Re: [Ontbirds]N.Bobwhite 4 locations
As a follow up to Ware Dean's report on Northern Bobwhite, what is the official status of that species and, for that matter, Chukar in Ontario? Are the Walpole Island bobwhites the only ones truly considered wild? Sorry for asking, but this is a question that has been nagging at me, especially with the Chukar sightings of the last year or so. Please respond to just my e-mail address. Ron Fleming, Newmarket Ware Dean wrote: > Birders, > > The last 2weeks I have watched a Covey of 6 juv. or more Bobwhite Quail at a > residence outside of the town of Kingsville. After viewing these birds last > Saturday I observed 2 juv. birds running across #3 Hwy. just before the town > of Wheatley. On monday in the same local I noticed a bird dead in the same > spot. Tonight I observed 4 birds, one male adult and the other 3 I could not > ID. at Hillman Marsh on the burm across from the canoe launch.**Also I found > a adult male mid June outside of the town of Cottom. > > Pen raise or not these birds were very "wild"!! > > My Question : Has there been a release program? > > thanks, > > Dean Ware > Wheatley ON. > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > _ > Powerful Parental Controls Let your child discover the best the Internet has > to offer. > http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-ca&page=byoa/prem&xAPID=1994&DI=1034&SU=http://hotmail.com/enca&HL=Market_MSNIS_Taglines > Start enjoying all the benefits of MSN® Premium right now and get the > first two months FREE*. > > ___ > ONTBIRDS mailing list > ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org > To join or leave ONTBIRDS visit > http://mailman.hwcn.org/mailman/listinfo/ontbirds > ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]Aurora's McKenzie Marsh
Delivered from the usually incessant vehicular bustle that has marred its existence for decades now, the hands of time seemed to turn back on Aurora's McKenzie Marsh this weekend. This precious little wetland just east of Yonge Street in the north part of suburban Aurora is bisected by St. John's Sideroad, which has now been closed for widening and will remain that way until December. With construction crews roosting elsewhere for the weekend and traffic entirely cut off by construction barriers, the marsh was granted a stretch of solitude it has not experienced in a long, long time. After parking on Old Yonge Street just west of the marsh yesterday evening, I walked in to check for the American White Pelican that was seen by numerous birders between August 5-7. My visit was prompted by an e-mail from area resident Mary Carnahan, who rediscovered the pelican on Tuesday, August 10th while I was away at Manitoulin Island (one of the most reliable places in Ontario to observe Sandhill Cranes, by the way). The pelican was not evident, but I was surprised to see both Green Heron and Black-crowned Night Heron hunting right at the roadside, literally feet away from me as I walked the silent stetch of road between slumbering bulldozers and tall metal cranes. Even without the aid of my spotting scope, I easily observed 4 Pied-billed Grebes (2 young), 8 Common Moorhens (6 young), no less than 10 Black-crowned Night Herons (7 of them juveniles), 4 Green Herons (2 juveniles), 5 Great Blue Herons, 6 Caspian Terns, 5 Belted Kingfishers and 2 Spotted Sandpipers, all of them enjoying a freedom of movement that dovetailed perfectly with a strolling birder's most hopeful wishes. Despite the upheaval caused by construction during the course of each week, the combination of vehicular inactivity, increasing numbers of migrants, and family dispersal of several species, McKenzie Marsh could prove to be a worthwhile destination for local birders over the next several weekends. And, who knows, the White Pelican might still put in a cameo appearance. Ron Fleming, Newmarket
[Ontbirds]Correction re: Pelican
In an earlier post I said the St. John's sideroad in Aurora would be closed on Sunday, August 15th when the date should have read Sunday, August 8th. (A construction worker informed me today that the road will not, in fact, be closed until Monday, August 9th.) Ron Fleming, Newmarket
[Ontbirds]Aurora Pelican Update
With all due respect to novelist John Grisham, here is a "Pelican Brief": The adult American White Pelican (now past alternate plumage and going into basic) is still lingering in the northern section of the McKenzie Marsh in Aurora. Along with him are several other interesting marsh birds including adult and juvenile Belted Kingfishers, adult and juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron, at least two Great Blue Herons and one Green Heron, several Caspian Terns, and numerous swallows of various species. Keep your eyes peeled for Pied-billed Grebe and Common Moorhen as well. This morning at 9:15 I chatted with a construction worker who was spray painting the roadside in preparation for the upcoming widening (environmental impact?) on St. John's Sideroad and he said construction work begins Monday, one day later than what I had posted yesterday, so, IF his word is accurate, interested naturalists can still get a look at this bird Sunday if today doesn't work for them. The McKenzie Marsh is in the north part of Aurora, about a km east of Yonge Street along the aforementioned St. John's Sideroad. This narrow two-lane road bisects the marsh and has very little shoulder room for parking. Coming east from Yonge Street it is best to pass the open water section and pull onto the gravel on the southwest side of the marsh. There is enough room for two cars, three with a shoehorn. This puts you directly across from a big white sign for the marsh that has seen better years. Look for the pelican in the north part of the pond behind this. It has been as close as the roadside reeds (from which you will hear Marsh Wrens signing) and as far as the northernmost corner of the marsh, which is where he roosted both evenings of his visit here. Coming west from Bayview, Leslie, etc., you can pull over on the north side of the road as soon as you pass the railway tracks. There is a driveway there, so keep in mind this is a private lane so don't block the entranceway. Walk down the hill from here and consider cutting into the grass and small bushes on the north because you can access a hillside that gives you a much fuller view of the marsh, especially the northernmost section which is partially obscured by reeds from the roadside vantage point described above. Another place to park is past the open water on the northwest side of the marsh, again near a private laneway. Good luck if you try for it! Ron Fleming, Newmarket
[Ontbirds]Re: Aurora White Pelican
Birders interested in trying for the American White Pelican in Aurora reported earlier today by Theo Hofmann should do so before this Sunday (August 15). Mike Van den Tillaart and I were joined at the Mackenzie Marsh this evening by John and Karen McLean who informed us that St. John's Road closes for construction starting this Sunday. St. John's Road bisects the MacKenzie Marsh. The pelican was feeding quite contentedly on the north side of the road when we left there at 9:00 p.m. Many thanks to Theo for alterting us about this bird. His directions are as follows: "The MacKenzie Marsh is, as I said above, on the St. John's Sideroad a few hundred metres east of Yonge at the north end of Aurora. The St. John's SR can be reached from Bathurst, Yonge, Bayview and other north-south roads in the area." Ron Fleming, Newmarket P.S. To answer a few queries I had earlier this week, no I was fortunately not the Newmarket birder who fell into the pond and got stranded for 20 hours (yikes!).
