-5740) to get permission to visit the dike, which is close to an active firing range. Access is usually granted, but please respect any restrictions. Going west from Ottawa on the 417, exit Moodie north, then turn left (west) at the T-junction at Carling. After a couple of kms, turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park in either of the lots at the end of Rifle and walk west along the road that's perpendicular to Rifle. Turn right (north) on the dirt road/track that has signs with no entry symbols. Proceed down the road, which eventually becomes the dike. ___ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Great Egret at Reesor Pond
Great Egret seen Sunday April 20 about 1 pm. Also Caspian Tern, Great Black-backed Gulls, D-c Cormorants, Bufflehead, Common Merganser. Reesor Pond is on Reesor Rd (10th line) Markham, between hwy 7 and 14th avenue. Lys Laurence ___ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Rondeau Bird Report - Sun April 20
Ontbirders: For all those who love warblers, waterfowl, and winged migrants of all sorts, Rondeau Provincial Park will once again be offering a spring birding program. I will lead a guided bird hike twice daily from May 3 to 19 (fee $5) as follows: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 7:30 am & 1 pm; Tuesday & Thursday 7:30 am & 7 pm.; Friday 7:30 am. All of the 7:30 am and 1 pm hikes listed above will meet at the Visitor Centre. The 7 pm hikes will meet at the entrance to the Marsh Trail. A second hike on Friday at 1 pm will meet at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons. The Friends of Rondeau will provide a birders' brunch for a small donation (coffee, tea, bagels, soups & treats) daily from 7 - 11 am. There will also be a special program, date to be announced. 7 pm - evening presentation of spring migration at Rondeau An Evening in the Forest with LaForest (contact Visitor Centre for tickets) -- Directions: Take exit 101 from Highway 401 and drive South 16 km on Chatham Kent Road 15. Follow the signs to the park. The Bird Sightings Book, Bird Sightings Board and other relevant information are located at the Visitor Centre (open 7 am to 5 pm from May 3 - 19). To reach the Centre from the park gate, travel 6 km South on Rondeau Road to Gardiner Ave. and follow it around the bend to the parking lot. Steve LaForest Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide c/o Rondeau Visitor Centre (519) 674-1768 _ Try Chicktionary, a game that tests how many words you can form from the letters given. Find this and more puzzles at Live Search Games! http://g.msn.ca/ca55/207___ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]OFO Field Trip - Tiny Marsh
Today's OFO trip to Tiny Marsh northwest of Barrie took place under sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperatures. These conditions brought out a hatch of midges and/or gnats that formed some pretty impressive clouds of insect life as we walked the 8 km dike trail. For some people the heat and the bugs were a little overwhelming, so what started off as a group of about 35 people was whittled down to about 15 participants by lunchtime. Species total for the day was 61 species, about average for this hike. Highlights of the collective list were: PEREGRINE FALCON, SANDHILL CRANE, AMERICAN BITTERN, OSPREY, CASPIAN TERN, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, YELLOW-RUMPED and PINE WARBLER, WILD TURKEY, WOOD DUCK, WHITE-CROWNED and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, BROWN CREEPER, NORTHERN HARRIER, PIED-BILLED GREBE and AMERICAN COOT. We observed 13 ducks species as well. I'd like to thank all of those who came out for this annual trip, especially the dozen or so sun-reddened souls who were able to do the full day. I thoroughly enjoyed your company and the good camaraderie - to me that's more than half the fun of such trips. If any OFO members would like to consider sponsoring me for the Baillie Birdathon in May, let me know. I will be birding York region with a team of West Humber Naturalists. Ron Fleming, Newmarket ___ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Sightings east of Ottawa
