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10 Feb Ross's Goose, Fish Crows,
Gulls & King Eider - Fri Feb 10/12 [Frank Pinilla ] 10 Feb Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, Feb 10th, 2012 ["Cheryl Edgecombe" ] 10 Feb Kanata: Gray Partridge, Bohemain Waxwings, Northern Shrike [Bruce Di Labio ] 10 Feb Boardwalk Plaza Gulls - Kitchener/Waterloo (7 species) [Peeter Musta ] 10 Feb Kingston Area Birds for the Period Feb 3 to Feb 9, 2012 [Mark Conboy ] 10 Feb Ottawa/Gatineau - 9 February 2012 - recent reports [bob cermak ] 10 Feb OFO News February Issue ["Roy John" ] 10 Feb Correction: Algonquin Park Birding Report: 9 February 2012 [Ron Tozer ] 09 Feb Algonquin Park Birding Report: 9 February 2012 [Ron Tozer ] 9 Feb Turkey Vulture, Scarborough [Mark ] 09 Feb Andrew Jano ["Mark Cranford \[Ontbirds\]" ] 9 Feb Niagara River birds - February 9, 2012 [Josh Vandermeulen ] 9 Feb White-throated Sparrow, Ottawa [Don Wigle ] 09 Feb Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending February 9, 2012. [Fred Helleiner ] 9 Feb Fish Crows at Fort Erie [Xavier Fazio ] 9 Feb Snowy owls near Bradford/Holland Marsh [Hendrik Hart ] 9 Feb Tundra Swans at Hagersville [Richard Hardman ] 9 Feb Harris's Sparrow in Deep River [] 8 Feb Carolina Wren in Britannia Woods [Jon Ruddy ] 8 Feb Ross's Goose - Professor'​​​s Lake Brampton [Robert Maciver ] 8 Feb King Eider, St. Catharines ["Astrid Akkerman" ] 8 Feb Bohemian Waxwings - Ottawa east [Kin Lau ] 8 Feb Fish Crows, Black Vultures, Niagara [George Bryant ] 8 Feb Bohemian Waxwings (Ottawa) [Roger Clark ] 07 Feb Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge - Update Tuesday night [The Sinclairs ] 07 Feb Greater White-fronted Geese at Aylmer Wildlife Management Area [Dave Martin ] 7 Feb Ross's Goose - Professor's Lake - Brampton [Jim Dixon ] 06 Feb Band-tailed Pigeon - Update Monday night [The Sinclairs ] 06 Feb Greater White-fronted Goose Still at Presqu'ile. [Fred Helleiner ] 6 Feb Access [Craig Hurst ] 6 Feb Snowy Owl [Jon Ruddy ] 6 Feb Mountain Bluebird in Puslinch [George Naylor ] 06 Feb Fish Crows [DB ] 6 Feb Re: Turkey Vulture, Hwy 401 exit 218 - Apology [Paul & Anna-Marie Smith ] 6 Feb Re: Turkey Vulture, Hwy 401 exit 218 [Paul & Anna-Marie Smith ] 6 Feb Re: KING EIDER, Bayfront Park, Hamilton-YES [Peter Scholtens ] 6 Feb Turkey Vulture, Hwy 401 exit 218 [Sarah Richer ] 6 Feb Ross' Goose - Professor's Lake, Brampton [Andrew Keaveney ] 6 Feb KING EIDER, Bayfront Park, Hamilton-YES, Snowy Owl-Vineland- No [Len M ] 6 Feb Fw: King Eider Bayfront Park Hamilton ["Barbara Charlton" ] 06 Feb Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge UPDATE Monday [The Sinclairs ] 6 Feb Boreal Owl - Kitchener [Peeter Musta ] 05 Feb Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge UPDATE Sunday night [The Sinclairs ] 6 Feb Pinesiskin in Eagle, Ontario [Joanne Reive ] 05 Feb Re: Haldimand Winter Hawks and Owls Trip: see also OFO Trip Feb. 25 [A & K Williams ] 05 Feb Winter Hawk and Owl Scouting a bust for nest Saturday's H.N.C. trip in Haldimand... [A & K Williams ] 5 Feb Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, etc. at Algonquin and Band-tailed Pigeon near Bracebridge [Norm Murr ] 5 Feb Mew Gull (?) at Sir Adam Beck, Queenston. [Mark Ansell ] 5 Feb Fish Crows, Black-headed Gull Fort Erie Yes ["Andrew Don" ] 5 Feb Mountain Bluebird Golden Eagles Snowy Owl nr Shetland ["Pete and Sue" ] 5 Feb King Eider, Bayfront Park, No [Len M ] 05 Feb Greater White-fronted Goose at Presqu'ile Still (Again?) [Fred Helleiner ] 5 Feb Peregrine Falcon at Stratford Train Station [Ken Walton ] 5 Feb Turkey Vulture, newtonville road. [Paul Riss Home ] 5 Feb White-winged Crossbills - Stratford [Steve Thorpe ] 05 Feb Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge UPDATE [The Sinclairs ] 05 Feb Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge UPDATE [The Sinclairs ] 5 Feb King eider Common Loon Bayfront Park Hamilton [Mark Peck ] 4 Feb Bob Beal - King Eider - Port Weller ["Bob Beal" ] 4 Feb Bob Beal - King Eider - Port Weller ["Bob Beal" ] 04 Feb Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge - Update [The Sinclairs ] 4 Feb Red Crossbill type 3 Eardley-Masham Road QC [mark gawn ] 4 Feb Snowy Owl in Jordan--Vineland [Jean Hampson ] 4 Feb Re: Fort Erie fish crows [Marcia Jacklin ] 04 Feb Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge [The Sinclairs ] 4 Feb SS Hawk behaviour [SHEILA BOWSLAUGH ] 4 Feb Ross's Goose - Professor's Lake Brampton [Bob Noble ] 04 Feb Have a question? Try eBird ["Mark Cranford [Ontbirds]" ] 4 Feb King Eider - Port Weller ["Bob Beal" ] 04 Feb Snowy owl at landsdowne and st.clair Toronto ["Mark Cranford \[Ontbirds\]" ] 3 Feb Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report, Friday, February 3rd, 2012 ["Cheryl Edgecombe" ] 3 Feb Purple Finches in Gowganda..Temiskaming Dist. North ["Paul and Gert Trudel" ] 3 Feb Snowy Owl-Vineland ["Nancy Smith" ] 3 Feb Cooper's Hawk, Ottawa [Don Wigle ] 3 Feb Fish Crows in Fort Erie ["Dr. Gordon Payne" ] 03 Feb Greater White-fronted Goose @ Presqu'ile. [Fred Helleiner ] Subject: Ross's Goose, Fish Crows, Gulls & King Eider - Fri Feb 10/12 From: Frank Pinilla <fpinilla15 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:42:02 -0500 Ontbirds Subscribers, I took a day off work to do some bird chasing around the southern Ontario area. Beginning at Professor's Lake in Brampton at about 7:20am, I immediately found the Ross's Goose preening & bathing itself surrounded by hundreds of Canada Geese. Most of the east end of the lake is open and the bird was close to the north-east edge, as I approached it got up on the ice to roost for a while - got some decent pictures. Also here were 2 Trumpeter Swans at the south edge as well as an American Coot close to shore at the east end of the lake. Incidentally, there were many smaller Canada Geese but none small enough (or bill stubby enough) to turn into a Cackling Goose. On to Puslinch to search for the long-staying female Mountain Bluebird - dipped on this one. I was in the area from about 8:30am till 10:15 with no luck, the day was grey and windy and I imagine the bird is around but hunkered down while I was there - I walked back and forth from the west side of Long Lane Farm to 911 # 7373 at least 5 times, not much else around either (did hear a Horned Lark passing over but never saw it). At the QEW & Hwy 405 I saw 2 Turkey Vultures soaring but couldn't stop to search for Black Vulture as Fish Crow was on the agenda! Next stop, Fort Erie, arriving at the west end of Bowen Road at the Rio Vista Golf Course, I immediately saw a sizeable flock of Crows down the dirt path that parallels the north fence of the golf course, as I walked down several crows flew over with one being a Fish Crow (noticeably smaller in flight, and it called it's nasal, higher-pitched cah-cah) - great start - also here was a Great Blue Heron that I must have flushed (flew out of the forest next to the path). I stayed around the area for about an hour longer walking & driving around the neighbourhood and had at least 3, possibly 4 Fish Crows (1 had the white-based primaries noted in other reports). As I was about to leave, 2 Fish Crows were interacting on the golf course just inside the fence by the course parking lot, they were next to an American Crow - a great study in size difference (legs shorter, bill a little more slight, head seemed a bit rounder). Also, in flight, you can see the difference and the speed of wing flap. At the east end of Bowen by the river I searched for a while for the Kittiwake & Black-headed Gull on the American side but to no avail, only lots of Bonaparte's Gulls. Off down the Niagara Parkway following the river, I had 2 separate flocks of Tundra Swans (13 & 30), as well as Canvasback, Redhead, Lesser & Greater Scaup, Bufflehead amongst other waterfowl. I stopped in at Chippawa to try for Tufted Titmouse at Thomas & Peter Streets, no luck after about 30 minutes, though I did have 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers coming to the feeders at the end of Thomas. At the Control Gates on the Niagara River above the falls I had 1 adult Little Gull, 1 adult Thayer's Gull (on the cement break-wall) and 30 Great Black-backed Gulls, with the hundreds of Herring, Ring-billed & Bonaparte's Gulls - most of the roosting birds on the rocks were facing directly at me so it was tough to scan here. Added 1 adult & 1 imm. Lesser Black-backed Gull at the Electrical Plant just above the falls (where the barge is), was hoping to find Harlequin Duck here but another miss. At Adam Beck power plant I stayed for at least an hour searching in vain for the California Gull, I did have 1 adult Thayer's Gull, and at least 8 Iceland Gulls of varying ages but NO Glaucous Gulls. At Queenston Boat Ramp I had 2 adult Little Gulls downstream along with hundreds of Bonaparte's Gulls, searched the sky a bit for Black or Turkey Vultures but it was getting late, windy & snow was starting. Last stop, Port Weller ship canal. As you walk down the path that runs left from the gate on Seaway Haulage Rd, at the first spot to view the canal, look across to the other side - first bird I saw was the stunning adult male King Eider - best viewed with a scope as it is quite a distance to the other side of the canal. This was at about 5:15pm in increasing snow flurries, the bird was associating with Common Mergansers, also here was 1 Canvasback and about 20 Double-crested Cormorants. All in all a good day of chasing! Good birding, Frank Pinilla Richmond Hill, ON DIRECTIONS: Professor's Lake, Brampton - from the corner of Torbram & Bovaird, head south on Torbram to the first lights at Prospect Gate, turn west here and then right on Philosopher's Trail, park where the park entrance is to the lake on the left. There is also an entrance off a small court called Peggy Ann Cove, the bird was actually right by the base of this entrance. Puslinch - from Hwy 401 exit at Hwy 6 South and go about 1.5km to Leslie Rd W, turn right/west here, this road turns into Concession 1, the area for the bird is about 1.5km along where you will see Long Lane Farm - the bird has been reported from just west of this farm lane and from east as well. Rio Vista Golf Course/Bowen Road, Fort Erie - from the QEW you can exit at Bowen Road (exit #7), and head east, it ends at Thompson Road, follow signs to the golf course (the road turns left and goes under the railroad tracks), this then turns into Phipps Street, follow along for a couple of km's and turn left on Crooks St where it ends at Bowen (Bowen breaks between the QEW and here). Chippawa feeders - taking Niagara Parkway north toward the falls, it goes over a bridge in the town of Chippawa, just over the bridge is a Tim Horton's and just passed this is Chippawa Parkway, turn left here and follow to either Peter Street or Thomas Street, they join at the end, the feeders are at the last house on Thomas. Control Gates, Electrical Building, and Adam Beck Generating Station are all along the Niagara Parkway. Queenston Boat Launch is found in Queenston at the bottom of the escarpment, turn off the Niagara Parkway at Dumfries Street, continue down here and you will find signs to the boat launch. Port Weller ship canal - from the QEW take Niagara Street (or any of the major northbound roads in St Catharines) north toward Lake Ontario, it will join Lakeshore Road, turn right and after passing over the canal, turn left at Seaway Haulage Road (sign is pretty small), follow to the end where it turns into a dirt road and there is a yellow gate, walking trail is beyond this gate - smaller trail to the left is where I went and at the first spot to see the canal, look from here. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, Feb 10th, 2012 From: "Cheryl Edgecombe" <cheryle29 AT cogeco.ca> Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:10:54 -0500 On Friday, Feb 10th, 2012, this is the HNC Birding report: MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD Cackling Goose Tundra Swan Wood Dcuk American Wigeon King Eider Ruffed Grouse Wild Turkey Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Horned Grebe Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Lesser Black-backed Gull Eastern Screech Owl Barred Owl Long-eared Owl Short-eared Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl Northern Shrike Chipping Sparrow Purple Finch White-winged Crossbill Pine Siskin It's a quiet week here in the Hamilton Study area but typical for mid-February. Some good birds are still lurking about and many an opportunity still exists for getting birds on the winter list. The female MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD is still present on Concession 1 west of Hwy 6 in Puslinch. The bird was seen and photographed earlier in the week and has been present since the beginning of January. The hotspot of the winter, Bayfront Park, continues to turn up birds. This week an immature male King Eider, Common Loon and Horned Grebe (seen off the Leander Boat Club) were the highlights. Turkey Vulture sightings were on the increase this week with 7 being seen in Brantford at the 403 and Garden Road. Individual sightings came from Hwy 5 near Woodhill where up to 3 were seen this week. A juvenile Bald Eagle was seen on Concession 5W near Lynden Road. Owls are also in the news as well this week. Eastern Screech Owls were heard and seen on 8th Concession West just west of Westover Road. A Barred Owl was photographed in the Wild Goose Woods at the Guelph Arboretum last Sunday, further attempts to relocate have come up short. Short-eared Owls were seen on 10th Road and 11th Road East up in Saltfleet and in Bronte Creek Provincial Park West, Long-eared Owls and two Northern Saw-whet Owls were seen mid-week. In the odds and sods this week, Tundra Swans were reported over Grimsby near Fifty Point Conservation Area and another flock over Dundurn and Aberdeen in Hamilton, unusual for this time of year but with the weather being so mild possibly a movement north. Wood Duck and American Wigeon were seen at the Desjardins Canal in Dundas. A Pied-billed Grebe is a winter resident here. Another American Wigeon was photographed at LaSalle Marina. Ruffed Grouse are coming to a feeder north of Concession 8th West on Westover Road. They have been seen through the week. A female King Eider was seen off Fifty Point mid-week. A Cackling Goose was part of a larger group of Canada's on the main pond at Fifty Point C.A. on Wednesday and Thursday. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen near Neare Island off Eastport Drive. Northern Shrike was reported from 10th Road East in Saltfleet and the Guelph Arboretum. A Chipping Sparrow was photographed at Woodland Cemetery, possibly the same bird that was coming to seed at the Valley Inn. Purple Finch were reported from Patterson Tract located on 4th Concession West west of Woodhill. A small flock of White-winged Crossbills and Pine Siskins were seen in the west Dundas Valley today. That's the news this week. Tonights snow fall might be good to drive birds into feeders. Please report your sightings. Cheers, Cheryl Edgecombe _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Kanata: Gray Partridge, Bohemain Waxwings, Northern Shrike From: Bruce Di Labio <bruce.dilabio AT sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:27:49 -0500 Hi Ontbirders This afternoon around 2:00p.m. I observed 9 Gray Partridge near the corner Terry Fox Drive and Campeau Drive. The partridge were feeding beside the Staples store where there is exposed grass along the buildings foundation on the west side. I also observed a couple of flocks of Bohemian Waxwing 50 and 30 along Kanata Ave near Campeau Drive. There was 1 Northern Shrike near the corner of Richardson Side Road and Huntmar Drive. This is the 10th shrike I've observed in the past week in eastern Ontario. Directions: This area is north of the Maple Grove Road GRPA site and bordered by Huntmar Road,, Richardson Side Road, Terry Fox Drive and Hwy. 417. Good Birding, Bruce Di Labio Birding Website Courses and Field Trips http://www.dilabiobirding.ca http://www.brucedilabio.blogspot.com Bruce Di Labio 400 Donald B. Munro Drive P.O. Box 538 Carp, Ontario K0A 1L0 Office 613-839-4395 Cell 613-715-2571 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Boardwalk Plaza Gulls - Kitchener/Waterloo (7 species) From: Peeter Musta <mustape AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:57:13 +0000 Boardwalk Plaza Fountain, Waterloo, CA-ON Feb 10, 2012 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Protocol: Traveling 0.25 kilometer(s) Comments: Large gathering of gulls (more than i have seen all winter) by the fountain and surrounding dirt fields, with many more flying over the municipal dump. Many appear to be recent arrivals, including significant increase in Ring-billed Gulls. Estimate 700 gulls in total. 7 species (+1 other taxa) Ring-billed Gull 24 Herring Gull 200 Thayer's Gull 1 Appeared to be adult Thayer's Gull, dark eye, dark pink legs, very dark markings on primraies, only a shade lighter than surrounding Herring gulls in alternate plumage. Well photographed. Iceland Gull 24 Very good numbers today, many provided close views and were well documented. Primarily younger birds, estimate 20 (1st cycle Kumlien's), with at least 2 intermediate, and 2 adult. Likely many more in the large cloud of gulls over the dump. Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 Point blank views of adult approaching breeding plumage (well photographed), also close views of 1st cycle bird. Not a surprising number, as i have had lesser black-backed gulls quite consistently since October (though i am now trying to add daily observations to Ebird). Glaucous Gull 18 Good number of birds visible today, primarily 1st cycle birds, with at least 2 second cycle and 3 adults. Great Black-backed Gull 36 Good numbers visible resting today. More 1st cycle birds than i have seen all winter. Several intermediate birds which i had not seen previously. Larus sp. 395 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org) Directions: Boardwalk Plaza fountain is located west of the traffic circle at University and Ira Needles Blvd in Kitchener/Waterloo, ON. Photos will be added to the end of the gallery here: http://mustap.smugmug.com/Nature/Birding-in-Ontario/WaterlooDump/11045791_NVtdpr#!i=1705399690 Cheers, Peeter _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Kingston Area Birds for the Period Feb 3 to Feb 9, 2012 From: Mark Conboy <mconboy AT lakeheadu.ca> Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:02:39 -0500 There were two unusual reports this week. A hybrid GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE X CANADA GOOSE (Wolfe Island) was unusual for its novelty; the other was unusual for the time of year: a RUDDY DUCK (Amherstview). Otherwise the bulk of sightings below were made up of the more usual waterbirds, raptors and lingering warm weather species. HORNED LARKS are beginning to move back into the region heralding the beginning of a long and painful wait for spring. Winter finch numbers remain very poor. City of Kingston Cataraqui Bay (aka Elevator Bay) and the Invista Lagoons are still supporting good numbers of waterbirds including over 350 GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, RING-NECKED DUCK, both SCAUP, REDHEAD, CANVASBACK, COMMON GOLDENEYE, COMMON MERGANSER, HOODED MERGANSER, AMERICAN COOT, GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL and 1 BELTED KINGFISHER. GADWALL and COMMON MERGANSER were the only waterfowl reported on the lakeshore off the Royal Military College this past week. A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen on the ice from the Causeway across the Cataraqui River. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was at Lemoine Point Conservation Area. Amherst Island Reports this week included 1 SNOW GOOSE, MUTE SWAN, 6 TUNDRA SWANS, GADWALL, AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, both SCAUPS, REDHEAD, LONG-TAILED DUCK, BUFFLEHEAD, 800 COMMON GOLDENEYES, all three MERGANSERS, 7 COMMON LOONS, 3 HORNED GREBES, 5 SNOWY OWLS, 1 BALD EAGLE, 10 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 25 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 4 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 19 SHORT-EARED OWLS, 1 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 2 NORTHERN SHRIKES, 3 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 100 AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 BROWN CREEPER, HORNED LARK and SNOW BUNTING. Bedford Mills The RUSTY BLACKBIRD and FIELD SPARROW continue to visit a feeder on Hardwood Lane. Up to 8 TRUMPETER SWANS can be seen at Bedford Mills on occasion. Opinicon Road Up to 12 TUMPETER SWANS can be seen at Chaffey’s Lock fairly regularly. The only other waterfowl to be reported from Chaffey’s lately are 6 CANADA GEESE. BALD EAGLES remain a common sight on Lake Opinicon with 7 scavenging on carrion at once on the 4th. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was being harassed by 4 COMMON RAVENS over Poole Lake at Queen’s University Biological Station (QUBS). Also at QUBS were 2 BARRED OWLS, BROWN CREEPER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 62 COMMON REDPOLLS (briefly) and a lingering hardy SONG SPARROW. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was watching a bird feeder for potential prey on the outskirts of Chaffey’s Lock. One PINE SISKIN was at the lock station. Violet Dump Among the nearly 1000 HERRING GULLS were 40 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS, 3 ICELAND GULLS and 1 GLAUCOUS GULL. Ten CEDAR WAXWINGS were also reported there. Wolfe Island A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE X CANADA GOOSE HYBRID was among the most notable birds reported this past week. Other waterbirds included 18 MUTE SWANS, 80 TUNDRA SWANS, COMMON GOLDENEYE, COMMOM MERGANSER and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. At least 9 SNOWY OWLS still remain on almost snow-free Wolfe Island. Other raptors reported from the island this week include 1 COOPER’S HAWK, 1 MERLIN, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 8 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 8 NORTHERN HARRIERS and 3 BALD EAGLES. There was 1 COMMON LOON off the south shore and a handful of NORTHERN SHRIKES are scattered across the island. There were also 20 SNOW BUNTINGS and AMERICAN ROBIN reported. Other Sightings A male RUDDY DUCK was reported diving off Fairview Park in Amherstview. This species is practically unheard of here in winter. There was a BARRED OWL on Narrow’s Lock Road and an EASTERN SCREECH OWL on Howe Island. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was on Blue Mountain Road near Charleston Lake. Four ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS were seen near Millhaven. A NORTHERN FLICKER was on County Road 42 near Crosby. Also on County Road 42, a male AMERICAN KESTREL that has been making periodic appearances this winter was seen just south of Westport. A flock of AMERICAN ROBINS was on Wilton Road near Harrowsmith. In a yard just off Battersea Road there were 75 CEDAR WAXWINGS. The YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER and RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER are still at an Elginburg feeder. Thank you to those who contributed observations this week. All bird sightings reported to me are included in the Kingston Field Naturalists’ long term records database which has over 60 years of observations on file and is an invaluable conservation resource. Mark -- Mark Andrew Conboy Operations & Research Assistant and Outreach Coordinator Queen’s University Biological Station 280 Queen's University Road Elgin, Ontario, Canada K0G 1E0 phone: 613-359-5629 fax: 613-359-6558 email: 7mc19 AT queensu.ca or mconboy AT lakeheadu.ca QUBS website: http://www.queensu.ca/qubs/index.html QUBS blog: http://opinicon.wordpress.com/ QUBS flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/qubsoutreach/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Ottawa/Gatineau - 9 February 2012 - recent reports From: bob cermak <robertcermak9 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:26:06 -0500 Ontario/Quebec Ottawa/Gatineau 9 February 2012 Hotline: Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club (OFNC) Phone number: 613-860-9000 For the Bird Status Line PRESS * (star) To report bird sightings PRESS 1 (one) Coverage: Ottawa/Gatineau (Canada National Capital Region) E. Ontario,W. Quebec Compiler & transcriber: Bob Cermak robertcermak9 AT hotmail.com or sightings AT ofnc.ca The adult male VARIED THRUSH was last reported on February 4th at the feeders on Calypso road east of Ottawa (east of Limoges). The Eardley Masham Road continues to be excellent for winter finches and eagles. Some of the most interesting lingering birds have been; - AMERICAN ROBINS continue to be present all over the Ottawa/Gatineau area - the CAROLINA WREN continues to be seen and heard along the fence line on the west side of the Britannia Conservation area. If you hear this species you should be aware that photographers are playing CAROLINA WREN recordings along this fence line. - a PEREGRINE FALCON was seen on the Coates building in Tunney's Pasture on February 3rd and 4th - the NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was seen again on Grandview on February 4th - a RUSTY BLACKBIRD was seen on Ch Bellechasse on February 6th and nearby on Ch des Terres on February 8th and 9th - a SONG SPARROW, probably present since December, was seen in the cattails on the east side of the Rideau river north of the 417 bridge - the WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continues at the Fletcher Gardens feeders The Eardley Masham Road in Quebec continues to be very active. RED CROSSBILLS, PINE SISKINS, PURPLE FINCHES, COMMON REDPOLLS and RUFFED GROUSE are regularly being seen. BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS were seen at two locations near that road. Some of the more interesting seasonal birds have been; - BALD EAGLES at several locations on the Eardley Masham Road and along the Steele line in Quebec - BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS continue to be present all over the Ottawa/Gatineau area - Single WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen or heard at a few locations along the Eardley Masham road - small numbers of CEDAR WAXWINGS were seen at a few locations - SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER'S HAWKS were seen at a few locations - GOLDEN EAGLES were seen from Therrien road (just east of the Eardley Masham road), from the bottom of the Eardley Masham road and from Steele Line - BARROW'S GOLDENEYE continue on the Rideau and Ottawa rivers - a male BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was seen on February 4th and 7th on Sincennes road and another was seen on February 6th about 250 meters up the trail that runs north from the Eardley Masham road just before Ramsey Lake - two possible "type 3" small billed RED CROSSBILLS were seen on the Eardley Masham road on February 4th and 5th Thank you for your bird observations, Good Birding _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: OFO News February Issue From: "Roy John" <r.john AT rogers.com> Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:30:50 -0500 Folks In VOLUME 30 NUMBER 1 of OFO News you will find the following informative articles; Snow Buntings - see how you can help save these charming birds. Hyphenation and Bird Names - learn the truth or ... Project Soar - Loggerhead Shrike Research and Shell Fuelling Change - a way to raise money for endangered species. Loggerhead Shrike from Carden Alvar in Virginia - Where do our birds go in winter? Help conserve Canada's Boreal Birds: eBirding - a new, easy way for you to contribute Bluebird Ranch: Gateway to the Carden Alvar Area - Take the Carden challenge Big Day Birding at Rondeau - relive the excitement of the big day and then plan a visit to Rondeau Snowy Owls - Pick up on this winter's influx of these northern ghosts As well as the usual features. Please remember this is your journal. It can only be as good as you make it. If you have ideas for future articles or want to contribute in some way, let me know. I would love to get photos of current rarities [e.g. at 120210 the hot birds include Band-tailed Pigeon, King Eider. Fish Crow etc.] A note on who found it and how they established its identity would be super. Roy John Editor _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Correction: Algonquin Park Birding Report: 9 February 2012 From: Ron Tozer <rtozer AT vianet.ca> Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:29:31 -0500 Please note that the Winter in the Wild Festival in Algonquin Park will be on Saturday, February 18, not February 15 as stated in my post. Thanks, Kelly. Ron Tozer _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Algonquin Park Birding Report: 9 February 2012 From: Ron Tozer <rtozer AT vianet.ca> Date: Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:20:58 -0500 A notable change this week was the fresh fall of significant amounts of seed from yellow birch, white spruce and balsam fir onto the snow beneath these trees. This typical late winter occurrence may result in more finches at feeders in the coming days, as noted for Purple Finch last week. For those watching for signs of spring, a male Blue Jay at the Visitor Centre today was engaging in courtship feeding as it passed a seed to a female. Some Gray Jay pairs will be starting to build nests within the next 10 days, especially if today's milder temperatures persist. Note: Arowhon Road is closed to public travel as log hauling is underway on it seven days per week. The gate on the Opeongo Road was reported closed and locked today.. Plan to attend the Winter in the Wild Festival in Algonquin Park on Saturday, February 15. Events include: a Park Naturalist-guided bird walk at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (10 to 11:30 am); a tour of the Visitor Centre plant and animal collections room (12:30 to 1:30 pm); and a fireside and night hike wolf howl program at Mew Lake Campground (6 to 8 pm) -- free with your park permit. More details are available at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/2012-01-17_winter_festival.php Noteworthy sightings: Ruffed Grouse: A group of six including a displaying male was seen near the start of the Visitor Centre driveway on February 4. Black-capped Chickadee: The bird exhibiting leucism or partial albinism reported earlier was seen at the Opeongo Road gate again today. Bohemian Waxwing: A flock of about 30 was observed in flight along Highway 60 west of Opeongo Road on February 5. One was reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 7. Late winter records are rare here. Pine Marten: One or two have been fairly regular at the suet holder near the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: At dawn on February 4, a total of 5 flew from south of Highway 60 where they had probably roosted and landed in trees beside the Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot Two were seen at Spruce Bog the next day. Black-backed Woodpecker: A female was seen along Opeongo Road on February 4 and another female was at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 5. Gray Jay: Several were observed along Opeongo Road and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the weekend. Boreal Chickadee: Two or three were reported on three days this week along Opeonog Road, near the gate and north of the bridge. It was reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 5. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: There were 7 along the northern section of Opeongo Road on February 4 and 1 at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 7. Purple Finch: Up to 6 were at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. Red Crossbill: Flocks of up to 25 were reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the weekend. Twelve were seen on Opeongo Road on February 4. White-winged Crossbill: Flocks were widespread this week, including along Opeongo Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and getting grit on Highway 60. Common Redpoll: Flocks of up to 75 were reported at various locations. They were feeding on tamarack on Opeongo Road. Hoary Redpoll: A female exilipes was among Common Redpolls feeding on tamarack along Opeongo Road on February 4. Pine Siskin: Numerous in flocks along Highway 60, often mixed with Common Redpolls. American Goldfinch: At least 2 were at the Visitor Centre feeders on the weekend. Evening Grosbeak: Large numbers continue at the Visitor Centre feeders, mainly in the morning. Other flocks were at Mew Lake Campground, Opeongo Road and Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the weekend. 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. Locations are also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders and information. The Visitor Centre restaurant is not open this winter but visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the seating area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave. The Visitor Centre is open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter the Visitor Centre to view the feeders and exhibits. Check in with staff to find out what birds are being seen. For more information see Algonquin Park events calendar at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Turkey Vulture, Scarborough From: Mark <scarbropengyou AT yahoo.ca> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 19:54:03 -0800 (PST) In yet another avian reflection of the unprecedentedly warm winter we are having, I observed a Turkey Vulture today around noon near the intersection of Midland Ave. and Sheppard in Scarborough, ON. Mark Kubisz, Scarborough _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Andrew Jano From: "Mark Cranford \[Ontbirds\]" <ontbirds_coord AT rogers.com> Date: Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:31:51 -0500 Andrew Paul Jano Left us peacefully on the morning of Sunday, February 5, 2012, at the age of 73. He will be dearly missed by his wife Agnes, his daughter Natalie (and son-in-law Alex), his son Christopher, and a great many devoted friends. He was a beloved husband and father, a kind soul, and a friend of the birds. His intelligence, kindness, and humour will not soon be forgotten. A memorial service will take place at Leaside United Church on Wednesday, February 15 at 11:00 am, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Frontenac Bird Studies (www.migrationresearch.org/fbs.html) or to Perram House Hospice (www.perramhouse.ca). -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranford AT ofo.ca 905 279 9576 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Niagara River birds - February 9, 2012 From: Josh Vandermeulen <joshvandermeulen AT live.ca> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 20:21:02 -0500 Ontbirders, I birded the Niagara river today and here are some highlights: Niagara-on-the-lake: -singles of Horned and Red-necked Grebe Queenston: -1 Black Vulture seen with 5 Turkey Vultures soaring above Lewiston, NY at 11:30 AM. The Black Vulture and 2 Turkey Vultures flew over the river into Ontario "airspace". -2 Little Gulls at the