[Ontbirds] Additional Niagara Birds today - Nov 27, 11
Apologies for the additional Niagara River posting. My darling girlfriend Jenn and I had some additional birds of note today along the river, beyond the previously reported Razorbill, AW Pelican etc. Black Vulture - 5 birds seen circling over NY between Adam Beck and the Queenston Docks mid morning. Franklin's Gull - the first basic appeared mid morning (feeding) at Adam Beck Pomarine Jaeger - spotted by Bob Stamp et al. while we were at Adam Beck. The bird provided good and unique views (from above) while it harassed birds near the power plants. It was an intermediate juvenile. California Gull - an adult above the falls (control gates) sitting on the far side of the river (in NY). -- this bird has been reported previously on the New York (Genesee) list. Glaucous Gull - a 2nd basic bird sitting above the falls. We struck out on yesterdays Black-legged Kittiwake, giving us 11 gull species for the day. Good Birding! Brandon Holden www.PeregrinePrints.com Directions: the only directions of use I can give is our location when viewing the Black Vultures. We stopped on Niagara Parkway near the top of the escarpment, (north of Adam Beck, south of Queenston Docks) - at the "scenic overlook" which gives a great view of New York and downriver. The Black Vultures were spotted with a scope, and we watched as they slowly drifted east and further into NY (unfortunately not with the 20+ Turkey Vultures which wandered into Ontario). ___ 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] HSR: Holiday Beach Conservation Area (27 Nov 2011) Raptors
Holiday Beach Conservation Area Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 27, 2011 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Turkey Vulture 0 1873 33693 Osprey 0 2204 Bald Eagle 0 18199 Northern Harrier 0127938 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0112 13071 Cooper's Hawk0194 1062 Northern Goshawk 0 11 15 Red-shouldered Hawk 0347503 Broad-winged Hawk0 0 43431 Red-tailed Hawk 0 2391 3336 Rough-legged Hawk0 16 28 Golden Eagle 0 72112 American Kestrel 0 15 4874 Merlin 0 8137 Peregrine Falcon 0 6 80 Unknown Accipiter0 15 65 Unknown Buteo0 23 52 Unknown Eagle0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 6 Unknown Raptor 0 0 14 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 3 Black Vulture0 1 1 Total: 0 5231 101824 -- Observation start time: 11:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours Official Counter:Sarah Rupert Observers: Visitors: No one was out in the rain Weather: It was a very rainy day, with light southwest winds. Raptor Observations: The only raptor viewed today was a resident Bald Eagle Non-raptor Observations: Mostly ducks were the other birds seen today. Wet conditions kept most other birds at bay. Sightings included: Mallard - 300, Gadwall - 150, American Black Duck - 25, Pied-billed Grebe - 5, Mute Swan - 20, American Wigeon - 10, Northern Shoveler - 12, Northern Pintail - 10, Ruddy Duck - 15, Bufflehead - 2, Common Goldeneye -2, Killdeer - 1, American Coot - 150, Belted Kingfisher - 1, American Tree Sparrow - 5 Predictions: Winds will be out of the north for most of the day. Skies are predicted to be partially clear in the am, with showers in the pm, so there could be some movement early in the day. Report submitted by Sarah Rupert (tana...@sympatico.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 birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Niagara Falls: Tufted Titmouse
Hello Everyone, Today a group of six of us including (Jenn Sinasac and myself) headed for the Niagara Region despite the wet forecast. As others have already posted the *Razorbill*, *American White Pelican *and several species of gulls were seen today. As we walked back to our car after birding for various gulls and ducks just south of the Falls, we came across a *Tufted Titmouse* in the same tree as a *Red-bellied Woodpecker* at Dufferin Islands. If you’re in the area it might be worth a search. The Titmouse was hanging around some bushes behind the “reindeer and beaver” festival of lights decorations close to the parking lot. *Directions:* From the QEW (South), take the 420 exit on the left towards ‘The Falls’. Continue on Roberts Street. Continue onto Falls Avenue and take a slight right onto the Niagara Parkway. Turn right into the Dufferin Islands park (7400 Portage Road, Niagara Falls). Good Birding! Kristen Martyn Website: www.naturatoursinc.com Blog: http://naturatours.blogspot.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] Algonquin Park
Hello Ontbirders Despite today's wet weather, we had an excellent weekend birding the Hwy. 60 corridor of Algonquin Park. Here are the highlights from Saturday: 3 male Spruce Grouse - 1 along Arowhon Road, and two along the Railway Bed, east of Arowhon. 1 male Black-backed Woodpecker along the Railway Bed, east of Arowhon. 3 Boreal Chickadees in a flock of several Black-capped Chickadees near the chain over the Railway Bed, east of Arowhon. 1 Northern Shrike in the swamp at Wolf Howl Pond. 12 Red Crossbills along Hwy 60, at KM 41. 5 Gray Jays were highly visible along the Railway Bed, east of Arowhon, plus 2 more along Opeongo Lake Road and 1 at the East Gate. Several finches kept flying high overhead throughout the day. Most were Common Redpoll, including a flock of about 40. Others include several individual White-winged Crossbills, and two Pine Siskin A Pine Martin at the Visitor's Centre Bird Feeder was a bonus. Highlights on Sunday included: 2 Ruffed Grouse, one at the Visitor's Centre Bird Feeder and another along Opeongo Lake Road. 1 Boreal Chickadee along the Spruce Bog Boardwalk. 1 Northern Shrike along Opeongo Lake Road. Gray Jays were encountered along the Spruce Bog Boardwalk and the Logging Museum Trail. 6 River Otter in the pond of the Logging Museum Trail was another bonus. Happy Birding Nina Stavlund http://thevisualadventure.blogspot.com/ http://nina-stavlund.artistwebsites.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] American White Pelican google map correction
