[Ontbirds] 99th Hamilton Christmas Bird Count Report
The 99th Hamilton Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was held on Thursday, December 26 in Hamilton, Ontario. The Hamilton CBC count circle centres upon Dundurn Castle; it is bounded in the west by Christie Lake, in the east by Lake Ontario, in the north by Lake Medad, and in the south by Hamilton International Airport. It includes two Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBAs): West End of Lake Ontario (WELO) IBA, and Dundas Valley & Dundas Marsh IBA. The weather on count day was cool and damp. It was overcast, with the thermometer ranging between 0°C and 3°C, humidity near 100%, and a very light and brief misting rain on a couple occasions. Light winds began from the east but shifted north by the end of the day. A record-setting one hundred and nine participants either set out to count in the field or watch birdfeeders, with twenty-two counters working alone and the rest forming a total thirty different groups. A total of 359.75 hours effort was put in by the participants (also a record high), with a resulting 97 different species observed, plus another 4 on the count week, giving a result of 101 species countable. This is only slightly below both the 10-year (103.8 species) and 25-year (102.3 species) averages. A total of 37,165 individual birds were counted on the count day. This is 11,034 below the 10-year average and 25,598 below the 25-year average. It is only 802 above the lowest year in the last 40 years. The lower count numbers can be partly explained by the lack of cover ice over the waterways. In years where ice is prevalent there tends to be much higher concentrations of waterfowl in our count circle. Waterfowl numbers do not explain it all, however, as passerine species counted at 12,164 represent a new 25-year low. Raptor species counted at 139 individuals represents a low not seen since 1999, which had 92 counted. Another "low" record set was the complete absence of the Green-winged Teal. This represents the first count day in the modern count (since the circle was standardized in 1955) that did not have this species found. It was also not found during count week, making this species a complete miss this year. A total of seven historical high species counts were set this year. In spite of the low waterfowl numbers, three of these records are of duck species. The White-winged Scoters showed up in plentiful numbers, with a counted total of 1,604, almost 500 more than the previous record set in 2016. Red-breasted Mergansers had a strong showing with 781 counted, nearly 200 over the historic record last set in 2009. Barrow's Goldeneye made its 7th appearance in the Hamilton count, but with just one individual counted ties with all the previous appearances. What makes this year different however, was the additional appearance of a hybrid Barrow's x Common Goldeneye. One could say this sets a new record at 1.5 Barrow's Goldeneyes, however I don't think the CBC database will accept this count, so will be left at one. Another species with a similar pattern of appearances, Kumlien's Gull, made a solo appearance, tying the record of one again. Currently this taxon is considered a sub-species of Iceland Gull however, so did not count towards the species count as it would have long ago. Gray Catbirds were found in multiple locations, with a total count of 4 individuals. This species shows up once and a while, usually as lone individuals, but until this year were never more than 2 counted in the entire circle. Common Raven set a record yet again, this year at 6 counted individuals. This species first appeared in 2003, and has only been missed once in the last 10 years of the count, making it a new regular. Two perennial record-setters have shown no signs of slowing down. Red-bellied Woodpeckers have set another record at 115 counted. This species first appeared in the 1979 count, but didn't truly begin to establish until the 2000s. Since 2001, it has not missed a year. Carolina Wren have hit a new record of 122 counted, showing now in all parts of the circle. This species has appeared in the count nonstop since 1994. Prior to that it had always been something found in very small numbers every few years. A lone Marsh Wren was found on count day near Eramosa Karst Conservation Area, representing the first one found on count day since 1982. Also of note, the Winter Wren, while only matching a 10-year record of 25 counted, has appeared in far more locations than usual. Typically found in Hendrie Valley and Cootes in good numbers, those locations reported lower than usual numbers. Instead, the species this year appeared in small numbers fairly evenly across the circle. Ten-year high count records were set with the following species: Redhead (284), Common Goldeneye (3,117), Common Merganser (2,060), Downy Woodpecker (248), Hairy Woodpecker (103), Northern Flicker (11), and Song Sparrow (46). Conversely, ten-year lows were set with: American Black Duck (137), American Coot
[Ontbirds] Dundas IBA Survey 3 Report
