[Ontbirds] Pike Bay, Cape Chin and Sharbot Lake Christmas Bird Counts
Pike Bay, Cape Chin and Sharbot Lake Christmas Bird Counts If you wish to participate in any of these counts in the future please do not hesitate to contact me: Andrew Keaveney; uofgtwitc...@msn.com<mailto:uofgtwitc...@msn.com> These are all low attendance CBC’s in rural areas - we get about 45-50 participants all told. They are always enjoyable and I thank all those who continue to join me on these outings! Pike Bay CBC Notes: Waterfowl numbers and diversity quite low; very difficult to come across birds away from feeders. The large number of Count Week species is due to the smaller number of experienced field birders this year. Totals: 2447 individuals of 39 species; 45 species were observed in the circle including Count Week species and I could reasonably expect there to be 50 species present in any given winter. 17 field birders and 4 feeder watchers logged 38 party hours and 475 km’s (only 18 by foot do to the small numbers of birds away from roads and feeders this winter). Weather: Pleasant winter birding. A huge shift in weather over a 48hr. period, with rains and +14 temps the day before. Afternoon light snow; cloudy; Georgian Bay completely open, Lake Huron shorelines mostly free of ice, that present only freshly accrued; light winds; -7 celsius; fresh snow on ground from night before (<2 inches). New: Mute Swan (2), White-winged Crossbill (1). The swans were continuing in Pike Bay from the Fall according to residents and the crossbill was a flyover in the northwest corner of the circle thanks to the ears of Anthony Vanderheyden. Unusual: Hoary Redpoll (1), Bohemian Waxwing (20), White-throated Sparrow (1), Red-necked and Horned Grebes (5 each) High Counts: Common Goldeneye (47), Herring Gull (301), Red-bellied Woodpecker (4), Northern Shrike (2) Low Counts: apparently NONE! Explanation: the high number of goldeneye can be accounted for due to the largest amount of open water we have had on this count to date. Red-bellied Woodpeckers continue to increase on the peninsula. Northern Shrikes, while around in small numbers each winter can be difficult to locate on count date and are usually found in the expansive Ferndale Flats region of the circle along Hwy.6. Finches: Common Redpoll (207), Pine Siskin (2), American Goldfinch (133), Pine Grosbeak (6) Explanation: several larger flocks (30+) of redpolls present, goldfinches were attending feeders in small numbers, Evening Grosbeaks were present at feeders in small numbers but missed on count day discouragingly, Pine Grosbeaks can be found sparingly feeding naturally, but crossbills, Purple Finches and Pine Siskins are scarce or absent across the Bruce Peninsula and much of southern Ontario this winter. Count Week: American Black Duck, Snowy Owl, Horned Lark, Brown Creeper, Lapland Longspur, Evening Grosbeak Cape Chin CBC Totals: 1748 individuals of 36 species; 39 species were observed in the circle including Count Week species and I could reasonably expect there to be 45-50 species present in any given winter. 20 field birders and 1 feeder watcher logged 59 party hours and 600 km’s - 50 by foot! Weather: No precipitation; cloudy, partly clear in p.m.; Georgian Bay completely open and conditions good to scope as far as the eye could see with light winds causing only low waves; warming up from yesterday with temps around 0. Access to areas like Cabot Head easy this year due to snow accumulation. New: Northern Goshawk (CW) Unusual: Hoary Redpoll (1), Belted Kingfisher (1), Bohemian Waxwing (1), White-throated Sparrow (1), Common Grackle (1) High Counts: Horned Grebe (26), Bald Eagle (11), Northern Shrike (4) Low Counts: Herring Gull (13) Explanation: Georgian Bay supports small numbers of both Horned and Red-necked Grebes (13 no this year’s count) throughout most winters. Northern Shrikes, while around in small numbers each winter can be difficult to locate on count date so a count of 4 is rather fantastic. Finches: Common Redpoll (187), Pine Siskin (3), American Goldfinch (108), Pine Grosbeak (3), Evening Grosbeak (132) Explanation: Very similar results to the Pike Bay CBC. Evening Grosbeaks are present at feeders in small numbers so it was great to connect with a few since they were missed on the Pike Bay count the day before. Count Week: Northern Goshawk, White-throated Sparrow, Common Grackle. Sharbot Lake CBC Notes: Everyone noted that it was very difficult to come across birds away from feeders. The woods were silent aside from small groups of Black-capped Chickadees and often a few White-breasted Nuthatches. Totals: 1347 individuals of 32 species; 33 species were observed in the circle including Count Week species and I could reasonably expect there to be 40-45 species present in any given winter. 10 field birders and 2 feeder watchers logged 40 party hours and over 375 km’s (19 by foot which is not bad considering the number of participants). Weath
[Ontbirds] Juv. Black-legged Kittiwake @ Colonel Sam Smith Park , Etobicoke, now off Whimbrel Point
Flying about for 20+ minutes now. Typical juv. plumage. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Great Kiskadee @ Rondeau Provincial Park- ~20mins. ago
Came up to perch several times and was seen in vine tangles feeding on blackish-purple grapes. Not many insects about I guess! Just past the first curve on the Marsh Trail (a road), in Rondeau Provincial Park. Ask for directions at the info booth on your way in, they are very aware of the birds’ presence! Lots of warblers and other passerines here to keep you busy while waiting for the bird to make an appearance. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Regarding Swallow-tailed Kite directions
The intersection just mentioned is 1km south, not east, of the birds location this morning. Haven’t seen it yet myself despite having driven past this corner 4 times around 1pm!!! Any observers actually currently in view of the bird please post for others. It was a bit ridiculous to arrive this afternoon only to find out that no one had seen it in 2.5 hours and posted as such... everyone just assumed it was being seen and when I arrived there were over a dozen vehicles present... Everyone has a cell phone these days so let’s be courteous to our fellow birders please. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Swallow-tailed Kite - not since ~10am
Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Pike Bay and Cape Chin CBC's - Dec. 29th and 30th, 2017
Apologies for being a year late with this posting. These two CBC’s cover the central Bruce Peninsula and provide a great snapshot of winter birds present on the peninsula this time of year. This was the second year the Cape Chin count has been held and Pike Bay just graduated from year 4. What can I say about the weather… it was cold. There was snow. Lots of both. Also ice. So much ice. Lake Huron was iced well out from the bays. Georgian Bay was open but there was lots of lake fog. So birding conditions… yeah… could have been better. That being said, over a dozen participants marched out on both days. The number of participants is going up slightly each year and I expect this trend to continue into the near future as word spreads. Participants came from Owen Sound, Tobermory, Saugeen Shores, Toronto and even London. The counts combined, just shy of 70 hrs. were spent in the field. Pike Bay CBC (known for having Canada’s first Eurasian Tree Sparrow on a CBC!!!) 37 species; 1607 individuals. No new species for the count. This ties the lowest count but there are only 4 to average from so it is still early days! The low totals and diversity clearly reflect the combination of frigid weather and dicey viewing conditions. *Get this… in 2014 over 2000 Snow Buntings were recorded… more than the number of birds on the CBC this year, lol! Cape Chin CBC (one of the newest CBC’s in Ontario, with some of the highest verticals - Cabot Head!) 31 species; 907 individuals. New species for count: Common Grackle (feeder bird) Down from last year’s count of 37 species, again with severe cold and viewing conditions it’s no wonder. Waterfowl just couldn’t be seen out on Georgian Bay with that crazy ‘lake fog’ phenomenon that’s been haunting these waters this winter. Hard to say if the sometimes numerous Red-necked Grebes were present or not… well… not on count day! Winter Finches (combined counts): Common Redpoll (172) - present in a few large flocks and scattered small numbers. Seen feeding on Eastern White Cedar and Yellow Birch. Surprisingly NO Hoary Redpolls amongst them. Pine Siskin (101) - scarce but 1 flock of 100 Purple Finch - only 4 birds, so very scarce this winter Pine Grosbeak - 6 were seen on the Pike Bay count but they are very scarce on the peninsula this winter American Goldfinch - 280+ and relatively common at feeders and feeding on Eastern White Cedars Other Highlights: Bohemian Waxwing (26) - single flock *note - we have still never recorded Cedar Waxwings on either count… hmmm. Horned Grebe (5) Red-necked Grebe (2) Snowy Owl (1) Highs: Red-breasted Nuthatch - we had 51 and 21, respectively. These are both record high’s, though the winter of 2015/16 had high numbers as well. *this follows with most central and southern Ontario counts this winter. Almost every chickadee flock contains a few RBNU’s and if you are a good “pisher” than big numbers have been easy to record on CBC’s this winter. Golden-crowned Kinglet - 29 and 8. Quite high for the Pike Bay count. Again, pishing… Brown Creeper - 3 … yup just 3, but still a new high for Pike Bay CBC. They are notoriously difficult to find in winter. Ruffed Grouse - 17 and 6. Smashes the old records. I do think it is a good year for them and that this isn’t just an anomaly. Counts will be posted to the Audubon website shortly. Thanks goes out very much to my parents, the Keaveney’s, for cooking up a nice dinner after the Pike Bay count and helping with lots of planning and logistics this year and over the past four. I find these counts a lot of fun and I am glad that you are supportive of this hobby of mine. And to all the participants, the counts are only as good as the numbers you bring back in. Thank you for all your efforts in driving, trekking, watching and recording. Good birding, Andrew Keaveney ___ 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] Sharbot Lake CBC - January 5th, 2018
