[Ontbirds] Tropical/Couch's Kingbird Ottawa - photos
Posting for Bob Cermak questions to Bob - photographed yesterday (Saturday) on Upper Duck Island on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River in the east end of Ottawa.This bird has been searched for today but has not been found.This island can only be reached by boat but can be viewed from the Rockcliffe Parkway or in Gatineau, Quebec from Boul. Hurtubise. https://www.flickr.com/photos/markcranford/sets/72157655205956481 -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Piping Plover Endangered Breeding Species
Birders Just a reminder the Piping Plovers at Hanlan's Point are endangered under both provincial and federal species-at-risk legislation. The Wilson's and Snowy Plover are vagrants. If you are pursuing these significant sightings be extra cautious about interfering with the Piping Plovers. It appears they are attempting to nest at Hanlans' Point Remember the welfare of birds, all birds, comes first, especially endangered birds. Under the Ontario ESA, it is prohibited to wilfully kill, injure or interfere with an endangered species, or to interfere with or destroy the habitat of an endangered species. For more information visit the Ontario Field Ornithologists' website including http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.atrisk See you out there tomorrow. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] 4th Annual Forest Bird Workshop - Chalk River May 26
Posting for Ryan Munroe - questions to rmun...@cif-ifc.org Hello, I felt that the Ontario Field Ornothologist's members would be interested in the Canadian Institute of Forestry's 4th Annual Forest Bird Workshop being held on Tuesday May 26th at the Petawawa Research Forest starting with a guided hike at 8am. It is a free, full day event geared towards landowners, forestry professionals and birders. Here is the link to the webpage: www.cif-ifc.org/events/4th-annual-forest-bird-workshop/. Thank you very much. Don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions. Ryan -- Ryan Munroe, MFC Forest Science Knowledge Exchange Specialist Canadian Institute of Forestry/ Institut forestier du Canada Phone: (705) 744-1715 ext. 630 Email: rmun...@cif-ifc.org Website: http://www.cif-ifc.org -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Western Tanager Manitouwadge
Posting for Tammie Hache who sent me a nice photo of a male Western Tanager A male Western Tanager was on my platform feeder in my backyard this morning in Manitouwadge, ON., 350 km east of Thunder Bay, ON. (5 hours west of Sault Ste Marie) Feeding with Pine Siskins and Evening Grosbeaks Rainy Approx. 7:40 am Tammie Hache Manitouwadge, ON -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Message from Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA)
Posting for Danielle Stuebing of ERCA - dstueb...@erca.org Good Afternoon Birders – Welcome to the Essex Region, and we hope that your are having some great birding days and nights so far! We just wanted to take a moment to hopefully provide some helpful information. 1.While our daily entry fee to Hillman Marsh Conservation Area has been raised to $6 per car, we recognize we perhaps haven’t done a good job in communicating this change, so for the balance of the month of May, ERCA will continue to honour the $5 per car fee that has been in effect for many years. Of course, birders know that this small fee helps to offset the costs of maintaining trails, washrooms, cutting the grass and maintaining all the visitor amenities offered at this site, and we thank you for contributions. 2. For the Shorebird and Songbird Celebration planned for this upcoming May 9 & 10, the cost will be $10 for this special event –a great bargain when you consider the many walks, talks and activities that we have provided for the weekend. 3. Of course, for those of you with an Annual pass, a Hillman Spring Birding Pass or the joint Pelee/Hillman Birding Pass, there is no additional charge to attend the special event at Hillman – entry to the Shorebird and Songbird Celebration is included with your pass! 4. We will have gate staff on duty at Hillman from 3pm – 7:30pm at each of the Shorebird Nights hosted by OFO, as well as for the Shorebird and Songbird Celebration in case you wish to purchase an Annual Pass or a Hillman Spring Birding Pass. The joint Pelee/Hillman 3-day pass is available at the Point Pelee Gate. 5. Hope you like the new Shorebird Identification Sign at Hillman Marsh Shorebird Habitat, and we again extend our sincere appreciation to OFO and Mike Malone at Pelee Wings Nature Store for their contributions to this sign, and especially to Jean Iron for her significant assistance with the technical information on this sign! As always, we are happy to hear from you if you have any questions or require any additional information. Thanks for your continued support, and good birding!! Danielle Breault Stuebing Director of Community Outreach Services Essex Region Conservation Authority 360 Fairview Avenue West, Suite 311, Essex, Ontario N8M 1Y6 P. 519-776-5209 x 352 F.519-776-8688 dstueb...@erca.org www.erca.org -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Reporting First of the Season Birds
Birders, This time of year we experience a very high message load. Many would like to see the daily intake at a more manageable levels. Before reporting your first of the year of an expected bird check the following link to get a sense of the bird's current status http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/eBird.OFOebirdrecent and click on bird you are thinking of reporting. If you don't see your species on the list (example Chimney Swift) unclick Notable Species. If your bird is wide spread across the province an additional report to Ontbirds is probably not necessary. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ADMIN: Reporting suggestions and guidelines
Birders Remember to include directions with every post. The subject header should also include a location. Now that spring migration is picking up momentum, new birds are appearing everywhere. With people carrying all sorts of wireless devices and nearly 3500 subscribed email addresses Ontbirds message volumes seem to be reaching new record volumes. The question that should be asked before posting to Ontbirds is "Does a report add information useful to other birders?" Often that answer is probably not. The intent behind Ontbirds is to provide a place for reporting unusual relocatable birds that most birders have difficulty finding on an annual basis. Before reporting your first of the year, check the following URL to see if and where others are reporting similar events. http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/eBird.OFOebirdrecent Complete trip lists are not recommended on Ontbirds, instead consider submitting checklists to eBird. It can supply information that might help others evaluate and understand the ongoing progress of the migration. In doing so you might help reduce Ontbird message volume. I also recommend to people who object to the reporting of common birds that the delete key is there to quickly remove offensive posts. For more information about Ontbirds including posting guidelines please follow the link at the bottom of this post. Thank you for your time. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ADMIN: Birding under winter conditions
It's time to reacquaint birders to the Ontario Field Ornithologists Code of Ethics http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/aboutus.ethics Specifically, the welfare of birds must come first. Given conditions this evening it is probably moot to restate the obvious, life as a bird is harsh. To survive, birds need to feed, they need their space, anyone watching or photographing birds needs to consider the impact their activity has on birds. Do not approach too closely, exercise restraint especially in winter. If a bird cannot feed it may not survive. I'm thinking about the Painted Bunting and the Harris's Sparrow in Oakville but this really applies to all birds in winter. Minimize disturbance and back off at the first sign of agitation. The welfare of birds must come first. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Snowy near Strathroy - Horned Lark Movement
Posting for Brian Morin - questions to Brian at brianlmo...@gmail.com Snowy near Strathroy - Horned Lark Movement I had a Snowy at dusk along Cty Rd 22 just east of Cty Rd 81 which is not far from Strathroy. Today there was a good movement of Horned Larks in the southwest which included both overwintering birds and early migrants in mixed flocks. Many flocks numbering one to three dozen and singing were encountered on roads between London and Pinery Provincial Park. I had a good look at numerous individuals and the flocks consisted principally of the migrant subspecies. Spring is on the way. Brian Morin -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Northern Hawk Owl 10 JAN GRIMSBY
My apologies to Leonard Manning and anyone chasing this bird. I thought the post below went to Ontbirds last night. Sadly the poster was not subscribed to Ontbirds. Mark Cranford Ontbirds Coordinator Birders, I messed up on the dates. I was originally told the hawk owl was seen on Saturday, I assumed this meant the 24th. I then found out later the owl was seen on the 10th. This is in no way lens fault as this was the information I gave him. The owl could still be in the area but the sighting was almost three weeks ago. Sorry again. On Jan 28, 2015 6:00 PM, "olivesided" wrote: -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Winter Kestrel and Rough-legged hawk, South Lake Simcoe
Posting for Paul Harpley, questions should go to him p...@harpley.ca Tuesday January 27, at 1;30 p.m. an American Kestrel was observed in a roadside 25 foot high White ash tree with a meadow vole in its talons. The Kestrel stayed in the tree and ate parts of the vole for about 3 minutes and flew off to a nearby hedge row about 150 feet away with the vole still in its talons. The observation was made on Ravenshoe Road, on the north side in the Town of Georgina, 0.8 kilometers east of the hamlet of Brown Hill. Also, earlier in the day on January 27th at 8:45 and 10:00 a.m., I observed a Dark morph, juvenile Rough-legged hawk hunting the meadows and fields and alighting in large farm area trees east of the hamlet of Egypt (also Town of Georgina). This may be the same bird I observed on January 16 on the Durham York Town line hunting and soaring for an hour (2-3 p.m.). On Wednesday January 28th I visited the site again, and found the Dark morph, juvenile Rough-legged hawk in the same place. Five minutes later, 1 kilometre south of the hamlet of Egypt I say another Rough-legged hawk, this one a light morph, juvenile (first year) individual in an adjacent field siting in an old apple tree in a fencerow. This site area is an excellent opportunity to see and compare Rough-legged hawk morphs in the same place. Both these bird species seem to be staying in the area. Good close viewings of these birds are probable. Paul Harpley -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ADMIN ONTBIRD Disruption
Looks like all hotmail and sympatico subscribers are being removed as I watch. Maybe 2000 subscribers will continue to receive ONTBIRDS. If you receive this message mention it to others that some will experience a disruption of service. We are working on restoring ONTBIRDS as soon as possible. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] DIRECTIONS with EVERY POST - RECOGNIZABLE LOCATION in SUBJECT HEADER
Birders, Ontbirds has posting guidelines that benefit everyone. Please read them and act on them. Guidelines can be found on the Ontario Field Ornithologists' website at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Sutton CBC Results 28 Dec