[Ontbirds]York Region Birds
There is justifiable concern during breeding season to keep disturbances to a minimum. Many birders do no post their sightings as a result. Respect for birds and landowners is essential at any time of the year, but during nesting season this is especially the case. Trusting that birders will use sound judgement, here are a few birding notes from just north of Toronto. Atlassing in York Region over the last few weeks has yielded some interesting birds, at least by local standards. In the scrubby fields southeast of Hwy. 48 and Bloomington Road there are, among numerous other field species, at least two CLAY-COLOURED SPARROWS. Please note, however, that this is private property, so you have to listen for them from Bloomington Road, which is difficult to do if you get there after the morning traffic starts up. At the best of times, you are more likely to hear than see them. Just south of Musselmans Lake on Ninth Line there is a good little pond on the west side of the road. There are currently two families of PIED-BILLED GREBES, a pair of MARSH WRENS (again, more often heard than seen) and a family of WOOD DUCKS in this pond. An OSPREY can often be seen in this area as well, though where it is nesting I have yet to discover. The grebes and ducks birds are usually easy to see from the roadside, especially by scoping the shoreline and having some patience. A pair of GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS can be heard and sometimes seen in the open field just west of where St. Johns Sideroad comes to a T-stop at McCowan Road (a few kms. north of the Aurora Road and west of Hwy. 48). Again, this is roadside birding since the field is fenced off and privately owned. A few kms. south of this intersection, sitting on the east side of McCowan, is the Hall Tract, a good section of regional forest that hosts an elusive (but definitely present) RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, numerous INDIGO BUNTINGS, at least two pairs of SCARLET TANAGERS, and several nesting species of warblers including the ubiquitous OVENBIRD, plus PINE, BLACKBURNIAN, CHESTNUT-SIDED, and MOURNING WARBLER. A small amount of pishing usually brings a sentinel to the gates. Perhaps the best spot to observe the latter species of warbler is in the Dainty Tract, which is on the southwest side of McCowan and Aurora Roads. The middle east-west trail is best, but be forewarned: poison ivy and mosquitos are abundant. Further south on McCowan Road, between Vandorf and Bloomington Roads, there is a marshy area that can be very good for GREEN HERON. South of Bloomington is the hamlet of Lemonville, which has several roadside ponds. The one on the southwest corner of McCowan and Bethesda Roads has been visited on several occasions by an adult BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON that seems to favour the southern perimeter of the pond. All of the areas described here are on the east side of Hwy. 404, basically north of Markham (which is, in turn, north of Toronto). Ron Fleming, Newmarket
[Ontbirds]Kleinburg Area Sightings
A pleasant morning of birding with Kevin Shackleton and John Watson today yielded the following species of at least regional interest: BLUE-WINGED WARBLER and MOURNING WARBLER at Kortright Conservation Area; UPLAND SANDPIPER on the south side of Kirby Road, near Cold Creek Road; ALDER and WILLOW FLYCATCHER on the north side of Kirby Road near the railway tracks; BLACK- BILLED CUCKOO along Huntington Road north of Nashville Road; and several NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS in and around Kleinburg and Nashville. For the record, most birds are on territory at this time of the year and should not be unduly stressed. The areas mentioned are west of Hwy. 400 just north of Toronto. Kortright Conservation Area is south of Major Mackenzie Drive on Pine Valley Road (entrance fee at gate). Kleinburg is on Islington Avenue north of Major Mackenzie Drive and Nashville is just west of Kleinburg. Ron Fleming, Newmarket
[Ontbirds] York Region Sightings
Awakened by robins and guided by voices, I got up before dawn today to check the birds in my atlassing square east of Aurora. There are several very good regional forests just north of Toronto and east of Hwy. 404, which is where my square lies. Interesting species seen or heard in the general vicinity of St. John's Sideroad & McCowan Road early this morning included: an AMERICAN WOODCOCK doing its courtship display in the pre-dawn twilight somewhere unseen above the field west of the Richmond Hill Steamers' property, COMMON RAVEN calling from somewhere near the end of Faulkner Road, at least 3 PINE WARBLERS proclaiming territory in the pines along McCowan Road, one RED-SHOULDERED HAWK calling on territory (he has been there for at least 3 weeks) south of the Hall Tract (somewhere near the truck-wrecking yard), and six WILD TURKEYS in the cornfields SW of Kennedy Road and St. John's Sideroad. Ron Fleming, Newmarket
[Ontbirds] Directions to Tiny Marsh
I've had a few requests for directions to Tiny Marsh, which I forgot to include with my posting yesterday. Here they are: Tiny Marsh is northwest of Barrie. The most direct route is to take Hwy. 400 into the heart of Barrie, then exit at Bayfield and follow 26 out of town. Keep going STRAIGHT (- don't take the turn off toward Wasaga). Go through the town of Elmvale, continuing on a straight line that is NW and about 3 kms. north of town you will see that the road does a Y-split where there is a delta of conifers. Take a left onto County Road 6, then follow that road north a few kms to Concession 1 (Tiny-Flos Townline). There is a big sign for Tiny Marsh. Turn left and go about 2kms to the parking area on your right side and you are there! An alternate route (and the one I prefer because it circumvents the ridiculously busy Bayfield Street) is this: Take Hwy. 400 north to Barrie and take the Dunlop Street WEST exit. Dunlop is Hwy. 90. Follow it west to Hwy. 28 (also known as George Johnston Road). Follow this all the way up through Minesing (you go past Snow Valley and down a long hill). Hwy. 26 joins 28 at this point. Not long after these two merge, you will see Horseshoe Valley Road (#22). Turn right on this road, then in about .5 kms, turn north on #29 and follow it all the way north past the hamlet of Crossland and past Hwy. 92 (which indicates Wasaga to the west and Elmvale to the east). There is a gas station on the NE side of this intersection. Continue on past the drive-in and soon you will see Concession 1 (also known as the Tiny-Flos Townline). There is a sign or Tiny Marsh. Turn right and go along this dirt road for about 2 kms. The main building a parking lot will be on your left (north side). Ron Fleming, Newmarket P.S. Ian Cannell, who was hiking independent of the OFO group on Saturday had a single Snow Bunting; Garth Baker, who was part of yet another group, had a dozen Greater Yellowlegs fly over the same day. These two informed me of a few other species which the OFO group (as far as I know) did not get on Saturday: Ruby-crowned Kinglet (we had numerous Golden-crowns), Hermit Thrush, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Sharp-shinned Hawk.
[Ontbirds] York Region: Red-shouldered Hawk, Goshawk, etc.
Two separate trips to the regional forests east of Newmarket/Aurora today yielded some good spring birds, raptors in particular. At the southern perimeter of the Hall Tract a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was circling and calling for several minutes as I took my dog for a hike this morning. This may be the same bird I observed at this location last week - presumably a local male back on breeding territory and advertising for mates. In the late afternoon (apprx. 4:15) I observed a NORTHERN GOSHAWK circling above the Pangman Springs property on the south side of St. John's Sideroad, just east of the railway tracks. This appeared to be an immature bird, heavily streaked below, and presumably a male since it was fluffing up its undertail coverts to such a degree that at times it appeared to be white-rumped, a phenomena observed in Cooper's hawk by a birder on this website last week and one which puzzled the heck out of me when I first noticed it in Cooper's and gos two years ago. Do female accipiters do this too, or only the males? This courtship display by the large accipiter was a pleasure to watch. It circled for several minutes, flapped east and began circling again, though no calls were heard in the 3 to 4 minutes I observed the bird. My first EASTERN MEADOWLARKS and NORTHERN FLICKERS of the year added music to the occasion as I followed the raptor through my binoculars. Heading west along St. John's Sideroad, I observed a pair of AMERICAN KESTRELS near the interesection of St. John's and Warden Avenue. Just west of that, a female NORTHERN HARRIER was hunting low over the fields on the south side of St. John's. All of the areas described above are within 10 kms of each other, situated just north of the Aurora Road and south of the St. John's Sideroad. The Hall Tract is halfway between the two, on the east side of McCowan Road. It is the second York Regional forest indicated by a sign on McCowan and it is on the north side of a truck wrecking yard, which adds a surreal touch to things when, later in the season, you're watching house wrens and indigo buntings cavort atop fragmented Mack truck grills. Pangman Springs is also between Aurora Road and St. John's Sideroad, but closer to the latter and on the west side of Kennedy Road. It is not well-marked, but there is now a pull-off and a small gravel parking area. You can't hike the full distance across the property to reach Warden Avenue any more, but it is still a decent area, especially during migration. Ron Fleming, Newmarket
[Ontbirds] Red-shouldered Hawk, Wild Turkeys - Barrie
En route to skiing in Barrie with my kids today I was pleasantly surprised to see an adult Red-shouldered Hawk perched at the edge of the woods in a valley on the east side of Hwy 400 about 1 km south of Molson Park Drive. Aside from a very evident rufous shoulder above a black-and-white checkered back, this individual had a rich rufous chest that made it stand out in comparison to all the Red-tailed hawks seen along the way. On the way home, about 2 km south of the Snow Valley Road, we saw 6 Wild Turkeys on the east side of #28. Ron Fleming, Newmarket
[Ontbirds] York Region - N. Shrikes, Siskins, etc.