Falling on the latest count date in the CBC period, it has an interesting history of being active in the 90’s for 6 years, left to hang and resurrected almost 2 decades later by yours truly for the last 3 years. The data is interesting indeed, most spectacularly of course is the decline in Evening Grosbeak sightings which were formerly annual in large numbers and now virtually non-existent most years. This year’s count brought 9 very eager participants (and several feeder watchers) out on one of the coldest days of the year (-21 without windchill), with a combined awesome count of 43 party hours. This count covers a huge area of mostly private cottage and farm lands, large tracts of crown land, some provincial park land and large bodies of water which of course were entirely frozen, something we’ve begun to get accustomed to by January 5th! We tallied 31 species, below the average of 36.8 for the 6 year period in the 90’s, but I’ve noticed it’s harder to find some of those species now or we no longer have the knowledge to do so. These include Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Gray Jay and Evening Grosbeak, and the count used to be held earlier in the period (between 16th and 20th of Dec.) so open water was more frequent and waterfowl more abundant… e… existent! 3 Species were added to the 9-year total (now 65 species!) - Brown Thrasher (apparently being fed like a king at a local birder's feeder) - Red-bellied Woodpecker (their continued northerly expansion meant this bird was expected to be recorded on our count sooner or later) - small falcon sp. (a distant bird left to the imagination) Notable finds: 1 Northern Goshawk, 2 Black-backed Woodpeckers Highs: Black-backed Woodpecker (2) - recorded only once before in ‘92 Red-breasted Nuthatch (48) - about twice the previous high Brown Creeper (14) - 2nd highest total; highest being 16 Dark-eyed “slate-coloured” Junco (287) - blows away the previous high of 37. Many were feeding along roadsides and at feeders. Red Crossbill (5) - ties previous high, and 2nd time recorded on count Lows: European Starling (13) - 2nd lowest ever… yay! House Sparrow (10) - 2nd lowest ever… yay again! *both of these species used to be found in much higher numbers during the 90’s Misses: Waxwings, Northern Cardinal, Owls (just wa too cold!!!), and no gulls or raptors to speak of other than a few Bald Eagles and the Goshawk. Finches: Red Crossbill - 3 parties tallied 5 birds Pine Siskin - 60 Common Redpoll - 18 Purple Finch - 8 (surprisingly scarce and seemingly local in Frontenac this winter) Pine Grosbeak - 2 Amazingly enough, Pine Grosbeak and Red Crossbill were lifers for the young lady that tallied them! Thanks to our hardy birders for staying tough out there! See you next year in 2019 :) Andrew Keaveney Sharbot Lake CBC coordinator ___ 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] Tufted Duck at Colonel Samuel Smith Park in south Etobicoke
Just got word the Ad. male Tufted Duck can be seen relatively close to shore off the eastern point now, near the first eastern bay. Perhaps the hybrid TuftedxScaup will be around as well then. This is about a 5-8 minute walk from the parking lot at the park. Directions: park is on extension of Kipling Ave. in south Etobicoke, south of Lakeshore Rd., past Humber Lakeshore Campus. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney ___ 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] King Eider and Common Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser hybrid in Sauble Beach, Bruce Peninsula
I found a first-winter male King Eider at the mouth of the Sauble River last night while searching for a previously reported hybrid duck. The hybrid duck was also present. Both birds are still here this afternoon though they sometimes fly out closer to the lake. The hybrid is a male Common Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser, a known hybrid in Ontario, scarce, but not unprecedented (there has been one in the Hamilton area for two winters in a row now). The hybrid duck was originally reported by Jarmo Jalava on the Wiarton CBC / eBird. These are excellent birds for this neck of the woods of course. Directions: park at end of Sauble Falls road which is at mouth of Sauble River, north of town of a Sauble Beach, west of the Provincial Park. Lower Bruce Peninsula, Bruce County. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Female King Eider -- Amos Waites Park, Etobicoke
Seen with flock of Ring-billed Gulls in close viewing. Just flew east into the bay to the west of Humber Bay Park West. I viewed it from Myles Road End Park but I think it should be seen from Amos Waites which is where I'm heading now. Directions-- Mimico lakeshore just west of Park Lawn Rd. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Lark Sparrow - Toronto - Yes
Took 45 and 5 observers but just re-found it. Bird is on a private gravel roadway inside a barbed fenced off industrial property. Well viewed from railbed access on north side of Lakeshore. This is about 250m east of Don Roadway. No need to trespass! Phone died in cold! Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Crested Caracara directions
Bird can be VERY difficult to see so if you need specific directions, don't hesitate to call me today at number below. Cheers. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Crested Caracara -- not seen after 10AM to my knowledge
Local birders and a few far flung twitchers scoured the area from perhaps 1PM onward but it was not found. We will post if seen tomorrow. Andrew Keaveney and Hugh Currie "The Master Dippers" 647-383-8894 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] Eared grebe -- Etobicoke
Same bird from AM presumably. In company of 2 horned grebes. Might be a first of year bird; I could see some Buffy wash to neck, otherwise in basic plumage. Now well to east of Col. Sam. Smith Park. Viewing from bottom of Royal York Rd., just south of Lakeshore Blvd. It is an apartment building lawn. P.s. I think a crew might be about to start filming something here... Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] White-winged Dove @ High Park, Toronto
The bird has been re-found at the bird feeders by Hugh Currie about 30 min. ago and is posing well in a tree above. I am watching it. Directions: >From Grenadier Restaurant in central High Park keep following the main >north/south road north a few hundred meters. You will see an ice rink on your >left side. There is a walking path through tall conifers on the opposite side >of the road just past the rink. Follow this downhill about 200-300 meters and >the bird is in the area with several bird feeders and lots of birds - house >finches, juncos and mourning doves. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] High Park Hawk Watch - lots of raptors NOW
I just had a text that loads of raptors are going by the hawk watch currently if you can get over there to join in on the fun! Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Cattle Egret and Golden Eagle Col. Sam Park, Etobicoke
Imm. Eagle flew by about 10 min. ago and Egret is still present at southwest point. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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
Re: [Ontbirds] Whooping Crane report in Bruce County yesterday
I checked a large swath of area in the vicinity of yesterday's Whooping Crane report this afternoon for perhaps 4-5 hrs. I counted fairly accurately 520 Sandhill Cranes in 3 main groups, with a scattering of other individuals. They do indeed seem to almost entirely confined to the area around Hwy. 21 west of Owen Sound between Jackson and Elsinore. No white crane was observed Maybe it will show up again... Good birding, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Fwd: Red Phalarope in Haldimand Co.
Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Andrew Keaveney <uofgtwitc...@msn.com<mailto:uofgtwitc...@msn.com>> Date: October 22, 2016 at 1:24:33 PM EDT To: Andrew Keaveney <uofgtwitc...@msn.com<mailto:uofgtwitc...@msn.com>> Subject: Red Phalarope in Haldimand Co. Still being seen at back of field! See previous directions. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Red Phalarope, etc.
