199.246.2.11
-- 199.246.2.11
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, March 30, 2003
As the spring weather continues, so does the migration. EASTERN PHOEBES showed up on March 24th at Elmbrook, and yesterday at the Quinte Conservation Area west of Belleville. More AMERICAN WOODCOCKS in the county and one calling on Maitland Drive in Belleville during the week and lots of TREE SWALLOWS taking advantage of the warmer weather, and numerous reports of EASTERN MEADOWLARKS. Along the Bayshore Trail in east Belleville yesterday, there was a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, 4 NORTHERN FLICKERS and 8 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS. GREAT BLUE HERONS during the week were seen in Belleville, Kaiser Crossroad, Consecon, Point Petre and at the Quinte Skyway Bridge. The first COMMON SNIPE was heard Thursday at Valley Road in Ameliasburgh, and 2 FOX SPARROWS were reported during the week - one at Bloomfield on March 27th and one in Picton yesterday. Enough TURKEY VULTURES turned up in the county during the week to indicate a stable population of these roadside foragers.
An aerial tour over the county on Wednesday revealed no absence of water from the rapid snow melt of last weekend. Many creeks have spilled their banks providing plenty of areas for waterfowl to gather. TUNDRA SWANS are showing up everywhere, with a high of 100 at the popular Kaiser Crossroad site where low flooded agricultural fields have provided "to die for" birding opportunities. During the week there were highs of 500 NORTHERN PINTAIL, 150 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 20 GREEN-WINGED TEALS, 500 MALLARDS, 50 BLACK DUCKS, 30 AMERICAN WIGEON, 50 CANADA GEESE and lesser numbers of WOOD DUCKS, BUFFLEHEADS, SHOVELERS, GREEN WINGED TEAL, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, and HOODED MERGANSERS. There was a major movement of CANADA GEESE on Monday over the area with up to 10,000 birds counted in three hours.
East Lake at Log Cabin Point contains more than a dozen species of waterfowl, among them CANVASBACKS, REDHEADS, HOODED MERGANSERS and a PIED-BILLED GREBE. In Lake Ontario, waterfowl numbers are also impressive with an estimated 10,500 LONG-TAILED DUCKS counted just east of The Rock. Cressy Lakeside during the week offered many flocks of COMMON GOLDENEYE, RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, BUFFLEHEADS and LONG-TAILED DUCKS. Along Cressy Bayside, observers there tallied several thousand GREATER SCAUP, with a few LESSER SCAUP, REDHEADS, RING-NECKED DUCKS, and CANVASBACKS. The mouth of Black Creek, just below the Black River Cheese Factory opened up early in the week, attracting LESSER SCAUP, COMMON GOLDENEYE, HOODED MERGANSERS, WOOD DUCKS, BUFFLEHEADS, COMMON MERGANSERS, AMERICAN WIGEON, GADWALL and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Even small ponds in the area were worth checking during the week, evidence by the 26 HOODED MERGANSERS, found on Friday at the Bloomfield Mill Pond.
Owl surveys conducted in the Huyck's Point area Thursday night revealed 4 GREAT HORNED OWLS at 3 stops, and 3 EASTERN SCREECH OWLS at 3 stops in the Little Swamp area. Other noteworthy sightings during the week included PURPLE FINCH at Point Petre, 3 CHIPPING SPARROWS on Valley Road (Mar. 27), and PILEATED WOODPECKER, EASTERN TOWHEE and RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER found in the Ameliasburgh area. Two SANDHILL CRANES were seen flying in an easterly direction over Highway 37, about 5 km north of the 401, on Tuesday.
As the DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS stage their return to the Quinte area, Chip Wesleloh of the Canadian Wildlife Service is interested in documenting the arrivals of these birds in all areas of the Great Lakes, especially the inland lakes, many of which remain frozen. Date, location, time and number of birds is requested in an effort to document the migration of more than 200,000 cormorants that nest on the Great Lakes. He may be contacted at: chip.weseloh@ec.gc.ca
And finally, a fundraising concert in support of the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory will be taking place on April 12th, at 8:00 p.m., at Milford's Mount Tabor Playhouse. Featured will be local musicians Jeanette Arsenault, Lenni Stewar-Wells, Janet Kellough, Suzanne Pasternak, Paul Johnson and Bill Ostrander. Tickets are $15.00 and are available from Books on the Bay in Picton, Hicks General Store in Milford, or at the door.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Susan Shipman, Judy Bell, Joanne Dewey, Lloyd Paul, Nick Quickert, Mike Jaques, Mike Schummer, Henry & Joan Pasila, Chip Wesleloh, Paul Mackenzie, David & Yvette Bree, Evelyn Sloane, Don Craighead and Wynne Thomas for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6th. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good spring birding !
Terry Sprague
Picton, Ontario
tsprague@kos.net
http://www.naturestuff.net
24.43.158.246
-- 24.43.158.246
Hi,
I saw a bird that I have never seen before today. It was sparrow-size with a VERY bright orange-red top of the head, almost like a wide mohawk! As far as I could tell it was the only obvious marking the bird had. Although it was hard to tell because the bird was hopping around in the trees so fast. Actually there were about 7 or 8 of these little guys and the were constantly chirping. It definitly wasnt a sparrow, though it did resemble the sparrow family. Any help someone can offer would be much appreciated. Have a great week.
64.229.70.37
-- 64.229.70.37
This is a very late posting as we saw this bird in February but only just got around to identifying it today. Saw one individual in mid-February on the Don River just south of Queen Street. It's a striking bird with bright orange feet. It was hanging around with the Canada Geese and we thought at first that it might be a domesticated goose until we remembered to look it up today. I understand that this is a quite uncommon bird in Toronto?
64.228.99.20
-- 64.228.99.20
Well, here in Caledon in the past couple of weeks we have seen the return of the grackles, blackbirds, and redwing blackbirds. This week the cowbirds have arrived......oh joy oh bliss. More feed to put out, but that's ok because if they are eating, they are keeping healthier and stronger. We need that with all the birds and wildlife. We have heard some reports of bluebirds in some of the surrounding areas this past week as well. Make sure if you have nesting boxes, they are cleaned out and ready for our friends. Very soon, hopefully in the next few days, we will have a message board on our website with bird and wildlife sightings in the caledon area along with the rest of Ontario. My newest article for April's issue in the Curious Daytripper newspaper is also posted on our website, I will be doing this on a monthly basis with tips, facts and fun on birds and wildlife. We will be constantly updating news. Right now there is a guest sign in and links page with more to be added. If you are intersted in visiting and posting sightings or pictures, we would be very glad to hear from all of you. Our site is www.caledonmountain.boz.ca . Thanks.
64.231.217.169
-- 64.231.217.169
In Reply to: Cormorants are back! posted by Bill Halliday on March 29, 2003 at 10:18:28:
This morning at Humber Bay East, there were at least 20 cormorants. They were mostly 1's & 2's, with one flock of 9. Most of them were on the wing, headed west.
Other birds of note there this morning included a female Canvasback, a Pied-billed Grebe, several Horned Grebes, and the first Cowbirds I have seen this year.
BB
66.185.84.68
-- 66.185.84.68
This is for the people who keep track of returning dates. This morning, at the mouth of the Humber river, there are three cormorants.
64.228.47.146
-- 64.228.47.146
Several tree swallows gliding over the pond here in Whitchurch-Stouffville (10 kms north west of Markham) this morning. Also a lone king fisher and a solitariy buffle head. Al Johnston
216.192.230.3
-- 216.192.230.3
In Reply to: Mississauga - American Woodcock? posted by Carolyn Hay on March 24, 2003 at 23:58:35:
Carolyn, the date and the location sound good for this species. I used to listen to them at dusk and watch their courtship flights in that area back in 1991-2, it is good to know that there is still sufficient habitat there to support them, at least temporarily.
64.231.224.235
-- 64.231.224.235
On Saturday night, March 22nd around 10:30 pm, I heard what sounded like an American Woodcock in the field west of Duke of York Blvd. between the Living Arts Centre and Rathburn Rd. It was making it's nasal 'peent' sound.
Do you think it's likely that it was a woodcock?
199.246.2.11
-- 199.246.2.11
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, March 23, 2003
More stuff arrived during the week to join the throngs of KILLDEER, and members of the blackbird family that showed up en masse last weekend, along with SONG SPARROWS. A TURKEY VULTURE was seen on Long Point Road, east of Gravelly Bay Road on Tuesday. It, or another, also turned up at Prinyer's Cove the following day, followed by another sighting yesterday at Waupoos, and another on Ridge Road today and one on Wesley Acres Road yesterday. GREAT BLUE HERONS were seen at Sandbanks last Saturday, Mountain View on Monday and another yesterday over the Big Island Marsh, and another at Adolphustown.. There was a NORTHERN FLICKER at Sandbanks early in the week, and a male EASTERN TOWHEE on Lower Massassauga Road today. An early AMERICAN WOODCOCK was seen searching for soft earth on the Murray-Harrington Road in the Murray Marsh area on Tuesday.
For the most part though, it was waterfowl, and their numbers and make-up fluctuated throughout the week. A popular waterfowl viewing area, a flooded farm field on Kaiser Crossroad, east of Waupoos, 48 TUNDRA SWANS there Monday; today there were in excess of 100. Also at this location, there were 6 TRUMPETER SWANS, CANADA GEESE, 1 SNOW GOOSE, 2 GADWALL, MALLARDS, AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS and 16 NORTHERN PINTAILS. This is a popular birding spot and certainly worthy of a visit in the days to come. Last year there were close to a dozen species of ducks during its peak, with 300 of them NORTHERN PINTAILS. Another popular location on Wesley Acres Road, south of Bloomfield, also harbours numerous ducks, but is drained very quickly and success depends largely on timing. Yesterday there were six species of waterfowl, including two SNOW GEESE. Meanwhile in West Lake at Wellington, waterfowl success was generally very poor, although 14 species did show up on Saturday, compared to larger numbers a day earlier. Among them were MUTE SWAN, CANVASBACK, REDHEAD, RING-NECKED DUCKS, and HOODED MERGANSER. East Lake on Saturday donated about 15 species of waterfowl including MUTE and TUNDRA SWAN, WOOD DUCK (1), AMERICAN WIGEON, GADWALL (1), both GREATER and LESSER SCAUP, and COMMON MERGANSER. This same area on Monday also added HORNED GREBE to the list. And CANADA GEESE are everywhere. Birders this week are cautioned that water flow is swift these days along County watercourses and are asked to use extreme care when around these areas. Today, there was flooding at both ends of Consecon Lake - at the village of Consecon and the community of Melville. Consecon Creek is a huge creek system and runs through the Big Swamp, so the quantity of water, until it peaks in a day or two, will be enormous.
In other birding news around Prince Edward County, the VARIED THRUSH at Prinyer's Cove, a regular since early January, tends to wander more with the arrival of warmer weather, so birders still wanting to catch a glimpse of this western visitor, may have to wait quite a while. Other sightings over the week included a NORTHERN SHRIKE on Mitchel's Crossroad on Friday, EASTERN MEADOWLARK on East Lake Road on Thursday, 2 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS on Marisett Road on Monday, and on Tuesday there was AMERICAN COOT at Wellington, a RED-THROATED LOON at the Glenora Ferry crossing, and a 3rd year BALD EAGLE on Amherst Island. Owling efforts by one observer Monday night aroused a GREAT HORNED OWL on Doxsee Road, and EASTERN SCREECH OWLS on Huff's Island Road and Massassauga Road. Two WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were seen during the week at Waupoos.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Chris Grooms, Lloyd Paul, Ken Ashton, Bruce Ripley, Owen Weir, Bud Rowe, Laura Pierce, Joanne Dewey, Judy Bell, Laura Pierce, Don Craighead, Thomas Rymes, Nick Quickert, Yvette and David Bree, Bill Hogg, Don & John Legate and Rita Chapman. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 30th. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good birding !
