[Ontbirds] Snowy Owl Sombra Dec 18
On south side if Bentpath Line about a km east of Sombra. Bird was quite dark and sitting in the middle if a large solar panel array. Tom Hince PO Box 281 Wheatley, ON Canada N0P 2P0 pelee...@netcore.ca ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Murre clarification please
Paul Pratt myself and many others spent most of the morning searching in vain for the murre. As far I know no one saw the bird today. There is a common loon which has been photographed by many at close range. It appears on three occasions it has been reported as the murre. If anyone has or does positively see the murre today I am sure we would all greatly appreciate a post. Thank you. Tom Hince PO Box 281 Wheatley, ON Canada N0P 2P0 pelee...@netcore.ca ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Harlequin Duck St Clair River (MI)
Yesterday Nov 22nd there was a female Harlequin Duck at Marysville River Park on the Michigan side of the St Clair River. This site is just north of Corunna and The bird could easily be visible or on the ontario side. It might be visible from Guthrie Park north of town (or opposite the Shell gas station a bit farther north on the parkway). Tom Tom Hince Wheatley, ON Sent from my iPad ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] SLATY-BACKED GULL - St. Clair River - Jan 23, 2013
Yesterday gull watching on the St. Clair River was fantastic with 8 species observed without any small gulls. First my apologies for the late posting on this bird. I wanted to research hybrid options before posting as I did not see the classic ‘string of pearls’ or bright pink legs of this bird, but had excellent direct comparisons with adjacent herring and great black-backed gulls for several minutes in bright overcast conditions. I firmly believe now that it was an adult winter SLATY-BACKED GULL. I put a description on ebird if you want to see more details. If you are looking for the bird it is a full adult, with a mantle colour intermediate between LBBG and GBBG. Next to a herring gull it is clearly larger and very bulky and block headed. It has a strong hood, with the classic dark eye patch and prominent pale eye, with broad white tertials. Most of the gulls seen were loafing on ice floes and slowly drifting down the river. Even if this bird is no longer on the St. Clair River, there is a good chance it could turn up somewhere on Lake St. Clair, or the Detroit River (Peche Island or Belle Isle). It is very striking! Yesterday I birded the St. Clair River from Port Huron/Sarnia all the way to Marine City/ Sombra. Unlike the day before the river was full of ice floes and large numbers of gulls were riding on the floes, all along the river. I observed about 2500 gulls in total along the river including 15 GLAUCOUS (8 adults, 6 first yr, 1 second yr), 78 GREAT BLACK-BACKED (60% or more adults), 1 THAYERS (first yr), 3 ICELAND (2 adults, 1 first), 2 Iceland/Thayers type – first yrs sitting on ice where more detail could not be seen, and 3 LESSER BLACK-BACKED (2 adults, 1 first yr). If anyone finds this bird, I would really appreciate an email. Also please get photos. Good birding! Tom G. Tom Hince P.O. Box 281 Wheatley, ON N0P2P0 Canada pelee...@netcore.ca 586 839-7482 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] SLATY-BACKED GULL - St. Clair River - Jan 23, 2013 LOCATION INFO
This bird was seen approximately 4 miles north of Marine City/Sombra on ice floes in the St. Clair River. Almost all the gulls were floating on the river and not taking flight often, so the bird could be in a large stretch of the river. G. Tom Hince P.O. Box 281 Wheatley, ON N0P2P0 Canada pelee...@netcore.ca 586 839-7482 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] WESTERN GREBE - SARNIA
At 2 pm today (Dec 16th) there was a Western Grebe swimming on both the MI and ON sides of the channel off lighthouse park in Port Huron and opposite the Sarnia waterfront. I obtained poor but readily identifiable stills and video. The bird was swimming and diving amongst the hundreds of long tailed ducks feeding north of the bridge. Also present were 28 white winged 1 surf and 1 black scoter (far to the north) and an adult Iceland Gull on the US side at the parking lot by the bridge (attacking some discarded garbage!). Tom Hince G. Tom Hince P.O. Box 281 Wheatley, ON N0P2P0 Canada pelee...@netcore.ca 586 839-7482 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Northern Waterthrush and adult kittiwake Windsor
Today (dec 22nd) I photographed a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH at little river conservation area and observed an adult kittiwake east of Peche island (moving east along the shore), while on the north shore CBC. Little river is on the east side of Windsor just south of where lake st Clair empties into the Detroit river. The waterthrush was just east of the sewage plant and toboggan hill in a phragmites filled ditch. Go around the hill on the paved path. Follow the paved path around the hill to the east. The waterthrush was in a thick section of phragmites a few yards north of a painted mark on the path that says 3km and also next to the only white cedar on the west side of the path (lots of pines). I managed to return and get a few record shots. Good birding. Tom Hince Sent from my iPad ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] BOREAL CHICKADEE - Holiday Beach Nov 1
Hi Folks Sorry for the belated report. I had a calling BOREAL CHICKADEE while doing the hawk count at the Holiday Beach hawk tower in Essex County, on November 1st. The bird was heard three times at 2:22 pm and never seen. All the chickadee flocks were on the move and I was not able to track down the boreal before the flock moved west along the lakeshore. Holiday Beach Conservation Area is just south of the town of Malden Centre in southern Essex County. Tom Hince P.O. Box 281 Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 tomhince.blogspot.com ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Long-billed Dowitchers, Marbled Godwit at Blenheim
Early this afternoon, there were two LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS in breeding plumage, and a MARBLED GODWIT at Blenheim lagoons. Good birding. Tom G Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR 1, 21298 Harbour Road Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada home: (519) 825-9070 mobile: (519) 981-5994 E mail: pelee...@netcore.ca Web: www.netcore.ca/~peleetom/webdoc11.htm NEW: Toms blog: http://tomhince.blogspot.com ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Common Loon other spring migrants Wheatley