Posting for Paul Harpley and the South Simcoe Naturalists - questions to Paul at p...@harpley.ca Sutton CBC Results The Sutton Christmas Bird Count was Sunday December 28 this year. The weather varied between +2 and -2 Celsius throughout the day, cooling toward the end of day. The winds were moderate (about 20 km/hour) from the north-west in the morning, stilling to 4 km. by the end of day. Strong winds in the early morning meant that owling was difficult and only Great Horned owl was heard. The day was mostly cloudy (about 85%) overcast cumulous cloud, with the sun briefly making short appearances intermittently in the afternoon between 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. The count began at 7:10 a.m. for owling and ended at 4:30pm. There were 19 birder participants in the field (local naturalists and others from other parts of Southern Ontario). There were 18 feeder watchers participating throughout the Count circle area (Georgina, parts of East Gwillimbury and Old Scott Twp.). Partially due to the good weather and fine optical conditions this year’s count had a high number of species for the Sutton Count at 54 (56 being the highest ever in 2012). Highlights included 12 Bald eagles on and around Lake Simcoe and 17 Snowy owls (the Echo year), and unexpected lingering migrants like single Gray-cheeked thrush, Flicker, Osprey, and 8 Red-winged blackbirds. Also, 52 Tundra swans and a Trumpeter swan were seen on the lake. Other notable species were 9 Red-bellied woodpeckers (now expected), a Raven and 106 Snow buntings. Two count week species were one each of Belted kingfisher and Carolina wren. Paul Harpley South Lake Simcoe Naturalists -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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 Toronto Island continues
Posting for Alfred Adamo The White-eyed Vireo is still present on Ward's Island at 8:45 this morning. It was found again along the 2nd hole fairway of the frisbee golf course. I initially heard a scolding call then a flash of yellow as a bird flew from north of the road into a thicket area. The vireo then proceeded to feed on the ground and within 0.5 m. of the ground like a kinglet. It was most confiding; at times it was literally at my feet. Dead insect food, possibly the detritus from a tremendous midge hatch this fall, appeared to be abundant. I observed it for about 15 minutes and walked away with the vireo still feeding. Through close and careful observation in excellent light I was able to determine that it had a pale iris, so this is likely a 2nd year bird or older. The exact location of the thicket area is opposite a yellow fire hydrant, about 150 m. west of the fire station on the south side of the road. It is also directly south of two Sycamore/London Plane trees. This is about 1.0 km. west of the Ward's Island ferry docks. Toronto (Wards) Island is accessed by ferry (round-trip fare $7) at the base of Bay St. A ferry schedule can be found at http://tinyurl.com/mpe8prp Alfred Adamo Toronto alfred.ad...@gmail.com -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Black-and-white Warbler Toronto
Posting for Alfred Adamo You may wish to post that I saw the B&W Warbler along the bike path adjacent to a single rail line at 8:15 this morning. It is associating with Chickadees and responds to pishing. This is about 200 feet west of where I (MC) saw the day befoe -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ADMIN: Birders need to behave better
This isn't confined RARE birds, winter listers also seem to be getting into the act but This is getting ridiculous, from the Eurasian Tree Sparrow to the Brambling, or a Cattle Egret visible from a public road and now the owner of a residence near Bailieboro, where a Townsend's Solitaire spends most of its time "has had enough of you people!" Clearly some birders are behaving badly. Granted birds aren't always easy to find, see or photograph. It can very difficult even impossible to view a bird without obtrusively looking directly at a house. Regardless you cannot trespass, ignore "No Trespassing" signs, walk up a driveway to within a few metres of a house in order to obtain photographs, crawl along fencelines or search backyards without explicit permission from the property owner. I remind you the Ontario Field Ornithologists' sponsors of Ontbirds expect all birders and readers of Ontbirds to behave in a responsible manner and pay due attention to OFO's Code of Ethics. If there are constraints on how a bird can be viewed or relocated, they should be clearly stated when reporting the bird. If a bird cannot be viewed without violating our Code of Ethics then the bird should not be reported. It's that simple. If we don't clean up our act, eventually someone else will do it for us. We don't want that. Please read our Code of Ethics and follow them to the best of your ability. The code can be found online at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/aboutus.ethics -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Caspian Terns Nov 15 Leslie St Spit
Reporting for Lynn Pady and Margaret Liubavicius. Yesterday they saw and photographed seven (7) Caspian Terns at Tommy Thompson Park on the Leslie Street Spit. The birds were hunkered down on rip-rap and reed grass near embayment D. Directions: Leslie St. Spit is at the base of Leslie St., only open on weekends. Note that recent road construction means you may have to access the area via Carlaw (off Lakeshore) then Commissioners. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - east of Sault Ste Marie
Posting for Mark Olivier - questions to him at Good Evening This afternoon at approximately 3:40pm we observed a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in Johnson Township (just a little northeast of the Hamlet of Desbarats along Hwy 17 east of Sault Ste. Marie) The bird was flycatching in two farm yards at the intersection of Old Soo Road and Gordon Lake Road. I have uploaded photos to my flickr account at https://www.flickr.com/photos/13769956@N04/ Happy birding Mark Olivier -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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 Waxwing Reports in GTA and Beyond Sought
Cedar Waxwing numbers have recently dropped across the GTA. The Toronto Wildlife Centre have three fledgling Cedar Waxwings in their care ready for release and would to release them into an existing flock. If you find Cedar Waxwings in the coming days, there is no need to report them to Ontbirds but could you let the Toronto Wildlife Centre know by contacting them directly. Their contact information is Julia at 416-631-0662 ext or twchotl...@gmail.com -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Non-sighting Newspaper Article
Paul Nicholson an OFO member wrote the following article in the London Free Press. It is appreciated. http://www.lfpress.com/2014/09/10/the-world-outdoors-provincial-group-supports-young-birders -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Sympatico Meltdown
Ontbirders. If you know any sympatico subscribers to Ontbirds could you let them know there are problems that we are working on. At least 500 sympatico subscribers refused Ontbirds messages this morning causing an unsubscription meltdown. We are working on it but it may take awhile to shake the monolith -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Golden-winged Warbler Etobicoke
Bruce contacted me a second time and the bird remains for the second day. Today Friday am. If someone is in Brampton - phone me Mark Cranford 519-534-2855 Vermillion Flycatcher. I'm on Bruce Peninsula. Everyone else seems to be in Pelee. Mark Cranford Ontbirds Coordinator Posting for Bruce Ferry At 10:30 this AM I found a singing male Golden-winged Warbler. The bird was on the west side of the river in some tall trees along the river bank, just southwest of the foot bridge over the Humber River. Directions: HWY #401 – south on Weston Road. Go west on the first street (Dee Avenue). Take this street until it dead ends at the park parking lot. Walk north on the path (Humber River Recreational Trail) and cross the river on the trail bridge. At the T - turn left on the trail and the bird was seen perhaps 40m southwest of the bridge in some tall trees alongside the river on your left with a mixed flock of warblers. Bruce Ferry -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Snowy Egret Port Elgin
Posting for Stewart Nutt - stewnutt at gmail dot com Snowy Egret seem at bottom of Town Line pass Ducks Unlimited pond this morning at 8;20. Stew I believe that is the south side of Macgregor Point Provincial Park and which Jeff Gross attempted to report on May 12 (MC). -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ADMIN : Pelee Directions
Currently a lot of people are birding Point Pelee National Park. Timely reports are greatly appreciated. Even if the directions are a minimal, reports can help. Please remember locations and names used among friends may not be universally known. Give other birders an even chance by only using recognized place names as found on published Pelee maps. Two such maps can be found at http://friendsofpointpelee.com/festivalofbirds-maps For locations away from the park use street numbers and road names. For Hillman Marsh there is http://erca.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/area.hillman_marsh_map.pdf If you do get an email about a good bird, remember there are lots of other birders in the park, talk to them and ask for directions. Don't email Ontbirds with sour grapes. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ADMIN: Consideration of Readership Needed
Currently we have a number of significant local and provincial species that are being reported multiple times. This is good. However, the focus of an Ontbird post should be to supply information useful to others attempting to relocate the reported bird. The fact that a bird is lingering is important but if you are only able to state that the bird is present maybe your post is unnecessary. We need to receive reports in a timely manner but we also need information and directions that give readers a chance to relocate the bird. Read your post before you send and ask yourself if it is complete enough to be helpful. In summary Ontbirds has posting guidelines, a link to our guidelines is at the bottom of every post. Our guidelines are quite simple, we ask for species and locations (found on a provincial road map) in the subject line, in the message body itself we are looking for directions as well as complete species names (short-forms or banding codes are not appreciated). -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Smith's Longspurs north of Pelee
Posting for Tom Hince who likely has phone issues... At 8:40 am still 6 present in the grassy field immediately west of the house in rd 21. Don't waste time looking in stubble! Cheers Tom Tom Hince PO Box 281 Wheatley, ON Canada N0P 2P0 pelee...@netcore.ca -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Hooded Warbler Ottawa
Posting for Mark Gawn who would like to post from gawnbird...@hotmail.com but can't. Just seen at 7:15, in spruces by outhouse. Directions >From previous post: The bird was found and photographed in the Fallowfield area off Steeple Hill Crescent along the Jock River at Terry Carisse Park. Direction: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Hwy 416 south to Fallowfiled Road. Turn right and follow west past Moodie Drive and watch for Steeple Hill Crescent and turn left. The park is on your left as you cross over the Jock River. Mark Gawn -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ADMIN : Changes to message headers
A few Ontbirds subscribers have asked for an explanation about recent changes to the From line of an Ontbirds message. Poster via ONTBIRDS is additional information added to the message header of an email sent by Ontbirds. This has become necessary because yahoo.com changed its protocol and has been causing other service providers to reject Ontbirds messages sent from yahoo.com subscribers. End result were feedback loops that could result in the removal of 90% of Ontbirds subscriptions. I have been warned that the fix may generate other unintended effects but except the change in appearance it seems to be working. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ADMIN: Advertising on Ontbirds is not acceptable
OntBirds subscribers, I apologize to anyone who may have been offended by a commercial message which was sent in either error or misunderstanding earlier today but was not approved as stated. OntBirds is intended as a service devoted to the distribution of information related to rare or unusual bird sightings free from commercial or other promotional influence. While we have exercised leniency with the inclusion of web links that are embedded in signature blocks, or to personal blog URL references, other commercial or promotional messages are strongly discouraged in most circumstances. Thank you for your understanding. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] DIRECTIONS with EVERY POST - RECOGNIZABLE LOCATION in SUBJECT HEADER
Birders, Ontbirds has posting guidelines that benefit everyone. Please read them and act on them. Guidelines can be found on the Ontario Field Ornithologists' website at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Celebration of Rosemary Gaymer's life
