[Ontbirds] Guelph Arboretum Barred Owl, Bohemians and Brown Thrasher
Hi, everyone, The Barred Owl sat in one spot all day today and was seen by many. Our Bohemian Waxwings are still around but in lower numbers; one flock was seen visiting the junipers on the west side of The Arboretum Centre this afternoon. The Brown Thrasher is also still present but it is being seen less frequently. Last report was on Monday on the west side of The Arboretum Centre. We also have at least two Sharp-shinned Hawks and two Cooper's Hawks in the area and had one Hoary Redpoll last week at The Arboretum Centre feeders but it hasn't been seen since. BTW, we still have space for this Friday's (Jan 18th) Owl Workshop and can take registrations up until 3 pm on Thursday. Go to http://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/educationandevents/workshops.shtml for details. It'll be a hoot! Cheers, Chris Earley p.s. go to our flickr site to see some recent photos of these birds: http://www.flickr.com/photos/52649814@N05/ To get to The Arboretum Centre, follow highway 6 north from the 401. Turn right (east) onto College Ave. Follow College almost to its end at Victoria Rd. Just before Victoria Road, turn right at our Arboretum entrance and follow the road to the two large parking lots. The Arboretum Centre is to the right of the parking lots. ___ 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] Guelph Arboretum Brown Thrasher, 250+ Bohemians, Barred Owl
Hi, everyone, The Brown Thrasher continues to be seen at The Arboretum Centre. The best place to watch for it is at the entrance doors, looking across the reflecting pool at the Asian Bittersweet vines. This morning there was a flock of 260 waxwings - they were almost all Bohemians with only a couple of Cedars. Later there was a flock of about 15 Cedars on their own. These were coming to berries at various places around The Arboretum Centre - lots of great photo opportunities! The Barred Owl was also seen in the nearby area as well but is constantly on the move. Cheers, Chris Earley To get to The Arboretum Centre, follow highway 6 north from the 401. Turn right (east) onto College Ave. Follow College almost to its end at Victoria Rd. Just before Victoria Road, turn right at our Arboretum entrance and follow the road to the two large parking lots. The Arboretum Centre is to the right of the parking lots. ___ 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] Guelph Arboretum Brown Thrasher - no, Barred Owl - yes, bird workshops
Hi, everyone, I walked around The Arboretum Centre today to try to spot the Brown Thrasher reported by Alec Follett but with no luck. Our grounds crew was busy removing the snow around the building, so the thrasher might have gone somewhere else for a bit. I'll let you know if I see it - this is the building I work in, so hopefully it will just sit at my window at some point.:) I did, however, find our Barred Owl near The Arboretum Centre during my search. It was south east of the building (for those of you who know our best Bohemian Waxwing spot, the owl was just south of the triangular building with the junipers that the waxwings hang out in). I saw the owl swallow a meadow vole so it may stay around hunting. I did take Arboretum staff members out to see it but it had disappeared. It might just be perched out of sight. Photos can be seen at our flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/52649814@N05/ We have a bunch of naturalist workshops (owls, tracking, intro to birds, warblers, etc.) coming up. For details, go to http://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/educationandevents/workshops.shtml Happy New Year! Cheers, Chris Earley To get to The Arboretum Centre, follow highway 6 north from the 401. Turn right (east) onto College Ave. Follow College almost to its end at Victoria Rd. Just before Victoria Road, turn right at our entrance and follow the road to the two large parking lots. The Arboretum Centre is to the right of the parking lots. ___ 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] Guelph Arboretum Brown Thrasher - yes, Barred Owl - no