Had my first of season COMMON LOON yesterday while doing some video in the back yard here. It flew over calling around 10:00 am. Other migrants in the area here have included EASTERN PHOEBE yesterday in the yard, and GREAT EGRET at Wheatley Harbour on March 24th. Also on March 26th I ventured up to Greenway Road near Grand Bend to photo the Tundra Swans reported by Alf Ryder (a great spectacle see images in my blog below). In addition to the swans I heard my FOS GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and had about 100 LAPLAND LONGSPURS moving north in small groups. Cheers, Tom G Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR 1, 21298 Harbour Road Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada home: (519) 825-9070 mobile: (519) 981-5994 E mail: pelee...@netcore.ca NEW: Toms blog: http://tomhince.blogspot.com ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Snow and Ross's Geese at Pelee
Further to Dean Wares post of this, what was presumably the same group of white geese (plus a few more individuals with a grand total of 256 birds) were flying over the Marsh Boardwalk early this morning. They appeared to have flushed from one of the ponds in the marsh (possibly West Cranberry) around 9 am and circled over the tower before turning north towards Hillman Marsh. This was a truly amazing sight for the Pelee area. One has to remember only a few decades ago when the status of both these species was dramatically different. I was able to get a number of images of the birds in flight which are on my blog (including comparisons of Ross's and Snow). The link is below. Good birding. Tom G Tom Hince RR 1, 21298 Harbour Road Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada home: (519) 825-9070 mobile: (519) 981-5994 E mail: pelee...@netcore.ca Web: www.netcore.ca/~peleetom/webdoc11.htm NEW: Toms blog: http://tomhince.blogspot.com ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] CROSSBILL movement Wheatley
Hi Folks Who says there aren't benefits to shoveling snow? After almost ten years living here, and spending thousands of hours birding in the yard, I finally got my first WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS! But even more amazingly I had SEVEN flocks fly over in just thirty minutes this morning. The flocks varied in size from about 30 birds to 4 individuals. All groups were doing what I consider a typical morning flight pattern for migrants in my yard... heading due west. In addition to the crossbills four small groups of COMMON REDPOLLS flew west during the same period. I already have 4 redpolls visiting my feeder for the past two days, plus at leat 60 PINE SISKINS. As a small sidenote to yardlisters out there, the crossbill was my 206th bird for the yard here. In December I squeaked in a Long-eared Owl to the back deck for #205, so this is turning out to be a good winter for the yard! Good Birding! Tom G Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR 1, 21298 Harbour Road Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada home: (519) 825-9070 mobile: (519) 981-5994 E mail: pelee...@netcore.ca Web: www.netcore.ca/~peleetom/webdoc11.htm ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Worm-eating Warbler - Wheatley, ON
Hi Folks This afternoon (June 20th) at about 2:45 pm I heard and then saw a WORM-EATING WARBLER in my back yard. The bird was singing consistently and moving about quite a bit. Based upon past experience with single male warblers at this time of year here, it will likely be a one day wonder. However, if it reappears tomorrow I will repost in case anyone wants to look for it. In the event you do wish to search for the bird, anyone is welcome with one small condition. Please ring the doorbell and speak with either Lily or myself PRIOR to entering the back yard. This way we can ensure the privacy of our guests. Good birding! Tom G Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR 1, 21298 Harbour Road Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada home: (519) 825-9070 mobile: (519) 981-5994 E mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: www.netcore.ca/~peleetom/webdoc11.htm ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]MISSISSIPPI KITE, etc at Hillman Marsh
The MISSISSIPPI KITE at Hillman Marsh shorebird cell was an adult. It flew low over our group and headed directly south towards Point Pelee National Park. Also present at Hillman were a female WILSON'S PHALAROPE, a WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, and a first summer LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Good birding! Tom G Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR 1, 21298 Harbour Road Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada home: (519) 825-9070 mobile: (519) 981-5994 E mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: www.netcore.ca/~peleetom/webdoc11.htm ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Chimney Swift - Wheatley, ON
Hi Folks This morning while working in the yard I had my first CHIMNEY SWIFT of the season flying overhead. A female NORTHERN CARDINAL is already sitting on eggs here as well. Otherwise regular late April species such as YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER are present. For directions to my home, please see the link below. Good birding. Tom G Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR 1, 21298 Harbour Road Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada home: (519) 825-9070 mobile: (519) 981-5994 E mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: www.netcore.ca/~peleetom/webdoc11.htm ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Cave Swallows, Purple Sandp. - Pelee
At the tip of Pelee this afternoon there were two Cave Swallows (refound today by Gerry Binsfield and also seen by Henrietta O'Neill) and a Purple Sandpiper. Other lingering species seen in the Pelee area included Black-bellied Plover, Cliff Swallow, Dunlin and Black-crowned Night Heron. Good Birding! Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road Wheatley, ON N0P2P0 Canada (519) 825-9070 (office) (519) 981-5994 (mobile) [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.wincom.net/~peleetom/webdoc11.htm ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Cattle Egret - Hillman Marsh - Sun
As I was driving into Leamington, I noted a single Cattle Egret flying northwest over the bridge at northwest Hillman Marsh Conservation Area around 1 pm Sunday afternoon. Hillman Marsh is located about 5 km east of the town of Leamington in southwestern Ontario. Good birding. Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road Wheatley, ON N0P2P0 Canada (519) 825-9070 (office) (519) 981-5994 (mobile) [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.wincom.net/~peleetom/webdoc11.htm ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Black-throated Green Warbler - Leamington
