[Ontbirds] Nelson's Sparrows at Rattray Marsh
Three moving in and out of view near the base of the huge patch of cattails on the west side of the marsh against the large mudflat the middle of the marsh. They were about 40 to 50 from the gravel bar near the outlet of the creek into the lake. All field marks with 30x scope: flat head short bill; blue-gray nape and small patch behind eye; bright buffy yellow over the eye; front of eye, sides of throat and sides; sides with narrow barring; bright white belly; back russet with white broken strips. I did see an unidentified Ammodramus sparrow there several day ago near this location. The water has dropped substantially and there are now extensive mud flats on the east side of the low carp barrier and this is were the majority of the shorebirds were today. Species seen: Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary, Least, Semipalmated and Baird's Sandpiipers, all in low numbers. Directions: park at the south end of Bexhill which runs south of Lakeshore Boulevard between Southdown/Erin Mills Parkway and Mississauga (though closer to the former). Take the first right at the bottom of the hill to the lake, then go right down the beach to the opening of marsh into the lake. A scope would be advisable. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Yellow-breasted Chat at Rattray Marsh, Mississauga
I went back again today to the marsh, counting migrant shorebirds and photographing the Green Herons. A chat made two brief appearances on the ground under some dense overgrowth on the west side of the channel outlet of Sheridan Creek from the marsh. I was about 30 feet away at the time. It was giving alarm calls for about a minute when it hopped out twice then back into the undergrowth. I had my camera trained one of the young herons and totally niched any chance of the Chat photo. The time of observation was around 1:00 pm. Shorebirds: Killdeer 36, Semiplamated Plover 1; Spotted Sandpiper 3; Lesser Yellowlegs 1 and Least Sandpiper 5. There were two adult and two juveniles Green Herons seen during a period of approximately three house of observations. Directions: park at the south end of Bexhill Road which runs south off Lakeshore Boulevard west between Mississauga Road and Southdown Road. The access to the marsh is simple: down the hill from the parking area; left at the bottom of hill; then right when you see lake. Follow the beach to right until you get to the outlet of Sheridan Creek. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Rattray Marsh Conservation Area: Arctic Tern, Clay-colored Sparrow and 20 species of Warbler
I birded most of the trails and marsh (and adjacent lake) from 3:40 to 6:00 pm. I found the Arctic Tern at 3: 55 pm as it flew in from the lake through the marsh over-flow channel with two Common Terns. It was about 20 feet over my head and I could clearly see the small bark red bill with no black tip. It flew around and circled back again over me back into Lake Ontario. I checked the lake again at 6:00 am and could not relocate the bird although there were still at least 5 Common Terns on the marsh. Like other areas of the southern Ontario the warbler fallout was widespread with warblers scattered through virtually all areas I covered. Mark Cranford gave me the location of the Blue-winged Warbler. Here the warbler totals: Yellow-rumped: 64; Palm: 33; Black-and-white and Black-throated Green: 20; Nashville and Blackburnian: 5; Orange-crowned and Pine: 3; Yellow: 2 and singles of Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird, Hooded, Blue-winged, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia and Common Yellowthroat. Other highlights include a Clay-colored Sparrow singing just outside the gate leading to the soccer field of Green Glade School. The were also small numbers of Gray-head, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos. The only flycatchers I saw were two Great Crested. Other than a dozen Robins I found not other thrushes ... very strange. There were small numbers of Baltimore Orioles and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. ___ 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] Correction to Black Vulture at Lewiston (OR QUEENSON) Bridge, Niagara River
Today (22 April 2012) at 3:30 pm I found a Black Vulture circling over the bridge with four Turkey Vultures. I am wondering if a pair from the group that wintered there is now nesting in the cliffs along the river. Is any one doing a breeding bird survey in this area? This bridge is located just NORTH of the SIR ADAM Beck Hydro development and is most of NORTHERLY of the three bridges crossing over the Niagara River from Ontario to New York. From THE GTA TAKE THE QEW TOWARDS NIAGARA FALLS AND FORT ERIE AND THEN (JUST BEYOND AND EAST OF THE WELLAND CANAL BRIDGE) take Hwy. #405 exit. THE LAST EXIT BEFORE THE BRIDGE TAKES YOU DOWN TO THE NIAGARA PARKWAY. Sorry for the confusion. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Black Vulture at Lewiston Bridge, Niagara River
Today at 3:30 pm I found a Black Vulture circling over the bridge with four Turkey Vultures. I am wondering if a pair from the group that wintered there is now nesting in the cliffs along the river. Is any one doing a breeding bird survey in this area? This bridge is located just south of the Glen Beck Hydro development and is most of southerly of the three bridges crossing over the Niagara River from Ontario to New York. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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 Swift Grasshopper Sparrow at Lakeside Park, Mississauga/20 April 2011
Yesterday afternoon I birded Lakeside Park for an hour starting at 3:45 pm. I found the Grasshopper Sparrow feeding along the asphalt path close to the lake behind the new children's play area. There were also four species of swallow feeding over the lake close to shore: 30 Tree, 1 Barn, 5 Purple Martin and 8 Cliff. The tangled areas along the lake and in the creek were swarming with White-throated and Chipping Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos. Three Yellow-rumped Warbers were only warblers I saw and one Eastern Phoebe was the only flycatcher. Lakeside Park is located just along Lake Ontario just east the PetroCan Refinery. There is a large new parking lot located off Lakeshore just west of the Dog Lease-free area. Access Lakeshore from Erin Mills Park of the QEW. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Red-throated Loons and Little Gull at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, Mississauga
This afternoon David Hallette and I birded Rattray Marsh for 3 hours and found three Red-throated Loons, all in full breeding plumage, riding some massive waves about 150 m off the mouth of Sheridan Creek where it drains out of the marsh into Lake Ontario. Also a Little Gull was seen flying south fairly close to shore. The woods were fairly quite (and very windy) but did manage to find seven species of woodpecker including Red-bellied (3), Pileated (2) and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2). Warbler wise: 1 Yellow-rumped, 1 Nashville and 4 Pine. Directions: Access the center of the Conservation area at the south end of Bexhill which runs south off Lakeshore Boulevard between Erin Mills Parkway and Mississauga Road. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Colonel Samuel Smith Park spring arrivals
This morning Jeremy Hatt, Andrew Keaveney, David Hallett and I spent about three hours birding park. Highlights: 1 Forester's Tern, 12 Yellow-rumped Warbers, 40 White-throated Sparrows, 10 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and smaller numbers of Field Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-belled Sapsucker, Eastern Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow and Brown Thrasher. There are still about 150 Red-necked Grebes, 15 Horned Grebes and a couple of Pied-billed Grebes in the area. Directions: The park is located of the south end of Kipling, through Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive (south of Lakeshore Boulevard). Wayne Renaud (278-828-0043) ___ 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] 3 April 2012: Red-necked Grebe numbers (total = 3414) continue to build along sw Toronto and se Mississauga lakeshores
Today I did a complete survey of Red-necked Grebes from Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke via Marie Curtis Park, Lakefront Promenade Park, Saddington Park/Credit River mouth, Jack Darling Park/Rattray Marsh from 11:30 am to 7:45 pm. David Hallett was with me for most of the count. The total number was an impressive 3414: with numbers distributed as follows: COLONEL SAMUEL SMITH PARK: 1856; MARIE CURTIS PARK: 1; LAKEFRONT PROMENADE PARK: 300; SADDINGTON PARK/CREDIT RIVER MOUTH: 1250; JACK DARLING PARK/RATTRAY MARSH CONSERVATION AREA: 7. There were also impressive numbers of Long-tailed Ducks off Saddington Park (2000). Descent numbers of Horned Grebes were found at Colonel Samuel Smith Park (26) and Saddington Park (9). Single Pied-billed Grebes were found in CSSP (inner harbour) and RM (in the marsh proper). All the Red-necked Grebes counts were off-shore except for about 20 which were inside the inner bay of CCSP, of which 4 pairs seem to have set up breeding territories. Directions: CCSP is located at the south end of Colonel Samuel Smith Promenade which runs of the south end of Kipling at Lakeshore boulevard. Rattray Marsh Conservation Area is located se of Clarkson (Erin Mills Parkway and Lakeshore) which can be most easily accessed by parking at the south end Bexhill which runs off Lakeshore Boulevard between Mississauga Road and Erin Mills Parkway. All the other parks are locate in between these two locations and all are located south of Lakeshore Boulevard. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Warblers Shorebirds at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, Mississauga: 4 October 2011
I birded the marsh and all the trails of the Rattray Marsh Conservation Area for 3 hours this afternoon. Good diversity of warblers: Black-throated Blue:12; Yellow-rumped; 11; Magnolia: 2; one each of Orange-crowned, Black-and-White, Pine, Palm, Common Yellowthroat and Northern Waterthrush. The high Hemlock and Oak forest along upper Sheridan Creek (off Meadwood Road) contained 100+ Golden-crowned Kinglets, 15+ Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 3 Purple Finches and 7 Pine Siskins. Shorebirds on the mudflats of the marsh include 5 Killdeer, 2 Solitary Sandpipers and 1 Pectoral Sandpiper. There were at least 400 Red-necked Grebes feeding far out in lake off the marsh. The only flycatcher was one Eastern Phoebe. Directions: the heart of the Conservation area is best accessed at the south end of Bexhill Road which runs south of Lakeshore Boulevard between Mississauga Road and Erin Mills Park; park anywhere along Gatehouse Road. There is large sign with a trail map at the bottom the hill or download a map off the Credit Valley Conservation Area web site. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Shorebirds Red-neck Grebes at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, Mississauga: 24 September 2011