sorry about that link I originally provided regarding the location of Jack Custers Bird Sanctuary. It appears a few people went to 1210 Line 1 instead of the Bird Sanctuary which is located on Concession 7 South of Niagara Stone Rd it appears my link showed the sanctuary and also a street view of 1210 Line 1 For anyone who does visit the sanctuary there is also a trailer near the parking lot which has stuffed birds and some bird wood carvings. I have been going to this location for a few years and I never even knew it was open to the public this is a better link http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=niagara-on-the-lake&hl=en&ll=43.196721,-79.146988&spn=0.002687,0.004823&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=17.885114,39.506836&vpsrc=6&hnear=Niagara-on-the-Lake,+Niagara+Regional+Municipality,+Ontario,+Canada&t=h&z=18 > ___ 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/
Re: [Ontbirds] American White Pelican Ontario Canada Niagara-on-the-Lake
November 27 - My wife and I observed the American White Pelican was observed by me at Jack Custers Bird Sanctuary from 11:00 to 11:31 AM today. (Near the mouth of the Niagara River in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake SSW of Virgil.) Although the bird seemed tame, I could rule out possible exotics such as Dalmatian Pelican (which I have observed in Turkey) and Pink-backed Pelican. Since the American White Pelican was being chased by the local Golden Retriever named "Billy", I saw it take a few short flights. The gray on the lower head, neck and dorsal wings and its location suggest this bird is a confused juvenile. If you want to meet the pelican and Billy look at the map and directions below. Jack Custers Bird Sanctuary on Concession Road 7 might be north instead of south of Niagara Stone Road, but there is a nice sign in front of the house. Pull in the dive way and then follow the dirt road to the parking lot and then walk the path to the elevated blind. Best Wishes for Great Birding, Bill Watson Buffalo Ornithological Society * there is an American White Pelican at Jack Custers Bird Sanctuary in Niagara-on-the-Lake The Pelican has been at the pond for the last two days and was still there at 4:30 pm when I left. I asked permission from the owner to post this message but since it's only a small pond please be careful and try not to scare the bird. I am sure he would love seeing it swim in his pond for as long as possible Jack Custers Bird Sanctuary is located on Concession 7 just South of Niagara Stone Rd this is a link from Google Maps http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=1210+line+1+niagara+on+the+lake&hl=en&ll=43. 19672,-79.147536&spn=0.001343,0.002411&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=17.88511 4,39.506836&vpsrc=6&hnear=1210+Line+1+Rd,+Niagara-on-the-Lake,+Niagara+Regio nal+Municipality,+Ontario+L0S+1T0,+Canada&t=h&z=19 In a message dated 11/26/2011 5:50:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, dav...@gmail.com writes: I stopped by Jack Custers Bird Sanctuary at 5pm tonight and the American White Pelicank was still swimming in the pond. I talked to Jack Custer and he said over 200 people visited his sanctuary today. to visit the sanctuary here is a google maps link http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=1210+line+1+niagara+on+the+lake&hl=en&ll=43. 19672,-79.147536&spn=0.001343,0.002411&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=17.88511 4,39.506836&vpsrc=6&hnear=1210+Line+1+Rd,+Niagara-on-the-Lake,+Niagara+Regio nal+Municipality,+Ontario+L0S+1T0,+Canada&t=h&z=19 ___ 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] HSR: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (27 Nov 2011) Raptors
DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 27, 2011 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Black Vulture0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 1300 52734 Osprey 0 0 85 Bald Eagle 0 46226 Northern Harrier 0 49273 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 97 5331 Cooper's Hawk0108759 Northern Goshawk 0 15 26 Red-shouldered Hawk 0252456 Broad-winged Hawk0 0 195858 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 5 Red-tailed Hawk 0 2175 4011 Rough-legged Hawk0 11 19 Golden Eagle 0 68163 American Kestrel 0 2664 Merlin 0 1 21 Peregrine Falcon 0 3 21 Unknown Accipiter0 5 61 Unknown Buteo0 19 60 Unknown Falcon 0 2 5 Unknown Eagle0 0 2 Unknown Raptor 0 16 40 Total: 0 4169 260820 -- (No count conducted today) Weather: Rain all day. We'll try again tomorrow. Raptor Observations: Non-raptor Observations: Predictions: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers. The wind will be light and out of the northeast. It might be our last chance to see some decent movement considering more rain appears to be on the way on Tuesday. Report submitted by Jonathan Stein (jonathanjst...