A singing male Black-throated Green Warbler was heard this morning (June 22nd) about 5 km west of Leamington at a private residence on the lakeshore. It was consistently singing from a small grove of planted spruces for the entire half hour I was present. Although likely an unpaired male, this is still an unusual species here in summer. In the yard in Wheatley, the resident Carolina Wrens now are feeding young in the geranium pot on the back deck. Good birding! Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road Wheatley, ON [EMAIL PROTECTED] From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fri Jun 22 17:24:12 2007 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from tomts10-srv.bellnexxia.net (tomts10.bellnexxia.net [209.226.175.54]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 191DD63485 for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Fri, 22 Jun 2007 17:24:12 -0400 (EDT) Received: from jean-bapu1sw48i.sympatico.ca ([69.158.101.191]) by tomts10-srv.bellnexxia.netESMTP [EMAIL PROTECTED] for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Fri, 22 Jun 2007 17:24:12 -0400 Message-Id: [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Version 7.0.1.0 Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2007 17:24:47 -0400 To: ontbirds@hwcn.org From: Jean Iron [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Subject: [Ontbirds]Southbound Least Sandpiper - Holland Landing X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list X-List-Received-Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:24:12 - This morning at the Holland Landing Sewage Lagoons I saw a single southbound adult Least Sandpiper - my first of the fall migration. It was on mud at the south end of the fourth lagoon. The second and fourth lagoons are lower than the other two and should be good shorebird habitat this summer as the water evaporates. I went there looking for Least Sandpiper and Lesser Yellowlegs - both are expected about now returning from their breeding grounds in northern Ontario. This Least Sandpiper was probably a female because female Leasts depart the breeding grounds soon after the chicks hatch leaving the males to raise the young. When the juveniles are grown in about three weeks, the males will head south. So we get three waves of Least Sandpipers: adult females, adult males, and the juveniles come last. Most shorebirds follow a similar pattern, but of course there are exceptions such as the Pectoral Sandpiper with males arriving first in southern Ontario starting in mid-July. These first arriving shorebirds have long intrigued me. Many authorities say they're failed breeders and I said they may be in a shorebird article in 1999 in OFO News. However, I now believe that most early arrivals are just regular migrants that have completed their normal breeding duties. I say this because arrival dates of many common shorebird species are fairly consistent every year. I expect the first Lesser Yellowlegs will be reported this weekend and the first Solitary Sandpipers and Short-billed Dowitchers will be here in early July. Directions: About 50 km north of Toronto. From Highway 401 go north on 404 to Green Lane (last exit). Go west on Green Lane to 6th traffic light. Turn right on Yonge St. and go about 1 km and exit to Holland Landing Road. Follow winding road (no turns) through Holland Landing for 5.6 km. Turn right on Cedar St. to lagoons. If you get to Queensville Side Road you've gone about 1 km past Cedar St. Do not block gate. Also do not climb the new gate. Last year the old gate was broken off its hinges because people climbed it. Go to small opening at left of fence to old road. Walk 15 steps to orange stake. Walk short distance past large white pine to lagoon road. Wear long pants because of poison ivy. Last summer I met York Region staff at the lagoons several times. They were always friendly and even looked through the scope. Our good behaviour will ensure access continues. Ron Pittaway Minden and Toronto ON [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[Ontbirds] Purple Sandpiper - Wheatley Harbour - still present 3:45 pm
Hi folks The PURPLE SANDPIPER reported earlier today is still showing nicely on the beach on the east side of Wheatley Harbour. Despite a number of dogs pushing it up the beach it returned to the same general area. It was actively foraging along the edge of the wet and dry sand on the beach about 250 metres east of the harbour at 3:45 pm. Good birding. Tom Tom Hince RR1, 21298 Harbour Road Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 ph (519) 825-9070 cell (519) 981-5994 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sat Apr 29 16:08:37 2006 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from smtp02.bis.na.blackberry.com (smtp02.bis.na.blackberry.com [216.9.248.49]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id CA59263BD2 for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Sat, 29 Apr 2006 16:08:21 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sensitivity: Normal Importance: Normal To: Reports Ontbirds ontbirds@hwcn.org From: Michael Tate [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 17:50:24 + GMT Content-type: text/plain MIME-Version: 1.0 Subject: [Ontbirds]PurpLe sandpiper X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list X-List-Received-Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 20:08:37 - On the beach. Wheatly harbour Found by Alan Wormington Michael Tate [EMAIL PROTECTED] From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sat Apr 29 16:08:40 2006 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from smtp03.bis.na.blackberry.com (smtp03.bis.na.blackberry.com [216.9.248.50]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id A5A4F63E1D for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Sat, 29 Apr 2006 16:08:24 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sensitivity: Normal Importance: Normal To: Reports Ontbirds ontbirds@hwcn.org From: Michael Tate [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 17:50:52 + GMT Content-type: text/plain MIME-Version: 1.0 Subject: [Ontbirds]PurpLe sandpiper X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list X-List-Received-Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 20:08:41 - On the beach. Wheatly harbour Found by Alan Wormington Michael Tate [EMAIL PROTECTED] From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sat Apr 29 17:06:36 2006 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from smtp101.rog.mail.re2.yahoo.com (smtp101.rog.mail.re2.yahoo.com [206.190.36.79])by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with SMTP id 6D0166390C for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Sat, 29 Apr 2006 17:06:21 -0400 (EDT) Received: (qmail 40001 invoked from network); 29 Apr 2006 21:06:22 - DomainKey-Signature: a=rsa-sha1; q=dns; c=nofws; s=s1024; d=rogers.com; h=Received:Message-ID:Date:From:User-Agent:X-Accept-Language:MIME-Version:To:Subject:Content-Type:Content-Transfer-Encoding; b=VI3n/UnWSpvUzs+ao7+/T35PxSCzudjBMuLUlhdPQkwvZGiCgn5YTG4tL6zYmvfwc1hWutrrz7OYxxdftwXGwfWXGht1uWWXBNdSh5iOWdvHn5RTXT5D8LP/Nh4C19NM8RoLEYeFjRnBJQgk3Ceh8pMGgAAXyAw3cngXyFk1IoE ; Received: from unknown (HELO ?192.168.1.100?) ([EMAIL PROTECTED]@64.228.212.208 with plain) by smtp101.rog.mail.re2.yahoo.com with SMTP; 29 Apr 2006 21:06:22 - Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 17:09:54 -0400 From: Hugh Currie [EMAIL PROTECTED] User-Agent: Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0.7 (Windows/20050923) X-Accept-Language: en-us, en MIME-Version: 1.0 To: ontbirds@hwcn.org, Marcel Gahbauer [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Subject: [Ontbirds]Leslie Spit April 29 X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list X-List-Received-Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 21:06:37 - It was an amazing day on the Leslie Spit for today's TOC walk. It started with a female Yellow-headed Blackbird seen well by the group of 40 through the telescope (it then flew east and out of sight). Next came an American Bittern which perched briefly near the base in a tree. Both these birds were all time firsts for my spit list. Another highlight was a pair of Great Egrets courting near the banding station. After that nothing special until we got to the flats east of the lighthouse. Here we found a Whimbrel - my earliest ever by two weeks. It flew west and out of sight but not before we again had scope views. 73 species in all. Many thanks to Naish McHugh, Steve Favier, John Carley and others for their help in finding the birds. Hugh Currie From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sat Apr 29 18:50:40 2006 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from tomts10-srv.bellnexxia.net (tomts10.bellnexxia.net [209.226.175.54]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 0073E63E1D for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Sat, 29 Apr 2006 18:50:10 -0400 (EDT) Received: from VALUED7B9600FA ([70.50.105.232]) by tomts10-srv.bellnexxia.netSMTP [EMAIL PROTECTED] for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Sat, 29 Apr 2006 18:50:06 -0400 Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: Norm Murr [EMAIL
[Ontbirds]Potential field biologist employment
Hi Folks Just passing on the following message from a friend in Quebec. Please respond directly to Sebastien. [BTW - This has been approved by the list moderator.] Hope someone can take advantage of this opportunity. Cheers, Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada [minutes from Point Pelee National Park] (519) 825-9070 (ph) (519) 981-5994 (mobile) E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom -Original Message- From: Sébastien Rioux [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: March 7, 2006 8:53 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Field biologist needed M. Hince, We met each other a couple of years ago at the St-Thimothé marsh in Québec. We called in a couple of rails and on that day, you saw some short billed dowitchers. Maybe you can find the exact date in your Birders diary... it was back in 2003. The purpose of this mail is to let you know that I'm looking for a field ornithologist/biologist for a period of 2 and 1/2 months begining on april 10 and finishing June 30. I need someone able to identify birds by song, espacially sparrows and other bird species commonly found in agro ecosystems. The job aslo include amphibien monitoring and data validation during rainy days. Field work take place near Montreal in Québec. We offer a salary of 15 $/ h based on a working schedule of 35 hours/ week. Food and lodging are at the expense of the worker but we offer a place to stay for 250 $/months with everything included exept long distance call fees. The contract period could also be extended beyond the above mentionned period. Duties for the extended period include essentially electrofishing. I would be glad if you could forward this message to anyone you know that could be interested by this job. Kind regards, Sébastien. -- Sébastien Rioux, Coordonateur de projet Club Consersol Vert Cher 335 Rang des 25 Est St-Bruno de Montarville,Qc J3V 4P6 Tel : 450-653-4413 poste 265
[Ontbirds]Baird's Sandpiper - Hillman Marsh shorebird habitat
Dear Ontbirders: Haven't seen the Point Pelee posting today so I thought I would post this update. The Hillman Marsh Shorebird habitat had the following of note at 10 am this morning (May 20th) 1 BAIRD'S SANDPIPER 1 White-rumped Sandpiper 3 Wilson's Phalaropes 7 Little Gulls (5 first summer, 2 adult) 1 Northern Pintail (male) In addition there were multiples of expected species such as short-billed dowitcher, dunlin, least and semi sandpipers, semi and black-bellied plovers, as well as numerous common, Forster's terns and bonaparte's gulls. Good birding! Tom Hillman Marsh is in Essex County north of Point Pelee. The shorebird habitat is accessed by taking Oak Street (the Heinz plant intersection) east from Leamington for approximately 7 km from the corner of Erie St (Hwy 77) until you turn right into the Hillman Marsh Conservation area (if the road curves abruptly left and over a bridge you have just passed the turn in). This is a fee area. Please follow the self serve fee system. Park and take the gravel trail at the southeast corner of the parking lot out to the shorebird habitat. It is a 45 acre impoundment that is currently half dry and half standing water. The Bairds was by the first bench as you enter the habitat. Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada [minutes from Point Pelee National Park] (519) 825-9070 (ph) (519) 825-9169 (fax) E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom
[Ontbirds]NEOTROPIC CORMORANT - WHEATLEY HARBOUR MAY 4TH 11 AM
Hi Folks Well as Alan predicted the NEOTROPIC CORMORANT was refound today by Bob Curry and Glenda Slessor. Again it was in Wheatley Harbour perching on a post (next to a regular flavour for comparison). Thanks to Dave Milsom for a fine pickup on this bird, and to Bob and Glenda for refinding it and getting the word out so fast. It sure made a quiet day into an outstanding one! If you want to check out some images, please go to http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom/webdoc24.html Cheers and good birding! Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada [minutes from Point Pelee National Park] (519) 825-9070 (ph) (519) 825-9169 (fax) E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom
[Ontbirds] Black-thr. Gray Warbler still at Pelee April 18th pm and photo
Dear Ontbirders: The female BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER found by Alan Wormington along the Tip Trail in Point Pelee National Park this morning (April 18th) was refound by Steve Pike around 2 pm this afternoon about 150 feet north of the north end of the transit loop at the Tip (where the train turns east towards the lake). It was midway between the main road and the west beach trail and slowly feeding southwards. Eventually it crossed the north end of the transit loop. If anyone wants to see an image of the bird I took a video grab and put it up on my website below. http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom/webdoc24.html Thanks Alan and Steve for this great bird. Cheers, Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada [minutes from Point Pelee National Park] (519) 825-9070 (ph) (519) 825-9169 (fax) E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom
[Ontbirds]Pine Siskin, Red-br. Nuthatch - Wheatley, ON
Hi Folks Today had a single PINE SISKIN and a single male RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH at the feeders. Neither species had been present in the yard for over six weeks. Possibly an indication of some northward movement of these species. Also dozens of COMMON GRACKLES, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS taking over the ground feed. Good Birding! Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada [near Point Pelee National Park] (519) 825-9070 (ph) E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom
[Ontbirds]Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - Wheatley, ON
Hi Folks Yesterday (Jan 24th) while shovelling the driveway I was surprised to hear and then see a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER on the south side of our yard. The bird called several times while in an elm tree then moved west into the ravine and disappeared. This is the first time I have seen this species in the yard in winter. Also two COOPER'S HAWKS (appeared to be an adult male and a first winter female) fighting over rights to the myriad of house sparrows at the feeder. They sat and eyed each other from about fifty feet for about five minutes. Cheers, Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada [minutes from Point Pelee National Park] (519) 825-9070 (ph) (519) 825-9169 (fax) E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom
[Ontbirds]Northern Shrike - Wheatley, ON
At 3:30pm this afternoon a brown first winter NORTHERN SHRIKE make a brief visit to our backyard feeder. After scattering nuthatches, goldfinches, downies and juncoes, the shrike sat next to the feeders for about 15 seconds then flew off into the woods. As an aside this is the 198th species for our yard. Good birding! Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada [15 minutes from Point Pelee National Park] (519) 825-9070 (ph) (519) 825-9169 (fax) E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom
[Ontbirds]Acadian Flycatcher, Wheatley
Hi Folks On August 16th I had an ACADIAN FLYCATCHER in the backyard along with a number of other migrants (five warbler, two vireos, two other empids). This is only the third time I have had this species in the yard and the first fall record. Good birding. Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada [minutes from Point Pelee National Park] (519) 825-9070 (ph) (519) 825-9169 (fax) E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom
[Ontbirds]White-winged Crossbill, and others - Point Pelee
Hi Folks Late this morning while doing some videotaping at Point Pelee National Park and I had a fly over WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL at the Dunes Picnic Area. Also of interest were three RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES around Delaurier Trail. In contrast to these birds on the move, were signs of breeding season still in high gear - a pair of ORCHARD ORIOLES feeding a cowbird, a male INDIGO BUNTING also feeding a cowbird, and three different CEDAR WAXWINGS building nests. Cheers, Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada [minutes from Point Pelee National Park] (519) 825-9070 (ph) (519) 825-9169 (fax) E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom
[Ontbirds]PRAIRIE WARBLER - Wheatley, ON - July 16th, 2004
Hi Folks Sorry for the belated report. I was extremely surprised to hear, see and then photograph a male PRAIRIE WARBLER in our yard here at the guest house in Wheatley, Ontario (21298 Harbour Road)on the afternoon of July 16th, 2004. This was my 197th species for the yard here and the 31st warbler. Most surprising was the date, and the fact that the bird was singing! I managed to get a few photos of the bird. If anyone is interested just go to http://www.wincom.net/~peleetom/webdoc5.htm Good birding, Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada [minutes from Point Pelee National Park] (519) 825-9070 (ph) (519) 825-9169 (fax) E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom
[Ontbirds]PRAIRIE WARBLER at Wheatley - CORRECTION TO URL
Hi Folks I gave the wrong web address for the PRAIRIE WARBLER photo: it should have been http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom/webdoc5.html Sorry for any inconvenience. Cheers, Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada [minutes from Point Pelee National Park] (519) 825-9070 (ph) (519) 825-9169 (fax) E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom
[Ontbirds] Lesser BB Gulls (2) FOS alder flycatcher Wheatley
This afternoon at Kopegaron Woods (2km west of Wheatley on Hwy 34/old 3) there was a FOS ALDER FLYCATCHER. Also in Pelee today I had at least four WILLOW FLYCATCHERS and one ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Tildens Woods). Also among the gulls at Wheatley Harbour (end of Rd 1 at Lake Erie 2 km south of the traffic light in Wheatley) there was one second summer LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and one first summer LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. This morning after nearly forty years of chasing real and imagined BELLS VIREOS in Ontario I finally saw one at Hillman Marsh conservation area! Just one of many great birds at Pelee over the past two weeks. Cheers and good birding, Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada [minutes from Point Pelee National Park] (519) 825-9070 (ph) (519) 825-9169 (fax) E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom
[Ontbirds] FOTS - yellow-rumped warbler - Wheatley
Hi folks Just got back from Texas so my apologies if this post is old news. In the yard this morning, I heard and watched my First of the Season YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. Also pleased to see that a pair of CAROLINA WRENS had made it through the winter (had only seen one around in mid winter). Lastly, a pair of WOOD DUCKS were investigating the screech owl box right beside the pool, much to the annoyance of the starlings. Guess the great flood of songbirds is just around the corner. Good birding. Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House RR1, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Canada [minutes from Point Pelee National Park] (519) 825-9070 (ph) (519) 825-9169 (fax) E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom
Demoiselle Crane Holiday Beach
Hi Folks: Today Paul Pratt, Bob Hall-Brooks, Allen Chartier and myself had a fly over Demoiselle Crane at Holiday Beach Conservation Area in soutwestern Essex County. Initially, the bird was identified as a Sandhill Crane (due to the great height at which it was soaring), but it quickly became clear that the trailing edge of the wing was jet black, and that the neck was also extensively black. Paul managed to get the bird in the scope and clearly observed the extensive black on the neck and chest and the white patch on the side of the head. There was also a consensus that the bird was quite small for a crane and short necked - again characters consistent with Demoiselle. No doubt this is an escapee, but still an interesting sighting. It should be noted that this bird could easily have been called a Common Crane without a scope view to confirm observations (which of course, would have been a much more exciting experience!!). As an aside, today was also our big sit. As of 2PM we were up to 80 species for the top of the hawk tower (as opposed to 83 total for the day last year). Most of us had to leave early for dinner arrangements but Bob was staying a few more hours and may add some more to the total. Good birding! Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House On the web at: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom RR#1 (21298 Harbour Rd.) Wheatley, ONT. (gateway to Point Pelee National Park) N0P 2P0Canada (519) 825-9070 (phone/voice)(519) 825-9169 (fax) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tom Hince [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.
Longspurs, etc north of SSMarie
Hi Folks On Sept 30th afternoon I drove west from Timmins to Wawa on Hwy 101 and then south along the shore of Lake Superior on Hwy 17 to SSMarie arriving there at dusk. Although I was basically just driving I did notice good numbers of Lapland Longspurs, American Pipits and Horned Larks all along the roadsides feeding in groups of half a dozen to thirty birds. Most of the birds were of course, right beside the highway. By the way, much of the drive was done in snow squalls! Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House On the web at: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom RR#1 (21298 Harbour Rd.) Wheatley, ONT. (gateway to Point Pelee National Park) N0P 2P0Canada (519) 825-9070 (phone/voice)(519) 825-9169 (fax) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tom Hince [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.
Hillman Marsh fall birding in Essex Co
Dear Ontbirders: Due to some recent misunderstandings, I am posting some important notes of clarification about the Hillman Marsh Shorebird habitat. First, a belated thanks to all birders who visited the new spring shorebird habitat at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area this past April and May. A superb total of 26 species of shorebirds, 17 species of waterfowl, and 10 gulls and terns, made the launch of the habitat a great success. Hats off to the Essex Region Conservation Authority, Ducks Unlimited, and all the partners who made this project possible. I think we will see this habitat getting better and better each spring. Second, an important point of clarification about the seasonality of the project. The site will be managed for shorebird habitat ONLY IN THE SPRING. There are two important reasons for this. First, the birders ERCA sought advice from on the project (myself included) agreed this was the best approach. Our advice was based upon the difficulty of managing a shorebird habitat on a spring through fall basis. The biggest problem is the rapid development of invasive aquatic vegetation. The result is that the habitat is good in neither fall or spring in short order. By flooding in spring, draining and planting with a crop in summer, and flooding again later in fall, the hope is that habitat will require minimal maintenance and provide good spring habitat for a long period of time. In addition, the late fall flooding provides waterfowl resting habitat, and allows the project to fulfill goals of DU. As DU was the primary funder of the $800,000 capital cost of the project, and the creation of shorebird habitat is not one of their mandates, this compromise is a real win for shorebirds and birders. Also keep in mind, that although there may not be shorebird habitat in fall, there will be excellent habitat for waterfowl, and viewing opportunities should be good. I will keep birders posted on when the impoundment gets flooded this fall. Finally, for those folks who bought an annual pass to the site, please keep in mind that your pass is good not only at Hillman Marsh but to all of ERCAs sites. Among those Holiday Beach Conservation Area is certainly one well worth a visit in fall. It is a superb raptor and diurnal migration site, with regular songbird banding and raptor banding demonstrations, and a hawk festival on fall weekends (for more info, check out www.erca.org). I look forward to bumping into Ontbirders at either the shorebird habitat or Holiday Beach this fall. Thanks again to all who supported this great project. Cheers, Tom Hillman Marsh is located in southeastern Essex County, about a 5 minute drive east of Leamington. For directions please visit the ERCA website at www.erca.org Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House On the web at: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom RR#1 (21298 Harbour Rd.) Wheatley, ONT. (gateway to Point Pelee National Park) N0P 2P0Canada (519) 825-9070 (phone/voice)(519) 825-9169 (fax) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tom Hince [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.
