[Ontbirds] UNSUBSCRIBE
Thanks, Jacques Giraud ___ 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] Long Point - Hooded Warbler Old Prov Park
A Hooded Warbler is being seen at campsite 268 in the Old Provincial Park. It has been seen for several hours. Thanks Jacques Giraud ___ 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] Male harlequin duck at Col Sam Smith Park
There is a male harlequin in breeding plumage just in front of the Marina slips on the east side. Col Sam Smith Park is at the base of Kipling St in Etobicoke. Thanks Jacques Giraud ___ 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] Bells Vireo and Cerulean Warbler - Long Point Provincial Park
The Bell's Vireo was seen again from about noon until 3PM. It sang frequently and stayed in the same area as reported below. I managed to get some reasonable pictures: http://bit.ly/QsV6dT. Also seen in the same area was a cerulean warbler: http://bit.ly/RAz89P Both birds were seen around camp site 321 in Long Point Provincial Park. Drive to the very end of the park. --- Thanks, Jacques Giraud -Original Message- From: ONTBIRDS [mailto:birdalert-boun...@ontbirds.ca] On Behalf Of Denis Lepage via ONTBIRDS Sent: May 10, 2014 12:46 PM To: birdalert@ontbirds.ca Subject: Re: [Ontbirds] Bells Vireo and Summer Tanager - Long Point New PP Hello all, A number of people, including myself and many taking part in Bird Studies Canada's Baillie Birdathon weekend were able to get good views of the Bell's Vireo until about 9am. As far as I am aware, the bird has not been relocated since, but people were still out there looking when I left around 10. The bird was last spotted near camp site 321 at the far east end of the provincial park, and seemed to be making its way slowly westward through the low-lying bushes (dogwoods and willows). I did not hear the bird sing while I was there, although it was reported singing shortly before I arrived. Long Point Provincial Park is at the far end of Highway 59, past the Old Cut field station. There was also a White-eyed Vireo at Old Cut (my 7th vireo species in the last 24 hours!), a Cerulean Warbler reported at the entrance of the park, among other things. I am not aware of reports of the Kirtland's Warbler today. Cheers Denis Lepage dlep...@bsc-eoc.org Senior Scientist, National Data Center Bird Studies Canada PO Box 160, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 519-586-3531 x155 visit Avibase: http://avibase.bsc-eoc.org eBird Canada : http://www.ebird.ca --- From: ONTBIRDS on behalf of David Pryor via ONTBIRDS[SMTP:BIRDALERT@ONTBIRDS.CA] Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2014 8:28:21 AM To: Ontbirds Subject: [Ontbirds] Bells Vireo and Summer Tanager - Long Point New PP Auto forwarded by a Rule Adam Timpf and Jarmo are currently keeping an eye on the Bell's Vireo. Seems insignificant compared to the Bell's, but I also had a moulting summer tanager near the garbage bins, not far the where Jarmo found the Bell's. David Pryor Sent from my iPhone On May 10, 2014, at 8:02 AM, Jarmo Jalava via ONTBIRDS birdalert@ontbirds.ca wrote: Just found a singing Bell's Vireo at far east end of new Long Point Prov. Park in scots pines by new washrooms. Being viewed with David Pryor. Photos taken. 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 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 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 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] Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Northern Goshawk at Long Point, May 20, 2006
I had a very slow morning birding Wilsons Tract at Long Point today. Of the 4 birds that I saw, one was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo and another a Northern Goshawk. Both were seen from the road just as you approach the 1st entrance on the N side. I then went to Old Cut and the warblers were dripping off the trees. It was the best warbler fallout Ive seen in years. Most of the birds were so close that I couldnt photograph them with a long lens. If the weather patterns are similar with high wind, it could be very good again. Wilsons Tract is on the 4th Concession Road and can be reached off Hwy 23 in the Long Point area. If you need more explicit directions, please contact me. Long Point can be reached by going south on Hwy 59 off the 401. Good Birding Jacques Giraud
