[Ontbirds] Shorebirds and warblers in North Bay
Some 22 species of lovely wood warblers have now graced the North Bay area, most of them at the Laurier Woods reserve area, within the centre of North Bay. But, perhaps most unusually, the Callander lagoon, easterly cell is just about perfect for migrating shorebirds at the moment. Some 50 dowitchers, (most of them, if not all, short-billed) were there today, while Stilt, and Solitary Sandpipers, Dunlin, Wilson's Phalarope, and some 7 other, perhaps more common, shore-birds have been visiting there also recently. What next? The Callander lagoon is at the northerly edge of Osprey Links road, running due west for about one mile, just to the north of the town of Callander, just south of North Bay, - which is 3 1/2 stop-light free hours north of Toronto. dick tafel 705 472-7907 -- Dick Tafel Check - New Entry - March 14 - on my Direct Democracy blog: ( read other, older ones) at - http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ or check website - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com even, Find My e-Book ($3.00?) - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com/buy/ ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Snowy Owls near North Bay , Northern Shrikes!
Three Snowy Owls have been hanging out recently, about 15 miles east of North Bay. One is upon Development Road between Rutherglen Road and Mt. Pleasant Road. That is just about 4 miles south and east of the little community of Rutherglen, which is upon highway 17, about 13 miles due east of highway 11, the northerly connecting road from Toronto. The second one is further south-east, on Development Road, close to Brule Road. The third one is further south, along Adams Road, close to Pratt Road. The first two birds are beautiful, white adults. North Bay is 3 1/2 hours of no traffic light driving, north of Toronto. A couple of Northern Shrikes have shown themselves nearby, also, one near Powassan (south of North Bay), and the other on Latimer Road (between the first two owls). -- Dick Tafel Check - New Entries - Nov. 9, Dec. 7 - on my Direct Democracy blog: ( read other, older ones) at - http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ or check website - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com even, Find My e-Book ($3.00?) - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com/buy/ ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Brambling, North Bay
The Brambling is present again today, Thursday, its second day at this site. It feeds on the ground, often with a large group of Evening Grosbeaks - close under a number of feeders, on the property of Vic Rizzo at 1025 McIntyre St. W. in North Bay. Vic asks that no one come upon the lawn, but stay upon the pavement, next to the lawn area. As said before, please park on the street(s) nearby. The bird is quite easily spooked, but with patience, one should be able to see it well from the edge of the driveway. Vic can, if necessary, be reached at his cell - 705 493-8112. McIntyre St. is just one block from Main Street at the westerly edge of North Bay. North Bay can be reached within 3 1/2 hours of no stop-light driving from Toronto. The bird is a readily identified, non-breeding adult. Very pretty! Very unusual for Ontario. (none sighted here for the past 20 years?) -- Dick Tafel Check - New Entries - Nov. 4, Nov. 9 - on my Direct Democracy blog: ( read other, older ones) at - http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ or check website - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com even, Find My e-Book ($3.00?) - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com/buy/ ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Rough-legs, near North Bay, Ont.