Hi, everyone, Rohan VanTwest and I saw the thrasher about 5 minutes ago (thanks to Dale for telling us it was still around today). The bird is feeding in the Asian Bittersweet vine (the one with all the red berries above the benches) by the reflecting pool of The Arboretum Centre. The sun is shining directly on the vines, the berries and the thrasher - nice! Considering how big it is, the thrasher can be hard to see so be sure to look carefully. The Barred Owl, however, has disappeared (I guess they are taking turns...). A male Red-bellied Woodpecker is visiting the feeder above the vines as well. Cheers, Chris Earley To get to The Arboretum Centre, follow highway 6 north from the 401. Turn right (east) onto College Ave. Follow College almost to its end at Victoria Rd. Just before Victoria Road, turn right at our Arboretum entrance and follow the road to the two large parking lots. The Arboretum Centre is to the right of the parking lots. ___ 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] Evening Grosbeaks/Fox Sparrows in Rockwood/Guelph Arboretum (plus Gull Workshop)
Hi, everyone, I had about 20 Evening Grosbeaks briefly visit my feeders late yesterday afternoon in Rockwood. When they took off they circled high into the air and then flew straight southeast so I don't know if they will be back. The direction they flew was towards the Rockwood Conservation Area, so I think that would be the best place to look for them if they are still around today. It was so nice to see them...it has been a while! There were at least 3 Fox Sparrows in the Gosling Wildlife Gardens in the Guelph Arboretum yesterday as well (thanks to all the observers who let me know!). There is still lots of room in our Gull Workshop for those that are interested. Friday, November 16. 9am - 4pm. $75. Please go to http://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/educationandevents/workshops.shtml for more details and to see our other upcoming workshops (Owls, Animal Tracking, Warblers, etc.). Cheers, Chris Earley Directions to Rockwood Conservation Area: From Guelph, go north on Hwy 7 to Rockwood and turn right onto Fall St. to get to the entrance gates. Directions to Guelph Arboretum: From the 401, take Hwy 6 (Hanlon Pkwy) north and turn right onto College Avenue. Follow College all the way until just before it ends at Victoria Road. Turn right at The Arboretum entrance and follow road to two large paved parking lots. To get to the Gosling Wildlife Gardens, walk along the path that starts from the far end of the parking lot (east end) to the Taylor Centre and Gosling Wildlife Gardens. ___ 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] U of Guelph Arboretum Owl Workshop
Hi, everyone, This message has been approved by Mark Cranford. We still have some openings left in our Owl Workshop for Friday, February 10, 2012. This is an all-day workshop and includes an owl prowl in the early evening. It will be a hoot! Please go to http://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/educationandevents/workshops.shtml for more details and to see what other workshops are coming up (warblers, sparrows, dragonflies, butterflies, wildflowers, mushrooms, etc.). Cheers, Chris Earley ___ 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] Guelph Arboretum Fox Sparrow, Bohemians, bird workshops
Hi, Ontbirders, A Fox Sparrow was found at noon by Bev Healy and myself at The Arboretum Centre feeder in Guelph on Wednesday and was later seen at dusk at the Gosling Wildlife Gardens feeder. Yesterday, at least 25 Bohemian Waxwings and 16 Cedar Waxwings were seen (found by Bryan Wyatt) in The Arboretum Centre parking lot feeding on juniper berries. Historically, The Arboretum has been a consistent place to find Bohemians when they are present in southern Ontario because of our large numbers of junipers and berry-producing trees and shrubs. The Fox Sparrow is only our 2nd winter record. For directions to The Arboretum, please go to http://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/ArbOverview/Directions.htmThe Gosling Wildlife Gardens are near the J.C.Taylor Centre on the map. For more information on the Gosling Wildlife Gardens, go to www.goslingwildlifegarden.org For our sightings board, please go to http://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/WildlifeSightings/Wildlifesight.htm Happy Holidays everyone! Cheers, Chris Earley p.s. we have lots of upcoming bird workshops - owls, ducks, warblers, sparrows, shorebirds and others. As well, we have workshops on animal tracking, wildflowers, gardening, stars, dragonflies, etc. Please go to http://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/ProgsWrkshps/ProWrkshp2.htm to check them out. A perfect last minute Xmas present! :)We also have small booklets on Feeder Birds, Dragonflies, Spring Wildflowers, Mammals (including tracks) and , coming soon, Summer Garden Birds. Go to http://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/journal.htm to see sample pages. -- Chris Earley Interpretive Biologist / Education Coordinator The Arboretum, University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada phone: (519)824-4120 ext. 52201 fax: (519)763-9598 e-mail: cear...