[Ontbirds] Ottawa/Gatineau - 26 April - weekly summary
Ontario/Quebec Ottawa/Gatineau 26 April 2011 Hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club Phone number: 613-860-9000 For the Bird Status Line PRESS * (star) To report bird sightings PRESS 1 (one) Coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Canada National Capital Region) E. Ontario,W. Quebec Compiler & transcriber: Chris Lewis hagen...@primus.ca, or sighti...@ofnc.ca It's been a great week with lots of birds for everyone who's been out, rain or shine! Waterfowl reports included a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE in a marsh along McKibbon Rd. south of Eardley, Quebec on the 22nd, and a couple of large flocks of SNOW GEESE, estimated at up to 4,000 on Frank Kenny Rd. north of Russell Rd. from the 22nd to the 24th, and up to 10,000 flying along the Ottawa River near Plaisance on the 25th. Numbers and variety of DUCKS have increased, with lots of dabblers & divers on both the Ontario and Quebec sides of the Ottawa River. A pair of SURF SCOTERS on the 19th at Shirley's Bay was a rare find in Ottawa for this time of year, as was a pair of BLACK SCOTERS at Dick Bell Park from the 22nd to the 24th. All three species of MERGANSERS are present on the Ottawa River as of the 19th. A RED-THROATED LOON flew over the rapids at Britannia on the 23rd, and on the 22nd 22 COMMON LOONS were seen in Shirley's Bay with smaller numbers reported since then. The first local observations of HORNED GREBES came in on the 22nd, and RED-NECKED GREBE numbers have built up, with 49 counted at Shirley's Bay on the 24th. At least 2 GREAT EGRETS are back at the island in the Deschenes rapids where potential nesting activity was noted last year, and a dozen or more BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were seen again at this location on the 19th incuding several on nests. Adult and immature BALD EAGLES were noted in the Shirley's Bay area on the 23rd and 24th, a BROAD-WINGED HAWK near McDonald's Corners southwest of Lanark on the 24th was new for the year, and AMERICAN KESTREL, MERLIN, and PEREGRINE FALCON were again reported from various locations. More reports of AMERICAN COOTS have come in, 2 SANDHILL CRANES flew over the Cumberland area on the 22nd, at least 1UPLAND SANDPIPER is back in the Constance Bay area, and a very vocal male RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER in Constance Bay on the 22nd is likely the same bird that over-wintered here. All of our SWALLOW species are now back, BROWN THRASHERS were new arrivals on the weekend, BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS continue to linger at Shirley's Bay, and YELLOW-RUMPED, PINE and PALM WARBLERS are back right on time. EASTERN TOWHEES are back on territory in the Carp hills along the Thomas Dolan Parkway. Lots of SPARROWS are about including AMERICAN TREE, FIELD, VESPER, SAVANNAH, FOX, SWAMP and WHITE-THROATED, and DARK -EYED JUNCOS remain abundant. RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen along the causeway at Shirley's Bay on the 23rd, PURPLE FINCHES were featured in many local reports, COMMON REDPOLLS are still being commonly heard and seen around the region, and the village of Pakenham is evidently a magnet for PINE SISKINS and EVENING GROSBEAKS - several of the former and over 60 of the latter were noted on the 22nd and 23rd. Thank you - Good Birding! ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Neotropic Cormorant
Ontbirders: The Neotropic Cormorant was seen this morning at the same location in Muddy Creek in Wheatley by Rob Waldhuber and Brian Wylie. See Chris Escott's post below for details and directions. Barb Charlton --Original Message-- From: Christopher Escott Sender: birdalert-boun...@ontbirds.ca To: Ontbirds ReplyTo: ch...@escott.ca Subject: [Ontbirds] Neotropic Cormorant Sent: Apr 25, 2011 9:49 PM The Neotropic Cormorant was still present at 5:00 p.m. today (Monday). It was perched on a mostly submerged bough on the far side of Muddy Creek about 100 m upstream (west) from the bridge that separates Muddy Creek from the Wheatley Harbour marina. There were first one and a half hour later three Double-crested Cormorant perched there with it, providing nice size comparisons. Directions: From Tilbury (south side of Hwy 401 west of Chatham) follow County Rd 1 south to Wheatley, continue south through town until you see the marina, turn right (west) on Deer Run Road and you will immediately cross a bridge. North-west of the bridge is Muddy Creek. -- Christopher Escott 151 Burbank Drive, Toronto ON Canada M2K 1N9 HOME: 416-444-8055 CELLULAR: 416-788-8055 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Lots of birds point Pelee Tip
