[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park report: 28 October 2010
BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: One along Opeongo Road (October 24). Black-backed Woodpecker: Singles on Spruce Bog Boardwalk (October 21), near Visitor Centre parking lot (October 22) and on Bat Lake Trail (October 23) Gray Jay: most frequently reported on Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake section of Mizzy Lake Trail, and along Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: Three at Dizzy Lake Bog on Mizzy Lake Trail (October 21); and three near Wolf Howl Pond (October 26). FIRST OF FALL: Northern Shrike: One around Visitor Centre feeders (October 22). FINCHES: Purple Finch: a few are being seen at Visitor Centre feeders and flying over. Red Crossbill: One over Visitor Centre (October 22). Pine Siskin: two at Visitor Centre feeder (October 28). American Goldfinch: about 10 at Visitor Centre feeder (October 28). Evening Grosbeak: occasional birds at the Visitor Centre, and single birds flying over elsewhere. NOTEWORTHY SIGHTINGS: Rough-legged Hawk: one (light morph) over Visitor Centre (October 27). Sandhill Crane: flocks of 14 and 21 over Lostwater Lake in the Park's southern panhandle (October 18). These are just the second and third fall records ever for this species here. Spring and breeding season sightings have been regular for the last 20 years, but surprisingly not autumn observations. Bohemian Waxwing: 25 flying over Visitor Centre (October 25). Northern Cardinal: male at Visitor Centre feeder (October 28). Very rare in Algonquin, typically from late October to late November. We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON Directions: Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on Highway 400. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders, and information. The centre and restaurant are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm during October, and 9 am to 4 pm on weekends from November 6 to December 19. Algonquin Park birding updates and information are available at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca ___ 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] Cave Swallows @bronte harbour
Four are flying around west of the harbour at present Located at end of bronte road oakville Sent from my BirdBerry ___ 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/
Re: [Ontbirds] Cave Swallows @bronte harbour
Numbers are rising. Up to 19. Come to the end of bronte road in Oakville and park and look west from pier. --Original Message-- From: Cheryl Edgecombe Sender: ontbirds-boun...@hwcn.org To: ontbirds@hwcn.org To: Dave Don ReplyTo: Cheryl Edgecombe Subject: [Ontbirds] Cave Swallows @bronte harbour Sent: Oct 29, 2010 10:29 AM Four are flying around west of the harbour at present Located at end of bronte road oakville Sent from my BirdBerry ___ 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/ Sent from my BirdBerry ___ 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] Pacific Loon Oshawa Harbour
Pacific Loon off lighthouse at Oshawa Harbour. First spotted by David Worthington at 10:35. Take Simcoe St exit from 401 Jean Iron Toronto Location Sent from my iPhone___ 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] Cave Swallows @ Bronte
Up to 19 are now being seen west of Bronte harbour. Also well seen from bronte bluffs at the west river street (west of Bronte) , Oakville. Sent from my BirdBerry ___ 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] Eurasian Wigeon Still @ Presqu'ile.