The third Dundas IBA Bird Survey was conducted on May 11, 2019. The weather was very cooperative, and while the temperature only reached a high of 12°C, the winds were calm and sun was shining in the morning, followed by an overcast afternoon and evening. This survey, which can also be more lengthily referred to as a “Dundas Valley & Dundas Marsh Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA) Survey” was conducted exclusively within natural lands found inside the boundary of the IBA, which in short covers the Dundas Valley from Summit Muskeg through to Spencer Creek into Cootes Paradise, extending to Burlington Heights. To read more about this IBA, see https://www.ibacanada.ca/site.jsp?siteID=ON005. For those familiar with the Christmas Bird Counts, this survey followed a similar methodology, but did not include urban areas or backyard birdfeeders. Lists are submitted and compiled via eBird. In this first cycle of counts going from 2018 through 2022, we aim to have one complete survey per calendar month, for a total of 12 surveys. These are normally scheduled in a 5-month stagger, but our planned April count posed dangerous weather (all day wind & rain, 0°C high) so we decided to postpone and have our May survey this year. In 2021, we will substitute our originally scheduled May count as an April one instead to make up for this. This count included 9 core volunteer counters who impressively covered an immense area with small numbers. No doubt peak birding season is hard to schedule an assigned count for, but nonetheless we covered the most important zones, resulting in a total of 21 checklists. A total of 3388 birds were counted, with 128 species (plus 5 other taxa) identified in the 21 zones. Of the six "criteria species" (species that have at one time been present in significant numbers within the IBA) that occur within the spring season, only one was observed — the Chimney Swift (19). This is not very surprising as those species on the list are a mix of very rare and hard-to-find species, and some may not have arrived yet on breeding territory. Our top-twelve species for Survey 3 were: Red-winged Blackbird (451), Blue Jay (238), Tree Swallow (137), Yellow Warbler (124), American Goldfinch (106), Song Sparrow (104), American Robin (102), Baltimore Oriole (101), Barn Swallow (98), Canada Goose (96), Common Grackle (86), Black-capped Chickadee (85). The only repeat species from the top twelve of both previous surveys are American Robin and Black-capped Chickadee. There were 6 species with greater than 80% distribution for reported zones: Song Sparrow (95%), American Robin (86%), Blue Jay (81%), American Goldfinch (81%), Northern Cardinal (81%). A total of 69 species were seen in only 20% or fewer lists, which is understandable considering this is a survey during peak migration for a large number of species. Of those, 32 species were highly localized, only occurring on one checklist: Trumpeter Swan, Gadwall, Greater Scaup, Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Common Nighthawk, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, American Bittern, Great Egret, Broad-winged Hawk, Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, American Kestrel, Yellow-throated Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Horned Lark, Purple Martin, Bank Swallow, Brown Creeper, Purple Finch, Vesper Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Orchard Oriole, Rusty Blackbird, Hooded Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Canada Warbler, Scarlet Tanager. There are 38 species that have occurred in all three surveys so far, with 20 of them occurring with a double-digit minimum on every count, marking them as fairly reliable spring/summer/fall species for the Dundas IBA: Canada Goose, Mallard, Rock Pigeon,Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Blue Heron, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, American Robin, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, American Goldfinch, Northern Cardinal. When we do our first winter survey next February, this may whittle down a bit. Some highlights of the survey include: Our first and only American Bittern of any survey was observed in Cootes Paradise waterways. An early and evidently very hungry solo Common Nighthawk was found and photographed mid-day catching insects at Slote Marsh. On survey day Cootes Paradise was host to a minimum of 7 Bald Eagles -- counters did count a combined total of 12 within close proximity at different times of day so we're adjusting to highest counted by one counter to prevent overlaps. A lone Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was observed at Rock Chapel, likely a late migrant. An American Kestrel was spotted at Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area. The Cootes Paradise waterways also revealed a Yellow-throated Vireo, and Hooded Warbler. Pine Siskin has still not missed a single survey, with 3 observed total this time, split between Dundas Valley CA and Crooks'
[Ontbirds] Golden-winged Warblers, MacGregor Pt Park, Port Elgin
Have 2 singing males at 2015 Richardson Rd. The two rarely overlap their singing, making me think there was just one and maybe a second that I saw the first chasing for a bit. But I briefly heard an overlap of two songs, one each side of the road. Also was a Red-headed Woodpecker here which was what I was following when I found these two! It’s the first one I’ve seen at this site. Sent from my iPhone ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] 98th Hamilton Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Results