I spent three hrs. this afternoon birding the marsh and adjacent woodland trails. The mudflats have never been better for shorebirds: Killdeer: 4; Black-bellied Plover: 2; Solitary Sandpiper: 2; Pectoral Sandpiper: 1; Baird's Sandpiper 1; Semipalmated Sandpiper: 4; Common Snipe: 2 (along creek year first bridge above marsh). There were 240 Red-necked Grebes well off shore in Lake Ontario. Waterfowl species included 2 Green-winged Teal and one female Ring-necked Duck. I did see a late Ruby-throated Hummingbird and 2 Tree Swallows. The woods were fairly quiet with only one species of Warbler: Yellow-rumped (3). There were two Great Blue Herons and one Great Egret (no leg bands or other markings). Directions: The Conservation Area is located along the north shore of Lake Ontario just east of the village of Clarkson. The best access to the marsh and adjacent woodlands is at the south terminus of Bexhill which runs off Lakeshore Boulevard between Erin Mills Parkway and Mississauga Road. A map of the marsh and trails is available on the Credit Valley Valley Conservation web site. The best place to view shorebirds is from the outlet of marsh into Lake Ontario. Normally the mudflats can be seen scanned from the two major boardwalk viewing platforms but this year's extraordinary cattail growth has obscured most of these views. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Shorebirds (9 species) and warblers (9 species) at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
I birded 90% of the trials and adjacent lake from 1:30 to 4:30 pm yesterday. There is great shorebird habitat in middle of marsh with great views from outlet of marsh into the lake. Least Sandpiper: 23; Semipalmated Spotted Sandpiper: 7 each; Killdeer: 6; Lesser Yellowlegs: 5; Semipalmated Plover: 3; Solitary Sandpiper: 3; Short-billed Dowitcher; 1; Greater Yellowlegs: 1. Warblers: American Redstart: 7; Black-and-white Warbler: 4; Chestnut-sided Warbler: 2; Blackburnian and CANADA Warbler: 2; Common Yellowthroat: 1; Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow and Nashville Warbler: 1 each. I counted 120+ Rednecked Grebes off the mouth of creek outlet and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo was seen heard near the top of knoll that encompassed knolled walk (the board walk that follows the edge of edge marsh). Direction: access the marsh at the south end of Bexhill Road which runs of Lakeshore Boulevard between Erin MIlls Parkway to the west and Mississauga Road to the East. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Black Scoter Hooded Warbler at Col. Sam. Smith Park, Etobicoke
During Whimbrel watch we had two flocks of Black Scoters (4 and 2) and 3 flocks of White-winged Scoter (8;6; 30)[observers: Don Barnett; Kevin Seymour; Greg Stuart and me). The moult migration of Canada Geese has started, with flocks of 14, 60 and 80. Also found a male Hooded Warbler and 2 Canada Warblers (3 Wilson's and 4 Blackpoll) in the woods behind the old power plant (just north of park parking lot). Directions: south on Kipling to Lakeshore Boulevard West; south on Col. Samuel Smith Drive to parking lot at end. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Toronto - Whimbrel Watch - Col. Samuel Smith Park, Toronto - 29 May 2011
In 10 hrs. of continuous observations we observed a total of 16 Whimbrel at Col. Samuel Smith Park in Toronto today, May 29. This brings our year to date total to 2610 birds. Heavy lake fog continued for a large part of today's watch. Monday will be closing day. Past and present tracking of Whimbrels with satellite transmitters can be accessed at 'http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/?project_id=369'. Directions: Col. Sam Smith Park is located at the south end of Kipling Avenue, below Lakeshore Road. The Park is an artificial land-fill immediately south of the Humber College campus. Parking free of charge is at Student's Parking Lot at the south end of the Park. The Toronto Ornithological Club is again co-operating with the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary/Virginia Commonwealth University, in monitoring the Whimbrel migration observed during the period of May 19 to May 30 at Col. Sam Smith Park in Toronto. Daily observations are conducted during that time period at the South Peninsula of the Park at co-ordinate location 17624795E and 4833443N. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Toronto - Whimbrel Watch - Col. Samuel Smith Park, Toronto - 28 May 2011
In 8.5 hrs. of continuous observations we had a total of 79 (75 and 4) Whimbrel migrating through Col. Sam Smith Park in Toronto today, May 28. This brings our year to date total to 2584 birds. We had reduced visibility due to dense to moderate fog for most of the watch. There were massive number of cormorants moving back and forth through the watch. Past and present tracking of Whimbrels with satellite transmitters can be accessed at 'http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/?project_id=369'. Directions: Col. Sam Smith Park is located at the south end of Kipling Avenue, below Lakeshore Road. The Park is an artificial land-fill immediately south of the Humber College campus. Parking free of charge is at Student's Parking Lot at the south end of the Park. The Toronto Ornithological Club is again co-operating with the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary/Virginia Commonwealth University, in monitoring the Whimbrel migration observed during the period of May 19 to May 30 at Col. Sam Smith Park in Toronto. Daily observations are conducted during that time period at the South Peninsula of the Park at co-ordinate location 17624795E and 4833443N. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Toronto - Whimbrel Watch - Col. Samuel Smith Park, Toronto - 25 May 2011
In 10.5 hrs. of continuous observations we had a total of 534 Whimbrel migrating through Col. Sam Smith Park in Toronto today, May 25. There were 8 groups ranging from 1 to 200 birds. This brings our year to date total to 2511 birds. Past and present tracking of Whimbrels with satellite transmitters can be accessed at 'http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/?project_id=369'. One other big highlight of the day was a Long-tailed Jaeger flying ahead of a loose flock of Ring-billed Gulls. White-winged Scoter flocks: 8, 13, 11 and 40. The total for Common Loon was 23. Directions: Col. Sam Smith Park is located at the south end of Kipling Avenue, below Lakeshore Road. The Park is an artificial land-fill immediately south of the Humber College campus. Parking free of charge is at Student's Parking Lot at the south end of the Park. The Toronto Ornithological Club is again co-operating with the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary/Virginia Commonwealth University, in monitoring the Whimbrel migration observed during the period of May 19 to May 30 at Col. Sam Smith Park in Toronto. Daily observations are conducted during that time period at the South Peninsula of the Park at co-ordinate location 17624795E and 4833443N. Peak migration dates are May 24 and 25 with peak hours expected at 06:00 and 08:00 EDST. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Toronto - Whimbrel Watch - Col. Sam. Smith Park - 24 May
In 12.5 hrs. of continuous observations we had a total of 1553 Whimbrel migrating through Col. Sam Smith Park in Toronto today, May 24. There were 17 flocks ranging from 1 only to 250 birds. This brings our year to date total to 1977 birds. The first flock came in at 0456 EST and the last flock was seen at 1510 EST. The last two flocks of 250 each were about five minutes apart and a few minutes later were observed by Wayne Renaud to join together in one flock and, seaching for a thermal, flew as a single flock to the north-west. A good migration on the traditional Whimbrel Day. Past and present tracking of Whimbrels with satellite transmitters can be accessed at 'http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/?project_id=369'. Other shorebirds: Dunlin (202 in 12 flocks ranging in size from 1 to 55); Semipalmated Sandpiper: 1 flock of 35; Ruddy Turnstone: flocks of 1, 2 and 16; Sanderling: one flock of 45. Two flocks were a mix of Dunlins and Ruddy Turnstones. The flocks of Dunlins and turnstones seen on the headlands in mid to late afternoon were all resting or feeding on algae or insects on the rocks at various locations. Directions: Col. Sam Smith Park is located at the south end of Kipling Avenue, below Lakeshore Road. The Park is an artificial land-fill immediately south of the Humber College campus. Parking free of charge is at Student's Parking Lot at the south end of the Park. The Toronto Ornithological Club is again co-operating with the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary/Virginia Commonwealth University, in monitoring the Whimbrel migration observed during the period of May 19 to May 30 at Col. Sam Smith Park in Toronto. Daily observations are conducted during that time period at the South Peninsula of the Park at co-ordinate location 17624795E and 4833443N. Peak migration dates are May 24 and 25 with peak hours expected at 06:00 and 08:00 EDST. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Toronto - Whimbrel Watch - Col. Sam. Smith Park - 23 May
59 Whimbrel were counted by Don Barnett, Wayne Renaud, Jean Iron and many others at the Park between 4:15 am and 12:30 Eastern Daylight Saving Time. This day 5 of the Whimbrel Watch. Also seen were 3 flocks of Black Bellied Plover totalling 21; one flock of 14 Dunlin and 14 flocks of Calidris sandpipers totaling approximately 239. The Least Bittern and Common Moorhen also continue to be seen. The migration progress of individual Whimbrels with satellite transmitters can be followed on 'track...@seaturtle.org' Directions: Col. Sam Smith Park is located at the south end of Kipling Avenue, below Lakeshore Road. The Park is an artificial land-fill immediately south of the Humber College campus. Parking free of charge is at Student's Parking Lot at the south end of the Park. The Toronto Ornithological Club is again co-operating with the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary/Virginia Commonwealth University, in monitoring the Whimbrel migration observed during the period of May 19 to May 30 at Col. Sam Smith Park in Toronto. Daily observations are conducted during that time period at the South Peninsula of the Park at co-ordinate location 17624795E and 4833443N. Peak migration dates are May 24 and 25 with peak hours expected at 06:00 and 08:00 EDST. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Connecticut Warbler Clay-colored Sparrow in Col. Sam. Smith Park, Etobicoke
Today the long lasting morning fog grounded a good crop warblers, 23 species in all. Four hours birding: two in late morning; two in mid-afternoon. The single male Connecticut Warbler was seen (and singing) at 5:50 am just be garbage container on the southwest corner of parking lot. The Clay-colored Sparrow singing in some small shrubs to the right of the walkway leading to first headland at 6:00 am. Here is the warbler count: Black-throated Blue: 71; Chestnut-sided: 40; Yellow-rumped: 22; American Redstart: 16; Tennessee: 14; Yellow Magnolia: 13; Common Yellowthroat: 12: Nashville: 7; Northern Parula: 5; Northern Waterthrush, Black-throated Green and Ovenbird: 4; Cape May, Black-and-White Blackburnian: 3; Blackpoll: 2; singles of Mourning, Wilson's, Bay-breasted and Pine. There was also a good selection of Thrushes: Swainson's: 28; Veery; 4; Gray-cheeked: 3 and Wood Thrush: 2. Another highlight was 4 male Bobolinks singing from the trees on the eastern-most headland. Directions: the park is located a the south end of Kipling Avenue; the street to parking lot is called Col. Samuel Smith Drive. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Prairie Cerulean Warblers at Humber College arboretum/16 May 2011