Posting for Joyce le Chasseur of the South Peel Naturalists' Club, Sadly I am communicating to inform you of the passing of Rosemary Gaymer. Rosemary was a member of South Peel Naturalists Club since its inception as well as a long time member of the Toronto Field Naturalists. It was her wish that if possible a remembrance of her life be held at Church of St. Bride where South Peel Naturalists have held their indoor meetings for many, many years. In accordance with her wishes a celebration is planned per the announcement below. Celebration of Life For Rosemary Desiree Gaymer Friday, April 11, 2014 3:00 to 5:00 PM St Brides’ Anglican Church (Basement Auditorium) 1516 Clarkson Road N, Clarkson, ON Dear friends We invite you to attend this service to celebrate the life of Rosemary who departed from us on March 18, 2014. This unique lady has touched all of our lives in some way, and you might want to share a memory you have. The favour of an RSVP would be appreciated either by email or telephone to Joyce le Chasseur at 905 465 3892 lechasseurjo at gmail.com Thank you Copy this link into your browser for directions. Entrance to the hall is at the back of the church. https://www.google.ca/maps/place/St+Bride's+Church/ -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ADMIN - Migration Reporting
Birders, The floodgates are opening and many seasonal species are returning. While we have no hard rules about what is reportable on Ontbirds, many would like to see the focus on rare and unexpected birds. Regular expected migrants should be reported on eBirds. One resource for evaluating the significance of your first of the season observation is Mike Burrell's list of arrival dates generated from eBird data. It can be found at http://tinyurl.com/migrant-arrival-dates Interesting and significant sightings (including first of the season birds) should be reported to local area compilers, who will archive such sightings and some of these will be published in the Ontario report of the quarterly journal North American Birds. The most recent list of area compilers can found at http://tinyurl.com/lr3gshc Alan Wormington is the overall compiler and author for the Spring Report (March 1 - May 31) People who object to reports of common birds appearing on their phones and other devices are reminded of the delete key and to turn off notifications while birding. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ADMIN : Reporting Nest Sites
Birders It may hardly seem to be breeding season but yesterday we had our first report of the year of nesting Great Horned Owls. They are one of our earliest breeders and the timing this year is only surprising because of the weather. Breeding birds are of interest to many birders. I would like to remind everyone to exercise extra care in minimizing contact and disturbance when observing and reporting nesting birds. Obviously breeding season is important to birds and disrupting a nesting is unacceptable. Many of you know that the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) has a Code of Ethics outlining how birders are expected to behave in the field. Adherence to OFO's Code of Ethics is expected year-round but is especially important during the breeding season. It can be read on the OFO website at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/aboutus.ethics Nesting birds can be reported but the circumstances of an individual nesting may be such that a report to Ontbirds could increase the chances of a nest failure. If that is the case a report on Ontbirds is a bad idea. Our posting guidelines for reporting endangered breeding species can and probably should be adapted to all breeding birds. A review of Ontbirds posting guidelines can be had at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Finally there are other ways of documenting a sighting that you might consider such as reporting to your local nature club and/or their local area compiler. Ebird is another option but make sure you follow their recommended protocols for reporting breeding birds. But always remember to error on the side of caution when making the decision to report or not. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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
Re: [Ontbirds] Mandarin Duck in Whitby
I just talked on the phone with one of the volunteers who were asked assess the reported Mandarin Duck. I have not viewed this bird. Earlier the duck had been reported to be in distress. Assessment showed that the bird was alert and wary. There was no attempt to capture the duck. A net could have been used if it was deemed necessary. There are procedures for dealing with wildlife including exotics on public land and they are being followed. Hopefully the weather will improve and the Mandarin will realize that Mallards are not the best role models. --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 On 04/01/2014 2:00 PM, Peter Darcy wrote: The Mandarin Duck is still present at Lynde Shores conservation area. The bird most likely an escapee looks to be alert, pruning and in good health, other than the photographer lady trying to capture it in a fish net, who feels it needs rescued. Peter Lynde Shores conservation area is on Bayly between Ajax and Whitby. Bird is at the bridge and is stunning. 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 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] Posting Guidelines Directions Are Needed
I probably don't have to remind birders that Ontbirds is a source of information for finding birds. Reporting the location of birds is different from documenting birds. Documenting birds should be done through the local area compilers of North American Birds as well as eBird. While it may be easier said than done, all Ontbird posts need directions that give anyone reading a chance of relocating the reported bird. Reporting a bird from the field is timely and great but we still need directions. That requires either typing or a knowledge of your handheld. Figure out the cut and paste functions on your phone and use them. Second and third clarifying posts are understandable but not well received. For some, a late report composed at home with directions may be the best compromise. --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] LOST - Ipod - cell phone OFO Niagara River Field Trip last Sunday
An Ipod and cell phone were lost during last Sunday's OFO field trip to the Niagara. Please contact me directly and I will connect you with the individual who lost them. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ONTBIRDS posting topics
Birders, The posting earlier today commenting on hunting of Mourning Doves was not pre-approved or made with consideration of Ontbirds posting guidelines. Ontbirds and the Ontario Field Ornithologist have a strict policy against flaming of individuals or organizations including the perception of flaming. Flaming will NOT be tolerated. I remind everyone that Ontbirds is a forum for reporting birds so that birders have a chance to relocate the reported bird. While we do permit pre-approved public service announcements Ontbirds is NOT intended to be a platform for commenting on issues that may be of interest to many on the list. Continued discussion should find a different venue. Individuals who fail to respect Ontbirds posting guidelines could be subject to restricted posting privileges. Interested readers can read Ontbirds posting guidelines on the Ontario Field Ornithologists' website at www.ofo.ca -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Pelagic Trip in British Columbia Sept 15 2013
Hello, WildResearch is organizing its next pelagic birding trip! This year's trip will depart from Ucluelet on the Sunday the 15th September 2013. We will be using is the M.V. Frances Barkley, a 39m (128ft), 300 ton coastal freighter; a perfect platform for comfortable viewing of pelagic birds. The cost per person is $200 (before 1 August) and participants will also need a current WildResearch membership. There is room for 90 participants on the ship and there are currently 69 seats still available. This trip is WildResearch's major fund raising event, and funds raise will be spent on our avian monitoring programs like Iona Island Bird Observatory. For details visit: www.wildresearch.ca Thanks, Paul Levesque Vancouver BC -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Hermit Warbler Oak Ridges Moraine Durham
Posting for Eric Cole - questions to Eric at colee...@bell.net I have no additional knowledge of the report or reporter. There is a possible singing male Hermit Warbler in Glenmajor, on the Oak Ridge Morraine. This afternoon walking there, I was caught by a song I didn't recognize. I eventually saw the bird high up in a tree. I thought it must be a BT Green, as there are some on territory there. However, there was no streaking on the white breast and a very clear black chin and throat that stopped abruptly above the breast. The head was yellow but not quite as bright as the male is shown in bird books. I had no field guide with me and so I just thought it was a really sharp BT green, with a way-off song. It was only when I got home and checked books and songs that I realised the bird was likely a Hermit warbler. The song I heard and the recordings I listened to definitely matched, I had never heard it before. More like a Parula song than a BT green. I wish I'd stayed longer but I had kids calling me on.To get there, go north up Lakeridge from Whitby to Concession 9. Turn left into Balsam, about 1km, then turn north(right) up Sideroad 4. Go past the railway tracks, past the house with the ponds til you some to the parking area on the left. Park and walk up the main trail on the left of the parking lot. Walk up the trail about a half a km. The bird was singing and moving about high in the trees above the trail. If you reach the wooden bridge across the creek you have gone too far.Eric Cole -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ONTBIRDS posting guidelines
It shouldn't be a big deal (you know the delete key) but regularly birders feel strongly enough about posting guidelines to take the time write the coordinator to raise concern. Our posting guidelines can be found at the Ontario Field Ornithologists' website http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide The guidelines are by design open-ended but the basic concept is to supply a venue for reporting interesting birds that people might have a chance of relocating. To that end we ask for directs with every post. Ontbirds is not looking for lists of birds seen. Such lists should be posted to eBird. First of the season birds are also better reported on eBird. It should go almost without saying that extreme caution and consideration should be taken when reports breeding birds on territory. Do not report birds whose nesting success could be compromised by increased birder activity. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Free Issue - North American Birds
The journal NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS will soon be digital (starting with the issue that covers Fall Migration 2012). In the meantime, the most recent issue is currently online and is available FREE to all readers. Every issue covers all regions of North America, but the current issue online contains several sections that will be of particular interest to Ontario birders: 1) Ontario Spring Season Report for 2012 -- compiled and written by Alan Wormington, it provides a comprehensive overview of sightings from last spring; plus (9) colour photos of rarities are included. 2) The "Changing Seasons" written by Editor Ned Brinkley -- an analysis of spring events across North America; fabulous reading, and some fabulous photos too, including (3) from Ontario. 3) A major paper on Kirtland's Warbler -- covers the spring and fall migrations of Kirtland's Warbler in North America, and ALL Ontario reports of the species are listed. To access this issue, go here: http://nab.aba.org You can flip through the issue page-by-page, or you can download the entire issue as a PDF (via an icon in the menu at the top of the page). General information on North American Birds, and how to subscribe, can be found here: http://www.aba.org/nab/ Note that when the journal goes 100% digital, it is anticipated that the subscription price will be lowered. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Fwd: Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending March 28, 2013.
--- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 Original Message Subject:Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending March 28, 2013. Date: Sat, 30 Mar 2013 15:37:43 -0400 From: Fred Helliener To: birdalert@ontbirds.ca, peter.al...@sympatico.ca, peter.k...@cdu.edu.au, fhellei...@trentu.ca Because of a computer problem, the report that was due on March 28 was not sent (even after it had been written). This is an abridged version. My apologies. CANADA GEESE moved through in large numbers on March 25 and 26, but no SNOW GEESE were detected among them. (Six were seen on March 30, to be included in next week's report). A TRUMPETER SWAN was seen twice, and a few TUNDRA SWANS were present until at least March 25. There was an unconfirmed report of an early BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Three female HARLEQUIN DUCKS flew past in the open lake on March 23, and a male was at Salt Point on March 27. The first DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS appeared on March 26. GREAT BLUE HERONS are on their nests on High Bluff Island. A TURKEY VULTURE flew over the Park on March 25. BALD EAGLES were seen on three different days, including one on a large stick nest on High Bluff Island. If that proves to be an active nest, it will be the first at Presqu'ile since the 1930's. A SNOWY OWL was at Owen Point on March 24. A CAROLINA WREN sang behind 83 Bayshore Road on March 24. The long-staying SAVANNAH SPARROW at 186 Bayshore Road was still visiting the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road, albeit sporadically. COMMON REDPOLLS also continue to visit there. To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton. Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid that is available at the Park gate. Access to the offshore islands is restricted at this time of year to prevent disturbance to the colonial nesting birds there. Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird sightings board provided near the campground office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed there. Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be directed to: fhellei...@trentu.ca mailto:fhellei...@trentu.ca>. Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road Brighton, Ontario K0K 1H0 613-475-5309 If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park ___ 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] Posting Guidelines - What to report
Birders Ontbirds has posting guidelines designed to help readers find birds they would like to see. The guidelines are a set of recommendations about what to post and how to do it. You receive a set of guidelines as an email with the subject line "Welcome to Ontbirds" when you join the list. You can also find our Posting Guidelines" on the Ontario Field Ornithologists website at http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Right off the top you will notice the guidelines lack a list of what to report, this is intentional. The decision about what to report should be with the reporter. Ontbirds does expect reporters to consider their audience (other birders) when preparing a report. The report should be brief and to the point. At a minimum, birds should be uncommon for the local region or time of year. First of the season birds are sometimes reported but keep in mind birds migrate in numbers. If Killdeer is reported once in somewhere in the province you can bank on hundreds if not thousands occurring across the province. Repetitive posts about Killdeer probably won't be well received. As always Ontbirds expects to see posts with subject lines that include a main species and recognizable location. Posts should use complete bird names as found on the provincial checklist http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/checklist.checklist and always include directions to your bird in the message body. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] LOST: Compact Flash card. Cranberry Marsh, Whiby
LOST: 16 GB Compact Flask card. SanDisk, Cranberry Marsh, 1st trail, Sunday afternoon at about 3:30 pm. Full of Barred Owl and American Tree Sparrow images. If using Photoshop my name is in the file information under description. Most images taken Saturday on Trail 2. Please contact me and I do hope somebody has found it. Thanks! Eleanor Eleanor Kee Wellman "All Things Wild & Wonderful" Box 823, Bala, ON, Canada P0C1A0 keewell...@sympatico.ca www.eleanorkeewellman.com http://keewellman.wordpress.com -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ADMIN Sympatico Delivery Issues
This is NOT unique to Sympatico users but with over 400 sympatico users subscribed to Ontbirds I feel this is best way to address current delivery issues. If you are subscribed to Ontbirds you have three options, individual email, a daily digest or no mail delivery. You choose. Ontbirds software DOES NOT choose. It is sends all messages as instructed. Missing messages are often trapped by anti-spam software using USER based instruction. I am not with sympatico so this is second hand but I understand that you can use Windows Live Mail. Check your anti-spam settings. One option I note in hotmail (whose parent company is Microsoft) is Safe Mailing Lists (under Options > Safe and Blocked Senders) where birdalert-boun...@ontbirds.ca should be entered. Something like that might help. IF you continue to have trouble contact me directly - DO NOT post to birdalert@ontbirds.ca. It is for reporting birds NOT problems. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] DIRECTIONS with EVERY POST - RECOGNIZABLE LOCATION in SUBJECT HEADER
I'm sorry I'm been explaining this privately to delinquent posters for over ten years. Ontbirds has posting guidelines that benefit everyone. Please read them and act on them. Guidelines can be found on the Ontario Field Ornithologists' website New technology is not an excuse. -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Tour of Lac Deschênes Important Bird Area
Posting on behalf of Alex MacDonald Nature Canada and National Capital Region Naturalist Clubs Host First Tour of Lac Deschênes Important Bird Area November 2, 2012 (Ottawa) – On Saturday, November 3, 2012, Nature Canada and its partners, the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club and the Outaouais Birding Club are hosting the Lac Deschênes Naturehood Tour. http://lacdeschenes.ca/discover-your-naturehood/ The tour acquaints visitors to six sites in the Lac Deschênes Important Bird Area that are significant to birds and other wildlife on both the Ottawa and Gatineau sides of the Ottawa River. From 9am until 1pm, birding experts from Nature Canada and local-area naturalist clubs will be present at each site to help visitors identify birds and learn about the region’s superb natural heritage. “We’re very excited to expose local residents to the natural riches of some of the region’s best sites for birding,” said Alex MacDonald, manager of protected areas for Nature Canada. “The Lac Deschênes Naturehood tour is a great opportunity to learn about our wild neighbours – the waterbirds, plants, amphibians, fishes and mammals that call our region home.” Lac Deschênes is a fluvial lake – or a lake within a river – that occurs in a broad widening of the Ottawa River, just to the west of the cities of Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Québec. Bordered on the east by the Deschênes Rapids, and to the west by Innis Point (Ontario) and Baie Alexandria (Québec), Lac Deschênes is recognized as a globally significant Important Bird Area. One of the larger bodies of water in this region, Lac Deschênes is an important stop-over point for waterbirds during their spring and fall migrations. The Lac Deschênes Naturehood Tour is self-guided – start and end points are up to the individual. Visitors can choose from one of six sites staffed by interpreters to start their tour. At each, a copy of the tour map and site descriptions will be made available. You can download a copy of the tour brochure here . For more information about the tour, including tips on how to explore each site, visit lacdeschenes.ca Follow us at @NatureCanadaPAs and like us on Facebook to get the latest updates on the event. For more information, contact: Alex MacDonald Manager, protected areas amacdon...@naturecanada.ca 613-562-3447 ex. 300 Monica Tanaka Coordinator, communications mtan...@naturecanada.ca 613-562-3447 ex. 241 About Nature Canada Nature Canada is a national charitable organization that works for a vision of Canada as a place where threatened species are protected, wildlife habitat is preserved, and people embrace a culture of conservation in their everyday lives. We are co-partners, with Bird Studies Canada, delivering BirdLife International’s Important Bird Areas program in Canada. We aim to identify, monitor and protect a global network of IBAs for the conservation of the world’s birds and other biodiversity. --- Alexander MacDonald, MSc Manager, Protected Areas / Gestionnaire du programme des aires protégées Nature Canada 75 Albert St., Suite 300 Ottawa, ON Canada K1P 5E7 Ph: 613-562-3447 ext. 300 Fax: 613-562-3371 amacdon...@naturecanada.ca www.naturecanada.org Check out Nature Canada's blog at http://www.naturecanadablog.blogspot.com Follow me on twitter at http://twitter.com/NatureCanadaPAs -- --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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-eyed Junco and Ebird
Birders Ontbirds is an effective resource for alerting other birders of rare and noteworthy birds and exceptional activity. You don't have to spent too much time in the field to notice the changing seasons. New fall migrants are arriving daily. First of the season can be of interest when it occurs outside of expected times. I don't mean to be harsh but Dark-eyed Juncos have been wide spread in southern Ontario for a least a couple of weeks. Check Ebird before posting your next first of the season so that you can state with confidence that your sighting is indeed note-worthy. Ebird has excellent mapping tools for reviewing a sighting in context. A mapping tool can be found on the ebird's home page under the View and Explore tab at the top of the page. That tab will lead you to a link for Range and Point Maps. This link lets you generate maps by species and date. Zooming into the map will show specific sites where birds have been found. If you click on the site balloon you can get details. In the case of Dark-eyed Junco there are literally hundreds of reports in recent weeks. Make sure you add your sightings to Ebird but make sure you also post the exceptional birds with directions on Ontbirds For more information about Ontbirds including posting guidelines please visit the Ontario Field Ornithologists at http://www.ofo.ca/ -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Before posting to ONTBIRDS
As we move into Fall and experience increased bird activity we can expect more reports on Ontbirds. Please do not overload the system with reports of common birds that can be seen anywhere in the province. Please continue to report concisely and with directions the following: 1. Rare birds 2. Uncommon and locally distributed birds 3. Early migrants and birds seen for the first time in the season 4. Large concentrations of birds 5. Regional reports such as Presqu'ile, Pelee, Hamilton, Ottawa, Prince Edward County, etc. 6. Daily reports from established Hawk Watch Sites As always we ask that you include something about location in the subject line. Include directions at the end of the post and conclude with acomplete signature include poster's name, town and email address. For further details on posting content, visit the Ontbirds page at the OFO web site http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Thank you for your consideration, -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] King Eider - Sam Smith Park Toronto
Posting for Lynn Pady Lynn photographed an immature male King Eider hanging with 6 Mallard drakes today at 4:30 "close to shore along the beach south of the last parking lot" at Col. Sam Smith Park. She also saw Greater Yellowlegs on mud inside the marina basin. Directions: Col. Sam Smith Park is on Lake Ontario at the base of Kipling Ave. south of the Gardiner Expressway in Etobicoke. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Admin: Reporting Suggestions and Guidelines