The male Eurasian Wigeon first noted at Presqu'ile on Wednesday was present this morning. It was in the marsh opposite the bird sightings board at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. The Park is reached by following the signs from Brighton. The bird sightings board is indicated by a sign in the Park. -- Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road, Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0 VOICE: (613) 475 5309 If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park. ___ 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] hummingbirds
There is a male Anna's Hummingbird confirmed in Michigan and a possible female Anna's at the same location. Please notify the Ontario Hummingbird Project if you hear of any hummingbirds so we can document them. Even late dates for Ruby-throats are important to us. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been documented in Ontario as late as November and up until last week, I was still receiving occasional emails and phone calls about late hummers coming to feeders. The photos that I have received have been Ruby-throats so far. Feeders do not prevent hummingbirds from migrating and should be left out for stragglers until freezing becomes a problem if it is not inconvenient for the homeowner. Cindy Cartwright www.ontariohummingbirds.ca 519-797-1313 ___ 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] Cave Swallows- East Point Park
Hello All- Today at 8:30 AM at East Point Park in Scarborough, I saw eight Cave Swallows. They were flying west and following the shoreline. At 11:00 AM I saw two distant swallows that I couldn't identify, also heading west. Also seen today- American Pipit 350+ Pine Siskin 77 Orange-crowned warbler 1 Snow Bunting3 Michael King East Point Park has a good mix of meadow and woods and is situated on the bluffs. Most bird activity is anywhere along the waterfront trail and the adjacent woods. The park is roughly 1 km long and 1/2 km wide. Directions- From exit #387 of the 401 in Scarbourgh. Go south on Morningside Ave. East on Lawrence Ave. E. South on Manse Road. East on Copperfield Road. There are parking lots at either end of the park. ___ 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] 1st. Cycle Laughing Gull in Cobourg
At about 11.00 a.m. today a first cycle Laughing Gull was flying SW off the west side of Cobourg harbour. I was standing on the boardwalk immediately S of the Ecology Garden at the W end of the harbour area. The bird appeared flying from the E, apparently having crossed along the shoreline of the harbour. As it flew past it started to angle gradually S towards the W beach, where there were a number of gulls foraging, mainly Ring-billed and Bonaparte's. However, it did not join the feeding flock, but instead drifted out over the Lake, all the time still moving westwards, and was lost from view. I'm afraid the following directions won't be very much use! Directions: Exit #401 at the eastern Cobourg exit [#474] and turn south off the exit ramp. This is Division Street. Continue south through town and Division ends in the main pier of the harbour. Take the last right off Division, just prior to the entry to the pier area. Drive west to the next street [Third Street] turn left and then left again just past the marina. This is the boat launch parking lot, and at its west end [Hibernia Street] is the Ecology Garden. Clive Goodwin ___ 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] Cattle Egret - Grey-Bruce
While driving home from my cottage, I found a Cattle Egret in a field of black cows on Grey-Bruce Line at the intersection of Concession 6 (about 10-12 km south of Hwy 21). Gord Payne London, ON Sent by Blackberry ___ 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] Golden Eagles - Ajax
Two 1st fall Golden Eagles flew over my house today at 1:40 and 1:45 p.m. respectively. Later, 1 Merlin, 6 Red-shouldered, 1 Sharp-shinned and 25 Red-tailed Hawks were also seen overhead. Geoff Carpentier www.avocetnatureservices.com ___ 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] Cave Swallows at Long Point
The Cave Swallow movement continued at Long Point today with the tally by noon standing at 21 at our Old Cut station and the Tip station reporting 24 to that point. The bulk of the movement appears to have peaked here yesterday. The final tallies were 147 at Old Cut, 105 at the Tip and one here at BSC headquarters along with the handful that Matt Timpf reported at Port Rowan harbour last evening. The crew at the Tip of Long Point also banded a female Spotted Towhee yesterday. Today they banded two of the Cave Swallows flying around the garden there. The impressive diurnal migration continued unabated today. During a three hour migration watch that I conducted at Old Cut, I counted 15 Cave Swallows, 4680 American Robins, 65 Eastern Bluebirds, 800 Horned Larks, 220 Cedar Waxwings, 750 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2500 American Goldfinches, 500 Purple Finches, 300 Pine Siskins, and 45 meadowlarks. Sometimes it pays to stay out of the office. To read all about the impressive migration this week at Long Point, check out the LPBO Sightings Board at www.bsc-eoc.org/longpoint/index.jsp?targetpg=lpbosight ___ 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] Cave Swallows at Long Point
