[Ontbirds]Ross's Goose, River Canard
Hi All, A Ross's Goose was viewed this morning amongt the many hundreds of Canada Geese on River Canard. The bird can be viewed from Canard Drive off Malden Road, Lasalle. Good birdin' Len Jones ___ 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]3 snowy owls NewLiskeard
3 immature snowy owls were discovered yesterday just east of NewLiskeard 1 owl has been seen 2 days in a row in the same vicinity. All 3 owls were within a 3 km distance of each other. No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.552 / Virus Database: 270.9.11/1820 - Release Date: 29/11/2008 6:52 PM ___ 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]Christmas Bird Counts and Winter Listing
Birders The winter listing season starts tomorrow on December 1 and continues until the end of February 28. Todd Pepper of Leamington has volunteered again to track an Ontario list of all species seen in the province over the period. I am assisting. This is an unofficial list intended for entertainment and increase interest in general birding during a slow period of the year. The list is posted on Blake Maybank's website. http://tinyurl.com/onwinter Please review the list and send your sightings to Todd (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]) and/or myself. We are also fast approaching the Christmas Bird Count season. December 14 to January 5. During that period over 100 counts will be held in Ontario. A list of compilers can be found at. http://www.bsc-eoc.org/volunteer/cbc/index.jsp?targetpg=compilerslang=EN A short list of Counts with dates can be found at http://app.audubon.org/cbcapp/findCircles.jsp Many counts are sponsored by local nature clubs. Try visiting club websites for dates and contacts. A list of nature club with websites can be found at the Ontario Nature website, click on the map at http://www.ontarionature.org/network/groups.html to find a group near you. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. [EMAIL PROTECTED] 905 279 9576 ___ 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]SNOW GEESE, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, 11 MIGRATING RAPTORS-CRANBERRY-NOV.30/08
A strong southeast wind with reasonable thermals (Thermal Updraft Velocity=200ft./min.), 3C (wind-chill much lower) and a falling BP greeted 15 observers and visitors to Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch on its last formal count-day. As ever, camaraderie prevailed, and between wind gusts we witnessed the wonderful sight of hawks floating effortlessly on the thermals. Once the raptors reached the wetland in front of us they continued on through--1 Cooper's, 5 Red-tailed, 4 Rough-leggeds (1 dark) and an Am. Kestrel (#701 being our first since Nov.1). --SEE TABLE BELOW Again, let me thank everyone of the 110 people who contributed to the watch since Aug.14. Approx. 90% of the 9,345 raptors came through on 25 of the 106 days--each of these days being marked by N/NW winds, rising Barometric Pressure and a TUV=200. AMONG THE NON-RAPTORS near the platform--- 4 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (one of which is a young one that has dark eyes); HOUSE FINCH; white-throated sparrow. OVERHEAD- 2 BLUE SNOW GEESE. CRANBERRY MARSH RAPTOR WATCH, sw Whitby, ON SUN.Nov.30/108 Observation time: 0900-1200 Coordinator: Doug Lockrey Official Counter:Doug Lockrey Observers: Brian Steele, Frank Oland, Jim Skene, Karen Jerry Scheenard and 15+ others From the 401 eastbound, exit at Salem Rd. in Ajax, south to Bayly, the east through Lakeridge Rd. to the first street beyond-Hall's Rd.--south toward the lake to the second roadside parking area. From the 401 westbound--exit at Brock St. in Whitby, south to Victoria St., west right through to Hall's Rd. Species Nov.30 CountMonth Total Season Total -- -- - - Black Vulture(BV) 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture(TV) 0 1 3205 Osprey(OS) 0 0 149 Bald Eagle(BE) 0 0 67 Northern Harrier (NH) 1 7 102 Sharp-shinned Hawk (SS)0 43 1501 Cooper's Hawk (CH) 1 15 123 Northern Goshawk (NG) 06 11 Red-shouldered Hawk(RS)0 14 24 Broad-winged Hawk(BW) 0 02042 Red-tailed Hawk(RT)5346 1218 Rough-legged Hawk (RL) 4 29 55 Golden Eagle(GE)0 1 9 American Kestrel (AK) 1 2 701 Merlin(ML) 0 2 29 Peregrine Falcon (PG) 0 3 20 Unknown Accipiter (UA)0 2 20 Unknown Buteo (UB)014 21 Unknown Falcon(UF) 0 0 3 Unknown Eagle (UE) 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor(UR)0 3 44 TOTAL 11 488 9344 - Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON ___ 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]Iroquois Shoreline Raptor Watch Nov.29th 30th/2008