@uoguelph.ca website: www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation. - Freeman Tilden ___ 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]U of Guelph Arboretum Bohemians, grosbeak shrike
Hi, everyone, Large flocks of Bohemian Waxwings have returned to The Arboretum after a short 1 week break. Kyle Horner saw about 70 on Monday, yesterday there was a flock of at least 24 Bohemians in with about 21 Cedar Waxwings and today a flock has at least 80 Bohemians in it. I can actually see some of them just outside my office window right now! This big flock also has about 20 Cedars in it and a couple of American Robins. Not long ago, a Northern Shrike then sent the flock flying. The shrike actually chased them and flew right through the middle of the flock, separating it into two before giving up. A Pine Grosbeak also flew overhead. The best places to see the waxwings are around The Arboretum Centre, in the Dwarf Conifer Collection and in the World of Trees collection. Cheers, Chris Earley p.s. Happy Holidays everyone! Check out the Feeder Birds of The Arboretum booklet at www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/Upcomingevents.htm. The booklets are only $5 with proceeds supporting Arboretum programs. Directions to The Arboretum. From the 401, take Highway 6 north to Guelph. Turn right onto College Avenue. Go through the University of Guelph campus, past the stadium and towards Victoria Road. Just before Victoria Road (and just before College Avenue ends) turn right into The Arboretum (note: this is our new entrance and doesn't have a new sign yet). -- Chris Earley Interpretive Biologist / Education Coordinator The Arboretum, University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada phone: (519)824-4120 ext. 52201 fax: (519)763-9598 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation. - Freeman Tilden ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds] Bohemians, Pine Grosbeaks, Raven, Goshawk - Guelph Arboretum
Hi, everyone, Nathan Miller and Brandon Holden have found some Bohemian Waxwings hanging out with Cedar Waxwings here at The Arboretum, University of Guelph. They move around, but one consistent place is our Conifer Collection where they are feasting on juniper berries. Brandon has also seen a few Pine Grosbeaks here in the last couple of days, plus a Northern Shrike. As well, we have recent sightings of a Northern Goshawk in our Maple Collection (Kyle Horner and Sean Fox) and a Common Raven (Alan Watson). Other sightings include Brown Creeper, White-throated Sparrow, Pine Siskin and American Robin. Cheers, Chris p.s. our Gull Workshop field trip to the Niagara River on Saturday revealed a first winter Iceland Gull giving great looks at Queenston and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls above the falls. Gull numbers weren't as high as other years. As well, we saw Red-throated Loons and Snow Buntings in Niagara-on-the-Lake and got wonderful looks at a pair of flying and calling Red-tailed Hawks at Adam Beck. There were some distant swallows above the falls, too. Directions to The Arboretum. From the 401, take Highway 6 north to Guelph. Turn right onto College Avenue. Go through the University of Guelph campus, past the stadium and towards Victoria Road. Just before Victoria Road (and just before College Avenue ends) turn right into The Arboretum (note: this is our new entrance and doesn't have a new sign yet). To get to the conifer collection, go past the Arboretum Centre Parking lot and turn left at the stop sign. Your next stop sign is a good place to look for the waxwings. -- Chris Earley Interpretive Biologist / Education Coordinator The Arboretum, University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada phone: (519)824-4120 ext. 52201 fax: (519)763-9598 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation. - Freeman Tilden ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds] U of Guelph Arboretum Bird Workshops and Rockwood Peregrine
