[Ontbirds] Lanark Highlands CBC
I am posting the following on behalf of Cliff Bennett: Summary Results of 13th Annual Lanark Highlands Christmas Bird Count Centred on Watsons Corners, Lanark County, Wed., Dec. 30, 2015 Weather was mild with much snow on the ground and snow heavy in the trees. Lots of open water. Total species counted 40, almost breaking the record of 42 species from 2012. Total Birds Counted 3023, well down from record count of 4276 in 2010 Many record highs – Common Loon (2 -up one from 2004 -not seen since then) Common Goldeneye (9 - up from 3 in 2003) Common Merganser (77 -up from 7 in 2013) Hooded Merganser (13 -up from 1 in 2011) Merlin (1 -equalling one in 2008 and 2011) Common Grackle (4 -up from 2 in 2008) New to the count Circle: Snow Geese (177); Red-winged Blackbirds (16) Seen during count week 4 Bald Eagles and 1 Northern Shrike. Low for the count were Ruffed Grouse, Blue Jays, Common Raven, Snow Buntings There were no waxwings, grosbeaks, kinglets, Participants: Field counters 31, Young naturalists 2, Feeder counters 8 Michael Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Lanark Highlands CBCResults
Forwarding on behalf of Cliff Bennett: 2014 Lanark Highlands Bird Count Records Lowest Numbers 12th year of the annual Lanark Highlands Christmas Bird Count, Dec. 30. Results recorded 2640 birds. Compare this to the highest count on record, in 2010, when 4276 birds were counted. The average count is 3574 so the 2014 count was almost 1000 birds below average. This year’s count of 34 species showed the 2nd lowest number of species since the count began in 2003. The highest year was to date was in 2012 with 42 species recorded. An average number of 32 counters in the field (7 fewer field counters than last year) and 18 feeder counters (one fewer feeder counter than last year). Low results can be attributed to the weather; no snow cover, high pressure zone and brilliant sunlight and fewer counters. In spite of the low count, two records were achieved; 14 pileated woodpeckers seen was two more than the 12 found last year and in 2007. 115 white breasted nuthatches were counted, 14 more than the record so far in 2009. Even with much open water, only Canada geese were recorded. During Count week though, two common mergansers and a black duck were sighted. Wild turkeys were very low (98), well below the average of 162. No purple finches or pine grosbeaks or waxwings were seen or heard this year and only six snow buntings were recorded. There were no owls spotted on Count day although a barred owl was counted during Count week. Almost all species counted were below average in numbers but hairy woodpeckers, cardinals and blue jays were above average in numbers. The Feeder Counts were down by over a third with only 797 birds from 1524 counted in 2012. Important bird species listed during Count week included common merganser, black duck, great blue heron and a barred owl. Sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists. Radius centered on Watson's Corners. Count organizer Marilyn Barnett, mvab...@superaje.com ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Solitary Sandpiper near Lanark
Posting for Cliff Bennett: A Solitary Sandpiper has been seen for at least three days in the Mississippi River west of Lanark Village, Lanark County. Photographs have been circulated. Directions: >From Lanark Village, take County Rd 12 towards McDonalds Corners to just >before Playfairville. Turn right on Iron Mine Road and continue on this road >until you get to the river by the two bridges. Or, from Perth, take 511 north to Balderson, West on County Rd 7, through Fallbrook to Playfairville and County Rd. 12. Turn right on 12, over the bridge and left on Iron Mine Rd. The bird has been seen foraging along the edge of the ice, just a dozen metres down from the bridges. Michael Jaques Carleton Place ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Common Nighthawks - Carleton Place
Hi, This evening we had a loose flock of 20, maybe 24, Common Nighthawks over Carleton Place. At 7.30 they were moving south from the centre of town over Napoleon and Sarah Streets. Then they seemed to head back into town before heading southwest about 15 minutes later. Carleton Place is off Highway 7, about 40 kms west of Ottawa. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Fire-fronted Serin at Prince Edward Point