Michael Tate 1-613-863-8455 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Point Pelee
At least 10. Sp. Of Warbler at the Tip inc. Hooded. Also Oriole Scarlet Tanager Grasshopper Sparrow Least Flycatcher Michael Tate Michael Tate 1-613-863-8455 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Tuesday, April 26, 9:00 a.m. Major influx of migrants at Thickson's Woods
Many species in large numbers. New arrivals include Black-throated Green and Nashville Warblers and Blue-headed Vireos. Directions to Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve To get to Thickson's Woods, Exit from #401 to Thickson Rd. S. Continue south about 1.5 kilometres to the Waterfront Trail, where you will see a large green sign on your left that says "Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve". Park along the east side of Thickson Road and walk east along the Waterfront Trail about 200 metres to where a pathway enters the woods on your right. Trails lead through the woods with two extending to the roadway on the south side of the woods along the shore of Lake Ontario. The roadways in the woods are the property of Thickson’s Woods Land Trust. Birder’s are welcome to walk along the roadways, but please park outside the gate. Exceptions are made for handicapped folks who are unable to walk about. The entrance to the meadow portion of the reserve is on the north side of the Waterfront Trail opposite the entrance to the woods. The Waterfront Trail east of Thickson Road is now gated, so no motorized vehicles can access it. Please don’t stand in the middle of the Waterfront Trail while birding, as you may endanger cyclists and in-line skaters, as well as yourself. Dennis Barry & Margaret Carney 338 Crystal Beach Blvd. Whitby, Ontario L1N 9Z7 905-725-2116 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] rondeau provincial park
Hi Pine Siskin have shown up in large numbers this morning. A red headed woodpecker was seen this morning at the visitor centre and pine warblers are in the area. The yellow throated warbler is being seen on a regular basis. Ric -- Ric McArthur PO Box B1 Morpeth, Ontario,Canada N0P 1X0 http://www.flickr.com/photos/ricmcarthur ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Rondeau Provincial Park
Hi Spent an enjoyable hour birding with 3 others and this is what was around. -- Rondeau April 26, 2011 Warbling vireo Blue headed vireo Brown creeper Yellow throated warbler Black and white warbler Black throated blue warbler Pine warbler Nashville warbler – visitor centre Yellow warbler Black throated green warbler Red bellied woodpecker Red headed woodpecker – at visitor centre Downey woodpecker Harry woodpecker Flicker House finch Purple finch Pine siskin Blue grey gnatcatcher Purple martin Rose breasted gross beak - male and female Bald eagle Towhee White breasted nuthatch Phoebe Tufted titmouse Field sparrow Tree sparrow Chipping sparrow There are ducks and grebes on the bay. Ric Ric McArthur PO Box B1 Morpeth, Ontario,Canada N0P 1X0 http://www.flickr.com/photos/ricmcarthur ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Rondeau Provincial Park
Hi Spent an enjoyable hour birding with 3 others and this is what was around. -- Rondeau April 26, 2011 Warbling vireo Blue headed vireo Brown creeper Yellow throated warbler Black and white warbler Black throated blue warbler Pine warbler Nashville warbler – visitor centre Yellow warbler Black throated green warbler Red bellied woodpecker Red headed woodpecker – at visitor centre Downey woodpecker Harry woodpecker Flicker House finch Purple finch Pine siskin Blue grey gnatcatcher Purple martin Rose breasted gross beak - male and female Bald eagle Towhee White breasted nuthatch Phoebe Tufted titmouse Field sparrow Tree sparrow Chipping sparrow There are ducks and grebes on the bay. Ric Ric McArthur PO Box B1 Morpeth, Ontario,Canada N0P 1X0 http://www.flickr.com/photos/ricmcarthur ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Rusty Blackbirds - Rattray Marsh