No time slip down to Col. Smith or Rattray so did a 2-hour sweep through the Humber College arboretum. Still lots of great stuff with continuing rain. A good warbler haul with 23 species, once more, like everywhere else this past few day, with some great finds: Tennessee Warbler: 16; Nashville Warbler: 7; Golden-winged Warbler: 2m/1f; Northern Parula; 6; Yellow Warbler: 11; Chestnut-sided Warbler: 9; Magnolia Warbler: 11; Cape May Warbler: 7; Blackburnian Warbler: 3; Black-throated Blue Warbler: 16; Cerulian Warbler: 1m singing; Black-throated Green Warbler: 5; Yellow-rumped Warbler: 28; Palm Warbler: 3; Pine Warbler: 3; Prairie Warbler: 1f; Blackpoll Warbler: 3; Bay-breasted Warbler: 9; Black-and-white Warbler: 2; American Redstart: 15; Common Yellowthroat: 5; Canada Warbler: 6: Wilson's Warbler: 3. Five vireos: Warbling (7), Red-eyed (11), Grey-headed: 5; Philadelphia (1), Yellow-throated (1). Surprisingly few flycatcher. No tanagers or Grosbeaks. Again the warblers, vireos, etc. were feeding much lower than usual making id's much easier in spite of less than perfect lighting. Access the arboretum off Highway #27 north of Highway #401 just east of Highway #427. Take Humber College Boulevard and then onto Arboretum Blvd. You can access maps at 'arbore...@humber.ca'. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] 23 species of Warblers at Rattray Marsh, Mississauga
I spent 4 hours from 1:00 to 5:00 birding the marsh and surrounding woods (the latter which are very saturated with water). About a hours was spent birding with Phil Walker. For the first time since the first Yellow-rumped I saw this spring two other warbler species (Magnolia and Chestnut-sided) out number it. Nothing really unexpected species-wise but a good count on the species of warbler representing the last wave to move through. Total count for each species seen: Chestnut-sided Warbler: 55; Magnolia Warbler: 52; Yellow-rumped Warbler 40; American Redstart: 25; Tennessee Warbler: 21; Black-throated Blue Warbler: 18; Blackburnian Warbler: 17; Black-and-white Warbler: 13; Black-throated Green Warbler: 15; Northern Parula: 6; Common Yellowthroat: 6; Nashville Warbler: 5; Yellow Warbler: 3; Cape May Warbler: 3: Blackpoll: 2; Palm Warbler: 2; singles of Mourning Warbler; Canada Warbler; Wilson's Warbler; Orange-crowned Warbler; Louisiana Waterthrush, Pine Warbler and Ovenbird. Only the common three vireos: Warbling, Red-eye and Grey-headed were seen. Ditto with the flycatchers; only Least, Eastern Pheobe and Great Crested. There was a reasonable sized flock of Chimney Swifts and swallows feeding over the marsh: Chimney Swift (12); Barn Swallow (45); Bank Swallow (25); Tree Swallow 25. Directions: Take Bexhill Road south of Lakeshore Boulevard West between Erin Mills Parkway and Mississauga Road. The entrance to the Park is right there at the south end. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] warbler, etc morning fall out on Hampshire Crescent, Mississauga/14 May 2011
This morning, light drizzle and fog, I spent about two hours hiking through dirt trails along a small creek along a green way and adjacent Hampshire Crescent with amazing results. 22 species of warbler: Blue-winged Warbler: 1 male; Connecticut Warbler: 1 male + 1 female; Mourning Warbler: 2 males; Hooded Warbler: 1 female; Tennessee Warbler: 5; Orange-crowned Warbler: 1; Canada Warbler: 8; Bay-breasted Warbler: 5: Ovenbird: 3; Cape May Warbler: 5; Nashville Warbler: 13; Blackburnian Warbler: 5; Common Yellowthroat: 1; Black-and-white Warbler: 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler: 17; American Redstart: 12; Chestnut-sided Warbler: 18; Yellow-warbler: 1; Northern Parula: 5; Palm Warbler: 3; Northern Waterthrush: 2; Ovenbird: 3. Other good records: Scarlet Tanager: 7; White-eyed Vireo: 5: Philadelphia Vireo: 3: Alder Flycatcher: 1; Eastern Wood-Peewee: 1; Swainson's Thrush: 60; Gray-cheeked Thrush: 3; Veery: 1; Wood Thrush: 1; White-crowned Sparrow: 35 Black-billed Cuckoo: 2; Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 1. Location: the crescent is located two blocks south of intersection of Hurontario Street and the QEW. You can access the creek through yard of Jennifer Whitlam at 1556 Hampshire Crescent who is good friend of mine, please knock on door first to let her know why you are there. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Birding Humber College Lakeshore Campus 13 May 201: Orange-crowned and Blackpoll Warbler
Five good hours this morning (7:00 am to noon) of good bird on a glorious wind-free morning yielded a good cross section warblers and other spring migrants. 19 warbler species: Tennessee: 10; Nashville: 16; Orange-crowned: 1; Northern Parula: 5; Yellow: 10; Chestnut-sided: 15; Magonilia: 5 (all males); Cape May: 2; Blackburnian: 3; Black-throated Blue: 22; Black-throated Green: 3; Yellow-rumped: 25; Palm: 2; Blackpoll: 1; Black-and-white: 4; American Redstart: 10; Common Yellowthroat: 3; Ovenbird: 2; Canada Warbler: 1. Bruce Wilkinson told he had the Blackpoll in the same area (the woody and scrubby are along the east edge of the sports field) yesterday. Other notable records: 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds; 2 Linocoln's Sparrows; 1 Philadelphia Vireo; 1 Wood Thrush; equal numbers of White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows (about 25 each). The first hour was fairly quite but when the sun came out by 8:30 am all areas had evenly lots of bird activity. I manage to pick two Bay-breasted Warblers at West Deane Park on my way up the campus. Directions: Suggesting parking on 13 Street south of Lakeshore Boulevard south and the take the path which cuts into east park of campus (and the small and large 'bowl'). Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Rattray Marsh Conservation Area birding/12 May 2011
I spent from 8:00 to 11:00 am doing most the trails and marsh area. The morning was fairly quiet with some loose pockets of migrants. On my way back to where I parked (corner of Watersedge Road and Old Poplar Row) the stretch of woodland and small marsh just east of parking area were teaming with birds, all singing and frantically feeding. Between 10:00 and 11:00 the temperature rose suddenly and humidity increased. 90% of warblers I saw in the 3-hour visit were seen in this area in last hour. Sixteen species of Warbler: Yellow-rumped Warbler: 158: Yellow Warbler: 33; Chestnut-side Warbler: 25; American Redstart: 25; Nashville Warbler: 15; Northern Parula: 8; Palm Warbler: 8; Common Yellowthroat: 5; Black-throated Blue Warbler: 5; Blackburnian Warbler: 5; Magnolia Warbler: 3; Canada Warbler: 2; singles of Orange-crown, Black-and-White, Ovenbird and Black-throated Green. Among the warblers there at least dozen House Wrens but only a small number of Red-eye and Warbling Vireo and 1 Philadelphia Vireo. No Bay-breasted, Mourning, Wilson's or Blackpoll Warblers. Clearly these came in from south and for some reason were ground as the low pressure system started to move in late this morning with rain forecast for tonight. This habitat is not typical Yellow Warbler nesting habitat so most or all of these were likely migrants. Also relative large numbers of White-throated Sparrow (25+) with no White-crowns among them. This is just one more indication there is yet at least one more wave of warblers and other passerines to pass through ... perhaps in next few days. Directions (this is for the parking area on the east side of the Rattray Marsh Conservation area near where I found above concentration of birds): south on Meadow Wood Road off Lakeshore Boulevard West (just east of Clarkson and Erin Mills Parkway). Veer left on Bob-O-Link then left on to Old Poplar Row which dead ends at a small parking area (where it intersects Wateredge Road). There are trail maps available on the Credit Valley Conservation's web site for the Rattray Marsh Conservation area. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] 6 Tennessee Warbler at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area birding/12 May 2011
I complete forgot to add the Tennessee Warblers (6) on the last posting, which makes 17 species of warblers. Original Message From: waynerenaud1...@aol.com To: birdalert@ontbirds.ca Sent: Thu, May 12, 2011 12:50 pm Subject: [Ontbirds] Rattray Marsh Conservation Area birding/12 May 2011 I spent from 8:00 to 11:00 am doing most the trails and marsh area. The morning was fairly quiet with some loose pockets of migrants. On my way back to where I parked (corner of Watersedge Road and Old Poplar Row) the stretch of woodland and small marsh just east of parking area were teaming with birds, all singing and frantically feeding. Between 10:00 and 11:00 the temperature rose suddenly and humidity increased. 90% of warblers I saw in the 3-hour visit were seen in this area in last hour. Sixteen species of Warbler: Yellow-rumped Warbler: 158: Yellow Warbler: 33; Chestnut-side Warbler: 25; American Redstart: 25; Nashville Warbler: 15; Northern Parula: 8; Palm Warbler: 8; Common Yellowthroat: 5; Black-throated Blue Warbler: 5; Blackburnian Warbler: 5; Magnolia Warbler: 3; Canada Warbler: 2; singles of Orange-crown, Black-and-White, Ovenbird and Black-throated Green. Among the warblers there at least dozen House Wrens but only a small number of Red-eye and Warblin g Vireo and 1 Philadelphia Vireo. No Bay-breasted, Mourning, Wilson's or Blackpoll Warblers. Clearly these came in from south and for some reason were ground as the low pressure system started to move in late this morning with rain forecast for tonight. This habitat is not typical Yellow Warbler nesting habitat so most or all of these were likely migrants. Also relative large numbers of White-throated Sparrow (25+) with no White-crowns among them. This is just one more indication there is yet at least one more wave of warblers and other passerines to pass through ... perhaps in next few days. Directions (this is for the parking area on the east side of the Rattray Marsh Conservation area near where I found above concentration of birds): south on Meadow Wood Road off Lakeshore Boulevard West (just east of Clarkson and Erin Mills Parkway). Veer left on Bob-O-Link then left on to Old Poplar Row which dead ends at a small parking area (where it intersects Wateredge Road). There are trail maps available on the Credit Valley Conservation's web site for the Rattray Marsh Conservation area. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] tanager hybrid ? at Col. Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke
further to Skip Shand's report of Western Tanager at Colonel Samuel Smith park ... I also saw a tanager around 7:45 am in the very same spot; bird had yellow sides but a red breast, rump and head, and black wings. I also did not have a camera with me but had a very good look at it. I was a loss to identify it. Obviously his tanager was seen several hours later and but no field marks were proved. This may or may not be the same bird? May be someone should shed some light on the one I saw. Hybrid? Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Birding Col. Samuel Smith Park/Humber College Lakeshore Campus