I observed two lingering Northern shrikes today, both juvenile birds. One was on the east side of Weston Road along a farm lane about 1 km north of Major Mackenzie Drive near Maple while the other - a very vocal youngster - was on the southwest corner of Leslie Street and Vandorf Sideroad just east of Lake Wilcox in Oak Ridges (northernmost Richmond Hill). At Kortright Conservation Area there were at least 30 American robins, 12 pine siskins, 8 golden-crowned kinglets and two brown creepers. At the corner of Dufferin and Kettleby Road west of Aurora there were at least 300 male red-winged blackbirds and, a km south on Dufferin, an American kestrel. All of these locations are in York region straight north of Toronto, easily accessible from Hwys. 400 and 404. Ron Fleming, Newmarket
York Region: Tundra Swans, Snowy Owls
I got up early this chilly March morn to join Kevin Shackleton and Keith Dunn to check if any of the tundra swans reported in southwestern Ontario earlier this month might have made their way up to York Region yet. Low temperatures and a surprisingly bitter wind made us doubtful, but as male red-winged blackbirds shivered in their epaulets beside us, we did in fact find 14 tundra swans in the company of about 100 Canada geese in the mainly frozen fields at the north end of Bathurst Avenue. We also had excellent looks at a mink that was following the frozen ditch along the line of the dike there. In an equally barren landscape just southwest of Keswick, we once again scoped frozen fields in a stiff wind along Ravenshoe Road, this time in hopes of finding the snowy owls that have wintered at this location once again. With stinging ears and watering eyes we were rewarded for our efforts, finding two female/juvenile types. One was visible from Ravenshoe Road itself, sitting on a raised line of dirt less than a km from the road on the south side, not far from the northern extension of Yonge Street. The other bird was almost at the southern end of this desolate little stretch of Yonge, on the east side of the road. At both locations we observed and heard numerous horned larks. After Kevin dropped me off at home around 9:00 a.m., I went looking for northern goshawk in the forests east of Newmarket in an effort to locate one for Dave Mudd. This was my third attempt in as many days and I once again came up empty, but I did observe a large accipiter crossing Warden Avenue from east to west less than a km north of the Aurora Road. It may have been a male gos, but then again it could have been a large female Cooper's; I couldn't be sure as it was already halfway across the road before I noticed it. I will be searching the area again, as well as following up on some stick nests that I saw while hiking. The northern part of Bathurst described above is accessible by taking Yonge Street north from Newmarket, then turning right just south of Bradford at the lights. Bathurst immediately jogs west, then north again. If you follow it all the way up, you will reach a point where the trees end at a wide open area. By looking west, preferably with a scope, you should see ducks and geese in the distance (although they do move around!). As the snow and ice in the fields starts melting with the spring thaw, more and more migrating waterfowl will drop down to feed and rest here over the next several weeks. Ravenshoe Road runs east-west in the southern end of Keswick. The area described above is most readily accessed by driving north on Hwy. 404 to its terminus, then switching to Leslie Street and following it up to Ravenshoe Road, where there is a stop light and a gas station. By turning west you will descend a hill and soon enter the open agricultural fields that lead to the Holland River and the northern fragment of Yonge Street referred to above. Once you're out in the flats it comes down to a Scope-and-Hope strategy. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
York Region sightings
Red-winged blackbirds, common grackles and American robins have been showing up in ever-increasing numbers throughout York region since mid-week. The Mackenzie Marsh on St. John's Sideroad in northeast Aurora now has several male redwings proclaiming territory and several pairs of Canada geese sitting on nesting mounds in the heart of the still frozen pond. The Eldred King forest tract at St. John's Sideroad and McCowan was one of many forested areas alive with bird activity this week; a very vocal pileated woodpecker and several calling brown creepers were particularly nice to hear at this location. In the Oak Ridges area along Bathurst Avenue today I observed a lone trumpeter swan in a flooded field on the west side of Bathurst and, while walking my dog with my youngest son, a ruffed grouse flushed from the conifers along the main trail south of Humberland Drive (just east of Bathurst). Oak Ridges is the northernmost section of Richmond Hill, basically merging with Aurora at Bloomington Road. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Halls Road & Amherst Island
Just returned from a weekend of birding that started at Halls Road on Friday and ended in Amherst Island today. We did not find the Long-eared Owls reported along Hall's Road earlier in the week, but did get a fleeting glimpse at the huge flock of SNOW BUNTINGS that has been lingering between Halls Road and Lake Ridge Road for the past week or so. The feeders at the path to the northern marsh lookout were busy as always with COMMON REDPOLLS being the most notable species. A light-phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was hunting in the fields not far from the lakeshore west of Halls while a pair of Red-tails was also active on Lake Ridge Road. The most interesting bird by far was a large, dark falcon that flew west across Lake Ridge Road just south of house #752 at 10:45 a.m. By the time I jumped out of the car to get my binoculars on it, the bird was sweeping low to the northwest toward Bayly Road. This bird had a classic falcon silhouette - sleek angles and pointed wings - and was twice the size of a merlin, so I am assuming it was a PEREGRINE FALCON (I have only seen Gyrfalcon once, but would rule it out based on the reduced probability of that species and my overall impression of this bird) . Well worth keeping an eye out for if one is birding the lakeshore area of Whitby/Ajax. Amherst Island on Friday afternoon was a wind-sock's nightmare; winds were so strong from the west that they reduced visibility dramatically on any north-south line by blowing snow horizontally across many parts of the island. Still, my wife and I managed to get good looks at a fairly-heavily marked female SNOWY OWL that was taking shelter from the wind on the lee side of a large rock not far from the road that runs along the KFN property at the east end of the island. The bird's head was just visible on the far side of the rock so I make the K-note sound by kissing the back of my hand and it actually walked up the backside of the rock to see if there was a rodent in distress. There were also two coyotes in the field behind him. SNOW BUNTINGS were seemingly everywhere on the island in groups ranging from 20-80. We also had a group of six HORNED LARKS. Most of these birds were on the south side of the island. We observed two light-phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS today (Saturday), one a km east of the northern "entrance" to Owl Woods and another on the Stella 40-Foot Road hunting near the municipal storage buildings, as well as five Red-tails. There were numerous COMMON GOLDENEYE in the water on the south side of the island. We did not find a single owl in the Owl Woods despite feeling we would be rewarded for an absolutely arduous hike in from the north side. Snow drifts were never less than mid-calf, but usually up to knee-height, making the 1-km hike into the woods a truly taxing journey. I do not know if the southern access road was any better. Chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers were plenitful, but the closest we got to an owl was seeing pellets and white-wash. There were several groups out when we left the island, so I would be curious to see if any birders were rewarded for their efforts to get into the Owl Woods. We saw a beautiful red fox as mammalian consolation shortly after we returned to the mainland. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Snowy Owls, Wild Turkeys, etc. - York Region
The nicest birding weather this winter made for a very enjoyable stretch
of country driving and birding in York Region today. Along Weston Road
south of the Lloydtown Road (between Kettleby and Pottageville west of
Hwy. 400) I observed a very brawny female NORTHERN GOSHAWK with a full
crop as it crossed the road near 17th Sideroad (also called "Saunders
Lane"). This was the largest gos I have seen.
In the Holland Marsh area just east of Hwy. 400, I observed a quartet of
SNOW BUNTINGS on Day St., which runs south from Canal Road. Farther
along, where Canal Road meets Simcoe Road ("Jonkman's Corners"), a
COOPER'S HAWK was actively pursuing house sparrows. At one point,
having just missed them, the hawk landed in a bonsai tree near and
shrunk into the branches, concealing itself and waiting to see if they,
or other less wary companions, might return to what is likely a
favourite roost.
After about five minutes, the hawk abandonded this strategy and flew
northward into the housing development across the canal.
Heading back toward Hwy. 9 from the north, I saw a juvenile NORTHERN
SHRIKE just northwest of where Dufferin Street crosses the canal. (The
canal basically circles the farm fields.)
East of Newmarket there were a dozen WILD TURKEYS at the back end of a
farm property on the south side of St. John's Sideroad east of Warden
Ave. (about 1 km east of the railway tracks).
In the south end of Keswick, there were two SNOWY OWLS. The first was
in the fields north of Ravenshoe Road where the road runs westward from
Leslie Street and out into the agricultural flat lands south of Cook's
Bay. The bird was on the ground, about halfway between the road and a
tamarack stand with old heron nests showing on the horizon. As a
marker, there is a kelly-green garage building and a green mailbox that
says "Ron" on the north side of the road. By scanning the fields
between the road and the orange buildings in the distance I was able to
pick him out with binoculars; a scope helped for better views.
Where Ravenshoe Road meets an isolated northern section of Yonge Street
there were 16 SNOW BUNTINGS and, straight north along the snowy road
allowance, a handsome red fox sunning himself. In the rather desolate
stretch south along Yonge there was an adult NORTHERN SHRIKE in one of
the few trees in the tundra-like landscape.
Near the southern terminus of this stretch of road, where two gray
garage buildings stand, a second SNOWY OWL could be easily seen by
looking straight east along a dike ridge.
Both of the owls have some dark markings, presumably juvenile birds or
females.
Returning to Newmarket, I ended the day with good looks at a PILEATED
WOODPECKER flying west across Bathurst south of Hwy. 9.
York Region is directly north of Toronto.
Ron Fleming, Newmarket
"Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving
and joining the list. As well as general information and content
guidelines.
