Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Ontario Birding > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Monday, March 15 at 06:52 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Summer Tanager,©Barry Kent Mackay

15 Mar Re: Greater Snow Geese in Eastern Ontario [] 15 Mar Pintails, Porcupine, Bald Eagle & Snowy Owl - York Region [RON FLEMING ] 15 Mar Juvenile Golden Eagle - Minesing Wetlands, Simcoe County [Chris Evans ] 15 Mar Greater Snow Geese in Eastern Ontario [] 15 Mar Pintails @ Centralia, north of London [Rick Thornton ] 15 Mar Varied Thrush still at Cold Creek Conservation Area in King Township [] 14 Mar Woodcocks @ Exeter ["Rick Thornton" ] 14 Mar Roman Lake - Mergansers [Scott E Smith ] 14 Mar Winter Birding Highlights in Canada - 2009-2010 [Blake Maybank ] 14 Mar Snow Geese, Lansdowne [John Haig ] 14 Mar ad. Black-headed Gull @ Lewiston-Queenston (Niagara River) [] 14 Mar Long tail ducks - Bronte [Jean ] 14 Mar northern sawwhet owl cobalt ["The Murphy's" ] 14 Mar HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (13 Mar 2010) Raptors [] 13 Mar OFO Long Point Field Trip - 13 March 2010 ["Jim Heslop" ] 13 Mar Tundra swans in Chatham-Kent ["Carolyn Beacroft" ] 13 Mar Greater Snow Geese - Cornwall [] 13 Mar Suggested hybrid sparrow, Etobicoke [Mark ] 12 Mar Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, March 12th, 2010 ["Cheryl Edgecombe" ] 12 Mar Hooded Merganser - Kingston [] 12 Mar Whooping Crane Migration Is Underway [Donald Davis ] 12 Mar Kingston area birds to March 12, 2010 [] 12 Mar TV, Tundra swans at Grand Bend [Maris Apse ] 11 Mar Rondeau Bay - Swans, ducks etc. [carol parafenko ] 11 Mar Algonquin Park Birding Update: 11 March 2010 [Ron Tozer ] 11 Mar HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (11 Mar 2010) 30 Raptors [] 11 Mar Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending March 11, 2010. [Fred Helleiner ] 11 Mar Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch at Marathon (Thunder Bay Dist.) - update [Michael Butler ] 11 Mar Bradford Area - Killdeer, Brown Creeper, etc. [RON FLEMING ] 11 Mar Bald Eagle ["Antony John" ] 11 Mar Sandhill cranes [Saw-whet ] 10 Mar Unusually plumaged sparrow still present in Etobicoke [Mark ] 10 Mar HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (10 Mar 2010) 25 Raptors [] 10 Mar Buntings and Blackbirds, Fenelon Falls ["Dan Bone" ] 10 Mar Tundra Swans- Spring Migrants-Monarch Landing-Port Burwell [Aaron Allensen ] 10 Mar The "other" swans of Stratford ["Antony John" ] 10 Mar first Robin singing [markus lise ] 10 Mar House Finch/Common Grackle ["Bill/Nancy Logan" ] 10 Mar Correction - Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (09 Mar 2010) 57 Raptors [Mike Street ] 9 Mar Sandhill Cranes between Cayuga and Dunnville ["Herman van Barneveld" ] 09 Mar HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (09 Mar 2010) 57 Raptors [] 9 Mar snowgeese in whitby [] 9 Mar Newmarket Raptors [Sean Geddes ] 8 Mar Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch in Marathon (Thunder Bay Dist). [Michael Butler ] 8 Mar Bald Eagles and Trumpeter Swans on the Grand River. ["Paul FJ. Eagles" ] 8 Mar 2010 Grassland Bird Survey - Approaching Registration Deadline ["Grassland Bird Survey" ] 8 Mar Presumed White-throated Sparrow X Song Sparrow hybrid, Etobicoke [Mark ] 07 Mar Snowy Owls- Holland Marsh- March 7 [Siegmar Bodach ] 7 Mar Newmarket Area Birds [RON FLEMING ] 7 Mar RE: King Eiders @ 50 Pt Road ["Rick Thornton" ] 7 Mar 2009/10 Ontario Winter List ["Todd Pepper" ] 7 Mar King Eiders @ 50 Pt Road ["Rick Thornton" ] 6 Mar Point Pelee Annual Bird Report -- Just Published [Alan Wormington ] 06 Mar Tundra Swans @ Port Burwell [Joe Stephenson ] 06 Mar HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (05 Mar 2010) 14 Raptors [] 6 Mar Osprey and Snowy Owls [] 06 Mar Snowy Owl - Holland Marsh ["Steven Price" ] 5 Mar Hamilton - Several King Eiders, All 3 Scoters, amongst others [Lev Frid ] 5 Mar Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, March 5, 2010 ["Cheryl Edgecombe" ] 5 Mar Tundra, Mute and Trumpeter Swans - Niagara [] 5 Mar Kingston area birds to March 5, 2010 [] 04 Mar Algonquin Park Birding Update: 4 March 2010 [Ron Tozer ] 04 Mar Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending March 4, 2010. [Fred Helleiner ] 04 Mar HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (04 Mar 2010) 18 Raptors [] 02 Mar HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (02 Mar 2010) 14 Raptors [] 3 Mar Snowy Owls in the Holland Marsh ["Robert Hartley" ] 3 Mar Snowy Owls - Casselman/Ste Rose Eastern Ontario ["Peter Campbell" ] 3 Mar Bohemian Waxwings | Nr Burritts Rapids ["Dan McIntosh" ] 3 Mar Fw: correction re Palgrave buntings etc. ["Geoff - Birds" ] 02 Mar Two small owl species calling, Merrickville, eastern Ontario 3/2/10 [SLIMBIRD Gerard ] 02 Mar Lesser Black-backed Gull Lansdowne (Eastern Ontario) [Paul Mackenzie ] 2 Mar bohemians and harlequins etc. - March 2 ["Geoff - Birds" ] 1 Mar 2 adult bald eagles - Chatham-Kent ["Melisse D." ] 1 Mar Cayuga to Hagersville to Nanticoke along various roads - Raptors, Owls, Buntings, Larks, Longspurs, etc. ["Norman Murr" ] 01 Mar HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (01 Mar 2010) 6 Raptors [] 1 Mar Varied Thrush still at Cold Creek Conservation Area - King Township ["Geoff Simpson" ] Subject: Re: Greater Snow Geese in Eastern Ontario From: Brian.Morin AT pc.gc.ca Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:51:29 -0400 My report earlier today suggested that we were having an initial movement of Greater Snow Geese flying east over Cornwall. I watched smaller flocks following this then later in the afternoon the movement shifted to the north end of the city and a steady stream of birds began to move through. By 4:30 the migration dam broke. Over a period of about 45 minutes I counted 15,000 additional birds, bringing my own day total to well over 21,000, plus the 4-6000 that were reported flying over the Apple Hill area this morning and an additional 1000+ over Winchester. I did not seen the entire movement, which began well before I headed north and continued after I left. It is likely that the number of birds that moved across the region today is much higher than this total. There are no reports of birds settling yet. Brian Morin Cornwall _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Pintails, Porcupine, Bald Eagle & Snowy Owl - York Region From: RON FLEMING <flemingron AT rogers.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:10:42 -0700 (PDT) I spent a enjoyable afternoon with my 20-year-old son today, driving the backroads west and north of Newmarket.  Although he is not a birder, he took good long looks (and made the right "ooh" and "aah" sounds) at a Snowy Owl that shone like ivory against the dark soil of the Holland Marsh vegetable fields east of Aileen Street and south of Strawberry Lane.  He also seemed to genuinely enjoy the fine lines of a Northern Pintail drake that was dabbling in an ephemeral pond near the roadside on Bathurst Street north of Holland Landing.     After driving him to his girlfriends' I returned to Bathurst St. N. and scoped the fields to the west.  There were at least a dozen more Pintails among the many Canada Geese out there and a few other waterfowl that were simply too far away to identify.  A drive down Hochreiter Road would no doubt have offered better views but it looked remarkably muddy and I chickened out.  Tundra Swans and other migrant waterfowl should be showing up here any day now.  Al Johnston had two Cm. Goldeneye drakes visiting his pond east of Aurora on Friday while Bruce Brydon had a Snow Goose one week ago in north Newmarket.   At the north end of Yonge St. in Holland Landing, my dog and I had barely started walking past the first guard rail when a large branch broke in the swamp beside us, carrying a porcupine with it!  The quilled critter landed in the water and swam slowly to the raised base of a nearby tree, shaking itself like a wet dog.    We left it alone and walked to the north end of the roadway, listening to Red-winged Blackbirds and Cm. Grackles in the wetlands east of us.  Looking up into the blue sky at 4:06 p.m. I saw a large, dark bird fly into view. Assuming it would be my first Turkey Vulture of the spring I raised my binos and discovered that it was, in fact, a sub-adult Bald Eagle, white-headed with a mainly dark body but still showing white in the belly and wings.  Its mainly white tail had a dark sub-terminal band, but not a big broad one like an immature Golden.   At the nearby Holland Landing sewage lagoons there was very little bird activity but I did see my first woolie bear caterpillar of the year and one Northern Harrier just before 5:00 p.m.   Ron Fleming, Newmarket   York Region is north of Toronto and south of Lake Simcoe     _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Juvenile Golden Eagle - Minesing Wetlands, Simcoe County From: Chris Evans <chrisgevans55 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:18:56 -0400 Dear Eagle Beagles, On my lunch break at 1:15 EDST, Monday, March 15, 2010, I observed a juvenile Golden Eagle from McKinnon Road near Angus in broad sunshine. I was on the road at the dilapidated building 9292 McKinnon Road and first observed the very large raptor approx. 1 km directly north and flying west north of Concession 2 Sunnidale. It was flapping a fair bit into the west wind and displayed a noticeable dihedral when gliding. My first impulse was Turkey Vulture, but after a few seconds in the binoculars, the dihedral was too slight, no rocking motion and the underwings were not two-toned. I began to look for Golden Eagle field marks and noted the head was smaller than a Bald Eagle but bigger than a Turkey Vulture, the wings had slightly bulging secondaries and the head and tail looked somewhat lighter at times but that was not clear at that distance. It swung south at the Mad River and came within 750 m of me at which time I got some clearer views of the broad white-banded tail of a juvenile Golden Eagle. It did not have any white patches on the wings and at that distance I still could not clearly make out whether or not it had a golden nape. It proceeded South to South of the Hydro Towerline and then headed East and I lost track of it. I may have seen it briefly while driving on Peacekeepers’ Way/Simcoe County Road 90 just east of the Nottawasaga River but by the time I had stopped safely to get a better look it had disappeared. On referring to the Sibley Field Guide To Birds of Eastern North America, I would report that Sibley’s remarks “wingbeats relatively smooth and shallow” and “steady flight” aptly described the flight behaviour I observed. Although this eagle occasionally made a small circle it essentially flew directly and steadily on a line. Other birds observed: 2 Rough-legged Hawks (1 dark adult, 1 light), Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Rock Pigeons, 2 pairs of Trumpeter Swans, many Canada Geese, Bufflehead, 6 male Northern Pintails, a few Scaup (too far for ID), 2 male Hooded Mergansers, 1 pair Mallards, several Herring Gulls and some gull sp., duck sp., blackbird sp., American Crow, Common Raven, and along Peacekeepers’ Way there were some Horned Larks and another raptor, either a Red-tailed or Red-shouldered Hawk. Note that the Nottawasaga River is in full flood and McKinnon Road is closed and water was across the road north of 9292. I would advise parking south of the barricade and walking north as the road is very narrow and difficult to turn around on safely when flooded. Concession 2 Sunnidale is flooded at its east end but may offer closer access (I did not assess this option so access may be impossible due to flooding) to the waterfowl as they were closer to it than to McKinnon Road. Extreme caution must be exercised as the flood waters are high, cold and have dangerous currents potentially eroding and weakening roads and banks. A careless birder could become Sturgeon food. Chris Evans, Midhurst, Ontario _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Greater Snow Geese in Eastern Ontario From: Brian.Morin AT pc.gc.ca Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:10:05 -0400 There has been a good initial movement of birds today in two areas. About 4-6000 flew east over Apple Hill north of Cornwall early this morning and another roughly 3-4000 flew over Cornwall this afternoon. No reports of birds on the ground yet. Location details will be published when ground sightings come in. Brian Morin Cornwall _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Pintails @ Centralia, north of London From: Rick Thornton <rickthor AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:08:25 -0400 In a flooded farm field, approx 8 Northern Pintails can be seen from the highway. This is on Highway #4, across from Dashwood Industries, approximately 28 miles north of London.   Good birding,   Rick Thornton, Exeter, ON   Think of the environment before you print!  _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Varied Thrush still at Cold Creek Conservation Area in King Township From: birds AT e-confidence.