Hi Ontbirders, At Prince Edward Point on Friday, Joyce and I found a bird that we couldn’t identify along the stony track that runs between the road and the lake between Traverse Woods and the banding station. We first saw it at 11.45 am and last saw it at 2.15 pm when we left. I took lots of photos, although none of good quality. Back at home I puzzled over the bird and told Terry Sprague about it. The bird was sparrow size and looked to me a bit like a Lark Bunting between plumages, but it had a red patch on the front of its head, somewhat similar to a Redpoll. The bird was eating dandelion seeds in the middle of and at the edges of the track. Stephane Menu, the head bander at Prince Edward, saw one of my photos and thought the bird was probably an escapee. I am told the bird was seen again on Saturday, closer to the woods. Today I found a picture in a Middle East field guide. It breeds in the Caucasus and the higher mountains of Turkey and Iran. It was formerly known as the Red-fronted Serin. Wikipedia says it is a popular cage bird and escapees are occasionally found throughout Europe, so the bird is obviously an escapee. Despite not being countable, it was an interesting bird to see. Directions: Prince Edward Point is southeast of Picton in Prince Edward County. Follow County Road 10 from Milford, or County Road 13 from Black River Cheese, and follow for 17 km to the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Snow Geese near Winchester
Today we saw Snow Geese in a field WEST of Winchester. They were seen from the north side of Co. Rd. 43, about 2 kms west of the Inkerman/Ridell Rd intersection, opposite the New Holland farm equipment dealer. There were about 500 and they were about half a km away. Directions from Ottawa: South on Bank Street to Co. Rd. 43 near Winchester and go west, OR south on Hwy 416 to Co. Rd. 43 at Kemptville and go east. Later we saw a few hundred snow geese at the previously-reported Morewood/Cayer Rd location. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Lanark Highlands CBC
Posting on behalf of Marilyn Barnett. Summary Results of 10th Annual Lanark Highlands Christmas Bird Count, held Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. Count is centred on the village of Watson's Corners in the Township of Lanark Highlands, Lanark County. Weather was cold with much deep snow on the ground and snow very heavy in the trees. Total Species counted 40, tying the previous record of 40 species seen in 2010. Total Birds counted 4047 , slightly lower than record of 4276 in 2010. Record highs: Bald Eagle (15), Common Raven (74), Common Redpoll (1,111), House Sparrow (206). New to the Count circle: Golden Eagle (1) and Red-bellied Woodpecker (1). Two Red Crossbills appeared at a local feeder during Count week but were not there on Count day. Records were equalled for: Sharp-shinned Hawk (2) and House Finch (12). Submitted by Marilyn Barnett, Count Organizer. ___ 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] Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - Ottawa
Ontbirders, At about 3 p.m. a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was discovered west of Ottawa, near Carp, by Georgina Doe and Lynda Bennett. It was subsequently seen by Mike & Joyce Jaques and then by Ben diLabio. It was still there when we left at 4.30 p.m. Directions: >From exit 155 on Hwy 417 drive northeast on March Road for about 1 km. Turn >right on Diamondview. The bird was on the fence line about 200 meters on the >left. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Gray Partridges, Kanata
Tuesday afternoon at 3.30 pm we saw the 9 Gray Partridges not far from where they have been seen previously at the Kanata Centrum Mall. Directions: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west and exit on Terry Fox Drive north. Then turn left on Campeau. Turn right onto the dirt road behind Canadian Tire and drive to the end. The partridges were within the fenced City of Ottawa property that contains two small brick buildings (we saw one bird go under the fence). They were probably also visible from the Play It Again Sports parking lot on Terry Fox. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Lanark Highlands CBC
Posting on behalf of Cliff Bennett, compiler: Summary Results of 9th Annual Lanark Highlands Christmas Bird Count, held Friday, Dec. 30, 2011. Lanark Highlands CBC is centred on the village of Watsons Corners in Lanark County. Weather was cold with much snow on the ground and the trees. Total Species counted: 40, equal to record set last year. Total Birds counted: 3903 (record was 4276). New to the count: Hooded Merganser Ring-billed Gull Belted Kingfisher. Record highs: Common Raven -56 American Robin -105 American Tree Sparrow -150 Dark-eyed Junco –142 White-winged Crossbill –153 American Goldfinch –1086. Low counts: woodpeckers, chickadees, snow buntings and zero house sparrows. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Golden-Plovers on Amherst Island
