[Ontbirds] Sandhill Cranes Navan (Ottawa East)
Hello Birders In the Navan area at 1 pm: At least 13 Sandhill Cranes are in the plowed corn fields on the north side in the middle of Mcffaden Road that runs between the south end of Trim Road and Frank Kenny road. Tom Devecseri - Navan navanb...@gmail.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] Sandhill Cranes, Minnesing Wetland area, Angus, Ontario
Hi fellow birders, Today Lynne & Bill Richardson & I birded the west side of Minnesing Wetlands north of Angus. Our target bird, the Sandhill Crane didn't disappoint us. There was a massing of several hundred Sandhills at around 5PM on the north side of the 9th concession, Sunnidale in Clearwater Township, in a decobbed corn field north of the home at firelane 4440. The birds were distant enough that the red hoods were difficult to see so a scope is helpfull. It is always a stirring sight to see so many of these beautiful birds. There are few bailed or cobbed corn fields in the area this year so the normal Strongville locals are not as promising. There were 15 birds near the big silos in the field west of the 18th/19th Sideroad, Sunnidale. These birds are probably best seen in the morning or late in the afternoon when they leave the wetlands to feed. There seemed to be quite a few juveniles this year. Of note we also had many clusters of mixed blackbirds & a murder of about 100 crows in flight & there were several Northern Harriers including a female that hovered & hunted for a good five minutes for us. We also had an interesting Red Tailed Hawk with a very rufous head & back & white front with some pale streaks that was banded. Other birds were what one would expect at this time of year & they are plentiful. To reach 4440 9th Concession Sunnidale go North from Angus on Brentwood Rd (County road 10) to 9th Concession & turn right or East. From HWY 400 exit at Dunlop Street West & travel west to Brentwood Rd (County road 10), turn right & follow to 9th Concession & turn right or East. Good birding, Susan Menzies, Alliston, 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] Northern Gannets this fall?
Will any juvenile Northern Gannets be seen this fall in southern Ontario? This is the age class normally seen inland (inexperienced young are prone to wander) along the St Lawrence River, Ottawa River, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, etc. However, nesting success was very low this summer on Bonaventure Island in the Gulf of St Lawrence, which is probably one of the main sources of juvenile gannets seen here. Olivier Barden of Quebec City reported "Food was scarce due to high water temperatures, causing adults to travel far from the colonies, often leaving the young to die. Apparently, the mortality rate of young at the nest was over 90% this summer at Bonaventure Island." As of 17 October Olivier has seen no juvenile gannets near Quebec City. This could be the first in many years that no juvenile gannets are seen on Lake Ontario. Adults: This age class is accidental inland. Olivier Barden wrote "Unusual numbers of adult gannets wandered deep into the St. Lawrence estuary starting in late summer. I saw 43 adults and subadults in freshwater on the south side of Orleans Island (near Quebec City) in mid-August." These observations fit with Dave Tetlow's sighting on 1 September of an adult Northern Gannet which flew west past Hamlin Beach State Park on Lake Ontario near Rochester, New York. Just recently on 13 October, Tony Shrimpton reported an adult gannet on eastern Lake Ontario flying south at Stoney Point in Jefferson County , New York. Both of these gannets were close to Ontario. For more information about gannets and other seabirds on Lake Ontario. http://www.jeaniron.ca/2009/LakeOntarioPelagicTrap.pdf Acknowledgement: I thank Olivier Barden of Quebec City for information on Northern Gannets in Quebec. Ron Pittaway Minden ON ___ 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: Detroit River Hawk Watch (21 Oct 2012) 2168 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 21, 2012 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Black Vulture0 0 0 Turkey Vulture1892 30209 33957 Osprey 3 17 69 Bald Eagle 8 62183 Northern Harrier 8 60192 Sharp-shinned Hawk 139 1577 3207 Cooper's Hawk 24111248 Northern Goshawk 1 1 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 22 89107 Broad-winged Hawk0 4 40923 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 3 Red-tailed Hawk 48357543 Rough-legged Hawk0 1 1 Golden Eagle 