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
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ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
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