The Cave Swallow movement continued at Long Point today with the tally by noon standing at 21 at our Old Cut station and the Tip station reporting 24 to that point. The bulk of the movement appears to have peaked here yesterday. The final tallies were 147 at Old Cut, 105 at the Tip and one here at BSC headquarters along with the handful that Matt Timpf reported at Port Rowan harbour last evening. The crew at the Tip of Long Point also banded a female Spotted Towhee yesterday. Today they banded two of the Cave Swallows flying around the garden there. The impressive diurnal migration continued unabated today. During a three hour migration watch that I conducted at Old Cut, I counted 15 Cave Swallows, 4680 American Robins, 65 Eastern Bluebirds, 800 Horned Larks, 220 Cedar Waxwings, 750 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2500 American Goldfinches, 500 Purple Finches, 300 Pine Siskins, and 45 meadowlarks. Sometimes it pays to stay out of the office. To read all about the impressive migration this week at Long Point, check out the LPBO Sightings Board at www.bsc-eoc.org/longpoint/index.jsp?targetpg=lpbosight ___ 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] Cave Swallows - Turkey Point
Just to add to Ron's note, this morning my brother Matt Timpf had a flock of 14 Cave Swallows move west along Turkey Point beach, we had 2 single birds go over the causeway on the way to the point, and I had 1 bird at Port Rowan and 2 birds in Long Point Provincial Park (likely seen by Ron at Old Cut.) As well, Matt had a Common Gallinule (not a Purple) in with all the ducks in the inner bay sheltering from the winds. It was seen from the Port Rowan harbour looking west. Adam Timpf Directions: Highway 59 to Long Point. Port Rowan is on the Front Road east of Highway 59. Turkey Point can be reached by taking Turkey Point Road from 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 information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Henslow sparrow Humber bay East
At 3.30pm today, I had a henslow sparrow giving excellent views at Humber bay East . The bird flew up from the thick grass just beyond the cattails fringing the most eastern edge of the final pond close to the public path and water overflowcistern. It flushed 5 feet up into a mostly leafless bush alongside the public pathway, giving excellent facing views for perhaps 30 seconds. It dropped down but soon flushed again into the same clump of bushes this time it gave a side view including a portion of its back in view, for another 20 to 30 seconds. All field marks were evident in superb light with the sun behind me. The very obvious rufous edged tertials, white scaling on the back, white eye ring. The side streaks were strong w/narrow breastband streaks, whitish throat w/dark bordered throat stripe. The malar region quite richy buffy yellow rather stronger yellow buff than head region it seemed to me.The bird then flew toward the base of the sumach hill & the spiky short tail well seen. I did not pursue the bird as I was perfectly satisfied with the definitive views i was fortunatel enough to get. With a bit of luck it may not fly out tonight and perhaps found again tomorrow. Also seen 2 early tree sparrows, a great egret & a pintail 12 green w. teal etc. in the catchment area. Humber bay east is directly at the base of parklawn drive south of the Queensway Take qew to parklawn exit south. South etobicoke area ___ 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] Toronto Islands - Pomarine Jaeger, Sedge Wren, etc.
Good evening Today I did the long walk to Hanlans Point on The Islands (no Hanlans or Centre ferry until April 15, 2011) before I migrate to my wintering grounds (The Spit) and though a tiring walk it was well worth it. Approx. 90% of the birds seen were on Hanlans and Gibralter Points with many, many of them migrating west. Following are some of the 57 species of bird species seen:- Common Loon, Great Blue and Black-crowned night-Herons, Wood Ducks, N. Shovelers, Long-tailed Ducks, Buffleheads, Hooded and Red-breasted Mergansers, Northern Harriers, Sharp-shined and Red-tailed hawks, Northern Goshawks, Merlins, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, 1 Juvenile Pomarine Jaeger flying westerly past just off the Hanlans Point beach, Belted Kingfishers, Eastern Phoebes, many Black-capped Chickadees, Winter Wren, Sedge Wren (beside the Snug Harbour bridge), both Kinglets, 170+ Eastern Bluebirds, Hermit Thrushes, 1500+ American Robins, Gray Catbird, 60+ American Pipits, 350+ Cedar Waxwings, 250+ Yellow-rumped Warblers, 30+ A. Tree Sparrows, Fox Sparrows, 10,000+ Red-winged Blackbirds, 300+ Common Grackles, Rusty Blackbirds, 40+ purple and 200+ House Finches. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - WINTER SCHEDULE 1. To get to the Toronto Islands from Queen and Yonge Streets on the TTC. If your on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay and you are there. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queens Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). Some just north of the docks at Bay and Front Streets. There is a fee for using the island ferries ($6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193. There are only 3 washrooms open on the islands ( opposite the Wards dock, Centre Island and beside the Hanlans dock ) as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks or check on line. The 1st boat to Wards Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am, the 2nd boat is at 7:00 am and the 3rd is at 7:30 am and then every ½ hour on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. THERE ARE NO BOATS TO CENTRE ISLAND OR HANLANS POINT IN THE WINTER If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just outside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and / or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machines do not make change but will accept credit cards ( BE SURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY ). But - There is a change machine ($5, $10 and $20 dollar bills) there if you want to chance it ( NOT WORKING AT THIS TIME ). There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. A new Second Cup Coffee Shop has opened in the southeast area of Bay St. and Lakeshore Blvd and opens at 7 am 7 days per week. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the "Kitchen Table" and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. There are no concession stands open on The Islands but if you are birding from or on Ward’s the soft drink machine beside the fire station sells Pepsi, juice, iced tea, et. The drinking fountains through out are turned off until Spring.. Washrooms are also located at the fire station. For a detailed ferry schedule check the following web site or see below. http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/springschedule.htm PS There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side. Another PS If you have access to PDF then I can send an Island map if you contact me in private. Norm Murr ___ 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] Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, October 29th, 2010
On Friday, October 29th, 2010 this is the HNC Birding Report: CATTLE EGRET CAVE SWALLOW BOREAL CHICKADEE American Bittern Bald Eagle Northern Harrier Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper's Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Golden Eagle Merlin Peregrine Falcon Virginia Rail Killdeer Greater Yellowlegs Dunlin American Woodcock Parasitic Jaeger Northern Saw-whet Owl Eastern Phoebe Northern Shrike Blue-headed Vireo Tufted Titmouse Eastern Bluebird American Pipit Orange-crowned Warbler Northern Parula Cape May Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Pine Warbler Chipping Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Fox Sparrow White-throated Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Snow Bunting Purple Finch Red Crossbill Pine Siskin Evening Grosbeak Things have gone wild here in Hamilton over the past days with strong south winds bringing in southern specialties and invasions of northern species bringing good birds in from a different direction. Last Monday, groups of swallows starting with 30 at Lakeland Centre at VanWagners beach and ending with a total of 109 over the day between there and Fifty Point Conservation area brought frustration and intrigue as the possibility of a CAVE SWALLOW invasion was upon us. Good looks and i.d. were difficult as they were moving quickly from east to west. Over the past couple of days large numbers of CAVE SWALLOWS were reported from Long Point and Pelee and today it was our turn. This morning a small group of four CAVE SWALLOWS were seen coming in from the east at Bronte Harbour. Numbers built and a total of 21 individuals were seen swirling west of Bronte Harbour for about an hour and a half. The group dispersed but individuals were seen up until early afternoon and JUST IN as of 6:25 p.m., five were seen at Bronte Bluffs at the end of West River Road in Oakville (west of the Harbour) at close range by Dave Don and Mark Peck. There is a possibility that these may roost in the Cliff Swallow nests at the restaurant at the Harbour. I would recommend a check of Bronte Harbour again tomorrow. Another surprise while viewing the swallows was a CATTLE EGRET which flew into Bronte Harbour but was not refound again after the flyby. Meanwhile along the lakeshore today a large raptor migration was underway with many birds being held back with the strong southwest winds in the week. Golden Eagle, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Cooper's, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Harrier and Peregrine Falcon were all species noted moving through along the south Oakville/Burlington lakeshore. Another CATTLE EGRET was present for a second day today on Centre Road just north of Concession 5 East in Waterdown. This bird seems to like the horse pasture here in the valley on the east side but parking is tricky and it's a busy road so caution is necessary. BOREAL CHICKADEE is also in the news with two individuals being sighted over the past two weeks. One was at Erindale Park in Mississauga and the other at the University of Guelph Campus last Saturday. Despite searching none of these individuals were relocated. Boreal chickadees are on the move southward so no chickadee should go unchecked. Winter birds seem to be moving through the area. Red Crossbills were heard over Hidden Valley the week before last. Purple Finches continue to be seen at feeders and heard overhead at local migration spots. Pine Siskins have also moved in with some being reported from feeders today and a large group of approximately 70 birds being seen down at Bronte Harbour. A week ago Monday an Evening Grosbeak made a brief stop in Flamborough around 8th Concession West and Westover Road. A small flock of Snow Buntings were seen at Fifty Point Conservation Area on Tuesday. Other feeder birds being reported throughout the area are Chipping, Fox, White-throated and White-crowned Sparrow. Keep the seed going, Green-tailed Towhee may be lurking about. This time of year is key for digging out stragglers for our Fall Bird Count here in the Hamilton Study Area. A scouring of Bronte Creek Prov. Park yesterday produced one Greater Yellowlegs, American Woodcock, Eastern Bluebird, Orange-crowned Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Chipping and Savannah Sparrow. Eastern Phoebe and Blue-headed Vireo were seen earlier in the week and an immature Golden Eagle flew over there today. Down at the lake at Bronte Bluffs a first fall female Cape May Warbler was seen amongst the Yellow-rumped Warblers. There are lots of birds to report in the odds and sods. Greater Yellowlegs are still present at the Dundas Hydro Ponds. An American Bittern was flushed near Lynden the week before last. A Virginia Rail was seen flying across the road at Christie Conservation Area today. Merlins have been reported setting up winter territories in the Burlington and Oakville areas. One seems to be present regularly at Woodland Cemetery. Northern Shrike was seen out in west Flamborough and on Concession 6 near the hydro lines west of Westover in the past wee
[Ontbirds] Cave Swallow @ Bronte still
1 Cave swallow still at Bronte Harbour just west of the Compass Restaurant. Location Mark Peck's iPhone ___ 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: Holiday Beach Conservation Area (29 Oct 2010) 1119 Raptors
Holiday Beach Conservation Area Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 29, 2010 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Turkey Vulture 971 31787 32867 Osprey 1 25133 Bald Eagle 0 46143 Northern Harrier22272609 Sharp-shinned Hawk 63 3589 9204 Cooper's Hawk8302402 Northern Goshawk 0 4 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 2184185 Broad-winged Hawk0651 16133 Red-tailed Hawk 48772960 Rough-legged Hawk0 3 3 Golden Eagle 3 8 8 American Kestrel 1340 1441 Merlin 0 28101 Peregrine Falcon 0 22 47 Unknown Accipiter0 1 2 Unknown Buteo0 9 12 Unknown Eagle0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 2 2 Mississippi Kite 0 0 1 Total:1119 38045 62257 -- Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter:Todd Pepper Observers:Claude Radley, Jim McCoy, Larry Ludwicki, Mike Fitzpatrick Visitors: No visitors today other than regulars with "Qualified Observer" status. Weather: Not as predicted. Instead of the predicted north winds they started at WNW, swung W, and finally, SW tapering off in speed as the day went on. Temperature ranged from 6.4 - 12.8. Day started off completely cloudly and was down to 20% at end of the count. Steady barometric pressure with a range from 29.66 - 29.7 Raptor Observations: 1127 individuals of 9 species. Good counts for TV's, Northern Harriers, Sharp-shinned and Red-tailed Hawks. Also 3 Golden Eagles, all immature and all well out to the north over the tree line. Non-raptor Observations: Almost the first birds of the day were 3 Cave Swallows heading west. Red-winged Blackbirds flowed by the tower all day. 2665 Am. Crows counted in first 4 hours and then the numbers became uncountable. Random minute counts ranged from 300 - 500 Crows per minute for the next 3.5 hours so anywhere from 60,000 - 90,000 Am. Crows migrated today. They came to a dead stop at 2:30 EST. 2 flocks of Killdeer totalling 39; 7 flocks of Tundra Swan totalling 135; 2 Greater Yellowlegs both flying at different times with the Red-Winged Blackbirds; a Solitary Sandpiper foraged in the pond adjacent to the tower all day. Other migrants included: Purple Finch, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and hundreds of Black-capped Chickadees. A migrating Great Blue Heron stopped for a rest on the east railing of the Hawk Tower for 5 minutes or so, even though I was standing just metres away from it. Predictions: A nice day mostly sunny skies and temperature up to 16C, but winds out of the south so probably not a good raptor migration day. Report submitted by Todd Pepper (tandjpep...@cogeco.ca) Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at: http://hbmo.org/ ___ 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] Two Pacific Loons at Oshawa Harbour
The Pacific Loon reported this morning, 29 October 2010, at Oshawa Harbour swam east where David Worthington and I lost sight of it. At about 11:45 two Pacific Loons appeared, the original loon and a second, which had more grey on the back of the head and neck, a white chin and throat with a distinct chinstrap and it still had large white spots on the back. Then, one Pacific Loon flew west into the bay, however Bruce Parker and I could not refind it in the sun glare, and at 12:50 the other flew southeast. Here are photos of the first Pacific Loon seen today http://www.jeaniron.ca/2010/pacificloonoshawaharbour.htm Good birding, Jean Iron Toronto ___ 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] Possible Pink-sided Junco in Kortright CA, York Region
Hello Birders, I was leisurely birding my local haunt - Kortright Conservation Area - and I noticed a strange Junco amongst the Slate-coloreds. It gave quite nice views as it fed and interacted with the other juncos. It was a strongly hooded bird, with a much more defined hood than I've ever seen on any female slate-colored. The hood was moderately dark. It had a rather extensive light pink wash along the sides and back - the pink on the sides was a relatively strong pink, not pink-brown like some female Slate-coloreds. The bird looked very "clean" and well-defined. However, what most struck me on this bird was it's dark lores. Now, I have no experience with Cassiar's or Oregon Juncos, but the lores of this bird were extremely dark, and that apparently eliminates either of those candidates. I'm not 100% confident about this identification due to my lack of junco experience, but I believe that this is a viable candidate for Pink-sided. A collage of four pictures of the bird can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/levfrid/5126694899/ I would appreciate any feedback or opinions about this bird! The bird was working its way along the Humber River on the Marsh Trail, just as you go past a bench on your left, where the trail splits and one of the trails is fenced off (they are parallel to one another). If you hit the Redside Dace interpretive interpretive sign, you've gone too far. It was associating with other juncos, WHITE-THROATED, TREE, SONG and FOX SPARROWS. Directions: The Kortright Centre is located three kilometers west of Highway 400 and one kilometer south of Major Mackenzie Drive at 9550 Pine Valley Drive in Woodbridge. There is an entrance fee. Good Birding! Lev Frid Maple, 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] Cave Swallow: Arkendo Park, Oakville
Here is one more sighting of this normally rare species, which apparently was swept in fair numbers up along the stream of the warm air from the Gulf Coast a few days ago. This is not far from the mouth of Bronte Creek, Oakville where Ont-birds reported a few off and on all day. This afternoon between 3:15 and 3:45 I searched Arkendo Park for swallows. None were seen over the lake or along the Lake Ontario shoreline. On searching the lower part of Joshua Creek in behind the old Fusion Center ... I found 3 Cave Swallows and one Northern Rough-winged Swallow roosting about 5-6 feet above the water on some dead branches sticking out of the east shore of the creek (which, for the record, is actually in Mississauga!). I only found them when some Song Sparrows and American Tree Sparrows flew east over the creek and landed near where the swallow were roosting. My guess is that they will stay there for night. Location: Arkendo Park is located at the mouth of Joshua Creek at Lake Ontario in extreme se Oakville. The best access is from the intersection of Winston Churchill and Lakeshore; Arkendo Street (or Avenue ?) runs south off Lakeshore Boulevard one shore block west of this intersection ... and the street ends in a cul-de-sac. From there an asphalt path leads along Joshua Creek a short distance to Lake Ontario. A mud trail runs off this path into the woods around the north end of a low wood fence. Make your way up and down through the woods and brush until you arrive at the creek mouth ... then follow the shoreline around the inlet back into the mouth of Joshua Creek and scan the shoreline. This park is tiny ... you will not get lost! Wayne Renaud (1289-828-0043) ___ 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] Thousands of Snow Geese - Eastern Ontario [iain & susan]
On the way home from Montreal to Ottawa on Hwy 417, today (Oct 29th) at 4:30 PM, just a little ways north of the exit 51 overpass there were three large flocks of Snow Geese. They were in 3 contiguous farmers fields on the west side of the highway, and one field looked like it had snowed there were so many. Estimate of the numbers would be roughly 10,000! cheers iain CO DSBC (NC) ___ 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: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (29 Oct 2010) 1502 Raptors
DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 29, 2010 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Black Vulture0 0 0 Turkey Vulture1355 112013 113384 Osprey 0 10 62 Bald Eagle 4 58196 Northern Harrier12135397 Sharp-shinned Hawk 37 1439 6394 Cooper's Hawk 20479716 Northern Goshawk 1 6 8 Red-shouldered Hawk 6268273 Broad-winged Hawk0209 79572 Red-tailed Hawk 64988 1236 Rough-legged Hawk0 0 0 Golden Eagle 3 15 15 American Kestrel 0 98671 Merlin 0 20 44 Peregrine Falcon 0 15 35 Unknown Accipiter0 0 0 Unknown Buteo0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 17 Prairie Falcon 0 1 3 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 5 Total:1502 115754 203028 -- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours Official Counter:Rob Payne Observers:Don Sherwood, Jim Maki, John Elliott, Patrick Mulawa, Rodney Laura Visitors: A few, and for a nice change every visitor got to see a few of the raptors. Many thanks to my excellent and dedicated spotters, I had 4 of 7 daily spotters at one time today. Weather: Today the weather finally turned to our benefit. We had sunny skies with a light breeze out of the west, topping out to only 12mph gusts. The high temp reached 53f. Raptor Observations: Today proved that a lot of migrant raptors had been held up by our recent weather troubles. Quite a few species whose migration should be closing made a nice push, which made for an exciting day. We had all three Accipiters, 37 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 20 Cooper's Hakws, and a single juvenile Northern Goshawk. The Goshawk came through at about 1:30pm(EDST). Both Eagle species came through well, 4 Bald Eagles, and 3 Golden Eagles. The Goldies came in at 10:30am and a pair at 4:15pm, neither sighting was a close view. 12 Northern Harriers was good, only 1 was a male. Turkey Vultures made yet another high point day with 1,355. After 11:00am, they came through all day, with most groups in the hundreds. This was also the first day this week I have seen a kettle of Turkey Vultures, instead of just a stream. A total of 1,502 raptors were counted of 9 species. Non-raptor Observations: The sudden weather change turned into one of the best days of birding you could ask for. A lot of FOS (first of season) birds were seen today. 3 Canvasbacks were noted in a large group of waterfowl. At least 2 dozen Bonaparte's Gulls (FOS) came through in the early morning. A flock of 2 dozen Tundra Swans (FOS) was seen, and heard, overhead around noon. The best bird of the day, and definitely a FOS, 4 Cave Swallows were noted tumbling with each other. American Crow numbers reached their highest of the season. At times their numbers covered 200 degrees of our horizon, with individual waves numbering in the thousands. A conservative guess would place their numbers at about 15,000+. In looking for raptors most crows get ignored. On a final note the local trail produced a 7 species of sparrows, with Song, Swamp, Lincoln's, Field, American Tree, White-crowned, and White-throated. Predictions: Tomorrow's weather will be great just like today. Perhaps a bit more wind, but warmer temps to combat that. The following four days should remain similar. Report submitted by Greg Norwood (greg_norw...@fws.gov) SMRR- Lake Erie Metropark information may be found at: http://www.drhawkwatch.org ___ 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] OFO trip - Ottawa River at Dusk, Oct 29
Hello Ontbirders Brisk 20 kilometre winds from the northwest couldn't stop 12 hardy birders from enjoying an afternoon of birding along the Ottawa River. Seven degree Celsius temperatures, and a nasty windchill, made this feel more like a Christmas Count - NOT the southern Cave Swallow weather we were hoping for. We started at Andrew Haydon Park East moving quickly to the western side, avoiding a group of windsurfers. The park seemed surprisingly slow until we heard a flyover of Bohemian Waxwings. We watched the flock of about 80 birds disappear over a row of spruce. The choppy river white-caps made it difficult to observe things on the water. However, 3 American Coots, still uncommon in these parts, provided some excitement. Anticipating northern birds, we ventured out to Dick Bell Park. As we started along the breakwater, seven Snow Buntings landed among the nearby rocks giving everyone excellent views. A mixed flock of Mallards and Pintails flew by. An American Pipit also flew overhead. Plus several more-common species were observed here. Upon our return, a very tame Snow Bunting posed for photos. Our next stop was Shirley's Bay where we observed at least 7 Red-necked Grebes, and one Horned Grebe. A young light morph Rough-legged Hawk put in a great performance as it flew by the boat launch. At the Hilde Road feeders, we had 2 male Northern Cardinals, and a host of common species. The highlight was a cooperative adult Northern Shrike. With winds persisting, we headed back to Andrew Haydon Park. Those that stuck around to the end enjoyed a few thousand Canada Geese coming in to roost. Compared to years past, the bird diversity and overall numbers are low along this part of the river. The high winds and low temperatures also made for difficult birding. Regardless, we had a few highlights, some participants got life-birds, and we had a lot of fun. Tony Beck http://www.tonybeck.ca Always An Adventure ___ 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: Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch (29 Oct 2010) 2146 Raptors
Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 29, 2010 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Black Vulture0 0 0 Turkey Vulture1730 17506 18574 Osprey 1 60338 Bald Eagle 6 80220 Northern Harrier68669 1483 Sharp-shinned Hawk 223 6305 13558 Cooper's Hawk 17175277 Northern Goshawk 0 5 6 Red-shouldered Hawk 19205216 Broad-winged Hawk0509 99105 Red-tailed Hawk 62892956 Rough-legged Hawk6 8 8 Golden Eagle 5 28 28 American Kestrel 4876 4393 Merlin 4 41181 Peregrine Falcon 1 29 81 Unknown Accipiter0 0 0 Unknown Buteo0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total:2146 27388 139424 -- Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours Official Counter:Colin Horstead Observers:Dave Brown, Eric Jeffery, Eric Single, Ernie Gribble, Jim Dunn, Kathy, Keith Sealy, Mac McAlpine, Mary Carnahan, Ronnie Goodhand, Tom Stewart Visitors: Several visitors today...including Murray and Remi, Lois Evans (Hamilton) and several others who's names didn't get noted. Thanks to all the counters / observers who stuck it out today waiting for the sun and the Goldens! Weather: The day started with moderate WNW winds and heavy cloud resulting from an almost squall type band coming down from Lake Hueon. The temp started at 6C and got to a high of 10Cthough it felt a lot colder with the damp air and the wind. Eventually, the cloud broke and we enjoyed some nice blue skies. Raptor Observations: Once we saw the TV's start to move we figured the flight was at least going to be interesting...and it didn't disappoint. The total for today was 2,146 birds with 13 different species (we had hoped for a Goshawk to get 14 but no luck!). Although the bulk of the flight was TV's (1,730)...other species put in a good showing including Sharpies (223), Harriers (68) with several male Harriers...many right on the deck. The first buteos of the week were on the move as well with Shoulders (19), Redtails (64) and a few nice Roughlegs (4)...3 light morph and 1 dark morph. We also managed to spot a few falcons today as well with the highlight a Peregrine. Of course we were all hoping for Golden Eagles today and it took until just after 1:00 pm (EST) to get our first one...a juvenile...followed soon after by an adult looking bird powering westward at a pretty good height. Another Golden crossed in the next hour and the last 2 (also both juvenile looking birds) were the reward for those few of us that stuck it out till the end of the day. Non-raptor Observations: Well, it was obvious that many passerines had been held up by the inclement weather this past week...the number of small birds on the move today was staggering. Perhaps no surprise, after the many reports of CAVE SWALLOWS over the past couple of days along Lake Erie...observers standing right along the cliff observed 9 of this species headed westward just below the cliff edge. We also observed flock after flock of Am. Pipits passing overhead...some barely 20 feet up! Other Am. Pipits were litereally walking around in the freshly worked field right in front of the counters. Also, a large push of Am. Crows today...a few flocks of E. Bluebirds. The best warlbers today were another Orange-crowned and a Black-throated Blue. Several small flocks of Tundra Swans were also noted along with Coomon Loons headed south to the lake. Predictions: Tomorrow's prediction is difficult...they're talking sun and cloud BUT strong SW winds...so I think birds will continue to make their movebut they may be spread anywhere from HAwk Cliff north to London! At this point, Sunday is looking more promising with predicted N winds and sun. Report submitted by Dave Brown (thebro...@ezlink.on.ca) Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch information may be found at: http://www.e