Snow Buntings, Rough-legged Hawk in Kleinburg area
Yesterday afternoon (Jan.31) I observed a mixed flock of Snow Buntings (approx. 20) and Horned Larks (approx. 40) on the west side of MacGillvray Road, about 3kms north of Rutherford Road. They were in the field just north of (and across the road from) the farm that sits on the east side of the road. Following MacGillvray to where it bends westward, I observed a smaller mixed flock of the same two species as they flew northward and crossed the railroad tracks. At Huntington Road (which runs parallel to Highway 50 a few kms. eastward) I turned south, eventually crossing Rutherford Road There were two American Kestrels along this stretch and, across from where Fogal Road meets Huntington, there was a light-phase Rough-legged Hawk perched at the eastern end of a long snow-covered laneway. This area is northeast of the intersection of Hwys. 50 & 7, just above Woodbridge and southwest of Kleinburg. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Shrikes, Snow Buntings, Snowy Owl update - York Region
A joint field trip of the York-Simcoe Naturalists (out of Newmarket) and the Richmond Hill Naturalists on Saturday yielded a few interesting birds, the best one being the Snowy Owl reported earlier by Garth Baker. It was seen Saturday morning on the east side of Weston Road about half a km north of Major Mackenzie Drive; Ian Cannell searched for it today (Sunday, January 18) and did not find it but turned up a flock of Snow Buntings. A juvenile Northern Shrike was seen at this location late Saturday and an adult of the same species was observed about 2 kms south of Rutherford Road on Huntington Road earlier the same day. We also had a flock of approx. 200 American Tree Sparrows and a Sharp-shinned Hawk on the east side of Huntington Rd., farther south in the vicinity of Langstaff Road. The often reliable "Snow Bunting fields" on McGillvray Road (about 1 km north of Rutherford Road) yesterday yielded a flock of 30+ Horned Larks instead (it was difficult to do an accurate count since they often wandered out of sight over a small rise in the field as they foraged along the ground). The field referred to is on the west side of McGillvray. This area also had three American Kestrels. Our search for the Northern Mockingbird and Long-eared Owls which had occurred with some reliability for two weeks in late December/early January at the Burrlington Outdoor Recreation Centre on Kirby Road in north Nashville/southwest Bolton yielded neither species on Saturday. The feeders on the west side of the old school house were busy with chickadees and juncos while a huge flock of approx. 350 European Starlings was being spooked a little further down the road by the prescence of an American Kestrel and a Red-tailed Hawk. This site is about halfway between the Cold Creek Road and Huntington Road, northwest of the town of Kleinburg. Northeast of Nobleton, a juvenile Northern Shrike and an adult Northern Shrike occurred within about 1.5 kms of each other on the 8th Concession of King, about 8 kms north of the King Road, which runs east-west between Bolton and King City. All of the areas described are in the west part of York Region, between Hwy. 400 and Hwy. 50. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Long-Eared Owls - Kleinburg area
While walking the trails at the Burrlington (no typo) Outdoor Education Centre just northwest of Kleinburg and southeast of Bolton this afternoon, my wife and I stopped to investigate some fresh owl pellets in the evergreens about 100 metres north of the old red brick school house. Within moments of leaving the main trail, four Long-eared Owls flushed from the trees in front of us. There may have been more, but it was hard to be sure as they moved a few different times. We "followed" just long enough to get a decent look at a perched individual, then let them be. The B.O.R.C. is located on the north side of Kirby Road, about halfway between Huntington Road and Cold Creek Road, both of which run north from Nashville Road, which is an east-west line that runs between Hwys. 50 on the west and 27 on the east. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Wild Turkeys north of Bradford
Of possible interest to York and Simcoe region birders in particular: I observed a flock of 24 Wild Turkeys in the farm fields on the east side of the Simcoe County Forest north of Bradford this afternoon while walking my dog. The birds were foraging in the field when an ATV startled them and they all flew northward into the woods. An impressive sight, 24 Wild Turkeys flying past you! This field is on the 11th line, between Hwy. 400 and 10th Sideroad. It can be accessed by turning east from Hwy. 400 onto Hwy. 88, heading toward Bradford. !0th Sideroad runs north from 88. Take 11th Line back toward Hwy. 400 (west). The forest is directly across from Ray Magani Park. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Merlin - Richmond Hill + Leslie Street Spit Sightings
I observed a MERLIN in north Richmond Hill today just south of Bethesda Road, east of Lake Wilcox. This dark little falcon was moving fast and low, almost brushing the flower tops in a field full of goldenrod and aster where I had only moments earlier seen a large group of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS. I would not be surprised if the flock now has one less member migrating south. Yesterday my efforts to find a Saw-whet Owl at the Leslie Street Spit went unrewarded (thanks anyway, Craig), but I did observe a late EASTERN MEADOWLARK, a HERMIT THRUSH, two WINTER WRENS, several R-C KINGLETS, and a trio of displaying HOODED MERGANSER drakes. I crossed paths with Theo Hoffman who had just seen an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, then met up with Glenn Coady, whose group had observed a flock of SNOW BUNTINGS. (Hope Theo and Glenn don't mind my mentioning these sightings since they were not posted yesterday.) Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
American Pipits - King City
On my way to hockey this morning I observed 30+ female/juvenile Red-breasted Mergansers and 3 female Hooded Mergansers at the McKenzie Marsh in north Aurora. On the way back from the rink at about 11:00 a.m., I stopped to look at an undulating flock of between 50-60 passerines that were actively foraging in some farm fields on the west side of Dufferin Street in southeast King City, just north of the King-Vaughan Line. Decent views, the flight pattern and their "pip-ip" calls were distinctive as American Pipits. Literally seconds after they rose and moved westward, a robust, square-tailed accipiter (female Sharp-shinned I would think) flew across Dufferin Road, following the flock from the east. There were numerous female Red-winged blackbirds and Brown-headed Cowbirds just north of this location, along the King-Vaughan Line west of Dufferin. King City and Aurora are between Toronto and Barrie, just west of Hwy. 400. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
American Pipits - King City
On my way to Richmond Hill (old-timer's hockey) this morning I observed 30+ female/juvenile Red-breasted Mergansers and 3 female Hooded Mergansers at the McKenzie Marsh in north Aurora. On the way back from the rink at about 11:00 a.m., I stopped to look at an undulating flock of between 50-60 passerines that were actively rising and falling over farm fields on the west side of Dufferin Street in southeast King City, just north of the King-Vaughan Line. Decent views of the birds (though I wish I'd had my scope), plus their flight pattern and "pip-ip" calls in flight were distinctive as American Pipits. Literally seconds after they rose and moved westward, a robust, square-tailed accipiter (female Sharp-shinned Hawk, I would think) flew across Dufferin Road, following the flock from the east. There were numerous female Red-winged Blackbirds and Brown-headed Cowbirds just south of this location, along the King-Vaughan Line west of Dufferin. King City and Aurora are between Toronto and Barrie, just west of Hwy. 400. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Aurora Egrets Correction
One important correction re: the McKenzie Marsh - drive EAST of Yonge, not west as my original message indicated. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Aurora Egrets
Of regional interest to York county birders: the Great Egret which has lingered at the little McKenzie Marsh in north Aurora for ten days now has been joined by another member of that same species. These birds are much more readily observed along the shores of the Great Lakes, especially during migration; up here north of Toronto they are harder to come by. For York region birders who want to observe these elegant white herons, simply drive west of Yonge Street 0.7 km and pull over on the gravel shoulder of St. John's Sideroad when you are almost past the marsh (southeast is best as it offers a wider shoulder). Both egrets are in the south pond. There are still about a dozen Great Blue Herons, six Double-crested Cormorants, two Belted Kingfishers and one or two Black-crowned Night Herons in attendance if you scour both sides of the road. Take note, however that the traffic here is almost always busy and the gravel shoulder is not wide, so take care when you park and exit your vehicle. The most trouble-free viewing is gained by walking east on the north side of the road and cutting into the land on the hillside overlooking the northern pond. By climbing the hill through light vegetation, you can observe most of the northern part of the marsh. The egrets are usually in the southern pond, yes, but the north pond is well worth checking and the vantage point described above offers a pleasant alternative to the car-on-shoulder viewing that is characteristic of the southern shoulder of the road. Check the marshy edges for Sora, especially near dawn or dusk. Aurora is straight north of Toronto on the Yonge Street corridor, about halfway between Toronto and Barrie. "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Guelph Avocet, Aurora Egret & Rusty Blackbirds