It was a breezy and cool morning in the park with relatively few warblers species seen: Yellow-rumped (30); Cape May (10 yes 10!); Yellow (9); Northern Parula (6); Black-throated Blue (6); American Redstart (3); Chestnut-sided (3); Nashville (2); Tennessee and Black-and-white (1). At least 15 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, 3 Scarlet Tanager + 1 Tanager sp.; 20 White-crowned Sparrows and 5 Lincoln's Sparrow. The fact that Cape May out numbered Yellow is a surprise. Directions: the park and campus are located south of Lakeshore Boulevard west and off the south end of Kipling Avenue. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] tanager hybrid ? at Col. Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke
Yep ... that is exactly what I saw ... thanks for clarification. Wayne -Original Message- From: Carolyn King ck...@yorku.ca To: waynerenaud1...@aol.com Sent: Wed, May 11, 2011 4:25 pm Subject: Re: [Ontbirds] tanager hybrid ? at Col. Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke Wayne, I heard that Point Pelee had a ScarletTanager last week that had orange instead of red. I just GoogledScarlet Tanager + orange images and got some that looked like your birddescription sounded, especially the one on this page: http://www.ctbirding.org/photos.htm What do you think? Cheers, Carolyn King waynerenaud1...@aol.com Sent by: birdalert-boun...@ontbirds.ca 05/11/11 04:08 PM To birdalert@ontbirds.ca cc Subject [Ontbirds] tanager hybrid ? at Col.Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke further to Skip Shand's report of Western Tanagerat Colonel Samuel Smith park ... I also saw a tanager around 7:45 am inthe very same spot; bird had yellow sides but a red breast, rump and head,and black wings. I also did not have a camera with me but had a verygood look at it. I was a loss to identify it. Obviously his tanagerwas seen several hours later and but no field marks were proved. This mayor may not be the same bird? May be someone should shed some light on theone I saw. Hybrid? Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincialbirding 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] Birding Rattray Marsh Conservation Area/Jack Darling Park, Mississauga: 10 May 2011
I birded both these parks from 6:30 to 10:00 with good results. 18 species of warblers: Yellow-rumped: 32; American Redstart: 10; Black-throated Blue: 10; Nashville: 5; Northern Parula 5; Nashville Warbler: 5; Chestnut-sided: 5; Blackburnian: 4; Black-throated Green: 3; singles of Palm, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush; Common Yellowthroat; Pine; Black-and-White; Blue-winged, Magnolia and Hooded. A good variety of vireos: Blue-headed, Warblind and Red-eyed. The female Hooded Warbler was feeding low along Sheridan creek at the base of the first bridge upstream from the marsh. The male Blue-winged Warbler was feeding high in large willow on the Meadow trail. Other notable records: 1 Orchard Oriole (Jack Darling Park west parking lot); 1 Green Heron; 1 Virginia Rail (within 20 feet of south boardwalk look over marsh/seen and heard at 6:45 am); Eastern Screech-Owl (in opening of Wood Duck nest box on edge of upper marsh). Also one Eastern Wood-Peewee. All the warblers were quite spread out ... I about 80% of the trails. A large log has jammed across the outflow of Sheridan Creek so the water level in marsh is higher than they have been all spring, re-flooding most areas of marsh. I managed to get over Col. Sam. Smith park to find the Canada Warbler found in the bowl in the morning by several birders. Directions: Rattray Marsh: park at bottom of Bexhill Road of Lakeshore Boulevard west between Erin Mills Parkway and Mississauga Road. Jack Darling Park is located immediately east of the Rattray Marsh C.A. and the entrance is clearly marked on Lakeshore. Proceed to the parking lot at end of the road. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Yellow-throated Vireo at Humber College Lakeshore Campus/Colonel Samuel Smith Park
At 11:00 am today I found YTVI feeding in flowering Norway Maple on south side of the 'small bowl' just across the road and southeast of the south end of 'large bowl'. There were a really good variety of warblers, most in small numbers: Yellow-rumped (35); Black-throated Blue (8); Nashville (4); American Redstart (2); singles of Black-and-white; Yellow; Palm, Cape May, Blackburnian and Common Yellowthroat. The park is located south of Humber College Lakeshore Campus at the end of Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive which runs off the south end of Kipling Avenue south of Lakeshore Boulevard West. The large and small bowls are best accessed of 13th Street (free parking) which runs along the east side of the campus. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Prothonotary Warblers in sw Mississauga
Further to Cheryl Edgcombe's e.mail I would like to forward the following details. After Mark Cranford's morning posting several birders apparently managed to find the same bird into late morning. I arrive at Lakeside Part at 12:45 pm and at that point the bird was said to have left the site. Bruce Ferry apparently had arrived earlier, and not finding the bird continued to bird the trees further west down Lakeshore Boulevard. He found one bird in large Willow just west of over bridge over lakeshore to the shipping dock and south of lakeshore just be hind the small house by the chain link fence. He went back to Lakeshore and pick up Joyce Lechasseur and myself and took us the new site where all three of us spent over an hour during which both a male and female were seen feeding in the tree. Bruce took a lot of photos of both warblers and Joyce was able to get some excellent looks of the male through here scope. We all left about 2:00 pm. Directions: Lakeside Park is on Lakeshore Road between Southdown and Winston Churchill Roads in Mississauga. It has a new parking lot immediately across the Lakeshore from the entrance to the Clarkson Wastewater Treatment Plant. It is east of trucking firm on the southside of Lakeshore and east of the cement company pier. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Yellow-throated Warbler in Rattray Marsh, Mississauga
At 4:07 pm I found a male Yellow-throated Warbler feeding in a leafless hawethorn about 100 feet downslope from the boardwalk just behind the soccer field behind the Greenglade School. I think this is the site where the Kentucky Warbler was seen last week. Greenglade School is locate near the end of Greenglade Lane(?) which runs off Meadowood which runs south of Lakeshore Boulevard West just east of the village of Clarkson. Take the asphalt path down the hill and through the chain link fence and board walk is on the left. If you go tomorrow, keep your binoculars hidden because school officials went after me when I was birding last spring along the Rattray Marsh/Green Glade School fence line. I guess there are cameras all around the school! Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Dunlin off Rattray Marsh, Mississauga
woops I forgot to add to the YTWA report that I had a small flock 17 Dunlins flying west not far off the water off the mouth of Sheridan Creek where it drains out of the Marsh. Directions: park at the south end of Bexhill road (which runs of Lakeshore Boulevard west between Erin Mills Parkway and Mississauga Road), the take the trail down to the marsh. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] birding Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke
Jerry Lewchyschyn, Brian Tannahill and I spent 3 hours this morning starting at 7:00 am birding the park and adjacent Humber Lakeshore College campus. Warblers: Yellow-rumped (45); Palm (17); Black-and-white (12); Black-throated Blue (10); Magnolia (8); Black-throated Green (5); Nashville (3); Yellow (3); Chestnut-sided (2); singles of Cape May, Blackburnian, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart and Ovenbird. Other notables: 1 Eastern Towhee; 3 Field Sparrows; 1 Swainson's Thrush; 1 Veery; 5 Hermit Thrush; 3 White-crowned Sparrows; 8 Chimney Swifts; 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks; 2 Great-crested Flycatchers; 1 Least Flycatcher; 1 Blue-headed Vireo; 1 Warbling Vireo. On and off the Peninsula: 2 Spotted Sandpipers, 4 Lesser Scaup; 4 Greater Scaup; 10 Long-tailed Duck; 7 Red-necked Grebe; 1 Horned Grebe; 1 White-winged Scoter. 18 Red-breasted Merganser; 4 Gadwall; 7 Mallard; 1 Blue-winged Teal. Directions: South of Kipling/Lakeshore intersection. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Birding Col. Samuel Smith Park/Humber College Campus, Toronto
It was a fairly busy morning bird-wise but birds were in smaller numbers and more concentrated than yesterday: Yellow-rumped Warbler (65); Palm Warbler (21); Black-throated Blue Warbler (18); Black-throated Green Warbler (10); Blackburnian, Black-and-white and Nashville Warbler (3 each); Cape May Warbler (2); singles of Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Chestnut-sided Warbler and Pine Warbler. There small groups of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (10+) and a single Baltimore Oriole. Also three White-crowned Sparrows a small group of 7 Chimney Swifts were seen. Directions: South of Lakeshore Boulevard West off the south end Kipling Avenue Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) = ___ 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] Col. Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke: warbler migration update
I birded the Humber College Lakeshore Campus which is north adjacent to Col. Sam Smith Park this morning from 7:30 to 10:45 am, most of the time with Brian Tannahill and Jerry Lewchynshyn. Definitely more much bird activity than yesterday. The total number of warbler species was 14: Yellow Warbler (2); Cape May Warbler (2); Blackburnian Warbler (2); Black-throated Blue Warbler (3); Black-throated Green Warbler (6); Yellow-rumped Warbler (50+); Pine Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (18); Nashville Warbler (5); Northern Parula (1); Black-and-white Warbler (5); Common Yellowthroat (1f); Northern Waterthrush (1) and Ovenbird (1). Also seen was Eastern Towhee (1f); American Tree Sparrow (1); Field Sparrow (2). A few lingering Hermit Thrushes but no flycatchers and only one vireo: Red-eyed. The trees and shrubs are rapidly leafing out; and by the weekend it will be more difficult to spot the migrants. Direction: For those that have not birded this area and are interested in the passerine migration, they should park on 13th Street which runs along east side the campus. Rabba is located at the insection, a good land mark There is in lane way half down 13th Street towards the lake to access one best areas for warblers and other spring migrants and just west the fabled 'bowl' (a sunken area of grass surrounded mostly Norway Spruce; to the east more mixed woods). The other two areas: one just east of the playing field and one, with the creek, just west of the playing field. This last location is just north of the CSS parking lot. So the campus and park are located south Lakeshore Boulevard West just south of end south end of Kipling Avenue. This park will be busy with birders for at least the next three weeks. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043 ___ 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] Orange-crowned Warbler, Scarlet Tanager Great-crested Flycatcher at Col. Samuel Smith, Toronto
