The OFNC hosted an outing focusing on migrants from Britannia Conservation Area to Constance Bay, led by Jeff Skevington. Britannia was fairly active with multitudes of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, vocal RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, TREE, BARN, and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS skimming the surface of Mud Lake. A single AMERICAN WIGEON was present on Mud Lake, and a surprise for the group was a single early YELLOW WARBLER on the ridge. A BROWN THRASHER was singing in the scrubby area (a typical location for this species), and at least four PINE WARBLERS could be heard and seen in the denser pine forest. Only one of the resident COOPER'S HAWKS was located. Lastly, a "bibbed" mallard was present on the boardwalk.
We next stopped along March Valley Road, where three GREATER YELLOWLEGS and two KILLDEER were present at the first pond across from the rifle range. A pair of GREEN-WINGED TEALS were also in the pond, and a GREEN HERON was spotted perched high in a tree off to the side of the pond. Further down March Valley Road we had a brief encounter with two RUFFED GROUSE hens. Heading towards Constance Bay, we noted a BROAD-WINGED HAWK and another COOPER'S HAWK soaring near Riddell Road. In the marsh alongside Barry's Sideroad, the group was thrilled with a very accommodating VIRGINIA RAIL. A MERLIN was heard and then located in the same area. Constance Bay hosted a good number of both GREATER and LESSER SCAUP, and far from shore were three HORNED GREBES in breeding plumage (only visible through a scope). We checked the tradition RED-HEADED WOODPECKER site, but no woodpeckers were observed. Thanks to Jeff for leading another great outing, despite the lackluster weather. Pat _________________________________________________________________ Experience all of the new features, and Reconnect with your life. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9650730_______________________________________________ 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/