Prompted into action by Carol McKnight's message that the American Avocet was still south of Guelph yesterday morning, I made the thunder run out there today and was rewarded with marvellous looks at the elegant visitor. As posted, take the Hwy. 6 NORTH exit from Hwy. 401, turn left at the first intersection (County Road 34), then follow it west to County Road 35 (second left). Follow this rather busy road south a short distance until you see the farm building with two blue silos on the east side of the road. The avocet is in the little pond at the front of the property, close to the roadside. There were four Lesser Yellowlegs attending its highness this afternoon at 2:00. Back in York Region, where we do not always get to see a wide variety of waders, a Great Egret has been lingering in the southern section of the McKenzie Marsh in Aurora. Feeding behind it on the fringe of the bullrushes early this morning was a Sora rail. Also in attendance were numerous Great Blue Herons, two immature Black-crowned Night Herons, three Belted Kingfishers, a half-dozen DC Cormorants, and, before they dispersed noisily at 7:00 a.m., a mixed flock of at least 3,000 blackbirds (red-wings, grackles, starlings, and numerous Rusty Blackbirds). Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Common Nighthawks west of Newmarket
On the way home from Orangeville around 5:00 p.m. today, I observed a small group of Common Nighthawks actively insect-hawking above Hwy. 9 in the westernmost section of the Holland Marsh vegetable fields. This is west of Hwy. 400, close to where Canal Road finishes its long east-west arc and finally bends southward to meet Hwy. 9. There were 4 birds hunting together. This species is becoming harder and harder to find in many parts of the province, so catching them in migration is a bit of a treat. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
McKenzie Marsh correction
My "Great-crested" Cormorants, were, of course, Double-crested. Must've been a flycatcher in my cereal this morning. Ron Fleming "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
McKenzie Marsh - Aurora
Of possible interest to birders in York Region: Aurora's Mckenzie Marsh has reached its most productive time for birding as families of various species are dispersing from their nesting areas and preparing for their journeys southward. Early this morning there were 7 Black-crowned Night-herons (both juvenile and adult), 4 Green Herons, 15 Great Blue Herons, 6 Belted Kingfishers, 3 Common Moorhens, one Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Great-crested Cormorants, 2 Caspian Terns, several Killdeer, three Spotted Sandpipers and one Semi-palmated Plover, all actively feeding. Passerine activity was minimal, though I did see one Blackburninan warbler. The pond edges on both sides of St. John's Sideroad should be checked carefully, though the north side is usually most productive. McKenzie Marsh is a small marsh bisected by the St. John's Sideroad in the north part of Aurora, 1.5 kms east of Yonge Street. Parking is at a premium, but you can pull over on the south side of St. John's once you've passed the main body of the pond. Best vantage point for birding is the brushy hillside on the northeast side of the pond, reached by walking up the hill east of the McKenzie Marsh Wetlands sign, past the no parking sign (gulp), then cutting into the bushes just before the two old slanted wood posts on the north side of the road. By doing some minor bushwhacking through the 3-4 foot vegetation, you will see how the hillside climbs to a more open vantage point from which you can look northwest into the heart of the northern pond. Early morning is the best time to visit as traffic is at a minimum and bird activity at its max. A scope helps. Aurora is straight north from Toronto, between Hwys. 400 and 404. It is about a 30 minute drive from "the big smoke". Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Prince Edward County sightings
Just returned from a pleasant visit in Prince Edward County, south of Belleville, Ontario. Of possible interest to atlassers in that area: on Sunday I observed a family of American Kestrels (4 birds), a female Cooper's Hawk, a group of approx. 30 Cliff Swallows, and two Grasshopper Sparrows along the Babylon Road, not far from Prince Edward Point. Directions: not far past Black River (on your way to Prince Edward Point), you pass a little lighthouse and Mariner's Museum on the left, then the road bends left around the little bay there. About 5 kms further, you will see Babylon Road on your right. Follow it to where the road bends sharply left (another smaller road keeps going straight, but don't take it unless you want to do some exploring). Babylon Road runs straight from here until it intersects with Whattans Road. The birds mentioned above were observed about 2 kms. before the intersection of Babylon and Whattans. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Peregrine Falcon west of King City
Driving the back roads of York Region today, I observed a Peregrine Falcon on Weston Road about two kms north of King Road, which runs east-west between King City and Nobleton. The bird was perched on the east side of the road and eventually flew off toward the southwest. Also had a Northern Mockingbird a few kms north of this location and two Eastern Bluebirds by the roadside on Kipling Avenue, just south of the King-Vaughan Line. Weston Road runs parallel to Hwy. 400, just a few kms west of it. King City is north of Canada's Wonderland by several kms. King Road is the next highway exit after Wonderland (the Major Mackenzie exit at the town of Maple). Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Re: Ballantrae Raven
A quick point of clarification re: yesterday's post under the title "Ballantrae Common Raven" - Ballantrae, I failed to mention, is the closest town to the two locations described in the report (lest anyone misconstrue the "Ballantrae" tag as some obscure subspecies of raven). Common Ravens appear to be expanding their range and this sighting, though unusual in York region, is by no means the first; ravens were reported north of this location last spring and summer as well as in this Ballantrae area on at least one other occasion last year. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Ballantrae Common Raven & Blk.billed Cuckoo
Sharing insomnia with my golden retriever this morning, he and I drove east of Newmarket & Aurora at the crack of dawn to take a walk in my atlassing square. Moments after hopping out of the van at the intersection of McCowan & Faulkner Roads, the deep sqwonking call of a Common Raven could be heard just southeast of us. Four crows pushed the raven briefly into view over the deepest dip in McCowan Rd. before it soared back out of sight eastward over the Eldred King forest tract. I did not see the bird again, but could hear it occasionally vocalizing in the distance as Sam and I hiked southward along the western edge of that large wooded area. Later, at about 6:30 a.m., we drove south on McCowan to the Hall Tract and did a shorter walk along the southern edge of that forest. At the Oak Ridges Trail sign that marks a path going south toward Wellington/Aurora Road, a Black-billed Cuckoo called several times. It flew overhead once, looking distinctly tubular in shape, but I could not find his perch. Sam was oblivious to the bird life, but for me these sightings provided some consolation for the lack of sleep. Both of these forest tracts run east from McCowan Rd., north of Wellington Rd., the main east-west line running out of Aurora. Aurora, if you are not familiar with it, is about halfway between Toronto and Barrie. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
re: Brewster's Warbler
Post-gardening and pre-Stanley Cup final-viewing, I was able to dig up a very informative little essay on Blue-winged x Golden-winged Hybrids in the Dunn & Garrett book on Warblers (Peterson Field Guide series). The Brewster's Warbler observed this morning east of Aurora was a male F2 backcross, best shown in the photo on pg. 141 of that book. There are several good plates on pg. 49, though the Brewster's 2nd generation backcross male shown there has two distinct wing bars, unlike the variant observed east of Aurora today. My earlier post has more details and directions. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Brewster's Warbler east of Aurora
Today is "Atlassing Day" across Ontario, so I went out to do some point counts east of Aurora with the assistance of Kevin Shackleton and Paul Cottenden. Most species we observed were common ones, but of regional interest were NORTHERN GOSHAWK (calling from the southwest side of Kennedy and Vandorf Roads) and PURPLE FINCH (calling from the northeast side of Kennedy and St. John Roads). Best bird of the day, however, was a BREWSTER'S WARBLER which caught at our attention as it sang from the east side of Warden Avenue north of the Wellington/Aurora Road. We at first thought it to be a Golden-winged Warbler because of the "bee buzz buzz buzz" vocal pattern, but due to hybridization between the latter species and Blue-winged Warbler, we made it a point to track the bird down for visual identification. Aside from the song, this bird also had a golden wing panel (vs. two gold bars) like the Golden-winged, but its head pattern was that of a Blue-winged Warbler: a bright yellow crown and dark black eyeline. The distinctive throat and auricular markings of GWWA were absent. The throat, breast and undersides were white. Based on the guides we consulted (Sibley & Peterson), we believe it be a male Brewster's backcross. This bird was, at least for awhile, easily heard from the roadside. To access this location, turn north from the Aurora/Wellington Road onto Warden and follow it about two kms until you see the railway crossing sign on the east side of the road. Stop and listen. The bird spent a short time in the large tree south of the roadside lilacs (east side of Warden). There is a laneway just south of the RR tracks that is shared by a private residence and the Trails Youth Initiative Centre (which is part of the Pangman Springs property once owned by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority). Permission is required to enter this area, but with patience, the bird could be heard and, for a while, seen from the roadside. You can also see an active Bank Swallow colony if you look northeast (a pair of Kingfishers shares this nesting bank), and you may hear or see the ALDER FLYCATCHER which is on territory on the perimeter of the grassy field. The Brewster's Warbler flew as far away as the easternmost reaches of this field, but was singing from the deciduous trees on the south side of the field (behind the small conifers and within 20 meters of the roadside) when we left. Ron Fleming, Newmarket The areas described above are east of Hwy. 404, not very far north of Toronto. "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Correction re: York Region
The Wood Duck pair was just west, not east, of Hwy. 48 on Vandorf Rd., on the south side of the road where there is a wooded swamp. Ron Fleming "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
York Region: Red-shouldered Hawk, Blackpoll Warblers