[Ontbirds]Proposed Skateboard Park at Col Sam Smith in Toronto
This message was posted with permission of the coordinator. Please note that I am not affiliated with the CCFEW, I am simply posting this after being contacted by them last week. Good Birding Jacques Giraud Col. Sam Smith Park under attack Nature lovers urged to block skateboard project From CCFEW Citizens Concerned about the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront 03.04.06 Col. Sam Smith Park, a popular waterfront area south of Lakeshore Boulevard West at Kipling Avenue, has been described as the jewel of the parks system in south Etobicoke. Thousands of park users enjoy its natural beauty and are appalled that the City is proposing to build a noisy concrete skateboard facility and skating rink in this precious natural resource at a cost of $2.5 million. A brochure produced in partnership with the City describes the Lakeshore Grounds, part of which is the park.The land is important for its habitat conservation. The grounds contain over 1,200 trees and house many migrating birds, due to the shoreline location and nearby vegetation. Wetland creation projects enhance bird habitat conditions, adding to the ecological significance of the park. The mammoth concrete skateboard/skating rink project is planned for a site about 30 meters from wetland, a creek and trees and adjacent to the Waterfront Trail. For many park users, it is difficult to see how it could fit in such an environment. Yet the local councillor, Mark Grimes, continues to insist that the Sam Smith site is preferred over all other locations in south Etobicoke. A Toronto Ornithological Club spokeswoman has spoken passionately to City councillors about the importance of the area as a migratory bird corridor. Monarch butterflies are seen gathering in the park by the hundreds if not thousands each fall, resting before they begin their amazing flight over Lake Ontario and their long journey south. How the development will affect them is not known. In an assessment report done for the City butterflies are not mentioned despite the fact a butterfly garden was planted in the Lakeshore Grounds last summer. Citizens Concerned about the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront (CCFEW) has monitored developments on Etobicokes waterfront for years.The group believes this project could permanently impair the environment and have an adverse impact on wildlife. We are appealing to environmental groups and individuals right across the City of Toronto to help us stop this construction in Col. Sam Smith Park says Brian Bailey, president of CCFEW. We are issuing a broad geographic appeal because all the parks are interconnected. Birds and butterflies know nothing about municipal boundaries and even less about political jurisdictions. They make use of parks in north Etobicoke as well as Sam Smith on the lakeshore as they migrate, he says. He stresses that CCFEW is not against a skateboard facility for south Etobicoke.What were saying is that skateboard projects dont belong in naturalized waterfront park settings. Its that simple, he says. Action you can take Citizens Concerned about the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront need your help. No matter where you live in Toronto please call your local councillor. Access Toronto, the City Directory and information line, at 416/338-0338 can give you the councillors number. Tell them that a skateboard/skating rink project doesnt belong in Col. Sam Smith Park in south Etobicoke. If they tell you the park is not in their ward, tell them the birds know nothing about municipal and ward boundaries and that you expect your local council representative to speak to their colleagues and persuade them to stop the development. The local councillor is Mark Grimes. His telephone number is 416/397-9273, e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mayor David Millers office telephone is 416-397-CITY (2489) e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Laurel C. Broten is also the Ontario Minister of the Environment. Her telephone number is 416-259-2249 and email is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Check CCFEWs website at www.ccfew.org or call 416-253-9811 for further information.