This afternoon we walked out to the gravel bar on the KFN property at the east end of Amherst Island. We saw the following shorebirds: 3 American Golden-Plovers 50+ Black-bellied Plovers 2 Semipalmated Plovers 20+ Dunlin 20+ Sanderlings Most of the shorebirds took flight when 70+ Bonaparte's Gulls landed, but they soon returned. Directions: Amherst Island is accessed by ferry from Millhaven, leaving every hour on the half hour. The charge is now $9 per vehicle. The Kingston Field Naturalists' property on the east end of Amherst Island is only open to KFN members and their guests due to liability concerns. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Common Nighthawks, Carleton Place
This evening, from a high spot at the end of our road, I counted 35 Common Nighthawks over the south-west fringe of Carleton Place, hunting back and forth and slowly moving off to the south-west. This is by far the most I have seen here. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Least Bittern at Brighton Constructed Wetland
This afternoon while we were walking around the Brighton Wetland a Least Bittern flew up from the south-east corner, flew low over the water and landed out of sight near the middle. Directions: Exit 509 from Hwy 401 into Brighton. Go straight through the traffic lights in Brighton on County Rd 30. The wetland is on the right side after a long curve. Season Permits for entry are required. They can be purchased for $5 at 67 Sharp Rd, or you can go to the Brighton Web site to down load the Wetland form and follow the instructions. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Lanark Highlands CBC
I am posting this on behalf of the compiler, Cliff Bennett. The 8th Lanark Highlands CBC was held Dec. 30 2010. Weather was excellent: cloudy and mild. Number of birds counted: 4275, a record count. Previous record was 4130 in 2008. Number of species found: 37, one less than last year. Record was 40, two years ago. New bird listed this year: American Kestrel. Possible Golden Eagle is being assessed. Records set: Wild Turkey 295; previous 288 last year. Rock Pigeon 276; previous 245 in 2005. Barred Owl 6; previous record 2 in 2007. American Crow 155; previous record 143 in 2003. Golden-crowned Kinglet 14; previous record 5, in 2003. Tied for record is Northern Goshawk (1) and Northern Shrike (4). . Low counts: Mourning Dove 77, down from previous low last year of 98. In spite of all the purple finches reported earlier in the winter, none showed up for the count. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Summer Tanager, Deep River
Hi Ontbirders, This morning we drove to Deep River and the female Summer Tanager was on the feeder when we arrived at about 9.15 am, just as the rain was starting. The homeowner, Allan Symons, said it was first seen at about 8.30 am and has been coming to the feeder for about two weeks. The feeder can be seen from the road and the driveway and the bird allowed us to slowly approach it along the side of the house to a small gate. From the post of Jim Ungrin: 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. Directions: Deep River is about two hours west of Ottawa on Highway 17. Approaching Deep River from the east on Highway 17 turn right on Banting Drive. After passing the hospital turn left on Hillcrest Avenue. The fourth street on the left is LeCaron. No. 20 is on the left. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Lanark Highlands CBC
Sending the following on behalf of the compiler, Cliff Bennett: Lanark Highlands Christmas Bird Count Summary Dec. 30 2009 Number of birds counted 3154; down almost 1000 from last year's record count. Number of species found: 38; down two from last year's record count. New birds listed this year; Northern Flicker, Northern Harrier. Records set: Wild Turkey, 288 (184 in 2008) Cooper's Hawk, 4 (2 found in 2007) Downy Woodpecker, 77 (74 found in 2007) White-breasted Nuthatch, 101 (95 counted in 2004) Purple Finch, 26. (0 last year) Low counts: Evening Grosbeak, 76 (387 counted in 2003) Pine Siskin, 0 (119 in 2005) Common Redpoll, 4 (466 counted in 2007) Cross-bills, 0 and Pine Grosbeaks, 0. Canada Goose, 0 (318 counted in 2006) Mourning Dove, 98 (lowest in 7 yrs) Blue Jay, 224 (lowest in 7 yrs) House Sparrow, 13 (lowest in 7 yrs.) Participants: 31 persons in 13 teams Feeder counters 16 Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Ottawa - Long-billed(?) Dowitchers
Hi, After spending the morning at Shirley's Bay seeing the rarities mentioned by Langis Sirois, I returned in the late afternoon with my wife Joyce. We refound the Nelson's Sparrow, Marbled Godwit and Stilt Sandpiper. We also found two Dowitchers which weren't there in the morning and which we think were Long-billed, but we are not 100% sure. Directions courtesy of Bruce DiLabio: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke. PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Great Egret near Carleton Place