I birded the park for 2.5 hours in late morning. The Orange-crowned Warblers (2) were low in dense shrubbery next to the small creek that flows out of a culvert near the pedestrian bridge just west of the brick building with the brick Chimney (se of the Catholic School). The single flycatcher and tanager were midway along east side of the 'bowl'. Directions: south of Lakeshore Boulevard off Kipling Avenue. The bowl (a tree-ringed oblong area of sunken grass) is located on east side of Humber College Campus and very close to Lakeshore Boulevard. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Cape May and Chestnut-sided Warblers at Col. Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke
I birded the 'bowl' and areas to south and southwest for 1.5 hours this morning. I saw one each of these warblers plus good numbers of Yellow-rumped and a few Palm, Black-throated Blue and Black-and-white Warblers. No thrushes or flycatchers. Directions: the park is located of the south end Kipling where it intersects Lakeshore Boulevard West. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Sedge Wren at Col. Samuel Smith Park, Toronto
Yesterday around 5:00 pm I found a sedge wren feeding at the edge of Red-Osier Dogwoods adjacent the newly planted strip of planting just north of pavillion. Directions: Off the south end of Kipling and sound of Lakeshore Boulevard. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Yellow-throated Warbler again at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, Missisauga
I birded the Rattray Marsh C.A. this morning from 6:40 to 10:00 am and managed to find the Yellow-throated Warbler by 7:00 am and watch for about 15 minutes. I was in the same general area as previously posted, then moved up the slope to near the back of the beige house that backs onto the forest at that point. It was a female. I let met John Lamey who saw it yesterday and he said the one he saw was also a female. There are good numbers of Yellow-rumped Warbers (100+) plus smaller numbers of Palm (11), Black-throated Green (4) and 2 each of Black-and-white and Pine. I easily managed 6 species of woopecker: Pileated (1 female); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Red-bellied Sapsucker (2); Northern Flicker (7); Hairy Woodpecker (2) and Downy Woodpecker (5). The new species for this spring, with one each was Blue-gray Gnatcacher, Lincoln Sparrow and House Wren. There were also a few American Tree Sparrows near the mouth of Turtle Creek. Also there were about 30 Red-necked Grebes on the lake opposite the marsh outlet of Sheridan Creek together with 5 species of swallows. Directions: Drive south on Bexhill Road (which runs off Lakeshore Boulevard West between Mississauga Road and Erin Mills Parkway); walk down the hill and turn right. Take the trail angling to the right just before the Sheridan Creek bridge and go to the far end of the second boardwalk (there is large spruce on right hand side). I first found the warbler there, then it made it way up the slope. I was staying fairly low in the honeysuckles which are just leafing out so it may take a while to find it. Good luck. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Warbler bonanza Colonel Samuel Smith Park this morning
I had the morning free and decided to spent from 7:45 to 10:35 this morning in the park ... the first half in moderate fog. I ended up with 17 species of warbler which is somewhat of a minor miracle since it is still April: Yellow-rumped Warbler: 140; Palm Warbler: 27; Black-throated Green Warbler: 19; Black-and-white Warbler: 19; Pine Warbler: 5; Black-throated Blue Warbler; 4; Nashville Warbler: 2; Blackburnian Warbler: 2; Yellow Warbler; 2; singles of Blue-winged Warbler; Cape-May Warbler; Cerulean Warble (female); Louisiana Waterthrush; Magnolia Warbler; Northern Waterthrush; Tennessee Warbler and Ovenbird. The warblers were really spread out but the specialties were all in the woods along the east side of 'bowl'. Other notable sightings included; 11 Purple Finches; 50 Hemit Thrushes; 1 Swainson's Thrush; 1 Eastern Wood-peewee; 1 Least Flycatcher; 2 Solitary Vireos 20 Pine Siskin and one female Eastern Towhee. There were also hundreds and hundreds of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, White-throated Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos. Directions: Given the fact that the free parking lot at south of end of Col. Samuel Smith Drive is usually full during week days I would suggest parking on 13th Street south Lakeshore (which runs along the east side Humber campus) and walk either of two access points to the campus/park. It also allows quick access to prime passerine migration habitat all of which is north of the peninsula. Anyways the park is located south of Lakeshore Boulevard off the end of Kipling. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] 85 Rusty Blackbirds at West Deane Park, Etobicoke
This morning on the way down Col. Samuel Smith Park I did a quick walk along Mimico Creek and found large flock of Rusty Black feeding on the ground under flood willows. The woods were swarming with Yellow-rumped Warblers (150+) and Hermit Thrushes (50+). Other notable birds included 7 Brown Thrashers; two Magnolia Warblers; 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 2 Gray Catbirds and one Swainson's Thrush. Also 13 Purple Finches. Directions: the park is located along Martin Grove Road just north Rathburn Road. This sw of the 427 and 401. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Birding Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke: 24 April 2011
I spent 3 hours in the park this morning with fairly good success. Lots of Slate-colored Juncoes (100+), White-throated Sparrows (7); White-crowned Sparrow (3); Fox Sparrow (1). At total of 13 Hermit Thrushes were in the 'bowl' and the shrubby area east of the sports field where I also found good numbers of other birds: 3 Eastern Towhee; 2 Palm Warbler and 1 Black-and-White Warbler. My total there for Yellow-rumped Warbler was 17. There are still fairly large numbers of Red-necked Grebe (100+) and Horned Grebe (9) plus 4 Common Loons very close to shore. Ruby-crowned Kinglets out-numbered Golden-crowned (22 to 3). Directions: the park is located south Lakeshore off the end of KIpling Avenue. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Birding Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, Mississauga: 24 April 2011
A few notable Birds in the area late this morning: Swamp Sparrow (1); Marsh Wren (1); Sora (1). Warblers were sparse there: 2 Yellow-rumped, 1 Black-and-white and 1 PIne. In spite of fairly large areas of mudflats I saw no shorebirds. Also a pair of Wood Ducks was on the marsh. Park at the south end of Bexhill which runs south of Lakeshore Boulevard between Mississauga Road and Erin Mills Parkway (though closer to the latter). Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Ravenscrest/Hampshire Parks, Etobicoke: both species of waterthrushes and Indigo Bunting
I spent 2 hours birding Mimico Creek through Ravencrest and Hampshire Heights Parks this afternoon enjoy some summer-like weather and saw some interesting birds. The Louisiana Waterthrush and two Northern Waterthrushes were south of Rathburn and technically in Hampshire Height Park. The Northers were both in a flooded area of shallow standing water under ground of four willows and the Louisiana was feeding and singing along the edge of gravel bar on a narrowing of the creek (this bird sang three times). Also seen was one Indigo Bunting and a dozen Hermit Thrushes (the most I have seen so far this spring). One Pine Warbler was the only other warbler I recorded. I also saw a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers. Directions: These parks are located near the intersection of Martin Grove and Rathburn Road (the former can be accessed from the #401 just east of the #427; the latter just from the #427 just south of the #401). I parked in parking lot which is just north of the Intersection of these two roads; the trail starts there then runs under Martin Grove then Rathburn. You can find these maps on web. Wayne Renaud (1-289-828-0043) ___ 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] Rudy-crowned Kinglet at LaSalle Park, Burlington-13 April 2011
I birded LaSalle Park in Burlington yesterday for 2 hours in the early afternoon just after the rail subsided. I found Ruby-crowed Kinglet with small flock of chickadees. Also one Yellow-rumped and on Pine Warbler. There was a good assortment of ducks including 5 White-winged Scoters and 2 Lesser Scaup. Again creepers and Golden-Kinglets were in good numbers throughout the woods with large numbers of Northern Flickers also moving through. The park is located off south end of Waterdown Road where it cross North Shore Boulevard. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Red-throated Loon on L. Ontario off Rattray Marsh
I spent two hours in mid to late afternoon birding Rattray and surrounding woodland trails. There was a Red-throated Loon in full breeding plumage about 200 feet off shore with about a dozen Red-necked Grebes. It spent a lot of time diving. Also I saw 2 Fox Sparrows, 6 Chipping Sparrows and about dozen American Tree Sparrows, the latter feeing in the dead bulrushes on Turtle Creek (which separates Rattray Marsh C.A. from Jack Darling Park). One White-throated Sparrow. I also found two Yellow-rumped and one PIne Warbler. There were Brown Creepers and Golden-crowned Kinglets well-distributed through the woods. Lots of woodpeckers with Northern Flicker and Down Woodpecker the most common, with 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and lots of evidence of fresh Pileated Woodpecker work. There was one Great Egret (with no makers) feeding in marsh. The mudflats are about the best I have ever seen them in spring shorebird ... 2 Killdeer were on the mudflats. Ducks: Mallards and 7 Green-winged Teal. Both Winter and Caroline Wrens (one each). No Hermit Thrush! Directions: Park at the south of Bexhill Drive which runs south of Lakeshore Boulevard West between the MIssissauga Road and Erin Mills Parkway (exits off the QEW). The marsh is located just down the hill from parking area. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Huge number of Red-necked Grebes at Col. Samuel Smith Park, Toronto
I birded the park for a couple of hours in the mid to late afternoon. In first hour I found 719 Red-neck Grebes in the bays and near-shore water of the peninsula include two pairs in same locations where they attempted to nest on wood platforms last year in the inner bay. Just as I was about leave the west tip of peninsula, larger loose flocks began flying in from south and settled into the waters just west of the end of the peninsula. At 5:25 p.m., I drove around to the south end of 23rd street near the Filtration Plant to get a better count: the total number of new Red-necked Grebes was 2500. The grand total of 3219. In the past I have never seen close to this many Red-necked Grebes at this location. But in recent recent years, I have seen large numbers (in the thousands) staging in the second week of April along Lake Ontario from Rattray Marsh to Port Credit, Mississauga. I made of point of going to other areas to west after leaving the park: Marie Curtis Park/mouth of Etobicoke Creek, the mouth of the Credit River where empties into L. Ontario and the waters off Jack Darling Park and adjacent Rattray Marsh. I only found one Red-necked Grebe, off the Credit River in Lake Ontario. In all probability these 2500 grebes were flying in just ahead of the large low pressure system that arrived in Mississauga with heavy rain and snow around 7:30 pm. I found one Belted Kingfisher and two Killdeer at Rattray Marsh. Directions: Colonel Sam Smith Park is located south of Lakeshore Boulevard and accessed via Col. Samuel Smith Boulevard (?) from the end of Kipling which can be accessed off the Q.E.W. just east of #427. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] hug number of Red-necked Grebes at Col. Samuel Smith Park, Toronto