[Ontbirds] Horned Grebes Common Loons - Col Sam Smith Park - April 16, 2006
I did a quick walk around Col Sam Smith Park this afternoon and saw 40 species. I didnt see or hear any warblers. Of note were 26 horned grebes in breeding plumage, 12 common loons and a field sparrow. Col Sam Smith Park is at the base of Kipling Street in Toronto. Good Birding Jacques Giraud
[Ontbirds] Greater White-Front Geese North of Fisherville - Sat Mar 25, 2006
Around 4:30 PM, I observed a flock of 13 greater-weight fronted geese in a field just north of Fisherville. Clicking on this URL will provide directions using Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d http://maps.google.com/maps?f=dhl=ensaddr=43.6138917946,-79.5495026113da ddr=42.934341,-79.941983 hl=ensaddr=43.6138917946,-79.5495026113daddr=42.934341,-79.941983 The following directions start at the intersection of the 427 QEW in Toronto: 1. Take QEW West to HWY-403 W - go 26 mi 2. Take the HWY-6 S exit to Airport - go 1.2 mi 3. Continue on HWY-6 - go 7.2 mi 4. Continue on Hamilton Port Dover Plain Rd - go 1.8 mi 5. Turn left at RR-66 - go 1.3 mi 6. Turn right at RR-22 - go 1.2 mi 7. Continue on Delaware St - go 0.3 mi 8. Turn left at HWY-54 - go 3.8 mi 9. Turn right at RR-9 - go 6.0 mi 10. Turn left at Dry Lake Rd - go 2.3 mi Good birding Jacques Giraud
[Ontbirds]Long Point Area Birds - Tundra Swans, Sandhill Cranes
I drove down to Long Point today and had a reasonable day for waterfowl. Highlights included about 100 tundra swans and 1 sandhill crane at Turkey Point Lookout. At the beginning of Big Creek Marsh, there were about 50 tundra swans as well as 9 sandhill cranes. Pictures of the birds can be seen at: http://www.giraud.com/cgi-bin/if/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Birding/20060325_Long _Pt_and_Fisherville http://www.giraud.com/cgi-bin/if/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Birding/20060325_Lon g_Pt_and_Fishervilleimg=0 img=0 If the URL doesnt work please visit http://www.giraud.com http://www.giraud.com/ and click on the link below the main picture. Large flocks of diving ducks (thousands and thousands) were staging in Long Point Bay starting around Turkey Point. At Old Cut, a fox sparrow and white-throated sparrow were singing. Good Birding Jacques Giraud
[Ontbirds]No Ross's Geese - Welland
I checked the Welland River between 11-1 PM today and did not find the geese. There were no large flocks of Canada geese either. Good Birding Jacques Giraud Full directions as per Kayo Roy: Directions: From the Queen Elizabeth, take Highway 406 south at St. Catharines to the very end of the highway where it T's on to East Main Street. Turn right and proceed 3 or 4 lights to Hellems Ave (bus terminal on corner). Turn right here and go 100 yards or so to the river. Start looking for the two birds here among the several hundred Canada's and other varied waterfowl that are present. If not observed, go right onto Dorothy Street and then a quick left onto River Road. Continue north on River Road checking for the birds every so often. There are several good pull-offs along the way. Reaching this area from the south or west is a fair bit tricky because East Main Street is a one-way street running west. I would suggest any Buffalo/Fort Erie birders take the QEW north to Netherby Road, go west (left) on Netherby to Highway 140, and take 140 north (right) to the lights at East Main Street. Turn left here, go under the Welland Canal tunnel, then follow as above. From Port Colborne, take Highway 140 north and follow as above. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ 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]Bald Eagle - Niagara River (Navy Island)
I spotted a mature bald eagle flying above Navy Island on the Niagara River above the Falls flying west around 2 PM today. The Niagara River also has a good collection of ducks: common, red breasted and hooded merganser, common goldeneye, canvas duck, redhead, bufflehead, mallard, and American black duck. There were also about a dozen tundra swans around the Ft. Erie end of the river. Good birding Jacques Giraud
[Ontbirds] Brewsters Warbler and White-Eyed Vireo at Old Cut, Long Point on May 14 2005