There is a Red Phalarope (some sleep got coloring around neck showing but mostly a basic bird) and other shorebirds (golden-plover, etc.) in a sod field about 8min. East of the mosaic ponds near Dunneville/Maitland. I'm viewing from a ditch along the east end of the farm. Very good looks 珞 I am on Canal Bank Rd.(north side) between Bird Rd. and #65. Cheers. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Toronto - Common Ringed Plover - further info
Myself and 2 others watched the plover till just before 8:30PM last night. I'm fairly certain it spent the night on the flats. My understanding is that Toronto Region Conservation is actively planting around this area. Hopefully there wasn't too much disturbance today. The spit is open to the public from 4PM onwards so for those still wishing a sighting I highly encourage you to give it a try. It's only about a 20-30 min walk in. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Common Ringed Plovee @ Leslie Spit, Toronto - yes...
Just passed a couple from Toledo on their walk out who had no trouble seeing the bird. I'm on the walk in just now. No change in location it sounds. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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] Arctic Tern @ Cobourg -- No
So no surprise... zero terns present at moment. Try this evening I guess? Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
Re: [Ontbirds] Brewster's Warbler in Etobicoke
We just had the bird fly east out of the park into the nearby street / backyards... again, far NE of park. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] Brewster's Warbler and odd flycatcher - Etobicoke
Just found a male Brewster's Warbler while searching for an odd Empidonax Flycatcher sp. observed by David Pryor a bit earlier. We are not in the warbler presently but I will still be around for a while now. This is the northeast side of the 'bowl' in conifers @ Colonel Sam Smith Park along the lakeshore in South Etobicoke. About 200 meters east of corner of Kipling / Lakeshore Blvd. West. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
Re: [Ontbirds] pacific loon
No dice. Gonzo! Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
Re: [Ontbirds] Pacific Loon @ Col. Sam this a.m.
I have not seen a posting so I will point out that the bird was only seen by the original observer who obtained photos, but birders arriving on site within a Hal hour of the report were unable to relocate it even with the original observer present. There were about 120 Common Loons present and I saw about 4 still in basic plumage and 1 in a transitional plumage. There were in breeding plumage. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] Odd Female American Wigeon on Leslie Street Spit
I too ventured out to see the Eurasian Wigeon this afternoon, which, in tow with Baxter Naday, the two of us did see with no problem. We only counted 3 other wigeon there. 2 of these were clearly adult male alternate American Wigeons.The third bird however was a bit puzzling. Jean Iron was present and scoping this bird with me, though I don't know if she was able to get as good photos as she did with the Eurasian. This bird appeared to be in mostly female American Wigeon plumage but had a fairly well-formed whitish stripe down the crown. Ron Pittaway thought this could perhaps be an older female bird that has taken to showing male traits as birds sometimes do with age. If anyone else has seen this bird, has theories, has seen previous such birds or comes across it this next week while searching for the Eurasian Wigeon or hybrid Tufted x Scaup Duck than please take photos. It was just to far to get photos for myself. The bird was in the same flock as the Eurasian Wigeon, which is dominated by mostly Redhead. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney Cell: 647-383-8894 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Bewick's Swan at Shrewsbury YES
Viewed from the end of Wellington Street in Shrewsbury. There is s small trail ending at the marsh. Bird is left of the Snow Geese flock and several people viewing it. Triangular white cottage at Rondeau is in background. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] 2 'Bewick's' Tundra Swans at Shrewsbury, SW Ontario
So I found the second apparent Bewick's Swan which appears to be a leucistic individual. So bizarre. See eBird checklists for photos. Unfortunately the typical looking Bewick's was at a further distance and not cooperating very well for great photos. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S27365624 http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S27365425 Thanks to Reuven Martin, Blake Mann and John Lamey for finding and refinding these very cool birds. Directions: Shrewsbury is on the shore of Rondeau Bay between Erieau and Rondeau. See earlier posts for details as well. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] Sharbot Lake CBC TOMORROW!!!
Sharbot Lake CBC. TOMORROW!!! January 5th - come celebrate the last day of Christmas Bird Count season with me! Where?: The circle is centred upon Sharbot Lake Provincial Park. Check out this map where you can zoom in on the circle. How?: If you do decide to participate, simply keep notes of where and when you find birds. http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/cbc/index.jsp?targetpg=mapviewer=EN *** If you know birders or feeder watchers in the circle or region than please alert them this evening. Count week also extends for 3 days afterwards. Please contact me with questions or results at... Email: uofgtwitc...@msn.com Facebook Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] Smew - no reports since last week of December
It appears that the Smew has moved on for now. I had a half dozen responses to my request for information on recent searches, all negative. The coves and inner bays that it was hanging out with Hooded Mergansers in have frozen over this last week with this arrival of winter. The bird did seem to be spending a lot of time on the St. Lawrence side of Ault Island though, which I presume is still open water. So the bird could have moved either way along the river or across to the American side. Your guess is as good as mine. Please report any future sightings to Ontbirds and not just eBird. So glad that so many got to see this bird since some of us missed out on the action in 2011/12! Sorry Lenny... Cheers, Andrew Keaveney Cell: 647-383-8894 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Smew Reports
Hello birders. There have been no reports of this bird recently. I am hoping that even negative reports will be submitted. I have seen no reports of birders checking and missing this bird. Thank you. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] White-eyed Vireo @ Pike Bay, Bruce Peninsula
Across from #847 Pike Bay Rd., just south of the village, along the lakeshore. Video obtained. Found 15 min. ago. Still watching bird. This is on the west side of the lower Bruce Peninsula. Amazing! Cheers. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] Cedar Creek Empid and 401 Swainson's Hawk yesterday -NO
4 of us searched for the Empid and were joined by 4 others. No luck. 1 titmouse and 11 bluebirds were nice to see though. It is a beautiful little wood lot. We made several passes along the area where a possible Swainson's Hawk was reported but no luck with that either. Directions: see Ontbirds posts from last 2 days. The Swainson's was reported around 401/highgate near Thamesville. Cheers. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] Smew Now! At Upper Canada Village
Bird is with Hooded Mergansers in bay between the park and Ault Island. We are now viewing it from the ashore of the guest house. Far East side of the village. Correct that. Bird just flew east to the causeway to Ault Island. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] 13 Snow Geese at Lake Ridge Rd., Whitby (near bluebird!)
Just landed amongst several thousand Canada's in corn field on west side of Lake Ridge Rd., north of 401, just north of bridge. Between Cresser and Churchill Ave. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] 3Cave Swallows now west of Arkendo Park
Between Carrington and Chancery Promenade (lakeshore parkettes). Very Slowly moving west. A fourth bird visible towards pier east of Arkendo Park. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] PFGO now at LaFleche Rd pullout north side
2 dozen birders have seen goose last 20 min. Neck up, walking around but still far out. Views come and go with snow geese getting in way. Good luck. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] Phalarope sp. at Bondhead Beach, south of Newcastle (Lake Ontario)
Hey birders. I had a credible report from a friend that he had a Phalarope in the waves and beach at Bondhead Beach this afternoon. This is south of the 401 exit to Newcastle (between Oshawa and Port Hope). Take the Mill St. south exit and continue to Lake Ontario. This is on the east side of the creek. While the observer said he thought it was a Red-necked Phalarope, he is not knowledgeable enough to know the difference of Red/Red-necked so I think the bird is fair game to be either species. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney Cell: 647-383-8894 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Fort Erie Birds (Jaegers, Phalaropes, grebes, gulls)
Several of us were scoping out birds at the Lake Erie mouth in Fort Erie today. Highlights amongst the group were: 1 juv. Sabine's Gull3 Parasitic Jaeger (2 subadult, 1 juv.)8+ Little Gulls (mostly adults)4 grebes sp. (1 Eared Grebe, 1 Pied-billed, 2 Red-necked, many Horned)2+ Red Phalaropes (there may have been several more birds but hard to be absolutely certain it wasn't same birds)3 Red-throated Loons3 Scoter sp. LOTS of waterfowl, especially first thing in the morning. About 45 species of birds were seen from the watch point. I also had at least 4 adult Little Gulls looking towards Strawberry Island on the American side of the river amongst a couple thousand Bonaparte's Gulls in a tight feeding frenzy (about 3:30pm). Scope is necessary at this extreme distance though! I will leave it to you to Google that location. Directions to Mather's Park, Fort Erie: Take the last exit on QEW (east to Peace Bridge) into Fort Erie. Take a right and continue onto Lakeshore Rd. View the river/lake mouth from anywhere along this ~2 mile section. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney Cell: 647-383-8894 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Solitaire at Colonel Sam Smith Park. Etobicoke
Hey all. A dozen birders are watching a very obliging solitaire on the walk towards Whimbrel Pt. (southernmost point). Just look for birders. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] Dotterel No, Hudwit, sort of!