The 98th Hamilton Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was held on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 in Hamilton, Ontario. The Hamilton CBC count circle centres upon Dundurn Castle, and is bounded in the west by Christie Lake, in the east by Lake Ontario, in the north by Lake Medad, and in the south by Hamilton International Airport. It includes two Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBAs): West End of Lake Ontario (WELO) IBA, and Dundas Valley & Dundas Marsh IBA. The weather on count day was quite novel for the Hamilton CBC, in that the weather was decent for once! With partly sunny weather and a high of 2°C, and light winds from the WSW, no counters had major complaints about the weather. Eighty-nine counters broke into fourty-seven parties, spending just under 318 hours-effort (a historic high) exploring sixty zones to net 96 observed species on count day, plus another 5 during the count week, totaling a result of 101 species countable. This is 4 below the 25-year average, but 2 above the 50-year average. This count saw efforts from two forms of transport not seen in the count in recent memory: by bike, and by canoe. Much of Hamilton downtown core on count day was covered by bicycle, while an even warmer day during the count week netted a count-week species in Cootes Paradise by canoe. The sum of all birds counted on the count day was 45,306 individuals. This is 7,896 below the 10-year average, 18,331 below the 25-year average, and 19,392 below the 50-year average. While overall population numbers are below average, this was a record-setting year in a surprising number of ways. As a consequence of all the new set records included within, this may very well be a count report of record-setting length... An exceptional thirteen historical high species count records were either set or tied, including two new species never seen before in the count. This translates to roughtly one in every eight of species seen this year had a historic record-high year, in a nearly century-long count! First off, 20 Pileated Woodpeckers were counted, breaking the 2004 record of 14. Five of them were noted in one zone, and the rest as singles and pairs spread across forested areas. It is very good news to see this species on the incline, as individuals of this species require large amounts of mature forest. Belted Kingfisher saw a tie in the 1971 record of 13 counted. No doubt the lack of ice in the waterways so far this winter has allowed more of these birds to fish in the local streams and waterways with ease. A total of 58 Eastern Bluebirds were observed, breaking the 2011 record of 52. A record 25 Cooper's Hawks were observed, beating the 2010 record of 23 counted. Cackling Goose has seen a new high of 8 counted, though it has only been considered a species seperate from Canada Goose for just over a decade so it does not have as long of a history to compete with as other species do. Turkey Vulture saw a record of 3 individuals seen, all flying over the Dundas & west Hamilton area. For the second year in a row we have set a record of Bald Eagles observed, with a total of 14 counted. Double-crested Cormorant hit a count of 140, beating the 2015 record of 110. Once again the Carolina Wren has set a record, with 111 individuals counted. This species showed up in big numbers in many zones, as well as being present at many feeders and new zones this year. Two Gray Catbirds were found, one which had been known to be in Mt Albion Conservation Area for a while, as well as another in Stoney Creek. Two Orange-crowned Warblers were found in separate locations, setting a record count for this rare winter warbler. The final two record highs are single individuals, both also being new species to our count: Fish Crow, and Eurasian Collared-Dove. Remarkably, both represent species that are expanding their range into Southern Ontario and are not happenstance vagrants like most new species added to the list usually are. In addition to these historical records set, two 25-year records and five 10-year record highs were set. Great Blue Heron was counted at 21, and House Sparrow was counted at 3,030 -- both being 25-year highs. Ten-year records broken include: Snowy Owl (3), Bufflehead (529), Rock Pigeon (3,951), White-breasted Nuthatch (280), Hairy Woodpecker (97). Some record lows of note were set as well. Much like many other Ontario Christmas Bird Counts this year, there was a dearth American Tree Sparrows; furthermore to that however, we have set a historic low of 106. Other lows of note: Trumpter Swan (52, 10y low), American Kestrel (4, 50y low), Northern Flicker (2, 10y low), European Starling (2,212, 50y low), Dark-eyed Junco (602, 10y low). It should also be noted that native passerines (perching birds) in general saw a 10-year record low, with only 6,170 counted. In addition to the above records, a couple milestones of note were met: this year saw us count our 1 millionth waterfowl since the standard circle was
[Ontbirds] Eastern Meadowlark ( Raven)- Heritage Green Park Stoney Creek
Seeing one flying around here, hard to spot except when in flight, hides well. Could be more than one here as many are at this location during breeding and migration times. Google maps link to last seen location: https://goo.gl/maps/WpdaZ23bSqw Also seen: Common Raven, which I was able to a get a photo of— it was carrying a full Boston Cream Donut! Sent from my iPhone ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Dundas IBA Survey 2 Report