Yesterday a day of photographing/birding at the LPBO at Old Cut yielded 14 warblers species including Brewsters, Cerulean and White-Eyed Vireo. Other people also saw a worm eating warbler and were reporting 18-20 species of warblers. I managed to photograph the Brewster's and white-eyed vireo. To view these images, please copy and paste the entire line into your browser or visit http://www.giraud.com and click on the links below the main picture. Brewster's Warbler Picture: http://www.giraud.com/cgi-bin/if/imageFolio.cgi?action=viewlink=Birding/Spr ing_2005/20050508_to_20050514image=20050514_14082030_D2X_5899_i400.jpgimg= 24tt= White-Eyed Vireo Picture: http://www.giraud.com/cgi-bin/if/imageFolio.cgi?action=viewlink=Birding/Spr ing_2005/20050508_to_20050514image=20050514_15185815_D2X_5910_i400.jpgimg= 24tt= Good Birding Jacques Giraud
[Ontbirds] 100s of Common Loons staging at Col Sam Smith Park in Toronto
I did a quick walk around Col Sam Smith in Toronto and it was very quiet. A walk out to the tip of the park and looking into Lake Ontario yielded 100s and 100s of common loons staging for their migration. You will need a scope or at least 15x binoculars to clearly see the birds. Colonel Samuel Smith Park is found at the corner of Kipling Avenue and Lakeshore Blvd W in Toronto. Good birding Jacques Giraud
[Ontbirds]Merlin, Peregrine at Towsend Sewage Lagoons
Wayne Renaud and I birded the Townsend and Jarvis Sewage Lagoons today. When we arrived, we watched an immature Peregrine falcon capture a lesser Yellowlegs and enjoy a spot of breakfast. This, however, didn't impress the remaining shorebirds which were few and far between. A few moments later, 2 merlins appeared harassing the shorebirds. In terms of shorebirds, we say short-billed dowitcher, lesser and greater yellowlegs, semi-palmated plover and sandpiper, least, bairds, stilt and spotted. There were *no* shorebirds at Jarvis Sewage Lagoons. DIRECTIONS TOWNSEND SEWAGE LAGOONS On the way down to Long Point on Hwy 6 you will pass through Hagersville and drive towards Jarvis. Just as you approach the town of Jarvis you will see a sign indicating TOWNSEND at Nanticoke Creek Parkway #69. Turn right here and drive to the intersection with the stop signs, turn left on Keith Richardson Parkway and drive past some park ponds on your right. Drive ahead until you see a small children's shelter (with an air conditioner on it) on your right at County Rd 14. This is just before you reach the abandoned railway line (tracks removed). Turn right here onto County Rd 14. and drive a few hundred yards and you will see a gate and sign indicating that this is a waste treatment area.. Park well to the side of the road, do not block the gate. If the gate is open (they are on some weekends) then do not park directly across from the gate as the larger Honey Trucks need the area to swing into and out of the entrance road. These lagoons are USUALLY only accessible on the weekend or after 6pm during the week. If asked to leave or not enter then please be respectful and comply as it seems that for now we are being tolerated. Good birding Jacques Giraud
[Ontbirds]Rock Point Prov Park Shorebirds
Wayne Renaud and I birded Rock Point early this morning and came away with 12 species of shorebirds. Of note were red knots, ruddy turnstones, sanderling, white-rumped sandpiper, least, semi-palmated sandpiper and plover, bairds, pectoral, lesser yellowlegs and killdeer. The fog driving down to Rock Point between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM was like driving through pea soup. Directions: from Hamilton, take highway 6 south to Jarvis, left at hwy 3 to Dunnville. Following highway 3 through town, you will then see signs for Rock Point and the Provincial Park, which is about another 10 km. For quick access to the east end of the beach area, find parking areas in the camping area (you get a free map with your day use fees). Thanks Jacques
[Ontbirds]Long billed-dowitcher at Townsend Sewage Lagoons