Birders Remember directions with every post include a location in the subject header. It's spring migration and birds are on the move everywhere. With people carrying all sorts of wireless devices and nearly 3000 subscribed email addresses Ontbirds message volumes seem to be reaching record volumes. While observing 50+ Baltimore Orioles at Pelee may seem to some like another day at the office, a first oriole in another area may be an exciting personal event but the question that should be asked before posting to Ontbirds is "Does a report add information useful to other birders?" Often that answer is probably not. The intent behind Ontbirds is to provide a place for reporting unusual relocatable birds that most birders have difficulty finding on an annual basis. Before reporting your first of the year, check the following URL to see if and where others are reporting similar events. http://www.ofo.ca/eBird/OFOebirdrecent.php I should also remind people who object to the reporting of common birds to move on and make use of the delete key. Complete trip lists are not recommended on Ontbirds instead consider submitting checklists to eBird. It can supply information that might help others evaluate and understand the ongoing progress of the migration. In doing so you might help reduce Ontbird message volume. Back to birding. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Birds of Algonquin Park - Book Release
Ontbirders Just in case it was missed, Ron Tozer's long awaited Birds of Algonquin Park has just been been published by The Friends of Algonquin Park. Please see the following for details: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/2012-04-21_birds_of _algonquin_park_released.php. Sources believe this book is special, it describes birdlife in Algonquin Park and includes all 278 bird species known to have occurred in park. It is an important addition to bird study in the province. I'm stating the obvious here but anyone who is or has been an OFO member, read Ontario Birds, visited Algonquin or attended an OFO AGM has benefited in many ways from Ron's wisdom and support. Ron donated the manuscript to the Friends of Algonquin Park, a not-for-profit registered charity, so that proceeds from the book will go to supporting educational and interpretive programs at the park. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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 Vulture in Lambton County
Posting for Robin McLeod b...@execulink.com At 5 PM on 21 Apr, a Black Vulture was standing in a field with cattle just west of the Forest Road and south of Egremont Road. It then flew and was last seen at 5:10 soaring/gliding north over Egremont Road about 2 km west of Forest Road. Several photos taken while standing and flying show grey head, white wing patches at the wing tips, and short tail. Directions: from Hwy 402 take Forest Road (# 21) north about 1 km, turn west on Egremont Road (county road 22). However, the bird is now probably far away from the location where it was seen. Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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-backed Woodpecker - Madoc area
Posting for Konchog Norbu. Please note you need to arrange access before looking for this bird. This morning I found a male Black-backed Woodpecker working a grove by the guest house at the Ogyan Dzong Buddhist Centre north of Madoc, at the base of Mount Moriah. I'm an American birder living here so not sure exactly how unusual this is outside of boreal/recent burn habitats, but it strikes me as a pretty good find and I was able to get diagnostic photos. From Madoc take rt. 62 to rt. 7 and head east on 7. Take the next left on Cooper Road. Follow this several kilometers through the hamlet of Cooper then go right on Lingham Lake Rd. About 5k down this rd. is the centre, #1755. To gain access, please email or phone ahead: i...@palyulcanada.org or 613-967-7432. Konchog Norbu -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Migration tool on eBird
Ontbirds is really intended to be a platform for reporting unexpected birds. It can become close overwhelming if too many people submit reports of birds that can easily be found as often happens in the excitement of spring migration. One way to get an idea of the significance of your sighting before you post to Ontbirds is to visit eBird - www.ebird.ca If you follow the View and Explore Data tab at the top of the page you can generate bar charts of seasonal occurrence for the species observed in your area of interest which could include Counties within Ontario and can give you a very good idea of what is expected and when. While visiting eBird you might as well contribute your sighting to eBird. As always when reporting a bird give directions and place both the location and reported species in the subject header. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Eurasian Wigeon - Grand Bend Sewage Lagoons
Sending an excerpt of a post from Sean Jenniskens Hello OntBirders! Today I visited Grand Bend Sewage Lagoons and got quite the surprise! The Trumpeter was with a group of Tundra's, slightly larger, with straighter bill. Seemed to have a yellow-ish tinge to back/top of head. It was found in second pond closest to the road. Eurasian Wigeon was swimming with a group of about 25 American Widgeon's, with a few Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Ring-necked Duck scattered with them. Had a rufous head, buffy-tan forehead, pink-ish on the chest. Body was over all gray, white horazontal wing stripe on edge of wing. Black undertail coverts, white lower stomach area. The bird flew with a large flock of the other ducks it was with, I did not see if the landed so there is a chance they have moved on to a different location. It was found on the third pond out of 4 closest to the road. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Martin Edwards
We regret to inform the Ontario birding community that Dr. Martin Edwards of Kingston passed away Feb.16 at age 85 on a birding trip in Brazil with his son. Martin had the largest world list of any Canadian and was number 5 in world listing with 8456 species. As early as 1985 he had seen all the families, and kept up by adding the many family splits since then. He also listed world genera saying "a new genus is worth 5 new species on the list". Martin was a life long supporter of Conservation. He was past President and Honorary President of the Kingston Field Naturalists, past President of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, the Canadian Nature Federation and Canadian rep on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Martin's doctorate was in Physics which he taught at the Royal Military College in Kingston. But he also contributed research on the effect of pesticides on colonial water birds in the Great Lakes in the days prior to the ban on DDT. The family asks that any donations in Martin's memory be made to the Kingston Field Naturalists, Box 831, Kingson K7L 4X6 -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Admin : Tracking the Migration
The spring migration is an annual event that every birder looks forward to. Please remember that Ontbirds is provincial list with over 2800 subscribers. We cannot and should not try to report every aspect of the migration. Weekly reports (often sent on Thursdays) from a number of locations across the province present a good general overview of migration's progress. Please report significant migration events. The first bird of the year is only significant if it is well outside its expected arrival date. Killdeer, Blackbirds are returning in numbers that are already building. Tundra Swan and other waterfowl have also begun to move. Really large swan concentrations in fields and on the lake are noteworthy and should be reported. Not sure you can say the same thing about the passage of 40 birds in season overhead along established migratory routes even if it puts a grin on your face. A couple of examples... The first Great Blue Heron might be significant if it is trying to break through a frozen lake otherwise it is expected. If the woods are 'dripping with hundreds of warblers', report it promptly. A fallout of large number of songbirds in an infrequently birded location is probably symptomatic of a larger regional event. While there are not hard rules, probably the only birds that should be reported from well visited migrant traps like Point Pelee are vagrants. As always remember to include the location in the subject header and directions in the message itself. End of your message with your name. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] IMPORTANT CHANGE FOR POSTERS
Birders Send bird sightings to birdalert@ontbirds.ca ontbi...@hwcn.org is NO longer valid. If you want to send messages to Ontbirds change your address-books to birdalert@ontbirds.ca NOW Ontbirds changed its Internet Service Provider (ISP) December 2010. When the change was made a computer was left on in the basement of Hamilton Public Library that forwarded messages sent to ontbi...@hwcn.org to birdalert@ontbirds That computer no longer exists. Messages sent ontbi...@hwcn.org now disappear without a trace. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Lost Tripod Whitby Harbour
Posting for Bruce Falls After searching successfully for the Greater White-fronted Goose today Bruce left a camera tripod in one of two spots either on Brock Street near the fence at the bridge or at the west side of the harbour. Bruce and Ann went back later this afternoon but couldn't find it so someone has picked it up. It's a small compact tripod, not a scope tripod. It is also Ann's tripod. So if anyone happened to pick it up could you contact me and I'll that it gets back to the Falls. Thanks. Directions; Not sure where Bruce saw the Greater White-fronted Goose but Whitby Harbour is accessed from the 401 on Brock St (Hwy 12) South. The real challenge is finding the bird in with the hundreds of Canada Geese. So look for Geese then look carefully. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Andrew Jano
Andrew Paul Jano Left us peacefully on the morning of Sunday, February 5, 2012, at the age of 73. He will be dearly missed by his wife Agnes, his daughter Natalie (and son-in-law Alex), his son Christopher, and a great many devoted friends. He was a beloved husband and father, a kind soul, and a friend of the birds. His intelligence, kindness, and humour will not soon be forgotten. A memorial service will take place at Leaside United Church on Wednesday, February 15 at 11:00 am, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Frontenac Bird Studies (www.migrationresearch.org/fbs.html) or to Perram House Hospice (www.perramhouse.ca). -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Have a question? Try eBird
Frequently we have birds that may be lingering but have not been reported on Ontbirds recently. With almost 3000 readers we can't handle the volume if everyone has questions. One alternative is eBird. You probably have to register (which is not difficult) at ebird.org (ebird.ca is the same thing sort of). Under the category (tab) View Data select the first option Range and Point Maps. Enter the species you are interested in as well as a date range then zoom into your area of interest and click on the sighting balloons. That will give you dates. Click on a checklist link will give you additional details. In the case of the Great Gray Owl near Kingsville most recent date is Jan 11. Not encouraging. In the case of the male King Eider at Port Weller - Feb 2. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Snowy owl at landsdowne and st.clair Toronto
Posting for Amanada Speer Seen a snowy owl at st Clair and landsdowne in Toronto in a back alley way perched on a building then he flew to the top of a house nearby around 3:00 pm feb 3 2012 Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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 - Kingville - PRESS RELEASE (warning)