Survey 2 of the Dundas IBA (ON005): Report The second Dundas IBA Bird Survey was conducted on November 24, 2018. In stark contrast to Survey 1's sunny and hot June weather, the day was quite cold and overcast with light rain throughout the day, reaching a high of 6°C. The survey, which can also be more lengthily referred to as a "Dundas Valley & Dundas Marsh Important Bird & Biodiversity Area Survey" was conducted exclusively within natural lands found inside the boundary of the IBA, which in short covers the Dundas Valley from Summit Muskeg through to Spencer Creek into Cootes Paradise, extending to Burlington Heights. To read more about this IBA, see < https://www.ibacanada.ca/site.jsp?siteID=ON005>. For those familiar with the Christmas Bird Counts, this survey followed a similar methodology, but did not include urban areas or backyard birdfeeders. Lists are submitted and compiled via eBird. This count included 11 volunteer counters who are to be commended for covering so much ground this time around with much worse weather condition and fewer boots on the ground. While we did not cover all mapped zones, we did cover all key areas, with a total of 29 checklists submitted, very close to the 31 we had for our first count. Counters experienced a full spectrum of results in various locations, ranging from numbers that could be counted on one hand to hundreds. Since the survey follows a staggered five-month schedule which consequently results in a five-year cycle, we do not have previous results in the same season to compare with as of yet. That being stated, there are still some comparisons that can be made between the first two datasets. A total of 5,269 birds were counted (+17.9% change from Survey 1) with 73 species identified (-29.8%) in 29 locations. Of the six "criteria species" (species that have at one time been present in significant numbers within the IBA) that occur within the season, only one was observed -- the Red-breasted Merganser (8). This is not very surprising as those species on the list are a mix of very rare species and those one might expect much earlier in the season. Our "top twelve" for total numbers this time around were: Canada Goose (901), Ring-billed Gull (839), Mallard (772), Black-capped Chickadee (375), Cedar Waxwing (215), Herring Gull (185), Dark-eyed Junco (161), Common Merganser (136), American Robin (135), Blue Jay (102), House Sparrow (100), and Northern Cardinal (92). Of these, the only repeats in the top twelve list from Survey 1 are American Robin (-49% change), Ring-billed Gull (+605%), and Black-capped Chickadee (+223%). Survey 1's top bird, the Red-winged Blackbird, dropped to the absolute bottom with only one individual counted this time around. There were only 2 species with 80% or higher distribution for reported zones, Black-capped Chickadee (97%), Blue Jay (83%). This is in contrast to the 10 in Survey 1, of which only the Blue Jay (+2% change) achieved such wide distribution then as well. An additional 5 species can be noted if the criteria is lowered to at 60% distribution: Downy Woodpecker (79%), White-breasted Nuthatch (72%), Red-bellied Woodpecker (66%), Northern Cardinal (66%), Hairy Woodpecker (62%). In stark contrast, there were 21 species that were highly localized; that is, occurring in one checklist only: Snow Goose, Cackling Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Wild Turkey, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, American Kestrel, Tufted Titmouse, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin, Snow Bunting, Field Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler. It's possible to see some useful comparisons between the surveys when looking at non-migratory species. Red-bellied Woodpecker (+5%) have had a relatively similar count, as did Blue Jay (+10%) and Wild Turkey (+12.50%). White-breasted Nuthatch (+51%) and Carolina Wren (+50%) have seen a small boost, while Black-capped Chickadee (+223%) saw a boom in numbers. Also of note, raptors in general are very likely artificially low in this count due to the poor visibility throughout the day, which included fog in many areas. Had the weather been clearer many more Red-tailed Hawks would have been expected, as well as a Turkey Vulture or two. There are a few highlights of note, despite the dreary weather. Winter Wren (2) was present in two locations, possibly indicating more wintering locations for the species in this region. A flock of Snow Goose (15) was observed flying over Dundas Valley, and a lone Cackling Goose was seen in Caroll's Bay. A Lesser Black-Backed Gull was observed in Cootes Paradise, as were a number of late Great Blue Heron (11), and one late Ruby-crowned Kinglet. A lone Tufted Titmouse was observed in Dundas Valley, and a single Yellow-rumped Warbler was observed along the Spencer Creek Trail in Dundas. A surprise for the day was not just
[Ontbirds] Dundas IBA Survey 1: Report