I birded the park for a couple of hours in the mid to late afternoon. In first hour I found 719 Red-neck Grebes in the bays and near-shore water of the peninsula include two pairs in same locations where they attempted to nest on wood platforms last year in the inner bay. Just as I was about leave the west tip of peninsula, larger loose flocks began flying in from south and settled into the waters just west of the end of the peninsula. At 5:25 p.m., I drove around to the south end of 23rd street near the Filtration Plant to get a better count: the total number of new Red-necked Grebes was 2500. The grand total of 3219. In the past I have never seen close to this many Red-necked Grebes at this location. But in recent recent years, I have seen large numbers (in the thousands) staging in the second week of April along Lake Ontario from Rattray Marsh to Port Credit, Mississauga. I made of point of going to other areas to west after leaving the park: Marie Curtis Park/mouth of Etobicoke Creek, the mouth of the Credit River where empties int o L. Ontario and the waters off Jack Darling Park and adjacent Rattray Marsh. I only found one Red-necked Grebe, off the Credit River in Lake Ontario. In all probability these 2500 grebes were flying in just ahead of the large low pressure system that arrived in Mississauga with heavy rain and snow around 7:30 pm. I found one Belted Kingfisher and two Killdeer at Rattray Marsh. Directions: Colonel Sam Smith Park is located south of Lakeshore Boulevard and accessed via Col. Samuel Smith Boulevard (?) from the end of Kipling which can be accessed off the Q.E.W. just east of #427. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) = ___ 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] Cave Swallow: Arkendo Park, Oakville
Here is one more sighting of this normally rare species, which apparently was swept in fair numbers up along the stream of the warm air from the Gulf Coast a few days ago. This is not far from the mouth of Bronte Creek, Oakville where Ont-birds reported a few off and on all day. This afternoon between 3:15 and 3:45 I searched Arkendo Park for swallows. None were seen over the lake or along the Lake Ontario shoreline. On searching the lower part of Joshua Creek in behind the old Fusion Center ... I found 3 Cave Swallows and one Northern Rough-winged Swallow roosting about 5-6 feet above the water on some dead branches sticking out of the east shore of the creek (which, for the record, is actually in Mississauga!). I only found them when some Song Sparrows and American Tree Sparrows flew east over the creek and landed near where the swallow were roosting. My guess is that they will stay there for night. Location: Arkendo Park is located at the mouth of Joshua Creek at Lake Ontario in extreme se Oakville. The best access is from the intersection of Winston Churchill and Lakeshore; Arkendo Street (or Avenue ?) runs south off Lakeshore Boulevard one shore block west of this intersection ... and the street ends in a cul-de-sac. From there an asphalt path leads along Joshua Creek a short distance to Lake Ontario. A mud trail runs off this path into the woods around the north end of a low wood fence. Make your way up and down through the woods and brush until you arrive at the creek mouth ... then follow the shoreline around the inlet back into the mouth of Joshua Creek and scan the shoreline. This park is tiny ... you will not get lost! Wayne Renaud (1289-828-0043) ___ 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] Whimbrels at Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke
I birded the two peninsulas of the park this morning from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm during a fairly strong easterly wind. At 11:45 am I heard Whimbrels calling and located a flock of 5 (+ two birds higher up, in all probably also Whimbels) flying ese about 1200-1500 ft altitude at great speed. Bruce Wilkinson missed them by about 10 minutes. These are first Whimbel I have seen in fall migration on Ontario. I searched all the rocky headlands and beaches for Whimbrel and other shorebirds but not see a single shorebird of any species. There were 9 Red-necked Grebes in the area, one Great Egret (no legs and wing markers), one Great Blue Heron, two Hooded Mergansers and two American Widgeon. The place was swarming with American Goldfinches. Directions: The park is located south of Humber Campus which is located at the intersection of Lakeshore Boulevard and Kipling. The only free parking lot is located at the south end of Col. Samuel Smith Park Drive which runs of the south end of Kipling where it interfaces Lakeshore. Wayne Renaud (cell: 1-289-828-0043) ___ 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] Red-necked Grebe shorebirds at Rattray Marsh, Mississauga
I birded Rattray Marsh adjacent Lake Ontario from 4:30 to 6:15 pm during intermittent rain. There were at least 110 Red-necked Grebes feeding well off-shore mostly south of the marsh outlet. There were some major roller coming off the fetch of the lake. In spite of limited habitat there was a good variety of shorebirds: Greater Yellowlegs: 1: Lesser Yellowlegs: 2; Solitary Sandpiper: 2; Spotted Sandpiper: 7; Least Sandpiper: 4; Semipalmated Sandpiper: 2; Wilson's Snipe: 1; Pectoral Sandpiper: 7; Stilt Sandpiper: 1. A flock of 8 Sandlings was flying east about 100 m offshore at 6:00 pm. There were two adult Great Egrets on the marsh, neither with markings or leg bands. Directions: Rattray Marsh is located along the shoreline of Lake Ontario just se of Clarkson, Mississauga. The best access to the marsh is via Bexhill runs south off Lakeshore Boulevard between Mississauga Road and Erin Mills Park (closer to EMP). Park at the south end of Bexhill. The entrance to marsh is well marked and I suggest using both observations towers and also the view of marsh from outlet into Lake Ontario to get the best coverage of the narrow mudflats and sandbars in the marsh. It took me about two hours to scower all the various views because the great height of this year's crop of cattails. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] Hooded Warbler at Rattray Marsh Credit Valley Conservation area, 25 July 2010
This afternoon I birded the marsh and adjacent trails from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. I found a male Hooded Warbler feeding low in tangle dogwoods and willows near Sheridan Creek near the first of three new board walks on what was formerly called the Meadow Trail (which runs end off the Knoll Trail closest of the lower Sheridan Creek Bridge. Or right at the bottom the Bexhill access the right on the trail that runs a diagonal near end of Knoll trail. There is large maple standing in shallow water only about 40 feet the from the boardwalk. Also I found a male Pileated Woodpecker with two newly-fledged young in a dead willow at the Sheridan Creek bridge at Meadow Wood Road (and just across the road from brick arch entrance to the trails). The June and July rains have resulted in the huge berry and seed crop and lots of very dense understory; a great place to look for south-bound warblers, flycatchers, vireos, thrushes, etc. for next 4 or 5 weeks. There were Cedar Waxwings everywhere. Because of high waters in the marsh, I found only one shorebird, a Spotted Sandpiper. There were 62 Red-necked Grebes feeding in Lake Ontario of the Marsh outflow channel. Directions: The Rattray Marsh map can be downloaded at http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/recandleisure/maps/rattray.pdf;. If you in a hurry, park at the se end of Bexhill Road, which runs off Lakeshore about 5 long blocks east of the village of Clarkson which is located along lakeshore just east of the intersection of Lakeshore Boulevard and Erin Mills Parkway. Wayne Renaud [1-289-828-0043] ___ 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] Wilson's Phalarope at Rattray Marsh, Mississauga
There was a female Wilson's Phalarope in full breeding plumage in sw bay of Rattray today around noon. The waters are much higher than in May due to the record June rainfall and most of the mudflats present all spring are flooded. The phalarope was in area of emergent vegetation on sw side of sand island in the middle of marsh and could only be seen from the outflow channel into Lake Ontario. Other shorebirds include 3 Short-billed Dowitchers, 1 breeding plumage Least Sandpiper, 5 Spotted Sandpipers, 3 Killdeers, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs and 1 Solitary Sandpiper. I also counted 79 Red-necked Grebes (which I thought was very early for a concentration this large) in Lake Ontario just off the outlet of Sheridan Creek from the marsh. Directions: The marsh in most easily accessed at the bottom of Bexhill Road which runs of Lakeshore Boulevard between Mississauga Road the Erin Mills Parkway. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] 2010 TOC Colonel Samuel Smith Whimbrel Watch: 29 May
On the basis of an e.mail from Fletcher Smith in Virginia that a 'substantial number' still had not migrated as of yesterday afternoon the watch was extended for one more day. Between 6:00 am and 12:00 seven flocks totally 196 birds were recorded. The birding festival hosted by CCFEW was on from 8:00 a.m. to noon and most participants were able to Whimbels, some for the first time. Direction: The park is located at the end of Colonel Samuel Smith Drive, which an extension of Kipling Avenue south of Lakeshore Boulevard. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] 28 May 2010: TOC Whimbrel watch at Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Etobicok
The total today was a respectable 618 in 19 groups (close to the 624 recorded on 23 May). Duration: 6:00 to 12:00 noon. At 6:00 am there were still some linger showers to the east left over from last night's line of storms which might explain the good migration recorded in first hour or so of observations today. All but 43 (in 9 small groups and singles) were record between 6:00 and 7:15 am, with one large flock of 250 which was moving west at a good height and good speed far out on the lake at 6:48 am. A small flock of 36 Whimbrel was roosting on the rocky shoal just east of the observation area when I arrived this morning. Other migrant shorebirds included two flocks of Dunlin (500 and 35), two flocks of Ruddy Turnstone (35 and 45), one flock of 7 Semipalmated Sandpiper and one flock of 37 Sanderling. This technically the last formal day of the 2010 TOC Whimbrel watch but additional sightings made in the park in next week would very much appreciated. Directions: The park is located south of Humber College Campus; the free parking lot is located on Colonel Samuel Smith Drive which is located directly off the south end of Kipling Avenue where it intersects Lakeshore Boulevard. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] 25 May Whimbrel north-bound migration diverted to Door County, Wisc.