Hey Birders. So about 15 birders have been out since dawn looking for yesterday's Eurasian Dotterel. A few people have briefly seen the Hudsonian Godwit, though it has proven elusive to many of us. Other shorebirds: Dunlin, Black-bellied and American Golden-Plovers, Pectoral, White-rumped. Perhaps others. Flocks of up to 200 shorebirds have been seen flying past. Eastern Meadowlark, Lapland Longspur, Green-winged Teal and Pied-billed Grebe also present. The search continues after I finish the all you can eat brunch in Sauble Beach. Directions: Oliphant harbour is north of Sauble Beach on the lower west side of the Bruce Peninsula. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney (and Alex Stone) 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] No Dotterel; Oliphant
Please don't take this as a reason to stop looking! It is a large area with lots of possible habitat. Checks in the next few days would be welcome by local birders. Kettle Point, McGregor P.P., and similar spots should be checked along Lake Huron in the days to come. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] Toronto Island Plovers present today?
I would be very surprised to learn that no one has been searching for the plovers today. Can we please get a post from someone even if it is a negative! Same thing would have gone for the Grey Kingbird the other night... Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] Neotropic Cormorant at Marie Curtis Park, Etobicoke
Just found a breeding plumage adult in water about 100m off eastern pier. Marie Curtis Park is in south Etobicoke off Lakeshore, just west of bottom of Brown's Line. Parking lot is on east side of Etobicoke Creek. Walk 100m to pier and view! Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] 1st Annual Pike Bay CBC Results!
***Please note that COUNT WEEK includes 3 days BEFORE and 3 days AFTER count day (Dec.27th-Jan.2). One species has been noted for count week so far (Northern Shrike). _ This year's (well, last years, actually!) inaugural count was held on Dec. 30th. It was a very interesting day for weather in so many ways. Participants: 3 + 1 dog Temperature: single digit negatives Wind: low Sky: mostly overcast Precipitation: flurries Ice Cover: all inland water bodies with the exception of a few creeks and fast flowing ditches; only open water in Lake Huron was around Stokes Bay near its outlet. Incident of the day: very, very nearly run over on Stokes Bay Road with my dog Highlights: Hoary Redpoll (1 at a feeder along Little Pike Bay Rd. - 3 there when I checked again yesterday!), Pine Grosbeak (1 female-type at Pike Bay), Winter Wren at Petrel Point, Lapland Longspur (2) at Hwy.6 and Little Pike Bay Rd., White-winged Scoter (2) at Stokes Bay outlet. No high or low counts since this is the inaugural count! __ Species Total: Mallard 17 American Black Duck 4 Bufflehead 1 Common Goldeneye 32 Greater Scaup 11 Long-tailed Duck 3 White-winged Scoter 2 Wild Turkey 159 Ruffed Grouse 7 Herring Gull 175 Great Black-backed Gull 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Bald Eagle 8 Snowy Owl 5 European Starling 160 Rock Pigeon 36 Mourning Dove 1 American Crow 61 Common Raven 160 Northern Cardinal 3 Blue Jay 1 Winter Wren 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 4 Black-capped Chickadee 75 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Downy Woodpecker 7 Hairy Woodpecker 3 Pileated Woodpecker 4 Dark-eyed Slate-colored Junco 3 Snow Bunting 2152 Lapland Longspur 2 Pine Grosbeak 1 Common Redpoll 162 Hoary Redpoll 1 American Goldfinch 19 Duck sp. 4 Gull sp. 5 Cheers, Andrew Keaveney Cell: 647-383-8894 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Niagara Evening Gull Fly-by
Across from Fort George on Ricardo St. in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Watching for approximately 45 min. after 4:10 p.m. I was hoping to see the albino Bonaparte's Gull fly by but no dice! Bonaparte's Gulls - 1921 (I had to stop for a minute to pee so I think there were over 2000!) Little Gull - 3 - 1 ad., 2 imm. (the second immature I didn't get the greatest look at because it had passed by me before I discovered it in the bonnie flock. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney Cell: 647-383-8894 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Harlequin Duck, adult male Mallard x American Wigeon - Cliff Lumsden Park, Etobicoke Waterfront (Toronto)
An adult male, perhaps the same bird as last winter (did anyone see this bird over the summer?) was seen this evening off of Cliff Lumsden Park in south Etobicoke. It was associating with other dabbling and diving ducks about 30 meters off shore. This location is just south of Islington and Lakeshore Blvd. and is the second waterfront park access east of Col. Samuel Smith Park (much more widely known). Also present was the Mallard x American Wigeon cross. I saw it earlier in the week in Col. Sam's east bay. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney Cell: 647-383-8894 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fort George Park evening gull fly-by
I thought I would post on the gull fly-by this evening as Bonaparte's made their way out onto the lake. Observation Time: 4:15 - 5:30 p.m. BOGU - 2041 (3 imm. birds) LIGU - 1 ad. I stayed until I could no longer see birds. I'm quite certain the Sabine's Gulls didn't fly past out to the lake for the night. Cheers, Directions: https://www.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8t=pz=13q=43.2522,-79.0589ll=43.2522,-79.0589 There is a small parking lot and a wooden dock from where to watch from. Quite fun! Andrew Keaveney Cell: 647-383-8894 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Pacific Loons in Barrie NOW
Hi. I'm currently watching 1 adult alternate Pacific Loon in Barrie's Kempenfelt Bay. The bird is about halfway across the bay and I'm viewing from south shore at the Barrie Tourism building. Parking is available here. Directions: this is along Lakeshore Dr. just east of Essa Rd. which is one of interchanges into downtown Barrie from the 400. Viewing from Minets Point Park would work as well and bird might be just to west or north of the beach there. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] 3 Pacific Loons in Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie
2 Adults molting out of Alternate plumage (lacking the black throat on the bird that David Pryor photographed yesterday) and 1 juvenile (possible without a dark chin strap) were observed this evening between 4:30-6:30 pm. Observations took place from the south shore at both Minet's Point Park and Tyndale Park. All three birds were best (only?) viewed by a scope and just on the verge of digiscoping distance. OBRC reports will be submitted. Good luck! Directions: These two parks are reached via Lakeshore Dr. in Barrie. Take Essa Rd. exit off of Hwy. 400 and head east to Kempenfelt Bay. Andrew Keaveney Cell: 647-383-8894 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
Re: [Ontbirds] Ottawa Ross's Goose - hybrid origin
Not a sighting but given the number of OFO AGM participants that saw this bird I thought I would post this for those that hadn't heard. The Ross's Goose seen also by yours truly on the Sunday morning is most certainly of hybrid origin according to very experienced Goose biologists. It would likely be a Lesser Snow Goose x Ross's mix. Better fix your eBird checklists! Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] Eastern Whip-poor-will @ Colonel Sam Smith Park, South Etobicoke
Bird was found on our bird walk this morning. It will only be here today on this branch. If you would like location because you can make it out to see it please call me at number below, otherwise I would rather not divulge location - similar to if it were an owl. Cheers, Location is at bottom of Kipling Rd. in South Etobicoke. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] Whip-poor-will has been refound
About 40 birders are here watching it. We are on east side of rugby pitch about 200 meters north of south parking lot. This is just north of the waterfront trail and just south of the southernmost buildings on a Humber campus. Come join! Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] CCFEW Bird Walks - Etobicoke - Next Walk Oct. 4 at Colonel Sam Smith Park
Fellow bird nuts, there is a walk this Saturday, October 4th at Colonel Samuel Smith Park at the foot of Kipling St. in south Etobicoke (Toronto). Meet at the southernmost parking lot. The walk is organised by our local conservation group CCFEW (Citizens Concerned about the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront). This is the link to the CCFEW website: http://www.ccfew.org/html/bird_walks.html where all future walks will be posted. We use local birders as our guides. This next walk will be led by yours truly. Walks are held almost monthly on Saturdays and last about 2hrs. The long-staying Yellow-crowned Night-Heron is still being reported from Colonel Sam last I heard. Please note that I have discussed this post with Mark Cranford, Ontbirds Coordinator. Andrew Keaveney Cell: 647-383-8894 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Ross' Goose present NOW at Andrew Hayden in Ottawa
Bird is to right of light station when looking at Quebec. Looking from double pond area. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
Re: [Ontbirds] Ross' Goose in Ottawa
Probably only viewable off of Dick Bell Park now a couple hundred meters northwest. Bird was photographed at Moodie Drive pits yesterday around 2:30pm if you miss it on the waterfront this morning. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 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
[Ontbirds] Blue Geese at Port Weller and Niagara Peninsula birding
Hello birders. I spent the day birding with Len Manning on the Niagara Peninsula. 52 species. Horned Larks, Snow Buntings and Tundra Swans were the most noticeable migrants. At the end of the day we found two Snow Geese (blue morph) at Jones Beach in Port Weller. This is on the east side of the east pier area. These could be the same two blue geese (see his photo) reported to eBird by Rick Stronks on Feb. 28th from Dingle Park in Oakville. Other birds seen included the stakeout adult Red-headed Woodpecker in Vineland area which also had a White-crowned Sparrow. 3 White-crowned Sparrows were at a feeder on 10th Road East. There was a bright female Dark-eyed Slate-colored Junco coming to a feeder with lots of juncos and tree sparrows on 6th Rd. East south of Ridge Rd. It stood out markedly from the other birds present, being very peachy-brown on the sides. Here's a selection of the 10 eBird checklists we made (these will have the locational information of course!): http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17272656 http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17276921 http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17258037 http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17257334 http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17257259 http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17258037 Cheers, Andrew Keaveney ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Wood Duck at Kitchener Park, Orillia - why is this unusual?