From the 417 I drove north to Fournier where the best place for me to see thousands of Snow Geese was Lefebvre Rd. Earlier I drove around Riceville and to Bourget where I saw a male Belted Kingfisher by the road, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintails, a Common Raven, Horned Larks and Savannah Sparrows. Continuing to Alfred from Fournier, I went to the Lagoons where I was delighted to see lovely signage welcoming birders with open arms! The first cell to the right of the parking lot had open water and several Redhead Ducks. The first cell to the left has mostly open water and lots of vegetation. The back cell has mostly ice except around the edges. Many Canada Geese were in the field east of the Lagoons. When up on the tower, I could see small numbers of waterfowl, including American Coot, Ruddy Duck, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon and lots of Red-winged Blackbirds. A pair of Northern Harriers were hunting nearby. I continued up the same road to the Ottawa River. Just before getting there I saw a Rough-legged Hawk on my left and 2 possible Red- tailed Hawks in a White Pine. Heat shimmers are active already! I heard EAstern Meadowlark, too. Back in Ottawa, down by the Crowne Plaza Hotel between 5:30 and 6 pm, Connor ( male Peregrine) was on the east ledge and Diana ( female Peregrine) was on the antenna of the Carlisle Building. ___ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Red-necked Grebe - Ontario Science Centre
Hi all, In addition to the Yellow-throated Warbler I observed yesterday morning (April 19) with my son at 17 North Hills Terrace, Don Mills, I also observed a single Bohemian Waxwing at 78 North Hills Terrace. It, along with about 17 Cedar Waxwings, appeared to be sipping on sap oozing out of a birth tree. I observed this same behaviour again this morning, along with the Bohemian. The birds were not always present but could be heard calling from other nearby residences. We then went to the Sunnybrook/Wilket Creek Park system (yesterday) where we observed a single Red-necked Grebe in the large wetland behind the Ontario Science Centre. I must admit this was quite a surprise. I don't recall seeing this species in such a small inland body of water. Also present were at least 4 Hooded Mergansers and 5 Double-crested Cormorants. Canada Geese were already on nests and a few Midland Painted Turtles were observed sunning themselves along the margins. Also present were several Tree Swallows, Belted Kingfisher and what was likely a Mink. In the adjacent conifer patch, a Yellow- rumped Warbler and Ruby-crowned Kinglet could be heard singing. I was also somewhat surprised not to hear any Chorus Frogs calling. At least in the past (10+ years ago), they used to be resident. I return visit last night also didn't produce any calling although the loud music from the rave didn't help matters. I hope their not gone for good. Behind Sunnybrook Hospital a migrant/resident Pine Warbler sang. As for the Yellow-throated Warbler, I cannot say what subspecies it was. I didn't even have my binoculars with me! I'm also assuming it was a male but I can't be certain. I looked for it briefly this morning but found nothing. Cheers, Karl Konze Guelph, Ontario PS. Thanks Hugh for posting my observation! ___ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - "5 Goose Day" - including ROSS'S GOOSE
Hello Ontbirds people, >From Bob Bracken, Chris Lewis, Bob Cermak, Bernie Ladouceur, Chris Lewis & >Paul Mirsky: A great day for waterfowl in Ottawa! Among a total of 21 spp. (a good number for this date in the Ottawa area), we observed. - 1 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (flew into the pond along Moodie Dr. south of Trail Rd. at ~ 11:00 AM) - a small # of SNOW GEESE (in fields along Frank Kenny Rd. south of Navan, ON) - 1 ROSS'S GOOSE (swimming & calling in a flooded field on the east side of Frank Kenny Rd., approx. 200 -250 m. from the bridge over Bear Brook. This was from 9:30 - 10:00 AM. It was most recently reported from this location at ~ 1:00 PM). Aside from a single Snow Goose, it was the ONLY "white" goose in this location) - 1 CACKLING GOOSE (feeding/resting in a field on the west side of Frank Kenny, north of Russell Rd.) - CANADA GOOSE (countless 1,000's everywhere) Other good birds for Ottawa at this time of year: At the Moodie Dr. pond were a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers and at least 15 Ruddy Ducks among several of the more common divers & dabblers. Lots more Green-winged Teal (in various locations) than earlier in the week, but other numbers of ducks remain quite low. DIRECTIONS: For ROSS'S GOOSE: From Ottawa, take Hwy 417 east to the 417/174 split, continue southeast on the 417. Exit at #96 (Boundary Rd.) Turn left (north) on Boundary to Carlsbad Springs. Turn right (east) on