The following email was sent to local and regional media outlets. Both the OPP and the MNR concerned about safety issues related to the viewing of the Kingsville Great Gray Owl. Please paid due attention. Viewing this bird is a privilege not a right. Be responsible. Mark Cranford Ontbirds Coordinator Mississauga, ON mark.cranf...@ofo.ca -Original Message- From: Tonial, Ricardo (JUS) [mailto:ricardo.ton...@ontario.ca] Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 11:06 AM Subject: OWL - Media January 10th, 2012 Kingsville - The presence of an OWL in the Kingsville area has drawn attention from all over the Country and USA. Nature lovers have flocked to the area in attempts to get a view of this OWL. Unfortunately, some of these watchers are failing to stay safe while attending the area. The OPP would like to inform the citizens to park their vehicles in safe and lawful locations. As well as, ensuring that they position themselves and their viewing equipment in safe locations. The OPP have received numerous reports of dangerous conditions created by some of these bird watchers. The following is a release sent on behalf of the Ministry of the Natural Resources. "A Great Grey Owl has been residing in Essex County since before Christmas, and has provided birders with the opportunity to see and photograph this beautiful bird up close. This species is not considered rare in Ontario, but it is rare to see one in south-western Ontario. Great Grey Owls are protected under the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Act. The MNR advises people to stay 30-40 meters away from this bird and other raptors to reduce potential stress on the bird and avoid possible human-wildlife conflict." Any questions concerning the Owl and habitat can be directed to: Cale Selby A/District Strategic Officer Ministry of Natural Resources 615 John Street North Aylmer, ONN5H 2S8 519-773-4790 Any questions concerning public safety can be directed to Sgt Rick Tonial Essex County OPP Media Officer Sgt Rick Tonial -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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 - Viewing and Reporting
A Great Gray Owl in Essex is a exceptional occurrence. It is providing wonderful opportunities for learning and viewing including photography. Everyone who views this bird needs to be aware that it faces stresses and challenges we barely comprehend. Caution has to be the guiding principle. The fact that you can approach an owl does not mean the bird is okay with your presence, sitting tight is used to conserve energy. Always be careful, take extra care near hazards like roads. I am starting to think that selective reporting of owls may not be a bad thing, maybe owls should not be reported to Ontbirds at all. With the expectation that the everyone follow the Ontario Field Ornithologists' Code of Ethics, Ontbirds is NOT a platform for personal opinion on how others should behave. Do not harangue the unwashed. Stick to simple facts, if you feel the bird can be viewed safely, directions and viewing guidelines can be given. If there are concerns, a cautious approach is expected. Don't post. If you must, post without directions but explain the situation. The following is a link to OFO's Code of Ethics http://www.ofo.ca/aboutus/ethics.php Ontbirds' Posting Guidelines can be read at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php No directions are given as I have not seen the bird or its situation. Back to turkey and dreams of Bobolinks -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] House Wren St. Catharines
Posting for Chris Escott - maybe comcue dot canada at gmail dot com A House Wren was seen yesterday (Sunday, 18-Dec) in St. Catharines. It was active in the tangled undergrowth beside the road. Directions: From the intersection of Pelham Road and First Street Louth, south west of St. Catharines, go down the steep hill to the south. At the bottom of the hill there is a pull-off on the right (west) side, and a gate in the fence line. Park here and check the tangles within the first 100 m to the west side of the road, especially towards the base of the slope to your right as you enter the area. There is pedestrian access into the area, beside the gate. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Admin : Directions and Locations
Birders I'm sure I've mentioned this before but Ontbirds has Posting Guidelines for crafting messages. Following the guidelines can help others find birds. Key to a effective post is clear and concise directions. Directions should be included in every Ontbirds message. Include the subject bird with a recognizable location name in the subject line of your message. Add extra information if it will help the next person prepare or find the bird (bring a scope, be prepared to walk etc). For more suggestions about posting on Ontbirds please review our Posting Guidelines which can be read at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php Finally it's always a good thing to remind yourself this is email. Once the send button is hit, an Ontbirds post goes to almost 2700 inboxes and a host of web applications. Save yourself some grief, before sending a message read it one more time. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Admin : OFO's Code of Ethics
Birders As the seasons change some birders will become more focused on longer staying birds. I think this is good time to remind everyone of the Ontario Field Ornithologists' Code of Ethics. Birding whether with a camera or binoculars involves due consideration to the objects of our interest. Ontbirds and our sponsor the Ontario Field Ornithologists expect and demand ethical behaviour whenever and where ever we bird. OFO's policy of ethical birding is thoughtful and should be embraced by everyone reading this list http://www.ofo.ca/aboutus/ethics.php Back to birding. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ADMIN - using BBerries, IPad etc
Birders This is becoming a daily problem. With the widespread use of handheld devices Ontbirds is seeing an increase in failed messages caused by posting from an unsubscribed email address. In order to defend Ontbirds against spam you must be subscribed to post. If you receive regular Ontbirds messages they are being sent to an email address you can post from. For more information about Ontbirds including how to subscribe please visit the Ontario Field Ornithologists' website at www.ofo.ca -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Admin - Use complete bird names
Birders Brevity in reporting is appreciated especially by those using handheld devices. Still it is best to avoid confusion by using complete bird names as found on the OFO Checklist in both the subject line and body of an email sent to Ontbirds. Thank you. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Admin - Ontbird addressing
To avoid additional confusion, please update your address books. ontbi...@hwcn.org still works? It should not be working. Last December I got technical support at hwcn.org (Hamilton-Wentworrth Community Network)to redirect posts from ontbi...@hwcn.org to birdalert@ontbirds.ca But the organization HWCN is defunct and has been closed since January. http://www.hwcn.org/ Maybe there still is a computer running in the basement of the Hamilton City Library but it is no longer being maintained or paid for. It would be a good idea to change the Ontbird listing in address books to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For more information about Ontbirds please visit the Ontario Field Ornithologists' website http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Boreal Owl New Liskeard
Posting on behalf of Bruce Murphy Greetings birders I thought I would let people know that this may be a good boreal autumn and winter. Last night at the hilliardton marsh owl banders banded an adult boreal owl. The Hilliardton marsh is located 20 minutes north of Newliskeard and is very close to the Quebec border. Foe more specific directions feel free to contact me. 20 boreals have been banded in homer Alaska and 3 have been reported in Tadoussac Quebec. Last year we specifically targeted capturing and banding boreal owls but caught zero so we are happy to report this significant encounter to birders in the province this year. For more information please feel free to contact me or visit our website www.themarsh.ca <http://www.themarsh.ca/>to find more about our research and directions to the marsh. Happy birding Bruce murphy -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] North American Birds contact correction
Michael Dawber was incorrectly listed the recent posting about the magazine North American Birds. Please remove his name and contact information from your lists. I apologize for the inconvenience and concern this error has caused. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Ontbirds Posting Guidelines
Birders Across the province birds are actively migrating and being observed in a variety of different situations. This is an exciting time of year to be out and reporting from the field. Please remember we have 2700 subscribers, Ontbirds can be most effective mailing list if reporters follow posting guidelines. I would like to remind everyone of that our posting guidelines can be read at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php Ontbirds is primarily intended to alert birders of provincially rare and unusual birds. Keep your reports brief and to the point. Reports should focus on highlights (one or two key species) and should not list all birds seen. Additional information outside of the highlights could be submitted to a local compiler who track reports in detail. We are interested in less regularly birded areas but Ontbirds is not looking for regular reports of expected birds. Ontbird is also not intended to be vehicle for photographers to showcase their photos and promote websites. If reporters focus on birds that are of provincial interest to active birders the list should continue to thrive and remain a service of great utility to birders across the province. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Henslow's Sparrow Toronto
Birders I have NOT seen this bird and do not plan to chase it today. Earlier this morning I received a credible report of an implausible bird - a Henslow's Sparrow at the Toronto Botanical Garden at Leslie St and Lawrence Ave in Toronto. The observer wishes to remain anonymous. The bird was initially located by song (not described) and similar species were eliminated by appearance as well as sound. The bird was observed yesterday at close range 9:30 am Sunday. Another birder took a quick walk about today before noon and observed a couple of singing Song Sparrows and a number of House Sparrows. The observer plans to report to the OBRC but it would be helpful if this report could be confirmed. A complementing recording or photo would be ideal. Directions: Toronto Botanical Garden is at 777 Lawrence Avenue East, on the southwest corner of Lawrence Avenue and Leslie Street. The Henslow's sparrow (and others) were first seen in the entrance garden right by the visitors centre, then in the shrubs along the western edge of the entrance garden just before the edge of the ravine slopes down the Edwards Gardens -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Email sent from handhelds
Birders It looks like more and more birders are carrying smart phones and other portable email devices. Timely messages are very much appreciated however on most days a number of messages sent to Ontbirds fail because they were sent from unrecognized email addresses. If you are using a new or different device make sure that your Ontbirds message is sent from an email address that is subscribed to Ontbirds. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Western Grebe - Leslie Spit Toronto
I have just received a report with photos of a Western Grebe. The photos appear to be from 3:30 PM today. The bird was found and photographed by James and Christopher Boccia. The bird was 50 meters off shore on the east side of the Spit probably off the base of the spit. It may be visible from Ashbridges Bay. The Leslie Street Spit is at the base of Leslie Street east of the Don Valley Park. It is also known as Tommy Thompson Park. The park is closed during the week at a gate 500 meters south of Unwin Ave. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Responding to Posts