Wilsons Warbler at Pelee
Dear Ontbirders... Noteworthy at Pelee yesterday (July 3rd) was a male WILSONS WARBLER seen along the south side of Delaurier Trail. Certainly not a bird one expects at Pelee in the first week of July. Also of note was a singing male ALDER FLYCATCHER in the same location. Also at least eight YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS in Delaurier fields and a nest of YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO with two chicks and one egg (plus lots of other heard YBC). Good Birding! Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House On the web at: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom RR#1 (21298 Harbour Rd.) Wheatley, ONT. (gateway to Point Pelee National Park) N0P 2P0Canada (519) 825-9070 (phone/voice)(519) 825-9169 (fax) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tom Hince [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.
RUFF in Wheatley Prov Park
Hi Folks At 4pm this afternoon (May 7th) we found a nice orange male RUFF at campsite 192 in Wheatley Provincial Park in Essex County. Also present were a STILT SANDPIPER, lots of yellowlegs and dunlin, and a good selection of warblers (Orange-crowned and Parula). Good birding! Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House On the web at: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom RR#1 (21298 Harbour Rd.) Wheatley, ONT. (gateway to Point Pelee National Park) N0P 2P0Canada (519) 825-9070 (phone/voice)(519) 825-9169 (fax) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tom Hince [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.
Wheatley migrants
Hi folks: Well this morning there was a BIG change in migrants here in my yard in Wheatley (north end of the Pelee peninsula), mostly due to a series of strong thunderstorms and warm overnight temps. Most notable was that most of the birds were SINGING! Yesterday there were maybe a few yellow-rumps. Today, a half hour tour of the property turned up 52 species! Notable were... 9 species of warblers including: MAGNOLIA WARBLER (male) BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (male) NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (male) NASHVILLE WARBLER (6) BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (3) BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (6) plus... WARBLING VIREO (2) BLUE-HEADED VIREO (3) BALTIMORE ORIOLE (2) ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (3) INDIGO BUNTING (male) LEAST FLYCATCHER (1) GRAY CATBIRD (1) WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW (20) LINCOLNS SPARROW (4) BOBOLINK (flyover) GREEN HERON Its a great day to be a birder! Cheers, Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House On the web at: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom RR#1 (21298 Harbour Rd.) Wheatley, ONT. (gateway to Point Pelee National Park) N0P 2P0Canada (519) 825-9070 (phone/voice)(519) 825-9169 (fax) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tom Hince [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.
Hillman Marsh shorebirds update
Hi Ontbirders After three weeks in Texas, I returned to find that the filling of the new shorebird impoundment at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area had indeed occurred as scheduled in early April. If initial observations are any indication, its going to be a great success! On April 23rd, there were: 75 Dunlin 120 Pectoral Sandpiper 25 Greater Yellowlegs 18 Lesser Yellowlegs 4 Killdeer 12 Caspian Terns 4 Forsters Terns 1 Great Black-backed Gull 200+ Ring-billed Gulls 75 Bonaparte's Gulls 4 Herring Gulls 175 Ruddy Ducks 10 Bufflehead 12 Lesser Scaup 2 Redhead 8 Ring-necked Duck 45 Green-winged Teal 2 Northern Pintail 6 Northern Shoveler 2 Blue-winged Teal 8 Mallard 1 American Black Duck 10 American Wigeon 4 Canada Geese And I think its only going to get better!! Just a REMINDER to be sure to park in the designated lot at NW Hillman Marsh, and pay the entrance fee at the self serve kiosk. An annual permit (RECOMMENDED!) is available directly from ERCA (visit their website at www.erca.org or call 519 776-5209). Hillman Marsh is just north of Point Pelee National Park, in Essex County Ontario about 45 minutes drive southeast of Windsor, Ontario. To reach Hillman Marsh Conservation Area from Erie Street (Hwy 77) in Leamington, turn east at the Heinz plant (Oak Street) and continue east for 6.5 kilometres to the entrance on the right (south) side of the road. Park and walk due south along the fence line of grassy area with the predator exclusion fence. The new impoundment is about 300 yards/metres ahead of you and is accessed by a dike. Good birding! Cheers, Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House On the web at: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom RR#1 (21298 Harbour Rd.) Wheatley, ONT. (gateway to Point Pelee National Park) N0P 2P0Canada (519) 825-9070 (phone/voice)(519) 825-9169 (fax) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tom Hince [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.