0 1 1 American Kestrel15137509 Merlin 3 12 33 Peregrine Falcon 1 12 28 Unknown Accipiter2 16 36 Unknown Buteo2 8 22 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Eagle0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 25 61 Total:2168 32699 80126 -- Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:45:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours Official Counter:Jonathan Stein Observers:Andrew Sturgess, Don Sherwood, Patrick Mulawa Visitors: Steve Cashell, Rosemary Brady, Martin Berthiaume, Richard Naber, Rodney Laura, Pat Bazany, Joseph Faggan, Stevie Kuroda and Bruce Watson. Weather: The skies were mostly clear, save for a two hour period midday when some puffy white clouds materialized. Temperatures were mild, hovering around the upper 50s most of the day. Morning fog limited visibility early. The wind was out of the west and southwest, shifting to the southeast late. Raptor Observations: It was an action-packed twelve species day. We saw our second Northern Goshawk of the season, had our second straight three Merlin day and got great looks at two close adult male harriers. Several kettles of Turkey Vultures came right overhead and mixed in were quite a few Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks. Non-raptor Observations: There was a lot of songbird activity, most notably Red-winged (12000+) and Rusty (400+) blackbirds, both of which were moving in numbers in the morning. Also on the move were: House Finch (10+), American Goldfinch (200+), Pine Siskin (45+), Blue Jay (150+), American Crow (4000+), American Robin (30+), Northern Flicker (2), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (4) and Tree Swallow (500+). One Palm Warbler and one Blackpoll Warbler joined a large flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers in the trees near the count site. Cedar Waxwings (15+) were noted for the second day in a row. Lastly, Monarchs (8) were more abundant than they have been of late. Predictions: Partly cloudy with highs in the upper 60s and light wind out of the south. There is a slim chance of showers in the afternoon. 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] Algonquin Park and Eganville birds
Hi Everyone Spent the day birding Algonquin Park and various sites in Renfrew County. The highlight at Algonquin was a flock of 19 Sandhill Cranes flying over calling at Wolf Howl pond. Overall quiet but we did observed 7 White-winged Crossbill and 3 Evening Grosbeak along with 6 Gray Jay along the old railway bed near Wolf Howl Pond. A Cattle Egret was at a hobby farm at 601 Silver Lake Road near Eganville. This individual was first observed on October 19th by property owner. You can view the area from the road. good birding, Bruce 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 of Highway 60 is open daily until October 28, 2012, and then weekends and holidays for the winter (see the Events Calendar for more details). At the centre you can find recent bird sightings, information, and helpful Park Staff to assist your birding efforts. Please send us any bird sightings you’ve had in the park, even of common birds, as we continue to monitor the autumn migration. You can also get directions to the locations, as well as updates and info about other park events at *www.algonquinpark.on.ca* Eganville: From the center of Eganville, cross to the south side of the river, and turn right onto Water street. Keep driving. This road will turn into Augsburg Road, and continue for another good 4 Km, before hitting a T-junction. Turn left here, onto Silver Lake Road. The egret was seen at 601 Silver Lake Rd. 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] HSR: Detroit River Hawk Watch (20 Oct 2012) 361 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 20, 2012 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Black Vulture0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 165 28317 32065 Osprey 0 14 66 Bald Eagle 0 54175 Northern Harrier 2 52184 Sharp-shinned Hawk 172 1438 3068 Cooper's Hawk5 87224 Northern Goshawk 0 0 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 67 85 Broad-winged Hawk0 4 40923 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 3 Red-tailed Hawk 10309495 Rough-legged Hawk0 1 1 Golden Eagle 0 1 1 American Kestrel 4122494 Merlin 3 9 30 Peregrine Falcon 0 11 27 Unknown Accipiter0 14 34 Unknown Buteo0 6 20 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Eagle0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 25 61 Total: 361 30531 77958 -- Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter:Don Sherwood Observers:Andrew Sturgess, Jonathan Stein Visitors: Pat Bazany, Marc North, Patrick Wright, Bob Hall, Hugh Kent and Liz Kent Weather: Chilly and overcast throughout, the wind was light and out of the south and southwest. Raptor Observations: It was slow in the morning but a nice run of Sharp-shinned Hawks really enlivened the afternoon. Merlins returned to the count sheet after a lengthy absence with three tallied on the day. Non-raptor Observations: Short-billed Dowitcher (9), Eastern Bluebird (2), Pine Siskin (11), Red-winged Blackbird (1800+), Cedar Waxwing (18), Bonaparte's Gull (3), American Crow (150+), Great Egret (26) 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] No tufted duck at Shirley's bay this evening
Hi Ontbirders, I've been looking for over an hour now, and while there are scaup out here, I have yet to see anything tufted. I will be birding the area tomorrow, would appreciate any updates from ottowa birders, if indeed this bird is found. Andrew ___ 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] Corrections for Iroquois Shoreline
Some how I managed to put totals under the wrong dates, I guess it's not a good idea to work from three separate data sheets. Bald Eagle should be under the Oct 21 count 13 Sharpies should be the 16th & 7 the 21st. OR/Shoulder 9 Oct. 16th 2 Oct. 21st OR/Tailed 44 Oct. 16th 3 Oct. 21st A/Kestrel 1 Oct. 16th 0 Oct. 21st Peregrine 0 the 16th. 1 the 21st. Sorry for the messed up report, at least I got the season total correct. Cheers Mike Williamson ___ 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] Iroquois Shoreline Oct. 16 & 21 2012
ISRW North Whitby, Ontario, Canada Oct. 21 2012 Totals Oct.16Oct. 21Season Turkey Vulture - 581 3 1448 Osprey -0 0 17 Bald Eagle - 1 0 24 N/Harrier - 1 035 Sharp-Shinned - 7 13 403 Coopers - 0020 N/Goshawk - 00 3 R/Shoulder - 29 25 Broad-Winged -0 05519 R/Tailed - 3 44 169 R/Legged 00 0 Golden Eagle 00 6 A/Kestrel - 0169 Merlin00 3 Peregrine - 10 8 UB - 00 8 UR - 00 4 Totals - 17649 7761 Hrs. - 2.5 2.5 60.5 1 Juv. BE @ 12:04 EST Info. & directions can be found @ thegreatertorontohawkwatch.com site. Report submitted by Mike Williamson ___ 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] Willet at Presqu'ile
Hi all, This morning a group of us saw a juv. Willet moving around Owen Pt. and Gull island, which is not only a decent rarity to begin with, but also a very late record. It was with a Black-bellied Plover much of the time and was last seen on the gravel bar north of Gull Is. I also heard from others that the Hudsonian Godwit at Gosport was still present, although no one has relocated the dowitcher that was also there yesterday. Cheers, Doug McRae Presqu'ile is located south of Brighton on the north shore of Lake Ontario. It is well signed from either Hwy 2 or Hwy 401. ___ 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] Le Conte's and Nelson's Sparrow, Col. Sam Smith, TO
The field south of the dog run yielded 6 sparrow species this morning just past 11:00 including a single LE CONTE'S that while too uncooperative for photos did pause long enough to show off its crown stripe. This field also produced an Eastern Meadowlark and Orange-crowned Warbler. The NELSON'S SPARROW was in the small field with swallow boxes just north of the marina and was slightly more cooperative. Two more meadowlarks were also around but a Sharp-shinned Hawk is actively patrolling the area. Colonel Samuel Smith Park is at the base of Kipling Avenue and readily accessible by TTC with parking throughout. Good birding, Amanda Guercio ___ 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] Tufted Duck female
Has been seen off the Shirleys Bay parking lot this morning. All the ducks are currently well offshore. There is a feeling that this bird is not a hybrid but an actual female Tufted. A number of photos have been taken Michael Shirleys Bay is on the Ottawa River west of Moodie Drive 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] Gatineau: wegr on Ottawa river
Western Grebe seen from boat launch just east of Aylmer. Gary & Sue Milks Gatineau Gary Milks ___ 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] Ottawa: Tufted Duck-hybrid update
Hi Ontbirders After reviewing the photos taken yesterday at Shirley's Bay,it appears that the Tufted Duck maybe a hybrid. I will be posting the photos on my blog later today. good birding, Bruce and Ben 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/