docks Adam Beck: -1 adult alternate California Gull (presumably the same bird that was around on the weekend?) seen at 11:55 AM -2 Thayer's Gulls (1 juvenile, 1 2nd cycle) 12+ Kumlien's Gulls (various ages) 1 Glaucous Gull (2nd cycle) Above the falls: -3 female Harlequin Ducks just southwest of Goat Island on a small island with 2 trees. Seen at 1:15 PM -I didn't scan the gulls thoroughly up here, but there were several Lesser Blacked Gulls, mostly adults. Fort Erie: -3 Fish Crows heard and seen near the east end of Bowen Road at the Rio Vista golf course. Seen at 2:45 PM -no luck with the Black-headed or Kittiwake along the river here. Bayfront Park in Hamilton: -1 1st winter male King Eider hanging out with the Mallards. Seen at 5:15 PM Finished the day with 10 gull species. Photos of the Black Vulture, California Gull, Fish Crow, and King Eider can be found at my blog (joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com). Good birding, ----------------------------------------------- Josh Vandermeulen Guelph, Ontario joshvandermeulen AT live.ca 519-222-5420 (cell) joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com (blog) _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: White-throated Sparrow, Ottawa From: Don Wigle <don.wigle AT sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 17:30:18 -0500 We saw a White-throated Sparrow at Fletcher Gardens in Ottawa this afternoon (photo at link below). Another birder said he had seen it there a few days ago. Don Wigle Ottawa https://sites.google.com/a/ontariobird.com/ontario-birds/Home/recent-photos Location: http://g.co/maps/yrhuf _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending February 9, 2012. From: Fred Helleiner <fhelleiner AT trentu.ca> Date: Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:30:06 -0500 For the past week, there have been ideal conditions for birding at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. That and the reports of new and interesting birds have brought birders to the Park in good numbers and as a result few if any of the wintering birds have been missed and the newly returned and newly singing birds have made for an excellent week of birding in February, which is traditionally a slow month. The highlight of the week was a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE which was present from February 3 to 6 and may still be somewhere in the area. That species has been seen at Presqu'ile only twice before, in April, 1986 and December, 2002. At the same time, five TUNDRA SWANS were visible on the opposite side of the bay. NORTHERN PINTAILS were at Owen Point on February 4 (two birds) and 7 (four birds). RING-NECKED DUCKS have been seen every day for over a week, up to half a dozen on one day. Single LESSER SCAUP were seen twice. The male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE at the lighthouse has been seen every day for over a month. Accompanying a small group of COMMON GOLDENEYES in Presqu'ile Bay on February 3 and 6 was a male duck with COMMON GOLDENEYE and HOODED MERGANSER genes. That hybrid has the head shape of the latter without any white on it and has a suggestion of the tan sides. Otherwise it resembles the former species. Both adult and immature BALD EAGLES have been present, with at least one on four of the past seven days and three sitting together on the ice of Presqu'ile Bay on February 4. NORTHERN HARRIERS have been seen on three of the past four days, both male and female. An adult COOPER'S HAWK was eyeing the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road and another young one was at Owen Point. While RING-BILLED GULLS are apparently returning, they have not yet begun milling around their breeding territories on Gull Island, as they usually do some time in February. On February 7 one observer spotted four SNOWY OWLS, three in the usual places on the beach and the offshore islands and one at the day use area, where there has not been one all winter. Two live birds and a dead one were found today. At least one BARRED OWL was seen on February 4. BELTED KINGFISHERS have always been absent from Presqu'ile in winter because of the absence of open water. Thus the arrival of one at the calf pasture on February 4 constitutes a new early record date, eclipsing the old record of March 15 by almost six weeks. In addition to the RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER that has been regular at 83 Bayshore Road, one was heard at the lighthouse on February 8, the first in that part of the Park this year. It was also giving the traditional spring call, as was the other one today. A NORTHERN FLICKER at the calf pasture on February 3 was likely the same bird that was seen there in December. NORTHERN SHRIKES have been seen in three different parts of the Park. A COMMON RAVEN was calling on February 8 at the lighthouse. The wintering CAROLINA WREN was heard near the government dock on February 3. An AMERICAN ROBIN was singing its spring song this morning. The wintering SAVANNAH SPARROW was at 85 Bayshore Road this morning and seems destined to survive the winter, and a PURPLE FINCH was seen there on February 4. There is a belated report of a flock of 15-20 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS on February 1. 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. Visitors to Gull Island not using a boat should be prepared to wade through ice-choked water of unknown depth, in which there is often a swift current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven and slippery. Moreover, there is a great deal of ice on the surrounding shore. Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird sightings board provided near the campground office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed there. Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be directed to: FHELLEINER AT TRENTU.CA. -- -- Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road, Brighton, Ontario, 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 birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Fish Crows at Fort Erie From: Xavier Fazio <xfazio AT sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 14:29:00 -0500 Thursday, February 9th. An update on the Fish Crows. Two Fish Crows were seen at noon today by the Rio Vista Golf Course on Crooks Street near Bowen Road and the Niagara River. I also saw the small silent "crow" sp. identified a couple of days ago, showing the white primary feathers. Cheers, Xavier Fazio _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Snowy owls near Bradford/Holland Marsh From: Hendrik Hart <hhart AT ca.inter.net> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:59:04 -0500 Despite the unusual weather Snowy owls are still at all three locations in the vegetable fields near Bradford and Holland Marsh as of yesterday afternoon Feb.8. The two well known locations are along the dirt strip called Yonge street south of Ravenshoe south of Keswick (road very muddy!! best traveled when frozen) and West of Hwy 400/9 near the corner of Jane and Edward. The third location joined in today. I have been checking the very end of Bathurst all winter without success. Patience and persistence pays off. There was a heavily barred owl just West of the road behind the last shed on that side. Take Queensville side road east from Leslie and where it runs dead into Bathurst turn right. Pictures of that owl available on request. On none of the owls have I been able to find the ear tufts Jean Iron recommends we look for. Is there a special way to look? Hendrik Hart 19094 Centre street Mount Albert, Ontario Canada L0G 1M0 Ph: 905-473-9896 Email: hhart AT ca.inter.net Music is enough for a lifetime but a lifetime is not enough for music. -Sergei Rachmaninov _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Tundra Swans at Hagersville From: Richard Hardman <rnhardman AT live.ca> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 14:26:47 -0500 At 10 AM 09 Feb there were about 200 Tundra Swans on one of the Quarries just west of Hagersville. The Quarries are on Concession 12 Walpole. Take Hwy 6 to Con 12. Turn West at the lights. The Swans were on the second Quarry on your right. I put a photo on my Facebook Page in the Backyard Birds Album but I only had my Lumix Point and Shoot with me. I was stretching its capabilities to get the photo. Richard Hardman _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Harris's Sparrow in Deep River From: <birdlynx AT sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 13:29:30 -0500 The immature Harris's Sparrow is still in Deep River. I saw it today in a row of cedars hanging out with some juncos in the lane between Iberville & Laurentian St. in the same area I saw it in late November. cheers, Mike MacDonald Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Carolina Wren in Britannia Woods From: Jon Ruddy <accipitriformes AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 19:11:13 -0500 Hi there, Mike Runtz and I were able to locate the Carolina Wren that has been frequenting the west side of Britannia Woods. The bird was located roughly 150m south of the western entrance to the woods, (Rowatt St., off of Britannia Rd.) perched in an apple tree in the backyard of a property. Date: Wednesday, February 8th, 2012 Time: 15:30-15:40 pm Conditions: Sunny, very slight breeze, 0 C Regards, Jon Ruddy _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Ross's Goose - Professor'​​​s Lake Brampton From: Robert Maciver <robert.maciver AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 18:20:39 -0500 To all, Today at 7:55 a.m. I observed the Ross's Goose on Professor's Lake in Brampton first reported to Ontbirds last Saturday. It was sitting on the edge of the ice in the middle of the lake. I obtained this photo although it is suitable only for the annals of cryptozoology (I think I've seen more convincing photos of bigfoot): https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Om8paBPKIT1bzWhjLNJQLZkEyyUdosGXcm6RoeeCl6E?feat=directlink Directions per Bob Noble: Take the 410 north to Bovaird and go east on Bovaird to Torbram. Turn right (south) on Torbram to the first light and turn right onto Prospect Gate and go to Philosophers Trail. Go right past Picadilly Place to a small park on the left (Professor's Lake Park). Park on the street and walk down the path to the lake. Regards, Robert Maciver _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: King Eider, St. Catharines From: "Astrid Akkerman" <akkerman AT vaxxine.com> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 13:10:33 -0500 Hello Ontbirders This morning at 9 AM I viewed the adult male King Eider at Port Weller in St. Catharines, in case anyone is wondering if it is still there. It was seen at the very beginning of the Recreation Trail on the west side of Seaway Haulage Road. From Hamilton take QEW Niagara, exit Ontario St. St. Catharines, turn to the left or north on Ontario St. until Lakeshore Road, follow Lakeshore to the right, east, until you cross the Seaway Canal, turn left onto Seaway Haulage Road, stay on this road until you reach the recreation trail where the gate crosses the road. Walk on the trail for a few metres until you are close to the canal. Here in this area you should see the Eider .......Astrid Akkerman _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Bohemian Waxwings - Ottawa east From: Kin Lau <gabe.kin.lau AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 12:40:26 -0500 We saw a flock of 100+ Bohemian Waxwings in the Rothwell Heights area at 11am. The trees around Naskapi Dr would be your best bet. Kin & Sherry Lau Ottawa _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Fish Crows, Black Vultures, Niagara From: George Bryant <g.bryant AT sympatico.ca> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:13:29 -0500 Tuesday Feb. 7. 