I think I figured out why the TOC Whimbrel watch ended up with 0 Whimbels yesterday after something like 1700 left the Delmarva Pen. the night before: Subject: 1500 Whimbrels - Door Co From: Anne Moretti amoretti AT wi.rr.com Date: Tue, 25 May 2010 18:50:03 -0500 I just received a phone call from Maureen Gross about 2 large flocks of Whimbrels, numbering about 1500 total, in Bailey's Harbor near the lighthouse and at Toft's Point. They were alerted by the sound they made and wondered what it was. Wayne Rohde is still in Door Co, also, but she didn't have his phone number. If anyone can notify him, I'm sure he'd appreciate it. He's camping at Peninsula State Park. There were a few Black-bellied Plovers and Ruddy Turnstones in with the Whimbrel's. On behalf of Maureen Gross Mukwonago Waukesha Co. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] Afred Adamo's Whimbrel Record for Humber Bay: 25 May 2010
Here is one more for the record. Wayne. Hi Wayne, FYI. I had about 60 Whimbrel flying west about 500m. off of Humber Bay Pk. W. at about 19:20 Tuesday. You may have missed it in the haze. Cheers, Alfred ___ 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] TOC Wimbrel Watch/Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke: 20 May 2010
Just quick up-date here. No Whimbrels were seen yesterday and none today until 4:24 pm when 8 were seen flying at about 1000' heading northwest ... presumably the same group of 8 came from the nw and circled low over the point then headed back nw at 4:55. Observations today halted at 6:00 pm. The watch will continue daily to 30 May. Based past history this monday, 24 May, will be most likely day with largest numbers ... this can vary up to a day or two or more on each side of that date. There was still a descent assortment of warblers in the park today, all seen between 6:00 and 7:30 pm: Bay-breasted, Blackburnian, Back-and-white, Yellow, Canada, Magnolia, Canada, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue and Wilson's. Directions: The park is located at the south end Kipling past Lakeshore Boulevard. The parking lot is at very end of road through Humber Lakeshore Campus and park. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) ___ 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] Shorebirds at Rattray Marsh, Mississauga: 18 May 2010
Last night I checked out the mudflats of Rattray Marsh and found seven species of shorebird: Killdeer (2); Semipalmated Plover (3); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Least Sandpiper (7); Semipalmated Sandpiper (13); Pectoral Sandpiper (3) and Dunlin (13). There are two observation platforms plus the mouth of Sheridan Creek which drains into L. Ontario from which to view the mudflats. A scope would be advantageous for identifying the smaller sandpipers. There were also one Great Egret (unbanded) and several Blue-winged Teal. Directions: Rattray Marsh located along Lake Ontario just se of Clarkson. The most convenient way to access the marsh is at the south end of Bexhill Road which runs south off Lakeshore Boulevard between Erin Mills Parkway and Mississauga Road (but closer to the former). A map of the Rattray Marsh conservation area is available on Credit Valley Conservation web site. Wayne Renaud (1-289-828-0043) ___ 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] warblers at Pallett Shell Park, w L. Ont.: 18 May 2010
I found 16 species of warbler between Palletta Shell parks yesterday morning. There were a fair numbers of Blackpoll (10) and Bay-breasted Warblers (5) along with much smaller numbers (ie. 1s or 2s) of other late-season warblers including Orange-crowned, Wilson's, Mourning, Northern Parula, Canada and Cape May. The birding at Shell was also was shared with Dave Don and Andy Morgan. Directions: Palletta Park: south side of Lakeshore between Appleby Walkers Lines. Shell Park: north of Lakeshore Boulevard, just east of the intersection of Lakeshore and Great Lake Boulevard (and extension of Burloak). Wayne Renaud (1-289-828-0043) = ___ 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] 20 warbler species at Colonel Samuel Smith, Etobicoke/15 May 2010
I birded the park and adjacent Humber College Campus from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm together with Don Barnett, Brian Wilkinson and Brian Brailey for a big part of day. The 'bowl area' was the big ticket item today, but other areas surprisingly had much more warbler activity in the afternoon. There seemed to be a complete turnover of warblers in the 'bowl area' between 9:00 and 10:00 am when the wind picked up and it clouded over then cooled off and brightened up. Overall the winds were quite light all day. The highlight was a male Blue-winged Warbler off the north end of Bowl in a Horse Chestnut Tree just behind the brick house near Lakeshore. The warblers today were dominated by four species: Yellow-rumped, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Green and Palm Warblers. These are the total numbers for each species (lowest to highest). Wilson's Warbler:1; Canada Warbler: 1; Mourning Warbler: 1; Pine Warbler: 1; Blue-winged Warbler: 1; Common Yellowthroat: 3; Tennessee Warbler: 3: Nashville Warbler: 3; Cape May Warbler: 6; Blackburnian Warbler: 13; Magnolia Warbler: 13; Yellow Warbler: 15; Northern Parula: 16; Black-throated Blue Warbler: 20; Black-and-white Warbler: 24; American Redstart; 31; Palm Warbler: 41; Black-throated Green Warbler: 45; Chestnut-sided Warbler; 65; Yellow-rumped Warbler: 86. About 80% of Magnolia and American Redstarts were males suggesting that at least with these species, there are a lot more to arrive in next week for so. The other common warblers were about equally mixed. Other notable finds today were 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, a Grey-check Thrush, 3 Scarlet Tanagers, an Eastern Bluebird and a Spotted Sandpiper nest with four eggs. Directions: The park is locate just south lakeshore off the south end of Kipling. Most people may not know that the bowl and adjacent areas are actually locate on, or adjacent to, the Humber College Campus. The closest (and free) parking for quick access to the 'bowl area' is along 13th Street which runs along the east side of the campus. At the intersection of 13th and Morrison Aven (1 block south of Lakeshore Boulevard) there is pedestrian entrance to the campus property and the birding starts with the 'small bowl', then the 'big bowl' across an intercampus road. There is free parking at the park proper which is south of the Humber College Campus and longer walk to 'bowl area'. The 'small bowl' is mostly overgrown deciduous saplings and surrounded with a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees; the large bowl is mostly Norway Spruce surrounding large lawn area, with an admixture of large trees to the east. The other two heavily birded areas besides the peninsula itself, is the large area of regenerating habitat along the east side of soccer field and mixed woods along a small creek along the west side of the soccer field, both of which are located between southern parking area (at the base of the peninsula) and the 'bowl complex. I hope this helps. Wayne Renaud (1-289-828-0043) ___ 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] 21 warbler species at Palletta Pk Shell Park, se Burlington se Oakville
I birded Palletta Park and Shell Park from 7:15 to 11:15 am. Obviously the rain, sw winds and a overnight fog produced the first major fall-out of the spring. Highlights were a male Hooded Warbler, an early Blackpoll Warbler in Palletta Park and a male Golden-winged Warbler in Shell Park. For the record, 17 species were seen at Palletta and 16 species at Shell. Totals for both parks combined: Yellow Warbler: 10; Cape May Warbler: 2; Chestnut-sided Warbler: 22; Back-and-White Warbler: 9; Ovenbird: 6; Northern Parula: 6; Blackburnian Warbler: 5; Yellow-rumped Warbler: 26; American Redstart: 14; Palm Warbler: 1; Tennessee Warbler: 4; Black-throated Green Warbler: 7; Blackpoll Warbler: 1; Black-throated Blue Warbler: 23; Hooded Warbler: 1; Common Yellowthroat: 1; Northern Waterthrush: 2; Magnolia Warbler: 1; Canada Warbler: 1; Nashville Warbler: 2; Golden-winged Warbler: 1. There were at least 4 Scarlet Tanagers and one Great Crested Flycatcher in Shell Park. R. Hotcariss (I hope the spelling right?) gets full credit for spotting the Golden-winged Warbler. Directions: Both these parks are quite close together. Palletta Park is located south of Lakeshore Boulevard between Appleby and Walkers Line. Shell Park is located north of Lakeshore Boulevard one long block east of the intersection of Lakeshore Boulevard and Great Lakes Boulevard ( which for all intensions purposes is now an extension of Burloak); the entrance is bit tricky to see from Lakeshore. All the these cross streets list above are clearly marked on the QEW. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] Shorebirds at Rattray Marsh, Mississauga
Between 3:00 and 4:30 this afternoon I birded Rattray Marsh and found seven species of shorebird: Killdeer: 3; Greater Yellowleg: 2; Lesser Yellowlegs: 9; Solitary Sandpiper: 1; Spotted Sandpiper: 1; Pectoral Sandpiper: 3 and Least Sandpiper: 4. The mudflats are now ideal for shorebirds and more handy for those who live in the greater Oakville/Mississauga/West Toronto area that have the long drive to Oshawa 2nd Marsh to find shorebirds. Directions: the handiest access the marsh at the south end of Bexhill which runs south of Lakeshore Boulevard between Mississauga Road and Erin Mills Parkway. Wayne Renaud (289-397-9685) ___ 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-breasted Chat at Palletta Park, Burlington
This morning between 8:05 and 8:20 Mary Jane Farrer, Peggy Chisholm and I watched a chat feeding low along the creek among fallen tree stumps and dense tangles of wild grape and dogwood about 30 meters south of the bridge closest to the Lakeshore. At times in would briefly fly up to 12 feet or so into trees along the creek and then fly down to near or at ground level to feed. Most of time it kept itself well out of our sight ... so patience is required if you are determined to trying track it down. It was not singing or calling. It was typical male in bright breeding plumage. The only warblers were about dozen Yellows. There were also a few Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, House Wrens and Warbling Vireos in the area. Further east in Shell Park, sw Oakville there was a greater variety (ie. 8 species) of warblers, all in very small numbers: American Redstart (4); Magnolia Warbler (1); Palm Warbler (1); Northern Parula (1); Black-and-white Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3); Northern Waterthrush (2); Yellow Warbler (3). There were at least dozen other birders there between 9:00 and 10:00 am. Directions: Palletta Park is located south of Lakeshore Boulevard between Appleby and Walkers Lines; the entrance is clearly marked by large stone gates. Shell Park is locate about an 8 minute drive further east down Lakeshore Blvd. and is a few blocks east of the intersection of Great Lakes Boulevard and Lakeshore. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] Blue-gray Gnatcatcher @ Palletta Park, Burlington
Last night around 6:15 pm a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was feeding off the bridge closes to the edge of the lake. It was otherwise quiet except for an American Woodcock which was feeding in a wet sedge meadow near the east end of the other bridge over the creek about 15 from the pathway. Directions: Palletta park is located south of Lakeshore about mid-way between Walker's and Appleby lines. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] Whimbrel Watch: 28 May 2009