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:59:01 -0500 It's the Ides of March, and the Varied Thrush is still resident at Cold Creek Conservation Area in King Township. Most of the snow is now gone, and his Thrush cousins the Robins returned on the weekend. Favoured spots are the hedgerow on either side of the driveway before the split, and under the five Spruce trees on the right, and he has recently been seen feeding under the bird feeder. He doesn't seem to visit the "corn on the logs" as frequently as before, however, with patience, he should reward you with a great view. (image link & directions: http://e-confidence.net/vathccca/ ) Cold Creek Conservation Area is located on the 11th Concession, between the 15th and 16th Sideroads. From the South, take HWY #27 North to King Road (Nobleton). Turn left on King Road and drive for 4 km to the 11th Concession (look for the sign for YMCA Cedar Glen Camp) and turn right (North). Cold Creek Conservation Area is about 3.5 km on the right, with a large sign out front. Park on the side of the road into Cold Creek. The first (and only) driveway on the right is to my house. Walk down the driveway, and try to keep back from where it splits. Happy Birding. Geoff Simpson _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Woodcocks @ Exeter From: "Rick Thornton" <rickthor AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:13:30 -0400 Evening birders... This evening, at 7:45pm, the sound of peenting could be heard, shortly followed by visual flights of woodcocks at their usual spot just west of Exeter, north of London. There were at least 4 woodcocks calling and displaying, perhaps more. They can be heard and seen at the intersection of Highway 83 and Ausable Line, 2 concessions west of Exeter. Please be aware that the property at the south-west corner is posted No Trespassing. Tis spring me thinks.... Rick Thornton, Exeter, ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Roman Lake - Mergansers From: Scott E Smith <scott_e_smith AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:50:32 -0400 Today at 3 pm I stumbled across a very small lake with around 20 male Hooded Mergansers and one female. There were also about the same amount of Common Mergansers both male and female, one pair of Common Goldeneyes and one pair of Mallards. I realize they are fairly common but I don't often see mention of the Hooded Merganser so I thought I would post it. Directions to Roman Lake from Guelph - go north on hwy 24 (Wellington road 124) then turn left on hwy 24\25 towards Hillsburgh. At the set of lights turn left (south) on Wellington road 22. Roman Lake will be on your left just a kilometer or so from the lights. With the current state of the ice the best viewing point is accessed by turning left on 6th line just past the lake and then left again on to Scott Crescent and then follow this until the clearing. F.Y.I - They had signs posted that the lake was private property but no mention of the roads on either side of the lake. _________________________________________________________________ IM on the go with Messenger on your phone http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712960_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Winter Birding Highlights in Canada - 2009-2010 From: Blake Maybank <maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:45:51 -0300 Winter Birding in Canada - 2009-10 - Final Summary 14 March 2010 The birding this past winter season in Canada was less exciting than normal. With two exceptions (see Manitoba and Quebec, below) every province recorded winter season species totals that were lower than average. Here are some possible reasons for this: - The active El Nino circulation in the Pacific caused Canada to experience its warmest and driest winter since 1948. Precipitation was down by nearly 25%, and the average temperatures were 4 degrees Celsius above normal. The Arctic had its warmest winter ever. - Wild food was easier for birds to access, and most feeder-watchers reported less activity at their feeding stations. - There were few irruptions of northern owls and finches. - Though twitchers did have good birds to chase, there were not as many rarities as a typical winter. - The first day of the winter birding season, Dec. 1, fell on a Monday, which meant that, in most areas, the concerted search for winter birds did not begin until the first Saturday of December, six days into the winter season, by which time an early cold snap had pushed waterfowl further south, and likely removed many “half-hard autumn lingerers”. - The first day of the Christmas Bird Count period also fell on a Monday, which meant that most counts were held later in December than is usual, reducing the number of species recorded. Here are the links to the Winter Birding web pages for all ten Canadian provinces, as well as the French islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon, and the country of Iceland. PROVINCES FROM EAST TO WEST: Newfoundland and Labrador: http://tinyurl.com/2jqo5p 129 species. Highlights: Northern Lapwing (3 separate birds); Yellow-legged Gull (2); Slaty-backed Gull; +++ Ivory Gulls; White-winged Dove (1st winter record); Redwing. There were sufficient gaps between winter storms to allow Newfoundland birders to locate a good variety of rare and regular species, though slightly fewer than in recent years. The province continues to offer superb gull watching in the St. John’s area, but that may change soon, and there are plans to stop pumping sewage in the harbour. And rumours are floating about that authorities might consider changing landfill practices at the famous St. John’s garbage dump. Both actions make sense environmentally, but would cause much anguish to gull-watchers. Nova Scotia: http://tinyurl.com/nswinter 181 species. (average = 195). Highlights: Red Phalarope (3rd winter record); Empidomax flycatcher sp.; Prairie Warbler (2nd winter record); Spotted Towhee (1st winter record, 2nd provincial record). Big Misses: Northern Fulmar, Spruce Grouse (resident), Red Knot, White-crowned Sparrow. We’ve been keeping track of Nova Scotia’s winter birds since 1996, and the total this past winter tied the lowest previous total, set in 1998/99. Almost every observer was complaining about the scarcity of birds. The mood was glum. Prince Edward Island: http://tinyurl.com/peiwinter 107 species (average = 113). Highlights: Cattle Egret (2nd winter record); Broad-winged Hawk (2nd winter record); Black-legged Kittiwake (1st winter record). Big Misses: Sharp-tailed Grouse (resident, introduced). A soft winter made it hard to find winter specialties, and kept the province’s total below the long-term average. New Brunswick: http://tinyurl.com/nbwinter (updated 12 Feb) 151 species (average = 162). Highlights: Virginia Rail (1st winter record); Marsh Wren (2nd winter record); Ovenbird (2nd winter record); Lark Sparrow (2nd winter record). Big Misses: Wilson’s Snipe; Carolina Wren; American Pipit. A dearth of rarities kept the province’s total well below the long-term average. Quebec: http://tinyurl.com/qcwinter 178 species (10 year average = 166, not including exotics). Highlights: Pacific Loon (1st winter record); Great Egret (2nd winter record); Black Vulture (1st winter record); Barnacle Goose (1st winter record); Rock Ptarmigan (1st winter record); Arctic Tern (1st winter record); White-winged Dove (1st winter record); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1st winter record). Quebec birders took advantage of the mild winter to really explore their large province, and ended up with one of their highest totals to date. They added seven species to their 10-year cumulative winter list. Ontario: http://tinyurl.com/onwinter 191 species. Highlights: Barnacle Goose (2nd winter record); Yellow-billed Loon (2nd winter record); Black-tailed Gull (2nd winter record); Ivory Gull; Phainopepla (2nd provincial and Canadian record, 1st Canadian winter record); Northern Waterthrush (2nd winter record). Big Misses: Eurasian Wigeon; Yellow-headed Blackbird. The province had fewer species than the previous two winters, but managed to surpass the Nova Scotia total for the first time. The Phainopepla took pride of place, of course, and attracted many admirers. Manitoba: http://tinyurl.com/mbwinter 109 species (average = 99). Highlights: Wood Duck (2nd winter record); Greater Scaup (1st winter record); Common Loon (2nd winter record); Western Grebe (1st winter record); Sora (1st winter record); Thayer’s Gull (1st winter record); Lincoln’s Sparrow (2nd winter record); Swamp Sparrow (2nd winter record); Yellow-headed Blackbird (2nd winter record); Brambling (1st winter record; 2nd provincial record). Manitoba birders pulled out all the stops in the first few days of December, and their diligence was rewarded when they achieved the highest total since they started keeping records nine years ago. And equally as important – for the first time they bettered the total of their provincial rival, Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan: http://tinyurl.com/skwinter 100 species (average = 111) - Highlights: Wood Duck (1st winter record); Sandhill Crane (2nd winter record); Rustic Bunting (1st provincial record, 2nd Canadian record); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2nd winter record); Baltimore Oriole (1st winter record). Big Miss: American Three-toed Woodpecker Perhaps if Saskatchewan birders knew how determined their Manitoba neighbours were they might have pushed harder in the first days of December. But, alas, they didn’t, and struggled to reach 100 species, the lowest total since they started winter listing 8 years ago. But there was a great consolation prize in one of the rarest birds across the country this winter. Alberta: http://tinyurl.com/abwinter 136 species (average = 142). Highlights: Cape May Warbler (3rd winter record); Green-tailed Towhee (1st Canadian winter record); Lincoln’s Sparrow (1st winter record). Big Miss: Red-breasted Merganser. Alberta turned in a slightly lower than normal performance, no doubt due to a paucity of rarities, though the Green-tailed Towhee was outstanding. British Columbia: http://tinyurl.com/bcwinter 237 species (average = 250). Highlights: Pectoral Sandpiper (2nd winter record); Oriental Turtle-Dove (1st Canadian record, if accepted); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1st winter record); Western Scrub-Jay; Nashville Warbler; Western Tanager (2nd winter record); Clay-colored Sparrow (3rd winter record); Brambling (3rd winter record). Big Misses: Least Sandpiper; Cassin’s Auklet. B.C. had a lower-than-average winter total, but the weather was mild, and there was the distraction of the Winter Olympics, at which winter birding was not a competition, more’s the pity. And there were no pelagic birding trips, so tubenoses were absent from the list. Several key Christmas Counts have not yet reported in, and there are rumours of a documented Jack Snipe on one of them, so the total could inch up later on. Other Reporting Regions: French Islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon: http://tinyurl.com/spmwinter2 83 species (average = 84, 14 years of data). Highlights: Hairy Woodpecker (1st winter record); Brown Creeper (3rd winter record); Meadowlark sp. (1st winter record). Big Misses: Purple Finch; Common Redpoll; Pine Siskin. SPM birders enjoyed a winter of above average temperatures, but only an average number of species, among which were only a few finches. Iceland: http://tinyurl.com/iceland-winter 98 species. (average = 91, 10 years of data) Highlights: Bean Goose (1st winter record); Northern Shoveler (1st winter record); Stellar’s Eider (1st winter record); Northern Lapwing (1st winter record); Bonaparte’s Gull (1st winter record); Ross’s Gull (1st winter record); Black Redstart (1st winter record); Brambling (2nd winter record) 30 species of waterfowl, 13 of shorebirds, 13 of gulls, and seven new winter species (in the past 10 years of data) helped Icelandic birders surpass their long-term average. Other Resources: Environment Canada’s Winter Seasonal Forecast: http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/saisons/index_e.html Reference: What is Winter Birding? In Canada, perhaps because of (or in spite of) experiencing a bit of weather during the winter, winter birding has become a very popular activity. The origins of this slightly insane behaviour apparently date from southern Ontario in the 50's and 60's, but the sport's appeal really took off with the promotion afforded it by Gerry Bennett in the 1980's, through his "Birdfinding in Canada" newsletter. Winter Birding remains popular today. The winter birding period comprises the three months of December through February, matching the reporting period of "North American Birds" journal. "For those who may be unfamiliar with the concept, it basically involves a frenzied search during the first couple of weeks to squeeze in as many late migrants as possible before the onslaught of usually more severe weather conditions. Christmas Bird Counts often jack up our total, as do normal winter activities. Plus, it gives us birders something to do for the three slowest birding months of the year other than sitting idle on our hands until March. To me, at least, a winter list is great for maintaining birding enthusiasm, and gets a person active and out of the house to ward off the winter doldrums that tend to creep up mid season." - Ryan Dudragne, Saskatchewan Good (winter) birding, ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blake Maybank maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm “A true Canadian loves the Winter, revels in it, especially in the North. . . .Winter is on, the air becomes like rich wine that strengthens and invigorates; pure, crisp and health-giving. Those who have not travelled in the vast, snowbound lake country of the North, or tramped on snowshoes in the Winter forest, where the brilliant sun, shining out of a sky that is pure, clear blue; those who have never witnessed the wild, majestic spectacle of a swiftly marching snowstorm—To them I will say that no matter what they may have seen and done, life still holds something for them that they should not miss. Not every country has these things and I, for one, say we are fortunate. ” - Grey Owl _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snow Geese, Lansdowne From: John Haig <jahaig AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:42:33 -0400 This afternoon at 1:15 p.m two large groups of snow geese, conservatively estimated at 2000 birds each, passed over Lansdowne, Ontario, heading generally northeast. Lansdowne is approximately halfway between Kingston and Brockville, exit 659 from the 401 John Haig _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: ad. Black-headed Gull @ Lewiston-Queenston (Niagara River) From: Jmpawli88 AT aol.com Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:18:43 EDT Just passing the word along that Tom Johnson, Chris Wood et al report near alternate (half-hooded) ad. BLACK-HEADED GULL amongst Bonaparte's and 20+ LITTLE GULLS at the Lewiston Docks along the lower Niagara River today (Sun. 3/14) around 11 am. The bird should also be visible looking downstream from the Queenston docks. Jim Pawlicki Amherst, NY _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Long tail ducks - Bronte From: Jean <jmmeredith AT cogeco.