2012 Jim Heslop, Bob Stamp and I heard and saw at least three Fish Crows in the copse by the golf course at the end of Bowen Road, Fort Erie at 10 a.m., along with ~200 American Crows. Presumably the Crows are present throughout the day. One small silent Crow (Fish or American?) bore a few matching white primary feathers. At the Brock Tower, Queenston lookout we spotted two Black Vultures circling the Lewiston dump, a distance of perhaps two kms. The birds circled high and soared south out of sight. We also noted one Turkey Vulture soaring much lower. We believe these birds are winter residents. I wager this year someone will discover first-record for Canada nest evidence for both FICR and BLVU. At the Thomas Street, Chippawa (northernmost house adjacent the woodlot) window feeder one Tufted Titmouse materialized after our obligatory ½ hour wait. Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied Woodpeckers show well at the suet feeder. At Adam Beck lookout we tallied ~15 Iceland Gull, one Lesser-Black-back, zero Glaucous. The viewing sites at Grays Road and L.P. Sayers Park (accessed from Fruitland Road, interchange 83) were devoid of waterfowl. The thousands of diving ducks including hundreds of scoters apparently have moved to the north shore of Lake Ontario. No evidence of spring migration or even spring was noted throughout the day. Geo. Bryant _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Bohemian Waxwings (Ottawa) From: Roger Clark <erogclark AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 10:02:35 -0500 A flock of 200+ Bohemian Waxwings now (10 am) in trees opposite 110 Queen Mary St. (south of Vamier Parkway). Roger Clark (Ottawa) Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge - Update Tuesday night From: The Sinclairs <sinclair AT muskoka.com> Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:33:42 -0500 Band-tailed Pigeon - Update Tuesday night The band-tailed Pigeon was not seen today. To me the bird appeared brighter and moved around more yesterday. I think we can assume that the it has continued on its odyssey across North America (but we will be watching in case it backtracks). It has been a pleasure for Joan and I to host more than 50 Ontbirders in the last 4 days. One couldn't ask for a friendlier more courteous group. Hope all your photos are great! Bye for now Al & Joan Sinclair Bracebridge _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Greater White-fronted Geese at Aylmer Wildlife Management Area From: Dave Martin <damartin AT xplornet.com> Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:07:27 -0500 Yesterday [Feb 6] at 3:30 p.m. and today [Feb 7] at 4:45 p.m. 4 Greater White-fronted Geese were present at Aylmer Wildlife Management Area along with about 200 Canada Geese and 50 Tundra Swans. We also checked this morning about 8:00 a.m. but only a few Canada Geese were present along with the swans. It appears that the geese head out early to feed somewhere unknown. Hence, the best time to look would be in the afternoon after they return from their morning feed. On a side note, a birder from southwestern Elgin County reported that he had an American Woodcock doing a courtship flight and calls from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday evening February 4. Direction to Aylmer WMA Aylmer WMA is located about 5 km northeast of Aylmer in Elgin County, Ontario behind the Ontario Police College. From exit 203 on the Hwy 401 drive south on Elgin Road [formerly Hwy 73] which becomes Imperial Road in Elgin County. Turn left on College Line and then right on Hacienda Road. At the south end of the Police College property turn left into the laneway leading to the WMA. The geese and swans were in the large pond in front of the viewing stands. Dave Martin Harrietsville, ON damartin AT xplornet.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Ross's Goose - Professor's Lake - Brampton From: Jim Dixon <j.dixon AT sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:05:26 +0000 The adult Ross's Goose is currently being seen at the East end of Professor's Lake in Brampton. (0800). Direction's - Take the 410 North to Bovaird. Go East on Bovaird to Torbram. Go South on Torbram to the first set of lights and turn right (West) on Prospect Gate. Turn right again on Philospher's Trail. Go past Picadilly Place to a small park entrance to Professor's Lake. You can park on the street. Jim Dixon. J.dixon AT sympatico.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Band-tailed Pigeon - Update Monday night From: The Sinclairs <sinclair AT muskoka.com> Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:37:04 -0500 Band-tailed Pigeon - Update Monday night 10 birders here today, all saw the bird but some who came later had to wait a couple of hours while it was resting out of sight, we think in the top of some large hemlocks. Bird arrived 9:15. Came into the feeder, flew out at 10:30. Relocated at 11, appeared to be eating snow on the branches of a maple, left when nobody looking around 12, reappeared at the feeder at 2:00, last seen 2:45 when it flew back into the hemlocks. Directions: Take Hwy 11 to the south exit for Bracebridge, exit 182. Go 8 km east towards Haliburton on Hwy 118E. Come up the laneway at 911# 1852. CAUTION the laneway is very steep & slippery so come up fast. It is not a good idea to park on the highway because of the heavy traffic. Be warned that the parking lot and walkways are icy, be careful when walking. The feeder is behind the house. Knock on the front door for assistance. Please plan on arriving after 9am. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Greater White-fronted Goose Still at Presqu'ile. From: Fred Helleiner <fhelleiner AT trentu.ca> Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:47:16 -0500 At 3:00 p.m. this afternoon (Monday) the Greater White-fronted Goose was present just west of the government dock. For some of the time it was in the water but most of the time it was with Canada Geese on a lawn to the west of the dock. 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. The government dock is on Bayshore Road, which follows the shore of Presqu'ile Bay. -- -- 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 birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Access From: Craig Hurst <foxden AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 20:22:12 -0500 Greetings. I am unable to access Ontbirds to reactivate mailings. I have received confirmation of password ' Maggie '. Help would be appreciated. Thank you. Craig Hurst ( foxden AT sympatico.ca ) _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Snowy Owl From: Jon Ruddy <accipitriformes AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 13:15:37 -0500 I observed a juvenile female Snowy Owl on Saturday, February 4th at 11:35am. The Owl flew in to the area I was in, possibly responding to the Grey Squirrel alarm call that was resonating for several minutes from a Spruce tree. The interesting note of this sighting was that the area is suburban, very close to a deciduous forest fringe. Where: Isbister Ave, Nepean ON When: Feb 4 Time: Conditions: Sunny, -6 C Jon Ruddy _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Mountain Bluebird in Puslinch From: George Naylor <georgenaylor AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 15:10:03 +0000 There haven't been any postings for a few weeks, but on Sunday, we were in the area, and decided to see if the female Mountain Bluebird was still there. We'd seen it a few weeks earlier and got some pictures, but it was very cloudy that day, so this past Sunday seemed a better photo opportunity. Upon arriving at the site, we spotted her almost immediately in the field on the south side of the road. It was spending part of the time perched atop plant stalks, but also spent time perched on the wooden fence near the road. Got some great pictures!!!! The male Eastern Bluebird that she was associating with did not show while we were there. Directions as per previous posts: Puslinch Concession 1: Go south on Hwy 6, (south of the 401), past Morriston. Concession 1 meets Hwy 6 just south of Leslie Rd. West. Travel west on Conc 1 about 1.5 Kms, until you see the signs for Long Lane Farm on the left. The bird was seen in the field and on the wooden fence on the south side of Conc 1, just west of Long Lane Farm. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Fish Crows From: DB <burtonian AT teksavvy.com> Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:52:17 -0500 We were in Fort Erie Saturday observing Fish Crows several times over 2 hours (not including a break for lunch). They tended to stay between the Rio Vista Golf Course on Crooks St near Bowen Rd and the Niagara River. I noticed as many as 2 at both ends of this range. (Could we witnessing the establishment of a colony in Canada?... I don't know). I believe there were a few people misidentifying American Crows as Fish Crows based on an Uh-uh call which is allegedly diagnostic. My observation was an American Crow making a gutteral low-frequency 2 tone call instead of the squeaky nasal call used by Fish Crows. You must hear something the tone of a begging juvenile American Crow. Check out this link in case you haven't had them in the USA before: http://pjdeye.blogspot.com/2009/11/fish-crow-calls.html I also observed a Fish Crow flying in a flock of American Crows. I got the impression that the Fish Crow had to flap almost twice as fast as Americans just to keep up, this in spite of the wing spans being only a few inches different. Hope this helps other late-comers. Dan Burton, Gravenhurst Directions: Take the Fort Erie Bowen Street exit off the QEW and follow the signs to Rio Vista Golf Course. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Re: Turkey Vulture, Hwy 401 exit 218 - Apology From: Paul & Anna-Marie Smith <am.pd.smith AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 18:00:02 -0500 Sorry everyone. I intended to respond privately to Sarah. Paul Paul D. Smith West Flamborough (Hamilton), Ontario ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul & Anna-Marie Smith"Subject: Re: Turkey Vulture, Hwy 401 exit 218 From: Paul & Anna-Marie Smith <am.pd.smith AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 16:23:38 -0500 Hi Sarah. Yes, the vultures seem all messed up. Around here it seem to start last winter when they over wintered around a local composting site. Not sure about the earthworms. Went out a few weeks ago to sweep a dusting of snow of the flagstones where I spread bird seed only to find a large earthworm slowly crawling across the stones. Last winter while in Muskoka I found one crawling a cross a small bare patch in an otherwise snow covered south facing slope. There's some literature saying they're active below 5 C, and have been seen breeding while bathed in melt water, but there doesn't seem to be much written on the subject. I would be interested in any other details you could provide. Thanks. Paul Paul D. Smith West Flamborough (Hamilton), Ontario ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sarah Richer"Subject: Re: KING EIDER, Bayfront Park, Hamilton-YES From: Peter Scholtens <gullchasedship AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 16:02:27 -0500 The king eider was still in the same location this afternoon at 4 pm, hanging around with 3 mallards near the gazebo. As Barry Cherriere said, start looking as soon as you see water. Pete On 2/6/12, Len MSubject: Turkey Vulture, Hwy 401 exit 218 From: Sarah Richer <sarah_richer AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 12:36:27 -0800 (PST) Observed a Turkey Vulture flying southwest along the 401 by exit 218, which is the turnoff for Hwy 19 south of Ingersoll. An extremely early arrival? Or the