Four Rough-legged Hawks, one a dark phase, were hovering over the farm fields near the vicinity of the Warren sewage lagoons on Wed. aft. Warren is about 40 miles due west of North Bay, along Hwy #11. The lagoon area is one mile due east of the town, and just north of the highway. A road into the area is easily traversible, after you go through the town. Numerous ducks of many species, including Northern Shovelers and American Coots can be readily seen within the two cells of the lagoon, which can be accessed via its main gate, along the said road. Dick Tafel - 705 472-7907 -- Dick Tafel Check - New Entry - Sept. 25 - on my Direct Democracy blog: ( read other, older ones) at - http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ or check website - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com even, Find My e-Book ($3.00?) - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com/buy/ ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Warbler, etc. fallout in North Bay
3 1/2 hours north of Toronto, the warblers - 12 species of them, Scarlet Tanager, Least Fly., Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Solitary Sandpipers, a veritable feast of spring migrants arrived in North Bay on Friday morning. Most , including, a close-up tanager, Blackburnian, Nashvilles, Cape May, BWs, Orange-crowned, Magnolia, Palms, and lots of Yellow-rumps, were at Laurier Woods, within the central area of the city. -- Dick Tafel Check - New Entries March 22, Mar. 28 !! - on my Direct Democracy blog: ( read other, older ones) at - http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ or check website - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com even, Find My e-Book ($3.00?) - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com/buy/ ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Northern Hawk Owl, North Bay
A fairly co-operative Northern Hawk Owl has been showing itself regularly for the past week or so, near 688 Ouellette Road, between Quae Quae and Lavigne Roads. These latter 2 roads are about 5 miles due east of North Bay, off hwy 17, and cross hwy 94 which goes south from the intersection of Corbeil corner, with hwy 17. Best seen late in the afternoon. Dick Tafel 705 472-7907 -- Dick Tafel Check - New Entry Jan.25 !! - on my Direct Democracy blog: ( read other, older ones) at - http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ or check website - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com FIND MY BOOK ($3.00?) - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com/buy/ ___ 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] Glaucous, Iceland, and Black-backed gulls etc. at North Bay landfill,
Recent plummeting, colder weather has reduced drastically the previous several hundreds of gulls (mostly Herring) (now only about 150 gulls present) at the North Bay landfill, but left behind at least a dozen Glaucous, of all ages, a few juvenile Icelands, and juveniles of both black-backed gulls, 8 Bald eagles, plus small flocks of Snow Buntings and Tree Sparrows, and dozens of ravens. And, one can get quite close to them along, easy to travel, hard-packed access roads, as they forage. Good for picture-taking. The landfill is about 15 miles north of North Bay,up hwy11, and along Sand Dam road -- Dick Tafel Check - New Entries Nov. 9 19 !! - on my Direct Democracy blog: ( read other, older ones) at - http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ or check website - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com FIND MY BOOK ($3.00?) - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com/buy/ ___ 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] Red-throated Loon, Trout Lake, North Bay
A Red-throated Loon has appeared along the southerly edge of Trout Lake, near North Bay this morning - Saturday Nov. 16. -- Dick Tafel - 705 472-7907 Check - New Entries Nov. 2 9 !! - on my Direct Democracy blog: at - http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ or check website - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com FIND MY BOOK ($3.00?) - http://www.directdemocracytafel.com/buy/ ___ 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] Arctic Gulls - North Bay.
The North bay landfill site has huge numbers of gulls these days, including at least 8 Glaucous, including a beautiful adult; fewer Iceland, Great Black-backed, and of course several hundred of Herring in various plumages. Thayers have been detected, also though misidentification of this difficult gull may have happened. Bald Eagles and Snow Buntings are about, also. This landfill site is located about ten miles north of North Bay, along highway #11, then east along Sand Dam road, following it to the landfill area via well marked signs. North Bay is now only 3 1/2 hours north of Toronto, via four lanes the whole distance. -- Dick Tafel Check out my Direct Democracy blog: Check new entries for Nov. 12 http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ ___ 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/
Re: [Ontbirds] Nelson's Sparrow - Powassan and L. Black-backed Gulls - North Bay
Josh; Good for you for discovering the sparrow and gull. As far as the sparrow is concerned it has been noticed at lest two previous years about this time of year, there. As for Lesser-Black-backed, they have fairly often been noticed at the North bay landfill dump, usually earlier, as you have discovered, than the white Arctic gulls. May get out to both sites shortly to add them to my list for the area for this year, if possible. -- Dick Tafel Check out my Direct Democracy blog: Check new entries for Sept. 18 http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ From: Josh Vandermeulen joshvandermeu...@live.ca Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:45:47 -0400 To: birdalert@ontbirds.ca Subject: [Ontbirds] Nelson's Sparrow - Powassan and L. Black-backed Gulls - North Bay Early this morning, Mark Jennings, Alan Wormington and I had 2 Nelson's Sparrows at the Powassan lagoons. As far as we are aware these are a first for Parry Sound District. If anyone knows otherwise let me know. They were along the edge of the first cell on the right (east) in beggar's ticks along the edge of the water. We also had a juv and 2nd winter Lesser Black-backed Gull at the North Bay dump. A first for Nipissing District? The Powassan lagoons are north of town accessed from the southbound HWY 11. The North Bay dump is about 20 km north of town. It is not signed well off the highway but the entrance is at UTM 614880, 5150030. Drive east and the dump will be after a km or so. Josh Vandermeulen joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com ___ 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 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] Marbled Godwit, Powassan lagoon
