On Friday, November 16th, 2012, this is the HNC birding report: BOHEMIAN WAXWING
Snow Goose Tundra Swan King Eider Harlequin Duck Red-necked Grebe Black-crowned Night Heron Northern Goshawk Merlin Sora (late date) Bonaparte's Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Barred Owl Northern Shrike Common Raven Barn Swallow (late date) Common Yellowthroat Savannah Sparrow White-winged Crossbill Common Redpoll Pine Siskin Evening Grosbeak It's been a quiet week here in the Hamilton Study Area, many of our migrants have moved out and generally, sunny days with no winds make for no birds. There were a few tidbits about and as people get ready for winter listing, it's good to keep track of these late migrants. Of note today was a small flock of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS gleaning off the buckthorn at the end of Homestead Ave off Old Guelph Road. The birds were low in the shrubs making for excellent viewing. There was also a flock last weekend present at the University of Guelph Arboretum. Although not rare in the province, Barred Owl is fairly rare for these parts and another one, the fourth this fall was seen in the Hendrie Valley last Sunday but has not been seen since. Of note for late departers this week were Barn Swallow (perhaps more than 1) from the back of the Rosedale Arena in Hamilton on Monday and from the Burlington Water Treatment plant behind Joseph Brant Hospital on Thursday. A very late Sora was seen at Kerncliffe Park in the week. Although not record late a Common Yellowthroat was seen at VanWagner's Ponds, this would make a nice addition to a winter list if it sticks around. A Savannah Sparrow was seen at 6th Concession West and Westover Road. Winter finches are still in the picture here but in significantly fewer numbers as birds continue to move south. White-winged Crossbills were seen at the end of Arkendo in Oakville and a small flock could be heard today at Patterson Tract on 4th Concession in Flamborough. Common Redpolls have been seen in small numbers with reports from Grimsby, 6th Concession West in Flamborough and LaSalle Marina. Pine Siskins are still being reported at feeders, a flock was seen at LaSalle Marina and today a sizable flock of about 30 flew over Christie Conservation Area. Evening Grosbeaks were seen at the end of Arkendo as well. As is standard beginning this time of year, waterfowl become more prevalent in the report. Snow Geese were seen from Fifty Point C.A. on migration over the lake Sunday. Tundra Swans were reported in sizable flocks from LaSalle Marina. This week an immature King Eider was seen at the end of Green Road and today the same or perhaps a different bird was seen from Sayer's Park in Stoney Creek. A stunning male and female Harlequin Duck were seen through the week at Arkendo Park in Oakville. Red-necked Grebes were seen at Bayfront Park and at Bronte Harbour this week. In the odds and sods, fifteen Black-crowned Night Herons were present at the Red Hill Creek Outlet today. A Northern Goshawk was seen at Mountsberg C.A., perhaps setting up winter territory. Bonaparte's Gulls were seen from Fifty Point last Sunday. A Merlin was photographed at Van Wagner's Ponds. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was present with Ring-billed and Herring Gulls on Arkell east of Victoria near Guelph. Northern Shrikes are on the increase with birds being seen on 4th Concession west of Brock Road, on Ainsley Road in Flamborough, at the Arboretum in Guelph, on 6th Concession West and at Bayfront Park. Common Ravens were seen over Hyde Tract and on County Road 25 just south of Britannia. Just because the report is short doesn't mean that there isn't a good bird out there waiting to be found. This time of year can bring anything. Please keep the reports coming. Good Birding, Cheryl Edgecombe HNC _______________________________________________ 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/