I don't know who you are but it is painfully obvious that some Ontbirds readers don't get it. The practice of critiquing posting content publicly or privately is not recommended. If you check Ontbirds posting guidelines you are asked not to do it. Wake up. Commenting on posts in a negative manner is both rude and hurtful. It has no place on this list. You know where the delete button is - use it. If you have concerns about the content of a post contact me as Ontbirds coordinator and we can determine appropriate action. Again referring to Ontbirds posting guidelines read the Responding to Posts section. It can be read at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ONTBIRDS Posting Guidelines
I guess it is time for some of our regular and potential contributors to review our posting guidelines. A link to the Ontario Field Ornithologists' website is at the bottom of every Ontbirds posts. You can also view Ontbirds posting guidelines directly by following http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php A post should be written with the reader in mind. Most readers are looking for information about how to find birds. Images are helpful but should not be the focus of a report. The questions that should be answered are who, what, where and when. "Where" is probably the most important part of post. People reading your post are from all over the province and beyond. They may not be as familiar with your location as you are, so start with a recognizable location in the subject line and give complete directions from a known location in the message body. "What" is particularly important if a single species is the focus of your report and should also be including in the subject header. Current species names as published on the Ontario checklist (as well as the AOU and Clements lists) http://www.ofo.ca/checklist/checklist.php should be used. "When" adds substance and content to your post, not just the date but the time of day can add to the utility of a post "Who" we ask that all posts clearly identify the poster with a signature that ends the post with name, general location and email address. Modesty is great but telling us who saw the bird adds weight to a report. Stating that a bird was seen does not answer who saw the bird. Stating that you saw the bird does. Everyone should benefit if we can keep the content of an Ontbirds post down to the basics. The content of your post is your responsibility but you should always remember that as a contributor to Ontbirds you are an ambassador for birding. Your post needs to reflect that. Pay attention to the Ontario Field Ornithologists' Code of Ethics http://www.ofo.ca/aboutus/ethics.php That requires a sensitivity to bird welfare, private property and public safety. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Reporting Rarities - closing the loop
The recent exchanges about reporting rarities to ONTBIRDS have pointed out two things: a) the more details given about a rarity in a post, the greater the possibility that the bird will be found again; b) it is always necessary to be a bit careful how we word things so as not to give offence to other ONTBIRDERS. What and how to post is a judgment call that the poster must make. In fairness it should be mentioned that recent reports from the Niagara River supplied useful information, there can always be more but... -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Lost and Found at Lynde Shores - Whitby
Last Monday while looking for the Wood Thrush at Lynde Shores Conservation Area in Whitby a birder found a Nokia charger for a cell phone. It was in the area of the fence where the Wood Thrush frequents. Contact me if you want it back -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ONTBIRDS has NEW ADDRESS birdalert@ontbirds.ca
This is being from our old service provider. The same message was also sent from our new ISP. This is to alert ONTBIRDS subscribers that Ontbirds has changed service providers and has a NEW email address. New messages to Ontbirds should be sent to birdal...@ontbirds.ca . Please update your address book from ontbirds@hwcn.org to birdal...@ontbirds.ca I would like to thank the Hamilton-Wentworth Community Network especially Charles Gregory for their many years of excellent service supporting Ontbirds. I am sorry to see you go. You should not need to change anything to remain subscribed to Ontbirds. Although you may need to check your junk mail folder or spam settings for the new mail and add ontbirds.ca to your safe senders and/or white list. A new OFO subscription page will be posted shortly but in the time being you can join, leave or change your subscription settings on the web by visiting. http://ontbirds.ca/mailman/listinfo/birdalert_ontbirds.ca To subscribe or unsubscribe using email, send an email to: birdalert-requ...@ontbirds.ca with either subscribe or unsubscribe in the subject header. You will have to confirm any changes you make by replying to an acknowledging email. Ontbirds archives have also been moved and can be read at http://ontbirds.ca/pipermail/birdalert_ontbirds.ca/ -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] ONTBIRDS has NEW ADDRESS birdalert@ontbirds.ca
This is to alert ONTBIRDS subscribers that Ontbirds has changed service providers and has a NEW email address. New messages to Ontbirds should be sent to birdalert@ontbirds.ca . Please update your address book from ontbi...@hwcn.org to birdalert@ontbirds.ca I would like to thank the Hamilton-Wentworth Community Network especially Charles Gregory for their many years of excellent service supporting Ontbirds. I am sorry to see you go. You should not need to change anything to remain subscribed to Ontbirds. Although you may need to check your junk mail folder or spam settings for the new mail and add ontbirds.ca to your safe senders and/or white list. A new OFO subscription page will be posted shortly but in the time being you can join, leave or change your subscription settings on the web by visiting. http://ontbirds.ca/mailman/listinfo/birdalert_ontbirds.ca To subscribe or unsubscribe using email, send an email to: birdalert-requ...@ontbirds.ca with either subscribe or unsubscribe in the subject header. You will have to confirm any changes you make by replying to an acknowledging email. Ontbirds archives have also been moved and can be read at http://ontbirds.ca/pipermail/birdalert_ontbirds.ca/ -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ontbi...@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Winter Listing Returns
Posting for Todd Pepper from Leamington. I should mention that Ontbirds posting guidelines do not encourage messages about seasonally expected birds including those that are regular at feeding stations. Post about birds you are surprised to see but check out the posting guidelines sometime at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php You can get a better understanding of the status of regional resident birds like Red-bellied Woodpecker by visiting the Breeding Bird Atlas maps at http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/maps.jsp?lang=en Mark Cranford Ontbirds Coordinator zz This message is posted with the permission the Ontbirds coordinator. Hello Ontario Birders. Tomorrow, December 1st, starts the beginning of the Ontario winter birding season. I have volunteered to coordinate this year's Ontario winter bird list again, and Blake Maybank will be hosting the results again on his website. The link is as follows: http://tinyurl.com/onwinter During the 2009/2010 winter birding season of December 1st to February 28th Ontario birders tallied a total of 191 species, down from 197 species in the winter of 2008/2009. Let's try and get to 200 species this year. Just post your sightings to Ontbirds as usual, and I will send an update message to Ontbirds once a month so you can check the status of the list to date and then advise me personally if we are missing any species that you might have seen but did not post to Ontbirds. So, let's all have fun and get out there and enjoy the winter birding season. Todd Pepper Leamington, Ontario tandjpepper at cogeco.ca "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin" William Shakespeare -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Summer Tanager Deep River
Posting for Jim Ungrin who is not subscribed to Ontbirds. Nice photos but they cannot be sent via Ontbirds. Allan Symons of Deep River ON has been having an unusual visitor at his feeder. I saw the bird on Saturday at ~16:00 when light was fading- it was very tame and allowed me to take numerous photos. I attach two. My identification is of a Summer Tanager, very similar to the one at the Cotnams in Deep River several years ago. Allan is at 20 LeCaron (613-584-2657) when not at the Canadian Clock Museum (613-584-9687), which he operates. He is happy to accept visitors at the feeder in his back yard. ( I am the local CBC organizer/compiler.) Jim Ungrin 613-584-3055 -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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 Gannet hits truck near Newcastle
Posting for Jim Richards A friend of mine (Tony Wood) watched a large bird fly into the side of a truck, then was struck by a passing car yesterday (Nov. 15/10) He brought the dead bird to me and it is on its way to ROM on Tues. Northern Gannet; first year bird. Flying south over hyway # 2 near Newcastle, (east of Bowmanville) in lot 35, Conc. 2, Clarke Twsp., Clarington, about 2 km north of the waterfront, when it collided. Jim -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Posting Guidelines
As Ontbirds Coordinator I'd like to remind everyone of our posting guidelines. They are sent to you when you subscribe to Ontbirds but they can also be read on the web at the Ontario Field Ornithologists' website at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php You can also follow the link to OFO at the bottom of every Ontbird post. The purpose of our guidelines is to help readers learn of specific birds that might be relocated. To that end we ask two things. First your email should begin with a clear subject header that includes the name of the principal species and a recognizable location. An example might be "Cattle Egret near Long Point" just "Egrets" or "Egrets on A Line" are not helpful. We also ask that directions be included with every post. It can be very disappointing to rush out after an exciting bird with a printout that refers to past posts or a web link. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Long-tailed Jaeger Hamilton
posting for Brett Fried whose Blackberry does not seem to be subscribed to Ontbirds. Brett and others saw an adult Long-tailed Jaeger close to shore at Van Wagners Beach in Hamilton today at 11 am. Directions to Van Wagners Beach: Take the Centennial Parkway (Hwy.20) exit from the QEW in east Hamilton and proceed north to the North Service Rd., turn left and continue west as it turns into Van Wagners Beach Road. Continue to the parking lots at either Hutch's Restaurant or the Lakeland Centre viewing tower and view the lake anywhere near here. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Painted Bunting (female) - Sault Ste. Marie
Posting for Dave Brown - thebrowns at www.ezlink.ca Hi All, I had an interesting and somewhat unusual bird "encounter" this morning (Aug 5th) at my inlaws house in Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario). A bird collided with the window section on their front screen door and dropped to their deck. It wasn't a species I immediately recognized. The bird appeared slightly stunned after hitting the screen door but thankfully,it seemed alert and remained sitting upright so we left it alone. Within a few minutes it flew back up into the tree and then minutes later flew off into the school grounds across the street. We got a great look (and some photos) as the bird was sitting only 3 feet from the door. The bird struck me right away as a bunting (see my notes below)... - Bunting body shape - Bunting size (5"-6") - I used the width of the deck boards for scale - Overall bright green top sides with darker wings - Bright yellow undersides from its throat to the undertail coverts - Conspicuous yellow eye-ring - No wingbars - Faint green edging and small bit of white edging on wings - Faint green edging on darkish tail feathers - Conical bill shape - upper mandible dark...lower mandible light - Grey legs After a quick phone call to Ron Ridout (BSC) I sent along our photos and he confirmed my thoughts that it was a Female PAINTED BUNTING. (Thanks Ron for your input) I'll try and get the photos posted as soon as I can. Dave Brown Mitchell ON Directions: Bird was last seen headed into the Manitou Park elementary school grounds just off of Wiber St. >From downtown in the Soo heading east on Trans-Canada 17 ...turn left onto Adeline Ave...then left onto Anna St. and right onto Wiber St. School's on the left. >From Sudbury...headed west on Trans-Canada 17 into the Soo..turn right onto Adeline Ave...then left onto Anna St. and right onto Wiber St. School's on the left. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Directions to Black-bellied Whistling-Duck - posting guidelines