This Saturday morning a Great Egret is being seen in the Scotch Corners area, west of Carleton Place. It has apparently been in the area for about 3 days. Directions: From Ottawa take Hwy 7 west to Carleton Place and continue a few more kms. Turn left (there is a left turn lane) onto the Scotch Corners Road. In about 1 km there is a flooded area on the right side, after #2091, viewable from the road. Yesterday the egret was seen along McCann Rd, which is further along Scotch Corners Rd, on the left. Mike Jaques Carleton Place 613-257-4105 ___ 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] White-winged Crossbills in Carleton Place
Hi All, We have been getting up to 5 (usually 3) White-winged Crossbills, including 2 adult males, on our nyger feeders for several days now. They are there, on and off, at various times during the day. The feeders are behind our house and not visible from the road, so anyone wishing to try for them must phone before coming. Directions: Carleton Place is on Highway 7, about 40 kms west of Ottawa. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place 613-257-4105 ___ 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] Ottawa Area: Northern Hawk Owl
Hi, After seeing the Dunrobin Great Gray Owls at about 5 pm, on our way home we saw a Great Horned Owl on the Thomas Dolan Parkway, on the north side of the ridge. Continuing on our way home we then saw a Northern Hawk Owl on the Upper Dwyer Hill Road, on the west side of the road near the Vaughan Side Road. It was a long way off the road, near the ridge behind house #2151 but we saw it flying and then land and had it in the scope. Perhaps this is the same bird that was seen in the area on Jan 25. Directions: Great Gray Owls: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to exit 138. Follow March Road to Dunrobin Road and turn right. Follow Dunrobin Road to Dunrobin and turn right on Thomas Dolan Parkway. Follow to Greenland Road. Great Horned Owl: As above, but at Dunrobin turn left on Thomas Dolan Parkway. Northern Hawk Owl: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to exit 155. Follow March Road towards Almonte. Turn right on Upper Dwyer Hill Road, follow to Vaughan Side Road and check on the left. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place ___ 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] Lanark Highlands CBC
Forwarding on behalf of Cliff Bennett, compiler of the Lanark Highlands CBC: Summary of 6th Annual Lanark Highlands CBC held Dec. 30. a.. record number of species 40 (37 former record) b.. record number of birds 4130 (4005 former record) Records broken: a.. bald eagle 5 (2) b.. ruffed grouse 24 (10) c.. wild turkey 185 (123) d.. Northern shrike 4 (3) e.. blue jays 498 (401) f.. raven 52 (51) g.. red-breasted nuthatch 53 (51) h.. Bohemian waxwings 511 (380) i.. snow buntings 312 (225) New species for the circle: a.. varied thrush b.. merlin c.. song sparrow d.. Northern flicker e.. white-winged crossbills f.. ring-necked duck g.. brown-headed cowbird Note that the Varied Thrush, previously reported to Ontbirds, was seen on count day. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds] Varied Thrush in Lanark Highlands
A Varied Thrush has been coming to a feeder west of Watson's Corners since Wednesday, at the home of Keith Detloff. It is usually seen in the first and last hour of the day, but today it was seen at noon. It is very skittish and any slight movement sends it away from the feeder. Keth lives at #800 Dalhousie Concession 6. His house is at the end of the road. The bird often flies into two large maples at the road by the laneway. The feeder is up the laneway beside the house. Keith's phone # is 613-278-2386 and he doesn't mind people calling before coming. Directions: To get to Dalhousie Conc. 6 from Ottawa, take Hwy 417 west to exit 155 and take County Road 49 to Almonte. Drive through Almonte and follow Wolf Grove Road (County Rd. 16) to the village of Hopetown. Turn south on County Rd 511 towards Lanark for about five km. and then go west on County Rd 8, through the hamlet of Watson's Corners, and another four km to Dalhousie Conc. 6. Turn south to #800. Alternatively, from the town of Perth on Hwy 7, go north on Co. Rd. 511 through the village of Lanark and then go west on Co. Rd. 8 through Watson's Corners, etc. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Great Gray Owls in Lanark County