Up early this morning, I squeezed in some birding between 5:30-7:30. Despite the breezy, cool conditions (June 1st!?), I observed 14 warbler species east of Aurora in the public section of Pangman Springs Conservation Area. There were at least 7 Blackpoll Warblers (5 males and 2 females that I observed) and 5 Bay-breasted Warblers (1 male and 4 females) among them. These late migrants will likely be long gone northward by next week, but it was a pleasure to see them. Also present - and presumably on territory - were Mourning, Pine, Northern Waterthrush, Am. Redstart, B&W, Blackburnian, Nashville, Chestnut-sided, Cm. Yellowthroat, Ovenbird, Yellow-rumped and Blk.thr. Green. Veery, Wood Thrush and Hermit Thrush were also singing. A Red-shouldered Hawk was on its nest a few kms. southwest of this location, but due to its fragile status, the exact location is probably best left undescribed. Also observed were a pair of Wood Ducks on Vandorf Sdrd. just east of Hwy. 48 (Markham Road) and a pair of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds just north of Pangman Springs (first house past the Pangman gate on the west side of Kennedy). Most of the latter property is reserved for the Trails Youth Initiative camp, but there is a fairly decent public section that can be accessed from Kennedy Rd. by driving 1.5 km south of St. John's Sdrd. and parking at the old metal gate that marks the small lane running west (through a cedar stand, if that helps). The limit of the public section is clearly marked by a sign on the main trail. Ron Fleming, Newmarket Aurora is about halfway between Toronto and Barrie. The areas described above are east of Hwy. 404. "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
York Region Birdathon Sightings
Yesterday (Saturday, May 17), I joined Kevin Shackleton, John McLean, John Watson and Keith Dunn on their annual Baillie Birdathon. This is one of two West Humber Naturalists teams out of Kleinburg. There is a friendly competition between the two groups, both strictly bounded by the parameters of York Region and mutual honesty. The second team is birding today. Our "squad" encountered 125 species for the day, three species lower than last year, but still decent, especially in light of the fact that shorebirds were virtually nonexistent. At the best of times, York Region has little shorebird habitat, but during our 340 kms. of driving, the flooded fields, sewage lagoons and pond margins we checked were absolutely devoid of sandpipers, plovers and their kin. Of the species we recorded, none of them were rarities, but there were still some interesting finds among them. Best bird was an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER observed in Pottageville (just west of Hwys. 400 and 9). Warblers were present in several areas, including Kortright Conservation Area just south of Kleinburg and Mabel Davis Park in Newmarket. We observed 22 warbler species in all, BLUE-WINGED, PARULA, CAPE MAY and BAY-BREASTED among them. We had SCREECH OWL and BARRED OWL just west of Newmarket, as well as several diurnal raptors including BROAD-WINGED HAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, and COOPER'S HAWK. Other interesting birds were AMERICAN WOODCOCK, COMMON SNIPE, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, YELLOW-THROATED VIREO, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, BROWN THRASHER, PILEATED WOODPECKER, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER and CLIFF SWALLOW. All in all, a very pleasant day of birding. It will be interesting to see how the second West Humber team fares today. To anyone who encounters shorebirds in York Region this month, I'd be curious to know what and where. Good luck to all Baillie Birdathoners across the province! Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
York Region Raptors: Broad-wing, Red-shouldered, Harrier
Late yesterday I observed a pair of Broad-winged Hawks in a mating flight display just southwest of the intersection of Mulock and Bathurst in Newmarket. I obseerved a pair of the same species late Sunday afternoon in the Eldred King forest tract just northeast of the intersection of St. John's Sideroad and McCowan near Ballantrae. Also in the general vicinity of Ballantrae was an adult Red-shouldered Hawk hunting on the margin of a small pond on the south side of Vandorf Sideroad just west of McCowan. A male Northern Harrier was being hassled by two crows at St. John's Sideroad and Woodbine (southwest side). A Common Moorhen and two Caspian Terns were at the McKenzie Marsh in north Aurora Tuesday evening. All of these areas are in York Region, just north of Toronto. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
York Region: Warbler Fall-out in Richmond Hill
An excellent fall-out of warblers occurred this morning at Richmond Hill's Mill Pond Park. Birding for an hour before work (7:45-8:45 am), Allan Roitner of Aurora did not have a spectacular variety, but the ten warbler species that were present showed up in impressive numbers: "conservative estimates" were 30+ BLACKBURNIAN, 30+ BLK-THR. BLUE, 20+ BLACK&WHITE, 20+ CHESTNUT-SIDED, 20+ BLK-THR. GREEN and, for good colour, a NORTHERN PARULA. Also present were BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, ROSE-BR. GROSBEAK, SCARLET TANAGER, BALT. ORIOLE, WHITE-CR. SPARROW, and a lingering CAROLINA WREN (present for a week now). A pair of SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, which has nested near the picnic kiosk for several years running, were enjoying the newly extended menu. All of these sightings were at the northern and northwestern end of the park, between the main pond and the secondary northern pond, not far from the manicured area where the larger, newer homes are located. Mill Pond is accessed most easily by taking Mill Street east from Bathurst Street, one block north of Major McKenzie Drive in the west part of Richmond Hill. Turn north on Trench St. and follow it to Rumble, then turn left (west) and park at the dead end. Aurora's Case Woodlot was far less active, but did have a few warbler species and a blue-headed vireo. Best birds there today were a WOOD THRUSH and a pair of PILEATED WOODPECKERS, the latter species occuring here often and presumably nesting locally. The Case Woodlot is just east of Bathurst Street on the north side of Henderson Road in southwestern Aurora. Best birding is in the northern part of the wood, in the general vicinity of "Salamander Pond". The Newmarket area has had some interesting raptors over the past few days: an OSPREY above the Holland Marsh vegetable fields near Hwy. 400 and Canal Road, a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK near Hwy. 404 and Vandorf Road, a female NORTHERN HARRIER hunting over the fields just south of the Holland River Trail west of Main Street, and two BROAD-WINGED HAWKS (observed by Kevin Shackleton and Keith Dunn) in the River Drive Park area on the north side of Queensville Road (north Holland Landing). York Region birders are encouraged to post unusual sightings or contact me if you want them rolled into a summary. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
York Region Arrivals
I'm sure that many interesting migrants have shown up across York Region this weekend, but since they haven't been posted, here are some York arrivals since Friday evening: At "old Bathurst" in southwest Newmarket yesterday afternoon: BLACK & WHITE WARBLER (6), BLACK-THR. GREEN (8-10), NASHVILLE (2), PINE (2), as well as BLUE-HEADED VIREO (2), RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (25+), BROWN CREEPER (8-10). These birds were feeding along the sandy corridor that runs parallel to and just west of Bathurst. The trail entry is a small path leading straight west from the west side of Bathurst, just north of Mulock Drive. At McKenzie Marsh in north Aurora this morning: COMMON MOORHEN (1), PIED-BILLED GREBE (2). McKenzie Marsh is about 1 km east of Yonge Street on St. John's Sideroad in Aurora. At the water retention pond behind Silver City, Newmarket this afternoon: CASPIAN TERN (2), SPOTTED SANDPIPER (2). (Thanks to Nigel Shaw for mentioning this spot to me.) This pond is on the eastern boundary of the Silver City property, just southeast of Yonge Street and Green Lane. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Tiny Marsh OFO Trip
Today's OFO trip to Tiny Marsh attracted about 30 participants who collectively observed about 60 birds species (I did not have a chance to check with everyone; my own list was 58). It was a beautiful day with perfect lighting for bird observation. Highlights included: SANDHILL CRANE (5); SNOW GOOSE - dark adult "blue goose" morph (1); OSPREY (3 in an interesting social interaction); CASPIAN TERN (3); NORTHERN HARRIER (3 males); 12 duck species including WOOD DUCK, AMERICAN WIGEON, REDHEAD and HOODED MERGANSER; YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (30+); PINE WARBLER (6); and AMERICAN BITTERN (5), one of which posed beautifully for all of us to observe for several minutes. We also had a late Tree Sparrow and an early (relative to Tiny Marsh's location) Barn Swallow. Many thanks to those who participated - a marvellous group to hike with! Ron Fleming, Newmarket DIRECTIONS: Tiny Marsh is northwest of Barrie, accessible by exiting Hwy. 400 at Bayfield Ave. in Barrie, then following it steadily northwest, through Elmvale. Approx. two kms north of Elmvale you cross the Wye River. Take a left at Regional Rd. 6 just after this and follow it about 2 more kms to the Tiny-Flos Townline, which is also known as Concession 1. There is a large sign indicating Tiny Marsh. Turn left (west) and drive about 3kms to the main parking lot. Park and hike from here. The 8 km dike trail is east of the main building; the shorter woodland trails (including a boardwalk section) are west. "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
Pine Warbler, Turkeys, etc.- York Region
Of regional interest to birders living just north of Toronto: Seneca College's campus at King City had two Pine Warblers singing (and posing to be seen) near the steepest section of the XC ski trails on the northern boundary of the campus property today. Also observed and/or heard were: Wild Turkey (2), Ruffed Grouse (2), Osprey (2), Cooper's Hawk (1) E. Phoebe (2), Pileated Woodpecker (1), Hooded Merganser (2), Ring-necked Duck (2), DC Cormorant (4), GB Heron (2), Swamp Sparrow (2), Savannah Sparrow (3), B. Kingfisher (2) and Wood Duck (2). Aurora's little Mackenzie Marsh had two Pied-billed Grebes and a pair of N. Shovellers. Seneca College is just north of King City on Dufferin Street. King City is east of Hwy. 400, north of Maple and south of Aurora. The Mackenzie Marsh is just east of Yonge Street in north Aurora. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
King City Ospreys, Pileated, etc.