Terry Sprague
Picton, Ontario
tsprague@kos.net
http://www.naturestuff.net
64.231.219.119
-- 64.231.219.119
The air at Colonel Sam Smith Park was filled with birdsong midday Saturday. The sounds (and sight) of blackbirds, grackles, song sparrows, tree sparrows, robins, killdeers, and mockingbirds were everywhere. There was also one (or possibly two) meadowlark on the outer penninsula.
There were fewer ducks than last weekend, but still a similar variety. White-winged Scoters are still easy to find close to shore. I found all 3 merganser species, and both scaup, but I couldn't find a ring-necked or a coot. There were at least 4 Horned Grebes: 3 in winter plumage, and 1 in transition to breeding plumage.
It's really starting to feel like spring!
BB
206.172.40.130
-- 206.172.40.130
In Reply to: Re: Codes to easy money very fast$$NO JOKE posted by luke gipson on March 21, 2003 at 10:14:29:
I would be pleased if who ever is in charge would get rid of this piece of junk.
206.172.40.130
-- 206.172.40.130
In Reply to: Re: Codes to easy money very fast$$NO JOKE posted by luke gipson on March 21, 2003 at 10:14:29:
I would be pleased if who ever is in charge would get rid of this piece of junk.
206.172.40.130
-- 206.172.40.130
In Reply to: Re: Codes to easy money very fast$$NO JOKE posted by luke gipson on March 21, 2003 at 10:14:29:
I would be pleased if who ever is in charge would get rid of this piece of junk.
209.29.103.142
-- 209.29.103.142
I might be able to go to Point Pelee for Easter, April 17 to 19,2003 and would like to know more about the birds in the Park .At this time of the year what species of birds should I expect to see? I'm sure some of you would also be
able to tell me what the best trails are.I appreciate your help, any help,I'm just a beginner...Thank you.
198.95.113.74
-- 198.95.113.74
News Release - March 20, 2003
From the American Birding Association
Attention Young Birders and Educators!
The ABA is pleased to announce its 2003 schedule of education programs and events for young birders. We also welcome and encourage educators and group leaders to use these activities and resources in their classrooms. Please pass this information along to anyone who may be interested in participating in or making use of these programs.
ABA/Leica Young Birders’ Workshop in Costa Rica: This special event has been planned and designed with Holbrook Travel to maximize the birding educational experience for young birders. It is being held July 26-August 2, 2003 in Costa Rica. Register now as the capacity is limited to 21 participants. For more details and information please visit http://www.americanbirding.org/programs/ygbconf.htm
ABA Youth Scholarship Program: The ABA continues to provide scholarship support to help young birders attend birding camps and conferences all across North America. In 2002 alone we sponsored 16 young birders for a total of nearly $9000.00 to help them attend birding events in Colorado, Minnesota, Arizona, and Maine. For information and details on how to apply go to http://www.americanbirding.org/programs/eduscho.htm
ABA/Leica Young Birder of the Year Contest: This annual contest runs from April through September and registrations will be accepted as late as June 14 for this year. We have added a new module, bird photography, in addition to the original three modules (field notebook, illustration, and essay) for participants. Prizes include optics, bird books, and sponsorships. Visit http://www.americanbirding.org/programs/ygbcomp.htm
ABA/Leica Birdathons: This year the ABA is offering two formats for participating in a birdathon. For those who prefer doing their birdathon as an “individual”, we have brought back BirdQuest. For birders who prefer the “team” approach we have created Tropicbirds teams for this birdathon strategy. Complete registration packages are available on our website at http://www.americanbirding.org/programs/edutrop.htm
A Bird’s-Eye View: This ABA publication is written by young birders for young birders. Subscriptions for this bimonthly newsletter are only $6 per year and classroom rates are available with support from Swarovski Optik. BEV is a great way to learn about birds and other young birders. See http://www.americanbirding.org/publications/bevgen.htm
216.8.144.229
-- 216.8.144.229
Early this morning I crept up to a Kingfisher perched at the end of our dock. I took some great photos as the ice drifted down the river behind it.
216.8.148.197
-- 216.8.148.197
Just spotted a pair of bald eagles, one male, one female. They are now sitting in tree on Peche Island which is in Detroit river at the mouth of Lake St.Clair and east of Belle Isle.
216.220.36.168
-- 216.220.36.168
Hello Everyone,
I don't post often on here for fear of being labelled a 'photographer' and not a 'birder'... but I met several very nice people on the weekend at Humber Bay Park East and we spent some nice time contemplating the Long-Eared Owls roosting in the pines. I was simply thrilled, I have never seen any of these beautiful birds in the wild before.
For the few people who were interested in seeing the photos I took, I posted one on my website at www.jobu-design.com under birds. I am not trying to solicit sales or anything like that, several people asked me to see the photos and I was hoping to help out (especially to the older gentleman who was unable to see the birds because of his poor eyesight).
To report, there were also numerous other birds in the area, mallards, buffleheads, geese, tundra swans, scaup and all other common water birds. Apparently the male wood duck was still there, although I missed seeing him.
Regards, I hope to meet more of you in the future.
-Ian
24.112.223.195
-- 24.112.223.195
In Reply to: C. Ravens Tommy Thompson Park Toronto posted by Craig McLauchlin on March 16, 2003 at 19:05:11:
Just to add to Craig's list, I saw a Belted Kingfisher by the bridge at around 4:00.
199.246.2.11
-- 199.246.2.11
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday March 16, 2003
It was as if someone had opened the floodgates on the spring migration. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS arrived in Prince Edward County overnight with an unexpected 53 at our feeding station this morning, accompanied by 4 COMMON GRACKLES. Similar numbers of the same two species were also reported from elsewhere in the county as well as in the Tweed area. In addition to phenomenal numbers of AMERICAN ROBINS, COMMON CROWS and HORNED LARKS present this weekend, an optimistic TREE SWALLOW turned up this morning on Bakker Road, near Pleasant Bay. KILLDEER also staged a weekend arrival with individuals being reported from various parts of the county today, with five being seen at Prince Edward Point, and three yesterday on Gilead Road.
Warmer weather also made waterfowl watching a bit more comfortable with good numbers being seen in the few places where open water has appeared. West Lake at Wellington over the last three days contained 26 swans with the majority being MUTE SWANS, along with at least 4 TRUMPETER SWANS. Ten TUNDRA SWANS had also been present earlier. Also present at this location were CANADA GEESE, MALLARD, REDHEAD, RING-NECKED DUCKS, GREATER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE, COMMON MERGANSER and HORNED GREBE. Other observers at Point Petre yesterday found LONG-TAILED DUCKS, COMMON GOLDENEYE, BUFFLEHEAD, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, and GREATER SCAUP . The Outlet River offered HORNED GREBE, NORTHERN PINTAIL, REDHEAD, GREATER SCAUP, COMMON MERGANSER, and CANADA GEESE. Meanwhile at Prince Edward Point, everything was pretty much frozen over and lifeless, according to one observer on Friday. Another observer down that way today had much better results with 3,000 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 8 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and 25 GREATER SCAUP. Also seen along the peninsula were 300 AMERICAN ROBINS, 150 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 1 GREAT BLUE HERON and 2 SONG SPARROWS (1 singing). Two blue-phase SNOW GEESE were in Wellington on Tuesday, and another 6 SNOW GEESE were seen in flight along Royal Road.
Returning to the winter scene, at least one of the two VARIED THRUSHES at Prinyer's Cove continues to make regular visits to the feeder at 383 Prinyer's Cove Crescent, where a NORTHERN FLICKER and two RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS are also sampling the menu. A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK made a visit to a feeder in Bloomfield during the week, and another east of Lake-on-the-Mountain. At Tweed, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK was observed chasing a mourning dove across a nearby field. SNOW BUNTINGS were seen during the week at Point Petre (1), Big Island (2), Sandbanks Provincial Park (12), and 250 in a freshly manured field on County Road 18 near Fairfield's Resort. WILD TURKEY reports included 35 at the Sidney Street location north of Belleville, 1 at South Bay, 5 at Milford, 7 at Lake-on-the-Mountain, 2 at Long Point, 18 on County Road 11 near Sandbanks, 4 crossing the highway near Warkworth, and two strolling nonchalantly down a driveway in Carrying Place. Another stroller was a RING-NECKED PHEASANT hiking along the road in Warkworth. And still another casual afternoon walker was a RUFFED GROUSE which took all of five minutes to cross in front of one motorist on Brewer's Road.
Other good sightings during the week were SONG SPARROW and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at Lake-on-the-Mountain on Tuesday and another white-throat on Bongard's Crossroad, NORTHERN FLICKER near the corner of Scoharie Road and County Road 2, EASTERN BLUEBIRD on Point Petre Road, 500 AMERICAN ROBINS in the Point Petre area, BALD EAGLE at Glenora, RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER at Wellington, PILEATED WOODPECKER on County Road 23 and another on Valley Road, and still another reported from Tweed, and 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS at Consecon. One observer doing owl surveys for the Breeding Bird Atlas in the Ameliasburgh area made 18 stops and recorded 8 EASTERN SCREECH OWLS from seven stops and 4 GREAT HORNED OWLS from two stops.
Observations on Amherst Island on March 11th were SNOWY OWL (1), 5 dark morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 14 SNOW BUNTINGS and a NORTHERN FLICKER.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Lloyd Paul, Richard Koppens, Colin Bradshaw, Glenn Tooze, Owen Weir, Liz Churcher and George Thomson, Donald McClure, James Leaney, Angela Mantle, Walter Frey, Evelyn & Doug Sloane, Don Craighead, Bob Sachs, Fred Helleiner, Joe Victor, and David Bree. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 23rd. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good birding !
Terry Sprague
Picton, Ontario
tsprague@kos.net
http://www.naturestuff.net
216.209.210.54
-- 216.209.210.54
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding.
To day Bev convinced me that after spending 4 weeks ( going in to my 5 ) working with 2 days off that a birding walk out on to Tommy Thompson Park ( or the Leslie st spit just for you John , ha-ha) wood be a good Idea . And we came up with some good birds!
Getting out of the car at 7:30 am we wear treated to a calling N.Cardinal which is a rare bird out on the spit and a great way to start off, other good birds wear 2 Killdeers, 47 Red Wing black birds, 35 Tree sparrows, B.C. Chickadees 2 , 400+ Long Tiled ducks, 17 Wight winged scoter's and 2 Black Scoter's , their was 1 adult Lesser Black back Gull out on the ice with 2 G.B.B.Gulls .
their wear 8 migrating Crows and at 9:45 in till 9:55 we watched (me in amassment) 2 migrating C. Ravens, I have seen C. Raven out on the spit before but never 2 together, we watched them fly in from the west of the city once they saw the spit they started to fly in caracal's and slowly head north west towards the DVP and out of sight even thought I had them in my scoop. Wow what fun that was, that's what I love about birding always something new!