ISRW HeberDown C.A. North Whitby,Ontario,Canada Nov. 30th/2008 Totals 2Day Year-End Turkey Vulture 0-0 1911 Osprey 0-0 33 Bald Eagle 0-0 39 N.Harrier 0-2 55 Sharp-Shinned 1-3 819 Coopers 0-1 64 N.Goshawk0-16 Red-Shoulder 0-0 82 Broad-Winged0-07714 Red-Tailed 3-6 822 Rough-Legged 1-2 32 Golden Eagle 0-0 67 A.Kestrel 0-0 156 Merlin 0-03 Peregrine 0-04 Unknown 0-0 35 Other0-01 Mississippi Kite Totals 5-10 11843 Hours3-2 236.5 Days Counting 58 Avg. per hour 50.2 Observers; 29th. Betsy Smith,Martin Bence,Mike Williamson Observers; 30th. Betsy Smith,Mike Williamson Over the last 3 migration seasons we have averaged just over 12,000 Raptors. This season was the year of the Eagles as we hit high counts for both Bald Golden. BE = 39 GE = 67 total = 106.We also had a visit of a Mississippi Kite which Alfred Adamo identified this 1 day after Hawk Cliff also recorded 1 . I would like to thank all who contributed to an excellent season of migrating Raptors !! Report submitted by Mike Williamson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Info. on ISRW can be found at torontobirding.ca/GTRW/projects Cheers Good birding in 2009 Mike ___ 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]Fort Erie - Rough-legged Hawk; Pintails; Scoters
Hi We found a light phase Rough-legged Hawk on Wilhelm Road in Fort Erie (take the QEW, get off at Netherby Rd and head west.. Turn left at Schihl Rd, then right at Forkes Rd E, then left at Wilhelm Rd . the bird was inbetween 2nd Concession and Hwy3. We also saw 6+ Northern Pintails and 12 Coots in Point Abino Bay (Head south on Wilhelm Rd toward Hwy 3 (Garrison Rd). Travel east on Hwy 3 and turn right at Point Abino Rd. Travel to the end of the road at the lake. Yesterday we had all three species of Scoter at the parking lot opposite Old Fort Erie. Follow the QEW south toward Fort Erie. Take the Central Ave. exit. Turn right onto Central Ave. Follow Central Ave. south toward the Niagara River. Turn right then follow the road for a short distance to Old Fort Erie. All the best Marcie Jacklin Fort Erie, Ontario ___ 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]HSR: Holiday Beach (30 Nov 2008) 37 Raptors
Holiday Beach Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 30, 2008 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Turkey Vulture 0710 21182 Osprey 0 0 48 Bald Eagle 0 13 99 Northern Harrier 3 93266 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1102 3532 Cooper's Hawk2 69218 Northern Goshawk 0 4 7 Red-shouldered Hawk 4197293 Broad-winged Hawk0 0 8953 Red-tailed Hawk 26 1408 2259 Rough-legged Hawk0 20 23 Golden Eagle 1 89133 American Kestrel 0 6597 Merlin 0 3 36 Peregrine Falcon 0 2 30 Unknown Accipiter0 0 0 Unknown Buteo0 4 9 Unknown Eagle0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 1 Total: 37 2720 37686 -- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours Official Counter:Claude Radley Observers:Jim McCoy Visitors: On this last day of the 2008 count I would like to thank all of those that participated. The Holiday Beach hawk tower is reknown not only for the birds we see but also for the great experience vistors enjoy. Our volunteers go a long way to enhance this reputation. Your help, encouragement and great company is much appreciated. Have a great winter all! Weather: Cloudy with brisk East winds and the temperature just above freezing. Very light rain started just before noon and became moderate by 12:30. Raptor Observations: Most birds were seen as they made landfall after being blown out over the lake. An adult Golden Eagle circled over the park for 10 minutes before heading West. The migration came to an abrupt halt when the intensity of the rain increased. Non-raptor Observations: The usual ducks were in the marsh. 