Wayne Renaud and I birded Townsend today and found the Long Billed-Dowitcher. The bird was identified by ear when it flushed. It was present along the left hand of cell 1. We also saw Red Knot, 6 American Golden Plovers, Stilt, Least, Pectoral, Bairds, Semipalmated (sandpiper + plover). The habitat in cell 1 is the best I've seen it in years. We did not see the avocets at Townsend or at Jarvis. DIRECTIONS TOWNSEND SEWAGE LAGOONS On the way down to Long Point on Hwy 6 you will pass through Hagersville and drive towards Jarvis. Just as you approach the town of Jarvis you will see a sign indicating TOWNSEND at Nanticoke Creek Parkway #69. Turn right here and drive to the intersection with the stop signs, turn left on Keith Richardson Parkway and drive past some park ponds on your right. Drive ahead until you see a small children's shelter (with an air conditioner on it) on your right at County Rd 14. This is just before you reach the abandoned railway line (tracks removed). Turn right here onto County Rd 14. and drive a few hundred yards and you will see a gate and sign indicating that this is a waste treatment area.. Park well to the side of the road, do not block the gate. If the gate is open (they are on some weekends) then do not park directly across from the gate as the larger Honey Trucks need the area to swing into and out of the entrance road. These lagoons are USUALLY only accessible on the weekend or after 6pm during the week. If asked to leave or not enter then please be respectful and comply as it seems that for now we are being tolerated. Thanks Jacques Giraud
[Ontbirds]Female Harlequin Duck - Humber Bay Park East
I observed a female harlequin duck on the east side of the bridge that spans the storm water runoff cells into Humber Bay. The bird was feeding and later moved off to the barrier islands a few hundred metres out. Humber Bay Park East is at the foot of Lakeshore and Parklawn in Toronto. Good Birding Jacques Giraud
[Ontbirds] Whip-poor-will at Col Sam Smith Park
I found a whip-poor-will resting in the pines on the east side of the evergreen bowl (just south of Lakeshore east of the main entrance). It was about 1/2 way down the set of pines about 5m off the ground. Pictures are available at: http://www.giraud.com/cgi-bin/ImageFolio31/imageFolio.cgi?action=viewlink=B irding/Col_Sam_Smith_Park/20040511image=20040510_12533100_D1X_S50_A8.0_Z550 .jpgimg=tt= (If the URL wraps over 2 lines, please put it on a single line) Colonel Samuel Smith Park is a waterfront park located at the bottom of Kipling Avenue, south of Lakeshore Blvd. W., in the south-west of Toronto. Good Birding Jacques Giraud
[Ontbirds] Great Egret at Rattray Marsh
On a walk today through Rattray Marsh, there was a great egret just visible in the cattails on the western side of the marsh as seen from the lookout on the northern hill. The bird was crouched down and looked very small. Rattray is along Lake Ontario west of Lorne Park Rd. Easiest way to get to the marsh is down Bexhill Rd., follow boardwalk to the left, turn off on path to right to lake, right along lake to opening into marsh. Thanks Jacques Giraud
[Ontbirds] Tufted Titmouse at Lynde Shores Conservation Area
Wayne Renaud and I observed a tufted titmouse feeding in a red maple along with several black capped chickadees at 11:00 AM on Sat April 24. The bird was about half way round the feeder trail, just before the trail that heads down to Cranberry Marsh. Directions: Take Victoria St. west from Whitby and turn south on Hall St. Thanks Jacques Giraud
Eurasion Wigeon Yes on Leslie St Spit 1/4/2004
Wayne Renaud and I birded the Leslie St Spit today and managed to find the Eurasian Wigeon. The best place to see it from the main road is about 500m back from the red bridge through gaps in the trees. It was in with mixed flocks of redheads, American wigeons, gadwall and other ducks that were feeding alongside mute swans. Other noteable species included a flock of 10 snow buntings flying north down the Spit, a green-winged teal and a single lesser scaup north of the red bridge. The first pond contained 25 hooded mergansers as we were walking off the Spit. The Leslie St Spit is at the foot of Leslie St in Toronto. The spit is only open on weekends. Thanks Jacques Giraud Jacques Giraud [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.
