[Ontbirds] Cattle Egret

[hgarcia]

 
 The Cattle Egret is still at the Milton
location  in Ottawa. I was
 lucky to see it around 10:30 AM
November 10.
 
 Some photos on
 
   http://www.boismocassinwoods.ca/blog
 
 Directions:
 417 East take exit 96 (Boundary Road), go
North and turn right on
 Russell Road,
 After several
KM, left on Milton.

Helena Garcia
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[Ontbirds] Re: Large dark-mantled gull - above Niagara Falls, Nov. 9 (with signature this time)

[Jarmo Jalava]

My apologies for this late report.


Between 4:00 and 4:45 PM on Tuesday, Nov. 9, after a meeting in Niagara Falls I 
had a bit of time to scope the rocks & rapids above the Falls for Purple 
Sandpiper (no luck), gulls (fairly low numbers and diversity) and waterfowl 
(big 
numbers and good diversity).  


After some scanning, I observed a dark-mantled gull in "winter adult" plumage 
sitting on the cement breakwall some 100m offshore in the Niagara River just 
above the rapids above the Falls.  The bird was clearly larger than the many 
Herring Gulls around it, and smaller than the two Great Black-backed Gulls also 
in its immediate vicinity.  Its mantle was intermediate in colour between these 
two species.  The bird changed positions several times and it was obvious that 
the dark grey mantle colour was not an artifact of light-angle.  In fact, 
viewing conditions were near ideal, in that the sun was setting behind my back 
and there was a thin overcast (as a result of Falls mist), meaning that there 
were no shadows or glare.

I wish I could give as superb a description of the bird as Kirk 
Zufelt did recently of the apparent Vega Gull in the Soo, or that I could have 
taken photos for a permanent record.  


In any case, the dark-mantled bird I saw had: 1. dull flesh-coloured to pinkish 
legs, which were clearly longer than the HERGs that it was with (it stood 
taller 
than the HERGs); 2. fine brown streaking on the head (I did not note a "dark 
line through the eye" noted by Sibley for Slaty-backed Gull, but was not 
specifically looking for this feature); 3. the iris appeared fairly pale, and 
the lores pinkish; 4. bill was heavier than the adjacent HERGs, but not as 
massive as the GBBGs; 4. the gonys appeared dusky grey-black perhaps with a 
hint 
of reddish (suggesting to me transition from second-summer to third winter??? 
since a fully mature bird should not have so much dusky, correct??); 5. the 
head 
shape was similar to the GBBG, quite flat across the crown with a very slight 
peak at the nape; 6. wingtips extended slightly beyond the tail; 7. apical 
white 
spots of primaries appeared slightly smaller than adjacent HERGs (not a helpful 
observation!), but I did not otherwise note the amount of black on primaries; 
8. 
tertial crescents appeared as a bold broad white band (broader than those of 
adjacent GBBGs) above the primaries with the bird at rest (it did not fly 
during 
the time I observed it); 9. the bird also had bold white scapular crescents.

My own "inconclusion" was that this was either a hybrid HERG X GBBG or a 
Slaty-backed Gull.  I make this post in hopes that others will rediscover and 
properly identify the bird.  Please feel free to e-mail me privately with your 
thoughts.

Also this week, on Monday, Nov. 8 at 4:15 PM, just south of Wheatley in a field 
on the west side of Erie Street South (north of the bend towards Wheatley 
Harbour) I observed a Cattle Egret -- the bird flew up from the field and 
southwestward.  Also, during the past two weeks I have observed small flocks of 
both species of crossbills (mostly fly-overs) in areas of high coniferous cover 
(including plantations) at various locations in southern Bruce and Grey 
counties. 

Jarmo Jalava, Paisley, Ontario
Directions to where I observed the dark-mantled gull: Take Niagara Parkway 
south 
towards Fort Erie from the Falls.  There is a pull-off on the river-side of the 
Parkway (that is heavily posted with No Stopping signs) between Burning Spring 
Hill and Upper Rapids Road. One can park in the parking lots off Upper Rapids 
Road immediately across from the pull-off on the west side of the Parkway.  
There is a bench at the pull-off that makes for pleasant scoping of the river, 
but do wear mitts or gloves. 
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[Ontbirds] Short-eared Owl Sightings Needed!