Adult male Wood Duck seen around 4:30p.m. this afternoon near Kitchener Park in Orillia. The bird was up the creek that flows out of the water treatment facility into Lake Simcoe. It is on the far west side of the park and the only open water around that I know of until you get to Washago at the north end of Lake Couchiching. Haha. Well I thought I would submit this on account of how far north it is for the time of year. How do I know this is unusual? Well, I looked at the eBird Canada records! There are about 20-25 other eBird records from Ontario in the winter of 2013-14. The next closest record is from Lake Ontario in Toronto. This is also the second farthest north record this winter, aside from 2-3 birds in Ottawa. Looking at historical data there is perhaps only a half dozen records ever, from further north locations. Finally, this has been a VERY cold winter with lots of ice. So it is pretty neat that this bird is surviving up here. Good on it! Directions: From Hwy.11 go east on Hwy.12 and take a right (south) on Water St. S., then right (west) on Kitchener St. and stay left onto the WDS Access Rd. This road crosses a bridge over a creek which is where the bird was. Do not enter through the gates past the bridge when they are open as this is water treatment plant property. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Barrow's Goldeneye NOT present at north Lake Couchiching this evening, but 91 Trumpeter Swans!
I did go back to see if this bird returned this evening. There were at least 300 Common Goldeneye once again, but after 3 slow scans in the cold I gave up. There was a male Northern Pintail (not present yesterday, but present the day before), and I could not relocate the Red-necked Grebe either. That said, some birds were a little too far out to be certain and I did not arrive early enough to catch the birds in better light. There were 91 Trumpeter Swans here which sounds incredible to me! Apparently there is a Trumpeter Swan Facebook group if you want more information on these guys... Cheers, Andrew Keaveney ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Male Barrow's Goldeneye North end of Lake Couchiching NOW
Hi, I'm currently watching a male Barrow's golden eye among a flock of common goldeneye. Directions: Take highway 11 north to the 169 (around Washago), where there is access to the north end of the lake. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Barrow's Goldeneye at Lake Couchiching this evening
Hello birders. Some more details here on the goldeneye sighting. This bird was reported two evenings ago on eBird. I arrived at about 4:30pm today to look for it. It is not worth arriving before 5:15pm though because some time after that the Goldeneye started streaming in from the north in flocks of 20-50+. Before this I only counted about 10 birds! The ice is open at what is called Washago Centennial Park. There is a small bridge underconstruction here. The birds are mostly in the 300 meters of open water to the south of the bridge. It's possible the birds are spending their day along the river somewhere to the north of Centennial Park, though they seem to be flying in from quite a ways. Another place open to waterfowl in the area is the north end of Lake Simcoe around Orillia, or so I've been told, though I have not been able to check on that yet. The Barrow's is an adult male and does NOT look like it could be a hybrid (which is seen almost annually on the lower Great Lakes now). The gentleman to first report it was David Goodyear and his report looked solid so I followed it up since I was in Orillia. You can see my eBird checklist here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17204188 Another bird of note was a Red-necked Grebe! Directions: From Hwy. 11 north of Orillia, take the exit onto #169 that brings you into the village of Washago. Take your first right onto Quetton St., crossing the railroad and then park before the bridge. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] possible Ipswich Savannah Sparrow photographed at Leslie St. Spit (last Sunday - same day as Toronto CBC)
Hello Ontbirders. The following has been circulating widely this week but perhaps not wide enough to come to the attention of all that would like to know. I believe it has been posted on the Facebook site Ontario Birds, the Toronto and Southern Ontario Birding site and eBird (check Ontario Rare Bird Alert data in your My eBird). An interesting Savannah Sparrow was photographed on the Spit this past Sunday on the same day as the Toronto CBC, although the photographer was not taking part in this event. Two photos have been posted. The bird has not been seen again because of course the Spit is only open on weekends (something that will change in the future I hope!). The Spit will be open again tomorrow morning though and I wanted to get the word out widely in case some hard core birders wanted to brave the weather and search for this bird. I have heard it suggested that the bird is not an Ipswich Sparrow after the photos were circulated to east coast birders. I'm not so certain myself. I just saw this species a couple weeks ago (6 birds at two sites on Sable Island, Nova Scotia) and the photos are certainly suggestive to me. It would be great to get some photos in different lighting and to have the bird seen by multiple observers. I hope to make it out myself after a morning engagement. it was along a gravelly/rocky section between what the spit folks call 'endikements' 1 2, 3:30 pm http://outdoorontario.net/birds/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=3t=13514 http://ebird.org/ebird/canada/alert/summary?sid=SN35610 Cheers, Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 (cell) ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Common Eider still at Fort Erie
Don't have time to include details. You are welcome to call me. All details from last night and this mornings post still apply. Flies down river (towards falls) at least 1km. , then flies back to repeat the cycle. Tough to photograph because it stays mid river. David Pryor and David Flook were with me at the time. Cheers. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] No white-winged gulls in Sarnia or Marbled Godwits in Mitchell's Bay today
Just a quick notice to weekend birders. I dipped hard on both species today. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Purple Sandpiper at Col. Sam - NO
I have not met anyone today who has met with success since the initial posting. This must be a morning only bird! Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Parasitic Jaeger photographed at Rattray Marsh, Mississauga yesterday
I received photos of what appears to be a juv. Light-morph Parasitic Jaeger. Bird was seen fairly close to the lakeshore off Rattray Marsh in Mississauga. A couple from Toronto were the finders. Cheers. Directions: Walking access from 50 Bexhill Road L5H 3L1 Limited parking and walking access at 1180 Lakeshore Road West, Jack Darling Municipal Park Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 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 including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Western kingbird at Downsview, Toronto - no
Not seen today, though I met a dozen searchers. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.com ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Brown Pelican @ Wheatley Harbour - yes
Bird is here and showing well. Cheers. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.com ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Western Sandpiper juv. at Townsend's Lagoons; NO Red-necked Phalarope
Reporting for Hugh Currie, Andrew Don. Apparent juv. Western Sandpiper at Townsend Lagoons about 30 min. ago. Found in northeast corner of southeast cell. Photos were taken. Bird showed nice rufous scaps. No Red-necked Phalarope present. That's all I know! Cheers, Directions: Lagoons (there are 4) are just south west of town of Townsend on south side of Concession 13. This is just west of #6 hwy, south of Hamilton. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - 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
[Ontbirds] Toronto Whimbrel Watch and 4th annual Spring Bird Festivel at Col. Sam Smith Park
Hello Birders. The Toronto Whimbrel Watch has been active the last few days although there hasn't been many Whimbrel yet. The peak has typically been around May 23rd- 26th but of course migration is different every year. Anyone can get involved, just bring a pair of binoculars and perhaps a spotting scope if you have one (not necessary though) and show up anytime throughout the day. Folks come and go after spending a few hours watching. While the best chance at seeing Whimbrels is earlier in the morning, the weather can delay them till later in the day. We usually watch from the southern point with a large wooden light stand. You may even choose to bring a lawn chair if you're going to be staying a while. Yesterday there were perhaps 10 birds seen (which is very low of course), several of which flew by very close for good photography and a few even landed for a while on some rocky jetties. 4th Annual Spring Bird Festival at Colonel Samuel Smith Park (hosted by the City of Toronto, CCFEW, Toronto and Region Conservation, and several others) Saturday May 25th. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be hourly guided bird walks starting at 9 a.m. with the first walk led by Dr. Bridget Stutchbury. Other leaders are well known, active birders, in the Toronto birding community. Activities, crafts and games, displays, backyard habitat building workshop, live birds, reptiles and amphibians, art workshops, photography, Bird Friendly coffee, and much more. Directions: Parking is found by taking Kipling Ave. in Etobicoke, south to its terminus. There are two lots. For any inquiries please don't hesitate to respond to this email. Cheers, ___ 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 @ spice bush trail, RONDEAU P.P.