*Survey 1 of the Dundas IBA (ON005): Report* The first-ever Dundas IBA Survey was conducted on June 16, 2018 in Hamilton, Ontario. The day was quite warm, with a bit of light rain interspersed throughout the morning. The high reached 28° C, making for very hot afternoon conditions for a bird survey. Many counters were undoubtedly more used to such surveys happening in mid-fall or winter conditions, making this a new experience for many. This count, which can also be more lengthily referred to as a "Dundas Valley & Dundas Marsh Important Bird & Biodiversity Area Survey" was conducted exclusively within natural lands found inside the boundary of the IBA, which in short covers the Dundas Valley from Summit Musket through to Spencer Creek into Cootes Paradise, extending to Burlington Heights. To read more about this IBA, see < https://www.ibacanada.ca/site.jsp?siteID=ON005>. For those familiar with the Christmas Bird Counts, this survey followed a similar methodology, but did not include urban areas or backyard birdfeeders. This count included 14 volunteer counters who covered quite a lot of ground throughout the day. While we did not cover all mapped zones, we did cover all key areas. Counters employed three means of active transportation: while most of the birding was by foot, eight kilometres was covered by canoe (Cootes Paradise), and ten kilometres by bike (Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail). Since this is the first survey, there are no comparisons that can be done with previous results. That said, there are still a few interesting discoveries in the data. Of the nine "criteria species" (species that have at one time been present in significant numbers within the IBA) that occur within the season, only three were observed: Acadian Flycatcher, Chimney Swift, and Hooded Warbler. This is not surprising, since five of the missing species have been extremely scarce in recent years, with the Louisiana Waterthrush as the only species known to breed in recent years that was not seen. This was deemed a likely outcome however, since while this species did arrive during migration this year, it did not remain past May. In terms of sheer raw numbers, the top 10 species observed were: Red-winged Blackbird (475), American Robin (265), Song Sparrow (166), House Sparrow (154), American Goldfinch (148), European Starling (141), Red-eyed Vireo (135), Yellow Warbler (134), Gray Catbird (122), Ring-billed Gull (119). There were 10 species with 80% or higher distribution for reported zones (in order of percentage of checklists present within): American Robin (97%), Gray Catbird (90%), Northern Cardinal (87%), Indigo Bunting (87%), Baltimore Oriole (87%), American Goldfinch (84%), Eastern Wood-Pewee (81%), Blue Jay (81%), Song Sparrow (81%), Red-winged Blackbird (81%). In contrast, there were 13 species that were highly localized; that is, occurring in one checklist only: Blue-winged Teal, Hooded Merganser, Wild Turkey, Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Least Bittern, Great Egret, Cooper's Hawk, Acadian Flycatcher, Bank Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Brown Creeper, Black-throated Green Warbler, Pine Siskin. There were a few surprise results. A total of 6 Hooded Warblers were found in the western side of Dundas Valley, which is a very healthy count for this Carolinian species. A lone fledgeling Pine Siskin was observed at Iroquia Conservation Area, which is a remarkably late date for this northern species which infrequently breeds within this area before migrating back to northern forests. Highlights from the canoe-birding party included Least Bittern, Great Egrets, a new colony of Bank Swallows, a Common Loon flyover, a Pied-billed Grebe on breeding territory, some Yellow-throated Vireos, and so many Marsh Wrens heard that a very conservative estimate had to be made by ear of 25, with likely many more out of audible range. One notable missed species was the Eastern Meadowlark, which has been seen in recent years within the IBA but was not present within this count. Since nearly all species on this list are likely to be breeding locally, the author has not annotated any of the data with breeding status. Thank you to all whom have assisted in this initial survey, including the RBG and HCA for their assistance. The current plan is to conduct surveys every five months, until data is collected for each calendar month. Our second survey is expected to occur late November, followed a third survey next April. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Rob Porter Compiler, Dundas IBA Survey 1 *RESULTS* IBA Criteria Species for Spring/Summer == Observed in Survey 1: Acadian Flycatcher Chimney Swift Hooded Warbler Not found in Survey 1: Barn Owl Little Gull Loggerhead Shrike Louisiana Waterthrush Prothonotary Warbler Yellow-breasted Chat Survey 1: Count Totals == Each line follows the format: species name, count, distribution (% of checklists present
[Ontbirds] 97th Hamilton Christmas Bird Count report
The 97th Hamilton Christmas Bird Count was held on December 26, 2017. Our count circle centres upon Dundurn Castle, and is bounded by Christie Lake in the west, Lake Ontario in the east, lower East Flamborough in the north, and Hamilton International Airport in the south. The count day was quite unusual weather-wise for the Hamilton CBC. It was sunny all day, which the count has not seen in some time. Unfortunately, it was also the coldest count day in quite some years, with a high temperature of -13°C recorded at the Hamilton airport weather station. For the first couple hours of the morning, the winds held off any windchill factor, but later in the morning some light breezes came in. That said, while some had to cut their time short or stay home, for the most part Hamilton birders showed themselves to be quite winter-hardy! Seventy-eight