[Ontbirds] Sabine's Gull at Blenheim Sewage Lagoons
Today at around noon, I was walking into the lagoons and noticed a juvenile Sabine's Gull take off from the first pond and fly to the east. After several phone calls(as this is only the second record for rondeau), I presumed the bird would not be far. This was not the case, as the it was never seen again, presumably on to bigger and better things like finding a lake... Also present was a Red-necked Phalarope previously found by Blake Mann, yestersday. James Burk Blenheim, On. ___ 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] Marbled Godwit at Blenheim Lagoons
This evening, there was a Marbled Godwit circling and calling over the lagoons. It appeared that it wanted to land in the irrigation cells at the north end but a Redtail was flying around spooking the shorebirds, so no dice. It then flew north. I went looking one concession north and found a suitable field but no Godwit. Many other shorbirds were here. Other shorebirds present, 30 Pectoral Sands, 25 Dunlin, 2 Greater Yellowlegs, and 1 Spotted Sand. Good luck, James Burk Blenheim Lagoon Directions: Exit 401 at #90 (Communications Rd.) and head to Blenheim. At the main stoplight turn right (west) onto Rd. 3. Travel about 1.5 km and turn right (north) onto Lagoon Rd., at the car wash, and continue north about 1 km to gate. ___ 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] Yellow Warbler and Ross' Geese at Erieau
After looking for the Turnstone today (which we did not see), my dad and I were heading out of Erieau when I noticed a yellow bird along the side of the road. Knowing it was something good we stopped right away and it turned out to be a Yellow Warbler! We watched it for several minutes just working its way along the fence row. It chipped several times. After a few phone calls Steve Charbonneau showed up and watched the bird until it flew in behind some cabins towards the bay. Hard to say where it could end up for sure. Directions: Take County Rd. 12 into Erieau. As you come to Erieau, there is a Church on the left. The warbler was just before this along the small fence. The cabins are just before the fence. There were also 2 Ross' Geese in a corn field along Lakeshore drive well past McGeachy's Pond. Directions: Take County Rd. 12 to McGeachy's Pond. Turn left on Lakeshore Drive. Anywhere along this Rd. the geese could be. James Burk ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Blenheim/Rondeau CBC
The Blenheim/Rondeau CBC was held Sunday December 20. The total number of species seen/heard was 115. This ties our all time high which we had previously set last year. The weather was absolutely beautiful which seems to not happen very often on this count! There was 1 new species added which brings the count total to 182 plus 3 CW. Highlights are: Common Loon 2 Turkey Vulture 2 Virginia Rail 1 Sandhill Crane 2 Killdeer 8 Dunlin 1 Wilson's Snipe 2 Great Horned Owl 57 -- new high Northern Saw-whet Owl 1 Red-headed Woodpecker 4 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2 American Crow 9552 -- new high House Wren 1 American Robin 32 -- new high Northern Waterthrush 1 -- new for count Common Grackle 420 -- new high Evening Grosbeak 1 Many thanks to all who participated and to my mother for a wonderful dinner! Jim Burk for Keith It is interesting to note that over the last 2 years there has been 133 species recorded on this count. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Northern Waterthrush at Erieau
Hi all, The Northern Waterthrsush was seen in the same spot again today as Sunday. It was feeding on the ice along the edge of the dyke. It chipped twice which alerted me to it. Patience is required. I have been here twice now since sunday and not seen it til today. It was 30 feet past the viewing platform. Jim Burk Directions to Erieau: The port of Erieau is located south of Blenheim. West out of Blenheim on Talbot Trail (Rd. 3), turn left onto (Erieau Rd.) Rd. 12 and follow to village. The pier area is found by continuing through the village and turning right at the restaurant intersection. The Erieau Marsh Trail (aka railroad track trail) is just past the curve at the entrance to Erieau. A large sign is there. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds]Black-throated Gray still at Rondeau
Hi all, Sorry for the late posting. I was busy all day and not able to access a computer til now. The Black-throated Gray Wrabler was still present this morning at around 8:00. It was at the dead end portion of Bowman Street feeding in red cedars. It seems to like this area. It is extremely hard to find, unless it chips. It sticks tight to the cedars and for the most part seems to hang out by itslef. Best bet would be in the morning when it's feeding. You might be able to see it without even entering the park. It would be along the fence just to the east of the main park gate. I don't advise this, as you do not see many red cedars but park fees are steep! Jim Burk Directions: Rondeau Park is off H#3 via Kent Rd. #15. Go into the park, and immediately turn left before the campground. The road curves around to the intersection of Bowman Centre St. Check Red Cedars in this area. Park gate fee applies. ___ 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]Harris' Sparrow at Erie Beach
Hi all, After reading Irene's post, I would just like to say that the Harris' Sparrow is still there. I saw it today at 4:00. It was hanging out in the fence row that juts out into the field. It associates exclusively with the White-crowns. Jim Burk Blenheim On. Directions: Take #3 Highway [Talbot Trail ] out of Blenheim twds Cedar Springs. Choice 1 :---go 1 road past the Erieau Rd. to Gore Rd. . Turn left twds. Lake Erie. Travel about 2 km. and you will see the compost pile on your left. Or, Choice 2---Take the paved road twds. Erieau. About 1/2 way to Erieau you will see Bisnett Sideroad. Turn right--S--on Bisnett. Travel about 1km. twds. Erie Beach. Just at the outskirts of Erie Beach you will see a dirt road--N---Gore Road. The compost pile is about 1/2 km. N on this road. Dirt shoulders are VERY soft just now, this is a busy road, but a good width. Please--please stay in your car to observe. Birds are very skittish. If you flush the birds, you will have to wait possibly 20 min. for their return ! You do have the choice to drive slowly into the driveway there, and turn off your engine/ lights. The birds will adjust to your presence in a few minutes. But , you will have to move if a delivery truck arrives. ___ 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]Franklin's, Little Gulls at Erieau
Hi all, At noon today I observed a first basic Franklin's Gull at Erieau in the marina. It was hanging out all by itself not associating with the Bonies. There were also two definitive basic plumaged Little Gulls flying amongst the couple thousand Bonies. Erieau is always very productuve on strong west winds. Jim Burk Blenheim, On. Exit 401 at Highway 40/Blenheim exit. Head to the lights in Blenheim and turn right. Head striaght out of town 2 kilometers til you turn left to head towards Erieau. Once in Erieau, keep right until you get to a three way stop. Turn left, then immediately right. The marina is dead ahead on the right. ___ 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]Northern Wheatear still at Shrewsbury
Hi all, The Wheatear was still present at noon today. Jim Directions: Hwy. 401 to exit 101, I think. (it's the Rondeau P.P. exit). Head south towards Rondeau. About 1 km from the end, turn right (west) on New Scotland Line ( a church at the corner) and follow it to the village of Shrewsbury. Go 1 road past the stop sign and turn left - this is Brock St. Go to the end of the road where it meets Rondeau Bay. The bird has been landing on the rocks, the wires and the large cement blocks. Good luck! ___ 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
Rondeau Warblers - Sunday
Hi all, Birding in the park was very slow today, but there were a few birds. There were 2 Black-throated Green and 1 Blue-headed Vireo on Spicebush. Behind the Maintenance compound there was 1 Pine and 1 Black and White with 35 Yellow-rumps. On the south beach there was absolutly nothing other than a flock of 35 Lapland Longspurs. Jim Burk Blenheim, On. Keith Burk [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.