I just saw a large number of Rusty Blackbirds in the wet woods off the boardwalk between Green Glades School and the bridge over Sheridan Creek at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area. I saw maybe 70 but they were loud and there could be a lot more further in. They were crossing the boardwalk from north to south. Over the years I've seen the odd Rusty (spring, fall, winter) never more than a handful. I doubt these birds will linger long. Lots of Hermit Thrush, White-throated Sparrow, 6 species Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo. Also Siskins and Purple Finch (flocks) Rattray Marsh can be accessed from the bottom of Bexhill Road off Lakeshore Road in Mississauga, east of Southdown Road and Clarkson Road -- Mark Cranford Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranford at rogers dot com ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Point Pelee National Park Migration Update - April 26, 2011
Hello Birders What a difference a day makes! Yesterday's cold, rainy weather did not produce much bird activity, but this morning was a completely different story! I received a text from the Tip this morning that said "lots of birds" and it was not a lie. I awoke to a Baltimore Oriole singing outside my window, evidence of new arrivals. Here are the highlights from the Tip this morning: All three species of Scoter Green Heron (sitting in the woods at the Transit stop) Belted Kingfisher Cooper's Hawk Northern Harrier Merlin Wilson's Snipe (fly by) Least and Great Crested Flycatchers Warbling and Blue-headed Vireos House Wren many Gray Catbirds Grasshopper and Clay-colored Sparrow Warblers species noted today include: Yellow Yellow-rumped Hooded (Tip transit loop) Nashville Black-throated Green Pine Palm Northern Waterthrush Louisiana Waterthrush Ovenbird (at Sparrow Field) Common Yellowthroat Blue-winged Warbler Other highlights include: Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Purple Finch and Wood Thrush. The owl nest at the north end of the park is active again and the babies have been visible this week. There is a new owl viewing area, to allow small groups to observe off the road. Please park at the Sanctuary lookout or the Visitor Orientation area. We have continued to receive reports of the Neotropic Cormorant again today, in the same spot at Muddy Creek in Wheatley. Good birding everyone. Sarah Sarah Rupert Intepretation Coordinator | Coordinatrice d'interprétation Parks Canada Agency | Agence Parcs Canada Point Pelee National Park | Parc national de la Pointe-Pelée 407 Monarch Lane, Leamington ON N8H 3V4 | 407 rue Monarch, Leamington ON N8H 3V4 sarah.rup...@pc.gc.ca Telephone | Téléphone 519.322.5700 ext | poste 223 Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada 100 years, Come Celebrate! | 100 ans, Soyez de la fête! www.pc.gc.ca ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Rose-breasted Grosbeak at the Wet Woods, Tommy Thompson Park
New arrivals hunkering down from the rain: Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue-headed Vireo, Black and White Warbler, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Purple Finch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Rusty Blackbird, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Brown Thrasher, plus usuals. The Woods are very wet and can be found at the north end base of Tommy Thompson Park. The park is at the bottom of Leslie St in Toronto Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] WORM-EATING WARBLER and migrants at Long Point Provincial Park
There was a major fall-out of migrants this morning at Long Point. The highlight of the 13 warbler species was a WORM-EATING WARBLER just south of the playpark in the campground. The other warblers were: Nashville Warbler (3) Yellow Warbler (10+) Black-throated Blue Warbler (1 male) Myrtle Warbler (1000+) Black-throated Green Warbler (10+) Palm Warbler (10+) Pine Warbler (20+) Black-and-White Warbler (10+) Ovenbird (2) Northern Waterthrush (15+) Louisiana Waterthrush (1) Hooded Warbler (1 female) Other highlights included: Orchard Oriole (ASY and a SY male) Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3) Gray Catbird (2) Red-headed Woodpecker (1) Yellow-throated Vireo (1) The staff at Old Cut also mentioned having Cape May Warbler at the station, as well as a YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD calling in the marsh. Good birding, Matt (on Twitter @BirderMatt) & Adam Timpf Walsingham, Ontario Directions: Take HWY 59 south. The HWY ends at the start of Long Point Provincial Park. Note: The park is still closed, so you have to walk in. It is a bit of a hike to get to the far end, but there are lot's of migrants throughout. Also, we saw our first Deer Tick of the year, so be on the lookout for them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Rondeau Provincial Park