Birders I can understand that posting from a hand-held device can be awkward but Ontbirds Posting Guidelines ask for directions with every post. It might be an idea to review how to use your phone before chasing a bird. Regardless of software or operating system, all devices have copy and paste capabilities. It is really disappointing to end up in the field with a printout that refers to previous emails. Ontbirds posting guidelines are sent to every new subscriber but they can also be read on the web at the Ontario Field Ornithologists' website at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php Directions: (from earlier post) From the west end of Picton at the traffic lights take Lake Street fromthe LCBO and follow south (Lake Street becomes County Road 10) to CherryValley. At the Stop sign in Cherry Valley, turn left and follow C.R. 10 for another 6 km to Milford. Upon reaching Milford, turn left at the Stop sign, then right again at the post office in Milford, and continue on C.R. 10 for about 2 km. and the ponds are on the bend of the highway almost across from the intersection of Royal Road. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] BB Whistling-Duck Yes
Posting for Don Shanahan whose Blackberry is not subscribed to Ontbirds As reported by Dave Okines yesterday, a Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is swimming in two farm ponds about 2km south of Milford. Don't be confused by the large pond right in Milford. The duck has a wild look in its eyes and keeps looking apprehensively south. Don Shanahan Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Rondeau Migration Report May 1
Posting for Steve LaForest Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide Hello Ontbirders. The Rondeau Provincial Park spring birding program will run from Saturday May 1 through to Victoria Day. There will be daily Bird Hikes and a Birders' Breakfast. The star of the show today was a Prothonotary Warbler. It "fell out" at the Visitor Centre feeders during a brief thunderstorm this morning. Also present there was a Lincoln's Sparrow, an Orchard Oriole, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a number of Baltimore Orioles. A Summer Tanager was well-seen on Bennett Road. Five Purple Finches were also seen there. Other good warblers included Blue-winged, Northern Parula, Tennessee and Cape May on Spicebush Trail. Eleven species of warblers had been reported today by noon. The Bird Hike schedule has been changed slightly from last year. I will lead a guided hike twice daily from Saturday May 1 to Monday May 24, inclusive (fee $5), as follows: Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursday at 7:30 am and 1:00 pm Tuesday and Friday at 7:30 am and 7:00 pm; Wednesday at 7:30 am. All of the 7:30 am and 1:00 pm hikes listed above will meet at the Visitor Centre. The 7:00 pm hikes will meet at the entrance to the Marsh Trail. A second hike on Wednesday at 1:00 pm will meet at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons. New for this year, permits for the Sewage Lagoons will be available from the Rondeau Visitor Centre More information on the park's nature programs and the Friends of Rondeau is available at the Friends' website: www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca. Directions: Take exit 101 from Highway 401 and drive South 16 km on Chatham Kent Road 15. Turn right and follow the signs to the park. The Bird Sightings Book, Bird Sightings Board and other relevant information are located at the Visitor Centre (open 7:00 am to 5:00 pm from May 1 - 24. To reach the Visitor Centre from the park Gate, travel 6 km South on Rondeau Road to Gardiner Ave., then follow it around the bend to the parking lot. Steve LaForest Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide c/o Rondeau Visitor Centre (519) 674-1768 -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Point Pelee National Park Migration Update for May 1, 2010
Posting for Friends of Point Pelee Mild temperatures and thundershowers greeted birders first thing this morning. Perhaps because of this changing weather birds seemed to be especially active, only resting briefly at the top of trees before moving on. Many birds were observed flying south off the tip. Nevertheless, many new arrivals were evident at the tip. At least 3 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS could be seen flying back and forth. Also evident were BALTIMORE AND ORCHARD ORIOLES. Less obvious were the ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS, but they remained more stationary offering longer views. Also observed at the Tip were several WARBLING VIREOS, A WHITE-EYED VIREO AND BLUE-HEADED VIREO. Mixed in were a single CAPE MAY WARBLER, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, EASTERN KINGBIRD, AND LEAST FLYCATCHER. At the very tip was a “NELSON’S GULL” (HERRING X GLAUCOUS GULL HYBRID), CASPIAN TERN, COMMON TERN AND BONAPARTE’S GULL. Two SAVANNAH SPARROWS and a single FIELD SPARROW flitted nearby on the beach. Elsewhere in the Park, a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was report west of the Visitor Centre (close to the west beach), 2 WHITE-EYED VIREO’S and a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER were reported from Post Woods. A single OVENBIRD was observed from the Woodland Nature Trail and KENTUCKY WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, BLUE-WINGED WARBLER and NORTHERN PARULA were all reported from Blue Heron. Outside the Park 130 Willet (an impressive number) and 8 MARBLED GODWIT were reported from Hillman Marsh on April 30, 2010.They have not been reported yet today. Good Birding, Hike Leaders Pete, Karl, Todd, Justin, Marianne, John and Jeremy FESTIVAL OF BIRDS MAY 1 THROUGH MAY 16, 2010 Point Pelee National Park of Canada and Friends of Point Pelee For more information on the festival, please check out friendsofpointpelee.com -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] April 2010 issue of Ontario Birds
Posting for Chip Weseloh editor of Ontario Birds the Journal of the Ontario Field Ornithologists Volume 28(1) of Ontario Birds will be appearing soon. It has a full compliment of 56 pages, including four major articles and one note. The lead article is on historical trends and recent surveys of Forster's Terns in Southern Ontario by Dave Moore and colleagues; it is accompanied by a cover painting of that species by Barry Kent McKay. The second article deals with the reproductive success and band returns of American Kestrels in agricultural landscapes in southern Ontario; it is by Kimberly O'Hare and colleagues. The third article is on Ontario's recovering population of Peregrine Falcons; it reports on a province-wide survey in 2005. It is written by Ted Armstrong and Brian Ratcliff. The final article is on a roosting site of Great Egrets at Wheatley, Ontario; it documents numbers of egrets, direction of arrival and possible places of origin. It's by Chip Weseloh and colleagues. The last item in this issue is a note on the hunting behaviour of Snowy Owls at Long Point (Lake Erie) by Stu Mackenzie. It's an exciting issue !! -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Eurasian wigeon--Cranberry east--Mar.28
Posting for Doug Lockrey Dan Kaczynski just phoned me to say that, at noonhour, from the east platform of Cranberry Marsh in southwest Whitby (not the tall platform) there is a EUROPEAN WIGEON--noonhour of Sunday, Mar.28. Park car in the Lynde Shores parking lot, walk down the roadway to the marshland. Doug Lockrey, Whitby -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Tundra Swans near Grand Bend
Afraid I can't figure who is attempting to send this message but it makes sense. The tundra swans are here now 5-7000. Location Hwy 21 north from Grand Bend. Left at Greenway Rd. Bog , some on onion fields. Proceed to ausable river bridge, fields on right many birds. Travel to Greenway Rd. turn right & follow Parkhill road. The Web. Site to look at for information is Lambton Heritage Museum Grand Bend -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] CBC Appreciation
I don't normally do this but I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Christmas Bird Count season. Thank you especially to all the Christmas Bird Count compilers who submitted their preliminary results to ONTBIRDS. My rough count of reports has 43 different CBCs reporting to ONTBIRDS. The insight provided by these reports help all of us gain a better understanding of seasonal bird patterns across the province. Thank you. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Port Burwell CBC Dec 20 2009
POSTING FOR ADRIAN JUURLINK - questions, comments to family_juurl...@yahoo.ca Hallo Ontbirders. Yesterday (Dec 20 th) with the help of 45 participating counters (Including 9 counters from surrounding aria clubs) completed our 4 th annual Christmas Bird Count Weather : minus 5 to 0 degrees C, wind light in early am West 5-10 kpm picking up to 15 kpm in the pm varying from W to NW Snow cover none,Moving water open Still water frozen Lake open Our preliminary numbers with still 2 sectors and feeders to report are: Best Birds White- Winged Scoter(1) Killdeer (2) Pied-Billed Grebe (1) Cackling Goose (1) Kingfisher (1) Red-Headed Woodpecker (1) Tufted Titmouse (2) High Counts: Bald Eagle (9) Bonaparte's Gulls (1740) Red-bellied Hairy,and Downy Woodpeckers White and Red Breasted Nuthatch,Brown Creeper,Carolina and Winter Wren,Tree Field and Swamp Sparrow,Junco and Cardinals Low Counts Eastern Bluebird,Snowbuntings,Redwing Blackbirds Countweek special Sandhill Cranes (97) and Turkey Vulture (1) Total number of species recorded 81 (High) Happy Birding Adrian Juurlink CBC Compiler ONPV Otter Valley Naturalist E-Mail family_juurl...@yahoo.ca -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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] Fifty Point Barn Owl in rehab
Posting for Jim Thomson. Inquiries probably should be made to the Owl Foundation at owlm...@sympatico.ca In regards to Cheryl Edgecombe’s report last Friday of the female Barn Owl at Fifty Point Conservation Area: We had photographed the owl on the previous Sunday and went back three days later, but had no luck with a second sighting. Following Cheryl’s report, and a conflicting report we received from Bird Studies Canada (to whom we reported the Nov. 8 sighting), we emailed the Owl Foundation and received the following update from Owl Foundation zoologist Annick Gionet Rollick: The owl is indeed at The Owl Foundation (it was rescued by TOF staff Friday morning) and will need to be examined by a veterinarian ophthalmologist. The initial "report" was an on-site assessment on her condition. Upon retrieval it was noted that she had no broken bones and was in fair body condition with no other serious signs of trauma. However once she was fully examined at our facility she was showing signs of neurological damage and possible eye trauma. Wild owls will often do their best when threatened to appear healthy so as to deter any thoughts of predation. Once they feel they are alone in a quiet area away from danger they will show their true "colours". The barn owl is having difficulties with her coordination and her eyes are not responding properly to light conditions. This is often a sign of head trauma. Her prognosis at this time cannot be determined. If you would like further updates feel free to contact us again. Also, if possible could you please post an update on Bird Studies Canada? There has been lots of interest in this particular owl which has generated many phone calls and emails. -- Jim Thomson Director of Photography Toronto Sun 333 King St. E. Toronto ON M5A 3X5 -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranf...@ofo.ca 905 279 9576 ___ 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/