HILLMAN HABITAT UPDATE
Hi Folks: As expected, there was a lot of positive feedback in response to my email about the shorebird impoundment at Hillman opening this spring. A number of people asked questions that I would like to provide info on. First, how to buy an annual ($40) ERCA permit. Here is what Danielle Breault from ERCA replied: You can get a season's pass at the ERCA office in Essex. Although we do not have a secure website that people can order a pass online using their credit card information, we can take credit card info over the phone, so I am going to set something up on our website whereby those interested can post an inquiry about a season's pass and we can handle it from there. (website is www.erca.organd phone is (519) 776-5209). Second, I asked her about a map of the site. She replied: That is now available at www.erca.org. Users need simply click on Conservation Areas, Hillman Marsh and the information is on that page, in pdf format. Lastly, there has been a minor delay in getting hydro hooked up to the pumphouse. Still, it is expected that should be done and the pumps running the first week of April. It should not take long to get enough water in the cell. In future years, the level will be raised much earlier. Thanks to everyone for their support. Good Birding! Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House On the web at: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom RR#1 (21298 Harbour Rd.) Wheatley, ONT. (gateway to Point Pelee National Park) N0P 2P0Canada (519) 825-9070 (phone/voice)(519) 825-9169 (fax) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tom Hince [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Savannah Sp Garter Snake - Wheatley
Hi Folks On Sunday spent a few hours working in the yard. Had my FOS SAVANNAH SPARROW (fly over) and an emerging Eastern Garter Snake (which was cold and moving real slow). The other big highlights were four or five small flocks of TUNDRA SWANS and at least five FOX SPARROWS. I especially enjoyed listening to the songs of the fox sparrows - a beautiful and short lived song in these parts. Good Birding! Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House On the web at: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom RR#1 (21298 Harbour Rd.) Wheatley, ONT. (gateway to Point Pelee National Park) N0P 2P0Canada (519) 825-9070 (phone/voice)(519) 825-9169 (fax) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tom Hince [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sapsucker Mourning Cloak - Wheatley Mar25
Again in the yard here in Wheatley I had my FOS - YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (male) and a MOURNING CLOAK. Good Birding. Tom Tom Hince Wild Rose Guest House On the web at: http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom RR#1 (21298 Harbour Rd.) Wheatley, ONT. (gateway to Point Pelee National Park) N0P 2P0Canada (519) 825-9070 (phone/voice)(519) 825-9169 (fax) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tom Hince [EMAIL PROTECTED]
NEW shorebird habitat at Pelee!
Ontario Birders: This message has the listowners approval. If you have comments, please direct them to either ERCA or Tom Hince (contact info below), NOT to Ontbirds. - Pelee region scoops new shorebird habitat! Tens of thousands of birders visiting the Point Pelee, Ontario region this May are in for a better show than ever. This spring, nearby Hillman Marsh Conservation Area will open a huge 45 acre impoundment that will be managed for spring shorebird habitat. For a region that often has a dearth of mudflats, this is big, big news! As a long time local birder, I'm thrilled, and I want to make sure birders know where it is, what it is, and most importantly how we can help ensure its a runaway success. Because WHAT WE DO, OR DON'T DO (see below) COULD MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE. One thing we often bemoan is the lack of good, predictable shorebird habitat both inside and outside the national park. Now the Essex Region Conservation Authority has stepped up to the plate to fill that void. In the spring of 2003, ERCA in partnership with Ducks Unlimited , will open a new multiple use 45 acre managed impoundment at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area. The habitat will be on the west side of HMCA five minutes from Point Pelee National Park and the town of Leamington. Each spring, water levels in the impoundment will be managed to attract migrating shorebirds. The potential of this site is enormous. The estimated budget land acquisition and construction of the cell was Canadian $800,000 (approximately US$500,000). Major financial partners in this project included Ducks Unlimited, Family Tradition Foods Incorporated, Canadian Wildlife Service - Environment Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ontario Power Generation, Essex Region Conservation Foundation, North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Kathleen-Mary and Walter Barron Foundation, Ontario Great Lakes Renewal Foundation, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Additional costs include yearly maintenance and agricultural costs, and reforestation and tall grass prairie planting. Many partners have stepped up to the plate to bear the brunt of the capital cost of the project. But essential to the long term success of the project will be user fees from birders who benefit directly from the creation of this managed habitat. Each year, there will be operation and maintenance fees associated specifically with the provision of shorebird habitat. These include the cost of pumping and maintaining water levels. I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE BIRDERS TO COMPLY WITH THE SELF SERVE PAY KIOSK AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE SITE. Those fees will demonstrate our support of this site and will ensure that it is maintained in future years. This is one case where paying is not only the right thing to do, its the smart thing as well. The daily fee per vehicle is only Canadian $4 while an annual permit is only $40 . The latter is good to all ERCA sites in the region including Holiday Beach Conservation Area which is a superb fall raptor and songbird site. The second thing critical to success of the project running smoothly is using the designated access and parking lot. Because of the configuration of the site, some birders will be tempted to shortcut the existing access and try to park along County Rd. 37 due west of the site. PLEASE DO NOT ACCESS THE SITE FROM CTY RD.37! The only permissible access is via the parking lot and trail. All the land west of the site is being planted into either native trees or prairie and is being actively restored. The newly constructed dykes on the west side will likely be soft and muddy and not be suitable for foot access this spring. Access to the site is via the current entrance and parking lot at northwest Hillman Marsh and by following the trail south and east to the existing dykes which were used as the eastern boundary of the impoundment. One of the biggest challenges to managing the site on the long term for shorebirds is control of vegetation within the cell. After the spring migration, water levels will be lowered and the impoundment will be planted with a wildlife food crop such as corn, millet or wild rice. The planted homoculture should severely deter invasive emergent vegetation. In the early fall the crop will be harvested and the impoundment will be flooded to attract migrant waterfowl. The impoundment is within the established baited area of Hillman Marsh Conservation Area. However, hunting will not take place in the impoundment. Once the site is frozen and waterfowl depart in early winter, water levels would be managed to reduce crop residue and to prepare for the creation of mudflats for the following spring. Local birders, including yours truly, were involved in consultation on this management scheme. For birders this spring will be an exciting time. Who knows what will turn up? Huge numbers of breeding plumage Dunlin, Black-bellied Plovers, both yellowlegs, Ruddy Turnstones and peeps