Tommy Thompson Park is found south of the Lake shore Blvd. hear in Toronto on Leslie st and is open only on the weekends and holidays
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan Toronto/Ont/Canada/World. csam@sympatico.ca
64.231.219.61
-- 64.231.219.61
In Reply to: Killdeer at Col Sam Smith Park posted by Brian Bailey on March 15, 2003 at 21:09:50:
At least 2 male Ring-necked Ducks have joined the flock of several hundred ducks at the foot of 23rd Street today.
BB
64.231.226.194
-- 64.231.226.194
On my way to Col. Sam Smith Park this morning, I came upon a pair of Mockingbirds along the east side of the RL Clark Filtration Plant. The male was very vocal. His repertoire included a Killdeer call, which had me searching the sky until I realized the source. He also did a very good Greater Yellowlegs.
Down at the lake there were several male RW Blackbirds, one Robin, and a genuine Killdeer along with the following waterfowl:
Horned Grebe (2)
Mute Swan
Canada Goose
American Black Duck
Mallard
Gadwall
American Widgeon
Redhead
Greater Scaup
Long-tailed Duck
White-winged Scoter (20+)
Common Goldeneye (displaying)
Bufflehead
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
and one American Coot.
BB
64.230.107.90
-- 64.230.107.90
In Reply to: Turkey Vulture over Queen's Park posted by Glenn Coady on March 14, 2003 at 17:24:59:
...Vultures over Queen's Park! Hmmmm...you can't get more symbolic than that. Watch out Mr. Eves...maybe they smell something.
(Sorry...I couldn't resist)
Tony
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
Today at about 1:20 p.m. I saw an eastbound migrant Turkey Vulture over Queen's Park.
GC
209.29.91.103
-- 209.29.91.103
In Reply to: Beamer - best time to go? posted by Jen on March 12, 2003 at 21:30:28:
Like any raptor watch, there is a peak season (in this case spring), and a peak month for numbers (April). However, the season runs from the beginning of March through to mid-May, and there is a lot of variation in the peak times of individual species. For example, you would have to go soon to see large numbers of Turkey Vultures and Red-shouldered Hawks, but have virtually no chance of seeing any Broad-winged Hawks until April. Complicating matters considerably is that activity can vary greatly from day to day based on weather conditions. What may seem to be a beautiful day to us can be virtually devoid of migration if winds are coming from the wrong direction (as has happened to me on each of my visits to Beamer; I believe the best source of wind there should be from the south, but can't guarantee that). Of course if you do hit a good day, it can be a very memorable experience. Good luck!
149.99.114.245
-- 149.99.114.245
I have heard that spring is the best time to go to Beamer Conservation Area in Grimsby to view the hawks coming back. Can anyone recommend when's the best time to go? It's a long way to go but have heard it can be very rewarding. Does anyone recommend making the trek out there?
Thanks.
199.42.177.225
-- 199.42.177.225
In Reply to: Great Hawk watching day posted by Jen on March 08, 2003 at 13:49:14:
I usually have a pair of Norther Harriers hang around my house in the spring. It is neat watching them cruise just above the ground searching for food. But they normal disappear by mid June and head north.
65.49.163.13
-- 65.49.163.13
I have a pole mounted bird feer in my backyard adjacent to Lake Ontario in Port Credit. We have many geese scavanging in the lake. A couple of years ago, both ducks and geese began to scour the ground underneath the feeder to clean the feed ejected from the feeder.
One day a goose flew onto the bird feeder and with some difficultly perched there, and by squatting, was able to reach into the bird feeder to enjoy its' bounty. Recently I thought I noticed more than one goose dining at the feeder.
Today I saw one goose perched on the feeder and two others flying in to chase it off.
I guess that geese feeding from a bird feeder is learned behaviour.
65.49.163.13
-- 65.49.163.13
In Reply to: Re: what was that huge bird ... posted by Dawn Phippen on March 07, 2003 at 10:12:28:
If you think you saw a Golden Eagle, you might check out immature bald eagles. When I first saw an immature bald eagle at the Adamson Estate in Port Credit, I too checked my book and said golden but then read that bald eagles are much more common here.
On one great day I saw two bald eagles. I knew they were different because one was a marture and the other immature. Getting to see them fly is another way to assist your identification.
Enjoy
64.231.231.108
-- 64.231.231.108
In Reply to: what was that huge bird ... posted by Peter Bedoukian on March 07, 2003 at 09:31:29:
Thanks to all who replied.
Having looked at pictures and reviewed the sighting with my fellow observers (wife, son, daughter, cat), we concluded it was most likely a Red Tailed Hawk.
199.246.2.11
-- 199.246.2.11
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, March 09, 2003
Winter continues its icy grip on Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. This was certainly reflected in some of the reports that came in during the week including SNOW BUNTINGS (12) along Greer Road in Prince Edward County, and others during the week at 401 and Sidney Street in Belleville, and along Wooler Road. There was a second winter ICELAND GULL at the Glenora Ferry crossing last Sunday, and another - this time a first winter bird, at Point Petre the same day.
Bird feeders continue to enjoy brisk business as winter drags on with each feeder reporting their own individual successes with record large numbers of TREE SPARROWS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS, and MOURNING DOVES. A flock of 40 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES last week at a feeder east of Waupoos, and which subsequently disappeared this weekend, was particularly noteworthy as this species is all but absent at many feeders this winter. The male VARIED THRUSH at 383 Prinyer's Cove Crescent was last seen yesterday. This feeder which has seen close to 100 observers since the thrush arrived in early January, also has a male NORTHERN FLICKER, and both a male and female RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. It has also been confirmed that a female VARIED THRUSH is also patronizing the same feeder although it is the male that seems to be observed more frequently. As spring draws nearer, we will be working on confirming a breeding record for this species for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas !
Open water around the county is still at a premium. However, West Lake at Wellington has been producing some interesting species including up to 22 MUTE SWANS this evening (15 on Monday). Prince Edward Point is still pretty much frozen in although fly bys of 60+ LONG-TAILED DUCKS were seen early in the week. A few open areas can be found at Point Petre where early in the week there were 750 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 350 COMMON GOLDENEYE, 80 BUFFLEHEAD, 18 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, 140 GREATER SCAUP, 22 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, and 250 MALLARDS.
Signs of spring do continue to tantalize us, however. The flock of AMERICAN ROBINS along South Big Island Road had grown to 300+ by Friday afternoon. A NORTHERN HARRIER also appeared over the Big Island Marsh at 1111 South Big Island Road, and HORNED LARKS regularly flush from roadsides. A flock of 37 along County Road 17, east of Lake-on-the-Mountain was noteworthy. EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were found during the week on County Road 13 south of Black River (8), and another 8 at Point Petre.
Other interesting sightings during the week were ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK near Prinyer's Cove, 2 SNOWY OWLS on Amherst Island on Tuesday, a RED-TAILED HAWK on Greer Road this afternoon, and another at Mountain View on Wednesday.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Margaret Quinn, Laura Pierce, John Charlton, Thomas & John Rymes, Fred Chandler, Bruce DiLabio, Lloyd Paul, George Kratz, Owen Weir and Donald McClure for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 16th. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good "winter" birding!
Terry Sprague
Picton, Ontario
tsprague@kos.net
http://www.naturestuff.net
64.231.220.25
-- 64.231.220.25
I visited Colonel Sam Smith Park (Kipling & Lakeshore) yesterday and found a nice variety of waterfowl including a surprising number of White-winged Scoters. This isn't normally a good place for scoters, but there were about 20 of them (it's hard to keep track of diving ducks).
There were well over a thousand waterfowl of 15 species. In addition to the scoters, there was 1 red-necked grebe and 1 horned grebe, 1 coot, and 2 pair of hooded mergansers. Most of the ducks were greater scaup. The two main areas of duck concentration were the harbour entrance, on the west side, and close to shore along the north-east side. Most of the scoters were on the east side, often very close to shore.
On my way home I heard, and then saw, my first migrant robin calling from the top of an apple tree.
BB
149.99.119.73
-- 149.99.119.73
During the hawkwatching day my wife & I had yesterday we saw 2 rough-legged hawks. I thought they had started migrating back up to their breeding grounds since I hadn't seen them for a week or two; I guess they're still here. Has anyone else seen them lately?
152.163.188.226
-- 152.163.188.226
WELL,MY HAWK CAME BACK AGAIN TODAY.TWICE SO FAR AND ON THE SECOND OCCASION HE PERCHED ON A CEDAR LIMB JUST OUTSIDE MY LIVINGROOM WINDOW(I COULD ALMOST REACH OUT AND TOUCH HIM HE WAS SO CLOSE!),STRETCHED HIS LEG AND FANNED HIS TAIL FEATHERS AS IF TO SAY TAKE A BETTER LOOK LADY. I'M NOT A GOSHAWK ,I'M A COOPERS HAWK(FEMALE,I THINK AS SHE WAS QUITE LARGE).WHAT A THRILL THIS HAS BEEN!AS MUCH AS I'M WORRIED ABOUT MY CARDINALS BECOMING HER DINNER I SURE HAVE ENJOYED WATCHING HER.I'M SURE YOU'LL ALL EXCUSE MY CONFUSION.I'M PUTTING IT DOWN TO EXCITMENT!THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR HELP! DONNA
149.99.117.127
-- 149.99.117.127
It was a great day to hawk watch in Mississauga/Oakville (at Dundas & 403 area). We were out for about 2 hours this morning and saw:
24 Red-Tails 2 Rough-legged 1 Northern Harrier (we've never seen one of these before! Spectacular!) 7 Kestrel
I read that Northern Harriers are resident all year round in and around southern Ontario but has anyone seen them regularly? We've been birding for about a year and this is the first one we've seen.
64.12.96.104
-- 64.12.96.104
THANK-YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP!I'VE FOUND MY BIRD OF PREY.YOU WERE RIGHT .IT'S THE NORTHERN GOSHAWK... http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/birds/northern-goshawk.htm THIS IS A GREAT PICTURE,RED EYES AND ALL!! THANKS AGAIN!!! DONNA
64.12.96.104
-- 64.12.96.104
THANK-YOU ALL!! I FOUND A GREAT PICTURE OF MY BIRD OF PREY... http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/birds/northern-goshawk.htm RED EYES AND ALL! YOU WERE RIGHT!! THANKS AGAIN!! DONNA
64.12.96.104
-- 64.12.96.104
THANK-YOU FOR CLEARING THAT UP FOR ME! I'M NOT AS EDUCATED IN THIS AREA AS I WOULD LIKE TO BE, SO THANKS AGAIN FOR THE INSIGHT!ALL IN ALL IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE FOR ME NO MATTER WHAT HE OR SHE WAS! THANK-YOU ALL FOR HELPING ME FIGURE OUT WHO THIS WAS!! GRATEFUL DONNA
66.185.85.68
-- 66.185.85.68
In Reply to: THANK-YOU MARCEL AND KEVIN! posted by DONNA on March 07, 2003 at 19:32:34:
Both Cooper's and Goshawks Have red eyes in adults. Actually all adult Accipiters( primarily bird hunting hawks) have red eyes when they area adults. In their first years(immatures) they have a pale yellow eye which darkens to a very deep red in old birds. I used this as a loose guideline for aging adult Cooper's and Goshawks In previous research projects. It goes something like this. Adult plummage orange eye = first year Adult, Light red Eye = young adult, red eye = Adult, Deep red = Old adult.