Ring-Billed Gull Colony on Eastport Drive, Burlington
There is a ring-billed colony that contains nesting ring-billed gulls, double-crested cormorants and black-crowned night herons that starts about 1m off the road. For those that have never seen a colony in action, this is a great opportunity to see gulls nesting. The chicks are just starting to hatch. The black-crowned night herons are also very close and sitting on nests. Pictures of the colony are available at: http://www.giraud.com/cgi-bin/ImageFolio31/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Birding/20030526_Eastport_Dr_Gull_Colony Eastport Drive is an exit before and after the Burlington Skyway. The colony starts at the first pond as you head west. Thanks Jacques Jacques Giraud [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.
Whimbrels at Col Sam Smith Park Toronto
I spotted 6 whimbrels in flight then sitting on the rocks on the first rocky outcropping around 6:30 PM. Col Sam Smith Park is at the foot of Kipling Street in Toronto. Good Birding Jacques Giraud Jacques Giraud [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.
Red-headed woodpecker, vireos, bobolink at Long Point
Wayne Renaud and I birded the Long Point Area. In total, we saw around 80 species in about 10 hours. Highlights were a red-headed woodpecker, warbling vireo and blue-headed vireo close to where the picnic benches are currently stored in the park. Warblers were present but not in large numbers or variety. We managed to see yellow-rumped, black-throated green, palm, black and white and yellow warbler. A bobolink flew over us as we were looking for shorebirds at the Causeway. Long Point is found south of Simcoe follow # 24 south to # 59 straight on to the park ( or page # 10 in Mapart Ont road atlas ) Good Birding Jacques Giraud Jacques Giraud [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.
Commong Loons staging at Col Sam Smith Park
Wayne Renaud and I birded Col Sam Smith Park around 12:30 and saw over 200 common loons staging in Lake Ontario. It was one of the most memorable sites that either of us have seen. Other birds seen today were yellow-rumped warbler, black-throated green, black-crowned night heron, redhead, lesser and greater scaup, pied billed grebe and a horned grebe. Col Sam Smith Park is at the base of Kipling Street Good Birding Jacques Giraud Jacques Giraud [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.
Warblers at Col Sam Smith Park
I birded Col Sam Smith Park today and saw black-throated green, pine and yellow-rumped as well as a white-eyed vireo. Another birder reported seeing yellow, ovenbird and a Nashville warbler. Col Sam Smith Park is at the foot of Kipling St south of Lakeshore in Toronto. Good Birding Jacques Giraud Jacques Giraud [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.
white-eyed vireo, palm, yellow-rumped, blue-gray knatcathcer at Shell Park
On 4/26, Wayne Renaud and I birded Shell Park along a western swing looking for shorebirds. We didn't find many shorebirds but the trail along the fenceline at Shell Park was very productive. In a single tree, we found the species mentioned above. We also found hermit thrush and golden-crowed kinglet. Earlier in the day we stopped off at the Grimsby Sewage Lagoons. There were no shorebirds as the ponds are very high but there were a considerable number of Caspian terns, Bonaparte's Gulls and ring-billed gulls on the little island in the last pond. There were also a few northern shovelers. At the Townsend Sewage Lagoons, we found lesser scaup, redhead, canvasback, ring-necked duck, ruddy ducks (100s), red-breasted merganser, bufflehead, northern shovelers, American wigeon, American coot, Canada geese and lots of ring-billed gulls. We only found a single killdeer. Shell Park is east of Burloak Dr located off Lakeshore Blvd in Oakville. To get to the fence line, park and walk to the end of the soccer fields. On the right hand side of the soccer fields is a woodlot and there is a trail that runs along it. Grimsby Sewage Lagoons: From the QEW, heading east from Hamilton towards Niagara, take the Fifty Rd. exit; go north to the North Service Rd.; turn right, go east to the first road on the left which is at the end of the bend; turn left here (it is Baseline Rd.); go past the entrance to Fifty Point C.A. then past Kelson Ave. and just past the National Defence shooting range on your left are the sewage lagoons. Park well off the road on the shoulder and walk up the laneway to the ponds. Townsend Sewage Lagoons: Off Hwy 3 west of Jarvis. Take the road to Townsend which is about 3 kilometres west of Jarvis and leaves north from Hwy 3. Take the first sideroad west off the Townsend Rd and after about a kilometre you will come to the lagoons which are north of the sideroad. Good Birding Jacques Giraud and Wayne Renaud Jacques Giraud [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.