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:41 -0400 Small group of long-tailed ducks close to shore line, immediately east of Bronte Inner Harbour Marina, can be seen from shoreline path this morning._______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: northern sawwhet owl cobalt From: "The Murphy's" <birdboy AT ntl.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:34:51 -0400 Thought I would pass this along to those who take note of such things. While not a rarity last night I heard the first tooting sawwhet of the season. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (13 Mar 2010) Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 14 Mar 2010 10:03:47 -0400 Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 13, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 4 4 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 0 14 14 Northern Harrier 0 1 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 6 6 Cooper's Hawk 0 11 11 Northern Goshawk 0 3 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 1 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 0 145 147 Rough-legged Hawk 0 3 3 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 2 2 Merlin 0 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 1 1 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Total: 0 192 195 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (No count conducted today) Weather: Raptor Observations: Non-raptor Observations: ======================================================================== Report submitted by Phil Waggett () Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at: http://www.hwcn.org/link/niaghawk/ Site Description: The hawk migration at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). The counting is all done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a wooden floor. For wind protection on the cold days of March, a black plastic wind guard is installed around the tower’s platform. This platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than five or six observers would be on it. The site lies within a publically accessible property owned by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. The tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the outer edge. This provides lots of room to park vehicles (along the road) and set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to display the day’s observations for the public. The box enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records. Photos courtesy of John Stevens Directions to site: To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 72, follow Christie St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your car. Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized after the end of the season. © 2010 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: OFO Long Point Field Trip - 13 March 2010 From: "Jim Heslop" <heslop AT cogeco.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:37:02 -0500 Dear Ontbirders Today about 35 intrepid field naturalists braved the inclement weather to participate in the annual early spring OFO field trip to Long Point. Not one of whom can ever be called a "fair-weather" birder. Although the wind and rain made viewing a tad tough and kept the raptors grounded, we still managed, as a group, to view forty some-odd avian species. Maybe more importantly, we did see the "big three" advertised species .. . those being Tundra Swans both on Long Point Bay, in flight and on surrounding corn fields, at least four Bald Eagles in the same locales, (both adults and younger individuals) and, luckily, a pair of Sandhill Cranes in a field along Front Road just west of Hwy 59. New for the year for many included, a sizable flock of A. Coots, a number of Killdeer, several Eastern Bluebirds and robins. The wily Wild Turkeys managed to elude us this year but some fortunate individuals saw some on their drive down. Thank yous go to George Pond and Bob Stamp for co-leading the outing, George again for arranging and Birds Studies Canada for allowing us to use their Old Cut Field Station as a lunch room, what a godsend. Also to Diane Salter for arranging access to the St. Williams Forestry Station powder rooms and especially for allowing us to visit her well-stocked feeders in Walsingham which never fail to "produce" a few species we miss elsewhere. Last, but not least, thank you to Wendy Hunter for making the trek down to make available to folks OFO merchandise such as checklists, hats and sweatshirts. If you don't know all that is available, check the OFO website. Any way, we look forward to doing it all again next March, in bright sunshine . . . Bob and George guaranty it. Good birding Jim Heslop Ancaster heslop AT cogeco.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Tundra swans in Chatham-Kent From: "Carolyn Beacroft" <carolyn.beacroft AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:39:26 -0500 10 AM Saturday,March 13, 2010 500 Tundra swans and a few Canada geese in a field on the Rivard Line in Dover township in the region of Chatham-Kent. The Rivard Line is a paved road to the north of the St Clair NWA which is on Lake St Clair. The main city, about 20km away, is Chatham, Ontario Carolyn Beacroft Chatham, ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Greater Snow Geese - Cornwall From: Brian.Morin AT pc.gc.ca Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:38:48 -0500 I had my first flock last night at 7:40 p.m. flying over Cornwall. There were about 230 birds flying relatively low, heading east - easily counted in the city lights. Brian Morin Cornwall _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Suggested hybrid sparrow, Etobicoke From: Mark <scarbropengyou AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:20:51 -0800 (PST) Today was the first time I was able to see the sparrow after reading the comments sent to me by experienced observers and looking at many pictures of other White-throats. In light of these comments, most particularly those sent to me by Dr. Bruce Falls, and the pictures I viewed, I believe that I was mistaken in thinking it was a hybrid, and that it is actually a second-year tan-striped individual, unusual in the degree of coalescence of the breast streaking into a central spot. My thanks to all those who sent photos and detailed comments to me.   Mark Kubisz, Toronto, ON __________________________________________________________________ Get the name you've always wanted AT ymail.com or AT rocketmail.com! Go to http://ca.promos.yahoo.com/jacko/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, March 12th, 2010 From: "Cheryl Edgecombe" <cheryle29 AT cogeco.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:52:49 -0500 On Friday, March 12th, 2010, this is the HNC Birding Report: Tundra Swan Canvasback Harlequin Duck Pied-billed Grebe Red-necked Grebe Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Northern Goshawk Red-tailed Hawk Rough-legged Hawk Merlin Sandhill Crane Killdeer Glaucous Gull Northern Shrike Yellow-rumped Warbler Red-winged Blackbird Eastern Meadowlark Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird The start of spring migration has brought a sigh of relief to anxious birders in the Hamilton Study Area. This week brought in the first migrants of spring and the sounds that accompany it. One of the best sounds of early spring/late winter is the call of Tundra Swans as they migrate over the area. On Wednesday numerous reports of Tundra Swans were coming in from Dundas, Grimsby and Burlington. Several larger flocks were seen at and over the Dundas Hydro Ponds and moving up the Dundas Valley. As always the return of flocks of Blackbirds always seems exciting in the first days. Today was the first full day of Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles being seen in numbers. Over the next few days their presence will sink into the background and become commonplace but it is nice to see them return. Killdeer have also made their return with a few being seen on the lawn at Confederation Park today. Another great bird of spring, an Eastern Meadowlark was seen on Westover Road between 4th and 5th Concession West yesterday. At the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch at Beamer Conservation Area in Grimsby this week mostly Red-tails were moving through but there was a good Bald Eagle day on Wednesday with 7 adults being counted. Last weekend saw a couple of adult Northern Goshawks being seen and photographed. Other birds seen included Turkey Vulture, Rough-legged Hawk and Merlin. Down at LaSalle Marina over fifty Canvasbacks were counted today. A Pied-billed Grebe and a Lesser Black-backed Gull were birds noted here last weekend. Glaucous and Iceland Gulls continue to be seen on the bay. A Great Blue Heron flew past Canada Centre for Inland Waters today. A real treat this past week was the gathering of King Eiders at the end of Fifty Road. At last count, 21 of them, all first year males or females were seen on Tuesday at Fifty Road and off Fifty Point. A Red-necked Grebe was also seen from the end of Fifty Road last Sunday. In the odds and sods, 5 Sandhill Cranes were seen over Deer Run Court near Brantford. Harlequin Ducks continue to be seen at Port Credit along with the Yellow-rumped Warblers near the gazebo. Yellow-rumped Warblers were also seen behind the Dundas Arena. Flocks of Brown-headed Cowbirds continue to be seen in growing numbers in several places. A Merlin made an excellent yard bird at Britannia Ave. & Province St in Hamilton this morning. A Northern Shrike was seen at Confederation Park today and four individuals were seen at several locations in Saltfleet last weekend. I'm sure this report will grow again this week. Please continue to forward your sightings. Good Birding, Cheryl Edgecombe HNC Hotline 905-381-0329 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Hooded Merganser - Kingston From: otoole AT kos.net Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:51:17 -0500 On the way home today I came across 6 male Hodded Merganser's on Creekford Road about half ways between Highway 38 and Westbrook. There is a river at the bottom of the hill and they can be found on either side. See link for pic. http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4427939960_317c7fdcc6.jpg Directions: >From the 401 Highway, exit off the Highway 38 ramp, drive south to the second set of lights next to the Petro Canada station. Turn right and follow creekford road to the bottom of the hill. Paul O'Toole Kingston _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Whooping Crane Migration Is Underway From: Donald Davis <donald_davis AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:52:10 -0800 (PST) "The migration is underway! One crane from the Texas wintering ground has made the earliest departure on record, while one '09 chick has her own claim to migration fame. At least 27 older cranes in the Eastern flock are on the journey north. Meet a "Crane Extraordinaire" in our slideshow and test your skill at identifying whoopers in our photo quiz. How could it be useful for a crane to change its crown color?” See: http://www.learner.org/jnorth/crane/spring2010/Update031210.html As with past years, some individuals stray into Ontario, including ones from the eastern flock wearing transmitters and bands on their legs. Donald A. Davis, U.E. Life Member Ontario Nature Friends of Presqu'ile Park Member Toronto Entomologists' Association Willow Beach Field Naturalists Board of Directors Monarch Butterfly Fund _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Kingston area birds to March 12, 2010 From: <goodcompany AT sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:09:58 -0500 All the early harbingers of spring arrived this week. Am. Robins arrived in greater numbers and were singing in Barriefield, at RMC and in the city. A Red-winged Blackbird and a Killdeer were at Elginburg on Wednesday and by yesterday Common Grackles and Red-wings were all over the place. There was a Brown-headed Cowbird at Bedford Mills with the Red-wings yesterday. Bald Eagles were reported from Bedford Mills and Amherst Island and downtown Kingston had a Peregrine Falcon and 3 Merlins. Cooper's Hawks were seen at Bedford Mills on Monday and at Camden East on Thursday. A N. Goshawk was at Jones Falls yesterday. Six Short-eared and a Snowy Owl were on Amherst on Monday. The first local Turkey Vulture was at Watertown N.Y. (just southeast of Kingston) last Saturday. Waterfowl numbers continue to increase. Common Goldeneye predominate, especially along the Bath Road and off the south shore of Amherst Island but there are good numbers of Greater Scaup and Bufflehead as well. Last Saturday near the Lennox Generating Station a flock of about 200 Redheads contained a male Black Scoter and there was a raft of scaup at Waupoos numbering about 5000 birds. The Cataraqui River still has a few Mute and Tundra Swans, lots of puddle ducks and good numbers of Common Mergansers. Other sightings this past week include a N. Shrike at Westport on Friday, a Brown Creeper at Bedford Mills on Wednesday and a pair of Pine Siskins that have been frequenting an Elginburg feeder for the last couple of weeks. Cheers, Peter Good Kingston Field Naturalists 613 378-6605 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: TV, Tundra swans at Grand Bend From: Maris Apse <apsemaris AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:05:48 -0500 Hi all, After bottling our Red and White wine this afternoon, Penny and I drove 'around the block' to loook for swans. The first and by far the biggest flock(~600) was on the west side of Mollard Line south of the lagoons and South Rd. There were just 2 small groups of ~25 ea. on the south side of Greenway Rd and quite distant. Two flocks of 60 and 30 flew north as we watched these. There is virtually no open water and little exposed earth despite the warm temperatures of this week - we had a lot more snow here than areas to the south. As I was taking down some Xmas lights(first time I've been able to do so due to ice/snow) a flock of ~100 swans flew over the house from the lake followed by 30 and then 8 more. I'm waiting for more melt-water for other waterfowl to arrive. A single Turkey Vulture was cruising along the old Ausable channel directly behind our house this morning and I've had 2 Golden-crowned Kinglets at my brush piles for 2 days. Cheers! Maris Directions - Greenway Rd runs east off Hwy #21 ~5 km south of Grand Bend Mollard Line is first road east of Hwy #21, running south off CR #81. Maris Apse 10094 Red Pine Road, Box 22, RR #2 Grand Bend ON N0M 1T0 (519) 238 - 8415 _________________________________________________________________ Live connected with Messenger on your phone http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712958_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Rondeau Bay - Swans, ducks etc. From: carol parafenko <cmparafenko AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:08:48 -0500 Hello birders. Rondeau Bay was jammed full of rafts of ducks today, as far as the eye could see. With just a quick look without binocs (darn!) you could pick out merganser, scaup, pintail, canvasback, and bufflehead but I'm sure there were many more. Towards dusk hundreds of elegant tundra swans flew into the bay to spend the night on water. The trees were full of red winged blackbirds and grackles. I also saw four sandhill cranes and several killdeer. The best view is from the Erieau (west) side of the bay where the ice has cleared. The bay was still iced up from the east; I wouldn't try Rondeau P.P. for a few days. Just before you get into Erieau is a great little marsh and a large pond on Erlieau Rd. where I saw two birds at dusk that looked suspiciously like snipe. The best way to get to Erieau is to take Hwy. 401 to the next exit past Ridgetown, south to Talbot Trail (Hwy. 3) then west through Blenheim over to Erlieau Rd. which takes you straight into Erieau. Don't forget to look for hawks on the way. They are numerous. Carol Parafenko Guelph _________________________________________________________________ Stay in touch. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712959_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Algonquin Park Birding Update: 11 March 2010 From: Ron Tozer <rtozer AT vianet.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:39:33 -0500 Temperatures were above normal and most days were sunny this week. Snow cover was reduced and compacted, but there is still lots left. Crows arrived on March 6 and became widespread immediately. A European Starling was at the Visitor Centre today. These are the first migrants. At least one Boreal Chickadee among Black-capped Chickadees was noted about one kilometre north of the Costello Creek bridge on the Opeongo Road on March 8. Gray Jays were regularly seen along Opeongo Road. The large flock of American Goldfinches persists at the Visitor Centre feeders. There were seven Evening Grosbeaks at the Visitor Centre today, and several continue to be observed in Whitney near the junction of Ottawa and Second streets. THE VISITOR CENTRE WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM FROM MARCH 13 TO MARCH 21. We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON Directions: Algonquin 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. The Visitor Centre at km 43 has details on recent sightings, feeders, and park information. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the restaurant this winter, but not full meal service. Birder access to the Visitor Centre through the service entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on weekdays. Algonquin Park birding updates and information are also available at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (11 Mar 2010) 30 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 11 Mar 2010 23:03:36 -0400 Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 11, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 1 4 4 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 3 14 14 Northern Harrier 1 1 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 6 6 Cooper's Hawk 2 11 11 Northern Goshawk 0 3 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 1 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 22 145 147 Rough-legged Hawk 0 3 3 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 1 2 2 Merlin 0 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 1 1 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Total: 30 192 195 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Sandy Darling Observers: Bouwe Bergsma, Bruce Mackenzie, Dave Sked, Peter Booker, Tim King Visitors: Jason & Natalie, Karl Sonnenberg, Bouwe Bergsma, Peter Booker, Dave Sked, George & Jean Holland, Tim King, Jackson Hudecki, Chris Bell, Mr & Mrs Kreyewski, Bruce McKenzie. Weather: Clear day with wind from NE and temperatures from 3 to 9 C Raptor Observations: One Merlin seen at the point in addition to those counted Non-raptor Observations: Predictions: Rain is forecast ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sandy Darling () Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at: http://www.hwcn.org/link/niaghawk/ Site Description: The hawk migration at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). The counting is all done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a wooden floor. For wind protection on the cold days of March, a black plastic wind guard is installed around the tower’s platform. This platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than five or six observers would be on it. The site lies within a publically accessible property owned by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. The tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the outer edge. This provides lots of room to park vehicles (along the road) and set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to display the day’s observations for the public. The box enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records. Photos courtesy of John Stevens Directions to site: To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 72, follow Christie St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your car. Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized after the end of the season. © 2010 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending March 11, 2010. From: Fred Helleiner <fhelleiner AT trentu.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:08:56 -0500 Presqu'ile Provincial Park, like other parts of southern Ontario, has seen a rush of spring migrants this week, especially waterfowl, as the long-delayed southerly winds finally blew in. The first flocks of CANADA GEESE have been moving over the Park in the past two days, including, in the first flock, five SNOW GEESE, a record early date. That species is uncommon at Presqu'ile, but should be looked for among the migrating goose flocks, especially in the first weeks of the migration. Twenty TUNDRA SWANS flew in on March 10 and rested on Presqu'ile Bay. Two were still present today. Several species of ducks made their first appearances this week: WOOD DUCKS on March 9, AMERICAN WIGEONS on March 7, NORTHERN PINTAILS on March 8. Each of those has increased in number since first arriving. EURASIAN WIGEONS are rare but appear almost every year at Presqu'ile from mid-March onward. No loons or grebes have yet been reported, but both are expected soon. An AMERICAN KESTREL appeared on March 7. The oft-reported WILD TURKEY was seen twice in the past week. The first KILLDEER of the year was on the beach on March 11. No one has yet noticed any AMERICAN WOODCOCKS here but they have undoubtedly arrived. Two record-early BONAPARTE'S GULLS were in Presqu'ile Bay on March 8, and a GLAUCOUS GULL was there on the previous day. The most recent sighting of a SNOWY OWL was on March 5, but BARRED OWLS continue to be seen almost every day, including one that flew in and sat mere feet from an astonished observer. A NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL was photographed on March 7. Two of the resident PILEATED WOODPECKERS were found on March 7. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen on three consecutive days in two different parts of the Park. Two HORNED LARKS flew over on March 7. The wintering CAROLINA WREN appeared again at 83 Bayshore Road. A rather early EASTERN MEADOWLARK showed up today. Large numbers of migrating AMERICAN ROBINS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, and COMMON GRACKLES flew over the lighthouse this morning, augmenting the few that had arrived earlier in the week, along with a SONG SPARROW and a BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD. The 0ver-wintering WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at 83 Bayshore Road was still present this week. 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. -- -- Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road, Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0 VOICE: (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 ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch at Marathon (Thunder Bay Dist.) - update From: Michael Butler <thomas.ormond AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:29:48 -0500 The Gray-Crowned Rosy-Finch is being more frequently seen in a vacant lot, opposite the landfill site, on Penn Lake Rd E. in Marathon. I saw the bird at 4:30 pm, and several other local birders found it at the same location an hour later. It was keeping company with a pair of Snow Buntings. New photos, a short video clip, and a Google Map to the spot can be seen here: http://northshorenature.blogspot.com/2010/03/gray-crowned-rosy-finch-update.html The Town of Marathon is located off Hwy 17 (Trans-Canada) 250 km NW of Sault Ste. Marie or 280 km E of Thunder Bay. Michael Butler Marathon Ontario http://northshorenature.blogspot.com/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Bradford Area - Killdeer, Brown Creeper, etc. From: RON FLEMING <flemingron AT rogers.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:58:47 -0800 (PST) While cycling after work today I finally got my first Red-winged Blackbirds of the year just north of Hwy. 9 along the canal in the Holland Marsh.  A sweeter sound than that species' raucous call was a Brown Creeper singing from the swamp on the north side of the canal, west of Hwy. 400.  At 6:10 p.m. I had my first Killdeers of the spring, four of them together just west of the little bridge where Line 5 and 5th Sdrd. meet (west of Bradford, but east of Hwy. 27).    Ron Fleming, Newmarket   Bradford is north of Toronto, about halfway to Barrie. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Bald Eagle From: "Antony John" <johnfam AT quadro.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:32:52 -0500 Today (Thursday) at 3.00 pm I came across an adult Bald Eagle. It was flying south along the Thames River, where it crosses under Hwy #7. It's direction of flight may indicate that it has decided to set up territory here along the river. Antony John _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Sandhill cranes From: Saw-whet <press_on AT mac.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:15:44 -0500 Last evening about 7.00 pm a pair a Sandhill cranes flew over Pleasant View Mobile Home Park which is about 6 km north lindsay on Hwy 35. The birds were headed in a northwest direction. Robbie Robbie Preston 611 Rogers St. Unit 28 Peterborough,Ontario K9H 1X7 705-876-9571 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Unusually plumaged sparrow still present in Etobicoke From: Mark <scarbropengyou AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:57:34 -0800 (PST) The sparrow which I posted about a few days of which I suggested might be a White-throated Sparrow X Song Sparrow hybrid is still coming to the backyard of my father's house at 104 Hadrian Dr. Would someone with good camera equipment be willing to come there to take a photo of it in order to try to shed some more light on it (the video is not super-sharp)?   Mark Kubisz, Toronto, ON __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (10 Mar 2010) 25 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 10 Mar 2010 22:03:08 -0400 Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 10, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 3 3 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 0 11 11 Northern Harrier 0 0 0 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 6 6 Cooper's Hawk 0 9 9 Northern Goshawk 0 3 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 1 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 25 123 125 Rough-legged Hawk 0 3 3 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 1 1 Merlin 0 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 1 1 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Total: 25 162 165 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours Official Counter: Barry Cherriere Observers: Linda Cherriere Visitors: Several visitors throught the day were,Peter Booker, Tom Thomas, Eric Single,Dave Sked, Ian Peterson,and Stewart Laughton as well as some who's names I didn't get. Weather: The first three hours of the day were ladden with deep fog. We didn't see any amount of clearing skies until after 2:00 pm. Raptor Observations: Non-raptor Observations: In the last hour a group of 42 Tundra Swans came over. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Barry Cherriere () Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at: http://www.hwcn.org/link/niaghawk/ Site Description: The hawk migration at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). The counting is all done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a wooden floor. For wind protection on the cold days of March, a black plastic wind guard is installed around the tower’s platform. This platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than five or six observers would be on it. The site lies within a publically accessible property owned by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. The tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the outer edge. This provides lots of room to park vehicles (along the road) and set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to display the day’s observations for the public. The box enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records. Photos courtesy of John Stevens Directions to site: To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 72, follow Christie St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your car. Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized after the end of the season. © 2010 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Buntings and Blackbirds, Fenelon Falls From: "Dan Bone" <dan.bone AT xplornet.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:29:58 -0500 Changing of the Guard: We had 6 Snow Buntings at the feeder yesterday, down from over a hundred in February. Today, no buntings, but we had the first Red-winged Blackbird and Common Grackle. There is still a flock of Bohemian Waxwings around and about. Dan Bone, Bulmer's Road, Fenelon Falls Fenelon Falls is 25 kilometres north of Lindsay on County Road 121, City of Kawartha Lakes _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Tundra Swans- Spring Migrants-Monarch Landing-Port Burwell From: Aaron Allensen <bjbird9 AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:35:12 -0500 The birding began before dawn here at Monarch Landing as I could hear Tundra Swans off shore in the lake and flying overhead. Yesterdays numbers had been modest but steady. At first light I began to count flocks which passed all through the day. The largest and most numerous flocks were from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and again from about 4:00p.m. to dusk, all moving west to north-west. Throughout the day there were small flocks of redwings, robins and grackels. I counted 5 killdeer, an Eastern Meadowlark, and a single Eastern Phoebe. It is interesting to observe the blackbirds and robins each spring because at this mid-lake location the first waves of spring migrants will either be going east to west or west to east. This spring the largest numbers are going west to east, meaning the central continental birds beat the eastern continental birds. The numbers and frequency of blackbirds and robins continued to increase just before dark with large passages of several thousand blackbirds. It was hard to come in from outside as the temperature reached 16C here briefly in the sunshine and it was still quite warm at dusk. When I retreated inside after listening to a calling screech owl , my total Tundra swan count for the day amounted to 6,485 birds. Not my highest daily total at this location but quite a respectable passage. I anticipate Rondeau, Aylmer Wildlife area, and Huron park to have substantial numbers of Tundras for at least the next week. For all those like myself who observe the spring ritual of "Tundras in the Blue Sky" this should be your weekend. They are back in numbers! Good birding. Aaron Allensen Port Burwell is located at the southern terminus of hiway 19 at lake Erie. Take the Ingersol-Tillsonburg exit south at 401. _________________________________________________________________ Take your contacts everywhere http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712959_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: The "other" swans of Stratford From: "Antony John" <johnfam AT quadro.net> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:35:43 -0500 The first flock of Tundra swans flew north over Lake Victoria today at around 1.00 pm. Antony John _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: first Robin singing From: markus lise <lise.markus AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:05:23 -0500 I saw the first Robin perched up in a maple tree and singing his first song on my morning walk. Went for a drive through Presquile Provincial Park to see some of the sea ducks who are beginning to arrive on their migration journey and sighted two Pileated Woodpeckers pecking away at a dead tree. Directions: turn south off 401 on Mill St., Newcastle Markus Lise Newcastle, On. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: House Finch/Common Grackle From: "Bill/Nancy Logan" <bnlogan AT eagle.ca> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:54:53 -0500 This morning, the first House Finches and Common Grackles for 2010 arrived at our backyard feeders in Cobourg, ON. Bill Logan, Cobourg _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Correction - Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (09 Mar 2010) 57 Raptors From: Mike Street <mikestreet1 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:35:53 -0500 The numbers of Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks originally reported for Tuesday, March 9, were in error. There were actually 2 Rough-legs and 40 Red-tails. Our apologies for the mistake. Six of the seven Bald Eagles were adults. Mike -- Mike Street Ancaster, Ontario, Canada mikestreet1 AT gmail.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Sandhill Cranes between Cayuga and Dunnville From: "Herman van Barneveld" <hjvb AT kwic.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 22:19:22 -0500 This morning at around 7:45, in each of two fields I saw a pair of Sandhill Cranes along the South River road between Cayuga and Dunnville, East of the junction with South Cayuga Road (by house number 600). When I drove by this afternoon I didn't see them anymore. I'll keep them posted if I see them again. Herman van Barneveld "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (09 Mar 2010) 57 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 09 Mar 2010 21:03:26 -0400 Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 09, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 3 3 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 7 11 11 Northern Harrier 0 0 0 Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 6 6 Cooper's Hawk 2 9 9 Northern Goshawk 1 3 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 1 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 23 81 83 Rough-legged Hawk 19 20 20 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 1 1 Merlin 0 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 1 1 1 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 1 1 1 Total: 57 137 140 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Mike Street Observers: Bill Smith, David Weare, Tim King Visitors: Barb MeMahon Mike Mcguire John Black Kevin McLaughlin Bob Stamp Michael Sandal Bowe Bergsma Nelle Sinnige (Holland)Alf Senior Stephen Parr Cogeco TV Niagara Weather: Clear blue skies for most of the day. Warm with south-west winds. Raptor Observations: Local Cooper's Hawk dissplaying back and forth serveral times during the day. 7 Bald Eagles. Non-raptor Observations: Few Robins with Juncos and Tree Sparrows starting to sing along with Cardinals Chickadees Predictions: Tomorrow good chance of birds ahead of the rain. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Bill Smith () Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at: http://www.hwcn.org/link/niaghawk/ Site Description: The hawk migration at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). The counting is all done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a wooden floor. For wind protection on the cold days of March, a black plastic wind guard is installed around the tower’s platform. This platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than five or six observers would be on it. The site lies within a publically accessible property owned by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. The tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the outer edge. This provides lots of room to park vehicles (along the road) and set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to display the day’s observations for the public. The box enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records. Photos courtesy of John Stevens Directions to site: To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 72, follow Christie St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your car. Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized after the end of the season. © 2009 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: snowgeese in whitby From: <alan1woods AT bell.net> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 17:46:34 +0000 this morning at 11am on the eastern lakeshore at the foot of halls rd, doug lockrey and I saw 7 snowgeese inc 1 blue phase. halls rd is located betwwen lakeridge and brock st on victoria in whitby. regards alan _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Newmarket Raptors From: Sean Geddes <seangeddes AT savanta.ca> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 11:28:46 -0500 On my way home from Vaughan yesterday, I thought I would take the excellent directions Ron Fleming provided and look for the snowy owls in Holland Marsh area. On the way up Keele Street to Highway 9, a rough-legged hawk was spooked off a roadside fencepost and flew parallel to my vehicle for about 500 metres. North of Highway 9 and east of Highway 400, the Snowy Owls were in the same precise spots that Ron pointed out. One was in the middle of a field north of Woodchopper's Road and east of Jane Street, and the other was east of Aileen Ave between Edward Ave and Strawberry Lane. A bonus sighting was a third Snowy perched on a TV antennae on Keel Street just south of Kin Street. Got a very good look at her as the antennae was only about 10 m west of the road. All of these locations can be accessed quite easily by taking Keele Street or Jane Street north of Highway 9 to the west of Newmarket. Sean Geddes _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch in Marathon (Thunder Bay Dist). From: Michael Butler <thomas.ormond AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 21:19:51 -0500 A Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, in the company of three Snow Buntings, was re-sighted today (March 8) in a weedy vacant lot on Penn Lake Road East in the Town of Marathon (precise spot: 48.72429, -86.37399). The bird was also seen and photographed on February 12. Photos can be seen here: http://northshorenature.blogspot.com/2010/02/gray-crowned-rosy-finch.html It is possibly the same dark unidentified bird seen briefly on the wing (again in the company of three Snow Buntings) at the same spot during the Dec. 20 CBC. Anyone thinking of making the trip to see the bird should bear in mind the Rosy-Finch isn't attending a feeder and that efforts to find it between Feb 13 and March 7 were unsuccessful. Other birds of interest in the area include three Wilson's Snipe in a marshy seep in Marathon Harbour and an Eastern Towhee overwintering at a feeder in nearby Heron Bay. The Town of Marathon is located off Hwy 17 (Trans-Canada) 250 km NW of Sault Ste. Marie or 280 km E of Thunder Bay. Michael Butler Marathon Ontario http://northshorenature.blogspot.com/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Bald Eagles and Trumpeter Swans on the Grand River. From: "Paul FJ. Eagles" <eagles AT uwaterloo.ca> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 15:59:43 -0500 Folks, Today at 1:45 PM 4 BALD EAGLES were observed simultaneously along the Grand River at Glen Morris. Three were adults and 1 was an immature. At the same time 10 TRUMPETER SWANS were on the river just north of the Glen Morris high level bridge. They all appeared to be adults. There were also several BLACK DUCKS, MALLARDS, and many CANADA GEESE. Four male COMMON MERGANSERS looked in fine spring plumage. A local resident told me that he had 5 eagles at the same time nearby several days ago. Later in the day at the Tim Horton's Camp on Glen Morris Road there were 7 more TRUMPETER SWANS (4 adults and 3 immatures). There was also a KILLDEER at the pond near the entrance to the camp. Glen Morris is a village along the Grand River between Cambridge and Paris. The Tim Horton's Camp is east of the Village of Glen Morris along Glen Morris Road Paul F. J. Eagles, Branchton, Ontario. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: 2010 Grassland Bird Survey - Approaching Registration Deadline From: "Grassland Bird Survey" <gbs AT wildlifepreservation.ca> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 09:32:03 -0500 Dear Birders: Many of you have registered to volunteer for the 2010 Grassland Bird Survey and we are all looking forward to the arrival of our migrants this spring! As a reminder to those who would like to participate but have not yet registered, please note that the deadline for registration is set for March 19th 2010. If you haven't heard about our Grassland Bird Survey (GBS), here is some general information: The GBS is a joint effort between Wildlife Preservation Canada, Bird Studies Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Service. The main goal of the project is to locate Loggerhead Shrike and incidentally, a suite of grassland bird species in Ontario where habitat has been previously identified through associated recovery activities. The information gathered will provide a greater understanding of bird species composition and linkages in Ontario's remaining short-grasslands. The GBS will focus on grassland habitats in the key breeding areas of the Loggerhead Shrike which include the Carden, Napanee and Smiths Falls limestone plains, the area around Pembroke/Renfrew, Grey and Bruce Counties in the Bruce Peninsula and on Manitoulin Island. Depending upon interest and skill level, participants can choose to complete a survey of ALL grassland bird species or a SUBSET of species that are of special interest to the project and readily identifiable. If you are interested in participating in the GBS and would like more information, please feel free to contact me at Wildlife Preservation Canada by phone at 519-836-9314 or 1-800-956-6608 (toll free) or through email at gbs AT wildlifepreservation.ca. Thank you in advance for your support! Sincerely, Katherine Robbins Acting-Grassland Bird Survey Coordinator Wildlife Preservation Canada RR#5 5420 Highway 6 North, Guelph ON N1H 6J2 Tel: 519-836-9314 Fax: 519-836-8840 gbs AT wildlifepreservation.ca www.wildlifepreservation.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Presumed White-throated Sparrow X Song Sparrow hybrid, Etobicoke From: Mark <scarbropengyou AT yahoo.ca> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 05:11:23 -0800 (PST) Yesterday (March 7) I observed a Sparrow which I believe to be a hybrid between a White-throated Sparrow and a Song Sparrow. It has a white throat like a white-throated Sparrow, with the black malar markings typical of a Song Sparrow. It's head is striped in the pattern of a White-throated, but the striping is not quite right - the stripes flare out - and it is streaked below with a central breast spot. Please see the video of this bird at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn5ZFLO9Y9M. The best views of the bird are toward the end of the video. I welcome comments and opinions on this bird.   