[Ontbirds] Franklin's Gull - Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, Leamington
Tonight at around 6:40 pm, I found a Franklin's Gull at Hillman Marsh in Leamington. It was standing on some mud with a few hundred Ring-billed and Herring Gulls in the south side of the marsh. It stood out due to its notably small size and darker mantle, and it had a black head, dark legs, and small beak. It took flight shortly after I noticed it (managed to get a poor but diagnostic photo before it flew) and once it flew I saw that its upper wings were pretty uniform dark grey, with blackish tips and a white trailing edge. Also, I saw 9 Snow Geese again at the same location, as well as a group of 8 Cackling Geese. The rain really limited my view so although I did not see Greater White-fronted Geese, it's pretty likely that they were still present too. Directions: Hillman Marsh is about 7km East of Leamington in Essex County. From Leamington, travel East on Seacliffe Dr/Mersea Rd 1 until it reaches a dead end where the road is blocked by a steel gate. Walk past this steel gate onto the blocked road. The marsh is to your left. I only walked about 200-300m to view the Franklin's Gull and rare geese. Good luck, and happy birding! Sent from my iPhone ___ 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] Tundra Swans, Lynde Shores Marsh, Whitby
Approximately 50 Tundra Swans are spending the evening and nights in the southern section of the Lynde Shores Marsh, in south Whitby. The Swans have flown in each evening starting at about 6:00 until 7:30-8:00. They are staying in the shallow water about 200 yards north from the mouth of the marsh at Lake Ontario. They are in a group within the massive collection of Canada Geese that also fly in each evening. The Swans have been sighted each evening for the past week. Although tonight I did not venture out to confirm their presence today. My apologies for the late posting but as a newer birder I required more research to positively identify the Swans as Tundras, rather than Trumpeter Swans. Directions: Enter the Whitby Shores neighbourhood at Seaboard Gate off Victoria Street. Seaboard Gate is the first set of lights, east of the marsh and the popular Lynde Shores Conservation parking lot. The Tundras Swans will not be visible if you park at the regular Lynde Shores Conservation parking lot and stay on the western side of the marsh. From the 401 use the Brock Street in Whitby exit, south to Victoria and head west from there. Once in the neighbourhood, turn right onto Whitby Shores Greenway and follow it around until you near Coastview Court, from there park on the street and look south into the marsh. Alternatively...birding out at the channel entrance can be done by walking on the Waterfront Trail into the hospital grounds and working west along the shoreline through the walking trail and out onto the beach to the channel outlet. At the channel outlet, the Swans are visible looking north over the marsh. Multiple lake birds, such as Buffleheads, Longtail Ducks and others are visible looking south from the same location. Thanks to Tyler Hoare and my brother for assisting in confirmation of the identification. Tundra Swans are now on my Life-list. Sean Crowston OFO member ___ 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: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (17 Mar 2013) 55 Raptors
Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 17, 2013 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Black Vulture0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 23201201 Osprey 0 1 1 Bald Eagle 0 11 11 Northern Harrier 0 0 0 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 3 3 Cooper's Hawk5 8 8 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 10 10 Broad-winged Hawk0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 27176176 Rough-legged Hawk0 3 3 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 4 4 Merlin 0 0 0 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter0 1 1 Unknown Buteo0 1 1 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 55419419 -- Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours Official Counter:John Barker Observers:Tom Thomas Visitors: Tom Thomas, Jane Hamilton, Matt Mills, Aaron Keating, Ben Oldfield, Tim Foran, and one other Observer who I did not get his name. Also a handfulll of curious onlookers join us today. Weather: North West to North North West winds all day, the wind speed was 9Kph with occasional wind gusts. Mostly sunny at start but by mid morning the clouds rolled in. Raptor Observations: In the afternoon to the south the Local Red-tails kept showing up. Non-raptor Observations: Between 9-10am - 7 - Tundra Swans flew from the Lake and headed due South right over the site tower. Predictions: Snow fall will appear again this coming week. Report submitted by () Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at: http://www.niagarapeninsulahawkwatch.org/ Site Description: Hawk migration monitoring at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby, Ontario is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). All counting is done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a wooden floor. For wind protection on cold days, particularly in March, a black plastic wind guard is installed around the tower's platform. This platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than five or six observers would be on it. The site lies within a publicly accessible property owned by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. The tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the outer edge. This provides lots of room to park vehicles (along the road) and set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to display seven day's worth of observation data for the public. The box enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records. Directions to site: To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 71/72, follow Christie St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your car. Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized after the end of the season. © 2013 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch ___ 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] Hoary Redpolls (Ottawa) Addendum
I meant to say there are still 2 Hoary Redpolls at the Hilda Road feeders late today. One of two that was there on Sunday, I did not see today. > From: willott...@sympatico.ca > To: birdalert@ontbirds.ca > Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:30:42 + > Subject: [Ontbirds] Hoary Redpolls (Ottawa) > > Hi Ontbirders: > > On Sunday, there were at least two Hoary Redpolls at the Hilda Road Feeders > (one male and one female). There are other possible candidates in the 80+ > Common Redpoll flock. Numbers well exceed 120+ depending on the time of day > you visit. At least one Hoary was still there late today. > > There are up to 3 dozen Red-winged Blackbirds at the same feeders. > > An adult Bald Eagle flew low past the feeder location late today and appeared > headed toward the river (there was a nest last year close to the dike at > Shirley's Bay). Happy birding. > > > Photo of a male Hoary Redpoll. > http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/149249438/original > > > > > W. Hum > > Directions: From Ottawa, go west along Carling Ave until Rifle Road. Turn > right on Rifle and right again at Lois and then left at Hilda. > ___ > 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: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (18 Mar 2013) 52 Raptors
Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 18, 2013 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Black Vulture0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 23201201 Osprey 0 1 1 Bald Eagle 0 11 11 Northern Harrier 0 0 0 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 3 3 Cooper's Hawk0 3 3 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 11 11 Broad-winged Hawk0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 25174174 Rough-legged Hawk1 4 4 Golden Eagle 1 1 1 American Kestrel 0 4 4 Merlin 1 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter0 1 1 Unknown Buteo0 1 1 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 52416416 -- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.1 hours Official Counter:John Stevens Observers: Weather: Thin cirrus to begin that gradually thickened to fully hide the sun by 1100 h. Light snow began at 1430 h. Stiff east wind of varying strength. Raptor Observations: Two CH were very vocal in the woods behind the signbox when I arrived. One landed in a tree at the edge of the woods at one point, a juvenile bird and by the size, probably a female. These weren't counted. Non-raptor Observations: Two of the local TVs are back and tried to disrupt the count by flying back and forth, back and forth Two pairs of resident RTs were around, one pair down behind the houses and one pair along the escarpment edge. Report submitted by John Stevens () Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at: http://www.niagarapeninsulahawkwatch.org/ Site Description: Hawk migration monitoring at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby, Ontario is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). All counting is done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a wooden floor. For wind protection on cold days, particularly in March, a black plastic wind guard is installed around the tower's platform. This platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than five or six observers would be on it. The site lies within a publicly accessible property owned by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. The tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the outer edge. This provides lots of room to park vehicles (along the road) and set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to display seven day's worth of observation data for the public. The box enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records. Directions to site: To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 71/72, follow Christie St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your car. Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized after the end of the season. © 2013 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch ___ 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 at Point Pelee
> From: Karen H. > Date: March 17, 2013 9:50:52 AM EDT > On 2013-03-17, at 6:11 PM, Karen H. wrote: > >> This morning around 10:30 am at Point Pelee, John Robert and I first heard >> and then spotted 3 Sandhill Cranes flying over the marsh area. >> They were spotted from the first observation deck of the marsh. >> >> Karen Hass ___ 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] Hoary Redpolls (Ottawa)
Hi Ontbirders: On Sunday, there were at least two Hoary Redpolls at the Hilda Road Feeders (one male and one female). There are other possible candidates in the 80+ Common Redpoll flock. Numbers well exceed 120+ depending on the time of day you visit. At least one Hoary was still there late today. There are up to 3 dozen Red-winged Blackbirds at the same feeders. An adult Bald Eagle flew low past the feeder location late today and appeared headed toward the river (there was a nest last year close to the dike at Shirley's Bay). Happy birding. Photo of a male Hoary Redpoll. http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/149249438/original W. Hum Directions: From Ottawa, go west along Carling Ave until Rifle Road. Turn right on Rifle and right again at Lois and then left at Hilda. ___ 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] birds before the storm - Scugog Twp.
As one would expect the birds are bellying up to the feeder as this late winter storm unfolds. Lots of snow and ice up here in the hinterland ... what was more interesting than the fact that the birds could anticipate the storm long before it was evident to my eyes, was the behaviour of the neighborhood crows. At least nine of them seem to be ignoring the fact that a storm is brewing and have been flying around for over an hour - seemingly riding the wind like a roller coaster. They are flying in groups and as individuals into the wind and then across it - climbing, diving and soaring - more like a game than anything else. For a while a raven joined the melee but left when the crows refused play nice and instead pursued it relentlessly but not to be outdone, it came back low through the trees, targeted a crow, swooped up below it and put the run on it - chasing it for about a kilometer back and forth through the skies above my house and then it flew to roost - I presume. As I write this the crows have not given up and are still riding the winds. Btw it VERY windy up here right now. Must be fun to be a crow - I guess. Geoff Carpentier www.avocetnatureservices.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] Snow Geese - Cardinal
This morning I saw about 2000 Snow Geese, with 3 Blue phase, down by the Legion and playground area. Cardinal is on Rte 2, off the 401, Shanley exit. Eve Ticknor Box 2206 Prescott, On K0E 1T0 res: 613-925-5528 cell: 613-859-9545 Box 122, 35 Elm St Essex, NY 12936 "Change how you see, not how you look." ___ 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] Bohemian Waxwings
On Sunday morning I found approximately 50 bohemian waxwings in Dueham region on consession Road 7 west of Brock Road and east of Sideline 24 in a tall tree on north side about 60 yards away. Gord Gord dot gallant at gmail 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] peregrine falcons
Good morning, Just reporting a pair of Peregrine falcons I watched in the Niagara Falls area, Canada's side, specifically at the fall named "horseshoe fall" (the biggest one and more spectacular).The pair was very vocal, and it seemed to me they were engaged in a spectacular courtship fligth. Observations took place on Saturday March 16 2013 around 5;30-6:00 pm. Some pictures were taken (not high quality). Leonardo CabreraLeamington, 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] Migration spectacle of blackbirds at Long Point
Hi: We witnessed the most amazing movement of mixed flocks of blackbirds yesterday afternoon. For three hours in the late afternoon, there was a more or less continuous stream of Red-wings and Grackles at tree top level moving south between the viewing platform at Big Creek and the inner bay shoreline at Long Point, following the roadway. The dense flocks flowed over and around the Cottonwoods lining the road. Their wing beats and vocalization mixed with the sounds of Tundra Swans in the bay to create the most wonderful natural soundscape. How to estimate the numbers?--a hundred thousand plus?? Ceres, Larry Monczka Sent from my iPad www.RaraAvisPhotos.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] Long Point and Townsend yesterday - Snow Goose
Good morning Ian Cannell and I birded some of the Long Point areas that the Burrells mentioned on their yesterday and we saw some birds they may have missed. At Lee Brown we arrived just minutes after a white morph Snow Goose landed and after looking at this bird we quickly found the 2 White-fronted Geese. We also came up with 4 Bald Eagles, Sandhill Cranes (in Big Creek Marsh), Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Carolina Wren, E. Bluebirds, Field Sparrow, Killdeer, Turkey Vultures, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, and Rusty Blackbirds. We missed the reported Towhee at Old Cut Woods. Besides the thousands of waterfowl seen by others on Inner bay off Big Creek Marsh we also watched as a Golden Eagle cruised over the bay and dove a few times on some of those waterfowl. At the Townsend sewage lagoons and in a field just to the south of them were approx. 600 Tundra Swans and in the lagoons we counted a total of 16 species of waterfowl in 2 of the lagoons (the other 2 were still ice covered) including Cackling Goose, Green-winged Teal, N. Pintail, Shoveler, Ruddy and Ring-necked Ducks. For the day we saw a total of 27 waterfowl species. A cool day but a nice day to be out there. Directions:- LONG POINT AREA - CENTERED ON PORT ROWAN Port Rowan is southwest of Hamilton, to reach it you can drive south on Hwy 6 from Hamilton, passing through Hagersville and turning right, west in Jarvis onto Hwy 3, drive to Simcoe and turn left, south on Hwy 24 and follow this to Hwy 59, ( it curves to the west south of Simcoe) and your in the Long Point Area. Turn left (south) on Hwy 59 at Hwy 24 and Port Rowan is straight down Hwy 59 (about 6 kms) on County Rd 42 (Lakeshore Rd), Big Creek Marsh, etc. are just a little further south of County Rd 42. Or you can exit Hwy 403 just west of Brantford. Exit at Hwy 24 South at Exit 91 and drive south through Simcoe and follow it to Hwy 59, ( it curves to the west south of Simcoe) and your in the Long Point Area. LEE BROWN WATERFOWL SANCTUARY just west of Port Royal To get to the sanctuary drive south on Hwy 6 from Hamilton, passing through Hagersville and turning right, west in Jarvis onto Hwy 3, drive to Simcoe and turn left, south on Hwy 24 and follow this to Hwy 59, ( it curves to the west south of town) turn left, south on Hwy 59 and drive right down about 7 1/2 km to Lakeshore Road (or Road 42) and turn right (west) off Hwy 59 onto this road. (This is the last road before the Long Point Causeway). (a gas station on your left and a driving range on your right). Drive over the bridge over Big Creek at Port Royal and watch on your left side (south) for the parking area with the viewing platform and a washroom and probably birders during migration. This is just a small pond and some cedars off the side of the road. TOWNSEND SEWAGE LAGOONS On the way down to Long Point on Hwy 6 you will pass through Hagersville and drive towards Jarvis. Just as you approach the town of Jarvis you will see a sign indicating “TOWNSEND” at Nanticoke Creek Parkway #69. Turn right here and drive to the intersection with the stop signs, turn left on Keith Richardson Parkway and drive past some park ponds on your right. Drive ahead until you reach County Rd 14. This is just before you reach the abandoned railway line (tracks removed). Turn right here onto County Rd 14 and drive a few hundred yards and you will see a gate and sign indicating that this is a waste treatment area. Park well to the side of the road, do not block the gate. If the gate is open (they are on sometimes) then do not park directly across from the gate as the larger “Honey Trucks” need the area to swing into and out of the entrance road. These lagoons are accessible each day and on the weekend but if asked to leave or not enter then please be respectful and comply as it seems that for now we are being tolerated. Norm Murr Richmond Hill 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] Tundra Swans, Pintails,Wigeons, Mississauga North; Luc FAZIO
There are hundreds of Tundra Swans, many Northern Pintails and Am. Wigeons in North Mississauga. The Swans are yodeling loudly and interacting with each other. There is a mixture of adults and immatures. It's a joy to see them away from the lake front in spite of HUMAN interference with their eons/millennia years of migratory traditions along the Atlantic flyway see YouTube Videos for 1) Tundra Swans: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QT-ePrGxKo 2) Northern Pintail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BezAW7XKKLk Directions: The wetland is located 300 metres South of the overpass that Britannia Road makes over Hiway 407 , east of Hiway 407 and west of Ninth Line West. Thanks to Jacek. Luc Fazio ___ 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/