10 min. ago found by Blake Mann and seen by a dozen people. I left a line on trail to show where. Cheers. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.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] Black-necked Stilts across from Hillman Marsh, Essex Co.
2 birds are currently at back end of creek viewed from bridge just before entrance to Hillman. Male and female. Have seen courting once. Also a peacock calling... Cheers. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.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] Loggerhead Shrike a Sparrow Field beach near tip of Point Pelee
Being looked at and photographed by many at present. Not sure whom redound this little gem. Walk through Sparrow Field till you reach East Beach and bird is usually on sand below shrubs. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.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] NO black-necked Stilts at Hillman tonight
I've had several inquiries and I myself have been biting my lip all day, but now that I'm here and have been talking to people I think that the consensus is the stilts have not been seen since first thing this morning. Cheers. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.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] Niagara Birding - No Slaty-backed Gull (again...)
I travelled to Niagara again with renewed hope that the gull would 'easy' to find. Not so much. Along with 3 or 4 cars of other birders we searched for several hours. At least 55 GBBG and 10 LBBG (mostly adults) were present. Tundra Swans - 65+ birds present mid river between the Control Gates and Chippewa. Tufted Titmouse - 3 birds around the east end Dufferin Is. Unidentified hybrid gull sp. - 1 ad. Herring-like gull with a darker mantle was flying around the break wall near the Control Gates. Not sure what it was... The California Gull was again looked for and did not produce. No Glaucous Gulls were present to my knowledge, despite multiple birds being reported yesterday... so there had to have been a notable change in birds... most notably the lack of any Slaty-backeds ;) eBird Checklists: http://ebird.org/ebird/canada/view/checklist?subID=S12457644http://ebird.org/ebird/canada/view/checklist?subID=S12457836http://ebird.org/ebird/canada/view/checklist?subID=S12457785 Cheers, Andrew Keaveney ___ 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] Slaty-backed Gull not being seen presently...
I have been looking with one other observer for almost 30 min. now and haven't been able to pinpoint the gull!!! Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.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] Niagara Gulls - possible Greenland Iceland Gull - Big Year Finale
At the Adam Beck generating station this afternoon around 2:30 I observed what appeared to be a Greenland Iceland Gull. It was an adult basic bird with clean white flight feathers, medium amount of brown streaking throughout the head, and it was circling around the turbid waters below. I must have watched it for a good 10 mins with my 10x42 bins, and a further five mins with my scope at 60x . During the whole observation, not once did I get the impression that the bird could have been a Glaucous gull. This is a very difficult identification of course and I am very hesitant to say that I am 100% sure of my id, but I had been thinking about this gull recently given that there have been no reports since Bruce Di Labio's sighting a few weeks prior. All the proportions seemed perfect for an Iceland gull and nothing about the bird gave off the bulky appearance of the typical Glaucous gull. In late November, I was watching adults of both species flying by me in James bay, so I am recently familiar with id'ing them. Hopefully someone will be able to find this bird at rest in the days to come for further confirmation. A valiant attempt was made to re-find the slaty-backed gull very soon after it was reported, but it no longer appeared the be present. I also spent time looking for the California gull which apparently has been seen recently on the roosting rocks near sir Adam beck, but there was no sign of this bird either. At the control gates, there were no less than 10 lesser black backed gulls, mostly adults. The snowy owl in st. Catherine's was still present until dusk. So that's a wrap folks, it's been an interesting Big Year to say the least! Happy New Year from the QEW. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.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] Great Gray Owl(s) in Algonquin Park
Hey birders. Well, after almost a full year of having the Great Gray Owl as my nemesis Big Year bird I finally nailed it while birding in Algonquin Park this evening. My dad and I came across a bird hunting from small spruces on hwy. 60 directly across the corner from the Opeongo Rd. entrance. It was on our way out of Opeongo Rd. this evening at about 4p.m. that I noticed it while turning west (right). We were able to view the bird for about 20 min. and eventually saw it fly down and pounce on a prey in the snow - wings and tail out, body buried, and head up and looking around as if it didn't know what to do next! I was only in the park from 1:30 p.m. onwards and this was the only owl we saw. If readers are wondering why I never went to see the Essex Co. bird last winter, it is because both I and a few others had suspicions that it may not have been a 'natural occurance'. There was no obvious incursion southward of that species last year, in fact it was a horrible winter for them and I can barely think of another single record south of there breeding grounds. It appears as though there are perhaps as many as 4 birds along the hwy. 60 corridor at the moment, with sightings at ~km. 20 a few days back, a pair at km. 38 yesterday, and our bird at approx. km. 45 (I believe?) this evening. Directions: All birds have been viewed right from the hwy. corridor. ***Please note Visitor Centre is not open on weekdays Other birds noted: Red Crossbill - 3 birds (1 ad. male) feeding on roadside and then flew off towards Bat Lake trail parking lot Pine Grosbeak - 3 birds around km. 36 Ruffed Grouse - 3 birds feeding very high in maples on the north side of hwy. 60 west of Smoke Lake - at least 1 bird was a nice rufus and gray intermediate morph. ___ 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] Norther Hawk Owl - Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes County
Currently being watched atop a tree several hundred meters south of Meadowview Rd. before house 1140. It is on Old McDonald's farm... I kid you not! Happy Holidays! Directions from Martin Parker yesterday: The Northern Hawk Owl is at 1140 Meadowview Road west of Peterborough. Meadowview Road goes west from Highway 7 between Highway 115 southwest of Peterborough and Fowlers Corners. Moutainview goes west of Highway 7 and the road due east is Lily Lake Road. Travel west on Mountainview for about 2 km. until you reach civic address 1140 -- look for the green sign on the south side of the road. The owl was initially on a hydro pole along the road then later in a tree to the south of the road. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.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] Hawk Owl directions
The bird has moved. I think I messed up directions before... Bird is north of Meadowview. It is now in a wood lot seen from these coordinates: 44° 18' 17 N 78° 26' 32 W This is a walking path along an old railway bed. Google Earth clearly shows it. Cheers. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.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] NO Ivory Gull in Arnprior today
All I can do is shake my head :( Meat has been put out to try and provide a food source but several birders have been present since early morning and we've exhausted most of the possible sites. Ottawa birders should check there local river sites in case the bird has moved on... Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.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] Arnprior area birds - Hoaries, rostrata spp. Common Redpoll, Bohemians, etc.