130 Tundra Swans overhead and a dozen or so on the water. Mixed flocks of Cowbirds, Redwings and Rusties headed west. White-throated, Tree and a lone Swamp Sparrow were present as well as a good number of Juncos and Goldfinches. Predictions: The Monday raptor counter will sleep in! The weather looks a little rough. Report submitted by Claude Radley ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at: http://hbmo.org/ Site Description: Holiday Beach Conservation Area was formerly a Provincial Park, but is now administered by the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA). It is strategically located at the extreme southwestern tip of southern Ontario. The park is on the eastern end of a large freshwater estuary known as Big Creek. (Specifically the site is 1.1 miles south of the junction Highway 20 (old 18) and Essex Road 50, Town of Amherstburg). The Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO) (founded in 1986) is a non-profit, volunteer organization formed to promote the study and protection of migrating birds. Activities focus primarily on fall migration of raptors and other species. This site is in Essex County, Ontario, on the north shore of Lake Erie near the Detroit River. In 1988, HBMO persuaded Detroit Edison to donate a 40 foot Hawk Tower which is now at the site. Southwestern Ontario has a funneling effect on migrating raptors due to the geography of the nearby lakes and the reluctance of most raptors to cross large bodies of water. Birds gain altitude over the flat farmland to the north and east, rising easily with the thermals that such areas provide in abundance. As the birds head south they meet Lake Erie and, reluctant to cross it , turn west. With appropriate wind and weather conditions, birds pile up along the lake shore and move west until they reach the narrow crossing at the Detroit River (or island hop within the river mouth). ___ 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
[Ontbirds]Black-throated Gray still at Rondeau
Hi all, Sorry for the late posting. I was busy all day and not able to access a computer til now. The Black-throated Gray Wrabler was still present this morning at around 8:00. It was at the dead end portion of Bowman Street feeding in red cedars. It seems to like this area. It is extremely hard to find, unless it chips. It sticks tight to the cedars and for the most part seems to hang out by itslef. Best bet would be in the morning when it's feeding. You might be able to see it without even entering the park. It would be along the fence just to the east of the main park gate. I don't advise this, as you do not see many red cedars but park fees are steep! Jim Burk Directions: Rondeau Park is off H#3 via Kent Rd. #15. Go into the park, and immediately turn left before the campground. The road curves around to the intersection of Bowman Centre St. Check Red Cedars in this area. Park gate fee applies. ___ 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 Niagara Gull Trip
Today's annual OFO field trip to the Niagara River was a huge success. We saw very respectable 10 species of gulls. Even with the threatening weather forecast close to 80 birders attended the outing. Most people were interested in learning the fine points of gull identification and how to age them. Little Gull: Adult at the Whirlpool. Bonaparte's Gull: Abundant including one probable leucistic individual. Ring-billed Gull: Common. California Gull: Second basic individual seen by members who stayed behind at Adam Beck when most of us went to the Whirlpool. Herring Gull: Abundant. Thayer's Gull: Adult at Adam Beck Overlook. Kumlien's Iceland Gull: 8+ at Adam Beck. Lesser Black-backed Gull: 7+ at Adam Beck and Chippawa. Glaucous Gull: 2 at Chippawa. Great Black-backed Gull: Many. Other birds of note seen today were a Cackling Goose at Chippawa, Pied-billed Grebe at Dufferin Islands reservoir, Tundra Swans at Bakers Creek, juvenile Common Loon south of Chippawa, Tufted Titmouse and Red-bellied Woodpecker at feeders in Chippawa. We thank the many people who attended and hope that they had an excellent day. There are still several weeks of good gulling at Niagara. The season often extends well into January usually until there is a deep freeze. Ron Tozer and Jean Iron OFO Trip Leaders ___ 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