A muddy but enjoyable hike with my Junior Naturalists Club through the King City campus of Seneca College this morning yielded a pair of osprey (one sitting on the nesting platform on the south side of Eaton Lake), a pileated woodpecker, a pair of wood ducks, all three merganser species, two great blue herons, numerous golden-crowned kinglets, plus several flickers and eastern phoebes. King City is just east of Hwy. 400 north of Toronto. Seneca College is north of the King Road, accessible from Dufferin Street. There is a $3 parking fee. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
York Region Migrants
Observed ten turkey vultures and two sharp-shinned hawks migrating north over Richmond Hill on my way to hockey this morning. Also had three eastern meadowlarks along the King-Vaughan Line west of Bathurst. York Region is directly north of Toronto on Yonge Street Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Re: Tundra Swans, GB Herons...York Region
Sorry, forgot to sign my post: Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Tundra Swans, GB Herons and other migrants - York Region
Melting snow has created numerous flooded fields ideal for migrating waterfowl to visit, so I ventured out this morning to check the north end of Bathurst Street, which has traditionally been a good place for migrants. True to form, the flooded vegetable fields and sod farms north of Queensville Sdrd. on Bathurst contained several interesting waterfowl species, including: TUNDRA SWAN (4), one tagged TRUMPETER SWAN (#99 or 099 from what I could see), NORTHERN PINTAIL (20), GREEN-WINGED TEAL (6), BLACK DUCK (6), about a hundred Mallards, and a pair each of CANVASBACK, COMMON MERGANSER, and BUFFLEHEAD. There were, of course, numerous Canada Geese, one of which had a neck tag that looked like #11A6. Back early at the heronry on the west side of the Bradford Canal were four GREAT BLUE HERON. There was also an early EASTERN MEADOWLARK calling from the fields on the west side of Bathurst north of Hochreiter Rd., plus numerous HORNED LARKS, grackles, red-winged blackbirds, and robins. There were several SONG SPARROWS and KILLDEER calling all along Bathurst in this area. A lingering NORTHERN SHRIKE was sitting prominently on a treetop on the south side of the road that goes eastward into the Holland River Marina. The most exciting sight for the morning was a male NORTHERN HARRIER taking runs at a juvenile NORTHERN GOSHAWK in the field just north of the woods and south of the first dike on the west side of Bathurst. The gos eventually flew into the woods and the harrier flew across Bathurst to patrol the marsh on the east side of the road. I later observed a female harrier hunting on the west side of Bathurst, south of the dike, while a lone coyote kept an eye on all the ducks on the north side. Directions: Bathurst Street is the same well-known road that runs north through Toronto, but once it reaches Davis Drive in Newmarket (Hwy. 9), it gets interrupted. To hook up with it again, you have to jog over to Yonge Street and fight your way through the ever-present traffic in north Newmarket. Travel north out of Newmarket toward Bradford and watch for the stoplight where Bathurst is once again indicated. This is just west of Holland Landing and just south of Bradford. You have to turn right, then an almost immediate left, at which point Bathurst turns north again over the railway tracks. Follow Bathurst all the way up, past Queensville Sdrd. and past Hochreiter Rd. (which can be well worth checking if the road is not a total quagmire) until you emerge from the trees to enter the flat lands east of Bradford and west of River Drive Park. The first dike trail on the left is a good one to walk, since it takes you out into the heart of the flooded fields and offers good views of the heronry straight west. A scope definitely increases one's chances of seeing good birds. "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
York Region Migrants
With this weekend's long-awaited warm temperatures, the migrant floodgates have opened. I know this will be one of many reports regarding new arrivals. Of possible interest to York Region birders are the following observations: male RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS seemed to materialize from the ethers this morning - they were literally everywhere. AMERICAN ROBINS and CEDAR WAXWINGS (the latter seemed unusually low in number this winter in York region) were also out in large numbers; I saw at least 100 of each as I drove the country roads east of Aurora and Richmond Hill. Stopping for coffee near Yonge & Mulock Streets in south Newmarket, a KILLDEER flew overhead calling and, later in the day, another one went by as I walked by dog along the Holland River trail in northern Newmarket. NORTHERN SHRIKES will linger until early to mid-April before heading north to the Hudson Bay lowlands. One was perched conspicuously on the south side of Vandorf Sdrd. just east of Woodbine Ave. this morning. Further south, on Bethesda Sdrd. just east of Woodbine, I had a "drive-thru" sighting of a COOPER'S HAWK: this is when you pull up, roll down the window, and watch the bird from the comfort of your own car while Jazz FM keeps playing Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter. The bird was a brawny female moving into adult plumage. Its talons were, by comparison to a Sharp-shinned Hawk's, enormous-looking. Less than 30 minutes later I observed another Cooper's Hawk flying west across Bathurst Street into the woods at the Henderson Road extension. I have observed this bird on three other occasions in the same vicinity this winter. Directions: Aurora, Newmarket and Richmond Hill are located directly north of Toronto along Canada's longest road, Yonge Street (sorry to sound like Cliff Claven!) Vandorf Sdrd. runs east from the southern part of Aurora while Bethesda Road runs east from the northern part of Richmond Hill (known as Oak Ridges). Best birding is usually east of Woodbine, which runs parallel to Hwy. 404 on its east side. I'm sure there are many other reports about migrants arriving north of Toronto this weekend; this is my 2 cents worth. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Ravens east of Orangeville/First Red-winged Blackbirds in Aurora
While hiking the Mono Cliffs leg of the Bruce Trail with my wife this morning I had very nice looks at (and earfuls of) three Common Ravens. There were numerous crows around and the ravens really dwarfed them as they flew by sqwonking gutturally. Also had a Pileated Woodpecker calling from the spillway and, on the 2nd Line across from the little cemetary, there was a very handsome looking Ring-necked Pheasant strutting along the roadside. Directions: The Mono Cliffs trails run north from Dufferin Rd. 8, which runs between Airport Road on the east and Hwy. 10 on the west, north of Hwy. 9 and south of Hwy. 89. Best views of the ravens were from the look-out platform on the escarpment ridge, where it overlooks the glacial spillway below. This particular section of trail is best accessed by driving west past the Mono Cliffs Park sign and past the marvellous little Mono Cliffs Inn (great dining room upstairs; great little pub downstairs). At the stop sign, turn north and follow 2nd Line to its end. By walking straight north you end up with some great views eastward from the clifftops. Back home in the Newmarket/Aurora area I was pleased to see my first Red-winged Blackbirds of the spring at the McKenzie Marsh just east of Yonge Street on St. John's Sideroad. It took all the way to the Ides of March for them to arrive - the latest arrival of RWBL in the 20 years I've lived in York Region. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
N. Shrike, Merlin - Aurora
Always bring your binoculars with you. While running some errands late this afternoon, I came upon two decent winter sightings. Firstly, there was a Northern Shrike sitting in a tree on the west side of Yonge Street, just north of Savage Road. I've seen this bird on a few other occasions in the exact same spot over the past two months, so I assume he's been wintering here in north Aurora/south Newmarket, taking advantage of the many rodents being disturbed by the construction going on southwest of Mulock Drive. There is a Saberwood Homes sales office on the west side of Yonge Street; the bird shows up in a tree above that little office from time to time. Circling back from south Aurora, I took Bathurst back to Newmarket and watched a small raptor cross Bathurst Street.. I took for granted that it would be either a Sharpie or a Cooper's, since both species do show up to patrol the feeders here, but then I noticed how purely falcon-shaped it was. I pulled over, got it in my binos and watched it fly across the golf course (Aurora Highlands?) west of Bathurst. It was not a kestrel - too dark, too strong and direct in flight, not to mention banded in the tail. A pleasant surprise for someone just out to buy hockey tape! Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Fisherville Short-Eared Owls, Newmarket Snowy Owls (One vs. a Northern Harrier)
Up early at my sister's home in Stoney Creek this morning, I realized
that I had a few free hours before everyone rolled out of bed, so I
grabbed my binos, jumped in the car and drove out to Fisherville. I
birded the 6th Concession exclusively (based on limited time) and had
very good views of the following: approximately 14 SHORT-EARED OWLS
(they basically exploded from a tree and flew off in all directions at
once),
one female NORTHERN HARRIER, one light-phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK,
and a dozen HORNED LARKS. I returned to Stoney Creek to find breakfast
waiting and my brother-in-law rolling his eyes. ("You drove out to
Fisherville to look for birds at 6:30 in the morning?") I nodded and
asked for some bacon.
Returning home to Newmarket late in the day, I dropped my wife off, then
spent an hour driving around the Holland Marsh just west of Newmarket
and south of Bradford. At Hwy. 9 and Jane St., a dark-phase
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK soared southward toward Kettleby. Based on Garth
Baker's report from Saturday, I drove to Day St, just off Canal Road,
east of Hwy. 400. I could not find the Snowy Owl he'd reported, but
took great pleasure in watching a very sleek male NORTHERN HARRIER
hunting low over the fields south of Devald St.