300 + redpolls present along the east side of Arnprior Airport. 2 or 3 Hoary redpolls are among them including 1 male, and a single Common Redpoll rostrata ssp. female type. Over 200 Snow Buntings are moving around the airport fields. *** it seems my chumming attracted up to 25 gulls this afternoon including 4 ad. Great Black Backs but now they have moved off somewhere else. I have lost hope with the Ivory Gull and haven't seen another birder for hours. Just north of Carleton Centre this morning were over 120 Bohemian Waxwings on Ottawa Rd. 29. Directions: if necessary just call or email. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.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] 150+ Bohemian Waxwings -Inverary, north of Kingston
Hanging around tree tops for last hour at main traffic intersection in small town of Inverary. A half block west is a church where they hung out for at least 40 min. Directions: drive north of Kingston from 401, straight up Division St. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.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] Southern James Bay birding trip - Late November, 2012 - Gyrfalcon, Northern Fulmar, Dovekie, jaegers and eider sp. among the highlights
Hello keen birders. And I do mean keen. You might think that one would have to be a bit crazy to venture into the James Bay region at this point in the year and that's where I come in. I had always planned on going to James Bay this fall but given the number of great birds that were continually showing up in late October I decided to stick it out down here in the south which was a fabulous idea as I was rewarded with Tufted Duck, Glossy Ibis, Purple Sandpiper, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Cave Swallows and a Pacific Loon among others. When November came around it didn't seem like much was happening and it sure didn't seem like those Red Phalaropes were making much of an appearance in Ontario this year so I threw in the towel and arranged a trip to Netitishi Point, Southern James Bay, Ontario. Many of you should be aware of this place because it has been posted about several times during the last few Fall seasons and this year was no exception with J. Vandermuelen and A. Wormington having gone earlier in the season. Well it was a whole different ball game when I went up there. Three weeks of migration had gone by in that time and both the birds and numbers had changed, most dramatically so in the numbers. I will post below the eBird checklists I have generated on a daily basis from my trip. The lists are extremely accurate and reflect most of the birds to be seen there this time of year, with some interesting finds from both southerly and northerly winds. I spent a great many hours in the field (approximately 7hrs. per day for 10 days) and counted every bird even the ones that I wasn't sure of. It should be noted here that there were a great deal of birds that I was unable to identify. This simply reflects the great distances and extreme weather events that can and did occur such as high north winds, snow squalls, high waves and low tides. Combined, these factors can make birding very difficult up there. You will understand more fully I think when you read the eBird checklists. Very little of this was due to observer error, though admittedly there were a few that I think if given another second or two view I should have been able to confirm. ***I would not suggest that you do a trip like this unless you have A) a lot of patience, B) are willing to devote a bit of money and understand that you may very well see little of note even with good weather conditions, and C) are a very good birder. Less experienced birders would see less, identify even less of that, and grow very frustrated with their sightings, I would think. Many hours need to be spent simply sitting in a chair or standing looking through your scope at the bay, crossing your fingers that at least a day or two in your two week (recommended 10 days - 3 weeks) trip produces some strong north winds. Because I have a lot of time on my hands I was able to check the weather before hand including both ice, temperature and wind conditions before I made the last minute (and I mean LAST MINUTE!) decision to venture forth. And as it turns out it was a good one because little of significance was seen in southern Ontario while I was away. What is with November this year??? Rarity month for the year was clearly October even without some of the hurricane birds. Highlights of my trip were a single Dovekie flying east on the open bay (scared up off the bay as a few Long-tailed Ducks flew by), a single juv. white-morph Gyrfalcon which provided some nice photos, and a singe light-morph Northern Fulmar on strong north winds appearing out of a snow squall. Other highlights were more significant from a time of year and location point of view. eBird checklists are at the bottom of this email. OBRC reports for the Dovekie and Fulmar will be submitted. Dovekie was new for the year for 'our' Ontario bird checklist on eBird of course. Think we can get 365 species this year? Please feel free to respond privately. The complete list (of 40 some odd species) is as follows: Canada GooseWhite-winged ScoterBlack ScoterLong-tailed DuckEider sp.Common MerganserRed-breasted MerganserSpruce GrouseLoon sp.Red-necked GrebeNorthern FulmarBald EagleRough-legged HawkPurple SandpiperDunlinRing-billed GullHerring GullThayer's GullIceland GullGlaucous GullGreat Black-backed GullDovekieSnowy OwlHairy WoodpeckerAmerican Three-toed WoodpeckerGyrfalconNorthern ShrikeGray JayCommon RavenBlack-capped ChickadeeBoreal ChickadeeLapland LongspurSnow BuntingDark-eyed JuncoRed-winged BlackbirdPine GrosbeakPurple FinchRed CrossbillWhite-winged CrossbillCommon Redpoll eBird checklists: Nov. 16 - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12190120Nov. 17 - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12190169Nov. 18 - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12190593Nov. 19 - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12188258Nov. 20 - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12188185Nov. 21 -
[Ontbirds] Southern James Bay birding trip - Late November, 2012 - Gyrfalcon, Northern Fulmar, Dovekie, jaegers and eider sp. among the highlights
***Appologies for the last baffled email, it seems that Ontbirds converted my text by condensing it and the bird list and eBird checklists got pretty jumbled. I think I have corrected that below, although I won't know until the actually post is made it seems. If it doesn't work, you can always check out the checklists online using eBird tools*** Hello keen birders. And I do mean keen. You might think that one would have to be a bit crazy to venture into the James Bay region at this point in the year and that's where I come in. I had always planned on going to James Bay this fall but given the number of great birds that were continually showing up in late October I decided to stick it out down here in the south which was a fabulous idea as I was rewarded with Tufted Duck, Glossy Ibis, Purple Sandpiper, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Cave Swallows and a Pacific Loon among others. When November came around it didn't seem like much was happening and it sure didn't seem like those Red Phalaropes were making much of an appearance in Ontario this year so I threw in the towel and arranged a trip to Netitishi Point, Southern James Bay, Ontario. Many of you should be aware of this place because it has been posted about several times during the last few Fall seasons and this year was no exception with J. Vandermuelen and A. Wormington having gone earlier in the season. Well it was a whole different ball game when I went up there. Three weeks of migration had gone by in that time and both the birds and numbers had changed, most dramatically so in the numbers. I will post below the eBird checklists I have generated on a daily basis from my trip. The lists are extremely accurate and reflect most of the birds to be seen there this time of year, with some interesting finds from both southerly and northerly winds. I spent a great many hours in the field (approximately 7hrs. per day for 10 days) and counted every bird even the ones that I wasn't sure of. It should be noted here that there were a great deal of birds that I was unable to identify. This simply reflects the great distances and extreme weather events that can and did occur such as high north winds, snow squalls, high waves and low tides. Combined, these factors can make birding very difficult up there. You will understand more fully I think when you read the eBird checklists. Very little of this was due to observer error, though admittedly there were a few that I think if given another second or two view I should have been able to confirm. ***I would not suggest that you do a trip like this unless you have A) a lot of patience, B) are willing to devote a bit of money and understand that you may very well see little of note even with good weather conditions, and C) are a very good birder. Less experienced birders would see less, identify even less of that, and grow very frustrated with their sightings, I would think. Many hours need to be spent simply sitting in a chair or standing looking through your scope at the bay, crossing your fingers that at least a day or two in your two week (recommended 10 days - 3 weeks) trip produces some strong north winds. Because I have a lot of time on my hands I was able to check the weather before hand including both ice, temperature and wind conditions before I made the last minute (and I mean LAST MINUTE!) decision to venture forth. And as it turns out it was a good one because little of significance was seen in southern Ontario while I was away. What is with November this year??? Rarity month for the year was clearly October even without some of the hurricane birds. Highlights of my trip were a single Dovekie flying east on the open bay (scared up off the bay as a few Long-tailed Ducks flew by), a single juv. white-morph Gyrfalcon which provided some nice photos, and a singe light-morph Northern Fulmar on strong north winds appearing out of a snow squall. Other highlights were more significant from a time of year and location point of view. eBird checklists are at the bottom of this email. OBRC reports for the Dovekie and Fulmar will be submitted. Dovekie was new for the year for 'our' Ontario bird checklist on eBird of course. Think we can get 365 species this year? Please feel free to respond privately. The complete list (of 41 some odd species) is as follows: Canada Goose, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Eider sp., Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Spruce Grouse, Loon sp., Red-necked Grebe, Northern Fulmar, Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Thayer's Gull, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Jaeger sp. Dovekie, Snowy Owl, Hairy Woodpecker, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Gyrfalcon, Northern Shrike, Gray Jay, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, Boreal Chickadee, Lapland Longspur, Snow Bunting, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-winged
[Ontbirds] Eared Grebe at Col. Sam Smith Park eastern bay
Photos taken of this and a Horned Grebe at present. Bird is ranging between west end of marina and bay at west end of park by filtration plant. 4 species of grebe are present! Park is at foot of Kipling Ave. in Toronto (Etobicoke). Free parking at southern most lot at road terminus. Cheers. Andrew Keaveney 647-383-8894 uofgtwitc...@msn.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] Townsend's Solitaire at Leslie St. Spit YESTERDAY !