Hi The yellow throated warbler hasn't been seen since 10.00am Weather has improved and maybe it is out eating insects. Other birds seen today Red breasted nuthatch Cat bird Hooded warbler White throated sparrow White crowned sparrow Good birding Ric -- Ric McArthur PO Box B1 Morpeth, Ontario,Canada N0P 1X0 http://www.flickr.com/photos/ricmcarthur ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Pelee Island April 26th
Hey Birders, Well as everyone has already mentioned, today was superb! A total of 128 species were seen on the island today! Things started fairly slow, but picked up as soon as the fog lifted around 7:30am. I've listed the highlights below: Western Meadowlark - 1 bird on the lawn of 491 South Shore Road, I found it ~6:30pm and was still there at 8:15pm Acadian Flycatcher - 1 bird seen and singing actively by the old quarry at Sheridan's Point, early this afternoon - really early!! Cerulean Warbler - 1 male in an empty lot 400m. east of Scudder along the lake E. Whip-poor Will - 1 male flushed in the same lot with Cerulean Grasshopper Sparow - 1 bird at Fish Point first thing American Golden-Plover - 2 with a flock of Black-bellied's on Henderson Road this evening Northern Mockingbird - 1 at Lighthouse Point Black Scoter and Long-tailed Duck - 1 of each at Fish Point As well as the rarer species, many firsts of the year were seen inclduing; Chimney Swift, Least and Great Crested Flycatchers, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Bobolink. Warblers: Yellow - 10 Black-throated Blue - 2 Yellow-rumped - 500 Black-throated Green - 5 Blackburnian - 1 Pine - 10 Palm - 50 Black-and-white - 4 Ovenbird - 1 N. Watertrhush - 2 Number of other birders - 0! Directions: email me privately for more specific directions. Good Birding, Ken Burrell ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Yellow-throated Warbler at Van Wagners Beach
There was a major fallout of migrants along the Lake Ontario shoreline at Hamilton today in the rain and fog, probably one of the best I have ever seen in spring at Hamilton, certainly in April. At Van Wagners Beach and Van Wagners Ponds this evening (after the rain had ended), Cheryl Edgecombe, Dave Don and I spent several hours and had lots to look at. The highlight was a Yellow-throated Warbler (albilora subspecies) amongst 12 species of warblers, which also included a female Cerulean, Cape May, Nashville, Yellow, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Pine, Palm, Black-and-white, Northern Waterthrush and hundreds of Yellow-rumpeds. The Yellow-throated Warbler was seen around 6:00 pm on the west side of Van Wagners Beach Rd where it takes a jog and runs north-south at the west side of Confederation Park, in the treed area next to the park office building and the small creek. Many of the other warbler species were in this area as well. Another highlight was a Clay-colored Sparrow in the gravel parking lot across from Baranga's Restaurant, one of 11 sparrow species seen in the area. Hermit Thrushes were very abundant, as were kinglets. A nice sight was a flock of at least 66 Purple Finches (many males) on the grass and in the trees around Baranga's. Flocks of Rusty Blackbirds in the hundreds were flying through and landing briefly. The bird that drew us to the area was a Least Bittern found earlier in the afternoon by Tom Thomas perched in the shrubs between the waterfront trail and the beach about 25 m west of Baranga's. The bird sat motionless here a few feet off the ground as pedestrians walked past unknowing. It remained here until dark. I have no idea whether any of these birds will be around tomorrow, but it should still be a good day to check the area. Directions: From the QEW highway in Hamilton, take the Centennial Parkway (formerly Hwy 20) exit (exit no. 88), go north to the North Service Rd, turn left and go west; the road turns right onto Van Wagners Beach Dr (this is the N-S jog mentioned above). At the 3-way stop, you can turn right into a parking lot (fee required), or turn left and continue west to Baranga's restaurant and there is a gravel parking lot on the left side. One can continue farther west to the parking lots at Van Wagners Beach near Hutch's Restaurant as well. Cheers, Rob Dobos Dundas, Ont. rdo...@cogeco.ca ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
