Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Ontario Birding > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Saturday, May 25 at 08:32 PM EST The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Canary Island Chat,©Tony Disley

25 May Sault Ste. Marie/Rainy River OFO Trips [dave milsom ] 26 May Prince Edward Point/ 2nd Year Bald Eagle/ Jeff Haffner [Jeff Haffner ] 25 May Eurasian Wigeons - Cranberry Marsh, Whitby - Sat May 25 [Frank Pinilla ] 25 May Hudsonian Godwit at Hillman Marsh [Todd Pepper ] 25 May OFO trip: Leslie Street Spit, Toronto [Victoria Carley ] 25 May 334 Whimbrels, Toronto, 24 May [Jean Iron ] 23 May Blue Grosbeak in High Park Toronto [Hugh Currie ] 23 May Whimbrel at Port Ryerse [Chauncey Wood ] 23 May Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending May 23, 2013. ["Fred Helleiner" ] 24 May OFO Trip Sat.-Kingston area [dave milsom ] 24 May Ottawa: Eurasian Wigeon [Bruce Di Labio ] 24 May Piping Plover at Windermere Basin [] 24 May Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, May 24th, 2013 ["Cheryl Edgecombe" ] 24 May Ross's Goose in Port Rowan [Ron Ridout ] 23 May Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory Report for May 17-23, 2013 ["Terry Sprague" ] 23 May Red Knots at Reesor Pond [michael ferguson ] 23 May unsubscribe ["Michael Tate" ] 23 May Glossy Ibis- Angus ["David Szmyr" ] 23 May Ottawa/Gatineau - 23 May 2013 - Recent Reports [Bob Cermak ] 23 May Whimbrel & Shorebirds at Colonel Sam Smith Park in Toronto [Jean Iron ] 23 May Whimbrels in Niagara ["Diane and Kayo Roy" ] 23 May Algonquin Park Birding Report: 23 May 2013 [Lev Frid ] 23 May Whimbrels at Presqu'ile ["Bree, David (MNR)" ] 23 May Toronto Whimbrel Watch and 4th annual Spring Bird Festivel at Col. Sam Smith Park [Andrew Keaveney ] 23 May Willow Flycatchers at Hillman Marsh [Todd Pepper ] 23 May Arctic Tern, Marbled Godwit - Wawa sewage ponds [Josh Vandermeulen ] 23 May OFO Fieldtrip May 25 Kingston Area and Amherst Island ["Kurt Hennige" ] 22 May Summer Tanager and other migrants on Toronto Island [Jay Peterson ] 22 May Whimbrels arrive in Elgin County in numbers [Dave Martin ] 22 May Eurasian Wigeon How Ross Pit Ottawa [iain.wilkes AT hotmail.com ] 21 May Bruce Peninsula big day results (May 20) [Ethan Meleg ] 21 May Brighton Constructed Wetlands [Keith Lee ] 21 May Summer Tanager at Colonel Samuel Smith Park [Wayne Renaud ] 21 May Flycatchers - Col. Sam Smith Park, Toronto [David Pryor ] 21 May Shorebirds - Reesor Pond [Stan Long ] 21 May Carden Alvar Highlights - 20 May [Jean Iron ] 21 May Big Day - Durham, Carden and Presqu'ile ["Geoff Carpentier" ] 21 May Victoria Day banding at Hillman Marsh ["Bob Hall-Brooks" ] 21 May Re: Chuck-will's-widow at Prince Edward Point [Walter Wehtje ] 21 May Chuck-will's-widow at Prince Edward Point ["Terry Sprague" ] 20 May Golden Eagle, Blue-winged Warbler, etc. - Toronto Islands [Norm Murr ] 20 May Thickson Woods [Peter Darcy ] 20 May Re: possible fish crow death [Ellen Horak ] 20 May northern mockingbird at Windsor Raceway [Troy Brian ] 20 May Rondeau Update May 20, 2013 [Reuven Martin ] 20 May Point Pelee National Park Migration Report - May 20, 2013 [Festival of Birds ] 20 May Pinery prov park ["Empey, Kevin" ] 20 May Rondeau Prothonotary [Reuven Martin ] 20 May Possible Fish Crow death at nest [] 20 May Ottawa: Lytle Park - Warblers [Jon Ruddy ] 20 May Rondeau Migration Report May 20, 2013 - Prothonotary, Yellow-throated [Reuven Martin ] 20 May Warbler Hunters' Baillie Birdathon, Simcoe County May 19, 2013 [] 19 May Yellow-throated warbler--Wheatley provincial park [Stanley Kornelsen ] 19 May Piping Plover - Kettle Point-nr. Forest [Maris Apse ] 19 May Burlington - Fish Crow, Red-necked Grebe, Chestnut sided and Palm Warbler [Ellen Horak ] 19 May Prothonotary Warblers, Holiday Beach C. A. ["Pratt, Paul" ] 19 May Thickson Woods [Peter Darcy ] 19 May Bruce Peninsula--White-eyed Vireo [Angela Vanderheyden ] 19 May Rondeau Update May 19, 2013 - Kentucky, Willet, Whimbrel [Reuven Martin ] 19 May Fire-fronted Serin at Prince Edward Point [Michael Jaques ] 19 May Ottawa: black tern, common tern, bald eagle Moodie Gravel Pit [Howard Youth ] 19 May Ottawa: Eurasian wigeon at Moodie Gravel Pit (largest one) [Howard Youth ] 19 May Bobolinks at Rice Lake [Noah Cole ] 19 May (no subject) [Festival of Birds ] 19 May Nonquon Lagoons and Scugog Twp - May 19 ["Geoff Carpentier" ] 19 May Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend Continues - Presqu'ile Provincial Park [Donald Davis ] 19 May Rondeau Migration Report May 19, 2013 [Reuven Martin ] 19 May Clay-colored sparrow, 2, Sarnia [Sean Jenniskens ] 18 May Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at York Regional Forest [Charlie Hastings ] 18 May Brewer's Blackbird at Windermere Basin (Hamilton) ["Phil L." ] 18 May Rondeau Update May 18, 2013 [Reuven Martin ] 18 May Brampton: Bay Breasted Warbler [] 18 May Juvenile Bobolink at Thickson Point [] 18 May Point Pelee National Park Bird Migration Report - May 18, 2013 [Festival of Birds ] 18 May Rondeau Kentucky Warbler [Reuven Martin ] 18 May Kirtlands Warbler Pelee [Holden Family ] Subject: Sault Ste. Marie/Rainy River OFO Trips From: dave milsom <milsomdave AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 21:16:46 -0400 Just a reminder to OFO members that if you plan to attend either of the two excellent June outings to Sault Ste. Marie and Rainy River respectively, you may still register up to the end of May. Email me if you still want to go on either fieldtrip. Dave Milsom OFO Director : Fieldtrips milsomdave AT hotmail.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Prince Edward Point/ 2nd Year Bald Eagle/ Jeff Haffner From: Jeff Haffner <flinter4 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 00:51:39 +0000 I photgraphed a beautifull 2nd year Juv, Bald Eagle today in Prince Edward County/Traverse Woods area. To get there follow road #10 from picton and follow the signs. Jefff _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Eurasian Wigeons - Cranberry Marsh, Whitby - Sat May 25 From: Frank Pinilla <fpinilla15 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 19:14:10 -0400 Ontbirders, today while doing our big day in Durham & Carden, Richard & Jeff Skevington, James Holdsworth & I had a couple of decent birds including THREE male Eurasian Wigeon at Cranberry Marsh, seen from the north platform, associating with American Wigeon. Also, at Nonquon Sewage Lagoons we had a Red-necked Phalarope in the middle of the 5 northern cells. Otherwise, the lagoons were not very productive other than the amazing number of Black Terns - 100+, and swallows - 700+ Good birding from Carden, Frank Pinilla Directions: Cranberry Marsh is at the foot of Hall's Road, south of Bayly St just east of Lakeridge Rd Nonquon SL are on Scugog Concession 8, just north of Port Perry. You must buy a permit for $10 from the Waste Transfer Station on Reach St, one concession south of Conc 8. Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Hudsonian Godwit at Hillman Marsh From: Todd Pepper <pepper_todd AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 18:43:39 -0400 Thanks to Mike Nelson, Ross & Sandy Mackintosh and I just saw the breeding plumaged Hudsonian Godwit in the Hillman Marsh shorebird cell. It is at the end of the mud peninsula best seen from the left end of the bird hide. At least 700 Black-bellied Plover flew off while north while we were there as well as a small flock of a dozen American Golden Plover. Hillman Marsh is located in Oak Street East approximately 7 kilometres east of Leamington. Todd Pepper Leamington, ON Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: OFO trip: Leslie Street Spit, Toronto From: Victoria Carley <carley.la AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 18:20:42 -0400 Hello, Ontbirders: The annual OFO Leslie Street Spit outing today (May 25th, 2013) saw 38 participants take advantage of a sunny but cool ( 8 degrees, rising to 16) day to tally 82 species overall. Notable sightings included 13 Whimbrel on the cobble brick beach east of the lighthouse, a male Orchard Oriole at goldfish pond, and at least 8 Canvasback males in the cell 1 and embayment D areas. Also in cell 1 were Least and Semi-palmated Sandpipers, Dunlin, and a Short-billed Dowitcher. Twelve warbler species were seen in the "wet" woods, including Parula, Cape May, and a male Blackpoll at eye level ! Yellow-bellied, Willow, and Least Flycatchers were also seen in the "wet" woods, as was a Philadelphia Vireo. Thanks to Garth Riley, co-chair of Friends of the Spit, who co-lead the trip. Good birding, John Carley, co-chair, Friends of the Spit The Leslie Street Spit commences at the foot of Leslie Street (where it meets Unwin Avenue) in Toronto. Walk South. Generally, the Spit is administered as Tommy Thompson Park by the City and The TRCA. The park is officially open on weekends and holidays. visit the Friends' website for the 3rd edition Birds' Checklist; a fourth edition is being complied by a volunteer committee with TRCA staff. The Spit total is currently 316 . www.friendsofthespit.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: 334 Whimbrels, Toronto, 24 May From: Jean Iron <jean.iron AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 07:15:42 -0400 Reporting for Don Barnett, counter Whimbrel Watch at Col. Sam Smith Park, Toronto. Friday, 24 May, 334 Whimbrels, all after 3:30 p.m. likely due to strong northeast winds 40 kph and only a high of 5 C all day. Other migrant shorebirds Dunlins, Black-bellied Plovers, Ruddy Turnstones, Short-billed Dowitcher Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC) sponsors the Whimbrel Watch at Col Sam Smith located where Kipling Avenue ends at Lake Ontario south of Lake Shore Blvd. Park in south lot and walk out to point. Happy Whimbrel Watching, Jean Iron Toronto Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Blue Grosbeak in High Park Toronto From: Hugh Currie <currie_hugh AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 07:34:42 -0700 (PDT) The adult female Blue Grosbeak found by Jerry Demarco yesterday, is still present this morning per Bob Yukich. It is about 100m south of Bloor St and east of the entrance road at the beginning of the oak savannah. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Whimbrel at Port Ryerse From: Chauncey Wood <chaunceywood AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 18:12:05 -0400 This afternoon we counted 67 Whimbrel resting on the rocks just east of Port Ryerse. Chauncey & Sarah Wood Directions: Port Ryerse is about 6 km west of Port Dover on the Lake Erie shore. Drive to the beach, walk out towards the jetty, and look east. The birds are barely visible with 10X binocs, so a scope is very desirable. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending May 23, 2013. From: "Fred Helleiner" <fhelleiner AT trentu.ca> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 18:19:36 -0400 Many people came to enjoy the excitement of mid-May birding at Presqu’ile Provincial Park. While there were some disappointingly slow days, there were enough interesting finds to keep birders from being skunked. The peak of the BRANT migration occurred on May 18, when large flocks flew by. A BLUE-WINGED TEAL, unusual in the Park at this late date, flew past today. A male RING-NECKED DUCK continues to frequent the inner part of Presqu’ile Bay, accompanied on one occasion by a female BUFFLEHEAD and on another occasion by a female COMMON GOLDENEYE. A pair (male and female) of each of the latter two species was off the lighthouse on May 17. Flocks of WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS have been seen off the lighthouse and in Popham Bay. Hundreds of LONG-TAILED DUCKS were present on May 18, but they seem to have left on that night, as only a few have been seen each day since. Both COMMON and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS have been in Popham Bay in the last few days, as well as a SURF SCOTER on May 19 and RED-THROATED LOONS on May 17 and 18. A LEAST BITTERN was found on May 22. There are always GREAT EGRETS and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS to be seen on High Bluff Island with a scope if one knows where to look and if there is no fog. There have been at least three sightings of an immature BALD EAGLE and one of an adult. A MERLIN has also been seen. COMMON GALLINULES have been seen in the marsh on at least two days. There have been shorebirds on the beach and at Owen Point every day, the numbers and the species composition varying day by day and hour by hour. BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS had not been reported since May 18 but showed up again today. The WILLET that was reported last week was still present on May 18. The first WHIMBRELS, a flock of 31, flew past Owen Point on May 20 just in time for the conclusion of the Warblers and Whimbrels weekend, but today there were at least two flocks, some of which landed on the beach. RUDDY TURNSTONES were present on May 18 and 23. A single RED KNOT was on the beach on May 21, but more can be expected within the next week or two. The first SANDERLING showed up today. A WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER was on the beach on May 18. The majority of the shorebirds have been DUNLINS. On three different days there were SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS. Some late gulls have been around: an ICELAND GULL on May 20, several LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, and a GLAUCOUS GULL on May 19. We are still awaiting the first cuckoo sighting, normally expected by this date. Someone found, presumably heard, two BARRED OWLS. A NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL is nesting in the Park and the site has been declared off limits to prevent further harassment of the birds. On May 21 a COMMON NIGHTHAWK was seen. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER re-appeared at 83 Bayshore Road this morning after an absence of a couple of weeks. Flycatchers and vireos have been abundant this week. WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, and a YELLOW-THROATED and two PHILADELPHIA VIREOS were among them. The only OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER to date was on May 19. A TUFTED TITMOUSE was reported at the lighthouse on May 21 without any details. Single EASTERN BLUEBIRD and GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH sightings were the most interesting of that family. All afternoon today a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was on the lawn at 186 Bayshore Road until chased off by a RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. CEDAR WAXWINGS have been migrating in moderate numbers for the past three days. A rather late BLUE-WINGED WARBLER was seen on May 20. MOURNING WARBLERS have begun to appear. A singing CERULEAN WARBLER at the lighthouse yesterday afternoon was a rare find. BLACKPOLL WARBLERS are among the most plentiful of the late warblers these days, but there have also been several each of BAY-BREASTED, CANADA, and WILSON’S WARBLERS. Several observers have seen a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW at the calf pasture. Two DARK-EYED JUNCOES were at 186 Bayshore Road on May 17 and one was still there on the following day. Several ORCHARD ORIOLES and PINE SISKINS round out the week’s sightings. To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton. Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid that is available at the Park gate. Access to the offshore islands is restricted at this time of year to prevent disturbance to the colonial nesting birds there. Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird sightings board provided near the campground office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed there. Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be directed to: FHELLEINER AT TRENTU.CA. Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road Brighton, Ontario K0K 1H0 613-475-5309 If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: OFO Trip Sat.-Kingston area From: dave milsom <milsomdave AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 20:55:18 -0400 Just a final reminder that one of Saturday's OFO trips with Kurt Hennige, Mark Conboy and Gary Ure is starting at Tim Horton's in KINGSTON : Meet 6:30 a.m. at the Tim Horton's in Kingston on Division Street, about 1 km south of highway 401. Dave Milsommilsomdave AT hotmail.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Ottawa: Eurasian Wigeon From: Bruce Di Labio <bruce.dilabio AT sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 19:46:44 -0400 Hi Ontbirders The male Eurasian Wigeon was still present today at the Moodie Drive ponds just south of Trail Road. It was with a male American Wigeon. Also had a number of migrant warblers at Mud Lake/Britannia Conservation area including 15+ Blackpoll, 2 Wilson's, 1 Black-throated Blue, 3 Black-throated Green, 4 Yellow-rumped, 2 Tennessee, and 2 Magnolia Warbler. With the cooler temperatures and rain there were 100's of swallows feeding low over the Ottawa River including 150+ Cliff, 100+ Tree, 200+ Bank, 150 Barn, 15+ Northern Rough-winged, and 50+ Purple Martin. Good birding, Bruce Directions: From Ottawa take Hwy.416 south to the Fallowfield Rd. exit. Turn right and follow to Moodie Drive and turn left. After passing the intersection with Cambrian and Trail Roads watch for the large pond on your left with a gate. Di Labio Birding Website Courses and Field Trips http://www.dilabiobirding.ca http://www.brucedilabio.blogspot.com Bruce Di Labio 400 Donald B. Munro Drive P.O. Box 538 Carp, Ontario K0A 1L0 Office 613-839-4395 Cell 613-715-2571 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Piping Plover at Windermere Basin From: cheryle29 AT cogeco.ca Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 16:29:49 +0000 Rob Dobos has just found a Piping Plover at Windermere Basin. There are lots of birds here today. The birds is on the far shore towards the right. Directions: QEW Niagara to Woodward exit, turn right onto Eastport and left in the parking lot a few hundred metres down the road. Cheryl Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network. Envoy� sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le r�seau de Bell. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, May 24th, 2013 From: "Cheryl Edgecombe" <cheryle29 AT cogeco.ca> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 11:09:08 -0400 ACADIAN FLYCATCHER FISH CROW RED CROSSBILL Common Loon American Bittern Northern Goshawk Merlin Virginia Rail Sora Black-bellied Plover Semipalmated Plover Lesser Yellowlegs Whimbrel Ruddy Turnstone Semipalmated Sandpiper Least Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Dunlin Short-billed Dowitcher Wilson's Phalarope Bonaparte's Gull Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo Common Nighthawk Red-headed Woodpecker Olive-sided Flycatcher Eastern Wood Pewee Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Alder Flycatcher Willow Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Yellow-throated Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Veery Gray-cheeked Thrush Swainson's Thrush Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush Black-and-white Warbler Tennessee Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Nashville Warbler Mourning Warbler Common Yellowthroat Hooded Warbler American Redstart Cape May Warbler Northern Parula Magnolia Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Chestnut sided Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Palm Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Canada Warbler Wilson's Warbler Clay-colored Sparrow Lincoln's Sparrow Scarlet Tanager Bobolink Orchard Oriole Migration has slowed down a bit here in the Hamilton Study area. Many of the warblers seen this week were females and first spring individuals from last year. Nonetheless, there were some good days of birding and a few unusual birds to be seen here. At the top of the list, the ACADIAN FLYCATCHER was seen again at Shoreacres last weekend where on Sunday, a birder witnessing a coyote in the same corner heard it call. There was another report of an Acadian from Shell Park on the weekend as well. Bad news of the week was the probable demise of one of the nesting FISH CROWS. A small crow was scooped up from the park across and west of the nest on Monday. Results of identity and cause of death are pending. If you have any further sightings of these birds in that area, please email me privately. I suspect the nest was abandoned and the cause of death was harassment by American Crows. Finally the RED CROSSBILL made another appearance at the top of an evergreen at the east end of Confederation Park where they are nesting. Sightings are sporadic though. The lakeshore properties were still the place to be for migrants this week. Last Sunday was particularly busy at many of the woodlots along the Mississauga/Burlington/Oakville Shoreline (Lakeside Park, Sedgewick, Shell Park Sherwood Forest, , Shoreacres,) and also fairly active at Confederation Park and Fifty Point C.A. in Grimsby. Among the birds seen in these locales were Black-billed Cuckoo, Red-headed Woodpecker (Bronte Bluffs), Olive-sided Flycatcher (Shoreacres/Paletta), Eastern Wood Pewee, Yellow-bellied, Alder, Willow, Least and Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Philadelphia Vireo and Red-eyed Vireo, Veery, Gray-cheeked and Swainson's Thrush, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white, Tennessee, Orange-crowned, Nashville and Mourning Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, American Redstart, Cape May Warbler, Northern Parula, Magnolia, Bay-breasted, Blackburnian, Chestnut sided, Blackpoll, Black-throated Blue, Palm, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Canada and Wilson's Warbler, Lincoln's Sparrow and Scarlet Tanager. Shorebirds are more prominent this week with the Windermere Basin continuing to be the best place to view multiple species. A scope is necessary here as many of the shorebirds are at the back of the basin. Patience and time are necessary as birds move in and out of view. Here this week were Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated, Least and White-rumped Sandpiper, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher and Wilson's Phalarope. Bonaparte's Gulls seem to rest here as well. At the Great Lakes Stormwater Ponds on the northeast corner of Rebecca and Great Lakes Blvd, Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated, Least and White-rumped Sandpiper have been highlights. This weekend is also the prime migration for Whimbrel. Saddington Park at the end of Mississauga Road is traditionally the best spot to view this species on migration however on the right winds such as last night a very lucky observer saw 220 from the balcony at the end of Green Road in Stoney Creek. It's hard to know what these north winds will do to the path of migration this weekend. In the odds and sods this week, many Common Loons were seen migrating from Saddington Park in Mississauga. American Bittern is still chugging away at the Safari Road marsh on Safari Road west of Kirkwall Road. Another one was heard at Valens and 6th Concession West. Sora and Virginia Rail can be heard at the small marsh at Kerncliffe Park in Burlington. Also here this week were both Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos. Yellow-billed Cuckoo was seen at the RBG Arboretum. An adult Northern Goshawk was seen on 8th concession west just west of Valens. Common Nighthawks were reported over Hamilton, Flamborough and South Burlington. Yellow-throated Vireo was seen at the RBG Arboretum. Clay-colored Sparrow was one of five species of Sparrow heard at the Northland Nurseries in Flamborough last weekend. Bobolinks seem to be doing well with birds reported again from Bronte Creek Provincial Park and up on the Dofasco Trail in Saltfleet. Lastly a male Orchard Oriole was present at the west end of Saddington Park in Mississauga on the spit of land that juts out where the Whimbrel are best viewed from. That's the news for the week, things are settling in for breeding season but there are still migrants around. Report your sightings here! Good Birding, Cheryl Edgecombe HNC _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Ross's Goose in Port Rowan From: Ron Ridout <rridout AT bsc-eoc.org> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 09:03:37 -0400 This morning on my way to work there was a Ross's Goose with a small flock of Canada Geese in a field on the east side of Bay St. just north of Port Rowan. The bird was quite obliging and posed for pictures no more than about 60 feet off the road. This is our latest Spring record at Long Point by more than two months but given this morning's frigid temperature and north winds maybe it's our earliest fall record. :-) Port Rowan is just east of Hwy 59 on the north shore of Lake Erie at Long Point. Bay St. is the main north/south road running through town (also named County Rd. 42 on some older maps). Ron Ridout Bird Studies Canada P.O. Box 160 115 Front Rd. Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 519-586-3531 Ext. 114 rridout AT birdscanada.org _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory Report for May 17-23, 2013 From: "Terry Sprague" <tsprague AT kos.net> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 20:22:49 -0400 This is the weekly report from the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory for the week of May 17-23, courtesy of Bander-In-Charge Stéphane Menu. The songbird migration entered its last act this week, with only a few new species of the late migrants, like GRAY-CHEECKED THRUSH for example. A COMMON TERN was seen flying over the lake on May 18th. BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was heard in the morning of the 21st. The most exciting bird of the week was a singing CHUCK-WILL’S WIDOW very near the banding station. It was heard briefly in the evening of the 18th and again on the 20th. It was the first record in the County since 1978. At almost the same time on the 18th, an EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL was singing too, as well as late LONG-TAILED DUCKS, an interesting combination. The late flycatcher species arrived almost at the same time: EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE on the 20th and YELLOW-BELLIED and ALDER FLYCATCHERS on the 21st. The first PHILADELPHIA VIREO arrived on the 18th, with other observations on the 21st and 22nd. Surprisingly for the area and this time of year, a few RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were observed at the end of this week. The first GRAY-CHEECKED THRUSH was detected on the 20th, followed by a more important movement the following day (when 5 were banded). Many SWAINSON’S THRUSHES were moving through 18th and 20th of May, as well as GRAY CATBIRDS. After a few individuals seen earlier, the first flock of about 40 CEDAR WAXWINGS was seen on the 21st. Like for the red-breasted nuthatches, quite a few YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were seen during this week, quite late for this species. It is possible that some reverse migration took place for this species. On the 20th, two rare species of warblers for Prince Edward Point were banded: a CERULEAN and a HOODED WARBLERS. The first WILSON’S WARBLER was detected on the 19th, but the main movement happened only on the 22nd. A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen on the 20th on the lawn in front of the cottage. A BOBOLINK was singing in low brush on the 20th. To reach Prince Edward Point, follow County Road 10 from Milford, or County Road 13 from Black River Cheese, and follow for 17 km to the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. Terry Sprague Prince Edward County www.naturestuff.net tsprague AT kos.net _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Red Knots at Reesor Pond From: michael ferguson <fergmich AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 18:34:04 -0400 At 5 pm today at Reesor Pond, 20 Red Knot on the NW spit. Reesor Pond lies between highways 7 and 407 on Reesor Road in Markham. Exit 407 on Philip Murray, north to 7, east to Reesor, south to pond. Mike Ferguson Oshawa _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: unsubscribe From: "Michael Tate" <michaeltate AT rogers.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 17:13:22 -0400 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Glossy Ibis- Angus From: "David Szmyr" <dszmyr AT flemingc.on.ca> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 17:11:23 -0400 Ontbirders, I have just discovered a Glossy Ibis foraging in the marsh along McKinnon Rd and Concession 2 Sunnidale just south of the Minesing Conservation Wetlands. A scope would be an asset as the bird is located deep into the marsh on the west side of the road. McKinnon Rd is located west of Barrie along the 90 just north of Angus. Good luck! Dave Szmyr _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Ottawa/Gatineau - 23 May 2013 - Recent Reports From: Bob Cermak <robertcermak9 AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 16:38:39 -0400 Hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club (OFNC) Phone number: 613-860-9000 For the Bird Status Line PRESS * (star) To report bird sightings PRESS 1 (one) Coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Canada National Capital Region) E. Ontario, W. Quebec Compiler & transcriber Bob Cermak robertcermak9 AT hotmail.com or sightings AT ofnc.ca Ontario/Quebec Ottawa/Gatineau 23 May 2013 Thank you Chris Lewis for "pinch-hitting" for me while I was birding at Point Pelee. Ottawa/Gatineau birders enjoyed a very strong spring migration this past week! All 25 of the expected warbler species plus a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER have been seen so far this spring. 17 species of warblers were reported on the 20th including many of the "later" warblers such as TENNESSEE, BAY-BREASTED, ORANGE-CROWNED, BLACKPOLL and the first WILSON'S of the year. On the 22nd a local birder while on a one hour training run along the 3 km loop at Lytle Park reported; BAY-BREASTED (2), BLACKBURNIAN (4), NORTHERN PARULA (2), BLACKPOLL (2), CHESTNUT-SIDED (1), YELLOW (3), NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (1), BLACK-AND-WHITE (4), MAGNOLIA (6), TENNESSEE (3), AMERICAN REDSTART (6), YELLOW-RUMPED (3) and an amazing 4 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS as well as VEERY (2), SWAINSON'S THRUSH (1), MARSH WREN (1) and EASTERN WOOD PEWEE (1). All 4 of the expected vireo species were seen this week and a YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was also seen at the Britannia Conservation Area on the 19th. A male EURASIAN WIGEON with a male AMERICAN WIGEON has been on the Moodie Dr pond (just south of Trail Rd) since the 19th was seen again today. Also seen at that location; DUNLIN (30), BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (1), GADWALL (7) and RUDDY DUCK (5) on the 20th and CASPIAN TERN (2) on the 21st. Probably the first of the year LINCOLN'S SPARROW was seen in the Hurdman woods on the 18th. A few EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE have been reported, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (1) was seen in the woods just west of Tunney's Pasture on the 21st and EASTERN KINGBIRD were reported on the 23rd. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD (m) was seen briefly at a Gatineau back yard feeder on the 21st but has not been subsequently seen. BRANT (200) were seen from Andrew Haydon Park on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River on the 23rd. Interesting sightings; - COMMON REDPOLL (pair) were at a Billing's Bridge area feeder on the 18th - WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (43) and LONG-TAILED DUCK (7) from the Shirleys Bay boat launch on the 18th - COMMON NIGHTHAWK (1) over the South March Conservation forest on the 18th - RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was heard near the Shirleys Bay causeway on the 19th - NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was seen at the Fletcher Wildlife Gardens on the 22nd Thank you to everyone who contributed bird observations! _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Whimbrel & Shorebirds at Colonel Sam Smith Park in Toronto From: Jean Iron <jeaniron AT sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 15:46:43 -0400 Further to Andrew's post, Whimbrels started migrating through Toronto today, Thursday, 23 May, at Colonel Sam Smith Park in Toronto. From 6:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. we saw over 300 Whimbrels in flocks ranging in size from 2 to 150. They were trilling as they came in close along Lake Ontario and circled many times in front of us, flying into a northwest wind. We also saw 8 species of shorebirds from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. 4 Black-bellied Plovers 3 Short-billed Dowitchers 20 White-rumped Sandpipers (one flock) 21 Sanderlings (one flock) 99 Semipalmated Sandpipers (several flocks) 153 Dunlins (several flocks) 2 Killdeer Several resident Spotted Sandpipers More Whimbrels are expected this afternoon and over the next few days. Don Barnett is the Toronto Ornithological Club Whimbrel Watch counter and Wayne Renaud recorded other shorebirds until he left at 9 a.m. We hope Wayne will post an update this evening. Directions: In Toronto, Colonel Sam Smith Park is where Kipling Avenue ends at Lake Ontario, south of Lake Shore Blvd. Walk a short distance from south parking lot to the point of land jutting into Lake Ontario. Jean Iron and Ron Pittaway Toronto, Ontario _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Whimbrels in Niagara From: "Diane and Kayo Roy" <kayoroy AT niagara.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 15:47:29 -0400 Blayne and Jean Farnan called to let me know they were looking at 44 Whimbrel on a rocky shoal along the Lake Erie shoreline at the foot of Morgan’s Point Road in Wainfleet. In less than an hour I arrived there and was getting ready to photograph the birds from the shoreline when an additional 90 Whimbrel landed on the same shoal. The birds were counted several times and the total of 134 was deemed correct. Directions: From Port Colborne take Highway 3 southwest perhaps 5 km to Golf Course Road. Turn left here and drive to the bottom of the road and continue as it bends to the right and joins Lakeshore Road in Burnaby. Turn left at the next road (Morgan’s Point Road) and continue to the end of the road to the Lake Erie shoreline. The birds were directly ahead on the shoal. Good luck for anyone going to look for these birds. Kayo Kayo Roy 13 Kinsman Court. Fonthill, ON. L0S 1E3 kayoroy AT niagara.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Algonquin Park Birding Report: 23 May 2013 From: Lev Frid <lev.frid AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 15:15:33 -0400 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD BRANT LONG-TAILED DUCK RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Hello Birders, The weather has been all over in the Park this week, and so were the birds. Northern Mockingbirds seem to also have taken their vacation to cottage country, with one being reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 18th and another on Arowhon Road on that same day. Rainy weather on the 21st caused a fallout of waterfowl on Lake of Two Rivers, including a flock of 17 Brant, two flocks of Long-tailed Ducks (17 and 24) and a flock of 24 Red-breasted Mergansers. These birds usually do not stay long and all but the mergansers were seen in flight, leaving the lake as soon as the weather became suitable for migration. Most warblers are back on breeding territory. The Old Airfield accessed via the Mew Lake Campground road is still the best site for viewing migrants and finding potential rarities. Here and the Lake of Two Rivers Campground beach also provide the best viewing of any rare migrant waterfowl (best after rainy nights). New migrants this week include Blackpoll, Bay-breasted, Wilson's and Tennessee Warblers, Least Sandpiper, Red-eyed Vireo and Alder Flycatcher. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: One was seen in the 17th at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and two birds were seen by two different observers there on the 18th. A bird was seen off Arowhon Road on the 20th. Gray Jay: Birds were seen at Rock Lake Campground on the 19th and 21st. They are very secretive and difficult at this time of year as they are feeding young. Boreal Chickadee: This was not reported this week and it's likely that many are attending nests. Try the North end of the Mizzy Lake Trail. Black-backed Woodpecker: Two were seen on Opeongo Road past the second bridge on the 18th. Also try the North end of the Mizzy Lake Trail, where there is an active nest at West Rose Lake in the deadwood near the bridge (inaccessible on foot, but not too far to see from the bridge if the birds are around) MAMMALS: Moose are all over the highway ditches and a Black Bear with three cubs was seen at Km 20.5 on the 17th. Many Red Foxes with young kits are being reported from the highway. Drive carefully, especially at night! Birders reporting records through eBird can now share their lists with theAlgonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). We encourage you to do so. Good Birding! Lev Frid Group Education Technician Algonquin Provincial Park DIRECTIONS: Algonquin Provincial Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs which start in Toronto on Highway 400. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. Locations are also described at: www. algonquinpark.on.ca The Visitor Centre and restaurant at km 43 are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings and information. For more information see Algonquin Park events calendar at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Whimbrels at Presqu'ile From: "Bree, David (MNR)" <david.bree AT ontario.ca> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 19:12:09 +0000 Hi All While on the topic of Whimbrels, there where 50 Whimbrel on the Presqu'ile beach today this AM, until at last 12:30pm. Also reported at least 1 other flock of about 50 that went by. Possibly there was another flock of about 50 (a bit foggy so hard to say if the same resting flock goes and comes back or if it is a different one). So the Toronto Whimbrel watch should be getting some action shortly (how long to get to Toronto from Presqu'ile as the Whimbrel flies?) Presqu'ile Provincial Park is about 2 hours (by car not Whimbrel) east of Toronto along the 401. Exit at Brighton (exit 509) and follow the signs south to the park. David David Bree Sr. Natural Heritage Education Leader Presqu'ile Provincial Park 328 Presqu'ile Parkway Brighton, ON K0K 1H0 Canada 613 475-4324 x 225 david.bree AT ontario.ca _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Toronto Whimbrel Watch and 4th annual Spring Bird Festivel at Col. Sam Smith Park From: Andrew Keaveney <uofgtwitcher AT msn.