It has come to my attention that a solitaire was seen at the banding station yesterday. I will be out looking for it shortly before noon and will report if it turns up. If others see it before then please post to Ontbirds. You can reach me at 647-383-8894 in case I am already on the Spit. Cheers. Sorry I don't have any more details. Directions: Park at foot of Leslie St. in east end Toronto. Walk/bike/run to yacht club road on west side of spit. This is just before the foot bridge and a few kilometers walk. Sent from Andrew's 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] Dark ad. Western Red-tailed Hawk
Seen perched as I was driving by. Subsequently seen flying twice at close distance. Matches Sibley's depiction perfectly so far as I could tell. Difficult to observe do to 402 traffic obviously. Very cool bird!!! Directions: exit 25 west on hwy. 402 to Sarnia. Sent from Andrew's 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] Ross' Goose at Lakefront Promenade, Mississauga
Being seen currently. Unknown to me, I guess Don Perks had seen this bird earlier because it was just posted to the Hamilton listserv as such. Directions: From lakeshore dr. in east end Mississauga (east of Cawthra Rd.), take Lakefront Promenade south, following the curve west and the bird is with many Canada's on the south side pond that is cut off from the marina to the south of it. In other words it is beside the playground. I thought I would tell birders now rather than at the end of the day when there was no possibility... Cheers, Andrew Keaveney P.s. looking for Cave Swallows today so please call if you find any...647-383-8894. Sent from Andrew's 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] 6 Brant at Pt. Edward lighthouse
Currently battling winds trying to fly northeast along Ontario shoreline. 3 are juv.'s At end of Fort St. St. In Sarnia/Pt. Edward. Sent from Andrew's 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] Swallows at Niagara Falls
I booked it to Niagara after Gavin's post this morning. After arriving I bumped into Marcia Jacklin but all she had seen in the 40 min. she was watching were possible N. rough-wingeds. Shortly after she left I found a large group of swallows feeding south of the Old Pump House Building where Gavin had been seeing swallows. This was clearly the same group since they were no longer feeding on the adjacent river. 20-25 birds in all. I was less than 10 meters away at times and all birds were identified correctly. About 20 N. Rough-wingeds with a smattering of Bank Swallows. 1 rough-winged was in a tail moult I guess, as it threw me off several times. Outer tail feathers were very pale and inner ones very dark. This kept leading to my thinking that it was a CASW at a distance. It is very unlikely that this mornings observer was incorrect in his I.D. but there are no CASW currently in a group of the same size, in the same area as identified earlier. This is a VERY good indication to NOT be so willing to assume all swallows being seen now are Caves. This mornings observer correctly pointed out that he may be wrong in assuming to I.D. the other birds as Caves. I will give it another go when I have dried off but it is ugly out there! Cheers. Directions: Between the Old Pump House Building and Control Structure, above the Falls. Canadian side, east (river) side of Niagara River Parkway. Medium sized ponds housed aside from river. Feeding at back end and perching on dead snags and amongst live willow branched, fully leaved. Sent from Andrew's 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] Rare birds across the southern Great Lakes - New York and Ohio
Hey Ontbirders. This is a bit of a different post but I think that it is very interesting for all of us to know this. Over the last few weeks both Rufous Hummingbirds and Western Kingbirds have been seen at several different locations throughout New York and Ohio states, many of these locations are directly across either Lakes Erie or Ontario. There really hasn't been a single report of a twitchable bird in either of these species here in Ontario. My point? These birds are definitely here somewhere. There has already been a post earlier in the week about Northern Gannets which remain a bird to keep watch for. Also, this past Monday many Cave Swallows were seen from Hamlin Beach State Park in New York, moving westward along the Lake Ontario shoreline. These birds should have reached Niagara on the Lake or even Hamilton by now should they have continued west. Local birding clubs and residents with backyard hummingbird feeders should be on the watch, as well as perhaps information coming into Wild Birds Unlimited stores. Perhaps less populated areas like Prince Edward County should be looked at for kingbirds. And keep watching the lakeshores for an early push of Cave Swallows this season. I hope no one minds my posting this since this gives us all something to look forward too. If you would like more details on sightings from across the lakes simply browse through www.ebird.org for details. Be careful though, you could be up all night looking through the wonderful data! Cheers, Andrew Keaveney. ___ 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] Female Tufted Duck at Shirley's Bay - YES
Currently being scoped off the the end of the parking lot. I will be here a little while, off for breakfast, and then returning in case anyone would like help watching. It is with a flock of Lesser Scaup to the right of the parking area if you are looking at the river. I will try to digiscope... Cheers. Sent from Andrew's 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] Tufted Duck photos needed
Hey Ottawa birders...and beyond. After viewing the bird for long periods this morning I really feel that we need a local birder with a good camera lens to snap some better photos of this bird. I suggest coming first thing in the morning ... evening could be good but I didn't see it there last night. It has been there 2 mornings in a row at least and the water was just glassy. Good photos of the bill and open wings are desired. I wish I could help but I don't have that kind of equipment. Several of us who saw the bird are still less than satisfied with a firm I.D. Cheers. Sent from Andrew's 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] Glossy ibis at Gosport
Still present as of right now. Feeding where Godwit has been. See directions from earlier this aft. Cheers. Sent from Andrew's 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] No Vega Gull at Pelee or Wheatley
The gull has/is being looked for and will be reported if found. I know of several folks who have been asking. Sometimes rarities simply don't get reported after a big group of birders have seen the bird for a few days straight and I know how frustrating this can be. Not present at Wheatley last night or Pelee tip this a.m. Cheers. Andrew Keaveney Sent from Andrew's 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] Nelson's Sparrow at Wheatley Harbor. No Red Phalarope.
I found a gorgeous Nelson's Sparrow at Wheatley harbor this evening. The bird was alone but White-crowned Sparrows and Golden-crowned Kinglets were foraging nearby. It initially flushed from the edge of base of the eastern pier (where everyone looks for gulls). When I last left it it was in the southern most herbs/shrubs near the beach. It started to run around after being flushed a few times. I was able to call up the Platt's from London who had just left a few minutes earlier and they circled back and had excellent views as well. No Red Phalarope sightings today. Directions: Wheatley is directly south of Tilbury on county rd 1 Follow 1 south to the lake. There is a large black earth mound south of the car park and the bird was initially foraging in goldenrod, etc. here. Sent from Andrew's 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] Townsends solitaire-van wagners-heck no
This is Len manning reporting. Andrew and i have been searching for the solitaire since 11 am and have been rewarded with house sparrows and ring billed gulls as consolation prizes. Still looking though... There was a report this morning of the bird but we have been awarded the shaft. Len manning Sent from Andrew's 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/