The persistent rain and fog today made periods of observation intermittent for Don Barnett, Mark Cranford and I. Brian Tannahill helped us through most the morning. A single Whimbrel and group of 37 was found this morning between 7:00 and 8:00 pm. In the break in weather, after a short period of rain while I was returning from downtown Toronto at 2:45 pm a flight of 5 flocks (140, 180, 45, 250 and 6) were seen heading over Grand Harbour, opposite Humber Bay Park/West and further west down lakeshore another flight of four flocks (110, 35, 60 and 16) were flying north over Lakeshore just north of Col. Samuel Smith. One flock of was seen flying far offshore heading south of the long peninsula at the park at 3:00 pm shortly before another band rain began to fall. This brings the total for day as of 3:00 p.m. to 880 Whimbrel (including those from Grand Harbour). For the record there was a similar-sized count of Whimbrel at the park on 28 May 2005 when 825 were counted. As per Mark Cranford's e.mail earlier in the day, the watch will continue through weekend and we very much appreciate details of any records from those visiting the park, together with exact or approx. numbers, exact time of sighting and direction of flight which should be e.mail directly to Mark Cranford. Besides the Whimbrel several species of shorebird were also found today, all in small numbers: Killdeer, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper and Spotted Sandpiper. The Western was studied by both Don and for extended period at time with 40-50. A Forster's Tern as also seen and heard feeding in the lake adjacent to long peninsula around 10:30 am. So who say's birding in the rain and fog is boring? Directions: the park in located south of Humber College Campus south of the intersection of Kipling and Lakeshore. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] Whimbrel Watch: 26 May 2009
Today's watch was a short (and chilly!) one and lasted from 6:00 am to noon ... with rising winds and high waves there was only one Whimbrel seen: on the main rock jetty just after 6:00 am and none was seen in migration. One small flock each of Dunlin and Semipalmated Sandpiper were on the beach in front of the two benches early this morning. I highly recommend checking the daily journey of the each of the five Whimbrels which were satellite tagged on one of their main east coast staging areas, coastal Virginia this spring at: http://www.wildlifetracking.org/index.shtml?project_id=369. Directions: the park is located south of the intersection of Kipling and Lakeshore and south Humber College campus. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] TOC Whimbrel Watch/C.Sam.Smith Park/Etobicoke-25 May 2009
It was a slow in the park today ... with 300 Whimbrels seen in first two hours including a flock 110 on the beach at 6:00 am. The total to date is 2,741 have been counted. The total number estimated to fly along the Atlantic/Great Lakes basin to Hudson Bay is believed to be about 22,000. There is still a good possibility that tomorrow may be another good Whimbrel day. In late afternoon a single and group of 3 Whimbrels were moving around to various rock jetties but they are easily spooked. Directions: The park is located off the south end of Kipling where it intersects Lakeshore. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] 24 May 2009: Col. Samuel Smith Whimbrel Watch
The TOC Whimbrel watch continued today with spectacular results: between 5:30 am and 8:00 pm a total count of 1814 were counted. Those who came in the morning were not disappointed with this grand spectacle. Again the primary observers were Don Barnett, Jean Iron and I and helped considerably by experts such as Ron Pittaway, Don Perks and Richard Jus and host of others. In spite of early scattered showers, flocks started arriving at 6:12 am and built in flock frequency and size until around 11:30 when two large flocks totally approx. 500 were seen. None passed through the afternoon until 3 more flocks passed between 6:37 and 7:45 pm. Several thousand Dunlin passed through ... peaking in mid morning and in early evening with 800 passing in 4 minutes around 7:00 pm. Also seen were smaller numbers of Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstone, Short-billed Dowitcher, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Black-bellied Plover and Semipalmated Plover. The watch continues until 28 May weather permitting. Directions: The park is locate south of the intersection of Kipling and Lakeshore ... the parking lot a very end of Col. Samuel Smith drive. The is an exit off the QEW but if you miss it go to Islington then down to Lakeshore and turn right. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] 26 species of warbler on Burlington, Oakville Etobicoke Lakeshore parks
Well this is the day we've all been waiting for. I spent from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm birding Paletta Park, Burlington; Shell Park, Oakville and Col. Sam Smith Park, Etobicoke. There was nothing extra-ordinarily rare ... just lots of and lots of variety, many in good numbers. Here are the totals of warblers for all three areas combined: Blue-winged Warbler: 1 (Shell Park); Golden-winged Warbler: 1 (Paletta Park); Tennessee Warbler: 41: Orange-crowned Warbler: 2 (Paletta Park); Nashville Warbler: 9: Northern Parula: 7; Yellow Warbler: 27: Chestnut-sided Warbler: 30; Magnolia Warbler: 38; Cape May Warbler: 3; Black-throated Blue Warbler: 16; Yellow-rumped Warbler: 21; Black-throated Green Warbler: 16; Pine Warbler: 1; Palm Warbler: 8; Bay-breasted Warbler: 2; Blackpoll Warbler: 1; Black-and-white Warbler: 3; American Redstart: 44; Ovenbird: 2; Northern Waterthrush: 1; Connecticut Warbler: 1 (Paletta Park); Mourning Warbler: 1 (Shell Park); Common Yellowthroat: 7; Wilson's Warbler: 3; Canada Warbler: 9. The biggest variety was at Paletta Park with 23 species of warbler. Also of note was a Yellow-throated Vireo in Shell Park. Overall there seemed to a huge influx of vireos and minor influx of flycatchers. Directions: PALETTA PARK: easily marked and located mid-way between Walker's and Appleby Line where they intersect Lakeshore. I've found the working the western edge of park adds to the variety of habitats and numbers of species of birds, and particularly warblers can be found at this time of year. SHELL PARK: located one long block east of the intersection of Lakeshore and Great Lakes Boulevard (an extension of Burloak). Warblers were heavily concentrated in the mature deciduous forest just north of the garden plots to north edge of the park. COLONEL SAMUEL SMITH PARK: located at end of Kipling where it intersects Lakeshore. Again warblers were pretty much everywhere in the park including the 'bowl' and 'mini bowl' in the north-eastern part of Humber College Campus. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] Cerulean Warbler at LaSalle Park, Burlington
Today I found male Cerulean Warbler singing near the top of mature oak near the eastern end of part trail. I was near the house that is a bottom of hill where trail rises up from near lake level. This was at about 2:45 pm. There were few other warblers in the area. Directions: the parking lot for park is locate near the intersection of North Shore Boulevard and Waterdown. At the intersection go downhill on an 'S'-turn and parking lot close the bottom of the hill. It's about a 12-15 minute quick walk to location of the warbler. Alternately you can park at the parking lot at the Pavillion clearly visible from North Shore Blvd. and take the woodland trail. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] Kentucky Warbler, Hooded Warbler and Mourning Warblers at Port Credit Brueckner Rhododendron Garden
early this afternoon just after the last of three major rain storms passed I the Brueckner Rhododendron Garden and had much better luck than elsewhere today. A cluster of warblers in dense shrubs along the creek contained a male Hooded Warbler, 8 Common Yellowthroats and a male and two female Mourning Warblers. These were located along the west side of creek just south of middle bridge. The male Kentucky Warbler was singing vigorously from a large planting of Forsythia (a yellow-flowering shrub) just off the most southeastern part of the garden. It was adjacent to wooden fence near lake of #50, a white stucco house at south end of Godfrey Lane and which backs onto the lake. I also saw Little Gull flying west and co-incidentally five more flying west off Jack Darling Park a hour later. I really believe that this cluster of warbler containing the Hooded, Mourning and Yellowthroats may have been grounded by the last and most severe of three heavy rain storms that passed within 30 minutes of finding them. This is also suggested by the presence a group of 12 American Redstarts in the nearby mature willows. Few other warblers, beside the Kentucky, were found in 90 minutes of birding. Warblers were equally sparse in Col. Sam Smith Park, Etobicoke and Rattray Marsh, Mississauga. Directions The Brueckner Rhododendron Garden is located about half a km west of the intersection of Mississauga Road and Lakeshore. A large parking area located directly of Lakeshshore. The location of the Kentucky Warbler has a small parking near the top of hill where it intersects Ben Machree Lane. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] Blue-winged and Golden-winged Warblers at Paletta Park, Burlington
This a delay message from yesterday: I found male Golden-winged Warbler singing just south of the bridge over lakeshore and just east of northern-most bridge crossing the creek in the park. The male Blue-winged was with a half dozen Yellow Warblers feeding in poplars near the large stone retaining wall with cedar hedge on west side of park 'sector' that abutts creek. These were found between 7:30 and 8:00 yesterday morning. Directions: The park is locate off Lakeshore Drive in Burlington and is mid way between Appleby and Walker's. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] Hooded Warbler at Col. Samuel Smith, Park, Etobicoke
This a delayed message: A male Hooded Warbler was by myself and Bruce Wilkinson actively singing and feeding in large cedar on north-western corner of 'Bowl'. Also we found at least four Indigo Buntings, 2 Scarlet Tanagers and about 20 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in large deciduous trees to the east and southeast of Bowl. Directions: The park is located off the end of Kipling and abutts lakeshore. The bowl is an oval-shaped grove of evergreens (mostly spruce) located on the Humber College Campus and quite close to lakeshore. It is easier to park for free on the road that runs south along the east side of park: RABBA is right on corner and there is pedestrian passage into this area about mid-way down. Wayne Renaud ___ 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 Parula Warblers at Shell Park, Oakville
Just a quick note to report 4+ actively singing Northern Parula in Shell Park between 8:00 and 10:00 am. I recorded 12 species of warbler there this vs the 22 species of warbler I racked up yesterday 8 hrs of birding Paletta Park, Arkendo Park, the Adam's Estate in Port Credit, Rattray Marsh and Col. Sam Smith Park. Directions: Shell park located a short distance from the intersection of BurlOak with turns in Great Lakes Boulevard and Lakeshore Drive. The big warbler concentration was in the well-developed deciduous forest just north of the vegetable garden plots. Wayne Renaud ___ 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] Cape May Warblers at Shell Park, Oakville
About 90 minutes ago I found a male and female feeding in A larch near the bridge over Lakeshore ... also 7 other species of warbler and a Wood Thrush. Directions Shell park is located about half of a km west of Great Lakes Boulevard and Lakeshore. The cluster of trees, including the large is just nw of the east of the new bridge. There a nest in the larch and four large cedar abutting the larch. The first parking lot north of Lakeshore is only about 300 feet from this location. Wayne Renaud ___ 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/