Talking about godwits, a Marbled Godwit was at the Powassan lagoon, northerly cell, to-day. It, along with a dozen or so Lesser Yellow-legs and gulls, was temporarily disturbed by a soaring Red-shouldered Hawk from neighbouring woods. This lagoon is just north of Powassan, on the westerly side of the double-laned highway, #11. Powassan is about 180 miles due north of Toronto (or about 3 hours.) Dick Tafel 705 472-7907 -- Dick Tafel Check out my Direct Democracy blog: http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ ___ 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] White-winged Dove, North Bay
All; The White-winged Dove is very much alive and healthy in North Bay. Saw it very readily yesterday aft. It is more often, it seems at the residence of 1557 Pinewood Cresc. , than at a neighbours 1532 but could be located at one or the other. The main respondent is Peter Mladen - 1557 Pinewood Crescent North Bay 705 474-2052. He is quite amenable to visits simply go around to the back of his place, via the driveway. It comes readily in the warmer afternoons, normally by itself, it seems. It often sits peacefully in a deciduous tree, wondering what all the fuss is about. North Bay is 350 miles due north of Toronto, no stoplights (until you hit the city) now about 3 3/4 hours away. The Pinewood area is in the north-west quadrant. -- Dick Tafel Check out my Direct Democracy blog: http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] North Bay White-winged Dove;
All; Just to correct: - North Bay is 350 kms. north of Toronto NOT 350 MILES! -- Dick Tafel Check out my Direct Democracy blog: http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] North Bay White-winged Dove;
All; Just to correct: - North Bay is 350 kms. north of Toronto NOT 350 MILES! -- Dick Tafel Check out my Direct Democracy blog: http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ ___ 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] White-winged Dove
All; Just to correct: - North Bay is 350 kms. north of Toronto NOT 350 MILES! The White-winged Dove is still around! -- -- Dick Tafel Check out my Direct Democracy blog: http://youcancontrolyourgovernment.blogspot.com/ ___ 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] Chimney Swifts;
Seeing all the recent comments about Chimney Swifts, - they have arrived (probably to-day) in good numbers in North Bay! (4 stop-lights due north of Toronto). First half dozen were noticed about noon, while to-night at least one-hundred found their way into a popular chimney which happens to be on Main Street, just two blocks from the centre of town. Last year the same place accommodated an amazing several hundred during the latter part of May. Dick Tafel 705 472-7907 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Northern Hawk Owls;
This is just to let you know that there seem to be a fair number of Northern Hawk Owls gracing our North Bay, Sturgeon Falls region this winter. At least 5 are about in different local areas. If any are interested, just phone me. Dick Tafel, 705 472-7907 ___ 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] Yellow Rail in Nipissing (near North Bay)
All A surprise greeted 6 birders from North Bay recently when they heard the distinctive call of one (or more) Yellow Rails. They were seeking Sedge Wrens or possible Leconte Sparrows near Astorville, Ont. when the Rail call was heard. This was between 8:45 and 9:00PM. After 9:15 the mosquitoes there are overwhelmingly bad. This was on the north side of River Road, a dirt road, about half way between Alderdale Road and Astorville Road. The latter two go north-south; River Road east-west at the significant point. The specific spot is just to the east of a small streamlet which goes under the road via culvert, within a wet, high grass field, not tended by the nearby farmer, nor used by his cows. Across the road (to the south) is another farm with the number 225 marking his entrance way about 50 yards to the west . To get to River Road, if coming from the south, go east from Powassan town (after traveling along highway #11 north). Go about 4 miles to Alderdale road, thence north along it about 2 more miles until the intersection with River Road (when you go east). If coming from the east, turn south off highway 17 along highway 94 about 5 miles prior to North Bay. Keep going due south until you reach Lake Nosbonsing. (You will have turned off Hwy 94 when it veers westerly). Follow it westerly after reaching the lake, and then southerly, towards Astorville. This is on the westernmost part of that lake. Keep going south past that village about 2 miles until you reach the intersection with River Road. Then go right (west) to the pertinent spot. If coming from the west or north, go east of North Bay along highway 17 to Highway 94 as just described. The bird(s) call can be heard through the web page of Brent Turcotte at - http://users.vianet.ca/turbrent/nipnat/Misc/Yellow%20Rail.html The bird(s) were still there calling as of this evening. Good luck! Dick Tafel 705 472-7907 ___ 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] 1. Hudsonian Godwit - Powassan lagoon, (south of North Bay!); 2. Yellow Rails?