counters spent just under 224 hours-effort to net 101 observed species on count day, plus another 3 during the count week, totaling a result of 104 species countable. The sum of all birds counted on the count day was 36,256 individuals, which is 19,715 below the 10-year average and 29,264 below the 25-year average. In fact, this was the lowest number of individual birds counted since 1977. This low number of birds is quite easily explained by this year's especially cold climate: normally open waterways were frozen completely, limiting the number of waterfowl species to be found within our count circle. While the overall population counted is a low point, there are some high points of note this year. A winter roost of Turkey Vultures were found within the count circle, setting a new record of 21 counted. In previous years this species was only seen in ones or twos, or just in count week. Being a rather social species, it is no surprise to see the new record number be so high compared to the previous records. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has made a surprise return in numbers to the Hamilton circle with 4 counted, in three distinctly different areas. In the past this species has only appeared on occasion, and never more than 2. This count also includes a feeder where a pair had been seen together this winter, although only one of the two appeared on count day. Bald Eagles made quite a showing on count day this year. With 18 independent observations, elimination of probable duplicate counts had to be done using notes given by counters as to age of the bird, time of day, and whether birds were solo or in a pair or group. This reduced the count by 6 to a dozen individuals, which itself is still a record count, beating the previous record of 11 in the 2013 count. Common Raven has also hit a record year this year, with 5 counted, beating the 2012 record of 4 birds. This species first appeared on the count in 2003, so is a relative newcomer. Despite low duck counts overall, one species managed a record level: Hooded Mergansers. With 192 counted, this just barely topped the 2015 record of 189. Five of the last six counts have been the only counts to have this species in triple digits, putting this species on a confirmed upward trend. A lone Kumlien's Gull (Iceland Gull subspecies) was observed for the first time since 1979, one of 5 Iceland Gulls counted this year. Additionally, a lone Oregon Junco (Dark-eyed Junco subspecies) was also seen in this count, the first since 2011. For those following the trends of previous Hamilton counts, you would know that the last few years has seen a constant rise in Carolina Wren, Wild Turkey, and Red-bellied Woodpecker. Of those, only the Red-bellied Woodpecker continued this trend into 2017, breaking records for a third consecutive year with a total of 102 seen, beating last year's record of 93 and the previous year's record of 84. The Carolina Wren fell well back this year, at 62 counted versus last year's record year of 91 counted. The species is still seen in many zones, but is fewer in numbers in the traditionally more populous zones this year. The Wild Turkey fell back from 113 last year to this year with 68 counted. Interestingly, this bird appeared in smaller groups this year, whereas last year populations were more concentrated into fewer, larger groups in the count. It should come as no surprise that there were no abnormal winter vagrants this year. With such a long-lasting bitterly cold weather system on top of us for so long, recently seen off-course species like Baltimore Oriole were not to be found. Additionally, with the 37° F isotherm being much further south from us this year, last year's record-setting American Robin numbers were cut to a tenth at 240 counted. In spite of bitterly cold temperatures, we still managed to find the two usual heron species, the Black-crowned Night-Heron and the Great Blue Heron. Unfortunately, one Great Blue was found dead and another was observed to be possibly injured. Each had a total of 3 living birds counted -- a ten year low for the Great Blue. For the second year in a row a
[Ontbirds] Nelson’s Sparrow, Mt Albion CA Hamilton
Just had one at a marshy spot at this CA, in the middle of a windstorm of all times. Got a couple photos of it hunkered down in a low branch of a tree amongst some reeds. Exact location of sighting in Google maps link below. Who knows if it’ll fly tonight, always a chance it’ll be here in the morning. https://goo.gl/maps/gTr4dWipkdB2 Sent from my mobile ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Dickcissel @ Greenock Swamp south of Glammis, Bruce County
At least one in a field with Bobolinks, meadowlarks, etc. This is the first report I know of this year in the county that is not on the peninsula. This is just east of where some were in 2012 and 2013 (as labelled on eBird) however I could not find any at those locations. Where: Concession 10 Greenock Twp, just east of Side Rd 30, north side, just before you enter the swamp Direct link on Google Maps to location: https://goo.gl/maps/Hporm9VRJLx I don't doubt there are many more out there to be found... Good birding Rob -- Robert Gerald Porter Hamilton Naturalists' Club / Field Events Director Weever Apps / Chief Innovation Officer, Co-founder http://twitter.com/rgeraldporter ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