[Kathy Jones]

Short-eared Owl Sightings Needed!  Bird Studies Canada is asking birders to 
report any sightings of Short-eared Owls that they see in Ontario this winter; 
please include:
 - Your name and contact information
-   Date and time of sighting
-   Habitat (grassy field, pasture, marsh, etc.)
-   Number of birds seen
-   Behaviour (flying, perching, hunting)
-   Detailed location of sighting (geographical coordinates preferred)
If you would like to report a sighting, or if you're interested in volunteering 
to monitor known roost sites across southern Ontario (or know of a site that 
hosts wintering Short-eared Owls), please contact Kathy Jones, 1-888-448-2473 
ext.124, volunt...@birdscanada.org.
Data from this study will allow the determination of seasonal habitats occupied 
by the owl, and identify important breeding and wintering sites. Updates on our 
satellite-tracked owls are available through our Owl Tracker at < 
http://www.birdscanada.org/research/speciesatrisk/seow/index.jsp?targetpg=owltracker&lang=EN>.
Sightings from other provinces can be directed to 
www.ebird.ca

Sincerely,
Kathy Jones
Ontario Volunteer Coordinator
(Canadian Lakes Loon Survey)
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160, Port Rowan ON   N0E 1M0
Toll Free: 1-888-448-2473 ext. 124  Fax: 1-519-586-3532
E-mail: volunt...@birdscanada.org
Web Page: www.birdscanada.org

Understand  Appreciate  Conserve

>From time to time, BSC may send you information regarding our programs, 
>special issues, membership, and other correspondence. If you would prefer not 
>to receive this information, please contact us by mail at the address above or 
>e-mail rkir...@bsc-eoc.org. Thank you.
Au cours de l'année, Études d'Oiseaux Canada envoie de la documentation 
concernant ses programmes, ses activités ou autres. Si vous désirez ne pas 
recevoir cette information, faites-nous parvenir un message par la poste ou par 
courrier électronique à rkir...@bsc-eoc.org.



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[Ontbirds] Toronto islands - White-winged Crossbill and Red-throated Loon

[Murr, Norman]

Good Day

The Islands were quiet today and the most common birds were Long-tailed Ducks, 
Bufflehead and Black-capped Chickadees.

  Birds may have been scarce but there were some good ones down there besides 
the subject birds including N. Shoveler, Canvasback, White-winged Scoter, 
Hooded Merganser, Great Blue Heron, Peregrine Falcon, Wild Turkey, American 
Coot, Common Loon, Eastern Bluebird, Winter Wren, Purple Finch and Rusty 
Blackbird.

Most of the birds were on Hanlans and Gibralter Points. A long walk but worth 
it.

Note:- A few weeks ago I reported 2 female Wild Turkeys on Hanlans Point. They 
were walking through the bushes and never gave a view of the whole bird, 
neither one of them. Today I had great looks at the two birds as they fed 
(right out in the open on the lawn) with Canada Geese. They are not two females 
but one adult male and one adult female bird. Maybe next Spring we will see 
some little Turkettes down there. There is an abundance of berries and acorns 
for them to feed on over the Winter.

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 PER USUAL OR HANLANS POINT (This is new 
this year) 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 and on the north side of Centre 
Island just west of the gardens.
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. 

Norm Murr





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[Ontbirds] Rough-legged Hawk, Thorold

[Marcia Jacklin]

Hi

I saw a beautiful light phase Rough-legged Hawk while driving north on HWY 406. 
It was flying over a field on the east side of the highway between Regional 
Road 20 and Beaverdams Road.

Regards
Marcie Jacklin

Directions  Take the Queen Elizabeth Way towards Niagara. Get off at the exit 
onto ON-406 S toward Thorold/Welland/Port Colborne
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[Ontbirds] WNY Buffalo Bird Report 11 Nov 2010

[dfsuggs]

- RBA
* New York
* Buffalo
* 11/11/2010
* NYBU1011.11
- Birds mentioned
  ---
 Please submit email to dfsuggs localnet com
 ---
 [Two weekends ahead - BOS Niagara River Field Trip,
 Sunday November 21, with the Rochester Birding
 Association. Meet at 9 AM in the Fort Niagara
 State Park parking lot nearest the old fort.
 The trip crosses into Ontario - bring border
 documents. Visitors are always welcome on BOS
 trips. Thank you.]
   EVENING GROSBEAK
 GR. WHITE-FR. GOOSE
 CALIFORNIA GULL
 THAYER'S GULL
 Eared Grebe
 Tundra Swan
 Snow Goose
 Canada Goose
 Long-tailed Duck
 Black Scoter
 Surf Scoter
 White-winged Scoter
 Common Goldeneye
 Hooded Merganser
 Ruddy Duck
 Peregrine Falcon
 American Coot
 Greater Yellowlegs
 Bonaparte's Gull
 Herring Gull
 L. Black-b. Gull
 Red-headed Wdpkr.
 Tree Swallow
 Carolina Wren
 Winter Wren
 Marsh Wren
 American Robin
 Gray Catbird
 Brown Thrasher
 American Pipit
 Cedar Waxwing
 Amer. Tree Sparrow
 Fox Sparrow
 White-thr. Sparrow
 Snow Bunting
 Rusty Blackbird
 House Finch

- Transcript
 Hotline: Buffalo Bird Report at the Buffalo Museum of Science
 Date: 11/11/2010
 Number:   716-896-1271
 To Report:Same
 Compiler: David F. Suggs (dfsuggs localnet com)
 Coverage: Western New York and adjacent Ontario
 Website:  www.BuffaloOrnithologicalSociety.org

 Thursday, November 11, 2010

 The Buffalo Bird Report is a service provided by your  Buffalo Museum
of Science and 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. To contact the Science
Museum,  call 896-5200.