All; 1. - No huge number of warblers at one area up here yet, as seems to be the case at so many places down south (they are already spreading out?) but one very interesting, other bird must be mentioned: a beautiful, full plumaged Hudsonian Godwit at the Powassan lagoon, on Monday afternoon. Very rare up here! It was in the northerly cell. This place can be accessed with a key, or by skipping over the gate. The lagoon is west of the 4-lane Hwy 11, just north of the intersection of the second entrance into Powassan. Powassan is about 30 miles south of North Bay, which is 3 stoplights north of Toronto. Toronto is ? Dowitchers, phalaropes and many other shorebirds are findable there now, also. 2. As to the yellow rails, as usual these are sought in early May along Wylie Road within Carden Plain, near Kirkfield, east of Orillia. Not sure what the big deal is. One must just go to the little bridge up Wylie Road, and there remain 4 yellow rails. They stand upright at the four corners. They have been there for years. Any other rails seem not to have occurred there this spring; nor elsewhere in Ontario? Dick Tafel 705 472-7907 ___ 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] Peregrine Falcon, North Bay area
A Peregrine Falcon was seen well on March 14 at the Ontario edge of the Ottawa River about one mile north of Mattawa. It was perched just off the shoulder of highway 533, running north of town. Unfortunately I cannot send a pic of it through this route. Very early migrant for this area (none have passed the view of the hawk watches in southern Ont. yet). Probably still around. Mattawa is just 40 miles due east of North Bay, which is 3 stop lights north of Toronto (via good highways). Toronto is ? Four Bald Eagles have been hunting around that same open water area all winter, also. Dick Tafel 705 472-7907 ___ 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] (Arctic) Three-toed Woodpecker - Field (n.w. of North Bay)
All; A certainly rare in any season, (Arctic) Three-toed Woodpecker was located, and watched leisuredly, as it worked hard to find food on the trunk of one ³ripe² tree by young Chris Suhka, of Field, along with your reporter and Fred Pinto, on Saturday aft. It will probably be around that vicinity for awhile yet. It was a female. It was within a small, but dense forest of 30-year old White Spruce and Balsam Fir just west of the little town of Field, off a now snowmobile trail on the way to Muskesung Lake. Field is about 20 miles north of Sturgeon Falls, which is in turn some 30 miles due west of North Bay. North Bay is 4 stop-lights north of Toronto. Toronto is --? Dick Tafel, 705 472-7907 ___ 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] White-fronted Goose, Lesser Black-backed Gull; North Bay area
All; The said goose has been seen at the now vacant (of golfers) Osprey Links golf course along with two or three hundred Canadas for the past few days. The course can be accessed via Cranberry road which is just a few miles south of North Bay off highway 11 B past the Clarion Hotel., (or just north of the town of Callander) The gull, an adult in winter plumage has been at the North Bay landfill site about ten miles north of North Bay, and east of Highway # 11. Greater Black-backed and a few Arctic gulls (Glaucous and Iceland) and are also present there - but more of the latter should be arriving shortly. North Bay is 3 1/2 hours north of Toronto, or 3 quick traffic lights. Toronto is several miles due north of Buffalo (or is it Rochester?). Yours etc. Dick Tafel 705 472-7907 ___ 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]Bohemian Waxing, Redpolls, North Bay
all; At a number of places around North Bay good-sized flocks of early Bohemian Waxwings have been noted at or near berry bushes during the past three days; also early Common Redpolls - at evening primrose plants, and Evening Grosbeaks. A White-fronted Goose (from Greenland?) was noticed last Sunday among one of the many large flocks of Canadas stopping over briefly. Unfortunately it did not stay around - but look at such flocks in your area closely. Its orange bill will stand out. North Bay is 4 stop-lights north of Toronto via highway 400 and 11 (now 4 lanes except for about 30 kilometres) Yours etc. Dick Tafel ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
[Ontbirds]North Bay Count - 43 species. Over 600 participants!