Mark Kubisz, Toronto, ON   __________________________________________________________________ The new Internet Explorer® 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snowy Owls- Holland Marsh- March 7 From: Siegmar Bodach <sigipatti AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:50:05 -0500 This afternoon we went out to check to see how many Snowy Owls if any were still lingering in the Holland Marsh area. In all we found 6 separate individuals. All were on the partially snow covered ground. All individuals were streaked with varying degrees of black. There were no pure whites (males). 2 were in the west Holland Marsh area very close to each other as described by Ron Fleming. The other 4 were found along the Ravenshoe Road area in southwest Keswick. 3 were sitting in the fields on the north side of the road not far from each other. The 4th was in the east side field on the south part of old Yonge St. that runs south from Ravenshoe Road. A lady birder reported a few minutes earlier 2 Snowy Owls along this part of old Yonge St. We also found 4 lingering Snow Buntings close to the road and farm buildings here as well 2 Horned Larks. In all we found 8 Horned Larks among the muddy partially snow covered fields and along the side of the roads. We also found 1 gray phase male Marsh Hawk in the fields west of Leslie St. south of Ravenshoe Road. Earliar today I saw my 1st Red-winged Blackbirds in our neighbourhood and I could hear a Robin. On Friday around 11am. I observed a small kettle of Red-tailed Hawks of at least 5 birds probably more moving west high in the clear sky at John Side Rd. and Bayview Ave. Good Birding, Sigi Bodach Aurora, ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Newmarket Area Birds From: RON FLEMING <flemingron AT rogers.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 15:03:08 -0800 (PST) Spring was definitely in the air on this glorious Sunday afternoon.  Unable to stay indoors, I did a circuit of the Newmarket area with my dog, Sam, to see what was out and about.  We stopped for a walk at the Cawthra Mulock reserve on Bathurst St. and had a Pileated Woodpecker, then we lucked into an unlucky Great Horned Owl trailing a smoke cloud of screaming crows as it flew just over the treetops.   In the nearby Holland Marsh we had very nice looks at two Snowy Owls, one on the east side of Aileen Street, the other on the east side of Jane Street (both of them sitting in the fields north of Woodchopper's Lane).  Whether these are the birds who wintered here or two others passing through I'm not sure.  Just west of Hwy. 400 an adult Cooper's Hawk was sitting in a tree in the front yard of a house on Canal Road.   With accipiters in mind, I checked on the White-crowned Sparrows that have wintered along Devald Road just south of Canal and found three of them amidst the flock of American Tree Sparrows they've kept company with over the last four months.  They were on the south side of the road, hiding among the weeds and old vehicles by the roadside west of Day Street.    Driving up to the Ravenshoe Road area in southwest Keswick I added numerous Horned Larks, several lingering Snow Buntings, two more Snowy Owls, and a light-morph Rough-legged Hawk - all along the muddy strip of Yonge Street that runs south from Ravenshoe. On a circuitous route home, I added three Wild Turkeys in a field west of Warden Avenue a few kms south of Davis Drive.    Ron Fleming, Newmarket   Newmarket is located in York Region, directly north of Toronto and south of Lake Simcoe. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: RE: King Eiders @ 50 Pt Road From: "Rick Thornton" <rickthor AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 12:34:08 -0500 Correction on the Harlequins. That should read Saddington Park in Port Credit, not Oakville. -----Original Message----- From: ontbirds-bounces AT hwcn.org [mailto:ontbirds-bounces AT hwcn.org] On Behalf Of Rick Thornton Sent: March-07-10 7:56 AM To: ontario birds Subject: [Ontbirds] King Eiders AT 50 Pt Road Yesterday noon, Nancy Smith and I had 11 King Eiders off the end of 50 Point Road in Grimsby. Just out about 100 yards, on a beautiful calm lake, were 6 females and 5 first year males. One of the males was beginning to develop a beautiful yellow bill... As well, the male Harlequin and two females were still at Saddington Park in Oakville, at the base of Mississauga road. They were just west of the park, along the paved trail. Watch out for dog poop, right Nancy?? Rick Thornton (Nancy Smith) Exeter (Vineland) _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org 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 ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: 2009/10 Ontario Winter List From: "Todd Pepper" <tandjpepper AT cogeco.ca> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 08:23:10 -0500 Hello Ontario Birders. I am a week late, but as most of you know "winter", for purposes of the winter birding season, ended on February 28, 2010 despite the prediction of Wiarton Willie. While some excellent species were seen and reported in Ontario between December 1, 2009 and February 28, 2010, including: Barnacle Goose; Yellow-billed Loon; Barn Owl; our dear departed Mr. P; and, Gray-crowned Rosy Finch we fell a little short of the past two winter birding seasons at 192 species. You will be able to view the final Ontario Winter List on Blake Maybank's website: http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/maybank/other/onwinter.htm as of tomorrow, March 8th. Thanks to Ontbirds Coordinator Mark Cranford for his assistance, to everyone who posted their sightings to Ontbirds, and for those who contacted me personally with your sightings. Spring is in the air with the calls of Killdeer and the first flocks of Red-winged Blackbird and Common Grackle arriving, so good spring birding to all. Todd Todd Pepper Leamington, Ontario tandjpepper AT cogeco.ca "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin" William Shakespeare _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: King Eiders @ 50 Pt Road From: "Rick Thornton" <rickthor AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 07:55:46 -0500 Yesterday noon, Nancy Smith and I had 11 King Eiders off the end of 50 Point Road in Grimsby. Just out about 100 yards, on a beautiful calm lake, were 6 females and 5 first year males. One of the males was beginning to develop a beautiful yellow bill... As well, the male Harlequin and two females were still at Saddington Park in Oakville, at the base of Mississauga road. They were just west of the park, along the paved trail. Watch out for dog poop, right Nancy?? Rick Thornton (Nancy Smith) Exeter (Vineland) _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Point Pelee Annual Bird Report -- Just Published From: Alan Wormington <wormington AT juno.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 18:56:45 -0500 This message has been approved by the OntBirds coordinator. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Annual Point Pelee Bird Report (for 2009) has recently been published. It appears in THE EGRET, official publication of the Essex County Field Naturalists' Club. The report is 9 pages long and includes 8 colour photographs. A free copy is available (in PDF format) by simply sending me an e-mail. Alan Wormington Leamington, Ontario ____________________________________________________________ Senior Assisted Living Put your loved ones in good hands with quality senior assisted living. Click now! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=vX4KSnv8pYv7qVDgIYLq7gAAJ1AVGRlcmqm-od2T3RAfAyrUAAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASUQAAAAA= _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Tundra Swans @ Port Burwell From: Joe Stephenson <joestephenson11 AT mac.com> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:56:32 -0500 Nine Tundra Swans flew over today at 4:20 pm flying westward over the mouth of Big Otter Creek - first here observed this season. Joe Stephenson, Port Burwell is at southern terminus of Hwy19/Plank Road south of Ingersoll/Tillsonburg _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (05 Mar 2010) 14 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 06 Mar 2010 15:03:16 -0400 Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 05, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 1 1 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 0 2 2 Northern Harrier 0 0 0 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 2 2 Cooper's Hawk 0 7 7 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 1 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 13 46 48 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 1 1 Merlin 0 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 14 60 63 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Bouwe Bergsma Observers: Barry Cherriere, Glenn Barnett, Tim King Visitors: Glenn Barnett Barry Cherriere Tim King Weather: Sunny 0 to 6 degrees Raptor Observations: 13 RT 1 SS Non-raptor Observations: ======================================================================== Report submitted by Bouwe Bergsma () Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at: http://www.hwcn.org/link/niaghawk/ Site Description: The hawk migration at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). The counting is all done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a wooden floor. For wind protection on the cold days of March, a black plastic wind guard is installed around the tower’s platform. This platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than five or six observers would be on it. The site lies within a publically accessible property owned by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. The tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the outer edge. This provides lots of room to park vehicles (along the road) and set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to display the day’s observations for the public. The box enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records. Photos courtesy of John Stevens Directions to site: To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 72, follow Christie St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your car. Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized after the end of the season. © 2009 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Osprey and Snowy Owls From: kevin.shackleton AT rogers.com Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 08:37:19 -0800 (PST) There was a lone Osprey circling over the Holland River west of the north end of Bathurst Street at about 8:00 a.m. today. There were three Snowy Owls in the Ravenshoe Flats, one on an antenna near a home on Ravenshoe and two on utility poles on Yonge Street south of Ravenshoe Road. There numerous Horned Larks and a flock of about 50 Snow Buntings near the south end of Yonge Street as it nears the marsh. Kevin Shackleton _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snowy Owl - Holland Marsh From: "Steven Price" <sprice AT wwfcanada.org> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:01:36 -0500 Snowy Owl seen at 9 am Saturday, March 6 on the ground in a snowy farmfield, some100 metres north of Woodchoppers Lane. Best viewed from #500 to avoid barking chained dog at #540, which is slightly closer to the owl. >From Hwy. 400, take Hwy. 9 west to South Canal Bank Road on north side. Turn right, travelling northeast back under Hwy. 400 to Wist Road, left/north to Woodchoppers Lane, right/east #500. Steven Price Senior Director Conservation Science and Practice WWF-Canada o - +1 416 484 7713 c - +1 647 400 9573 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Hamilton - Several King Eiders, All 3 Scoters, amongst others From: Lev Frid <lev.frid AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 22:15:42 -0500 Greetings Birders, Myself and Kyle Holloway, after trying this area unsuccessfully about ten times, have finally observed Kyle's lifer King Eiders at the end of Fifty Road, then got better views of them at the end of Winona Rd in Hamilton. There were eight or nine birds, difficult to precisely count as it was wavy. The birds were all in one raft, which was an incredible sight - the majority were adult females, but there were two first-year males with them. They were quite far off - a scope is a necessity. There were Surf (Some first-year males possibly confuse-able with first-year male King Eiders!), White-winged, and Black Scoters (only females) visible as well. The pair of Peregrine Falcons at the Burlington Lift Bridge gave good looks in full sun. At the Port Credit Harbor, we saw the long-staying Harlequin Ducks. Good birding! Lev Frid Maple, ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, March 5, 2010 From: "Cheryl Edgecombe" <cheryle29 AT cogeco.ca> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 20:49:31 -0500 On Friday, March 5th, 2010, this is the HNC Birding Report: American Wigeon Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Canvasback Redhead Greater Scaup Harlequin Duck Common Merganser Ruddy Duck Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Northern Harrier Sharp-shinned Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Merlin Iceland Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Glaucous Gull Great Horned Owl Short-eared Owl Horned Lark Eastern Bluebird Hermit Thrush Yellow-rumped Warbler Savannah Sparrow Lapland Longspur Snow Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Spring is due this weekend in the Hamilton Study Area. The turning of these north winds to a southerly flow promises the infiltration of early migrants into the area. The week has been fairly quiet otherwise with the end of the winter listing season last weekend. The Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch located at Beamer Memorial