Red-bellied woodpecker, house wren at Fish Point Prov Park, Pelee Island
Steve Webster and I birded Pelee Island at Fish Point Prov Park walking along the trial to the southern tip of the island. Activity was very slow, especially for warblers. I counted 3 yellow-rumped warblers. Highlights of the day were a red-bellied woodpecker nesting in the area by the marsh lookout and a house wren. The trilliums are just about to bloom and the park had at least 3 different species of butterflies. Insects were also coming out in strong numbers. Hopefully more migrants will be migrating as the weather warms up. Good Birding Jacques Giraud Jacques Giraud [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.
Merlin, horned owl at Thickson Woods
On a trip out east, the best birds were a perched Merlin and a mature great horned owl at Thickson Woods. The little gulls were seen earlier in the day at Second Marsh but we arrived when it started to warm up so couldn't see the birds due to the heat waves when looking through a scope. If you want to see the gulls with a scope, show up early! To reach Thickson's Woods exit from 401 to Thickson Road South in Whitby. Proceed south past Wentworth Street to the Waterfront Trail. Turn left, turn around and park on the north side of the road. Enter the woods on a path from the south side, about 200 metres east of Thickson Road. Follow the trails through the woods, some of which access the Lake Ontario shore. To view the beaver pond and Corbett Creek Marsh continue east about 100 metres past the entrance to the woods. The meadow is across the Waterfront Trail immediately north of the woods. The entrance is directly across the waterfront trail from the entrance to the woods. To view a map, visit the Thickson's Woods website at http://www.thicksonswoods.com Thanks Jacques Giraud http://www.giraud.com Jacques Giraud [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Long Point Area Birding -- shorebirds and others
Wayne Renaud and I birded the Long Point Area today. We did not find the Eurasian wigeon despite repeated visited to the Lee Brown Waterfowl viewing area. Most noticeable birds today were 1 greater yellowlegs and 2 lesser yellowlegs in the marsh viewable at the start of Big Creek Marsh. They were mixed in with a good number of green-winged teals. On the opposite side of the marsh, along the bank of vegetation next to a house, we spotted 4 dunlin in winter plumage. At the lookout to the Turkey Point Marsh, we saw 4 sandhill cranes flying over and a bald eagle out over the water being harassed by gulls. At Old Cut, myrtle warblers and a red-headed woodpecker were reported but we did not see either. We did manage to get winter wren and a fox sparrow. There was a noticeable lack of fresh passerine migrants and very few insects flying around, hopefully the warm weather over the next few days will correct that. DIRECTIONS OLD CUT WOODS AT LONG POINT Old Cut Woods at Long Point is southwest of Hamilton, directly south of Port Rowan. To reach it you can drive south on Hwy 6 from Hamilton, passing through Hagersville and turning right, west in Jarvis onto Hwy 3, drive to Simcoe and turn left, south on Hwy 24 and follow this to Hwy 59, ( it curves to the west south of town) turn left, south on Hwy 59 and drive right down about 8 km and past the golf coarse and you will be on the causeway. Drive on across the bridge and continue past the marina on your left. The road comes to Lake Erie where it curves to the left through the cottage / retail business area. Continue driving until you come to Old Cut Road. Turn left and drive a couple of hundred yards down this road (you will see the entrance to the banding area on your right) this is the entrance to Old Cut Woods. Drive another 100 feet or so and you will see a parking area on your left. Park here and walk across the road to the woods. NOTE: Be sure to lock your car and put your valuables out of sight). Big Creek Marsh The Provincial Park at Long Point is southwest of Hamilton, directly south of Port Rowan. To reach it you can drive south on Hwy 6 from Hamilton, passing through Hagersville and turning right, west in Jarvis onto Hwy 3, drive to Simcoe and turn left, south on Hwy 24 and follow this to Hwy 59, ( it curves to the west south of town) turn left, south on Hwy 59 and drive right down about 8 km and past the golf course and you will be on the causeway. Good Birding Jacques Giraud Wayne Renaud Jacques Giraud [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Harlequin Duck, Common Raven on Niagara River