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 14:57:31 -0400 Hello Birders. The Toronto Whimbrel Watch has been active the last few days although there hasn't been many Whimbrel yet. The peak has typically been around May 23rd- 26th but of course migration is different every year. Anyone can get involved, just bring a pair of binoculars and perhaps a spotting scope if you have one (not necessary though) and show up anytime throughout the day. Folks come and go after spending a few hours watching. While the best chance at seeing Whimbrels is earlier in the morning, the weather can delay them till later in the day. We usually watch from the southern point with a large wooden light stand. You may even choose to bring a lawn chair if you're going to be staying a while. Yesterday there were perhaps 10 birds seen (which is very low of course), several of which flew by very close for good photography and a few even landed for a while on some rocky jetties. 4th Annual Spring Bird Festival at Colonel Samuel Smith Park (hosted by the City of Toronto, CCFEW, Toronto and Region Conservation, and several others) Saturday May 25th. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be hourly guided bird walks starting at 9 a.m. with the first walk led by Dr. Bridget Stutchbury. Other leaders are well known, active birders, in the Toronto birding community. Activities, crafts and games, displays, backyard habitat building workshop, live birds, reptiles and amphibians, art workshops, photography, Bird Friendly coffee, and much more. Directions: Parking is found by taking Kipling Ave. in Etobicoke, south to its terminus. There are two lots. For any inquiries please don't hesitate to respond to this email. Cheers, _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Willow Flycatchers at Hillman Marsh From: Todd Pepper <pepper_todd AT yahoo.ca> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 11:18:43 -0400 There must have been a good migration of Willow Flycatchers last night as the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory has banded 5 of them this morning at Hillman Marsh. The only flycatcher song in the area of the nets is that of Willow FC and we were able to ID 3 of the 5 birds by morphology. Hillman Marsh is located on Oak Street East approximately 8 kilometres east of Erie Street (Heinz Plant intersection) in Leamington. Todd Pepper Leamington, ON Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Arctic Tern, Marbled Godwit - Wawa sewage ponds From: Josh Vandermeulen <joshvandermeulen AT live.ca> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 10:16:03 -0400 At 9:40 this morning I found an adult Arctic Tern at the Wawa sewage ponds, loosely hanging out with 9 Bonapartes Gulls. Certainly not a species I had on the radar!! 10 minutes earlier a Marbled Godwit circled the ponds before getting chased out by gulls. Both the tern and the Godwit are still present, with the Godwit appearing to land in the fenced in area just east of the ponds. Not sure if any birders are in the Wawa area but you never know. Directions: from HWY 17, turn off onto Mission Road (HWY 101) heading north into Wawa. Immediately after passing the Tim Hortons, turn left and follow the road down the hill to the lagoons. Good birding, Josh Vandermeulen joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: OFO Fieldtrip May 25 Kingston Area and Amherst Island From: "Kurt Hennige" <khennige AT xplornet.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 07:11:30 -0400 Greetings all, On Saturday is the Kingston/Napanee Plain/ Amherst Island trip that I will be leading together with Gary Ure and Mark Conboy, so I just wanted to mention some details to help anyone interested in coming to prepare. We meet at 6:30 a.m. at Tim Horton's on Division Street on the right one block south of HWY 401. From there we will drive to Opinicon Road were we should find Cerulean & Golden-winged Warblers, Yellow-throated Vireo and Black-billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoos. By 9:30 am we will head towards Sydenham for our Coffee Stop. We will check the productive Moscow Marsh for Black Tern and Least Bittern and around Newburgh for Grassland species including Loggerhead Shrike. Since the smaller Ferry is currently in service, we want to be at the Amherst Island Ferry Terminal by 1 pm, so we all can get on the 1:30 pm Ferry. We will return to the Amherst Island ferry dock in time for the 5 pm Ferry. Kurt Hennige _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Summer Tanager and other migrants on Toronto Island From: Jay Peterson <pulchritudinousparula AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 21:33:00 -0400 Hello, Flying solo today I found the islands to be quite productive. Sorry for the late post as I had to go to work directly after. I managed to bird from Ward's all the way to Hanlan's and tallied 97 species. Best bird of the day was a female Summer Tanager showing well along Willow Avenue near Withrow. This was on Ward's around 9am. Also present were 22 species of warbler which is not too bad for May 22. Mourning (2), Wilson's (4), Canada (2), Blackpoll (24), Tennessee (19), Yellow (50+), Cape May (1), Bay-Breasted (3), Yellow-Rumped (4), Palm (1), Black & White (1), Northern Parula(2), Black-Throated Green (3), Black-Throated Blue (5), Common Yellowthroat (21), Northern Waterthrush (1), Ovenbird (1), Magnolia (36), Nashville(1), Chestnut-Sided (5), Blackburnian (4), American Redstart (32). I found one Black-Billed Cuckoo on Hanlan's at the north end of the airport fence area. Flycatchers were plentiful as they are in a lot of places. 9 Least and 5 Alder calling along with three Great-Crested. Also a late Blue-Headed Vireo to join in with two Philadelphia, only 8 Red-Eyed and the breeding Warbling Vireos. Other birds of interest, Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Bunting, Barred Owl, Orchard Oriole, Brown Thrashers, Eastern Kingbirds, Savannah and Field Sparrows. Five Lincoln's Sparrows. Under 10 total White-Throated and White-Crowned so they are on their way out. Black-Crowned Night Heron. I was hoping for more Cuckoos and maybe a Connecticut Warbler today but was unsuccessful. They are still coming. Side Note: I heard a Common Nighthawk over Lakeshore Blvd East and Logan Avenue tonight around 8:45. Good birding, Jay PetersonToronto > DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS per Norm Murr> > TORONTO ISLANDS - SPRING SCHEDULE ---- NOTE � Summer Schedule starts on May 24th > > Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 > > If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC�s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen�s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. > > To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC�s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. Note:- This bus stop is temporarily moved to the northwest side of Front St. They both go down Bay Street to Queen�s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. > > When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC�s Union Subway Station to Queen�s Quay (no transfer from the subway required). Note:- This streetcar is not running for the foreseeable future due to construction on Queens Quay. > > For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. to Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. > > For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm > > You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. > > If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen�s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north on of the ferry docks on Bay St. with at least one more (for now) a block or so west of the ferry docks on Queen�s Quay. > ============================================================================= > NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- > http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands > > You may also want to check out Ron Pittaway�s excellent �Spring Warbler Migration Guide� which is also on the OFO web site. You can find it by clicking on the following:- > http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/articles.springwarblers > > Norm Murr > Richmond Hill > Ontario, Canada > _______________________________________________ > ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. > Send bird reports to birdalert AT 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 AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Whimbrels arrive in Elgin County in numbers From: Dave Martin <damartin AT xplornet.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 14:58:38 -0400 This morning between 0945 and 1015 at Port Bruce, we observed 3 flocks of Whimbrel [8, 14 and 16 birds] totaling 38 individuals moving west along the shoreline. The flocks of 14 and 16 circled over the beach several times where 30 gulls were loafing but eventually moved on without landing. Later this morning at Port Stanley between 1100 and 1300h , Jim Dunn and Mary Carnahan counted 500+ Whimbrels including a couple of flocks of 200+ individuals. The flocks wheeled around the harbour and over the lake for about 1.5 hours and then the entire bunch landed on the west breakwall. Shorebird migration can be observed throughout the day. The largest ever fall-out of Whimbrel [2000+] at Port Stanley was in the afternoon. We have often gone down to Port Bruce in the evening over the years and have observed just as many flocks of Whimbrel in the evening as in the morning. Also, at this time of the year we have observed large flocks of 100s to 1000s of Long-tailed Ducks and smaller numbers of White-winged and Surf Scoters as dusk sets in. There is no predicting whether any given day will be better than the next. Some days are a bust. Plan on spending a couple of days. Shorebird watching along the shoreline can be good from now until the end of the first week of June. Over the years, the best time to see Red Knots and other later migrants such as White-rumped Sandpiper is in late May and early June. Port Bruce is south of Aylmer in Elgin County. Take Hwy 73 / Imperial Road south from Aylmer, cross the bridge over Catfish Creek and make your way to the lake where you can watch from the beach [Sandcastle Restaurant] or from the harbour. Port Stanley is south of St Thomas in Elgin County. Take Hwy 4 / Sunset Drive south from St. Thomas. At the stoplights in Port Stanley drive south towards the lake and turn left onto East Beach just past the stores. You can drive or walk a short distance to the east breakwall. Alternately, you can turn right at the stop lights and left shortly thereafter to make your way to the main / west beach. Be advised that the town is now charging for parking at the beach parking lots. There is no charge at the east beach. Port Stanley is about 15 minutes west of Port Bruce. If you want to make a day of watching for shorebirds in central and east Elgin County, include Port Burwell also, which is about 15 minutes east of Port Bruce. The beach at Port Burwell is long and isolated at this time of the year so shorebirds [Whimbrel, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderlings and even Red Knots] are more likely to land and stay on the beach for a while. Port Burwell is south of Tilsonburg in Elgin County. From Tilsonburg drive south on Hwy 19 / Plank Road to Port Burwell. Keep straight to get to the east beach. Turn right to cross the bridge over Otter Creek to get to the west beach which is located in Port Burwell PP. There are 4 beach accesses in the park that will allow you to scan the several km long beach. Dave Martin and Linda Wladarski damartin AT xplornet.com Harrietsville, ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Eurasian Wigeon How Ross Pit Ottawa From: iain.wilkes AT hotmail.com <iain.wilkes@hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 12:55:16 -0400 Eurasian Wigeon still in large pond just south of Burnside gravel How Ross pit on left side of road Take 416 south put of Ottawa. Exit Fallowfield. Go west one road to Moodie and south on Moodie till the pit Iain Sent from my HTC _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Bruce Peninsula big day results (May 20) From: Ethan Meleg <ethan.meleg AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 19:51:34 -0400 Hello Birders: Mark Wiercinski, John Haselmayer and I survived our annual Bruce Peninsula birdathon yesterday (May 20), reaching a total of 163 species. We were on track for one of our best-ever days until a dramatic thunderstorm ended our day abruptly before we could get to the remaining target species. We started in Wiarton at 2am with a Whip-poor-will calling from the motel parking lot. Calm conditions and warm temperatures overnight were ideal and we easily heard all of the expected nocturnal birds. At dawn, we arrived at MacGregor Point Provincial Park and found good numbers of migrants in addition to the expected breeders. Highlights here were Blackpoll, Bay-breasted, Cape May, Mourning, Northern Parula, Golden-winged and Blue-winged warblers, Lincoln's Sparrow, Red-headed Woodpecker, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Least Bittern and many Black-billed Cuckoos. For our first time on the birdathon, we ventured farther south to check out the Kincardine sewage ponds, which produced Redhead duck and Trumpeter Swan. For the rest of the day, we worked our way north up the Bruce Peninsula picking up target species and local specialities such as Brewer's Blackbird and Upland Sandpiper (both near Ferndale). The last productive stop of the day was at Dyers Bay, where we added Horned and Red-necked Grebes, White-winged Scoter and Peregrine Falcon. Overall, we found the peninsula to be abuzz with decent numbers of migrants, including a mix of early and later species. Breeding birds were well-established on territories and active. We tallied good numbers of warblers (24 species), ducks (16 species) and raptors (11 species). For the detail oriented, we birded from 2:00am - 7:30pm and drove 550km. In a unprecedented display of self-restraint, we consumed far less junk food than usual, although our big day diet would still quality as remarkably unhealthy. Happy birding! Ethan Meleg Midland, ON info AT ethanmeleg.