Conservation area in Grimsby has started its annual watch for migrating raptors as of March 1st. Although slow with these north winds, the watch recorded a Merlin, Bald Eagle, , several Red-tailed Hawks (possible migrants) and a Red-winged Blackbird this week. I expect this picture will change over the weekend with the southerly flow and the start of Eagle migration and Red-shoulders to follow. At LaSalle Marina on Wednesday, conditions were good for a bit of ice on the bay and a bit of open water. Iceland, Glaucous and Lesser Black-backed Gulls were of note. A young Bald Eagle sat on the ice toward Hamilton Harbour and ducks including American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, Redhead, Greater Scaup, Common Merganser and Ruddy Duck were noted. Around the east end of the lake the Harlequin Ducks are still present at Port Credit Harbour and the Yellow-rumped Warblers can still be found near the gazebo at the same location. A trip into north Oakville along the 8th Line north of Derry Road yielded Sharp-shinned Hawk, Horned Lark, Savannah Sparrow and Snow Buntings last weekend. In Flamborough on Fallsview Road just north and west of Dundas a mixed flock of Horned Lark, Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspurs are present. Eastern Bluebirds were seen near 455 Fallsview Ave. Not too far from here on Woodhill Road another mixed flock of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings were found with at least one Lapland Longspur in the bunch. In the odds and sods this week of interest was a dark morph Red-tailed Hawk seen on Britannia Road inbetween Bell School Line and Appleby Line. Northern Harriers were also seen in this vicinity. Short-eared Owls seem to be in abundance with several being seen at the traditional site of 10th Road east between Ridge and Green Mountain Road. Another roost seems to be set up with an estimated 20 being seen on Stoney Creek Road near Moore Road. A Great Horned Owl was seen today at the Valley Inn bridge over Plains Road. A nice end to the winter listing period last week was the discovery of a Hermit Thrush coming into suet at a feeder on 11th Concession East near Centre Road in Flamborough. Turkey Vultures continue to be seen over Brantford and Dundas this week. That's the news this week. Warmer temperatures will draw birds and birders out. Please let me know of your sightings! Good birding, Cheryl Edgecombe HNC Hotline 905-381-0329 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Tundra, Mute and Trumpeter Swans - Niagara From: <sabre AT sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 17:06:24 +0000 Please excuse the late posting. On Thursday Mar. 4, my friend and I birded along the Ontario side of the Niagara River from Fort Erie to Niagara on the Lake and also Jordan Harbour. Just south of the Peace Bridge were a number of RED BREASTED MERGANSERS, AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS and a few LONGTAILS. Along the river we found more RED BREASTED MERGANSERS and two TRUMPETER SWANS ( no visable tags or leg bands). Near Service Rd. 23 we came upon 18 TUNDRA SWANS( juvenile and adult) calmly feeding along the shore. There was also the occasional COMMON MERGANSER in the river. We detoured into Dufferin Islands above the falls where there were a number of somewhat tame MALLARDS including a black domestic one. There was also what appeared to be a hybrid MALLARD x ?. It seems to have paired up with a male MALLARD. This bird is larger than the male, has a white eye ring, white neck, orangey mottled chest and light breast. if anyone else has viewed this bird and can tell me what type of hybrid this is please contact me at my e-mail address. At Niagara on the Lake we found a few LONGTAILS and BLACK-BACKED GULLS. Nearing home we stopped at Jordan Harbour and in the Marina found 3 MUTE SWANS, COMMON MERGANSER and GOLDEN EYE. Barb Wright Beamsville,ON sabre AT sympatico.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Kingston area birds to March 5, 2010 From: <goodcompany AT sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 10:02:40 -0500 There were 3 Snowy Owls on Amherst this week; 2 on the KFN property and another near the firehall. The raptor survey is still finding Short-eared Owls to the east of Stella at dusk; 4 this week with one of them harassing a Red-tailed Hawk that chose to roost on a too-conspicuous fence post. Barred Owls were seen again at Lemoine Pt. and at the Queen's Biological Station and there was an E. Screech Owl in Cartwright's Point. Bald Eagles are still abundant north of the city; 13 at Lake Opinicon and another 3 near Devil Lake. A N. Goshawk was at Glenburnie on Sunday and yesterday a Cooper's Hawk spent much of the afternoon roosting on a beam at the open end of a barn south of Camden East. There's considerable open water but no great numbers of waterfowl as yet. Eighty Red-breasted Mergansers and about 60 Tundra Swans were on Wolfe on Tuesday and 4 Lesser Scaup were in the Cataraqui River on Monday. Canada Geese have started to move into cornfields north of the 401 now that most of the snow cover has gone. Numbers and variety of gulls have improved. Ring-billed are retuning in small numbers and the concentration of gulls on the Amherst ferry channel is considerable. Wednesday had 2 adult Glaucous and 3 Great Black-backed alongside hundreds of Herring. The Violet dump had 1 Glaucous and 1 Great Black-backed and the Lansdowne dump; 16 Great Black-backed, 1 Glaucous, 3 Iceland and a Lesser Black-backed. The Tufted Titmouse is still at Wilstead, a Bohemian Waxwing was seen in downtown Kingston last Saturday, a pair of N. Shrikes put on a show at Lemoine point on Monday and a lone male Purple Finch was singng at Camden East on Tuesday. Signs of spring are becoming more and more obvious; the sap has run very well the last few days and the crows, doves and woodpeckers are much more vocal. There were 30 Horned Larks on Wolfe and a Red-winged Blackbird on the Florida Road last Friday, an Am. Robin on a lawn in the west end of Kingston on Wednesday and a Song Sparrow at Camden East yesterday. Cheers, Peter Good Kingston Field Naturalists 613 378-6605 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Algonquin Park Birding Update: 4 March 2010 From: Ron Tozer <rtozer AT vianet.ca> Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:19:43 -0500 Beautiful spring-like weather often prevailed this week but in the almost total absence of open water or bare ground there was no indication of migrants on the Algonquin Highlands. That should change in the next few days with the arrival of the first American Crows. Gray Jays continued to be seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the Visitor Centre and Opeongo Road at the gate. Researchers had located at least 11 nests under construction by week's end The White-throated Sparrow at the Visitor Centre feeder all winter was last seen on February 25. Milder temperatures likely stimulated it to move elsewhere. What may be the last Pine Grosbeaks were two at the West Gate on February 27. In winters of low numbers like this, the first pulse of sustained warmer weather in late February or early March often coincides with their disappearance northward. The big flock of American Goldfinches persisted at the Visitor Centre feeders. Evening Grosbeaks are still present in Whitney, east of Algonquin. American Marten: one or two are fairly regular at the Visitor Centre feeders now and likely to be seen by anybody who stays for awhile. We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON Directions: Algonquin 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. The Visitor Centre at km 43 has details on recent sightings, feeders, and park information. It is open to the public on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the restaurant this winter on weekends, but not full meal service. Birder access to the Visitor Centre through the service entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on weekdays. Algonquin Park birding updates and information are also available at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending March 4, 2010. From: Fred Helleiner <fhelleiner AT trentu.ca> Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:42:47 -0500 Birding conditions are excellent at Presqu'ile Provincial Park these days, with open water in much of Presqu'ile Bay as far inland as the calf pasture. There are several vantage points along Bayshore Road from which concentrations of waterfowl may be observed with minimal disturbance to the birds. Judging from the long-range weather forecast, hundreds of new migrants should appear this weekend. The first GADWALLS of the spring arrived on March 1 and have been present ever since then. AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS and MALLARDS are also increasing in number and NORTHERN PINTAILS should be next. RING-NECKED DUCKS are being spotted daily. The most reliable location for finding WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS these days is immediately east of the Salt Point lighthouse. There have been no recent reports of BARROW'S GOLDENEYE, which is roughly consistent with their departure date in 2008 and 2009. Thousands of noisy RING-BILLED GULLS have re-occupied their breeding grounds on Gull Island. On the ice of Presqu'ile Bay, there have been sightings in the past week of ICELAND, LESSER BLACK-BACKED, and GLAUCOUS GULLS. A single SNOWY OWL sits on the ice of Presqu'ile Bay on most days, but today it could not be found there. Instead, it or another one like it was at Owen Point. BARRED OWLS remain a daily sighting in various parts of the Park and can be heard calling at night. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen along Bayshore Road. The elusive CAROLINA WREN that has appeared at various feeders periodically all winter was at 85 Bayshore Road today. The flock of SNOW BUNTINGS that has spent the winter at Gull Island has not yet left. The RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD on Bayshore Road will soon be joined by its conspecifics. On several recent days there was a HOUSE SPARROW visiting the feeder at 186 Bayshore Road. 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 after March 9 to prevent disturbance to the colonial nesting birds there. In the meantime, caution in crossing the short, ice-covered gap to Gull Island is advised. 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. -- -- Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road, Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0 VOICE: (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 ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (04 Mar 2010) 18 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 04 Mar 2010 19:03:40 -0400 Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 04, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 1 1 1 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 1 2 2 Northern Harrier 0 0 0 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 1 Cooper's Hawk 0 7 7 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 1 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 15 33 35 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 1 1 1 Merlin 0 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 18 46 49 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Sandy Darling Observers: Barry Cherriere, Bouwe Bergsma, Tim Foran Visitors: There were a few sporadic visitors in addition to recognized observers Weather: Bright sunny day with winds mainly from north and temperature ranging from -1 to +9 C Raptor Observations: First American Kestrel and Turkey Vulture of season. Local Red-tailed Hawks were very active around escarpment. Non-raptor Observations: 6 American Robins migrating, Red-bellied Woodpeckers heard, flight of 3 Common Mergansers ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sandy Darling () Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at: http://www.hwcn.org/link/niaghawk/ Site Description: The hawk migration at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). The counting is all done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a wooden floor. For wind protection on the cold days of March, a black plastic wind guard is installed around the tower’s platform. This platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than five or six observers would be on it. The site lies within a publically accessible property owned by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. The tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the outer edge. This provides lots of room to park vehicles (along the road) and set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to display the day’s observations for the public. The box enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records. Photos courtesy of John Stevens Directions to site: To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 72, follow Christie St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your car. Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized after the end of the season. © 2009 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (02 Mar 2010) 14 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 02 Mar 2010 22:03:07 -0400 Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 02, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 0 0 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 1 1 1 Northern Harrier 0 0 0 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 1 Cooper's Hawk 2 3 3 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 1 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 10 15 17 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 0 0 Merlin 0 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 14 21 24 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours Official Counter: Barry Cherriere Observers: Linda Cherriere Visitors: Stuart Laughton arrived about mid day and was there for our first Bald Eagle of the year. George Holland and Jean arrived near the close of the watch. Weather: Raptor Observations: The resident pair of Cooper's Hawks possibly arrived just today and were a delight to observe. An adult Bald Eagle, possibly our first of the migration, came over at 12:48pm. Non-raptor Observations: ======================================================================== Report submitted by Barry Cherriere () Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at: http://www.hwcn.org/link/niaghawk/ Site Description: The hawk migration at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). The counting is all done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a wooden floor. For wind protection on the cold days of March, a black plastic wind guard is installed around the tower’s platform. This platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than five or six observers would be on it. The site lies within a publically accessible property owned by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. The tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the outer edge. This provides lots of room to park vehicles (along the road) and set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to display the day’s observations for the public. The box enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records. Photos courtesy of John Stevens Directions to site: To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 72, follow Christie St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your car. Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized after the end of the season. © 2009 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snowy Owls in the Holland Marsh From: "Robert Hartley" <bob.mary.hartley AT sympatico.ca> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 22:32:27 -0500 We saw 2 male snowy owls today. The first was seen at 11:50 am from just north of 545 Wist Rd (just beside highway 400) Look east about 300 meters. It was sitting on a bare patch. The second was five minutes later on Woodchoppers Lane just west of number 581. Look north alone a small ditch. It was about 100 meters from the lane. We also saw a kestrel and horned larks. There was a northern shrike at 473 Little Britain Rd on our way to Omemee and home. Bob and Mary Hartley _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snowy Owls - Casselman/Ste Rose Eastern Ontario From: "Peter Campbell" <pagcampbell AT rogers.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 16:26:19 -0500 Hi Ontbirders, This morning Debbie Campbell and I drove to the Ste-Rose area and Moose Creek to see what was around. Between about 1130 AM and 2 PM we observed three Snowy Owls all on the ground in the vicinity of Conc 20, Conc 19 and Cty 3 west of the Ste-Rose road. We also saw one perched Rough-legged Hawk and on Conc 19 and the fields either side, a multitude of Snow Buntings with some Horned Larks. Peter Campbell Ottawa, Ontario Directions: Take highway 417 east of Ottawa to exit 58 (hwy 138 to Cornwall). For Ste-Rose area, turn left onto Cty 8 and take the first right onto Conc 20 then square search the conc roads. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Bohemian Waxwings | Nr Burritts Rapids From: "Dan McIntosh" <d.mcintosh AT computer.org> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 13:36:57 -0500 For the past three days (while photographing Otters), ~50 Bohemians have been observed near Burritts Rapids, on Paden Road where it crosses Brassils Creek. Some images here: http://www.pbase.com/mcindan/image/122450985 http://www.pbase.com/mcindan/image/122452063 http://www.pbase.com/mcindan/image/122453228 ..Dan See http://www.neilyworld.com/neilyworld/marlboro16.htm for directions. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Fw: correction re Palgrave buntings etc. From: "Geoff - Birds" <avocet AT rogers.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 10:59:06 -0500 addresses for buntings and larks should read 14684 and 14685 Hwy 50 which are across the street from each other - sorry for the confusion. G Geoff Carpentier www.avocetnatureservices.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Geoff - Birds" To: "OntBirds" Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 3:20 PM Subject: [Ontbirds] bohemians and harlequins etc. - March 2 Terrie Smith and I followed the trail left by others and found 12 Bohemian Waxwings in Palgrave at 14 Birch St. feeding on juniper berries in the front yard. We then headed south on Hwy 50 and at #14684 and #14865 Hwy 50 found a farmer spreading fresh manure on both sides of the road .. 300+ Snow Buntings and 4 Horned Larks enjoyed the feast. I suspect that in a couple of days, one might look for Longspurs here as well, although we couldn't find any today. At Port Credit, the Harlequins (male + 2 females) were well offshore to the west of the gazebo (foot of Hurontario St.) near the south edge of the rocky peninsula which is visible from the gazebo. One Yellow-rumped Warbler frolicked on the shore east of the gazebo and the Pied-billed Grebe was easily found with the Trumpeter Swans at the mouth of the Credit River. If you need directions, pls email me privately Geoff Carpentier www.avocetnatureservices.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org 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 ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Two small owl species calling, Merrickville, eastern Ontario 3/2/10 From: SLIMBIRD Gerard <gphillips AT istar.ca> Date: Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:02:32 -0500 At 9:10pm here in Merrickville, Eastern Ontario, as I stepped into the yard for a bit of fresh air, I was first surprised and/or greeted by the large orange moon that had just broken the eastern horizon to my left, and almost simultaneously by the distant "ksew" toots of an Northern Saw-Whet Owl to my right. This was followed about 30 seconds later by the distinctive low thrill of an Eastern Screech Owl to my right! The thrill was repeated twice before the Northern Saw-whet staring tooting again. The Eastern Screech Owl was certainly the first heard from the yard, or might be the first for the entire Merrickville/Burritt's Rapids area (this neck o' the woods), as far as I know?!? Good birding, Gerard Phillips Merrickville. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Lesser Black-backed Gull Lansdowne (Eastern Ontario) From: Paul Mackenzie <mackenzp AT queensu.ca> Date: Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:39:51 -0500 Hi all, Ottawa birders have a better dump, but near Kingston we see few Lesser BB Gulls. One adult Lesser BB Gull among maybe 300 gulls at Lansdowne dump this afternoon. Smaller than Greater BB, paler mantle, pale eye with dark smudges around eye, dirty yellow legs. Also 3 Iceland and 1 Glaucous, about 16 Greater BB and no Ring-billed Gulls. Directions: About two km west of Lansdowne on south side of county road 34. 401 nearest exit $ 659 Reynolds Road. The access is easy as there is a short muddy road just past the dump entrance along a field where gulls rest. Paul and /or Nittaya Mackenzie, Kingston, Canada. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: bohemians and harlequins etc. - March 2 From: "Geoff - Birds" <avocet AT rogers.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 15:20:07 -0500 Terrie Smith and I followed the trail left by others and found 12 Bohemian Waxwings in Palgrave at 14 Birch St. feeding on juniper berries in the front yard. We then headed south on Hwy 50 and at #14684 and #14865 Hwy 50 found a farmer spreading fresh manure on both sides of the road .. 300+ Snow Buntings and 4 Horned Larks enjoyed the feast. I suspect that in a couple of days, one might look for Longspurs here as well, although we couldn't find any today. At Port Credit, the Harlequins (male + 2 females) were well offshore to the west of the gazebo (foot of Hurontario St.) near the south edge of the rocky peninsula which is visible from the gazebo. One Yellow-rumped Warbler frolicked on the shore east of the gazebo and the Pied-billed Grebe was easily found with the Trumpeter Swans at the mouth of the Credit River. If you need directions, pls email me privately Geoff Carpentier www.avocetnatureservices.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: 2 adult bald eagles - Chatham-Kent From: "Melisse D." <upacreekwithapaddle AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 14:34:56 -0800 (PST) Hello everyone. At 5pm today I had two adult bald eagles, approximately one kilometre apart, along the 401. Both were cruising lazily north-east. Given their proximity, I am assuming they are a mated pair. Spring is coming! Directions - one eagle was observed at the Victoria Rd. cut-off (exit 109) along the 401. This bird was soaring very low and may have been looking to perch in the trees at this exit. The second was at the 108 km marker along the 401 and was just skimming the trees. Good luck. __________________________________________________________________ Make your browsing faster, safer, and easier with the new Internet Explorer® 8. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Cayuga to Hagersville to Nanticoke along various roads - Raptors, Owls, Buntings, Larks, Longspurs, etc. From: "Norman Murr" <normurr AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 20:55:03 -0500 Good Evening This morning Ian Cannell and I headed down to the Hagersville area ( South of Hamilton along Hwy 6 ) for some early morning birding and it looks as if there is Spring in the air despite the snow covered fields and some of the unpaved roads that are starting to get quite soft and muddy so watch out for the soft shoulders if you decide to bird the areas. The weather was not too cool but a little windy but we did come up with some fair numbers of birds which (the resident Owls aside) seem to indicate an increase in bird numbers compared to some of the latest posts. We did find 18 Eastern Screech Owls, dipped on Short-eared Owls but did well on Raptors. We found only 1 Northern Harrier but did find 2 Cooper's Hawks, 47 Red-tailed Hawks, 20 Rough-legged Hawks, 7 American Kestrels and 1 Merlin. We also found 175 American Crows, 223 Horned Larks, 250 Snow Buntings, 16 Lapland Longspurs (with Horned Larks) and 176 American Tree Sparrows. We started for home around noon along the QEW and Hwys 403 and 407 and along the way we added 45 more Red-tailed Hawks (for a days total of 92). 3 more American Kestrels (for a days total of 10), 1 Peregrine Falcon on the Burlington Skyway Bridge, 37 Wild Turkeys at Hwy 407 and Walker's Line and a Northern Shrike. Other birds seen were a singing Carolina Wren at Peacock Point, a Red-bellied Woodpecker on Concession 9 Walpole and many more common birds Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON "Sils mordent, mords les" _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area (01 Mar 2010) 6 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 01 Mar 2010 19:03:33 -0400 Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 01, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 0 0 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 0 0 0 Northern Harrier 0 0 0 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 0 Cooper's Hawk 0 0 0 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 1 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 5 5 7 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 0 0 Merlin 1 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 6 6 9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours Official Counter: Mike Street Observers: Bill Smith, Tom Thomas Visitors: Barry and Linda Cherriere Sanda Horvath Brain Hawthorne Tom Thomas Glenn Barnett Weather: Over cast for the morning to almost cloudless in the afternoon. Raptor Observations: Merlin flew by flying east at 3:10 Non-raptor Observations: Robins 1 Red-winged Blackbird Red-billied Woodpecker and lots of Am. Crows ======================================================================== Report submitted by Bill Smith () Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at: http://www.hwcn.org/link/niaghawk/ Site Description: The hawk migration at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). The counting is all done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a wooden floor. For wind protection on the cold days of March, a black plastic wind guard is installed around the tower’s platform. This platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than five or six observers would be on it. The site lies within a publically accessible property owned by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. The tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the outer edge. This provides lots of room to park vehicles (along the road) and set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to display the day’s observations for the public. The box enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records. Photos courtesy of John Stevens Directions to site: To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 72, follow Christie St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your car. Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized after the end of the season. © 2009 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Varied Thrush still at Cold Creek Conservation Area - King Township From: "Geoff Simpson" <birds AT e-confidence.net> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 13:34:38 -0500 March is here, and the Varied Thrush is still resident at Cold Creek Conservation Area in King Township. He’s still a little skittish, but does come our regularly to feed on the “corn on the logs”. Favoured spots are the hedgerow on either side of the driveway before the split, and under the five Spruce trees on the right. Have patience, and he should reward you with a great view. (image link & directions: http://e-confidence.net/vathccca/ ) Cold Creek Conservation Area is located on the 11th Concession, between the 15th and 16th Sideroads. From the South, take HWY #27 North to King Road (Nobleton). Turn left on King Road and drive for 4 km to the 11th Concession (look for the sign for YMCA Cedar Glen Camp) and turn right (North). Cold Creek Conservation Area is about 3.5 km on the right, with a large sign out front. Park on the side of the road into Cold Creek. The first (and only) driveway on the right is to my house. Walk down the driveway, and try to keep back from where it splits. Happy Birding. Geoff Simpson _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/