The harrier suddenly dipped out of sight as if he'd gone after something
behind a row of bullrushes, then rose again, followed by the adult male
SNOWY OWL (described in Garth's post), brawny, pure white and obviously
agitated! The harrier, however, proved more agile and aggressive in the
arial show that followed, perhaps defending a territory he'd refused to
leave back in the autumn. He stayed above the owl, diving at it several
times while the larger white raptor swiveled its head back and forth in
an effort to keep the harrier in sight. Eventually, the owl banked
sharply and landed on a stump, allowing the harrier to continue on its
way eastward.
I returned to Canal Road and proceeded to Tornado Drive, where another
Snowy has been lingering for at least two weeks. I had trouble
rediscovering it, but eventually spotted the bird hunting low over the
fields southeast of Tornado and Simcoe Rd.
There are at least three Snowy Owls out in the Holland Marsh this
winter, the adult male referred to above and two female/juvenile birds,
but they are not always easy to find.
The Holland Marsh is easily accessible from Hwy. 400. From the south,
take the Canal Road exit a few kms. north of Hwy. 9. Drive to the
Farmer's Market building (you truly can't miss it), then turn right
(east) on Canal Road.
Fisherville is a small town down by Lake Erie. It is southwest of
Cayuga. I usually take Hwy. 3 across to Nelle's Corners, then turn
south. After a few kms. you will come to a little green sign for
Fisherville. Turn right (south) and keep your eyes peeled for the 6th
Concession. Turn right (west). The Short-ears are usually found on the
south side of the road near Pine Row Farms, east of the Raptor Reserve.
Ron Fleming, Newmarket
"Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Newmarket Snowy Owl
Despite blue skies and dazzling sunlight, the wind chill factor out in the flatlands west of Newmarket made birding a very uncomfortable experience today. I was unable to rediscover the Snowy Owl between Woodchoppers Lane and Edward Street, but did see the second owl along Tornado Road. It was in the same general vicinity as last weekend, but on the north side of the road and hunkered down in the field, presumably to minimize the effects of the vicious wind. Specific directions are as follows (and I apologize for not being clearer about Wist Rd. meeting Canal Rd. in last Sunday's description): Driving north from Toronto, you would exit west a few kms past Hwy. 9 onto Canal Road. You have to be in the easternmost lane because this is a simple turn-off, not a true highway-style exit ramp. (This little exit actually puts you onto Wist Road, a small country lane that runs right beside the highway. It reaches Canal Road in less than a km of the exit - you can clearly see the "Canal Road Farmers Market" sign.) At the Farmers Market, turn right and follow Canal Road about 4 kms (past Day St. and Waida St.) until you get to Tornado Road. Turn right and follow Tornado past Jane and Hazel Streets. The owl was about 150 metres straight north of house #331. Last Sunday the bird was just past this house on Keele Lane, so you could check both sides of the road. Also had an American Kestrel out there. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Two Snowy Owls west of Newmarket
I had two Snowy Owls in the Holland Marsh west of Newmarket this morning. At about 9:00 a.m my wife, a friend and I had very good looks at the female/juvenile (heavily barred) bird that I had seen yesterday afternoon. It was on the very same post this morning, perched at the end of the road extension for Edward Street. After that we drove a big circle around the Holland Marsh/Bradford flats, looking for another Snowy that Keith Dunn had seen around 8:30 a.m., as well as a Northern Shrike he'd mentioned. We didn't see the shrike, but we got the second Snowy Owl perched conspicuously on the second post south of Tornado Road on Keele Lane. This bird was also a juvenile/female type with heavy barring and a white face. I still think, based on Bruce Brydon's sighting of a white adult male on Friday, that there is probably a third Snowy out there. Having said that, they are by no means a cinch to get; the Holland Marsh is a vast flatland with numerous white snow mounds, white plastic pails, white posts, and other such "white-herrings" (red herrings just don't fit the colour scheme) scattered across the mainly white and brown background of field after field. To reach the first spot mentioned above, drive east from Hwy. 400 along Hwy. 9 (Davis Drive out of Newmarket). At Jane Street turn north and follow it until it stops in a T-intersection at Woodchoppers Lane. Jog west a short bit and follow Jane north again. It turns east, becoming Edward Street. Follow Edward to where it turns north, becoming Aileen Street. Park here and look straight east to where a pile of wooden crates can be seen in the distance. The owl was on the pole just to the left of these crates both yesterday and today. We walked out to the crates and were still about 150 metres from the bird, so a scope comes in handy. To reach the second location, go back to Woodchoppers Lane and drive west to Wist Road. It runs north and south right beside Hwy. 400. Take it north to Tornado Road and turn east. Just before Tornado turns north, you will see Keele Lane, which runs south for less than a km before dead-ending. The second owl was on this short lane. Ron Fleming, Newmarket P.S. Theo, I forgot to mention a Northern Mockingbird at that little cemetary just south of Nashville Road on Huntington Road yesterday. "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Snowy Owl (Newmarket), Shrikes & Rough-Leg (Kleinburg)
Many thanks to Bruce Brydon for tipping me yesterday about a Snowy Owl west of Newmarket, just in time for the field trip I led today. We ended the day with this bird at about 4:00 p.m., scoping it from just east of where Jane Street meets Woodchoppers Lane about 2 kms north of Hwy. 9. As Bruce noted, the best reference point is "a truncated telephone pole with an orange band" on the north side of Woodchoppers Lane, about half a km from where that road meets Jane. The bird was northeast of this point, sitting on top of a hydro pole with an orange multi-doored building in the background. For a closer look, we turned around and drove west along Woodchoppers Lane to where Jane continues north after a short jog. Jane then bends east, becoming Edward Street. Edward runs straight east, then bends north and becomes Aileen Street, but you can see a muddy extension of Edward Street running straight east into the flats of the vegetable fields. We parked here (there are vegetable storage buildings with wooden crates) and had better looks at the bird. It was directly east of us, at the end of the muddy extension of Edward Street where there is a big stack of crates in the field. We walked a little ways down the road, but didn't want to bother the bird, so we scoped it and had excellent looks. It was fairly heavily barred, appearing to be a first year female (at least like the one in Sibley's excellent guide). Interestingly, Bruce Brydon's message said the bird he spotted on Friday morning was "a brilliant white specimen", so I wouldn't be surprised if there are two Snowies out there. This area is just south of Bradford and west of Newmarket. Hwy. 400 runs right past it. Earlier in the day, our group had three Northern Shrikes in the Kleinburg area, two of them on Major Mackenzie between Hwy. 27 and Huntington Road, the other east of Kleinburg on Kipling Avenue just south of Kirby Road. We had a spectacular-looking dark adult Rough-legged Hawk hunting in the fields on the north side of Nashville Road where it runs east from Hwy. 50. Ron Fleming, Newmarket "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Shrike, Rough-legged Hawks, Snow Buntings: Georgetown to King City
After my second futile attempt to see the Campbellville Hawk Owl this morning, I beat the back roads for consolation on my way home to Newmarket. Interesting sightings included 120 SNOW BUNTINGS just east of Heritage Road & Old School Line northeast of Georgetown, a light phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK near Hwys. 407 & 410, three WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS foraging with a group of chickadees and cardinals at the Humber Arboretum in northwest Toronto, a NORTHERN SHRIKE just west of Hwy. 27 on Major Mackenzie Drive in southwest Kleinburg, and a dark-phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKon the north side of the Nashville Road just east of Hwy. 50 (southeast of Bolton). Also had numerous Red-tailed Hawks (approx. 14) and two American Kestrels through the course of my travels. Just north of King City I stopped to take a short stroll along the Oak Ridges Trail where it runs east from Keele Street and into the Seneca College property. No more than 60 metres down the trail I flushed a RUFFED GROUSE, then - about 100 metres further - I had a good look at a PILEATED WOODPECKER beating the heck out of a dead tree. Ron Fleming "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Shrikes, Ruffed Grouse - Aurora Area
As many birders likely do, I turned a 15-minute errand into a 90-minute drive this morning just to see what might be out and about in the bird world. There was a grey adult Ruffed Grouse foraging in the ditch along St. John's Sideroad just west of Kennedy Road, a grey juvenile Northern Shrike on the Vandorf Sideroad just east of Woodbine Avenue, and a brown juvenile Northern Shrike perched on the west side of Yonge Street just north of St. John's Sideroad (where all the construction of new townhomes is going on across from Savage Road). Aurora is straight north from Toronto, one of a string of suburban towns along Yonge Street. It is about halfway between Toronto and Barrie. Ron Fleming "Ronald J. Fleming" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