On 4/6/2003, Wayne Renaud and I birded the Niagara River starting at Ft. Erie and ending just before Niagara-on-the-Lake. Hightlights of the trip included a female harlequin at the first parkette north of the Peace Bridge and a common raven flying overhead at the Niagara River lookout north of the power dam. The raven was flying up the river along with about a dozen migrating turkey vultures. Horned Grebes also put on a great show, we counted over 70 along the river. In one area alone, we found over 40. Thanks Jacques Giraud http://www.giraud.com Jacques Giraud [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, Canada Geese at Townsend Sewage Lagoons 3/30/2003
On Sunday, we went and birded the Townsend Sewage Lagoons after reading the post about the large numbers of migrating waterfowl. Despite very cold weather, we were not disappointed. There were a dozen snow geese (about 9 white, 3 blue phase), about 200 tundra swans, 15000 canada geese and a wide assortment of diving and dabbling ducks. I took a series of pictures of the area. To view them please visit http://www.giraud.com and click on the link for Townsend Sewage Lagoons. The birds were very skittish so the pictures aren't that great but it does convey the sheer number of birds present. If you continue down the road, there is a woodlot where we also saw a red-bellied woodpecker. Thanks Jacques Giraud http://www.giraud.com Jacques Giraud [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Non-raptor migrants at Beamer Point Conversation Area
Today at Beamer, I observed and photographed 2 fox sparrows underneath the feeders. 3 sandhill cranes and a common loon also flew over and a pair of Pileated Woodpecker could be heard in the forest and where observed by those who went looking. There were also lots of raptors but no eagles by 2:00 PM when the migration took a pause. Pictures of the fox sparrows are available at: http://www.giraud.com/cgi-bin/ImageFolio31/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Birding/Beamer_Pt_Hawk_Watch/20030327 To reach Beamer Memorial Conservation Area from the north or east, take Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) Exit 71 in Grimsby. Follow Christie St. South and Mountain Ave. to the top of the escarpment. Turn right onto Ridge Road West and follow to Quarry Road. Turn right and follow to the park entrance. Parking is permitted in the lot or on Quarry Road or Ridge Road. Visitors should remember not to leave valuables in their car. Thanks Jacques Giraud Jacques Giraud [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Tree swallows, white-throated sparrow, horned larks at Cranberry Marsh
Cranberry Marsh turned out the usual spring migrants including 3 tree swallows flying over the marsh. A white-throated sparrow was also singing where the feeder is located. Another birder also said he found a golden-crowned kinglet in the woods and several people mentioned that a mature male pheasant frequently visits the feeder area. Towards the main road, a flock of horned larks was visible in the corn fields. The main marsh wasn't frozen over but there were very few ducks (mostly Canada Geese and Black Ducks) in the marsh. Cranberry is near the base of Hall's Rd. in southwest Whitby,ON,CA Thanks Jacques Giraud Jacques Giraud [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Grimsby Sewage Lagoons closing?
I know this post is off topic. I birded the lagoon todays and they have filled in several of the smaller lagoons and appear to have starting moving fill into the 2 larger lagoons? Does anybody know if they are filling them over? It would be a shame to destroy this excellent shorebird habitat. Thanks Jacques Jacques Giraud [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Grimsby Sewage Lagoons closing?
I know this post is off topic. I birded the lagoon todays and they have filled in several of the smaller lagoons and appear to have starting moving fill into the 2 larger lagoons? Does anybody know if they are filling them over? It would be a shame to destroy this excellent shorebird habitat. Thanks Jacques Jacques Giraud [EMAIL PROTECTED]