64.12.96.104
-- 64.12.96.104
THANK-YOU BOTH FOR YOUR QUICK RESPONSE! I HAVE CHECKED BOTH OF THESE BIRDS AS A POSSABILITY AND HAVE NOT READ IN ANY OF MY BOOKS THAT THEY HAVE THE RED EYES.I CAN'T BEGIN TO EXPLAIN HOW RED THEY WERE.WE WERE EYE TO EYE AND I SHALL NEVER FORGET THEM.WOW WHAT AN EXPERIENCE THIS WAS FOR ME!CAN YOU TELL ME IF EITHER THE COOPER OR THE GOSHAWK HAVE THESE RED EYES? THANK-YOU AGAIN DONNA
64.12.96.104
-- 64.12.96.104
In Reply to: WHAT BIRD OF PREY WAS THIS? posted by DONNA on March 07, 2003 at 17:40:00:
THANK-YOU BOTH FOR YOUR QUICK RESPONSE! I HAVE CHECKED BOTH OF THESE BIRDS AS A POSSABILITY AND HAVE NOT READ IN ANY OF MY BOOKS THAT THEY HAVE THE RED EYES.I CAN'T BEGIN TO EXPLAIN HOW RED THEY WERE.WE WERE EYE TO EYE AND I SHALL NEVER FORGET THEM.WOW WHAT AN EXPERIENCE THIS WAS FOR ME!CAN YOU TELL ME IF EITHER THE COOPER OR THE GOSHAWK HAVE THESE RED EYES? THANK-YOU AGAIN DONNA
66.185.85.68
-- 66.185.85.68
In Reply to: WHAT BIRD OF PREY WAS THIS? posted by DONNA on March 07, 2003 at 17:40:00:
Sounds like a Northern Goshawk to me. I have an older version of the Peterson Field Guide for Eastern Birds and it shows a distinctly grey adult with a definite red eye maybe you can find it on the Peterson website. Hope this helps.
Kevin
209.29.104.236
-- 209.29.104.236
In Reply to: WHAT BIRD OF PREY WAS THIS? posted by DONNA on March 07, 2003 at 17:40:00:
Sounds like either a Cooper's Hawk or a Northern Goshawk. Cooper's in particular have come to hunt at bird feeders quite commonly.
172.170.67.131
-- 172.170.67.131
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I HOPE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HELP ME IDENTIFY THE BIRD I SAW THIS AFTERNOON! I THINK IT WAS A HAWK?BUT I'M UNSURE! IT WAS THE SIZE OF A CROW(PERHAPS A LITTLE LARGER), GREY IN COLOUR,SLENDER AND HAD THE DEEPEST RED PIERCING EYES THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN!! AS WE WERE EYE TO EYE.HE OR SHE KILLED A MOURNING DOVE AT MY BACKYARD FEEDER.WE LIVE IN SHARON ,ONTARIO,CANADA AND OUR PROPERTY IS PARTIALLY WOODED AND I'VE HAD MANY SIGHTINGS OF THE MALE AND FEMALE MERLIN FALCONS BUT I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS BIRD OF PREY BEFORE.WE FOUND THE EVIDENCE OF A BLUEJAY KILL NOT ONE WEEK AGO AND NOW I AM QUITE SURE THIS BIRD OF PREY WAS THE RECIPIANT OF THAT MEAL AS WELL.I HAVE CHECKED MANY SORCES FOR PHOTOS AND OR DESCRIPTIONS AND HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN FINDING ONE WITH THE DEEP RED EYES OF THIS BIRD.I HOPE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HELP ME IDENTIFY THIS BIRD?I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU MAY BE WILLING TO GIVE ME IN FINDING A NAME FOR THIS INCREDABLE CREATURE?! PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT rosebuddsz@aol.com I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE. THANK-YOU DONNA
209.29.107.123
-- 209.29.107.123
In Reply to: Re: what was that huge bird ... posted by pat hodgson on March 07, 2003 at 10:52:04:
I agree Pat, it was most likely a Red-tailed Hawk. I worked in the area for a couple of years, and regularly saw a very large Red-tail patrolling Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Not to say that the other species mentioned could not occur there, but I never had any encounters with any of them.
67.69.18.10
-- 67.69.18.10
In Reply to: what was that huge bird ... posted by Peter Bedoukian on March 07, 2003 at 09:31:29:
Peter, I will comment also, since I live in the same area. Dawn's suggestions are appropriate, but let me add that you should assume that it is something common first. In this case, that means red-tailed hawk, which are present more or less year round in this area, and can be readily seen hunting squirrels. I believe thay nest in the Don Valley somewhere and often come over to Mt Pleasant Cemetary to hunt. Perhaps the closeness of the bird has caused you to overestimate the size a bit. Great horned owl would be next most likely, but far less likely. I have seen them occasionally in the Moore Park ravine, but I think you are certain it was a hawk, not an owl, it just moved its head like an owl? Northern goshawk is a rare possibility. A large falcon such as a peregrine or gyrfalcon would have to be considered unlikely, and extremely unlikely, respectively. An eagle (golden or bald) is likewise an extremely unlikely possibility, but I suppose not impossible. Rough-legged hawk would also be technically possible but highly unlikely in this environment.
Pat Hodgson
64.228.120.166
-- 64.228.120.166
In Reply to: what was that huge bird ... posted by Peter Bedoukian on March 07, 2003 at 09:31:29:
Hi there, I've looked through my bird books and the Northern Goshawk has a span of 38-45 inches and is 21 inches long. It's belly is lighter and body darker. Also, a red tailed hawk is 19 inches long with a good wing span. But I had a customer in two days ago and she saw something similar as you did and going through the books, we discovered it was a golden eagle. Amazing that she saw it. I wish she got a picture. A very good book is Stokes Field Guide to Birds, Eastern Region. It has photographs that are great in it.Another Bird that is called a Gyrfalcon is 22 inches in length and has a broad wing span. If you are thinking of Owls, the great horned owl is 22 inches long, big bird. The Barred owl is also 21 inches long. The great gray owl is 29 inches long but is farther north and to the west of us. Maybe if you look up the different birds I just described, you may be able to identify what you saw. I hope this helps. Dawn Phippen, Caledon Mountain Wildlife Supplies
64.231.233.171
-- 64.231.233.171
I saw this morning sitting high up in the oak tree in my backyard, near Mount Pleasant and St Clair? Some sort of hawk or falcon ... maybe 2 feet high, 4 foot wing span, light colored chest, dark colored head, longish beak with a sharp hook on the end, moved its head like an owl.
Impressive!!
65.95.226.222
-- 65.95.226.222
In Reply to: Re: Wigeon at Bronte, Oakville posted by Al Johnston on March 05, 2003 at 20:09:11:
Al,
Thanks for the reply. Our confusion relates to the head markings. We both agree that the forehead patch was yellow, in fact that is what attraced our attention in the first place. There is no disagreement about the colour of the bill either. The rest of the head was not well defined. One of us saw some green & a demarkation between upper & lower head markings. The other one saw no green nor demarkation. Since the head was dingy, we wonder if the yellow was an aberation.
Hence my question to see if anyone else saw this bird.
Nick
64.229.61.154
-- 64.229.61.154
In Reply to: House Finch ? posted by Doug Divorty on March 05, 2003 at 00:38:52:
We had a yellow variant in our yard last summer; Mississauga, Mavis/Central Parkway area - quite a sight, becoming more frequent in our area by the looks of it.
S
64.228.120.13
-- 64.228.120.13
In Reply to: Wigeon at Bronte, Oakville posted by Nick Avery on March 03, 2003 at 16:59:32:
Nick, I've had an American Wigeon hanging out in my pond here in Whitchurch-Stouffville with about 125 American Black Ducks and Mallards for a month or so now and the green patch just under the white forehead is very obvious. Do you recall if your wigeon had this? Al
67.69.18.10
-- 67.69.18.10
In Reply to: Re: House Finch ? posted by Tony Beck on March 05, 2003 at 08:37:54:
Thanks very much for posting, that is a neat site with fabulous photos!
Pat
64.231.74.16
-- 64.231.74.16
In Reply to: Re: House Finch ? posted by Tony Beck on March 05, 2003 at 08:37:54:
Hi Tony
Thank you for replying. I did search the Web & viewed the pictures. That is definately the bird in question. Thanks again. Doug
64.230.109.117
-- 64.230.109.117
In Reply to: House Finch ? posted by Doug Divorty on March 05, 2003 at 00:38:52:
Hi Doug
Recent editions of Petersons show orange variant for House Finch. But, other popular guides (like National Geographic and Sibleys) show the yellow variant. Although yellow House Finch males occur here, they are a bit easier to find in the American Southwest. Regardless, they occur as a small part of the population throughout their expanding range.
There are some good images on the internet. I recommend doing a "google" search for "Yellow Variant House Finch" to get endless information.
This link has an excellent photo comparing two adult males (one regular and one yellow).
Have Fun Finch Watching/Feeding
Tony
64.228.99.80
-- 64.228.99.80
With all this snow fall it's harder for the birds to get their feed, especially the ground feeders like the junkos and mourning doves etc. I find that if I go out with the shovel and clear the area under the feeders of snow and clear all the feeders making sure the seed is flowing freely that it helps our little feathered friends. There are snow buntings up here, guess they're happy, hee hee. Yesterday I noticed the first house finch and it's mate in the area for awhile, good to see. I know that others have seen the goldfinches, but I haven't as of yet, waiting with anticipation, and ready with the finch feast in the feeders for them. Lots of mourning doves and bluejays up here too. This winter have had a few reports...one man has 15 pairs of cardinals.....this is amazing, I know they are territorial and a lot of people I know would give anything to see just one pair of these birds at their feeders. Guess some are just lucky to have these visitors. Again, with the robins around.....I did a posting earlier in February with tips on what to feed them. They are vulnerable in this and need our help if there is nothing out there for them. They do eat the red plumage off sumac trees and any left over berries on other trees/bushes, but still.......not enough. Bluebirds have been spotted as well in some areas. The same principles apply to bluebirds as robins for the food stuffs I mentioned in the previous posting. If you see the newspaper, the Curious Daytripper in any place you shop, pick up a copy, on page 10 and 11 is my nature column, I focus on the feeding of robins and go into quite detail of what to give them. Happy Birding everyone
64.231.74.16
-- 64.231.74.16
I live in the West end near Caledonia and Eglinton. I have
visiting my feeder on a daily basis a small bird which
exactly resembles a House Finch execpt this bird is yellow
in its' markings. The female mate matches the other female
House Finches. Is there a Yellow variant? I can not find a picture in my Peterson Book.
24.226.93.60
-- 24.226.93.60
Hi, about two summers ago I was birding along the Don River and made it a fair ways up the parkway where I spotted a Red Tailed Hawk nest (and a pair of hawks to go with it). It's probably about 5mins (driving) south of the turnoff for the 401 and on the west side of the DVP. Its visible from the road. I was just wondering whether anyone has spotted the same nest and whether the pair has returned since then???