wonky winter weather kept it from ever leaving? Who knows! Considering the earthworm wriggling on my doorstep December 31, part of me wants to believe the latter... _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Ross' Goose - Professor's Lake, Brampton From: Andrew Keaveney <uofgtwitcher AT msn.com> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 15:16:12 -0500 The adult Ross' Goose was seen yesterday evening in the twilight and again this morning at 7:30a.m. at Professor's Lake. Directions: There are several ways to access the park, but here is one. Take 410 north to Bovaird and go east on Bovaird to Torbram. Turn right (south) on Torbram to the first light and turn right onto Prospect Gate and go to Philosopher's Trail. Go right past Picadilly Place to a small park on the left (Professor's Lake Park) and the bird has been seen amongst the many Canada's, near the ice edge. Cheers, Andrew Keaveney Field Biologist/Ornithologist, Bird and Wildlife Guide 647-383-8894 (cell) "When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world" ~ John Muir "Live, eat, breathe birds" ~ Twitcher _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: KING EIDER, Bayfront Park, Hamilton-YES, Snowy Owl-Vineland- No From: Len M <fdcoboy AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 19:24:09 +0000 Ontbirders and Ontbirdettes, The KING EIDER initially reported by Mark Peck and re-found today by Barb Charlton was present at the same locale this morning at 11:00 Am. I found the bird about 200m from the start of the waterfront path at Bayfront Park. It was in the small bay and was chillin' like a villain in the company of MALLARDS, GREATER SCAUP, and a couple GADWALL. At some points, it was so close to shore that even binoculars were not needed. A great look at an Eider if there ever was one! I viewed the bird until about noon, at which point, Jackie Meretz and I headed to Vineland to look for the Snowy Owl that was recently reported. We checked around the Beacon Harbourside Inn and could not find the owl, but will be re-trying tomorrow morning. Any updates on the owl are appreciated of course. Best in birding, Leonard Manning Hamilton, ON 289-456-6502 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Fw: King Eider Bayfront Park Hamilton From: "Barbara Charlton" <BARBARA.CHARLTON AT bell.blackberry.net> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 14:33:12 +0000 Ontbirders: The King Eider is once again at Bayfront park in the same location Mak Peck had it yesterday. Barb Charlton Directions: See Mark's post below ------Original Message------ From: Peck, Mark Sender: birdalert-bounces AT ontbirds.ca To: Ontbirds Subject: [Ontbirds] King eider Common Loon Bayfront Park Hamilton Sent: Feb 5, 2012 9:01 AM At present there is a 1st winter male King Eider and a Common Loon in the west Bay of Bayfront Park 400 m from north of the parking lot. Location QEW to Burlington St E to the end. Left on James St N right on Strachan and then down the hill to parking lot. Mark Peck _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge UPDATE Monday From: The Sinclairs <sinclair AT muskoka.com> Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:22:35 -0500 Bird arrived 9:15. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Boreal Owl - Kitchener From: Peeter Musta <mustape AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 13:38:50 +0000 Found a Boreal Owl, which appears to have been struck and killed by a vehicle this morning on Fischer-Hallman Road, between New Dundee and Huron Rd. Peeter _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge UPDATE Sunday night From: The Sinclairs <sinclair AT muskoka.com> Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:09:13 -0500 Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge UPDATE Sunday night The bird cooperated today. All that came got it, around 35 to 40. It was nice to meet you all and renew some old acquaintances. It was in view from 9:00am to 3:30pm except briefly when it flew away from the feeder the first time. Thanks to Mike Burrell who relocated in the crown of a maple tree behind some hemlocks. It later moved to another maple tree and stayed there until 1:45 when it came back onto the feeder for a few minutes then rested on a branch over the feeder posing for photos until it left at 3:30. Birders are welcome to try for it any day this week but not before 9am please at take note of the cautions in the directions below. I will post a message if /when it arrives tomorrow. Al Sinclair Bracebridge Directions: Take Hwy 11 to the south exit for Bracebridge, exit 182. Go 8 km east towards Haliburton on Hwy 118E. Come up the laneway at 911# 1852. CAUTION the laneway is very steep & slippery so come up fast. It is not a good idea to park on the highway because of the heavy traffic. Be warned that the parking lot and walkways are icy, be careful when walking. The feeder is behind the house. Knock on the front door for assistance. Please plan on arriving after 9am. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Pinesiskin in Eagle, Ontario From: Joanne Reive <joannereive AT msn.com> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 03:39:56 +0000 Pinesiskins at Eagle, Ontario Hi, For the first time this winter we had two pinesiskins come in with golfinches to the feeders. Joanne Reive Eagle is south of West Lorne and 42 km. south west of London. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Re: Haldimand Winter Hawks and Owls Trip: see also OFO Trip Feb. 25 From: A & K Williams <williamsmusic AT execulink.com> Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:41:57 -0500 Just a suggestion, You might want to wait for a break in the weather and follow Dave Milsom on the (Saturday) Feb. 25 trip which is similar in nature and area. Please see the Ontario Field Ornithologist's website for more details for this trip... This trip starts in Cayuga at the high school at 9:00 A.M. The school is located on highway 54 west of Cayuga, right beside the O.P.P. Building. Ken _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Winter Hawk and Owl Scouting a bust for nest Saturday's H.N.C. trip in Haldimand... From: A & K Williams <williamsmusic AT execulink.com> Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:17:06 -0500 Angie and I did a two day scouting trip for our annual Hamilton Naturalist's Club Winter Hawks and Owls etc. car hike in Haldimand County this weekend. The results were very dismal and I cannot guarantee any greater success next weekend, given the weird, snowless winter and no change soon enough in the forecast. During two days, we only found one calling Great-horned Owl, two Rough-legged Hawks, One Northern Harrier, five American Kestrals, one Bald Eagle, and one Tufted Titmouse (at Ruthven...directions to follow). We scoured the Conservation Areas, Selkirk, Fisherville, and many back roads and places where we have found Short-eared Owls and we don't want to waste anyone's time. I have an alternate proposal: We can find several species of owls (Short-eared, Screech, Great-horned and possibly Saw Whet) as wells as a few hawk species right in the local Hamilton/Stoney Creek area. If we can meet at the Tim Horton's at Mud Street and Highway 20 at 3:00 P.M.on Saturday, Feb. 11, we will lead a hike with anyone who shows. I will still be at the Hagersville Timmies at 11:00 the same day and will show anyone a Bald Eagle at Nanticoke but can't guarantee much else... Directions to Ruthven: from Highway 6 in Caladonia, turn left at the lights north of the Grand River bridge onto Highway 54/North River Road. Go about 8 km. and you will see the gatehouse on your right (it's well marked). It's worth the walk into the park to see bluebirds, tufted titmice, and many other birds, as there are feeders about 300 yards from the entrance. We have had shrikes and various accipiters there in the past, as well as several woodpecker species. Feel free to email us if you have any comments or concerns. Ken and Angie Williams 905 547 8580 Hamilton, Ont. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, etc. at Algonquin and Band-tailed Pigeon near Bracebridge From: Norm Murr <normurr AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 18:01:31 -0500 Good evening. Just arrived home from a very productive Algonquin trip and following are some of the birds Jay Peterson, Ian Cannell and I found. Female Black-backed Woodpecker, Common Raven, Boreal Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Red and White-winged Crossbills, Pine Siskin and Evening Grosbeak at start of west end of the Spruce Bog Trail. Hairy Woodpeckers, 135+ Evening Grosbeaks and 2 Purple Finches at the Visitor Centre (front and back feeders) as well as Evening Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls and a Hoary Redpoll on the road into the centre (about 100 feet short of the buildings). Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Gray Jays, Boreal Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatches, White-winged Crossbills and Pine Siskins along Opeongo Road (past the bridge over the creek). Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-winged Crossbills, Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins at the winter gate on Opeongo road. We also found another 2 dozen Evening Grosbeaks during a quick trip into Whitney. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On our way home we stopped at the location of the reported Band-tailed Pigeon east of Bracebridge. Our days luck continued as just about 1 minute after we exited the car we were shown the pigeon sitting in a tree about 20 feet (6 meters) in front of us. How lucky can one or three get. We then headed home and on the way down Hwy 11 in about 10 miles we spotted 2 Northern Shrikes. The pigeon was a great end to a very nice trip, weather and bird wise. Directions:- ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK - PER RON TOZER Algonquin Provincial Park (fee) is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400,11 and 60. Follow the signs which start in Toronto on Highway 400.From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. Locations are also described at:www.algonquin park.on.ca The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders and in formation. The Visitor Centre restaurant is not open this winter but visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the seating area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase,as well as the use of a microwave. The Visitor Centre is open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm.Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter the Visitor Centre to view the feeders and exhibits. Check in with staff to find out what birds are being seen.For more information see Algonquin Park events calendar at:http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/ Band-tailed Pigeon directions per Al Snider Take Hwy 11 to south exit for Bracebridge, exit 182. Go 8 km east towards Haliburton on Hwy 118E. Come up the laneway at 911# 1852, CAUTION very steep & slippery so come up fast. Feeder is behind the house. Knock on the front door for assistance. Norm Murr 303-48 Laverock Ave. Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 4J5 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Mew Gull (?) at Sir Adam Beck, Queenston. From: Mark Ansell <loonaddict AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 17:52:51 -0500 A presumed Mew gull looking bird was observed today at 8:00 and again at 1:30pm at Sir Adam Beck Generating station lookout. It was initially seen on the rocks below the hydro lines at 8:00 just south of Sir Adam Beck and then later in flight towards the north of the lookout. I passed it off initially as just another gull that didn’t look right until I saw it again in the p.m. The bird was ring-billed sized but had an obviously darker mantle than neighboring Ring-bills, had yellowy-green legs but had a relatively long bill (it should be shorter than Ring-bills, but was hard to judge from a distance) with an indistinct dusky bill band. It was a bill band different to any Ring-billed Gull I have ever seen in that it was very faded , dusky and incomplete looking. The neck and face were very smudged and a dirty looking gray-brown colour and there was an obvious tertial crescent and smaller scapular crescent. It also looked rather long winged at rest and in flight. In flight the wing showed two very large mirrors on P9 and P10 , very noticeable from afar and in head-on flight and showed a somewhat wide white trailing edge to the secondaries and inner primaries. I don’t know if what I saw was a Mew Gull, hopefully others will get on the bird and make a positive i.d. At Queenston from the church lookout at the end of Highlander Street, I found 2 Little gulls as well. I also got one possibly two Fish Crows (same bird twice ?) at the Golf Course at the end of Bowen Rd but aparently just missed the Black-headed Gull. Mark Ansell 87 Marilake Drive Scarborough,Ontario M1S 1V8 loonaddict AT hotmail.com 416-298-4652 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Fish Crows, Black-headed Gull Fort Erie Yes From: "Andrew Don" <adon14 AT cogeco.ca> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 17:30:46 -0500 Saw and heard 2 Fish crows at the top of Bowen Street where there is a gravel parking lot for a golf course at 11am today, then scoped the Black-headed gull with the bonapartes by the marina quite easily. Saw both target birds within 10minutes ,nice day to be out, now off to watch the big game Directions below from Geoff Carpentier email. Fort Erie: from the source of the Niagara river travel north on the Niagara River Parkway past the railway bridge that crosses the river. Watch for Bowen on your left hand side. From here you can scan the American side and see the swarms of gulls by the marina (this is actually Squaw Island which doesn't look like an island, but rather a concrete pier). Patience should yield the Black-headed, Kittiwake and Little Gulls. Travel about 0.5 kms further north and watch for a sandy beach on the river side of the road and the parkette on the landward side. This is where the crows came in starting about 3:30 p.m. We left about 4:15. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Mountain Bluebird Golden Eagles Snowy Owl nr Shetland From: "Pete and Sue" <psread AT xplornet.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 15:54:20 -0500 This afternoon Sue and I went out with Carol and Doug to look for the Mountain Bluebird that was reported from near Shetland a number of weeks ago, taking a chance that it might still be there, as nothing had been posted for a week or so. It was still there, with a female E. Bluebird along Kerry Rd. As we watched the two feeding on berries from red cedar trees along the road, we saw an immature Golden Eagle alight in a tree nearby. Just as I was getting the scope on it to study it, it flew up and joined two other immature Golden Eagles in flight over the field near the road, just above us. Quite a sight to see them together. I find it hard enough to find one in the winter, let alone three together. We drove back to Bentpath Line and followed it westward to where we had seen a Snowy Owl a few weeks ago. It was still there but not on a telephone post, but rather out on the field on the south side. Directions.. Coming from the west, Bentpath Line begins at St Clair Parkway south of Sarnia near Sombra and heads east. Just follow along until just past the Shetland Conservation Area, to Kerry and go south on it. If you are coming along the 402 a number of exits will go south to Bentpath, the closest one being Rd 8, Forest Rd, exit 34, which turns a bit as you head south but hooks up to Bentpath near Shetland. Then go east two roads to Kerry and then south. Coming from the east, Bentpath begins at Watterworth Rd. north of Newbury. From the 401, take the Furnival Rd, at exit 129, Rd 103 north and follow it as it bends around and ends up in Wardsville. It becomes Rd 1, Haggerty Rd, as it goes through Wardsville. Follow it northward and it will eventually turn west onto Bentpath. The Mountain Bluebird is on Kerry Rd, not far north of the intersection with Bilton LIne. The bluebirds feed fairly regularly in the cedars or grapes, and then fly across to the grassy field to the east. Wait patiently beside the cedars. The Golden Eagles were flying over the corn field to the east, and headed up over our heads and soared higher, and we left before they settled. One was reported from that area by other birders who had gone out looking for the bluebirds but no one I know has reported more than one. The Snowy Owl likes sitting on the telephone poles on the north side of Bentpath Line, or on the ground, especially out on the field on the south side, over where there is an orangey grassy unplowed area. This field is west of Kerry, a few kms, just west of the intersection of Bentpath Line and Naylor Rd. Pete and Sue Read Carol and Doug Apperson _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: King Eider, Bayfront Park, No From: Len M <fdcoboy AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 20:43:42 +0000 I went down to try to find the King Eider originally reported by Mark Peck. I could not find the bird, but it was likely scared off to another area. It was a busy day at the park and kids were in abundance. In the area where the bird was reported, off leash dogs were harassing ducks and kids were throwing stones into the water, aiming for ducks as well. If anyone re-finds the bird, please re-post. Cheers Leonard Manning Hamilton, ON 289-456-6502 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Greater White-fronted Goose at Presqu'ile Still (Again?) From: Fred Helleiner <fhelleiner AT trentu.ca> Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:38:55 -0500 At 3:00 p.m. this afternoon (Sunday) the Greater White-fronted Goose was present at the government dock. For some of the time it was in the water but most of the time it was with Canada Geese on a lawn to the west of the dock. Thanks to Martin and Kathy Parker for the update. 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. The government dock is on Bayshore Road, which follows the shore of Presqu'ile Bay. -- -- 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 birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Peregrine Falcon at Stratford Train Station From: Ken Walton <raccoon50_368 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 15:19:14 -0500 One adult Peregrine Falcon seen around the Stratford Via Rail Station on Sat.Feb. 4, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. Ken Walton Waltons Birding and Nature Tours _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Turkey Vulture, newtonville road. From: Paul Riss Home <priss AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 14:53:32 -0500 Surprised to see a Turkey Vulture. AT Crooked creek, newtonville road north of HWY 2. Location Paul Riss ACD _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: White-winged Crossbills - Stratford From: Steve Thorpe <sthorpe3 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 17:06:37 +0000 There were 30+ White-winged Crossbills in the TJ Dolan Natural Area this morning, moving among the conifers. They have been seen seen in the area for about a week along with recently arrived redpolls. Also seen were 5+ American Robins that have been present all winter. Steve Thorpe Stratford The TJ Dolan Natural Area is in SW Stratford. Parking is available at the entrance on John Street at Centre Street. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge UPDATE From: The Sinclairs <sinclair AT muskoka.com> Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:49:22 -0500 Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge UPDATE 11:50am All getting good views this morning. Came into the feeder and filled up 9am to 9:30, Now resting on a branch in the open. Al Sinclair Bracebridge Directions: Take Hwy 11 to south exit for Bracebridge, exit 182. Go 8 km east towards Haliburton on Hwy 118E. Come up the laneway at 911# 1852, CAUTION very steep & slippery so come up fast. Feeder is behind the house. Knock on the front door for assistance. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge UPDATE From: The Sinclairs <sinclair AT muskoka.com> Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:08:15 -0500 Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge UPDATE Just flew in 5 minutes ago. Sitting above feeder. Al Sinclair Bracebridge Directions: Take Hwy 11 to south exit for Bracebridge, exit 182. Go 8 km east towards Haliburton on Hwy 118E. Come up the laneway at 911# 1852, CAUTION very steep & slippery so come up fast. Feeder is behind the house. Knock on the front door for assistance. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: King eider Common Loon Bayfront Park Hamilton From: Mark Peck <markpeck1 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 09:01:33 -0500 At present there is a 1st winter male King Eider and a Common Loon in the west Bay of Bayfront Park 400 m from north of the parking lot. Location QEW to Burlington St E to the end. Left on James St N right on Strachan and then down the hill to parking lot. Mark Peck _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Bob Beal - King Eider - Port Weller From: "Bob Beal" <rbeal001 AT rochester.rr.com> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 19:24:47 -0500 Thanks to all of you on OntBirds who responded to my request about recent
sightings of the King Eider in the Welland Canal, with special thanks to
Kayo Roy for "guiding me in" and his up-to-the-moment information from
"Brian" who I ran into when I got there. I did see the King Eider, not
close, but pretty good scope looks....most non-birders on the trail were not
impressed, just wanted to know where the "Snowy White Owl" was. I wanted to
say "Probably in the fluff and dry cycle" but I knew my sarcastic humor
would probably be lost on them and I'm sure I would be the only one enjoying
that. So I enjoyed my bird and thanks again to all of you who took the time
to help me out. Only thing of note on my way home was a huge raft of 1,000s
of Canvasbacks on the upper Niagara River at the "Waterfowl Viewing Area" on
the Robert Moses Parkway between Niagara Falls, USA and the Grand Island
Bridge.
Bob Beal
Manufacturer's Representative
Phone & Fax: 1-800-688-0854
Cell: 1-888-235-0315
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca
For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
Subject: Bob Beal - King Eider - Port WellerFrom: "Bob Beal" <rbeal001 AT rochester.rr.com> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 19:24:47 -0500 Thanks to all of you on OntBirds who responded to my request about recent
sightings of the King Eider in the Welland Canal, with special thanks to
Kayo Roy for "guiding me in" and his up-to-the-moment information from
"Brian" who I ran into when I got there. I did see the King Eider, not
close, but pretty good scope looks....most non-birders on the trail were not
impressed, just wanted to know where the "Snowy White Owl" was. I wanted to
say "Probably in the fluff and dry cycle" but I knew my sarcastic humor
would probably be lost on them and I'm sure I would be the only one enjoying
that. So I enjoyed my bird and thanks again to all of you who took the time
to help me out. Only thing of note on my way home was a huge raft of 1,000s
of Canvasbacks on the upper Niagara River at the "Waterfowl Viewing Area" on
the Robert Moses Parkway between Niagara Falls, USA and the Grand Island
Bridge.