Under very pleasant winter conditions conditions ( though with periodic snowsqualls), some 600 people participated in the 27th annual North Bay Christmas count on Sunday. Most were at their feeders - where also were most of the birds. This large number should keep North Bay as the most active count anywhere (as it has been for the past 7 years). Pine Grosbeaks were the third most common bird (after chickadees and Rock Pigeons). 43 species were seen altogether, about average for recent counts, though with absolutely no open lake or stream water for the first time in 15 years, there were no diving ducks, nor gulls. Does this mean global Warming is ending? Among a Merlin and Cooper's Hawk were 7 Northern Shrikes trying to reduce the total number of other birds present. Two Barred Owls , a Great Horned Owl and Bald Eagle kept observers active, also. 40 Gray Jays, 251 Bohemian Waxwings, 39 Pileated Woodpeckers, 4 American Robins,122 Snow Buntings, 240 Common Ravens and a Ringed Turtle Dove could be deemed interesting to many southern birders. Yours etc. Dick Tafel, count compiler.
[Ontbirds]Arctic Gulls including Thayer's - North Bay
Just thought I should mention that the North Bay landfill site, 20 kms due north of the city off Sand Dam road (off hwy. # 11) is producing a lot of lovely Arctic gulls at the moment. At least 10 striking Glaucous of three ages are present, along with of course hundreds of Herring of all ages. A couple of adult Black-backed stand out among them, plus some young Iceland, and one adult Thayers. Thayer's is always difficult for me to identify but one will sometimes come and rest for awhile along the easily observable (from a warm car) south-east slope of the main fill area. This gives lots of time to confirm its black eye, yellow bill, pink legs, almost all white feathering, size, shape of head, bill size, etc. (in other words its identity). Snow Buntings, Pine Grosbeaks and Gray Jays can be found around the perimeter as well. The site is not open on Sundays. North Bay is but 4 stop-lights north of Toronto. The landfill site is 7 more. Ice is fast forming on the larger lakes which should end soon such gull activity. Yours etc. Dick Tafel, 705 472-7907 From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Wed Dec 7 15:41:38 2005 Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Delivered-To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Received: from tomts25-srv.bellnexxia.net (tomts25.bellnexxia.net [209.226.175.188]) by king.hwcn.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 85464641D5 for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Wed, 7 Dec 2005 15:41:38 -0500 (EST) Received: from sympatico.ca ([64.228.96.54]) by tomts25-srv.bellnexxia.net ESMTP [EMAIL PROTECTED] for ontbirds@hwcn.org; Wed, 7 Dec 2005 15:41:32 -0500 Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wed, 07 Dec 2005 15:45:48 -0500 From: stan long [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.73 [en]C-SYMPA (Win98; U) X-Accept-Language: en,fr-CA MIME-Version: 1.0 To: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Originating-IP: [0] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Content-Filtered-By: Mailman/MimeDel 2.1.1 Subject: [Ontbirds]Markham Blue morph Snow Goose X-BeenThere: ontbirds@hwcn.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.1 Precedence: list Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-List-Received-Date: Wed, 07 Dec 2005 20:41:39 - At Reesor Pond at noon today 1 adult Blue morph Snow goose with Canadas - find Reesor Pond just N of Hwy 407 on Reesor Rd in Markham - S Long
[Ontbirds]Birding Trips - North Bay, June 3-5
I would like to invite each and every one of you to Gateway to Nature, the 74th Annual Ontario Nature Conference Nature Canada Annual General Meeting, hosted by the Nipissing Naturalist Club at Nipissing University, North Bay, June 3-5. In addition to the informative sessions featuring provincial and regional environmental experts, there are 18 field trips offering participants options for hiking, biking and paddling as a means to get out and see the region's forests, wetlands, lakes and rivers. Popular spots will include Temagami, Lake Nipissing, Cache Bay, the Mattawa River, South River and the Old Nipissing Road. Many of the trips will offer some exciting birding opportunities: You were wondering about Swainson's Thrush? Lots of them sing in wooded areas near North Bay. Also, Wood Thrush, Hermit and Veery. What about Black Terns? Cache Bay just west of North Bay is hosting lots of them at this moment, and they can be readily observed from shore. Did you know that four White Pelicans were within the rocky islands of northern Lake Nipissing just a few days ago? Bald Eagles nest in the same area, with Osprey not too far in the distant. Wood warblers? Within Laurier Woods some 24 species are regularly seen each spring. These woods are but 5 minutes from downtown. Upland Sandpipers? A pair is already answering one another (or visiting birders) just a few minutes from the city. Boreal Chickadees? - This bird can be often located within Marten River Provincial Park - a site of one of the field trips heading out Sunday morning. Black-backed Woodpeckers? Findable at various local locations. Scarlet Tanagers? They nest in the big trees surrounding the city. Sewage lagoons? - There are 5 of them within 40 miles. All are open to visitors! Redhead Ducks, Gadwall, Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks are some of the species readily observed in these neat spots. ...or what about shorebirds? A couple of the drained lagoons will have the common ones and very likely have Semi-pal Plovers, Solitary Sandpipers and others stopping over during their journey further north. Bonaparte Gulls? In beautiful summer plumage, they should be readily observed, along with Common and Caspian Terns near the shores of lovely Lake Nipissing. Over 250 species of birds are seeable annually within the North Bay area. Join us Friday, June 3rd through Sunday, June 5th, scout out some rare bird finds, and have fun exploring exciting Near North destinations. For more complete details on the Gateway to Nature conference and its field trips check out the website: www.nipissing-naturalist.com/ON/conference.htm Dick Tafel, Conference Chairman - North Bay
[Ontbirds] North Bay, the largest (and coldest?) Xmas bird count - Dec.19
All; By now you must be very tired waiting to hear about our Christmas count - which occurred on Dec. 19. It was positively the coldest day in recent memory; - 45 degrees below zero with wind-chill factor figured in. It was an unpleasant day for birdwatching, to put it mildly (semi-pun). However, with 681 Feeder-watchers, plus 32 Field observers, I am sure we will have had once again the largest number of participants in any Christmas count anywhere! Among highlights were the large number of Bohemian Waxwings - 356; and contrary to expectations Common Redpolls were the largest number of the winter finches - at 847. Normally they alternate in number with American Goldfinches - but this year the goldfinches have begun to disappear - at 181, just like last year. Pine Grosbeak at 199 supplied a pretty diversion to many from the slowly diminishing Evening Grosbeak, which this year is down to just 79 birds. There were, however, but 18 Gray Jays, the lowest number since 1994. One Common Loon gleaned from within the rising mist from the last bit of Trout Lake to remain unfrozen was the only water bird observed; unless you count the 189 Mallards, 8 Black Ducks and a lone Canada Goose trying to survive the winter near the open waters of the lakeshore sewage treatment plant. These latter may not be able to survive much longer since local Samaritans had been asked (via recent by-law) not to feed them, unlike during the last few previous winters. And this in turn is causing much local controversy as the realization dawns that this severe weather may cause a massive local death toll. The birds will not likely leave this now forbidding area, so late in the season. On a much more pleasant note 5 Northern Cardinals are maintaining a small local presence; a Lapland Longspur was a first for the count; two House Finches have found their way back after a 4 year complete absence; one Great Gray Owl, one Sharp-shinned Hawk, and during count week one Barred Owl added some excitement to the few who saw them; and one Carolina Wren and one American Robin are trying to survive this tough weather near protective feeders. 42 species were noted among 7371 birds, about average for this northern community, despite the terrible cold! Yours etc. Dick Tafel, count compiler, North Bay