131.104.226.81
-- 131.104.226.81
In Reply to: North West shore of Lake Ont. posted by Craig McLauchlan on March 02, 2003 at 16:43:48:
The Ontbirds thread on this grebe mini-invasion mentioned that there seemed to be more grebes around on warm days. I think this may be true as I had 4 Red-necked Grebes (and also 2 Ruddy Ducks) in Humber Bay West on Feb 15, which was fairly mild, but no grebes and no Ruddy Ducks on Feb 20, which was colder, and followed several even colder days. Yesterday was cold again, and I think most of the reports came on Saturday, which was warm. Has anyone else seen anything to support this? Is this a consistent pattern, and if so, where would the grebes go when it gets colder?
Joel Kits
Guelph, ON
64.229.158.98
-- 64.229.158.98
Hi, I'm looking for some help.
Yesterday (Sunday) my wife & I saw what was to us an unusual bird. We did not have our guide with us & tried to remember as much about it as possible. Now we know that it was a Wigeon, but don't know if it was American or Eurasian. It had some charateristics of both. Did anyone else see this bird? Did you identify it? I went back a few hours later with guide book, but couldn't find this one bird in the hundreds that were there.
We saw a total of 16 species of waterfowl, the most interesting were the wigeon, a number of Oldsquaw and White-winged Scoters (this is the first year we have seen Scoters). Also we saw a Red Necked Grebe, still in winter plumage. The prime tire in the harbour will again in demand for a grebe nest.
Nick Avery
209.216.149.141
-- 209.216.149.141
In Reply to: Signs of spring posted by Josh Rubin on February 27, 2003 at 16:47:07:
Josh, Signs of spring in the past week in Essex County are flocks of Cowbirds, Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds. Dean Ware had a Killdeer at Muddy Creek, Wheatley, yesterday. I missed it but saw the two Gadwall. Other migrants are the Tundra Swans which build in the thousands in the fields near Wallaceburg in the next few weeks.
Yesterday I had three singing White-crowned Sparrows, and one singing Song Sparrow at LaSalle, near Windsor. Other singing species of birds include Cardinal, House Finch, Junco, American Goldfinch, , American Tree Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Chickadee, etc.
Many of the fields throughout Essex County had Horned Larks yesterday. They were returning from further south.
Fred Urie
Windsor/Guelph
207.236.59.158
-- 207.236.59.158
In Reply to: Re: Saw-Whet Owl in Parkdale? posted by Marcel Gahbauer on March 03, 2003 at 09:35:37:
Thanks for the info!
209.29.109.97
-- 209.29.109.97
In Reply to: Re: Saw-Whet Owl in Parkdale? posted by Jennifer Burns on March 03, 2003 at 09:14:03:
Yes, a pigeon is relatively small, but it is MUCH larger than a Saw-whet! You can literally fit a Saw-whet in the palm of your hand (not that I recommend this as a typical course of action - this comes from experience with banding them!). Screech Owls, like (most?) others with ear tufts, can raise and lower them, and as a result it can look like they don't have any. Also, I don't know which photos you happened to find on the web, but it's important to note that while further south the "red phase" of Screech Owl is more common, in southern Ontario most of them are of the "gray phase". Certainly both Screech and Saw-whet are possible in Toronto in winter, but it's true that the Screech Owl is generally more common.
207.236.59.158
-- 207.236.59.158
In Reply to: Re: Saw-Whet Owl in Parkdale? posted by Marcel Gahbauer on March 03, 2003 at 00:12:12:
I initially thought that it was a screech owl because I've heard that they are not uncommon in Toronto. I looked at some pictures of screech owls on the Web but they didn't resemble what I saw - for instance, it didn't have tufts, not any that I could see. It had a round head. It was on the small side - when it flew by and perched in the tree, my companion said, "Oh, it's just a pigeon".
209.29.91.68
-- 209.29.91.68
In Reply to: Saw-Whet Owl in Parkdale? posted by Jennifer Burns on March 02, 2003 at 18:02:04:
Great experience! Could it have been a Screech Owl? What you describe sounds quite a bit larger than a Saw-whet - they are not much bigger than Starlings!
199.246.2.11
-- 199.246.2.11
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, March 02, 2003
For birders who keep winter lists, the winter season which began December 1st, officially came to a close Friday night. In Prince Edward County, 105 species were seen during this period. The highlight, of course, was the VARIED THRUSH at 383 Prinyer's Cove Crescent, 17 km east of Lake-on-the-Mountain. Both a male and female are present, so birders who still have not added this bird to their 2003 lists, still have a good chance to check it off. Also at the same feeder is a female RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER and a male NORTHERN FLICKER. Another NORTHERN FLICKER is present near the Quinte Skyway Bridge.
As the late winter season favours us with a few mild days, some areas of open water are beginning to produce waterfowl. The Outlet River at Sandbanks is open from the bridge along County Road 17 to Log Cabin Point and numbers of ducks may be seen here. West Lake at Wellington is beginning to open a bit, and today there were about a dozen MUTE SWANS in with the growing numbers of waterfowl. Outside the county, there were good numbers of waterfowl today in the open water at the Lennox Generating Plant. One observer in Frankford on Thursday found a female RED-BREASTED MERGANSER and an AMERICAN COOT in the Trent River in the downtown area.
EASTERN BLUEBIRDS continue to turn up here and there. On Monday, there were two seen on Apple Road, just off Highway 14 south of Oak Hill (Stirling area). An EASTERN TOWHEE turned up at a feeder at 540 Downs Road, east of Wooler Road during the week, near where a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK has appeared sporadically over the last several days. On Highway 30, at the Warkworth turnoff, another observer flushed 100 SNOW BUNTINGS from the side of the road, certainly one of the larger flocks reported this winter within the reporting area.
Back in Prince Edward County, the BARRED OWL which was seen at Lakeshore Lodge Road in Sandbanks Provincial Park on January 21st, reappeared on Friday within the Park boundaries, but this time at the Maple Rest Heritage House.
Other noteworthy sightings during the week included 16 WILD TURKEYS on County Road 11 at East Lake (others present near the Park entrance), two RUSTY BLACKBIRDS coming to a feeder on Fry Road, a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK near Lake-on-the-Mountain, BROWN CREEPER at Prinyer's Cove, and 11 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS on County Road 8, north of the Lennox Generating Station.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Owen Weir, Sue and Ken Panko, Bruce DiLabio, Walter Frey, Lloyd Paul, Evelyn Sloane, Jess Chambers, Serge de Sousa, Don McClure and Ken Ashton for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 9th. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good birding !
Terry Sprague
Picton, Ontario
tsprague@kos.net
http://www.naturestuff.net
64.228.38.32
-- 64.228.38.32
I went for a walk down Roncesvalles at about 9 PM last night, and as I turned the corner onto Geoffrey, a bird swooped silently past me and landed in a nearby tree. Naturally, I had to go and check it out. It was about the size of a large pigeon or a small hawk, and had hawk-like markings - kind of a mottled brown and white. When I got closer, it turned its head quickly to look down at me and I saw that it was a small owl. I was *very* excited because I have never, ever seen an owl in the wild before! It sat in the tree for about a minute and then it flew away. I was struck by how silently it flew - no flapping or fluttering sounds - it just swooped away. Very impressive!
64.228.116.66
-- 64.228.116.66
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding.
With all the reports of Red Neck Grebes lately Bev and I decide to drive the North West shore of Lake Ont. from Hamilton to Toronto today and count the number of Grebes we could find.
Starting at the Travel Loge at Brant st in Burlington we felt great with the first Red Neck Grebe fly by BUT this wood turn out to be the only Red Neck Grebe for the day??? we stopped in to every area from which the Lake could be seen right up to Humber bay in Toronto but with no luck finding any other Grebes.
we did see lots of other good birds though all 3 Scooters wear present and one A . Pipit at the Travel Loge and their was a Yellow rump warbler at Shore acres .
Still it was vary surprising that the Grebes wear a no show ?? .
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan Toronto/Ont/Canada/World. csam@sympatico.ca
64.231.160.214
-- 64.231.160.214
In Reply to: Long-eared Owls at Humber Bay East, Trumpeter Swans, White-winged Scotes, etc. Humber Bay West posted by Theresa Dobko on February 28, 2003 at 17:01:01:
4 White-winged Scoters were just off the western end of Ashbridge's Bay Park at noon today. Nearby were a dozen Redhead , a dozen Lesser Scaup, 3 pairs of Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 pair of Common Mergansers, and the usual Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Long-tailed ducks, Gadwall, Blacks & Mallards.
Spring is coming!
64.228.99.18
-- 64.228.99.18
In Reply to: Signs of spring posted by Josh Rubin on February 27, 2003 at 16:47:07:
Hi everyone. No red wings here in caledon yet, but yave seen a few european starlings. And have had a report of someone seeing a bluebird towards stouffville area. As per the robins..and bluebirds I posted a note on winter feeding robins earlier in February around the 16th if you'd like to scroll down the board and check it out. Feeding them is important with the way the weather has been so cold with only a break of a day here and there that isn't below sub 0 .....i don't like the cold. Anyway there are all kinds of things you can give them. I write my own nature column in the Curious Daytripper Newspaper and this month focused on the feeding of robins and bluebirds. The paper is distributed throughout most of ontario......a lot of little quaint and specialty shops carry it. Places that you would visit while daytripping. Anyway I hope some of the tips help you with helping out these birds. I will report any sightings of any new birds in this area as soon as either I see them, or someone else does and reports to me. I love nature and am concerned about preserving it and helping it. Happy Birding everyone! :):):):)
67.69.252.234
-- 67.69.252.234
In Reply to: Re: Long-eared Owls at Humber Bay East, Trumpeter Swans, White-winged Scotes, etc. Humber Bay West posted by Bill Halliday on March 01, 2003 at 10:25:05:
I also saw these today at Humber Bay Park; in addition, there was a male Surf Scoter right at the mouth of Mimico Creek, and a Red-necked Grebe in the lake, quite close to shore, just to the east of the creek mouth.
Dominik Halas
216.209.210.148
-- 216.209.210.148
In Reply to: Re: Signs of spring posted by Jen on March 01, 2003 at 07:51:14:
the Lynde Shores Conservation Area is one area that red-winged blackbirds do over winter . it has bin for a long time , all the winter listers rase ther in Dec. to add them to ther list .
Craig
66.185.84.68
-- 66.185.84.68
In Reply to: Long-eared Owls at Humber Bay East, Trumpeter Swans, White-winged Scotes, etc. Humber Bay West posted by Theresa Dobko on February 28, 2003 at 17:01:01:
Three Long-eared are there this am. Trumpeters 521 and 522 are on the Humber river, along with the usual suspects which now include a White-wing scoter. Thanks for posting the owls.
149.99.116.157
-- 149.99.116.157
In Reply to: Re: Signs of spring posted by josh rubin on February 28, 2003 at 09:08:16:
On Feb 8 (a Saturday), we saw a group of red-winged blackbirds at the Lynde Shores Conservation Area in Whitby on the birding trail. About 5 were quite close to the trail in the trees above the feeders. We were quite shocked as we hadn't seen them since the fall. I used to think they were a sign of spring but now I'm more convinced they over-winter.