 Highlights of reports received November 4 through November  11 from
the Niagara Frontier Region include EVENING  GROSBEAK, GR. WHITE-FR.
GOOSE and CALIFORNIA GULL.

 November 8, near the Lake Ontario shore in Niagara County, 5  EVENING
GROSBEAKS at a feeder the Town of Wilson. There have  been very few
reports of this species in recent years.

 In contrast, the GR. WHITE-FR. GOOSE has become an annual  visitor to
the region. Up to 9 GR. WHITE-FR. GEESE this week  in the Iroquois
Refuge at Ring-necked Marsh, along with 18  CACKLING GEESE and 3
blue-phase SNOW GEESE, plus numerous  waterfowl including 120 HOODED
MERGANSERS. In the adjacent  Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area, 25
TUNDRA SWANS and 120  AMERICAN COOTS.

 Other Iroquois Refuge highlights, a RED-HEADED WDPKR. at  Roberts and
Sour Springs Road, and at Tibbets Road, 3  almost-late MARSH WRENS, 2
FOX SPARROWS and 4 RUSTY  BLACKBIRDS.

 At Niagara Falls, New York, CALIFORNIA GULL again on  November 5, and
THAYER’S GULL November 7, upriver of
 the 3 Sisters Islands off Goat Island, with up to 4
 L. BLACK-B. GULLS, and abundant HERRING GULLS and
 COMMON GOLDENEYES. It was noted that BONAPARTE'S  GULLS are present
on the river, but still in very low  numbers.

 At the Batavia Waste Water Plant, November 4, the region's  first
report of LONG-TAILED DUCK, plus lingering GREATER  YELLOWLEGS and TREE
SWALLOW. EARED GREBE was reported  several days at the plant with up to
20 waterfowl species  including SURF SCOTER, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, BLACK
SCOTER and  over 1200 RUDDY DUCKS, plus 2 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, MERLIN, 40
 SNOW BUNTINGS and 250 CEDAR WAXWINGS.

 November 9 at Tifft Nature Preserve in Buffalo, a late  lingering
BROWN THRASHER along the Mounds Bypass Trail. Also  at Tifft, CAROLINA
WREN, WINTER WREN, AMERICAN ROBIN, GRAY  CATBIRD, AMER. TREE SPARROW,
FOX SPARROW, WHITE-THR.  SPARROW, HOUSE FINCH and flying over,
PEREGRINE FALCON and 3  AMERICAN PIPITS. FOX SPARROWS were also
reported this week  from the Lake Ontario Plains to the Southern Tier.

 The Bird Report will be updated Thursday evening, November  18.
Please call in your sightings by noon Thursday. You may  report
sightings after the tone. Thank you for calling and  reporting.

- End Transcript


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[Ontbirds] HSR: Holiday Beach Conservation Area (11 Nov 2010) 170 Raptors

[reports]

Holiday Beach Conservation Area
Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 11, 2010
---

SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total   Season Total
-- --- -- --
Turkey Vulture  16   2296  38131
Osprey   0  1134
Bald Eagle   1 12159
Northern Harrier 6 71704
Sharp-shinned Hawk   2 99   9422
Cooper's Hawk   12124536
Northern Goshawk 0  2  7
Red-shouldered Hawk 12290491
Broad-winged Hawk0  0  16133
Red-tailed Hawk109   2665   3787
Rough-legged Hawk1 35 38
Golden Eagle11 44 52
American Kestrel 0  0   1445
Merlin   0  6125
Peregrine Falcon 0  0 50
Unknown Accipiter0  0  2
Unknown Buteo0  1 13
Unknown Eagle0  0  0
Unknown Falcon   0  0  0
Unknown Raptor   0  0  2
Mississippi Kite 0  0  1

Total: 170   5646  71232
--

Observation start time: 08:00:00 
Observation end   time: 15:30:00 
Total observation time: 7.5 hours

Official Counter:Jim Pawlicki

Observers:Larry Ludwicki

Visitors:
Larry Ludwicki stopped in for a while and helped out with the count. Jason
Telasco and friend Gillies Beaudigin, in addition to 2 park visitors
stopped by for a short time in the afternoon.


Weather:
Starting off foggy in the morning, eventually clearing out by 10:00 giving
way to mostly sunny skies. Winds were light and variable, starting off N
then switching to SW and finally SE by the end of the count. Temps. remain
mild with a high of 16C. 

Raptor Observations:
Once the fog cleared, things started up with a decent push of Red-tails,
Red-shouldereds, and Cooper's Hawks, although nearly all were distant and
well north of the tower given the south winds and mild temps. Golden Eagles
were on the move with the first birds of the day a distant "kettle" of 4
juveniles soaring together over the north end of the marsh at 10:59. A
short time later, another 2 juveniles gli1ded into view, making for 6
visible in the sky at once. The other highlight of the day was the season's
second dark morph (adult) Red-tailed Hawk that passed by with 4 other
Red-tails at 11:29.

Non-raptor Observations:
The regulars: Hairy Woodpecker, Winter Wren, Fox Sparrow, and 120 Rusty
Blackbirds. Am. Pipits and Horned Larks back on the move with 60 and 75
tallied, respectively. Also 4 fly-over Pine Siksins, Yellow-rumped Warbler,
and 3 Ruddy Ducks in the marsh.

Predictions:
Partly cloudy and mild with light SE winds and a high of 15C. Should be
similar to today with more Red-tails on the move, although most will
probably be distant.


Report submitted by Jim Pawlicki (jmpawl...@aol.com)
Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at:
http://hbmo.org/


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[Ontbirds] Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending November 11, 2010.

[Fred Helleiner]

November is typically a slow month for birding at Presqu'ile Provincial 
Park, but the fine weather of the past six days has kept hydrophobic 
birders in the field long enough to find some welcome "goodies".


For over two weeks, a male EURASIAN WIGEON has delighted almost everyone 
who came looking for it.  Sooner or later a skim of ice over the marsh 
would cause it to leave, and in fact that may have happened since 
yesterday, when it was last reported.  Other ducks are still plentiful, 
with WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS being the only ones of passing interest.  Most 
loons have moved on, but a RED-THROATED LOON was still in Popham Bay on 
November 6.  HORNED GREBES are also less in evidence with each passing day.


A BALD EAGLE was spotted on two different days.  A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was 
observed attempting an attack on a RUFFED GROUSE.  Other unusual hawk 
sightings were a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (apparently the only one of the 
fall at Presqu'ile), a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, and a GOLDEN EAGLE seen in the 
distance outside the Park by an observer in the Park.  The latest of the 
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS was seen on November 9.  On Gull Island, the first 
of the season's PURPLE SANDPIPERS was found on November 9, consorting 
with a large number of DUNLINS and a smaller number of WHITE-RUMPED 
SANDPIPERS.


It  may be just the defoliation of the past week that has made BARRED 
OWLS more visible, but the increase in sightings in recent days (three 
by one observer and two by another pair of birders, as well as several 
singles) coincides with the arrival of larger numbers a year ago.  It 
seems unlikely that a similar influx will occur for a second consecutive 
year.  The same observers who a month ago found the only NORTHERN 
SAW-WHET OWL of the fall in the Park found another one on November 9.


RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS continue to be sighted, including one coming 
regularly to a feeder at 30 Bayshore Road.  COMMON RAVENS were rare at 
Presqu'ile even five years ago but have become a fairly common bird in 
the Park this year and are still being seen on most days.  The continued 
presence of a CAROLINA WREN at 186/191 Bayshore Road suggests that it 
might be planning to spend the winter there, as one did a few years 
ago.  A RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was at the lighthouse on November 8 and 9, 
and a GRAY CATBIRD was there as recently as November 6.  Surprisingly, 
there have been no reports of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS at Presqu'ile this 
month, but a very late NORTHERN PARULA paid a brief visit to 186 
Bayshore Road this afternoon, sitting on the frame of a parked bicycle 
beside two birders sunning themselves on a bench before flying off to 
greener pastures, - close but no cigar when it comes to establishing a 
late record.  FOX SPARROWS were at 191 Bayshore Road up till November 
8.  The biggest surprise of the week was a flock of forty or more PINE 
GROSBEAKS at Jobes' woods on November 9.  No one has re-located them.  
Two birds identified by sound as WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS flew over 
Atkins Lane on November 10.  PINE SISKINS are around in smaller but 
still respectable numbers than a week ago.


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.  Visitors to Gull Island not using a 
boat should be prepared to wade through ankle-deep water (deeper when 
there are waves) in which there is often a swift current and a substrate 
that is somewhat uneven and slippery.  It should also be noted that, 
because duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 
and Saturdays, Gull Island, High Bluff Island, Owen Point, and part of 
the calf pasture are not available for bird-watching on those days. 
Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird 
sightings board provided near the campground office by The Friends of 
Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird report for species not 
listed there.


Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be 
directed to: fhellei...@trentu.ca.


--
Fred Helleiner

186 Bayshore Road,
Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0
VOICE: (613) 475 5309 
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park. 


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[Ontbirds] Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Thursday, November 11th, 2010

[Cheryl Edgecombe]

On Thursday, November 11th, 2010 this is the HNC Birding Report:

PACIFIC LOON
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE
CAVE SWALLOW
LECONTE'S SPARROW


Tundra Swan
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
BarrowsxCommon Goldeneye
Ruffed Grouse
Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Northern Goshawk
Golden Eagle
Virginia Rail
Greater Yellowlegs
White-rumped Sandpiper
Purple Sandpiper
Dunlin
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Thayer's Gull
Short-eared Owl
Common Raven
Tufted Titmouse
House Wren
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
White-winged Crossbill
Evening Grosbeak

It's been another big week here in the Hamilton Study Area with our annual
fall bird count occurring last Sunday. The star of the count the LECONTE'S
SPARROW was seen on the count and the day after at the Rona Ponds in
Waterdown. It has not been seen since Monday but is highly elusive
so.could still be about.

On Monday, birders looking for the Purple Sandpiper at 50 Point Conservation
Area on the count were fortunate to find three species of  Loon including a
PACIFIC LOON. The bird was seen early afternoon but was elusive diving and
remaining underwater for much of the time. Another good find Tuesday at 50
Point was a lingering CAVE SWALLOW seen at the mouth of the marina.  Two
Lesser Black-backed Gulls were also seen here.

Continuing west along the lake, a Short-eared Owl was seen at Gray's Road on
Saturday and the Barrows x Common Goldeneye hybrid returned this area. All
three scoters are being seen along various access points. A Thayer's Gull
was seen on the count from the Stoney Creek Lakeshore. 

Down the way at Hutch's restaurant a Black-legged Kittiwake made a fly-by
and then landed on the beach with the gulls. It then flew off to the east
toward Confederation Park. Today three POMARINE JAEGERS made an appearance
at about 3 o'clock.  

Our fall bird count was quieter this year than last. This is the latest date
that the count can be done so even a week at this time of year can make a
difference. Highlights included Golden Eagle (three over Waterdown, total
5), Greater Yellowlegs at Dundas Marsh and Dundas Hydro Ponds, White-rumped
Sandpiper and Dunlin at Princess Point, White-winged Crossbills near
Binbrook, Evening Grosbeak in North Halton.  Others include Northern
Goshawk, House Wren, Tufted Titmice at several feeders, Gray Catbird and
Brown Thrasher.  Pine and Yellow-rumped Warbler were the only two warblers
seen on count.  

In the odds and sods, Virginia Rail was heard mid week in the Middletown
Road and 5th Concession area, a very late date for this species.  Ruffed
Grouse are coming to a feeder in the Westover Road and 8th Concession area.
A group of 5 Common Ravens flew over the same area.  A great gathering of
over 100 American Pipits occurred last Saturday at 4th Concession West and
Lynden Road.  

Its quality not quantity this week.  This is an exciting time of year for
vagrants so get out and report the ones you find.

Have a great week,
Cheryl Edgecombe
HNC Hotline
905-381-0329



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[Ontbirds] HSR: Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch (09 Nov 2010) 172 Raptors

[reports]

Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch
Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 09, 2010
---

SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total   Season Total
-- --- -- --
Black Vulture0  0  0
Turkey Vulture  71   1721  21454
Osprey   0  1339
Bald Eagle   0 24247
Northern Harrier 1 73   1668
Sharp-shinned Hawk   4145  14042
Cooper's Hawk1 59367
Northern Goshawk 0 16 24
Red-shouldered Hawk  5963   1287
Broad-winged Hawk0  0  99105
Red-tailed Hawk 75   5472   7178
Rough-legged Hawk7 21 40
Golden Eagle 8 83130
American Kestrel 0  1   4397
Merlin   0  1187
Peregrine Falcon 0  1 82
Unknown Accipiter0  0  0
Unknown Buteo0  0  0
Unknown Falcon   0  0  0
Unknown Eagle0  0  0
Unknown Raptor   0  0  0

Total: 172   8581 150547
--

Observation start time: 10:00:00 
Observation end   time: 14:00:00 
Total observation time: 4 hours

Official Counter:Jim Dunn

Observers:Mac McAlpine, Mark Cunningham, Mary Carnahan, Tom Stewart

Weather:
winds were very light from the E and then died off altogether around
noon...eventually picking up slightly for the next hour from the SW. Temp
very warm for November hitting a high of 21C. Not a cloud in the sky today.

Raptor Observations:
Another smaller flight today with quality species more than quantity. Total
birds for the day was 172. It was almost an even split between Redtails
(75) and TV's (71). The highligts again today were Golden Eagles (8) and
several Rouglegs (7). Interestingly, there was a real flurry of birds as
the wind started to pick up early afternoon...including 30 of the Redtails,
2 Shoulders, a couple of TVs and 7 of the 8 Golden Eagles low and right
overhead of the counters. Of these, 5 were juvenile looking birds, 1 an
apparent adult followed by a probable sub adult. We've mentioned to
visitors before that Goldens are often a later in the day species so it can
be worth sticking around.  :)

Non-raptor Observations:
It was a very mild, sunny day and a lovely day for a walk along Hawk Cliff
Rd. where the usual fall sparrows, chickadees, goldfinches, etc. were very
active in weed patches and shrubs.  In the fields, HORNED LARKS & AM.
PIPITS foraged and sang, while numerous butterflies enjoyed the late
morning sun.  Species providing good looks and sitting for photos were
orange sulphur (3), eastern comma (2) and a single, very photogenic common
buckeye!

Report submitted by Dave Brown (thebro...@ezlink.on.ca)
Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch information may be found at:
http://www.ezlink.on.ca/~thebrowns/HawkCliff/index.htm


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[Ontbirds] Red-throated Loons, Little Gull, Hudsonian Godwit at Grand Bend

[Karl Overman]

Scott Jennex, Robert Epstein and I birded today along the Lake Huron  
shoreline from Sarnia to Grand Bend.  Viewing conditions were optimal  
on the lake with flat waters and bright sunshine.  Those conditions  
aided us in seeing   14 Red-throated Loons off the beach at Grand  
Bend.   Also seen at that locale was an adult Little Gull.  We  
checked out the Grand Bend sewage lagoons.  The long staying  
Hudsonian Godwit was still present in the first pond. Other  
shorebirds present were one White-rumped Sandpiper, a Greater  
Yellowlegs and 18 Dunlin.  Other shorebirds today for us where  
singles of Greater Yellowlegs and Wilson's Snipe at Kettle Point.   
Scott Jennex had a Pectoral Sandpiper at the Bright's Groove sewage  
lagoons near Sarnia.


We had two more Red-throated Loons on Lake Huron off of Highland Glen  
Conservation Area.


The Grand Bend sewage lagoons are reached by going approximately 1  
kilometer east of Grand Bend on highway 81 to Mollard Line and then  
going right  for approximately 2 kilometers to the sewage lagoons on  
the right.



Cheers,

Karl Overman
Farmington Hills, Michigan
www.karloverman.com
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[Ontbirds] Kingston area birds to Nov. 11, 2010

[goodcompany]

The KFN did their annual fall round-up last weekend and as with any 24 hour 
birding endeavour there were some highlights. Best sighting was a Pacific Loon 
at Prince Edward Point. There were also 5 Golden Eagles and 3 Black Scoters. On 
Wolfe Island a flock of 8000 Redheads contained about 20 Canvasbacks, a duck 
that has become very difficult to find in the Kingston area. The hybrid 
Eurasian/American Wigeon was still in Elevator Bay on Saturday.
The movement of Evening Grosbeaks continues. On Monday there were 10 at Bedford 
Mills and 15 near Bellrock; on Tuesday 1 at Camden East and on Wednesday 
another singleton at Battersea. Another noteworthy movement (?) was the 
sighting of not one but 2 Gray Jays; the first near Mallorytown just outside 
the Kingston 50km circle and another north of Bellrock. The latest Cattle Egret 
reported locally was one on Wolfe Island yesterday.
Lingering birds include 17 Golden-crowned Kinglets and 6 Brown Creepers at the 
Queen's Biology Station a week ago, a Greater Yellowlegs on the Cataraqui River 
and 3 Pectoral Sandpipers at the Hillview Marsh on Saturday, an Osprey at 
Charleston Lake on Monday, a Turkey Vulure on Wolfe Island and a Chipping 
Sparrow at Battersea yesterday and a Fox Sparrow and a Hermit Thrush on Amherst 
Island today. The latest of all was a Yellow Warbler seen in Paterson Park just 
west of the Invista Plant last Saturday.
Cheers,
Peter Good
Kingston Field Naturalists
613 378-6605
 
  
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[Ontbirds] HSR: Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch (10 Nov 2010) 121 Raptors

[reports]

Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch
Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 10, 2010
---

SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total   Season Total
-- --- -- --
Black Vulture0  0  0
Turkey Vulture   1   1722  21455
Osprey   0  1339
Bald Eagle   3 27250
Northern Harrier 0 73   1668
Sharp-shinned Hawk   1146  14043
Cooper's Hawk9 68376
Northern Goshawk 0 16 24
Red-shouldered Hawk  0963   1287
Broad-winged Hawk0  0  99105
Red-tailed Hawk100   5572   7278
Rough-legged Hawk1 22 41
Golden Eagle 6 89136
American Kestrel 0  1   4397
Merlin   0  1187
Peregrine Falcon 0  1 82
Unknown Accipiter0  0  0
Unknown Buteo0  0  0
Unknown Falcon   0  0  0
Unknown Eagle0  0  0
Unknown Raptor   0  0  0

Total: 121   8702 150668
--

Observation start time: 09:00:00 
Observation end   time: 16:00:00 
Total observation time: 7 hours

Official Counter:Jim Dunn

Observers:Alf Rider, Chris Street, John Potticary, Keith Sealy,
  Mary Carnahan

Visitors:
Thanks to those who counted / observed today including Jim Dunn, Mary
Carnahan, Keith Sealy, Alf Rider, John Potticary, Chris Street and Stacy
Carnochan.


Weather:
Today got off to a slow start with dense fog and a ceiling that you could
touch for the first two hours. 
Sky cleared about 11.30 and immediately birds were in the air. The sky
soon turned clear blue, birds went higher and spotting them became a
challenge. Winds were moderate initially from the E, backing slightly to SE
and then swinging round to NE for the last four hours.
 


Raptor Observations:
A similar flight to yesterday...though the total was smaller at 121 birds. 
There was just a single TV, Bald Eagles (3), a lone Shin with 9 Coopsa
decent flight of Redtails (100) with the only other buteo a Roughleg (1). 
Best birds of the day were once again the Golden Eagles (6)...very similar
numbers to what we've had the past few days.  It's nice to see our current
2010 tally (136 with today's included) for Goldens steadily climbing
towards similar totals we've seen in recent years. Of course, we've got a
ways to go to surpass the existing record 1-year high of 220 from 2008.

Non-raptor Observations:
Early this morning, 2 WILD TURKEYS were seen crossing the road on the south
side of the ravine.  Historically this has been a favourite crossing point
for turkeys as well as deer and somewhat earlier in the fall, salamanders. 
Other than that, things were pretty quiet at the Cliff.  Nevertheless, a
small flock of at least 4 late FIELD SPARROWS was spotted foraging among
the willows along the footpath right at the Cliff.  Mid-morning to around
noon, was spent at the B&B where observers noted 10+ EASTERN BLUEBIRDS
frolicking near the "Hallowe'en tree", and a BELTED KINGFISHER flew towards
the pond at the back of the field.  As well, our keen-eyed visitors spotted
a couple of flocks of HORNED LARKS flying overhead. Observers spied some
good butterflies, particularly a very fresh looking sulphur and a red
admiral.

Report submitted by Dave Brown (thebro...@ezlink.on.ca)
Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch information may be found at:
http://www.ezlink.on.ca/~thebrowns/HawkCliff/index.htm


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[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park report: 11 November 2010

[Ron Tozer]

Beautiful sunny weather and great conditions out on the trails this week.
Finch numbers are low but the variety is good. The Visitor Centre feeders
continue to provide good viewing.
 
BOREAL SPECIES:
 
Spruce Grouse: one on Spruce Bog Boardwalk (November 6).

Black-backed Woodpecker: female at Wolf Howl Pond (November 6)
 
Gray Jay: regular on Opeongo Road, at the Visitor Centre suet, Spruce
Bog Boardwalk and Leaf Lake Ski Trail entrance.
 
Boreal Chickadee: Several at Wolf Howl Pond (November 7); one between F and
B (see winter brochure map) on Fen Lake Ski Trail (November 11).
 

FIRST OF FALL:

Bufflehead: six on Lake of Two Rivers (November 4)

Pine Grosbeak: see below


FINCHES:
 
Pine Grosbeak: one at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (November 10).

Purple Finch: still one coming to the Visitor Centre feeders (November 11).
 
White-winged Crossbill: five over Centennial Ridges Trail; groups of four
and three near Gateway Creek on Fen Lake Ski Trail (November 11).

Red Crossbill: singles flying over Highway 60 (November 10 and 11).

Common Redpoll: Groups of 10 and two over Centennial Ridges Trail; and
groups of four, three, six and five over Fen Lake Ski Trail (November 11).
 
Pine Siskin: a few at the Visitor Centre feeders all week.

American Goldfinch: up to 15 at the Visitor Centre feeders.
 
Evening Grosbeak: 12 at Lake of Two Rivers (October 31) and up to 12 daily
at the Visitor Centre feeders this week.

 
OTHER NOTEWORTHY SIGHTINGS:

Red-breasted Merganser: female on Costello Lake (November 7).

Double-crested Cormorant: juvenile at Opeongo Access Point (November 7).
Late.
 
Golden Eagle: juvenile over Cache Lake Dam (November 7)

Bohemian Waxwing: 19 (November 7) and 12 (November 10) at the Visitor
Centre.



MAMMALS:

River Otter: two or three have been regular at the Opeongo Access Point this
week.

Pine Marten: one is visiting the Visitor Centre feeders daily, but at
irregular times.

Eastern Wolf: a pack was heard howling near the East Gate at night this
week.



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 9 am to 4 pm on weekends
only from November 6 to December 19. Birders visiting during the week may
be able to enter via the service entrance (right end of building) to view
the feeders; check in with staff first.
 
Algonquin Park birding updates and information are available at:
www.algonquinpark.on.ca


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[Ontbirds] No Harlequin but more ducks everyday at the Humber Bays...

[Bernie Monette]

Greetings!

I was unable to re-find the Harlequin today but on a positive note the ducks
at Humber Bay West are ranging closer to shore. There were some lovely Red
Breasted Mergansers, Buffleheads, and a Red Necked Grebe.

At Humber Bay East, where they race the RC boats, there are about a dozen
Hooded Mergansers: the males are doing their courting dances (AFAIK) with
their heads extended bobbing back and forth.

Last year there were many ducks at Humber Bay West and hopefully it is the
same this year!

Both Humber Bays, East and West, are at the intersection of Lakeshore Blvd
and Parklawn road. Turn right for the West and go straight for the east.
Before that: exit off the Gardiner at Parklawn.

Cheers,

Bernie
http://www.newlight.ca
http://www.flickr.com/photos/berniemonette


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[Ontbirds] HSR: Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch (11 Nov 2010) 75 Raptors

[reports]

Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch
Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 11, 2010
---

SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total   Season Total
-- --- -- --
Black Vulture0  0  0
Turkey Vulture   4   1726  21459
Osprey   0  1339
Bald Eagle   1 28251
Northern Harrier 1 74   1669
Sharp-shinned Hawk   6152  14049
Cooper's Hawk2 70378
Northern Goshawk 0 16 24
Red-shouldered Hawk  4967   1291
Broad-winged Hawk0  0  99105
Red-tailed Hawk 52   5624   7330
Rough-legged Hawk0 22 41
Golden Eagle 5 94141
American Kestrel 0  1   4397
Merlin   0  1187
Peregrine Falcon 0  1 82
Unknown Accipiter0  0  0
Unknown Buteo0  0  0
Unknown Falcon   0  0  0
Unknown Eagle0  0  0
Unknown Raptor   0  0  0

Total:  75   8777 150743
--

Observation start time: 09:00:00 
Observation end   time: 14:00:00 
Total observation time: 5 hours

Official Counter:Jim Dunn

Observers:Alf Rider, John Potticary, Kathy, Mary Carnahan,
  Tom Bolohan

Visitors:
No visitors noted today.


Weather:
Today, the wind played around between SE and S but was mainly
SE...AARGH As a result the birds were spread out from the lake to just
north of the ridge.  
Sky was CLEAR BLUE again and birds were very difficult to spot but easy to
ID with the perfect light. 

Raptor Observations:
Today's flight totaled just 75 raptors...with a few each of 7 different
species and the bulk being Redtails (52). Another small number of Golden
Eagles (5). One of the  Goldens was south of Dexter Line, three were
observed from the B&B but they were north of Roberts Line and the last one
was observed south of the ridge from Yarmouth Line. Of interest was a
RED-SHOULDER that had most feathers missing from one wing.

Non-raptor Observations:
Under sunny skies, observers enjoyed the usual variety of late fall birds
at cliffside and along HC Rd including  FIELD, WHITE-THROATED & SONG
SPARROWS and numerous "feeder" birds.  As well, the flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS
is hanging in, although somewhat reduced in numbers, as we are now seeing
about 2 dozen on a regular basis as compared with the 70+ we had early last
week.  
With the shifting flight path today, we stopped at 3 locations, each one
with its own chattering RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER.  Also, observers noticed a
few meadowhawk dragonflies and an unspecified darner -- interesting
sightings for mid-November!
  
 



Predictions:
Weather guessers aren't predicting much change for tomorrow or for the
weekend.


Report submitted by Dave Brown (thebro...@ezlink.on.ca)
Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch information may be found at:
http://www.ezlink.on.ca/~thebrowns/HawkCliff/index.htm


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