Hi Ontbirders, In the last two days there have been two separate Great Gray Owl sightings west of Almonte and Carleton Place. Yesterday (Wednesday) a Great Gray was seen and photographed at about 3 pm on the Upper Perth Road. By 4.30 pm, when we got there, it was gone and it hasn't been seen there today. Today at about 4 pm we were called to see another Great Gray and arrived in time to see it. This one has apparently been coming to the property for a couple of days. It was well off a public road behind a private residence and was viewed from inside. Unfortunately it cannot be seen from the public road and the property owner does not want the location made public. Directions to the Upper Perth Road: From Ottawa take Hwy 7 to Carleton Place. Continue west on Hwy 7 about 11 kms and turn right at the church onto Lanark Rd 15, signposted to Lanark. Travel for 6 kms and turn sharp right onto Upper Perth Road. The owl was seen roughly midway between Concession 10B and Miller Road. MapArt Ontario Road Atlas page 65, U58. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Brant Flight - Prince Edward County
Further to the previous messages about Brant: Yesterday, May 25, we were having lunch at noon along Babylon Rd west of Prince Edward Point when a flock of 150+ flew over. We saw one singing Clay-coloured Sparrow along Babylon Rd and heard another. Directions: Prince Edward Point is the most south-east point of Prince Edward County. Babylon Road is a loop off the south side of the road leading out to the point. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Red-shouldered Hawks - Eastern Ontario
This afternoon we saw Red-shouldered Hawks at two locations in Eastern Ontario. The first was near Wolfe Lake in Frontenac County. The second was near Mississippi Lake in Lanark County. Both were in locations near where we have seen them in previous years, so they may be on territory. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place, ON ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Ottawa - Gray Partridge
After many attempts this winter, at 10.30 am we finally saw two of the Gray Partridge reported previously by Bruce Di Labio at 1655 Maple Grove Road in Kanata. They were at the east end of the garage building on a bare patch of grass beneath a birch tree. To see them we had to drive in the driveway in front of the buildings. On a weekday this would be more difficult due to the city trucks using the garages. Directions: Take Hwy. 417 west from Ottawa to Terry Fox Drive exit #140. Turn left(south) and follow to Maple Grove Road. Turn right and go past the Bell Sensplex (where they have been seen in the past). The City Depot is at 1655 Maple Grove Road. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place, ON ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Yellow-headed Blackbird NE of Cornwall
At about 1.30 we were able to see the previously-reported male Yellow-headed Blackbird come to the feeders near Williamstown. Before lunch we saw the female Red-bellied Woodpecker at the same feeders. DIRECTIONS, courtesy of Jacques Bouvier, (from Cornwall): Take Hwy 401 west of Cornwall to exit 804. Proceed north past Summerstown Station until you get to the stop sign just past the Raisin River bridge. Turn right on Cty Rd 19 towards Williamstown. A couple of kms along, just past the covered bridge (on your right) is 19,275 County Road 19, on the north (left) side of the road. It is a blue house. The owner allows birders to drive up the lane and check out his feeder on the north side of the house. If the weather is lousy the owner will allow birders to walk up into the 2 car garage, up the little set of steps into the sun room and look in comfort from there. Please do not block the driveway. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Lanark Highlands CBC
I am posting this for Cliff Bennett. The 5th Lanark Highlands CBC took place on Sunday December 30th in good weather. There were 37 species and 4005 birds seen, both record highs. Two new species for the count were found: Cedar Waxwing (4) and Common Grackle (1). There were also high counts for eight other species. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Carleton Place CBC Results
The 64th Carleton Place CBC was held on Thursday December 27th. The weather was mild but the snow on the ground was about a foot deep and it started snowing at about 11 a.m. and continued for the rest of the day. 28 field observers and 31 feeder watchers counted 42 species and 5011 birds, both below average. There were no new species found but one record high: Pileated Woodpecker (15). Wild Turkeys were first reported on our count in 2001. We had 158 this year (not a record) but now they are becoming feeder birds - 5 of our 31 feeders reported them. Mike Jaques Carleton Place ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Slaty-backed Gull near Pembroke