24.192.106.248
-- 24.192.106.248
In Reply to: Long-eared Owls at Humber Bay East, Trumpeter Swans, White-winged Scotes, etc. Humber Bay West posted by Theresa Dobko on February 28, 2003 at 17:01:01:
That should be White-winged Scoters, not Scotes
24.192.106.248
-- 24.192.106.248
There were 4 Long-eared owls in the pines around the parking lot at Humber Bay East this morning. When Liz Green and I drove there to find one (a lifer for her), we parked close to the pines and just as we were approaching to walk around the outside of the area near the parking lot, we saw first one fly and then a second. Carefully we walked around the other side to try to spot them to identify them when we saw two sitting in a tree. We could see one clearly, but not the other, and while walking around those two to get a better angle, two others fly past us to the next stand of trees just south of us. Eventually we got a close enough look at all 4 to identify them as Long-eared owls. There was a school trip there and many dog walkers so they were skittish for awhile before settling down. The class eventually got a very close look. As others have reported, this is a good spot for owls but do try to walk a little distance away from the trees and around them to spot the owls rather than walking across and through them or they merely fly further away. Humber Bay East and West both had a nice selection of waterfowl and there were several Trumpeter Swans near Humber Bay West (and yes I will report them all to Harry Lumsden).
At HBE, there was a male Wood Duck near the parking lot with other ducks, also the expected waterfowl in the waters nearby: Common Goldeneye, Common Mergansers, Redheads, Buffleheads, Long Tail, etc. At HBW, 5 Trumpeter Swans, 2 White-winged Scoter, Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Common Mergansers, etc. At the very far end of the drive at HBW, a Common Loon between the park and the shoreline.
Humber Bay East can be found by driving along the Lakeshore Blvd. to Parklawn and then south on Parklawn straight into Humber Bay East Park. Take the main roadway to the right, park in the parking lot and try the stand of pines nearby for the owls. The waterfowl are found just past the parking lot and the pines. Humber Bay West is not well marked and can be found 1 street west of Parklawn, again turning south from Lakeshore Blvd. Turn into the first area for parking but park in the lot furthest south and walk toward the lake. The inner bay is all completely frozen and the birds are a little further out than usual. That's where the Trumpeters and Scoters were located.
Theresa Dobko
142.150.72.128
-- 142.150.72.128
In Reply to: RWBBird High Park !! posted by Craig McLauchlan on February 28, 2003 at 11:35:03:
RWBL.
64.228.116.100
-- 64.228.116.100
Red Winged Blackbird
On a fast walk around the north end of Grenadier pond in High Park I found my first RWBB sing on territory!! It must be spring.
also seen 5 Robin , 3 N. Cardinal's singing and 2 Crows which are hard to find around the GTA this winter also just as I got to my car a Pileated Woodpecker flue over head ..
Nice walk
Craig
209.29.106.234
-- 209.29.106.234
In Reply to: Re: Signs of spring posted by josh rubin on February 28, 2003 at 09:08:16:
Actually, there was just a report of a Red-winged Blackbird at High Park on Ontbirds. I lived along the Scarborough Bluffs for five years, and the first ones there always arrived Feb 26 - Mar 1, so looks like they are probably right on schedule :-). Hard to say how far they are coming from - a good number winter just south of the Great Lakes, so it might well be that "our" Red-winged Blackbirds are really short-distance migrants. However, their winter range stretches all the way down into Central America, so really one would have to look at banding recoveries to know how far the "average" Ontario Red-wing travels.
24.157.192.168
-- 24.157.192.168
In Reply to: Signs of spring posted by Josh Rubin on February 27, 2003 at 16:47:07:
Hi Josh, I live in Willow Beach just 5 minutes from Sutton on Lake Simcoe and I have seen Robins since January. There are hundreds of them flying around. I have sparrows nesting in my backyard and the squirrels are looking pretty frisky lately. I have 2 Cottontail Rabbits chasing each other in my yard also. I think seeing the actions of these creatures leads me to think they know something we don't!?! On average we have had -28c in the mornings for the past month and a half and it will be nice to have some warmer weather. I've had enough of this winter!!! I'm sick of shoveling and shivering.
199.243.129.134
-- 199.243.129.134
In Reply to: Signs of spring posted by Josh Rubin on February 27, 2003 at 16:47:07:
Hi guys.
Thanks for all your help. Anyone see any redwinged blackbirds yet? did you do a little spring is here celebration when you saw it? where do they migrate north from?
thanks,
josh
64.228.116.95
-- 64.228.116.95
In Reply to: Re: Signs of spring posted by Marcel Gahbauer on February 28, 2003 at 07:57:51:
I sent this to Josh but thought I wood post it hear also to go along with Marcel's
Robins are now a comin winter bird in the GTA and for southern Ont and yes I saw 7 today at James Gardens in the Royal York and Dundas area , so as you can gees I was not so seprised light harted but still .
The true sine of spring for me is the returnee of the Red Wing Black Bird which although some(a small # compared to Robins) over winter most migrate south and they have just bin reported in southwestern Ont but not in the GTA at this point , as soon as they arrive they start to look for territory and start singing , so its the first song of spring I was surprise I dint hear it to day !? Hope fully tomorrow.....
I hope this helps and yes lets hope this winter is over soon !!!! well not intill I get off the Leslie st spit on Saturday I hope to look for Owls and smoke a cigar.
Craig Mclauchlan
209.29.108.245
-- 209.29.108.245
In Reply to: Signs of spring posted by Josh Rubin on February 27, 2003 at 16:47:07:
There have been thousands of Robins in southern Ontario all winter, so those are definitely not a sign of spring (although I can't deny that they are a pleasant reminder of warmer weather when one sees them in winter). More reliable signs of spring are the species which regularly return to the Toronto area over the course of March: Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles (usually end Feb / first few days of March ... there could well be some along the lakeshore in particular within the next couple of days), Song Sparrows (often returning in numbers around March Break), and Tree Swallows (early ones soon, larger numbers after mid-March). Others may have different lists, but those are the birds that I tend to look for when hoping for signs that winter is nearing its end.
192.206.151.130
-- 192.206.151.130
Hi folks.
I'm a reporter doing a story about signs that spring is upon us. There are BBQs on sale at Sears, baseball spring training has started, and clothing stores are selling shorts. I was wondering if there are particular species birdwatchers look for as a sign of spring. I noticed that there have been several robin sightings in Southern Ontario.
Are you hopeful the sightings mean this godawful winter is almost over? (so my boss doesn't think I'm making you up, please let me know your name).
Thanks,
Josh Rubin
josh@thestar.ca
Staff Reporter, Toronto Star
64.228.116.127
-- 64.228.116.127
In Reply to: Birding by Train: Catbird ? posted by Tom Deligiannis on February 27, 2003 at 00:41:07:
Hi Tom
First Wow what a great sighting birding from a train that must be fun !? and a great way to train your eye !
I spent a hour today walking the tracks wear you saw the bird but all I could find was a Mocking Bird , which dos not surprise me I had a nesting record for Mocking bird a copal of years ago at the corner of Keele and st Clair and I wood think that this was the same bird .
Craig
216.58.114.210
-- 216.58.114.210
While riding the train into Union Station Wednesday morning I am almost 100% sure that I saw a catbird fly up from the scrub near the rail line and perch in a small tree as we passed.
I'm not sure how rare this bird is in Toronto this winter, but I thought I'd pass along the sighting anyway.
While it's always hard to know exactly where one is on the train, at the time I noted the local businesses and cross-streets and then later checked a map. The bird was in the bushes and small trees lining the CN line, along the stretch of track that runs southwest of Rogers Rd. and about 1/2 km NW of where the railway crosses St. Clair. The area can also be reached by taking Keele St. as far south as it goes until it ends. The rail line and the area where the bird was seen is a few metres to the West of where Keele comes to a dead end.
I'd be interested in knowing whether this is an interesting bird for this time of year in Toronto.
Thanks,
Tom Deligiannis
Guelph, ON
66.185.84.196
-- 66.185.84.196
In Reply to: Thank you posted by Andrew Birch on February 25, 2003 at 12:57:08:
Andrew, it was -29 C. in Guelph this morning, very cold, but a warmup on the other side of this dome of high pressure may bring a trickle of migrants by March 1.
Bring your longjohns, and a couple of pairs of gloves.
24.156.93.232
-- 24.156.93.232
Yellow-rumped warbler sighted on Feb. 21, 2003 at Humber Bay West.
195.195.174.10
-- 195.195.174.10
Thanks to everyone who responded to my request for help on birding sites in Toronto. They have all been most useful. I'm sure they will help me make the best of the few hours I may have available. One things for sure it sounds like its going to be an awful lot colder than it is here in England. I have warned the students. I can see my birding resolve being severly tested. Once again thanks to you all for taking the time to offer your advice.
PS Pat, thanks for the warning regarding the colourful characters that frequent the area around the hotel.
Yours sincerely
Andrwe Birch
66.185.84.196
-- 66.185.84.196
In Reply to: winter feeding robins posted by Dawn Phippen on February 16, 2003 at 19:11:55:
The robins in Guelph this week were feeding on Buckthorn.
The overwintering robins in upper Oakville in 2001 and
2002 were feeding on Buckthorn.
199.246.2.11
-- 199.246.2.11
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, February 23, 2003
As of Friday, the VARIED THRUSH was still at 383 Prinyer's Cove Crescent where it first appeared in very early January. A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER also continues to patronize this feeder along with a NORTHERN FLICKER. There is a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW that is still visiting a feeder east of Lake-on-the-Mountain, and another EASTERN TOWHEE coming to a feeder on Victoria Road in Ameliasburgh, in addition to the one that had been reported at a feeder on Scoharie Road near Picton. EASTERN BLUEBIRDS continue to be reported around the Quinte area, some of which are coming to feeders. In addition to four being fed mealworms at a feeder at East Lake, there are another two on Wallbridge/Loyalist Road in Quinte West, west of Belleville. After an absence of several weeks, a CAROLINA WREN is once again visiting a feeder at Morrison's Point, while the individual at 23 Sprague Road has not been seen for almost a month. Those thinking they have counted their chickadees coming to their feeders accurately should heed one local bird bander's suggestion that feeder operators may have more than what they think. An Elmbrook area resident, after counting a high of 6 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES for Project FeederWatch, opened her nets a few days later and caught and banded an incredible 38.
One feeder operator on Vanderwater Road, east of Thomasburgh has 18 WILD TURKEYS coming to her feeder. Back in Prince Edward County, there are up to five WILD TURKEYS that can be seen quite regularly on County Road 14, just east of the community of Crofton. Another five were seen strutting along Main Street in Bloomfield on Friday.
At least until the freezing rain storm hit last night, AMERICAN ROBINS were turning up everywhere along roadsides. Chuckery Hill Road had at least 200 on Friday, and up to 150 had been seen regularly along South Big Island Road and along the causeway leading from the island across the Big Island Marsh. Close to 100 were also seen east of Lake-on-the-Mountain during the week, with smaller numbers seen in Bloomfield and along Belleville's Bayshore Trail.
Singles of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were seen at Point Petre during the week, and also one at Mountain View Airport on Saturday. Also at Mountain View, a COOPER'S HAWK took out a NORTHERN CARDINAL at a feeder there.
BALD EAGLES, at least three, perhaps four, are still making regular runs up and down Adolphus Reach between Glenora and Prinyer's Cove.
Despite the cold weather, there are some areas where waterfowl may be seen. There is a RED-NECKED GREBE at Wellington Harbour, first seen Thursday, and again on Friday. At the East Lake end of the Outlet River, there was a nice assortment of waterfowl on Friday which included 50 MALLARD, 25 BLACK DUCK, 4 COMMON GOLDENEYE, 1 BUFFLEHEAD, 8 CANADA GEESE, and three MUTE SWANS.
Other good sightings during the week included 40 CEDAR WAXWINGS and an EASTERN BLUEBIRD near Lake-on-the-Mountain, and a NORTHERN HARRIER at the corner of Moira Street and Palmer Road in Belleville. And while considerably out of the general reporting area, there were 8 BALD EAGLES, three of them adults, seen near Westport on Friday.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and area. Our thanks to Helen Graham, Joanne Dewey, Bob Cermak, Hugh Watts, Bert Filemyr, George Underhill, Yvette & David Bree, Alfred Cairns, Bill Hogg, John Blaney, Albert Boisvert, Lloyd Paul, Molly Mulloy, Thomas Rymes, Eileen Whitmore and Joe Victor for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 2nd. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good winter birding !
Terry Sprague
Picton, Ontario
tsprague@kos.net
http://www.naturestuff.net
24.100.119.29
-- 24.100.119.29
In Reply to: Re: Birding in Toronto posted by Al Johnston on February 23, 2003 at 11:31:10:
Tree Swallows had penetrated to Tennessee, and to
Pennsylvania and New York by February 16. There was
a possibility with this system pulling moisture from
the gulf, but with the cold the next few days they
would die.
216.138.223.85
-- 216.138.223.85
In Reply to: storm posted by Dawn Phippen on February 23, 2003 at 08:52:56:
Good advice, Dawn. Had to do this for both Niger seed and sunflower seed feeders. The wet snow last night gummed up the seed flow.
BTW, a male sharp-shinned hawk was observed some 7/8 feet above the ground perched on a maple branch. Handsome brute.
We're next to the Don Valley Parkway, NW of the Broadview-Danforth intersection in Toronto.
64.228.53.116
-- 64.228.53.116
In Reply to: Re: Birding in Toronto posted by Fred Urie on February 22, 2003 at 17:28:24:
Fred, forgive me for asking you to confirm this, but did you really mean Tree Swallow or perhaps could it be Tree Sparrow. If the former, I sure wouldn't give it much chance out on the Spit today.
Al, Whitchurch-Stouffville
64.228.99.49
-- 64.228.99.49
if you are feeding the birds, hopefully you are, make sure that your seed is flowing freely from the feeders. Clear the snow from them so the birds can get their food. I also clear the snow away from under the feeders and throw seed on the ground for them. A lot of ground feeders are depending on us to help them. with all this snow, the seed sinks down and the birds can't get it as well. Remember the robins that are back and snow clearing is very important to get the food on the ground for them. A previous posting gives you an idea of what to feed robins through the winter. Good luck with our wonderful feathered friends
66.185.84.196
-- 66.185.84.196
In Reply to: Birding in Toronto posted by Andrew Birch on February 19, 2003 at 09:21:57:
The spit will be the best choice for the most numbers of species. Ducks and gulls are moving, as well as Grackles, R.W. Blackbirds, Killdeers, H. Lark, possible Pipit, Tree Swallow, E. Meadowlark, and whatever was sucked into the current low pressure system that brought rain today.
Owl species overwinter on the spit, and Grebes are
present just south of lake Ontario. There is also the
possibility of Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, and
sparrow species on the spit.
Good luck
64.228.57.58
-- 64.228.57.58
In Reply to: Re: goldfinches posted by Al Johnston on February 21, 2003 at 09:06:18:
Sometimes the finches get turned off Nyjer seed......nice to see that you know about the spellingn change of Nyjer. Anyway, I'm hoping that get back here soon. I haven't had any finches in awhile. And knowing that people have lots of them, not ten miles north of me is maddening, hahhaha. Guess I'm impatient. The people that have had all the finches coming in are using the seed mix "finch feast" that I mix. They are coming to my store and buying the birdseed that I have formulated and mix, and I'm glad that they are well taken care of, but I want to feed them. Anyway, the mix has a lot of nyjer in it, along with flax seed, canola, canary grass seed, and white, red and amber millets. It gives them a lot of variety and attracts a lot of the song birds, and is really good for them, with the flax etc. I found that the Indigo Buntings Love it when they come back in the spring. A mix similar to this with safflower seed makes for a good anti-squirrel mix. I'm VERY OPPOSED to the idea of putting pepper of any kind in birdseed. It has been reported that squirrels have actually gouged out their own eyes from the terrible burning. I've studied this for quite a while now, and no matter how much someone is bothered by a squirrel ( personally I just think it's an ego thing with us humans, as we all know squirrels are smarter than us)that animal or any other animal for that matter should not be tortured like that. If you have ever gotten pepper in your eyes, you know what I'm talking about. Safflower has a bitter taste that squirrels don't like, and mixed with the smaller of the seeds, it actually works. Safflower seed is a favorite of the Cardinal and Grosbeak too, along with several other birds. Well, I'm glad to hear that you at least have some finches at your place, I guess they will all be back soon enough.
64.228.47.98
-- 64.228.47.98
In Reply to: goldfinches posted by Dawn Phippen on February 20, 2003 at 21:26:45:
Dawn, I'll have 8 or 10 goldfinches at times and sometimes a few chickadees but not much else. I use nyjer seed and black sunflower. They won't touch anything else.
Al Johnston, Whitchurch-Stouffville
64.228.120.7
-- 64.228.120.7
I'm in Caledon Ontario and have been waiting for the goldfinches, they usually just disappear for a bit while the males change from the brillant yellow to the dull browney greeney greyish sort of colour they go. But this year it's been a long time coming. I've had reports from the flesherton area that the goldfinches have been in full force eating up the seed as fast as it's put out for them. I've also gotten reports from the orangeville and north caledon area that they have started coming to the feeders in large numbers in the past week. I'm just another three miles south and my finch feast is waiting for them. Has anyone else had finches most of this winter, or have they been scarce for you too?
64.228.120.7
-- 64.228.120.7
In Reply to: Birding in Toronto posted by Andrew Birch on February 19, 2003 at 09:21:57:
I hope you have a wonderufl stay here in Toronto, and I hope the weather is good for you. I'm not from Toronto, about 45 minutes north, but I remember driving from the east end of toronto near don mills and there was a big ravine.... could be the don valley, I hope someone reads this and knows where I'm talking about. But, there are a lot of hawks that fly around there, I was amazed to see so many when I drove through. I couldn't stop, unfortunately, there was a lot of traffic and, I'm a country girl, don't like the city driving, too many cars for me. There is the Metro Toronto Zoo with lots of birds to see. Also at the airport there is a wildlife area. You might want to phone the toronto conservation authority, you may get some places from them. Or there's the federation of ontario naturalists, they probably know some good places for you to go. I'm sure these numbers are easy to find in the phone book, or by via the operator. Maybe even phoning the zoo......it's a thought. I hope this is some help to you, good luck. Dawn Phippen, Caledon Mountain Wildlife Supplies
64.228.120.7
-- 64.228.120.7
In Reply to: Re: re: west nile and cease feeding? posted by Marien on February 19, 2003 at 10:28:17:
It is recommended that you use 1 part bleach to 10 parts water to clean your feeders and disinfect them. Last year the weather was up and down in temperatures and it got damp. The result of the samonella was do to the birds leaving behind fecal matter and it getting wet and mixing with the seed. Also wet seed laying in the bottom of a feeder can turn bad. It has been cold this year and the samonella problem has not really been a problem. I had experienced the red polls too, it was such a shame. I held some of them close to me as they died, so they wouldn't be alone in their last moments, of course crying my eyes out. I imagine as the weather warms, you should maybe be a little more concerned on doing this cleaning. It would be nice if helping nature would go without a hitch, but, sometimes things happen beyond our control. I wish you all the luck with birdfeeding, you are helping these wonderful creations of nature and I commend you for that. Dawn Phippen, Caledon Mountain Wildlife Supplies.
149.99.125.12
-- 149.99.125.12
Saw tons of ducks at Humber Bay Park including 2 American Coots,several White-winged Scoters,many Trumpeter Swans 8 of which we got tag #s on..please excuse any repeated from earlier posts..673,593,522,395,588,521,607,520. Other over winter ducks there,Longtailed Ducks,American Black Ducks,Common and Hooded Mergansers,Common Goldeneye,Lesser Scaup,Redheads and Mute Swans. We saw a robin,a couple of Northern Cardinals and still alive and flitting about like crazy the Yellow Rumped Warbler by the east entrance.
64.228.47.11
-- 64.228.47.11
In Reply to: Re: re: west nile and cease feeding? posted by Marien on February 19, 2003 at 10:28:17:
Marien, It's recommended that you wash your feeders in a 10% bleach solution every week or so, not using your kitchen sink, of course, and using rubber gloves. Good luck. Al, Whitchurch-Stouffville
67.69.18.10
-- 67.69.18.10
In Reply to: Birding in Toronto posted by Andrew Birch on February 19, 2003 at 09:21:57:
Andrew, Your choices are a bit slim at that time of year, it is usually pretty wintry still, and not many species are about. There are three common options for birding in the city. The first two require very warm clothes if it is even slightly cold or windy outside.
1) Toronto Islands park - you get there by taking a very short ferry ride from where Yonge St. meets Lake Ontario. Some ducks and gulls can usually be observed in the harbour and, more still if you walk across the island to the main lakeshore. How many ducks you see can obviously be quite affected by the amount of ice present, which is a bit hard to predict, but boat traffic usually keeps some water open in the harbour, and I don't think there is more than a bit of shore ice on the south side of the island. Possible species include long-tailed duck, scaup, bufflehead, mergansers, c. goldeneye, bufflehead, maybe some others. Birds other than ducks would be fairly scarce but you might find n. cardinal, blue jay, chickadee on the island (very common birds that I'm sure you've seen before if you've been over here). The only disadvantage of the island is that you are not entirely free to come and go but are at the mercy of the ferry schedule, but I think the ferries are not less frequent than one per hour, even in the winter. The ferries actually go to three different spots, I think Ward's Island is probably best in winter.
2) High Park is a large park in the western part of the city, but is reachable via the Bloor line subway. There is a large pond in the SW part of the part that could have some waterfowl if there is any open water, but again only very common winter resident passerines could be expected otherwise.
3) Leslie Street Spit/Tommy Thompson Park which is in the eastern part of the city where Leslie St. meets the lake. The winds can really howl as this is a 5 km long artificial spit out into the lake. A bizarre place since it is a construction & demolition waste landfill during the week and a park on weekends! Likely better selection of waterfowl than in the harbour and around the islands, but probably even worse for passerines. More likely to see raptors than other sites, especially Am. kestrel. Occasionally hosts snowy owls in open areas, and some other owls in treed areas, but this is variable. Very occasionally has something very interesting like harlequin duck (call the bird hotline 416-350-3000 ext. 2293). This is harder to get to, but I think there is a city bus route (to corner of Leslie and Unwin Ave.), but it could have a pretty thin schedule on the weekend.
Good luck, hopefully others will add to this for you.
Pat Hodgson
Non-birding aside: FYI the area around your hotel is known for ..ahem.. streetwalkers, some of whom may not actually be of the gender they initially appear to be. They are only about late at night, but just thought you should know as you are with a student group.