Message approved by Mark. Hi, Everyone, There are a few Arboretum, University of Guelph, bird workshops coming up that I thought some of you might be interested in. Gull Workshop - Nov. 16, 2007, 9am - 4pm and tour to Niagara on Nov. 17 Owl Workshop - Jan. 25, 2008, 9am - 4pm and tour 6 - 8pm Duck Workshop - March 28, 2008, 9am - 4pm Please call Bev Healy at 519-824-4120 ext. 52358 to preregister. As well, go to www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum to see our full line-up of workshops and programs with complete course descriptions or to get on our seasonal program mailing list. As for sightings, I had a Peregrine Falcon fly over my backyard airspace in Rockwood (north of Guelph) yesterday - first time I've ever seen a peregrine in that area. It was heading south, so I doubt it will return, but it was fun while it lasted (about 2 seconds...). Happy fall birding! Cheers, Chris :) -- Chris Earley Interpretive Biologist / Education Coordinator The Arboretum, University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada phone: (519)824-4120 ext. 52201 fax: (519)763-9598 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation. - Freeman Tilden ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]Rusty Blackbird Northern Flicker - Guelph Arboretum
Hi, everyone, Yesterday (Sunday, Jan.7), a group of birders found a Rusty Blackbird in a flock of about 70 American Robins in Wild Goose Woods in The Arboretum, University of Guelph (directions below). This huge mixed flock also included a Northern Flicker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Cedar Waxwing, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, House Finch and approximately 50 American Goldfinches. Other sightings in other parts of The Arboretum yesterday included Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk and Brown Creeper. A Northern Shrike was sighted last week in the Rotary Tree Grove but was not seen yesterday. Cheers and Happy New Year! Chris Earley p.s. there is still space in The Arboretum bird workshops - Owl Workshop - Feb.1, Duck Workshop - March 30, Warbler Workshop level 1 - April 13 and Warbler Workshop level 2 - April 20. Check out The Arboretum website listed below for more details and more workshops. Directions: From the 401, take highway 6 north (Hanlon Expressway) to Guelph. Turn right onto College Avenue. After you go past the University of Guelph Stadium (after Gordon Street), turn right onto East Ring road. Then turn left just before the crosswalk onto Arboretum Road. Stop at the Information Kiosk and get a Map of The Arboretum. To get to where the robins, and hopefully Rusty Blackbird, hang out, park at the kiosk and walk along the Wild Goose Woods trail until you are at the grey plastic boardwalk. Now listen - if the robins are there, they are VERY noisy! There are lots of buckthorn berries and open water in this area to keep the robins happy. If you see the Rusty Blackbird or the flicker or anything else interesting, please e-mail me privately and I will put your sightings on our website. -- Chris Earley Interpretive Biologist / Education Coordinator The Arboretum, University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada phone: (519)824-4120 ext. 52201 fax: (519)763-9598 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation. - Freeman Tilden
[Ontbirds]Gull, Owl and Duck workshops at the U of Guelph Arboretum
Hi, everyone, This post was approved by Mark. The Arboretum, University of Guelph, has space in the following interactive bird workshops. For more workshop details, please go to our website at www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum or e-mail me privately. Many Ontbirds members have benefitted from these workhops - you can, too! Note: You must preregister for all workshops - call 519-824-4120 ext. 52358. Gull Workshop Friday, Nov. 18, 2005, 9am - 4pm, $70 (includes a field trip to the Niagara river on Saturday, Nov. 19) - note: please preregister by Friday, Nov. 4, if possible. Owl Workshop Friday, January 13, 2006, 9am - 4:30pm, owl prowl 6pm - 8:30pm, $70 Duck Workshop Friday, March 31, 2006, 9am - 4pm (includes a field trip to Mountsberg C.A., Saturday, April 8), $70 Cheers, Chris Earley :) -- Chris Earley Interpretive Biologist / Education Coordinator The Arboretum, University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada phone: (519)824-4120 ext. 52201 fax: (519)763-9598 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation. - Freeman Tilden