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Brighton Constructed Wetlands From: Keith Lee <keith.lee AT sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 18:29:41 -0500 Hi everyone from BCW, I know that this may be a little off subject of the bird, I am asking those who happen to come across our slower road crossing turtles to take a little caution, today someone tried to straddle a good size snapper only to hit the fairly big turtle on the under carriage of the car. The turtle is know at the Kawartha Turtle Trauma center, who new. Our Osprey has not moved of the nest the last two time I had to take my samples and dad took a couple of fly by's and then went back to his favorite tree and keeps a close eye on us, this is a first for me to not have the osprey leave the nest. As for our other birds, they are in abundance, and young birds abound. Thanks for your time, and my time is always available to you. Tiny _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Summer Tanager at Colonel Samuel Smith Park From: Wayne Renaud <waynerenaud1951 AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 19:50:34 -0400 I found a male Summer Tanager singing in the middle of trees in the area known as 'the dogwood' patch on the east side of playing field just north of the large paviiion adjacent to the bikeway. It was seen at 6:15 pm. I did not see this bird here on my first round of birding around 5:00 pm during which ttime it was quite windy. I did get all the flycatchers listed by David Pryor in an earlier posting but the Willow and Alder were seen and heard on the peninsula in the early morning while walking to Whimbrel watch. A complete list from both the Whmbrel Watch (one whimbrel seen today) and the count on the Humber Lakeshore campus will be posted on e.bird. Directions: The park is located at the end of Colonel Sam Smith drive which runs off the south end of Kipling 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 AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Flycatchers - Col. Sam Smith Park, Toronto From: David Pryor <stg1 AT sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 13:46:10 -0400 For those who might be interested, there was an unusually large number of migrant flycatchers at Col. Sam Smith park this morning, mostly Empids. I would expect the birds are still present. At least seven species of flycatcher (incl. Kingbird) were present although to the best of my knowledge, no Olive-sided or Acadian have been seen at the park this morning. Examples of Least, Alder, Willow, Yellow-bellied, Great-crested and Eastern Pewee were all heard singing this morning and seen under less-than-ideal light conditions due to fog (which I assume has since burned off). A large number of Empids were not vocalizing. Col. Sam Smith Park is located immediately south of the intersection of Kipling Ave. and Lakeshore Blvd. in Toronto. David Pryor Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Shorebirds - Reesor Pond From: Stan Long <stan.long AT sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 11:31:42 -0400 21.05.13 - 11am - at Reesor Pond : 1st Semi-palmated Sandpipers + 5 White-rumpedSandpipers - also Semi-palmated Plover - the Pond lies just north of Hwy 407 on ReesorRoad in Markham - cheers - Stan Long _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Carden Alvar Highlights - 20 May From: Jean Iron <jeaniron AT sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 10:36:41 -0400 Eleanor Beagan and I birded the Carden Alvar yesterday, 20 May. Some highlights were: One Loggerhead Shrike along fence line east of Wylie Road opposite Bluebird Box 10 and another north from Cameron Ranch parking lot on Kirkfield Road 6. A singing male singing Prairie Warbler along Alvar Road west of Wylie Road thanks to a tip from Matt Timpf and later from Ed Poropat and Dave Bishop. Golden-winged Warbler in several spots along Wylie Road including one at the parking lot south of the Sedge Wren Marsh. Clay-colored and Grasshopper Sparrows on west side of Prospect Road near south marsh. Two Common Nighthawks displaying and booming just south of Sedge Wren Marsh at around 7:30 p.m. Least Bittern was singing near Canal Lake Causeway. American Bittern in the Sedge Wren Marsh on Wylie Road. Grassland Specialties: Upland Sandpipers, Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Eastern Towhees singing throughout the area. Two Common Nighthawks displaying and booming just south of Sedge Wren Marsh at around 7:30 p.m. Least Bittern singing near Canal Lake Causeway. American Bittern in the Sedge Wren Marsh. We stayed late but did not hear either Yellow Rail or Sedge Wren. The Cameron Ranch and adjoining Windmill Ranch along Wylie Road will soon become Carden Alvar Provincial Provincial Park. Wylie and Alvar Roads have not been graded - go slowly. Directions: OFO Birding Site Guide and Map to the Carden Alvar. http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/articles.cardenalvar Jean Iron Toronto ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Big Day - Durham, Carden and Presqu'ile From: "Geoff Carpentier" <geoff.carpentier AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 09:24:19 -0400 Peter Hogenbirk, Clayton Vardy and I did a complicated Big Day route that took us over 650 kilometers in search of migrating and breeding birds. I guess I knew I eventually had to leave my yard and pursue this annual pilgrimage - and it was well worth. A nice mix of experiences ensued as we both counted and studied birds and other critters along our route. The mammalian highlight was undoubtedly a LIVE Opossum on Wylie Road in Carden. This species continues its expansion in Ontario. Our day started at midnight looking at Cliff Swallows and Red-necked Grebes in Oakville, a Screech Owl in Burlington (heard) then BCN Herons at Windermere and the Hamilton Peregrine. All were visible with the local ambient light. We then quickly worked our way back to Durham where we added a few marsh birds at Cranberry Marsh, a Barred Owl near Dagmar and Least Bittern and rails at Prospect Marsh. Carden was spectacular with all the specialties (except Sedge Wren (are they gone from here? - for 2 years in a row they've been missing or tough) and the Shrike (darn!). We did see/hear 9 or 10 Golden-winged Warblers. Other highlights were Cape May, Tennessee and Bay-breasted Warblers, Northern Parula, cranes, ravens, Merlin, Uplands, Grasshopper (lots) and one 2 Clay-colored Sparrows and more. By the time we left about 8:30 we were at around 110 species. Then began the long drive to Presqu'ile where we added a couple of birds enroute. At Presqu'ile we were treated to thick fog at Owen's Point that luckily dispersed eventually. Here the highlights were 2 Ruddy Turnstones, 31 Whimbrel, Iceland, and LBB and GBB Gulls. Land bird were thin but a Red-bellied Woodpecker, a nesting Saw-whet Owl, several Blackpoll Warblers and lingering Common Golden-eye and Bufflehead added spice. We missed the nesting Great Egrets - hmpff The route now carried us to Darlington Provincial Park where we added 11 Sanderlings, 5 Ruddy Turnstones and an exciting Piping Plover (legs bands were silver on the top of the right leg, red over blue on the lower right leg and blue on the left leg). A word of caution. We had to use three cars for the last part of the route in the latter part of the afternoon (we had carpooled all day in one vehicle) to facilitate homeward travel at the end of the day. We parked two of them outside the gates of Darlington with the permission of Park staff. When we returned they had ticketed us and only canceled the tickets when we protested and when we bought a day pass for one of the vehicles. This makes a sad statement about Park staff in my opinion. Second March was dismally disappointing as the water is very high. We pooped out on the rest of the Durham waterfront so late in the day headed to Nonquon, where we added nine species including a Black-bellied Plover, 5 other species of shorebirds, Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, GW Teal, Shoveler, Ring-necked Duck, Coot, 130+ Black Terns and more. The last bird of the day was a Horned Lark - # 165. Time for a nap. Good luck to all the other Big Dayers who will be out this week. Geoff Carpentier www.avocetnatureservices.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Victoria Day banding at Hillman Marsh From: "Bob Hall-Brooks" <bhall-brooks AT cogeco.ca> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 07:52:11 -0400 Victoria Day.What a great day to celebrateNature. Today the banders and assistants from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory banded 52 birds with three recaptures at Hillman Marsh, east of Leamington, Ontario. The birds banded included; Black-billed Cuckoo 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1 Least Flycatcher 1 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 House Wren 1 Veery 1 Gray-cheeked Thrush 2 Swainson's Thrush 6 Gray Catbird 4 Cedar Waxwing 4 Red-eyed Vireo 2 Tennessee Warbler 1 Yellow Warbler 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler 4 Magnolia Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 Blackburnian Warbler 1 Blackpoll Warbler 1 American Redstart 1 Ovenbird 3 Mourning Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 2 Canada Warbler 5 Song Sparrow 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Orchard Oriole 1 Today's recaptures included a Red-winged Blackbird, ASY, Female from April 29, 2011 (752 days) and a Warbling Vireo and Yellow Warbler from circa 2011 (specifics not yet found). Many thanks to Caroline S., Matt Watson, Tiffany Rajki, and Paul Pratt for all their efforts today with banding, net runs, scribing and making visitors welcome. Banding efforts will continue to the end of May at Hillman. Visitors are welcome during the banding. Bob Bob Hall-Brooks Passerine Banding Station Co-ordinator Holiday Beach Migration Observatory 519-972-5736 (home) 519-259-7949 (mobile) cid:image001.gif AT 01CE5587.25D4C4D0 Bob Bob Hall-Brooks Hummingbird Bander Holiday Beach Migration Observatory 519-972-5736 (home) 519-259-7949 (mobile) _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Re: Chuck-will's-widow at Prince Edward Point From: Walter Wehtje <wehtje AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 06:19:12 -0400 Just to elaborate on the previous e-mail; the bird was first heard calling a few times on the 18th, about 20 minutes after sunset. It called again for a few times on the 19th. Last night it began calling at 9 PM and continued for at least five minutes before going silent. We had strong NE winds last night, followed by thunderstorms that came in around midnight, so I doubt it left. If you do try for the bird, park in front of the bird observatory and listen from there. The bird is in the general area of the net lanes and will most likely go silent if you try look for it. Walter Wehtje On Tue, May 21, 2013 at 4:34 AM, Terry Sprague wrote: > A CHUCK-WILL�S-WIDOW continues to be heard and seen near the Prince Edward > Point Bird Observatory. The bird was first heard calling beside the > Observatory on Saturday and has been around every day since. This is the > first CHUCK-WILL�S-WIDOW to appear in Prince Edward County since 1978. > > To reach Prince Edward Point, follow County Road 10 from Milford, or > County Road 13 from Black River Cheese, and follow for 17 km to the Prince > Edward Point National Wildlife Area. > www.naturestuff.net > tsprague AT kos.net > > > _________________________ > > NatureStuff Tours & Things > www.naturestuff.net > 23 Sprague Rd., R.R. # 1 > Demorestville, ON K0K 1W0 > private tours, bus tours > public speaking, guided hikes > Main Duck Island boat tours > 613-476-5072 > _______________________________________________ > ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial > birding organization. > Send bird reports to birdalert AT 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 AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Chuck-will's-widow at Prince Edward Point From: "Terry Sprague" <tsprague AT kos.net> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 04:34:21 -0400 A CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW continues to be heard and seen near the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory. The bird was first heard calling beside the Observatory on Saturday and has been around every day since. This is the first CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW to appear in Prince Edward County since 1978. To reach Prince Edward Point, follow County Road 10 from Milford, or County Road 13 from Black River Cheese, and follow for 17 km to the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. www.naturestuff.net tsprague AT kos.net _________________________ NatureStuff Tours & Things www.naturestuff.net 23 Sprague Rd., R.R. # 1 Demorestville, ON K0K 1W0 private tours, bus tours public speaking, guided hikes Main Duck Island boat tours 613-476-5072 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Golden Eagle, Blue-winged Warbler, etc. - Toronto Islands From: Norm Murr <normurr AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 18:25:27 -0400 Today Ian Cannell, Alfred Adamo and I birded the Toronto Islands and it was a beautiful day to be down there but when is this heat going to end :>)). We came up with 80 species of birds including 17 warbler species. Here are some of the birds we saw – Horned Grebes, Golden Eagle, Alder Flycatcher (calling loudly), Yellow-throated Vireo, 22 Red-eyed Vireos, Philadelphia Vireos, Gray-cheeked Thrushes, Carolina Wren, all 6 swallow species, Blue-winged Warbler, 19 Tennessee Warblers, Northern Parulas, Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackpoll Warblers, Lincoln Sparrows and Orchard Orioles. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - SPRING SCHEDULE ---- NOTE – Summer Schedule starts on May 24th Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. Note:- This bus stop is temporarily moved to the northwest side of Front St. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer from the subway required). Note:- This streetcar is not running for the foreseeable future due to construction on Queens Quay. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. to Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north on of the ferry docks on Bay St. with at least one more (for now) a block or so west of the ferry docks on Queen’s Quay. ============================================================================= NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands You may also want to check out Ron Pittaway’s excellent “Spring Warbler Migration Guide” which is also on the OFO web site. You can find it by clicking on the following:- http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/articles.springwarblers Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Thickson Woods From: Peter Darcy <peterdarcy59 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 18:18:57 -0400 11 Species of Warbler noted today with, Mourning, Wilson's, Northern Waterthrush and Canada Warblers in the mix. Other notables Terri Martin pointed out to others a Red-headed Woodpecker in the meadow. Also of note a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and still a few Scarlett Tanagers around. Directions as per yesterday's post. Peter Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Re: possible fish crow death From: Ellen Horak <ehorak AT rogers.com> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 15:01:49 -0700 (PDT) Oh that is very sad! �When we were there Sunday morning the two fish crows were being bothered by a regular crow. There was quite a bit of squabbling going on. We did get a few pics that I will post to our blog �(address below)shortly. � ellen www.thesustainabilityadventure.blogspot.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: northern mockingbird at Windsor Raceway From: Troy Brian <thumperbrian AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:33:59 -0700 (PDT) At around 2:30pm today, Monday May 20th, myself and my daughter Megan viewed a northern mockingbird flying back and forth between one of the only trees west of the lot and the ground at the closed Windsor Raceway parking lot (near Ojibway Park) off of Sprucewood and Matchette Road in Windsor Ontario. Happy birding Troy J. BrianCAW Local 200Environment CommitteeChairperson _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Rondeau Update May 20, 2013 From: Reuven Martin <jaeger33 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 15:14:33 -0400 It's been a good day at Rondeau although the hot weather has slowed things down a bit. The Prothonotary Warblers are both still present just north of the east parking lot for South Point Trail. Turn right on Harrison Trail and then immediately left on the small unmarked trail. Continue past the clearing to the first big pond. Other species present nearby include both species of cuckoo and Canada and Mourning Warbler. One Whimbrel has been seen on the beach at beach access #11. 2 Acadian Flycatchers are present on Spicebush Trail. This will be the last of these regular reports for the month. Thank you to everyone who contributed sightings and please continue to do so at the Visitor Centre. And a big thanks to all park staff and visitors for making this month a great success! More information on the park's nature programs and the Friends of Rondeau is available at the Friends' website: www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca. Directions: Take exit 101 from Highway 401 and drive South 16 km on Chatham Kent Road 15. Turn right and follow the signs to the park. The Bird Sightings Book, Bird Sightings Board, Bird Checklists and other relevant information are to be found at the Visitor Centre. To reach the Visitor Centre from the park Gate, travel 6 km South on Rondeau Road to Gardiner Ave., then follow it around the bend to the parking lot Reuven Martin Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Point Pelee National Park Migration Report - May 20, 2013 From: Festival of Birds <festivalofbirds2013 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 11:33:01 -0400 Hello OntBirders: Today is the last day of the Festival of Birds at Point Pelee National Park for 2013. The last guided hike through the Friends of Point Pelee is at 1 p.m. today. There was a mini-reserve migration going on at the Tip again this morning involving mostly BLUE JAYS and CEDAR WAXWINGS, but there were also a few INDIGO BUNTING, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, and EASTERN KINGBIRD in the mix. The Tip itself was fairly quite with the most common species being RED-EYED VIREO. COMMON LOONS were seen flying both left to right and right to left out off the Tip. The gull/tern flock had been disturbed by people who had ignored the "restricted area" sign and the birds were widely distributed out in the lake. At least 1 immature LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL is still around. BLACK-BILLED and YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOOS were heard and seen on the west branch of the Woodland Trail and the Chinquipin Trail north of the Tilden Trail. A number of GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHERS were seen and heard in the same locations as were the other breeding flycatcher species. An ACADIAN FLYCATCHER was calling from the Woodland Trail near the half way tram stop. A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER, which have been few and far between this year, was reported from the Botham Woods Trail. GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH were seen in the same area. CANADA WARBLERS have been reported from both the Post Woods and the Tilden seasonal trail. At least 14 other Warbler species have been seen or heard, most of them high up in the trees and mostly females. There are no reports yet of birds from outside of the Park. -- Good Birding, Festival of Birds Hike Leaders: Pete R, Karl, Todd, Justin, John, Ellen, Sarah, Jean, Ross, Peter M, Mike and Alvan The Festival of Birds runs from May 3-20 - for a detailed schedule visit www.festivalofbirds.ca For highlights and other update follow us at www.twitter.com/PointPeleeNP The Festival is brought to you by Parks Canada - Point Pelee National Park and the Friends of Point Pelee. Hikes are generously supported by Quest Nature tours. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Pinery prov park From: "Empey, Kevin" <kempey AT lakeridgehealth.on.ca> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 13:20:53 +0000 This morning at Pinery In the Ausable channel Near riverside campground #2 Yellow breasted chat singing 1 Sandhill crane No other unusual warblers this morning. Many great crested flycatcher, orioles, red breasted grossbeaks, gnatcatchers Pinery is on lake Huron Just north of Kettle point and south of grand bend on highway 21. ________________________________ Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Rondeau Prothonotary From: Reuven Martin <jaeger33 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 10:41:29 -0400 I can confirm that at least one singing male Prothonotary Warbler is still present at the location I previously reported. From the park gate go straight until you are forced left. Continue past the visitor centre and turn right at the stop sign. Go about 2 km and park at the South Point Trail parking lot. Start the trail and turn right on Harrison Trail. Follow the small trail almost immediately on the left, and proceed past the clearing to the first pond. Many other warblers also in the area as well as Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Reuven Martin Friends of Rondeau bird guide _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Possible Fish Crow death at nest From: cheryle29 AT cogeco.ca Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 14:42:26 +0000 This morning I received a message from Kevin Shakleton that the nest was empty and there was a small crow in the parkette across the road. This crow has now been picked up by the ROM and I assume will be tested. Just wanted people to be aware. To my knowledge the other crow was not seen. Cheryl Edgecombe Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network. Envoy� sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le r�seau de Bell. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Ottawa: Lytle Park - Warblers From: Jon Ruddy <accipitriformes AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 10:12:39 -0400 Hi there: Today (May 20) from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM I observed 13 species of warblers / 45 species of birds while on a morning jaunt through Lytle Park. Lytle Park is full of wonderful early-to-mid-succession deciduous habitat and let me say, wow, the warblers are foraging right down near eye level as a result of this; it would be a great spot for those looking to take photos of warblers! I came across several large, mixed-species flocks which availed incredible views. Throughout a 3 KM loop, warbler species included: Bay-breasted Warbler (2) Blackburnian Warbler (4: 3 males and 1 female) Northern Parula (2) Blackpoll Warbler (2) Chestnut-sided Warbler (1) Yellow Warbler (3) Northern Waterthrush (1) Black-and-white Warbler (4) Magnolia Warbler (6) Orange-crowned Warbler (4) Tennessee Warbler (3) American Redstart (6) Yellow-rumped Warbler (3) Other birds of interest included: Veery (2) Swainson's Thrush (1) Marsh Wren (1) Eastern Wood-Pewee (1) Cheers, Jon Directions: From the 416, Take exit 66 for Ottawa Road 12/Fallowfield Road towards Nepean. Take a left onto Fallowfield Rd/Ottawa Road 12 E. Turn left onto Fallowfield Rd then left onto O'Keefe Ct. About 300m down O'Keefe, the signs for Lytle Park will be seen on your right. A large parking lot is available for parking convenience. The trails extend N from the parking lot. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Rondeau Migration Report May 20, 2013 - Prothonotary, Yellow-throated From: Reuven Martin <jaeger33 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 09:57:44 -0400 Good morning birders, It's a great morning in Rondeau, with a big arrival of later migrants like Red-eyed Vireo and many flycatchers. Two Prothonotary Warblers were reported along the small side trail along Harrison Trail just north of the east parking lot. The maintenance area has been busy with all 5 Empidonax flycatchers including Acadian and Yellow-bellied, as well as multiple Mourning, Canada and Wilson's Warbler. On South Point Trail reports include Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Blue-winged, Mourning, Wilson's and Canada Warblers. Yellow-throated Warbler has been present again around the visitor centre, as well as an Olive-sided Flycatcher. Thank you to everyone who contributed sightings and please continue to do so at the Visitor Centre. More information on the park's nature programs and the Friends of Rondeau is available at the Friends' website: www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca. Directions: Take exit 101 from Highway 401 and drive South 16 km on Chatham Kent Road 15. Turn right and follow the signs to the park. The Bird Sightings Book, Bird Sightings Board, Bird Checklists and other relevant information are to be found at the Visitor Centre. To reach the Visitor Centre from the park Gate, travel 6 km South on Rondeau Road to Gardiner Ave., then follow it around the bend to the parking lot Reuven Martin Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Warbler Hunters' Baillie Birdathon, Simcoe County May 19, 2013 From: kevin.shackleton AT rogers.com Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 06:13:37 -0700 (PDT) Art Needles, John Watson, Ron Fleming and new team member Christopher Dunn were with me as we drove 343 kilometres around Simcoe County from 3:30 a.m. to 9:20 p.m. �The weather was very cooperative with rain showers happening while we were in transit between birding target areas. �Highlights of the day were 10 Golden-winged Warblers in the Tiffault Trail, Kinnear Road and Cowan Trail area near Matchedash Bay, a Lincoln's Sparrow at Collingwood Harbour, three Upland Sandpipers south of the hamlet of Batteaux, Chris hearing a Cape May Warbler singing from a farm evergreen windbreak as we drove along Concession 6, Sunnidale after viewing the Bald Eagle nest from Concession 6 and 15/16 Side Road and getting three sparrow species in minutes at Pine Grove Road, Essa. Our sponsors will receive full reports in due course. Team Leader Kevin Shackleton _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Yellow-throated warbler--Wheatley provincial park From: Stanley Kornelsen <ornithologiststanley AT hotmail.ca> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 22:51:44 -0400 Today at 7:15 pm I saw yellow throated warbler at Wheatley Provincial park. Nice close range. Seen by Stanley Kornelsen. Wheatley provincial park is located just west of Wheatley. Take Hwy 3 west out if Wheatley and follow the signs. Stanley Kornelsen, Aylmer, ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Piping Plover - Kettle Point-nr. Forest From: Maris Apse <apsemaris AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 21:19:10 -0400 Hi all! Whilst walking out on the point ~ 0900hrs as part of my regular 'shorebird survey' this plover landed ~20 feet directly in front of me. I scoped it to look for any bands/flags but could not see any but its lower legs were blocked by vegetation and as I moved to try for a better angle it flew off in the direction that the 8 Semi-palmated Plover that originally accompanied this bird had done, when I first saw the flock. The location of this relatively flat section of the point is between the 1st. and 2nd. bush/small tree 'islands' - not very far from the road and quite easy to access. Kettle Point is First Nations territory signed from Hwy #21 north of Forest at the corner of Lakeshore Road. Cheers! Maris Maris Apse 10094 Red Pine Rd, Box 22 BOP, RR 2 Grand Bend ON N0M 1T0 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Burlington - Fish Crow, Red-necked Grebe, Chestnut sided and Palm Warbler From: Ellen Horak <ehorak AT rogers.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 16:17:22 -0700 (PDT) We had a chance to see, hear (very cool!) and get pics of the fish crows this morning �around 10:00- see below for directions and viewing instructions. We also saw Chestnut-sided Warbler, Palm Warbler, Redstarts in the lilac bush area on the east side of Burloak Waterfront Park. �There is a nesting Red-necked Grebe in a tire on the inlet part of the lake about half-way in the park - visible from the edge of the bank.� The fish crow nest is near the top of a large White Pine tree in the front yard of a house at 5499 Lakeshore Rd E, which is just west of Burloak Drive on the north side. To view this, park at the parking lot at Burloak Waterfront Park a few hundred metres west of the house and walk east.� One can easily view the nest from the south side of the road, which is also City parkland.� Please be respectful of the homeowners, who have been made aware of the nest. � ellen www.thesustainabilityadventure.blogspot.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Prothonotary Warblers, Holiday Beach C. A. From: "Pratt, Paul" <ppratt AT city.windsor.on.ca> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 22:12:35 +0000 There was a male Prothonotary Warbler persistently singing today in the southwestern corner of Holiday Beach C. A. It was most often present along a small seasonal birding path on the north side of the portable classroom. It also sang from the strip of woods closer to the beach. Another Prothonotary was reported from the north end of the trailer park in the morning. The park had excellent numbers of warblers, vireos, flycatchers, tanagers, etc today. Holiday Beach C. A. is located on the Lake Erie shoreline off County Road 50 (about an hour drive west of Point Pelee). Paul Pratt ppratt AT city.windsor.on.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Thickson Woods From: Peter Darcy <peterdarcy59 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 16:39:29 -0400 Did not walk into the woods today of note which leads me to think there are still birds coming through. In my front yard from 3 to 4 today in the birch, Poplar and Spruce. There were 3 male Scarlet Tanagers, Warbling Vireo, Magnolia, Tennesee's singing loudly. American Redstarts, Blackpoll's, Chestnut-sided, Baltimore Orioles and 4 Male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Leads me to believe in the woods behind me there are certainly more. Thickson Woods is at the very bottom of Thickson Rd south in Whitby. Entrance to the woods is on the east side down the lane way with the yellow gates. Peter Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Bruce Peninsula--White-eyed Vireo From: Angela Vanderheyden <VanderA AT lao.on.ca> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 20:06:14 +0000 Today (May 19) between 2:30 and 4:00pm, we found a White-eyed Vireo at 151 Bartley Dr (on the road), in the area known as the "Sparrow Fields". It was vocalizing frequently and was photographed. Fairly secretive but it comes out every so often and its vocalizations make locating it easy. Directions from highway 6: turn onto Dyer's Bay Rd, and proceed until you reach Bartley Dr. Turn left, and drive until you reach 151 Bartley Dr. The bird was last seen there, but it is possible that it could anywhere along the road, as it was first seen about 100m north along the road Good birding, Anthony and Matthew Vanderheyden _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Rondeau Update May 19, 2013 - Kentucky, Willet, Whimbrel From: Reuven Martin <jaeger33 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 16:04:54 -0400 Good afternoon birders, There are still plenty of birds around the park, including some fairly rare sightings. The Kentucky Warbler has been seen a couple times today, most recently reported around 1:30, but is being very secretive as this species usually is. 1 Willet and 6 Whimbrel are present on the beach about 3-400 m south of beach access 10. We also received a report of 3 Whimbrel and 1 Hudsonian Godwit from beach access 10 with no time given. I'm unsure whether this pertains to the same flock. The Yellow-throated Warbler(s) have been seen at cottage #17372 as recently as 11:30 am at least. Olive-sided Flycatcher was reported from South Point Trail. Thank you to everyone who contributed sightings and please continue to do so at the Visitor Centre. More information on the park's nature programs and the Friends of Rondeau is available at the Friends' website: www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca. Directions: Take exit 101 from Highway 401 and drive South 16 km on Chatham Kent Road 15. Turn right and follow the signs to the park. The Bird Sightings Book, Bird Sightings Board, Bird Checklists and other relevant information are to be found at the Visitor Centre. To reach the Visitor Centre from the park Gate, travel 6 km South on Rondeau Road to Gardiner Ave., then follow it around the bend to the parking lot Reuven Martin Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Fire-fronted Serin at Prince Edward Point From: Michael Jaques <michael.jaques AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 15:03:40 -0400 Hi Ontbirders, At Prince Edward Point on Friday, Joyce and I found a bird that we couldn’t identify along the stony track that runs between the road and the lake between Traverse Woods and the banding station. We first saw it at 11.45 am and last saw it at 2.15 pm when we left. I took lots of photos, although none of good quality. Back at home I puzzled over the bird and told Terry Sprague about it. The bird was sparrow size and looked to me a bit like a Lark Bunting between plumages, but it had a red patch on the front of its head, somewhat similar to a Redpoll. The bird was eating dandelion seeds in the middle of and at the edges of the track. Stephane Menu, the head bander at Prince Edward, saw one of my photos and thought the bird was probably an escapee. I am told the bird was seen again on Saturday, closer to the woods. Today I found a picture in a Middle East field guide. It breeds in the Caucasus and the higher mountains of Turkey and Iran. It was formerly known as the Red-fronted Serin. Wikipedia says it is a popular cage bird and escapees are occasionally found throughout Europe, so the bird is obviously an escapee. Despite not being countable, it was an interesting bird to see. Directions: Prince Edward Point is southeast of Picton in Prince Edward County. Follow County Road 10 from Milford, or County Road 13 from Black River Cheese, and follow for 17 km to the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. Mike Jaques Carleton Place _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Ottawa: black tern, common tern, bald eagle Moodie Gravel Pit From: Howard Youth <howard.youth AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 14:59:28 -0400 In my excitement to get word out on the wigeon, I forgot to mention we saw one black tern and about six or seven common terns, a northern harrier, and an immature bald eagle at the same gravel pit off Moodie. -- Howard Youth howard.youth AT gmail.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Ottawa: Eurasian wigeon at Moodie Gravel Pit (largest one) From: Howard Youth <howard.youth AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 14:57:43 -0400 This morning (May 19) Jim Nealon and I pulled up to the main Moodie Drive gravel pit and began checking the waterfowl. Among the first birds we saw were two wigeon, a male Eurasian wigeon and a female. The ducks slowly swam to the middle of the pit and we were so busy watching the male that we took scant notice of the female and so did not get many details on her. We saw the birds around 9 a.m. They were there when we left. Directions (from memory right now): From 416 just south of the Queensway (417) take Fallowfield west to Moodie and turn left (south). The main pit is visible on the left side from the roadside, after passing intersection with Cambrian and Trail roads. -- Howard Youth howard.youth AT gmail.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Bobolinks at Rice Lake From: Noah Cole <greenravenphotography AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 14:26:29 -0400 6 male bobolinks in a field by Harwood at Rice Lake Harwood is along the southern central shore of Rice Lake, Ontario Noah Cole, Don Mills, Ontario -- Noah Cole 647 224 1494 GreenRavenPhotography AT gmail.com http://www.GreenRavenPhotography.com �Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.� Native American Proverb The information and conversation in this e-mail are strictly confidential. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: (no subject) From: Festival of Birds <festivalofbirds2013 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 11:46:21 -0400 Good morning birders, At least twenty-three species of warbler so far this morning seen by a collection of independent observers and participants on the Friends of Point Pelee Guided Hikes. Weather-wise, the skies are clearer than yesterday, with less wind coming in off the lake (today from the Southeast). An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was reported from the Woodland Trail. A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER was spotted at the Tip, and a WILSON�S WARBLER at the Sparrow Field. A late PINE WARBLER was seen, and still some straggling PALM WARBLERS. Aside from the good numbers of warblers, a RUDDY TURNSTONE, DUNLIN, and an EASTERN BLUEBIRD were noteworthy sightings at the Tip. Some late PINE SISKINS persist. PHILADELPHIA VIREOS are being widely reported, and a single YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was found on the Woodland Trail. Good looks at the EASTERN SCREECH OWL remain reliable at its day roost near the Visitor Centre on the Woodland Trail. Good Birding, Festival of Birds Hike Leaders: Pete R, Karl, Todd, Justin, John, Ellen, Sarah, Jean, Ross, Peter M, Mike and Alvan The Festival of Birds runs from May 3-20 - for a detailed schedule visit www.festivalofbirds.ca For highlights and other update follow us at www.twitter.com/PointPeleeNP The Festival is brought to you by Parks Canada - Point Pelee National Park and the Friends of Point Pelee. Hikes are generously supported by Quest Nature tours. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Nonquon Lagoons and Scugog Twp - May 19 From: "Geoff Carpentier" <geoff.carpentier AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 11:36:51 -0400 I checked the lagoons at Nonquon today. Water is quite high but a few decent birds for those doing a big day. Ducks included: Mallard, BW and GW Teal, N. Shoveler, Am. Wigeon, Gadwall, Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Duck and Bufflehead. Other birds: 136 Black Terns (amazing number), 2 Trumpeter Swans, Osprey, lots of warblers, Dunlin, Least Sandp., Spotted Sandp. and Killdeer in low numbers. In the hinterland, lots of birds moving through the yard. About 55 species in the last two days, including several flycatchers, orioles, tanagers, Blackpoll, Parula and Tennessee Warblers along with about 10 other species of warblers, 6 Pine Siskins, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo and a Green Heron. Directions: The hinterland is near the junction of Reach and Lakeridge. Permits must be purchased in advance of entering the lagoons. They cost $10.00. The permits may be purchased at the Durham Region Transfer Site located at 1623 Reach Rd, Port Perry during the following business hours .... Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. To get to the transfer station, travel north on Hwy 12 past Port Perry [Hwy 7A] to the next traffic lights [Regional Road 8 Reach Rd.] and travel east to #1623 on the north side of the road. The lagoons are located one road north of the transfer site on Concession Rd. 8 [don't get confused as, despite the fact that these roads are both numbered "8", hey are two different roads - one is a regional paved road, the other a dirt concession road.]. Access to the lagoons is from the east end of Conc. 8 only as the bridge is out west of the lagoons. Geoff Carpentier www.avocetnatureservices.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend Continues - Presqu'ile Provincial Park From: Donald Davis <donald_davis AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 08:06:39 -0700 (PDT) From the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre: The Friends of Presqu'ile Park have set up a wifi connection in and around the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre on a trial basis when the Centre is open, by which park visitors can post their bird observations to this list. Password obtained inside. Viewing near the Lighthouse� remains excellent as the surrounding cold water has delayed the full opening of tree buds. Lilacs on the peninsula just beginning to open up. Sightings from yesterday of over 108 species included: Merlin Flocks of Brant flying over (at least two different flocks) Ruddy Turnstones Willet Clay-colored Sparrow Blackpoll Warblers Bird banding to noon near the Beach #4 parking lot. Don Davis Toronto, Ontario, Canada _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Rondeau Migration Report May 19, 2013 From: Reuven Martin <jaeger33 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 10:36:48 -0400 Hello birders, Another good morning for birding at Rondeau with reasonable numbers and diversity of warblers around. We have not received reports from any trail besides South Point, but sightings here this morning include Black-billed Cuckoo, Northern Parula, Mourning, Canada, Wilson's, Blackpoll, Cape May and Blue-winged Warbler. A Yellow-throated Warbler was present again at the Mcarthurs' cottage, #17372 just north of the visitor centre this morning. Thank you to everyone who contributed sightings and please continue to do so at the Visitor Centre. More information on the park's nature programs and the Friends of Rondeau is available at the Friends' website: www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca. Directions: Take exit 101 from Highway 401 and drive South 16 km on Chatham Kent Road 15. Turn right and follow the signs to the park. The Bird Sightings Book, Bird Sightings Board, Bird Checklists and other relevant information are to be found at the Visitor Centre. To reach the Visitor Centre from the park Gate, travel 6 km South on Rondeau Road to Gardiner Ave., then follow it around the bend to the parking lot Reuven Martin Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Clay-colored sparrow, 2, Sarnia From: Sean Jenniskens <seanjenniskens AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 10:36:25 -0400 There were 2 clay-coloreds yesterday in wawanosh wetlands. Same location as one was reported days previous. Birds were not associating with each-other. the area can be accessed either by entering om Modeland near Berger and walking to the end of the path on the right, or by entering on Blackwell Road and parking at Wawanosh Wetlands and crossing the bridge to the Suncor Foundation Nature Way- 1 bird was seen on left in saplings near Modeland parking lot, one seen about 600m east (towards forested area) on trail, associating with white-crowned sparrows. Good Birding Sean M. Jenniskens _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at York Regional Forest From: Charlie Hastings <chuckhas AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 21:36:13 -0400 A life bird for me. The woodpecker was hammering on a metal sign near the trail entrance seeming to be very proud of all the noise he was making. All that racket should get him a fine mate! I also saw 2 male Common Yellowthroats scrapping and a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding on Marsh Marigolds. Directions: Drive North on Lakeridge Road past Uxbridge a through the hamlet of Vallentyne. The road takes a short jog West at Vallentyne before continuing North. Just North of Brock Concession #10 watch for the York Regional Forest sign and parking lot entrance on your left. All my observations were within 200 feet of the parking lot. Watch and listen for the sapsucker pecking the metal signs on the posts. Good birding Charlie Hastings Bowmanville _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Brewer's Blackbird at Windermere Basin (Hamilton) From: "Phil L." <phil AT zadore.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 19:07:59 -0400 Today at around 10 am, Walter Fisher and I watched a female Brewer's Blackbird foraging at the Windermere Basin. We observed the bird closely for about 5 mins before it flew south from the river bank. We were standing near the swallow boxes on the east side of the basin (off of Eastport Dr.) looking down the river to the south. Directions from Toronto: QEW to exit 90 (Burlington St./Woodward Ave.), take exit 89 for Woodward Ave., keep right at the fork and follow signs to Eastport Drive. There is a parking area on the left, then follow the paths to the basin. Phil Lameira 647-896-0547 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Rondeau Update May 18, 2013 From: Reuven Martin <jaeger33 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 16:05:46 -0400 Good afternoon birders, It is still good birding in Rondeau this afternoon although the hot weather has slowed things down a bit. The last report of the Kentucky Warbler across the road east of the maintenance yard was 1:30, but it is likely still around. Other birds at this spot include Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Mourning, Canada and Wilson's Warbler. Yellow-throated Warbler has been seen again at cottage #17372. Reports from South Point Trail include Cerulean Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher and Yellow-throated Vireo. Hooded Warbler has been seen at Tulip Tree, Spicebush and maintenance. Thank you to everyone who contributed sightings and please continue to do so at the Visitor Centre. More information on the park's nature programs and the Friends of Rondeau is available at the Friends' website: www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca. Directions: Take exit 101 from Highway 401 and drive South 16 km on Chatham Kent Road 15. Turn right and follow the signs to the park. The Bird Sightings Book, Bird Sightings Board, Bird Checklists and other relevant information are to be found at the Visitor Centre. To reach the Visitor Centre from the park Gate, travel 6 km South on Rondeau Road to Gardiner Ave., then follow it around the bend to the parking lot Reuven Martin Friends of Rondeau Bird Guide _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Brampton: Bay Breasted Warbler From: ray.vanderkooy AT walter-tools.com Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 19:56:07 +0200 This morning and still making a appearance as it forages for insects in the canopy of this suburban neighbourhood is a Bay Breasted Warbler The male is seen and calling however I cannot locate the returning call. A identifying photo was taking. Brampton Ray Vander Kooy Walter Canada Sent from my iPhone This e-mail is confidential and it is intended only for the addressees. Any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, kindly notify us immediately by telephone or e-mail and delete the message from your system. The sender does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message which may arise as a result of the e-mail transmission. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Juvenile Bobolink at Thickson Point From: johnjeevaratnam AT aol.com Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 12:29:23 -0400 (EDT) Found a Juvenile Bobolink at Thickson Point in the fields between the trail (west) and the lake. In the past week I have seen the adult Bobolink near the same area of Thickson Point. Photos of the bird can be seen at: http://natureshues.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/bobolink1.jpg John _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Point Pelee National Park Bird Migration Report - May 18, 2013 From: Festival of Birds <festivalofbirds2013 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 11:59:24 -0400 Good morning birders, Good conditions overnight have led to a productive morning of birding with many new arrivals. Dawn broke cool and mostly overcast with winds from the northeast. At least 23 species of warbler have been observed so far on the Friends of Point Pelee hikes and by some independent birders, including many females as migration enters its final stages. A KIRTLAND�S WARBLER was seen at mid-morning on the bike trail opposite Camp Henry, heading North. A female HOODED WARBLER was observed at Tilden�s Woods. BAY-BREASTED, BLACKPOLL, and CANADA WARBLERS have been present in good numbers throughout the park, and CAPE MAY WARBLERS were reported, including at the Tip and the Woodland Trail. NORTHERN PARULA are also here in strength, and some late PALM WARBLERS are to be found in the woods south of the Visitor Centre. PHILADELPHIA VIREOS were reported; one was seen on the Woodland Trail and the other on the Chinquapin Trail. There were many gulls at the Tip, including a LITTLE GULL, LESSER AND GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. A late RED-THROATED LOON flying by the Tip was of particular interest. Last night (May 17th), a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was found on a seasonal trail opposite the old Camp Henry by the West Beach Trail (just North of �The Dunes� parking). -- Good Birding, Festival of Birds Hike Leaders: Pete R, Karl, Todd, Justin, John, Ellen, Sarah, Jean, Ross, Peter M, Mike and Alvan The Festival of Birds runs from May 3-20 - for a detailed schedule visit www.festivalofbirds.ca For highlights and other update follow us at www.twitter.com/PointPeleeNP The Festival is brought to you by Parks Canada - Point Pelee National Park and the Friends of Point Pelee. Hikes are generously supported by Quest Nature tours. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Rondeau Kentucky Warbler From: Reuven Martin <jaeger33 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 10:55:34 -0400 A Kentucky Warbler is present east of the maintenance area at Rondeau. From the park entrance go straight until turning left at Rondeau Ave. Take the second right and park along the side of the road. The bird has been seen along the path going east across from the fenced in maintenance yard. Reuven Martin _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Kirtlands Warbler Pelee From: Holden Family <holden.ontbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 10:20:42 -0400 10am along the bike path on the west beach. Just across from the group campground. Bird is a female and is slowly moving north. Brandon and Eric Holden _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/