Kingston Field Naturalists (KFN) maintains records in a 50km radius of MacDonald Park, Kingston. Birders already using eBird are encouraged to share their sightings with 'Kingston FN'. Alternatively, please email, phone or post records directly to me - contact details below. Note: some sightings may require review and remain unconfirmed unless stated otherwise.
Highlights: RED-THROATED LOON, THICK-BILLED MURRE, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, TUFTED TITMOUSE, CAROLINA WREN, EASTERN MEADOWLARK, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, BALTIMORE ORIOLE City of Kingston Undeniably Kingston-centric, the highlight of the week was, without doubt, a THICK-BILLED MURRE that showed up mid-afternoon on 3rd and remained in place in Kingston's downtown throughout the 4th, allowing birders from far and wide ridiculously close-up viewing. A RED-THROATED LOON was also located nearby, at the entrance to the Inner Harbour on 4th and remains to date. A CAROLINA WREN has been less reliable during the week putting in sporadic appearances near Fort Henry. At least three observers caught up with a late BALTIMORE ORIOLE on 3rd at the Invista plant where NORTHERN SHRIKES have become regular. Other late birds include 22 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS on 2nd at Cataraqui Bay and widespread but decreasing numbers of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, BELTED KINGFISHER and GREAT BLUE HERON. Reports of interesting geese have dropped off, though an immature dark-phase LESSER SNOW GOOSE was an interesting local find at Lake Ontario Park early in the week. Both LESSER BLACK-BACKED and GLAUCOUS GULLS have been reported within the city limits this week. Amherst Island Please note that the Owl Woods remain closed (for the hunt) until 9th December. Up to 3 Snowy Owls have taken up residence on the island and the occasional SHORT-EARED OWL has been reported. Three SWAMP SPARROWS, as well as 3 SONG SPARROWS were observed on 6th by the Fishing Village and the regular cast of NORTHERN HARRIER, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, NORTHERN SHRIKE and SNOW BUNTING seen quite widespread. Napanee/Hay Bay/Belleville Now outside our reporting area, the AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was relocated at Belleville on 2nd but not seen subsequently. However, it was reported on the Trent River at Frankford on 6th. Howe Island The TUFTED TITMOUSE continues to entertain, or frustrate, birders popping over to the island. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER is also regular at the same feeding station. Other Sightings Six TRUMPETER SWANS were seen back at Chaffey's Locks on 4th and may remain now that the lake is beginning to thaw. YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS continue at Heritage Park, Bath. An ICELAND GULL has taken up residence at Lansdowne Dump near Gananoque and the RED-HEADED WOODPECKER at Gananoque Golf Club continues. Thanks to all those who submitted sightings over the last week and sorry for the slight delay in reporting the news. Good birding! Mark. Mark D. Read 47 Ellerbeck Street, Unit 1, Kingston, Ontario K7L 4H7 Canada Mobile: +1 613 2171246 Email: <mailto:markdr...@gmail.com> markdr...@gmail.com Blog: "Confessions of a Global Birder" http://markdread.blogspot.com <http://markdread.blogspot.com/> Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/markdread/ _______________________________________________ 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