[Ontbirds] Bohemian Waxwings at Guelph Arboretum
Hi, everyone, There are 3 Bohemian Waxwings in The Arboretum Centre parking lot (3:30 pm, Friday, April 2, 2004). Last week we had a flock of 20, so they may still be around as well. A Northern Shrike was also near The Arboretum Centre on Tuesday.Directions below. Have a great weekend! Cheers, Chris Earley To get to The Arboretum, University of Guelph, take Hwy 6 north from the 401. When you reach College Avenue, turn right and follow to the University of Guelph area. After going over Gordon St., you will go up a hill and then down a steep hill with the Uof G stadium on your right. Go up the next hill and turn right on East Ring Road. Follow East Ring Road and turn left just before the crosswalk onto Arboretum Road. Follow Arboretum Road (which is one way) until you get to the parking lots. -- Chris Earley Interpretive Biologist / Education Coordinator The Arboretum, University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada phone: (519)824-4120 ext. 52201 fax: (519)763-9598 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation. - Freeman Tilden
Arboretum Bird Workshops - ducks, warblers, cottage birds and more
Hi, everyone, This post was approved by Mark. The Arboretum, University of Guelph, has space in the following interactive bird workshops. For more details, please go to our website at www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum or e-mail me privately. Many Ontbirds members have benefitted from these workhops - you can, too! Note: You must preregister for all workshops - call 519-824-4120 ext. 52358. Duck Workshop Friday, March 26, 2004, 9 am - 4 pm (includes a field trip to Mountsberg C.A., Saturday, April 10), $65 Warbler Workshop, Level I Friday, April 16, 2004, 9 am - 4 pm, $65 (includes an early morning tour in The Arboretum, Saturday, May 15; this workshop covers 20 of the more commonly seen warbler species; warbler song tape included) Warbler Workshop, Level II Friday, April 30, 2004, 9 am to 4 pm, $45 (this workshop covers 15 of the less commonly seen warbler species; you can take both Warbler Workshops and cover all of the 35 regularly occurring species in Ontario; warbler song tape included) Cottage Birds Workshop Friday, April 23, 2004, 9 am - 4 pm, $45 Bird Sounds Workshop Wednesday, May 26, 7:30 am - 4 pm, $50 Summer Forest Birds Friday, May 28, 2004, 9 am - 4 pm, $45 Housing Cavity-nesting Birds Saturday, May 29, 2004, 9 am - 4 pm, $45 Other nature workshops this spring/summer include butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, introductory insects, beetles, trees, sketching, watercolours, woodland wildflowers and ferns. Cheers, Chris -- Chris Earley Interpretive Biologist / Education Coordinator The Arboretum, University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada phone: (519)824-4120 ext. 52201 fax: (519)763-9598 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation. - Freeman Tilden Chris Earley [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Gull and other bird workshops at The Arboretum, U of Guelph
Hi, everyone, This post was approved by Mark. The Arboretum, University of Guelph, has space in the following interactive bird workshops. For more details, please go to our website at www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum or e-mail me privately. Many Ontbirds members have benefitted from these workhops - you can, too! Note: You must preregister for all workshops - call 519-824-4120 ext. 52358. Gull Workshop Friday, Nov. 14, 2003, 9am - 4pm, $65 (includes a field trip to the Niagara river on Saturday, Nov. 15) - note: please preregister by Monday, Nov. 3. Owl Workshop Friday, January 16, 2004, 9am - 5 pm, owl prowl 6:30 pm - 9pm, $65 Duck Workshop Friday, March 26, 2004, 9am - 4pm, $65 (includes a field trip to Mountsberg C.A., Saturday, April 10) Cheers, Chris -- Chris Earley Interpretive Biologist / Education Coordinator The Arboretum, University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada phone: (519)824-4120 ext. 52201 fax: (519)763-9598 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation. - Freeman Tilden Chris Earley [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