Hi Ontbirders, The Slaty-backed Gull was still present at 10.30 this morning, Nov 26, at the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre south of Pembroke. It was standing, sitting and preening in the gully across from the steel bins at the landfill. Directions from previous posts: To enter the landfill as a guest, call ahead (613-735-7537) to the landfill and ask for Elizabeth Graham. She has some rules and wants everyone to check in at the entry office. You wait for the green light and then drive up on the scales to check in. We were instructed to park by the bins and stay in the vehicle. To get to the landfill, drive north of Eganville staying on Hwy 41 for about 14 km., then turn left on B-Line Rd. Go about 2 km. travelling around a curve to the left and at the end of the curve turn left onto County Rd 56, also called Woito Station Road. The landfill is on your right about 3 km. down Cty Rd 56. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Eared Grebes at Alfred Lagoons
Hi Ontbirders, This morning, Oct 31, there were still two Eared Grebes at Alfred Lagoons, mixed in with the Ruddy Ducks. Also some Horned Larks were in the fields nearby and Snow Buntings on the way back to Ottawa. Directions: From Ottawa, take Highway 17 east along the south side of the Ottawa River for about 50 minutes until you reach the town of Alfred. On the east side of town, take Peat Moss Road south for about a kilometre and watch for the sewage lagoon dike on the left hand side. The observation tower can be seen on the east side and there is a small parking lot from which you take a short path to the observation tower. Mike Jaques ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]Loggerhead and Northern Shrikes - Newburgh & Brighton
This morning we saw two LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES together on the Napanee Plain north of Newburgh. A couple of hours later we saw a NORTHERN SHRIKE (which was actually the more southern shrike today) at the Calf Pasture in Presqu'ile Provincial Park. It's the first time we have seen both species on the same day. Directions: For the Napanee Plain take exit 582 from Hwy 401, and County Road 1 to Newburgh. Then turn north on County Road 27. For Presqu'ile take exit 509 from Hwy 401 to Brighton and follow the signs to the park. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place
[Ontbirds]Lanark Highlands CBC
Forwarding on behalf of Cliff Bennett. Lanark Highlands Fourth Annual Christmas Bird Count. Lanark Highlands circle is in the north half of Lanark County. 26 field counters and ten feeder counters found 3194 birds and 33 species (down slightly from last year). Record counts include Canada Goose 318 (2) Rough-legged Hawk 12 (5) Downy Woodpecker 52 (49) American Tree Sparrow 112 (83) Dark-eyed Junco 128 (40) Snow Bunting 225 (151) Northern Cardinal 17 (9) American Goldfinch 421 (276) New to the count American Robin 1 Mallard 2 White-throated Sparrow 2 Organizer and compiler Cliff Bennett [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sponsored by Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists Mike Jaques 18 Morris Street Carleton Place, ON, K7C 4M9
[Ontbirds]Louisiana Waterthrush at Prince Edward Point
Today, May 1, in beautiful weather and no wind we had ten species of warblers in the Prince Edward Point area of Prince Edward County. The highlight was a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH which was on the east side of the causeway at the end of the harbour. The causeway is past the banding station and leads to the lighthouse. Directions: Prince Edward Point is at the south-east tip of Prince Edward County. From Picton take county roads 8, 17 and 16 to Black River. Then follow county road 13 to South Bay and continue until it becomes gravel and keep going until you reach the banding station and harbour. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place
[Ontbirds]Great Gray Owl & Yellow-headed Blackbird east of Ottawa
Between 2 pm and 2.30 we watched a Great Gray Owl at #1637 Mte. Gagnon, east of Limoges. This is presumably the same bird that has been reported in the area since January 22. At first it was in a tree near the garage and then it flew to the top of the swing set in the back yard. Both locations easily seen from the road. It was still there when we left. Between 3 pm and 3.30 we saw the previously-reported Yellow-headed Blackbird (but not the Boreal Chickadee) south of Limoges at and near #23 Manitou St.. Directions from Ottawa: Take 417 east and get off at exit #79. For the Great Gray Owl turn left (north) on County Rd 5 and head toward the Ultramar gas station. Just before the Ultramar turn right (east) on Rte 300. After crossing the tracks turn left on Mte Gagnon. For the Yellow-headed Blackbird go south on County Rd 5 and turn left (east) on Rte 500 at the stop sign. Then turn right at the fourth street which is Manitou. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place, ON
[Ontbirds]Lanark Highlands CBC