@gmail.com) SMRR- Lake Erie Metropark information may be found at: http://www.drhawkwatch.org Site Description: The primary site used by the Detroit River Hawk Watch (a joint venture of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and it's Friends group, the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance) is the Boat Launch at Lake Erie Metropark located approximately 20 miles south of Detroit, Michigan. A secondary site, the Headquarters of Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is used during certain wind conditions. When staffing is available, both sites can be used at the same time. The season begins on the first day of September and concludes on the final day of November. For details and directions, log on to www.drhawkwatch.org Directions to site: Lake Erie Metropark: >From I-75, exit at Huron River Drive (exit 27). Continue east on Huron River Drive. Turn left on West Jefferson and proceed a few hundred yards to the entrance of Lake Erie Metropark. After paying the entrance fee, follow the signs to the Boat Launch. ___ 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] William (Bill) John Clark (1917- 2011)
Hello Ontbirders It is with great sadness that I report the passing of William (Bill) John Clark of Ottawa on November 25, 2011 at the age of 94. Bill was a longtime birder in the Ottawa birding community starting back in the late 1960's. A Christmas gift, binoculars, from his wife in 1968 reignited his interest in birding and in 1969 he joined the Ottawa Field Naturalists Club. He participated on the Ottawa Christmas Bird Count for many years and took part in the first Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas,1981-85. Bill first visited Pelee in May, 1974 and would become an annual fixture along the trails at Pelee. This trip would become an annual event for decades with his last visit in 2009. He will be fondly remembered by "The Ottawa Bike Gang", a group of teenaged "biking" birdwatchers, back in the 70's, who owe Bill a lot of gratitude for the numerous car rides to local rarities. He will be sadly missed by all. Condolences can be emailed to Bill Clark's son, Ian Clark Bruce Di Labio Di Labio Birding Website Courses and Field Trips http://www.dilabiobirding.ca http://www.brucedilabio.blogspot.com Bruce Di Labio 400 Donald B. Munro Drive P.O. Box 538 Carp, Ontario K0A 1L0 Office 613-839-4395 Cell 613-715-2571 ___ 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] Razorbill still at Niagara on the Lake
Hi Birders: The Razorbill was again well-seen, by scope from the overlook at Queen's Royal Park, early today (between 7:30 and 9:00). It was sometimes quite well out into open water beyond the American fort. There was a very active Pomarine Jaeger keeping track of the Gulls in the area, a few of which were Little Gulls. Queen's Royal just at the intersection of Victoria and Front Streets. Good birding, Skip Shand ___ 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] Western Grebe, Sam Smith Park, Etobicoke
At 3:15 on Sunday the Western Grebe was refound well out in the lake near the mouth of the marina inlet atColonel Samuel Smith Park at the foot of Kipling Avenue in Toronto. Take Kipling Avenue straight south to the parking lot at the end, right at the lake. -- Mike Nelson London, Ontario ___ 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] 2011-2012 Ontario winter bird list
Ontbirders, This Thursday, December 1 marks the beginning of the winter birding period. Blake Maybank has asked me if I am able to volunteer to compile the Ontario sightings this year, and Blake will be hosting the results on his site, http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/maybank/other/onwinter.htm. Links to the lists for the other Canadian provinces and territories, as well as a few other select areas, are found near the top of the web page. The winter birding season includes the period of December 1 to February 29, inclusive. A cumulative total of 336 species have been recorded during the winter in Ontario, with around 196 species recorded annually. Last year, 198 species were recorded; highlights including Slaty-backed Gull, Black Vulture, Wilson's Phalarope, and "Hornemann's" Hoary Redpoll. With the unseasonably warm temperatures we have been having so far this November, perhaps enough fall migrants will hang on into December and we will break the 200 species mark. Just post your sightings to Ontbirds or send me an email, and I will post an update every month or so. That way you can check the list and inform me of any species that have been seen but are not present on the list. Enjoy the winter birding season! Cheers, Josh Vandermeulen Guelph, Ontario joshvandermeu...@live.ca joshvandermeulen.blogspot.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] Thayer's Gull, Ottawa
There was an adult Thayer's Gull present on the sandy spit at Ottawa Beach at about 1PM. Also present was 1 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. The flock of snow geese at burnside pit today contained 1 Ross's Goose, and 2 Glaucous Gull were present. Directions for Ottawa Beach, north of Carling Avenue between Holy Acres Road and Bayshore Drive. Burnside pit is on the east side of Moodie Drive about 1km south of Trail Road. Mark GawnOttawa, Ontario, Canada ___ 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] Presquile PP: sandpipers and snowies
4 snowy owls (2 on high bluff, 1 on gull, 1 on sebastopal), 3 purple sandpipers on gull island. Observed this morning between 8 and 10am. Sent from my iPod ___ 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] Snowy owl. Whitby.
Bev and I are looking at the snowy right now at Whitby harbour. It is on the brack wall on the west side.4o1 to 410 exit south to the harbour.Craig Mclauchlan Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry ___ 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/