Cty Rd. #26 (Russell Rd.) and proceed to #33 (Frank Kenny). Left (north) on Frank Kenny to the bridge over Break Brook., south of McFadden Rd. Look east toward the farm with the large silos. For CACKLING GOOSE: Doubt that it will still be where we saw it - there is so much goose movement, and changes every day. But keep scanning the Canada's and don't get "goosed out" ! For GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE: From Ottawa, take Hwy 417 west to Hwy 416. Go south on the 416 to exit #66 (Fallowfield Rd.) Turn right (west) on Fallowfield to Moodie Dr. Left (south) on Moodie. After the sign to the Trail Rd. Landfill, look for the very large pond on your left. This is an active sand & gravel operation and is PRIVATE PROPERTY, however, most of the birds were visible from the gate. Hope everyone is enjoying the great weather & the "explosion" of life out there! Chris Lewis Ottawa, ON [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Green Heron-Port Burwell
Birders; Having to keep ears and eyes close to home on Sat April 19th but one new spring arrival was noted , a Green Heron which landed in the willow tree beside my pond around 6:00 p.m.It stayed perhaps 10 minutes before flying off. Large numbers of brightly coloured white-throated sparrows arrived on Friday April 18th. New species for the week included an osprey on Wed. April16th and a short-eared owl ,just before dusk near the harbour in Port Burwell on the 15th. The king fishers have also begun excavating a nesting burrow in the cliff face. Good Birding. Ron Allensen . Directions; Port Burwell is on lake Erie at the southern terminus of hiway 19. . Take Ingersol exit south from 401. _ Enter today for your chance to win $1000 a day—today until May 12th. Learn more at SignInAndWIN.ca http://g.msn.ca/ca55/215___ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Yellow-headed Blackbird at Long Point
Yesterday afternoon at approximately 2 p.m. a male Yellow-headed Blackbird was observed by myself and several other birders. It was in the trees on the west side of the parking lot across the street from the Long Point Bird Observatory Old Cut Field Station. It was very co-operative and sat for quite some time calling and allowing great views in the spotting scope set up and also good photos. After some time it flew off to the west. There is also a Killdeer sitting on a nest in the parking lot. The area has been staked off to hopefully protect the nest. Darlene Sauder Walsingham, ON Directions to Old Cut Field Station: Follow Hwy 59 south to Long Point. Turn left on Old Cut Blvd just before the entrance to Long Point Provincial Park. Old Cut Field Station is on the right approximately 5 houses down and the parking lot is on the left just past this. ___ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Beamer Point Migrants on April 19, 2008
Migrating raptors were few and far between most of the day at Beamer. Early in the day, small numbers of broad-winged hawks were moving low to the ground making it possible to get some decent photographs. Migrating raptors included broad-winged hawk, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier, turkey vulture, bald eagle, coopers hawk, sharp-shinned hawk and American kestrel. Pictures of some the hawks and purple finch are located here: http://tinyurl.com/584ta8 The passerine migration in the morning was better than the raptor migration. I observed at least 40 yellow-rumped warblers with golden and ruby-crowned kinglets, a blue-grey knatcatcher, eastern phoebe, purple finch, brown thrasher, brown creeper, red-bellied woodpecker, yellow-bellied sapsucker and a few white-throated sparrows. In total, I saw 49 species during the day at Beamer. A complete list of birds observed can be seen here: http://tinyurl.com/62bztu Good Birding Jacques Giraud Site Description: Beamer Conservation Area is located on top of the Niagara Escarpment above the town of Grimsby, Ontario. The site is 1km south of the south shore of Lake Ontario, 20km east of Hamilton, 40km west of Niagara Falls. Directions to site: To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 72, follow Christie St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your car. ___ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Reesor Pond : Great Egret
7am today at Reesor Pond - 1 Great Egret, fine breeding plumage, no legbands - Reesor Pond lies just Norh of Hwy 407 on Reesor Road in Markham - S Long ___ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