The following is from Cliff Bennett, compiler of the Lanark Highlands CBC, which is centred on the village of Watson's Corners, NW of Lanark Village in Lanark County: The 3rd Annual Lanark Highlands Christmas Bird Count took place on Friday, Dec. 30. The weather was mild, with partly sunny skies and little or no winds. However, the back country roads were very icy and getting out to walk was downright treacherous. The count yielded a lower tally than last year, probably much to do with the icy walking conditions. Twenty-five counters took to the field and recorded 36 different species , one more than last year’s record. However, the total number of individual birds was over 400 fewer than last year. The real success story though, was the count from eleven different feeder observers spread around the circles. They listed 719 birds, up about 350 from last year’s count. Three new species for the count were recorded; a goshawk, two Canada geese and a red-breasted merganser. One species conspicuous by its absence was the great gray owl and significantly lower scores than last year were listed for ruffed grouse, hairy woodpecker, blue jays, crows, chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, Bohemian waxwings and pine grosbeaks. New records were set for wild turkeys (100), rock pigeons, red-breasted nuthatches, juncoes, pine siskins, American goldfinch and house sparrows. Mike Jaques Carleton Place
[Ontbirds]Carleton Place CBC
The 62nd Carleton Place CBC was held on Tuesday, December 27th. Totals of 47 species and 7473 birds (both above average) were counted by 39 field observers and 31 feeder operators. There was more open water than usual. There were no new species. Highlights were: First American Black Duck since 1995 Second-only Golden Eagle (first was in 1997) Second-only Carolina Wren (first was in 1975) New record high counts: Common Goldeneye (64) (previous high 43 in 1991) Wild Turkey (169) (previous high 72 last year) Black-capped Chickadee (1320) (previous high 1230 in 1994) Others: Bohemian Waxwing (850) Snow Bunting (1123) Red-winged Blackbird (2) Pine Grosbeak (27) Evening Grosbeak (97) Mike Jaques Carleton Place
[Ontbirds]Northern Hawk Owl near Brockville
Hi Ontbirders, At 3.15 pm while driving we spotted a Northern Hawk Owl in a tree beside the road. We turned around and stopped and had a good look at it. It then flew to the top of a pole. Directions: From exit 696 on Hwy 401 at Brockville take County Road 29 north-west about 18 kms, past Addison. The bird was on the east side between Peterson Road and Dixie Road, south of house #9073. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place
[Ontbirds]Rainy River Area
We have just returned from a driving trip out west. This info is not very current but may still be of interest. We travelled both ways via Fort Frances and Rainy River and used the "Birding in the Rainy River Area" article by David Elder in the OFO magazine "Ontario Birds", vol 22, number 3, December 2004 to spend a few hours birding there. Highlights on Sept 8 were: Black-billed Magpie (several) - Hwy 602 near Fort Frances Western Sandpiper (3) - Emo Lagoons Brewer's Blackbird - Hwy 11 near Rainy River Highlights on Sept 16, all on Wilson Creek Road near Rainy River were: Le Conte's Sparrow (several) Harris's Sparrow Sedge Wren (2) Connecticut Warbler Directions: For Wilson Creek Road take Hwy 600 north off Hwy 11 at Rainy River and after about 10km turn left. The article listed above contains great directions and maps. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place, ON
[Ontbirds]Eurasian Wigeon at Presqu'ile
Hi Ontbirders, We saw the previously-reported Eurasian Wigeon this morning at about 10.00 am. It was in front of 22 Bayshore Road. Directions: To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, exit Highway 401 to Brighton and 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. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place, ON
[Ontbirds]Algonquin Park - Three-toed & Black-backed Woodpeckers
This morning we found the following in Algonquin Park: Three-toed Woodpecker, male - near the gate on Opeongo Lake Rd, north of km 46.3 Black-backed Woodpecker, male - working on pole #77 at km 53 on Hwy 60 Gray Jay (1) - near the gate on Opeongo Lake Rd, north of km 46.3 Pine Grosbeak (2) - at the entrance to the Spruce Bog boardwalk at km 42.5 Evening Grosbeak (2) - at the Visitor Centre at km 43 Common Redpoll (1) - at the Visitor Centre at km 43 Redwing Blackbird (1) - at the Visitor Centre at km 43 No Spruce Grouse, Boreal Chickadee or Crossbills Directions: Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on Highway 400. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers on Highway 60 in the park go from the West Gate (km 0) to the East Gate (km 56). Permits and information are available daily at both gates throughout the winter. The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Birders are welcome to observe the Visitor Centre feeders and ask staff about recent sightings during the week, as well. Mike & Joyce Jaques Carleton Place, ON
