[Ontbirds] Woodcocks @ Exeter
Evening birders... This evening, at 7:45pm, the sound of peenting could be heard, shortly followed by visual flights of woodcocks at their usual spot just west of Exeter, north of London. There were at least 4 woodcocks calling and displaying, perhaps more. They can be heard and seen at the intersection of Highway 83 and Ausable Line, 2 concessions west of Exeter. Please be aware that the property at the south-west corner is posted No Trespassing. Tis spring me thinks Rick Thornton, Exeter, ON ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Roman Lake - Mergansers
Today at 3 pm I stumbled across a very small lake with around 20 male Hooded Mergansers and one female. There were also about the same amount of Common Mergansers both male and female, one pair of Common Goldeneyes and one pair of Mallards. I realize they are fairly common but I don't often see mention of the Hooded Merganser so I thought I would post it. Directions to Roman Lake from Guelph - go north on hwy 24 (Wellington road 124) then turn left on hwy 24\25 towards Hillsburgh. At the set of lights turn left (south) on Wellington road 22. Roman Lake will be on your left just a kilometer or so from the lights. With the current state of the ice the best viewing point is accessed by turning left on 6th line just past the lake and then left again on to Scott Crescent and then follow this until the clearing. F.Y.I - They had signs posted that the lake was private property but no mention of the roads on either side of the lake. _ IM on the go with Messenger on your phone http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712960___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Winter Birding Highlights in Canada - 2009-2010
Winter Birding in Canada - 2009-10 - Final Summary 14 March 2010 The birding this past winter season in Canada was less exciting than normal. With two exceptions (see Manitoba and Quebec, below) every province recorded winter season species totals that were lower than average. Here are some possible reasons for this: - The active El Nino circulation in the Pacific caused Canada to experience its warmest and driest winter since 1948. Precipitation was down by nearly 25%, and the average temperatures were 4 degrees Celsius above normal. The Arctic had its warmest winter ever. - Wild food was easier for birds to access, and most feeder-watchers reported less activity at their feeding stations. - There were few irruptions of northern owls and finches. - Though twitchers did have good birds to chase, there were not as many rarities as a typical winter. - The first day of the winter birding season, Dec. 1, fell on a Monday, which meant that, in most areas, the concerted search for winter birds did not begin until the first Saturday of December, six days into the winter season, by which time an early cold snap had pushed waterfowl further south, and likely removed many half-hard autumn lingerers. - The first day of the Christmas Bird Count period also fell on a Monday, which meant that most counts were held later in December than is usual, reducing the number of species recorded. Here are the links to the Winter Birding web pages for all ten Canadian provinces, as well as the French islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon, and the country of Iceland. PROVINCES FROM EAST TO WEST: Newfoundland and Labrador: http://tinyurl.com/2jqo5p 129 species. Highlights: Northern Lapwing (3 separate birds); Yellow-legged Gull (2); Slaty-backed Gull; +++ Ivory Gulls; White-winged Dove (1st winter record); Redwing. There were sufficient gaps between winter storms to allow Newfoundland birders to locate a good variety of rare and regular species, though slightly fewer than in recent years. The province continues to offer superb gull watching in the St. Johns area, but that may change soon, and there are plans to stop pumping sewage in the harbour. And rumours are floating about that authorities might consider changing landfill practices at the famous St. Johns garbage dump. Both actions make sense environmentally, but would cause much anguish to gull-watchers. Nova Scotia: http://tinyurl.com/nswinter 181 species. (average = 195). Highlights: Red Phalarope (3rd winter record); Empidomax flycatcher sp.; Prairie Warbler (2nd winter record); Spotted Towhee (1st winter record, 2nd provincial record). Big Misses: Northern Fulmar, Spruce Grouse (resident), Red Knot, White-crowned Sparrow. Weve been keeping track of Nova Scotias winter birds since 1996, and the total this past winter tied the lowest previous total, set in 1998/99. Almost every observer was complaining about the scarcity of birds. The mood was glum. Prince Edward Island: http://tinyurl.com/peiwinter 107 species (average = 113). Highlights: Cattle Egret (2nd winter record); Broad-winged Hawk (2nd winter record); Black-legged Kittiwake (1st winter record). Big Misses: Sharp-tailed Grouse (resident, introduced). A soft winter made it hard to find winter specialties, and kept the provinces total below the long-term average. New Brunswick: http://tinyurl.com/nbwinter(updated 12 Feb) 151 species (average = 162). Highlights: Virginia Rail (1st winter record); Marsh Wren (2nd winter record); Ovenbird (2nd winter record); Lark Sparrow (2nd winter record). Big Misses: Wilsons Snipe; Carolina Wren; American Pipit. A dearth of rarities kept the provinces total well below the long-term average. Quebec: http://tinyurl.com/qcwinter 178 species (10 year average = 166, not including exotics). Highlights: Pacific Loon (1st winter record); Great Egret (2nd winter record); Black Vulture (1st winter record); Barnacle Goose (1st winter record); Rock Ptarmigan (1st winter record); Arctic Tern (1st winter record); White-winged Dove (1st winter record); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1st winter record). Quebec birders took advantage of the mild winter to really explore their large province, and ended up with one of their highest totals to date. They added seven species to their 10-year cumulative winter list. Ontario: http://tinyurl.com/onwinter 191 species. Highlights: Barnacle Goose (2nd winter record); Yellow-billed Loon (2nd winter record); Black-tailed Gull (2nd winter record); Ivory Gull; Phainopepla (2nd provincial and Canadian record, 1st Canadian winter record); Northern Waterthrush (2nd winter record). Big Misses: Eurasian Wigeon; Yellow-headed Blackbird. The province had fewer species than the previous two winters, but managed to surpass the Nova Scotia total for the first time. The Phainopepla took prid
[Ontbirds] Snow Geese, Lansdowne
This afternoon at 1:15 p.m two large groups of snow geese, conservatively estimated at 2000 birds each, passed over Lansdowne, Ontario, heading generally northeast. Lansdowne is approximately halfway between Kingston and Brockville, exit 659 from the 401 John Haig ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] ad. Black-headed Gull @ Lewiston-Queenston (Niagara River)
Just passing the word along that Tom Johnson, Chris Wood et al report near alternate (half-hooded) ad. BLACK-HEADED GULL amongst Bonaparte's and 20+ LITTLE GULLS at the Lewiston Docks along the lower Niagara River today (Sun. 3/14) around 11 am. The bird should also be visible looking downstream from the Queenston docks. Jim Pawlicki Amherst, NY ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Long tail ducks - Bronte
Small group of long-tailed ducks close to shore line, immediately east of Bronte Inner Harbour Marina, can be seen from shoreline path this morning.___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] northern sawwhet owl cobalt
Thought I would pass this along to those who take note of such things. While not a rarity last night I heard the first tooting sawwhet of the season. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (13 Mar 2010) Raptors
Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 13, 2010 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Black Vulture0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 4 4 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 0 14 14 Northern Harrier 0 1 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 6 6 Cooper's Hawk0 11 11 Northern Goshawk 0 3 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 1 Broad-winged Hawk0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 0145147 Rough-legged Hawk0 3 3 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 2 2 Merlin 0 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter0 0 0 Unknown Buteo0 1 1 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Total: 0192195 -- (No count conducted today) Weather: Raptor Observations: Non-raptor Observations: Report submitted by Phil Waggett () Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at: http://www.hwcn.org/link/niaghawk/ Site Description: The hawk migration at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). The counting is all done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a wooden floor. For wind protection on the cold days of March, a black plastic wind guard is installed around the towers platform. This platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than five or six observers would be on it. The site lies within a publically accessible property owned by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. The tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the outer edge. This provides lots of room to park vehicles (along the road) and set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to display the days observations for the public. The box enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records. Photos courtesy of John Stevens 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. Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized after the end of the season. © 2010 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Ottawa/Gatineau 14 Mar 10 - weekly update
Ontario/Quebec Ottawa/Gatineau 14 March 2010 Hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club Phone number: 613-860-9000 For the Bird Status Line PRESS * (star) To report bird sightings PRESS 1 (one) Rare bird alerts are now included in the introductory message Coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Canada National Capital Region) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler & transcriber: Chris Lewis hagen...@primus.ca On Sunday March 14, 2010 this is Chris Lewis reporting. A few expected spring migrants began to arrive over the past few days. CANADA GEESE are back, as are RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and COMMON GRACKLES. On the 10th, 6 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 4 GREATER SCAUP and 3 HOODED MERGANSERS were on the open water at Britannia Bay, and on the 12th two RING-NECKED DUCKS and two BUFFLEHEAD were on the Mississippi River by the bridge in Carleton Place. On the 10th at least 1 male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was still on the Rideau River off Riverain Park and 7 male COMMON MERGANSERS were putting on quite a show for a single female at this location. Three BALD EAGLES in the Dunrobin area on the 7th may have been migrants; four seen in the Gatineau Hills from Therien and Steele Rds. on the 12th were most likely birds that wintered here. The first local reports of NORTHERN HARRIERS came from Luskville, Quebec on the 7th and Upper Dwyer Hill Rd. on the 12th. At least 5 RED-TAILED HAWKS were reported in the Richmond/Fallowfield and Trail Rd. areas, some of which are certainly local breeders. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, one of the very few locally wintering birds, was seen in the vicinity of Barnsdale Rd. and Moodie Dr. on the 6th. Single NORTHERN GOSHAWKS were spotted at Dunrobin and Kinburn Rds. on the 5th and along Steele Rd. in Quebec on the 12th. RING-BILLED GULLS are now back big-time. Single ICELAND and GLAUCOUS GULLS were reported from the large quarry pond along Moodie Dr. south of Trail Rd. on the 10th, and a report of a first winter THAYER'S GULL came in on the 13th from a field along Cambrian Rd. between Twin Elm Rd. and Moodie Dr. A couple of NORTHERN SHRIKES were seen on the Quebec side on the 12th - one along Ch. de la Riviere in Breckenridge, and another along Steele Rd. Several of Ottawa's breeding pairs of COMMON RAVENS have returned to previous nesting sites over the past three weeks, more of our common local songbirds are singingand there are sure to many more migrants arriving as the unusually mild weather is forecast to continue next week! Thank you - Good Birding! ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