Bob Beal
Manufacturer's Representative
Phone & Fax: 1-800-688-0854
Cell: 1-888-235-0315
_______________________________________________
GeneseeBirds-L mailing list - GeneseeBirds-L AT geneseo.edu
http://mail.geneseo.edu/mailman/listinfo/geneseebirds-l
Subject: Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge - UpdateFrom: The Sinclairs <sinclair AT muskoka.com> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:42:40 -0500 Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge - Update The bird stayed in plane view around the feeder from 10:30am to 2:00pm, then flew back into some conifers and could not be relocated. 3 local birders saw it but several arriving from out of town missed. Birders are welcome to try for it tomorrow but should arrive no earlier than 9am please. If it returns I will post an update here as soon as I see it. Al Sinclair Bracebridge Directions: Take Hwy 11 to south exit for Bracebridge, exit 182. Go 8 km east towards Haliburton on Hwy 118E. Come up the laneway at 911# 1852, CAUTION very steep & slippery so come up fast. Feeder is behind the house. Knock on the front door for assistance. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Red Crossbill type 3 Eardley-Masham Road QC From: mark gawn <gawnbirding AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 21:45:22 +0000 While not in Ontario, the following observation may be of interest to Ontario birders. As per posts from Northern Ontario finches are on the move, the Eardley-Masham road, which transects the western part of the Gatineau park, is a favoured finch watching spot for Ottawa birders and has lately hosted small numbers of Red Crossbills. Today while checking these out another observer pointed out two crossbills to me. I was taken aback when the male landed nearby as it had a small thin bill similar to that of a White-winged Crossbill, as far as I can tell this relates to a "type 3" crossbill; we had two other observations of Red Crossbills, both of which were the large billed type normally seen in the Ottawa area. Interesting, the small billed birds were feeding in cedar and hemlock (with siskins); the larger billed birds were in pine (Red and Scotch). Also present were many small flocks of Pine Siskin and one flock of about a dozen Common Redpolls. The finches are gathering salt on the road so if you do go please drive slowly! Directions from Neilyworld Birding: From Boulevard des Allumettières or Highway 148, take the Chemin Eardley exit in Aylmer. Turn right or northwest onto Chemin Eardley or the continuation of Highway 148 and proceed 25.5 km northwest on Eardley to Chemin Eardley-Masham (a.k.a. Ramsay Lake Road). Turn right or north onto it. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Snowy Owl in Jordan--Vineland From: Jean Hampson <bob.jean AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 14:54:08 -0500 Hello All, Jean and I viewed the Snowy Owl sitting on the north breakwall behind the Beacon Harbourside Best Western Inn in Jordan at 2:00 pm this afternoon. The heavily barred owl was sitting to the right of a small beacon and could be easily seen from the inn side of the marina while standing in the "no parking area". Bob Highcock and Jean HampsonSt. Catharines, ON Directions: From the QEW, exit at Victoria Ave and proceed to the North Service Road. Drive eastward along the North Service Road and upon crossing Jordan Harbour, the entrance to the marina/inn will be on the left. There is a small gravel parking area to the left of the entrance. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Re: Fort Erie fish crows From: Marcia Jacklin <mjacklin AT brocku.ca> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 18:40:16 +0000 Hi Two fish crows were observed between approximately 1 pm and 1:30 in the vicinity of the parkway and Central (just north of Bowen in Fort Erie yesterday (Saturday) by several groups. Also several groups observed the Black-headed Gull and Kittiwake from the parkway close to the end of Bowen. Directions below from Geoff Carpentier email. Fort Erie: from the source of the Niagara river travel north on the Niagara River Parkway past the railway bridge that crosses the river. Watch for Bowen on your left hand side. From here you can scan the American side and see the swarms of gulls by the marina (this is actually Squaw Island which doesn't look like an island, but rather a concrete pier). Patience should yield the Black-headed, Kittiwake and Little Gulls. Travel about 0.5 kms further north and watch for a sandy beach on the river side of the road and the parkette on the landward side. This is where the crows came in starting about 3:30 p.m. We left about 4:15. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge From: The Sinclairs <sinclair AT muskoka.com> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:54:13 -0500 Band-tailed Pigeon - Bracebridge Found this morning at my feeder. Still here at 11:45am Photo at http://www.boards2go.com/boards/board.cgi?action=read&id=1328373648&user=muskokabirdboard Directions: Take Hwy 11 to south exit for Bracebridge, exit 182. Go 8 km east towards Haliburton on Hwy 118E. Come up the laneway at 911# 1852, CAUTION very steep & slippery so come up fast. Feeder is behind the house. Knock on the front door for assistance. Email me for updates. Al Sinclair Bracebridge _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: SS Hawk behaviour From: SHEILA BOWSLAUGH <1sheila AT bell.net> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 16:39:43 +0000 Our local juvenile sharpie spent 10 minutes bathing in the creek this morning. It seemed to be having great fun splashing and shaking its feathers before flying up to sit in a tree to sun itself. We see this bird once or twice a day as it checks out our bird feeders but I have never noticed this behaviour before. Sheila Bowslaugh Regional Road 81 and 30 Road 1/2 Km. east fo Peninsula Ridge winery in Beamsville. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Ross's Goose - Professor's Lake Brampton From: Bob Noble <bob_noble AT rogers.com> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 11:27:07 -0500 A single Ross's Goose was seen this morning at the eastern end of Professor's Lake in Brampton. It was with a large number of Canada Geese in an open section of water. The bird was close to shore but flew off at 9:10 am and has not been seen again. Directions: Take the 410 north to Bovaird and go east on Bovaird to Torbram. Turn right (south) on Torbram to the first light and turn right onto Prospect Gate and go to Philosophers Trail. Go right past Picadilly Place to a small park on the left (Professor's Lake Park). Park on the street and walk down the path to the lake. The bird was swimming in the open water to the left. Bob Noble Brampton Sent from my iPad _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Have a question? Try eBird From: "Mark Cranford [Ontbirds]" <ontbirds_coord AT rogers.com> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:46:38 -0500 Frequently we have birds that may be lingering but have not been reported on Ontbirds recently. With almost 3000 readers we can't handle the volume if everyone has questions. One alternative is eBird. You probably have to register (which is not difficult) at ebird.org (ebird.ca is the same thing sort of). Under the category (tab) View Data select the first option Range and Point Maps. Enter the species you are interested in as well as a date range then zoom into your area of interest and click on the sighting balloons. That will give you dates. Click on a checklist link will give you additional details. In the case of the Great Gray Owl near Kingsville most recent date is Jan 11. Not encouraging. In the case of the male King Eider at Port Weller - Feb 2. -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranford AT ofo.ca 905 279 9576 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: King Eider - Port Weller From: "Bob Beal" <rbeal001 AT rochester.rr.com> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 09:17:47 -0500 Has anyone seen the King Eider at Port Weller the past few days? Thank you, Bob Beal Greece, Monroe County _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Snowy owl at landsdowne and st.clair Toronto From: "Mark Cranford \[Ontbirds\]" <ontbirds_coord AT rogers.com> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:23:16 -0500 Posting for Amanada Speer Seen a snowy owl at st Clair and landsdowne in Toronto in a back alley way perched on a building then he flew to the top of a house nearby around 3:00 pm feb 3 2012 Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranford AT ofo.ca 905 279 9576 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report, Friday, February 3rd, 2012 From: "Cheryl Edgecombe" <cheryle29 AT cogeco.ca> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 20:01:20 -0500 On Friday, February 03, 2012 this is the HNC birding report: Greater White-fronted Goose Snow Goose Brant Cackling Goose American Wigeon King Eider Red-throated Loon Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Northern Goshawk Rough-legged Hawk Thayer's Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Glaucous Gull Great Horned Owl Snowy Owl Long-eared Owl Northern Shrike Carolina Wren Winter Wren Hermit Thrush Bohemian Waxwing Cedar Waxwing Yellow-rumped Warbler White-crowned Sparrow Purple Finch White-winged Crossbill Common Redpoll Pine Siskin This week has more of a winter flavour bird wise, not temperature wise than past weeks here in the Hamilton Study area. There were no outstanding rarities but winter listers would be encouraged to look over the list to fill in the holes. We will start out with waterfowl. I have met many frustrated birders this week, myself included out looking for the specialty geese. Although the geese are reported, they seldom stay in the same spot or return to the same spot making it frustrating. The Greater White-fronted Goose was seen today at the Rock Chapel Golf Course on Highway 5 east of Clappisons Corners in with hundreds of Canada Geese. American Wigeon were also reported from this area. The Snow Goose was reported from Bayfront Park earlier in the week but has not been seen since. The Brant along with a Cackling Goose was also seen at Bayfront Park on Tuesday but has not been reported since. All of these birds are still in the area I am sure but it is a big guess as to where they will feed or roost so patience is necessary. Be sure not to confuse any with the farm goose now residing at Princess Point! Loons have been in the area of Bayfront and LaSalle Marina with both Common and Red-throated Loons being seen mid-week. A young male King Eider was seen earlier in the week at Bayfront Park. Again this week, while looking for these geese take some time to diversify and look at the gulls. Thayer's and Glaucous Gull were seen at the ship canal at the lift bridge and a Lesser Black-backed Gull (adult) was seen from LaSalle Marina today. Raptors and Vultures seem to be moving about the area. Turkey Vultures were reported over Bayfront Park and over South Oakville this week. One has to assume these are wintering birds moving further afield but maybe warmer temps are driving birds north. A juvenile Bald Eagle was seen over Bayfront on Tuesday. An adult Northern Goshawk was a welcome winter bird on Concession 11 East in Flamborough west of Millborough Townline. Rough-legged Hawk was seen over this area as well. Winter finches seem to be on the move. On 11th Concession East just west of Millborough Town Line, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll and Pine Siskins were flying amongst the trees close to a feeder set up. Cone crops are still plentiful so birds remain up high although Purple Finch were at feeders. Today in the valley across from LaSalle Park, four White-winged Crossbills were seen. Winter Wren and Hermit Thrush were also reported from here. A number of sizable flocks of Common Redpolls have been reported in Flamborough, Wellington County and even here in South Burlington this week. Owls are in the news this week with Snowy Owls being reported from Sladeview Drive in Mississauga, on top of the Longo's grocery store at Burloak just south of the QEW and on the rocks at Confederation Park. On the east side of Bronte Provincial Park a Great Horned Owl has taken up residence and a good number of Long-eared Owls appear to be wintering here. A Great Horned Owl is still being seen and probably on nest at the Valley Inn inbetween the expansion joint of the Plains Road Bridge. In the odds and sods this week, Pied-billed Grebe continues to be seen at the Desjardins Canal on York Road in Dundas. A few American Wigeon were seen here as well. A Great Blue Heron was seen over 5th Concession West at Highway 6. A Northern Shrike was reported on Kirkwall Road today. A few Bohemian Waxwings were seen with Cedar Waxwings across from Little Tract near Guelph earlier in the week. Carolina Wren, Winter Wren and Yellow-rumped Warbler were seen on the trail up the Hendrie Valley at Valley Inn. Two White-crowned Sparrows were seen on the mountain rail trail at Dickenson Road. White-crowned Sparrows have overwintered here in the past. It's a good weekend to be out and about, please send along your sightings for the winter listers! Good birding, Cheryl Edgecombe _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Purple Finches in Gowganda..Temiskaming Dist. North From: "Paul and Gert Trudel" <ptrudel AT ontera.net> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 18:33:48 -0500 Hi, I finally have Purple Finches. They joined the hundreds of Common Redpolls and the Pine and Evening Grosbeaks. (Lucky that the Nyger is on sale!!!!) I note very few Black Capped Chickadees this winter and even the Hairy and Downy Woodpecker numbers are down . Blue Jays are decreasing in my area but increasing about an hour and a half North East of me. We have lots of snow..about 50 cm easy, on the ground now. After a lot of fluffy snow falls , the driveway becomes the ground feeder until the wind hardens the snow again. We do have at least two snowy owls in the Dist. About 1 hour from my place. Cheers, Gert Trudel trudel AT ontera.ca Temiskaming Dist. 6 hours North of Toronto via Hwy 11 N _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Snowy Owl-Vineland From: "Nancy Smith" <nancy.smith AT talkwireless.ca> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:26:19 -0500 Still seen today out on the breakwall north of the Beacon Harbourside Best Western Inn on the north service road of the QEW between Victoria Ave.( Reg. 24 ) Vineland and Jordan Road exits. Enjoy! Nancy Smith RR#1 Vineland, ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Cooper's Hawk, Ottawa From: Don Wigle <don.wigle AT sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 13:25:14 -0500 The Cooper's Hawk seen recently in Britannia Woods was still present yesterday. We first saw it flying straight toward us down Cassels Street and about 20 feet off the deck. We later saw it in the woods. It was an adult female....see picture at link. https://sites.google.com/a/ontariobird.com/ontario-birds/Home/recent-photos Beth and Don Wigle Ottawa Location: see Google Map http://g.co/maps/38ws2 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Fish Crows in Fort Erie From: "Dr. Gordon Payne" <vireo AT rogers.blackberry.net> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:35:34 +0000 My brother Doug and I observed three Fish Crows between noon and 12:30pm today in the area around the intersection of Highland Ave. and Crooks St. in Fort Erie. Gord Payne London, ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/Subject: Greater White-fronted Goose @ Presqu'ile. From: Fred Helleiner <fhelleiner AT trentu.ca> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:41:41 -0500 A Greater White-fronted Goose was seen by five people this morning at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. It was swimming around the west side of Salt Point and could be seen easily from the government dock. 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. Salt Point and the government dock are on Bayshore Road, which follows the shore of Presqu'ile Bay. -- -- Fred Helleiner 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. 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 birdalert AT ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ |