[Ontbirds] Presqu'ile Birding Report for the Week of 11-17 May 2018
Presqu’ile Bird Report for Week of 11-17 May 201 By Doug McRae Uber Highlights: BLUE GROSBEAK, EURASIAN TREE SPARROW Other Highlights: RED-THROATED LOON, SANDHILL CRANE, LITTLE GULL, SNOWY OWL, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, YELLOW-THROATED VIREO, HORNED LARK, GOLDEN AND BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER It was a great week of birding at Presqu’ile as migration was in full swing with an especially stellar “fall-out” on 15 May, a good selection of scarce birds, and two outstanding rarities. Migrant/wintering waterfowl have largely left now but a scan of Presqu’ile Bay in calm conditions on 17 May revealed seven GREATER and 12 LESSER SCAUP, five REDHEAD, and two BUFFLEHEAD still hanging on. At dusk on the same day a flock of 31 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were heading west over the gate. About 200 LONG-TAILED DUCKS can still be seen off the Lighthouse. RED-THROATED LOONS have been seen off Beach 1 most of the week with a high of six on 12 May. Up to 55 GREAT EGRETS could be scoped on High Bluff Island from Beach 1 on 12 May. Single SANDHILL CRANES were seen on 11 and 12 May. Shorebirds can be found spread along the entire beach. LEAST SANDPIPER has been the most numerous but others include BLACK-BELLIED AND SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, DUNLIN as well as the regular breeding species. Eight SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS on 14 May were the first of the year. The next two weeks are peak time for Arctic bound shorebirds, which can occur in very large numbers when grounded by adverse weather conditions. A first-summer LITTLE GULL on 16 May was a good find, especially given how scarce BONAPARTE’S GULLS have been. A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO found on 14 May was a bit early; conversely a SNOWY OWL on 11 May was extremely late. BARRED OWLS continue to be seen in the Newcastle Woods. Woodpeckers have been conspicuous with all regularly occurring species being seen. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER has been seen almost daily near the Lighthouse and today a pair was watched at an occupied Downy Woodpecker nest, possibly trying to usurp the Downy’s, who were franticly mobbing the Red-headed. At least two YELLOW-THROATED VIREOS were seen on 14 and 15 May and the first PHILADELPHIA VIREO was spotted on 13 May. Very out of season was a HORNED LARK flushed from Bayshore Rd. by the Calf Pasture field on 16 May. BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS have been seen throughout the week, mostly near the Lighthouse. Warblers were well represented with most regularly occurring species being seen, and with a notable fall-out on the rainy morning of 15 May. GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS were seen on 12 and 15 May. BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS were seen throughout the week in small numbers. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER on 15 May was a good find. Some of the later arriving species were noted including MOURNING, BAY-BREATED, BLACKPOLL, WILSON’S and CANADA WARBLER on 15 May. A SAVANNAH SPARROW on 16 May was presumably a late migrant since they have not bred at Presqu’ile in many years. A mega rarity was the tame female BLUE GROSBEAK discovered feeding on the shoulder of Paxton Dr. on the evening of 12 May and seen (and photographed) by a lucky few. This was the third park record. An ebird report of a male on 16 May from the Lighthouse is tantalizing – hopefully the observer will submit a detailed report. The other mega rarity found this week was the EURASIAN TREE SPARROW seen briefly on 14 and 15 May near the end of Bayshore Road. This is a new bird for the Park and may still be around as there are many feeders at homes that are not visible from the road, and very few people are here looking for it. Presqu’ile Provincial Park is located on the north shore of Lake Ontario, just south of the town of Brighton. It can be reached from either Hwy. 401 or Cty. Rd. 2 and is well signed. A Park map can be found in the information tabloid available at the Park gate. Presqu’ile’s two offshore islands – Gull and High Bluff – support a large multi-species colonial bird nesting area and access is not permitted during the breeding season. Doug McRae P.O. Box 3010 Brighton, Ontario K0K 1H0 613-475-5014 H 613-243-4161 C ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] RBA Buffalo Bird Report 17 May 2018
- RBA * New York * Buffalo * 05/17/2018 * NYBU1805.17 - Birds mentioned --- Please submit reports to dsu...@buffaloornithologicalsociety.org --- GOLDEN-WING. WARBLER YELLOW-H. BLACKBIRD RED-THROATED LOON WILSON'S PHALAROPE Bald Eagle Dunlin American Woodcock Black-billed Cuckoo Ruby-t. Hummingbird Red-headed Wdpkr. Olive-s. Flycatcher Eastern Wood-Pewee Purple Martin Tree Swallow N. Rough-w. Swallow Bank Swallow Cliff Swallow Barn Swallow Veery Gray-cheeked Thrush Swainson's Thrush Wood Thrush Blue-headed Vireo Yellow-thr. Vireo Warbling Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue-winged Warbler Tennessee Warbler Orange-cr. Warbler Nashville Warbler Northern Parula Yellow Warbler Chestnut-s. Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Bl.-thr. Bl. Warbler Yellow-r. Warbler Bl.-thr. Green Warb. Blackburnian Warbler Palm Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler American Redstart Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush Common Yellowthroat Hooded Warbler Wilson's Warbler Canada Warbler Scarlet Tanager Indigo Bunting Lincoln's Sparrow Orchard Oriole - Transcript Hotline: Buffalo Bird Report at the Buffalo Museum of Science Date: 05/17/2018 Number: 716-896-1271 To Report:Same Compiler: David F. Suggs Coverage: Western New York and adjacent Ontario Website: www.BuffaloOrnithologicalSociety.org Thursday, May 17, 2018 The Buffalo Bird Report is a service provided by your Buffalo Museum of Science and the Buffalo Ornithological Society. To contact the Science Museum, call 896-5200. Press the pound key to report sightings before the end of this report. Highlights of reports received May 10 through May 17 from the Niagara Frontier Region. Mid-May migration peak provided reports of at least 24 warbler species this week. Highlights included a GOLDEN-WING. WARBLER at Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island, and an ORANGE-CR. WARBLER on Crick's Run in Allegany State Park. May 12, a female YELLOW-H. BLACKBIRD was reported in the Iroquois Refuge on the Swallow Hollow Trail. May 10, a rare, closeup sighting of a breeding plumage RED-THROATED LOON on the Buffalo River and the adjacent Erie Basin Marina. In the Lake Ontario Plains, May 15, a WILSON'S PHALAROPE, at Lower Lake and Burgess Roads in Somerset. ORCHARD ORIOLES at several locations included a pair, attracted to a jelly feeder, in Derby. At Beaver Island State Park, five swallow species plus PURPLE MARTIN, and three DUNLIN on the park beach. Night migrant thrushes heard over Tonawanda and Buffalo - VEERY, GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH, SWAINSON'S THRUSH and WOOD THRUSH. Other reports this week - AMERICAN WOODCOCK, BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, RUBY-T. HUMMINGBIRD, RED- HEADED WDPKR., OLIVE-S. FLYCATCHER, EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE, YELLOW-THR. VIREO, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, WARBLING VIREO, PHILADELPHIA VIREO, RED- EYED VIREO, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, SCARLET TANAGER and INDIGO BUNTING. And, BALD EAGLES continue to feed on salmon at the mouth of Johnson Creek, at Lake Ontario in Orleans County. You may report sightings after the tone. Thank you for calling and reporting. - End Transcript ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Rondeau Festival of Flight May 17th (afternoon)
Festival of Flight May 17th Afternoon Report A slow afternoon in the park but a beautiful day to be outside anyway! A Canada Warbler was seen on Tulip Tree Trail as well as the Prothonotary Warblers. Several Warbler species have been seen through the afternoon on Spicebush as well. Our Lagoon walk had great looks at Semi-palmated Sandpipers as well as a few waterfowl species. Bobolink as well as Eastern Meadowlark were also present at Blenheim Lagoons. The campsite area is closed due to flooding and will remain closed until further notice. Join us for the last few days of the Festival of Flight! Hike Leader: Peter Simons ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Ottawa-Gatineau: recent sightings to May 17, 2018
Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club Ottawa/Gatineau (50 Km radius from Parliament Hill) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler: Gregory Zbitnew at sighti...@ofnc.ca May 17, 2018 There were two highlights. A YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was on Twin Elm on the 15 th, and another was at the arboretum on the 17th. A CERULEAN WARBLER was in Carleton Place on the 13th. However, neither of these birds were re-found. Another week of mostly above-seasonal temperatures brought a steady stream of migrants into the area, but like last week there was an excellent variety of migrants but no big fallouts. 11 new species arrived in the region, much lower than last week because 85-90% of the species have already been seen this year. There may yet be a big push of SONGBIRDS in the next week. Among the DUCKS, 21 species were seen in the region this week. Notable were 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS at Shirley’s Bay as late as the 15th, 2 REDHEAD at the Richmond Conservation Area, and a LONG-TAILED DUCK at Giroux on the 16th. 2 ROSS’S GEESE were also on Giroux Road with 10,000 SNOW GEESE on the 15th. An interesting development on the SHOREBIRD front is that there is good habitat in Embrun, with 1500+ birds of 10 species seen there on the 17th. The vast majority of these are LEAST SANDPIPER, but new was WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. 2 WILSON’S PHALAROPES were in Russell on the 15th. Despite seemingly unfavourable winds, Britannia had 19 species of WARBLER on the 11th, and it was still good on the 12th. Larose Forest has 14 species on the 13th, but all of them were nesting species. On the 17th, 19 species of WARBLER were found on a morning trip in Britannia and points nearby. The WARBLERS are a different mix now with a lot more of the later ones. A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER was reported in New Edinburgh on the 12th, and there have been a number of sightings of both WILSON’S and BLACKPOLL WARBLER, which leaves only one regular WARBLER yet to be seen. Other new sightings for the year are: · BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO in Watt’s Creek on the 12th. · GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH in Britannia on the 17th. · COMMON NIGHTHAWK in Britannia on the 11th · PHILADELPHIA VIREO in Trillium Woods on the 11th · EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE at Innis Point on the 12th. · YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER in Lapêche on the 12th. Some other interesting sightings: · A GOLDEN EAGLE was at Innis Point on the 11th. · A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was at Fitzroy Provincial Park on the 13 th, and one was in Deschênes on the same day. · LEAST BITTERN was heard again on the Jock River near Carleton Place on the 11th. Thanks to everyone who contributed bird observations. We encourage everyone to report their bird sightings on eBird for the benefit of the entire birding community. *Reminder regarding access to the Shirley’s Bay Causeway:* DND has amended our access procedure. You must call Range Control (613-991-5740) for permission, state that you are an OFNC member and give your name. Finally, you must call again when you have left the area. DND would also like to be informed if you see anyone on the property who should not be there, such as boats in the bay or people fishing on the causeway. They are trespassing and DND will deal with the situation. The OFNC has provided DND with a list of OFNC members who HAVE SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED access. DND will check, so make sure that your membership is up to date and that you have requested that the OFNC put you on the access list. This list has already been sent to DND this spring and will be updated occasionally. To get on the next access list, please contact members...@ofnc.ca. Good birding. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Point Pelee NP Bird Migration Report - May 17th 2018
It's a beautiful day in the Park today. There are many resident species and a few migrants, but not a large volume of birds. The weather is very calm today, so there was not much reverse movement off the Tip, but the BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE was flying very high up with some BLUE JAYS. A KIRTLAND'S WARBLER was found north of the "Serengeti" tree (a large Honey Locust) on the West Beach Trail north of the Tram Loop at the Tip. Also a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was seen at The Tip. Three AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS were seen from the Visitor Centre flying north along the east side of the park just before lunch time. A HOODED WARBLER was heard just south of the Visitor Centre, along the main road to the Tip. The best birding seems to be in Tilden Woods, especially near the boardwalks. Outside the Park, a male WILSON'S PHALAROPE and first summer LITTLE GULL were seen at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area. Good Birding, Festival of Birds Hike Leaders Pete Read, Karl Konze, Justin Peter, Jean Iron, Geof Burbidge, Emma Burbidge, Chris Earley, Chris Coultier, Dave Milsom, Bruce DiLabio, Jessica Linton, Jeremy Bensette, Amanda Guercio and Paul Pratt. The Festival of Birds runs from May 1 - 21. For a detailed schedule visit: www.festivalofbirds.ca For highlights and other updates follow us at www.twitter.com/PointPeleeNP The Festival is brought to you by Parks Canada - Point Pelee National Park and the Friends of Point Pelee. Hikes are generously supported by Quest Nature Tours. Shorebird Viewing Nights are brought to you in partnership with Ontario Field Ornithologists and Essex Region Conversation Authority and Pelee Wings Nature Store. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Rondeau Festival of Flight May 17th (Morning)
Festival of Flight May 17th Morning Report A gorgeous warm sunny day here in the park. Low numbers are present today with little migration movement the past two nights. Spice Bush Trail as well as the Log Pond have been the best spots for birding this morning. White-eyed Vireos, Orchard Orioles , Scarlet Tanagers, as well as several warbler species have been seen on Spicebush Trail. The prothonotary Warblers continue to show well on Tulip Tree as well as the Summer Tanager on Water St. The campsite area is closed due to flooding and will remain closed until further notice. Join us from May1st until the 20th for the Festival of Flight! Hike Leader: Peter Simons ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Lawrence’s Warbler at Carden Alvar
At 9am, observed the Lawrence’s Warbler reported yesterday by Jay Peterson. Location - Wylie Road : 50 m S of Sedge Wren Marsh parking lot on the East side. Several birders here saw and heard it. Sent from my iPhone ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Thickson's Woods migration today
Hi everyone, Flycatchers seem to be one of the most common groups today. The meadow had both Alder and Willow calling as well as a pair of Eastern Kingbirds, a number of Leasts and a cooperative Yellow-bellied feeding low in shrubbery. Wilson's Warblers were in good voice in the meadow as well, with a good mix of other species in the woods, although in smaller numbers than over the past two days. Lots of vireo song, with many Philadephias low in shrubbery in the meadow offering close-up views. Thrushes were singing in the woods, although keeping out of sight for the most part. A singing Eastern Meadowlark along the Waterfront Trail just to the west of the woods was the first I have encountered all spring. A pair of mockingbirds in the same area, were chasing a Baltimore Oriole out of "their" tree, suggesting nesting in the neighbourhood. This is a good spot to see Orchard Orioles, as several pairs nest along this part of the trail. 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 north of the Waterfront Trail, 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. Birders 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 (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