206.47.0.171
-- 206.47.0.171
In Reply to: Birding in Toronto posted by Andrew Birch on February 19, 2003 at 09:21:57:
Feb or early March? present indications say bring long underwear, especially on the spit!
64.229.246.93
-- 64.229.246.93
In Reply to: Re: Hawk interaction posted by Fred Urie on February 13, 2003 at 15:01:48:
I have watched RTHA and RLHA circling together a number of times at the Beare Rd landfill site in Rouge Park, this winter.
64.229.246.93
-- 64.229.246.93
In Reply to: Northern Mockingbird sighting posted by Derek on February 11, 2003 at 14:33:28:
I had one at the Pearse House in Rouge Park on the 15th.
64.229.246.93
-- 64.229.246.93
In Reply to: Birding in Toronto posted by Andrew Birch on February 19, 2003 at 09:21:57:
If it's a Saturday and you have only a few hours, I'd suggest a trip down to Tommy Thompson Park, on the Leslie St. Spit.
http://www.trca.on.ca/parks_and_attractions/places_to_visit/tommy_thompson/default.asp?load=bird_species
64.10.193.148
-- 64.10.193.148
In Reply to: re: west nile and cease feeding? posted by Dawn Phippen on February 18, 2003 at 08:15:48:
Last year about this time, I collected several dead Redpolls from around the feeder and contacted Guelph, but they were not interested in testing the birds. I was told that autopsies conducted on birds throughout the province were consistently showing salmonella as the cause of death, and advised to disinfect the feeders. My question is: how does one guarantee that their feeder is not contaminating other birds? Maybe shutting it down for a short period is best.In such extremely cold weather as we had this winter, is it possible to disinfect all feeders thoroughly and regularly?
195.195.174.10
-- 195.195.174.10
Hello
I am a teacher from England and will be visiting Toronto with a group of students at the end of Feb beginning of March. As a birder I am hoping to get a few hours free to do some birding in the area on the morning of Sat the 1st of Mar. We will be staying at the Days Hotel on Carlton st, between the Downtown and Yorkville areas of the city.
Does anyone have any suggestions for a sight near to the centre of Toronto where I could take advantage of these few hours.
Thanks in advance Andrew Birch
Any suggestions welcome.
64.228.36.38
-- 64.228.36.38
I heard something very disturbing the other day while I was speaking at a seminar at a pet expo in Orangeville. After my seminar on bird feeding and wildlife I welcome questions and comments. One man said that he heard to stop feeding the birds totally because of west nile virus. I am shocked!!! The birds have lost so much of their habitat and with the use of pesticides and herbicides they have also lost major food supplies. The mosquitos are going to be around whether the birds are around or not!!! They are still going to be buzzing around everywhere, especially near damp or water areas. If a person has a birdbath, (which is important in winter, because birds can't get enough moisture from the snow to satisfy them)then maybe put it away in the spring if you can't keep it clean on a regular basis (which it should be). Mosquito larve thrives in stagnent water so it's a good thing to get rid of that. If you have a rainbarrel to catch water under your eaves troughs, then put a tight fitting lid on it until the rain comes. I'm against chemical pesticides because of the harm they do, whether anyone agrees with me or not. I don't believe that someone should stop feeding the birds because of a threat of west nile, it isn't going to help the birds, and you won't get rid of the mosquitos if you get rid of the birds, that's just not going to happen. I do welcome questions and comments on nature and am more than happy to try to answer anyone's concerns. Our website is www.caledonmountain.boz.ca and we are located in Caledon Village Ontario, Caledon Mountain Wildlife Supplies.
142.154.115.99
-- 142.154.115.99
Hi I received this message earlier today, please respond to John & Eunice Hudgins at uvaau@aol.com if you can help. Thanks Mark
Four birders from Virginia will spend May 19 and 20 at Point Pelee.
>From there we were thinking about traveling north around Georgian Bay toward Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie before heading home through Michigan.
Another thought was to travel around the north side of Lake Erie to Buffalo.
We are not familiar with birding in either area so we would appreciate suggestions on the best places to bird. Please answer directly to our E-mail address. Thank you.
John & Eunice Hudgins
Salem, Virginia
uvaau@aol.com
67.69.18.10
-- 67.69.18.10
In Reply to: Surely not a vireo? posted by Janet in Georgetown on February 10, 2003 at 16:50:27:
Have you considered Townsend's solitaire?
That matches on size and colour, but not so well on wing bars and eye stripes. It has white feather edging on the wing and white in the tail, though far less noticeable than in a typical mockingbird.
Ontario is not its normal range but these guys are much more likely vagrants than other western birds, I think especially at this time of year.
64.228.53.116
-- 64.228.53.116
In Reply to: winter feeding robins posted by Dawn Phippen on February 16, 2003 at 19:11:55:
Dawn, thanks for the tips. Re. your comment about Purple Martins being vulnerable, last spring was particularly hard on them because of the protracted cold spell. Many thousands of adult Martins starved because there were no flying insects for about 2 weeks in May. Bluebirds have a more varied diet and managed to survive. Al Johnston, Whitchurch-Stouffville
64.228.57.110
-- 64.228.57.110
For emergency feeding of robins you can use the following:
chopped fruits, raisins, canned corn or just corn, chopped nuts, fruit cakes or breads pieced, dog or cat kibble moistened for easier eating, meet scraps from luncheon meats, fruit and nut cereals or granola bars crushed with rolling pin, suet broken up into bits, meal worms, hulled sunflower seed, cranberries, or other berries. If you have sumacs they eat the red plumage from them or any berry tree or bush that may have something left on them. They go to the roadsides first after a snowfall and the ploughs go through. If you don't live on a busy road, you could put out some emergency rations along a roadside for them. Keep areas under feeders free of snow. Water is important for all birds in winter. A birdbath with a good heater will supply them, keep water fresh. Shelter is important too. A box with a half wall at opening put up facing away from the wind can help them. Bluebirds and Purple martins also can return early and are vulnerable to the harsh weather as well. Dawn Phippen, Caledon Mountain Wildlife Supplies
216.221.40.214
-- 216.221.40.214
In Reply to: Northern Mockingbird sighting posted by Derek on February 11, 2003 at 14:33:28:
feb. 16,2003-noon - St Clair Ravine, Birchmount & St.
Clair, scarborough. At open water.
24.42.2.95
-- 24.42.2.95
I was sitting in my den this afternoon and looked out the window just in time to see a mature Bald eagle fly by. As my den is over my garage he was just about at eye level, flying along the edge of the lake, going west. I had a visitor, a hawk of some description sitting in my neighbours tree. I was so distracted and excited bt the eagle I didn't make a good identification of the hawk except to note that it was smaller than a typical red tail before he took flight.
66.185.84.196
-- 66.185.84.196
In Reply to: Hawk interaction posted by Derek on February 12, 2003 at 17:57:21:
I watched Red Tail and Rough-legged Hawks interact in the fields around Essex, Ontario in the winter of 1995. It didn't appear if one specie was more dominant than the other. They both would try to steal each other's kill. Incidently, I saw a Red-tailed Hawk killing an American Crow.
I saw a N. Harrier swoop at a Rough-legged Hawk in a field outside Holiday Beach. The Rough-legged kettled up and then stooped on the Harrier.
One of the oldtimers on the Holiday Beach Tower saw
a Golden Eagle kill a Red-Shouldered Hawk. That's
why Red-tails often give an alarm cry when they see a
Golden Eagle.
149.99.113.247
-- 149.99.113.247
I have been watching hawk for a bit over a year and have seen several. In one location I've seen red-tails and rough-legged hawks but never at the same time. What would they do if they met?
66.185.85.68
-- 66.185.85.68
In Reply to: Re: robins in Bancroft posted by justin on February 12, 2003 at 10:55:59:
January 1st we had 7 Robins at my cottage at Eels Lake(sw of Bancroft) feeding on Berries. There was even a female Evening Grosbeak in with the flock.
216.209.115.19
-- 216.209.115.19
In Reply to: robins in Bancroft posted by justin on February 10, 2003 at 22:20:20:
This morning there were 2 of them in the tree. They didn't stay long - there is no more fruit left.
67.69.9.162
-- 67.69.9.162
In Reply to: Northern Mockingbird sighting posted by Derek on February 11, 2003 at 14:33:28:
I have seen one recently there as well. More into the spring/summer season they are common in the business park around there. We see them all the time.
149.99.114.156
-- 149.99.114.156
I know there was someone interested in Northern Mockingbird sightings. Well her's one; just north of the QEW, just east of Winston Churchill, I saw a Northern Mockingbird in the AMC 24 parking lot.
216.209.115.117
-- 216.209.115.117
On both Saturday and Sunday morning (Feb 8 and 9) we had a robin in our flowering crabapple tree. There are very few apples left by the flock of up to 50 bohemian waxwings we had in January. He must have found some to bring him back for 2 days in a row though.
I phoned my neighbour to look out her window and she said that her sister had a robin at her house (10 km away) the previous week.
This is unheard of up here.
131.104.226.81
-- 131.104.226.81
In Reply to: Re: Chickadees posted by Marcel Gahbauer on February 06, 2003 at 07:43:41:
I think chickadee numbers fluctuate considerably from year to year in a given area. Looking at the results for the section of the CBC I participate in, I noticed that over the last decade or so chickadees have been alternating high and low numbers each year. I looked at the results for the whole CBC at the Birdsource website and there is a similar pattern, although not quite as clear. I don't know what might cause this, but certainly migration is a big component (high numbers of Golden-crowned Kinglets and Winter Wrens this year may also reflect the lower amount of migration).
Joel Kits
216.191.63.123
-- 216.191.63.123
I'm really perplexed by a visitor at our heated bird bath and crabapple tree. It's the size and shape of a sleek robin, but grey above and white below, with two white wingbars and a light stripe over the eye. Seems closest to the look of a Solitary Vireo or even a short mockingbird (but no white on tail.) Any ideas?
64.229.67.6
-- 64.229.67.6
In Reply to: Re: bird question, re: singing posted by Al Johnston on February 09, 2003 at 11:00:53:
Al, thanks for the reply. I mention Kenora as that is where the play I am working on is set. It is about a family who takes their summer vacation there, and the mentorship the youngest daughter develops with a neighbouring old man.
149.99.18.165
-- 149.99.18.165
In Reply to: No show birds posted by Gail on February 09, 2003 at 21:16:27:
The Birds you mention don't hibernate. All I can think of is that they found a better source of food. I have 2 sets of "resident" cardinals and sometimes don't see them for 2 to 3 weeks. They come back eventually. Hope yours return soon.
209.29.143.229
-- 209.29.143.229
I have/had four cardinals and three downy woodpeckers that were daily visitors to my backyard feeders. I have not seen them for several weeks. Do they hibernate when it gets really cold? Why would they suddenly disappear and leave a food source in midwinter that they had been coming to for ages? What could have happened?
216.191.189.66
-- 216.191.189.66
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, February 09, 2003
Glenora Ferry seemed to be the in place this past week for interesting birds. In addition to as many as three BALD EAGLES being seen along this stretch of Adolphus Reach, some of which can often be seen right from the ferry, there have been some other good sightings there as well. A BARROW'S GOLDENYE has been present in the channel for several days along with COMMON GOLDENEYE, GREATER SCAUP and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. Ferry operators say that many of the waterfowl spend the night roosting beneath the ferry ramps, despite the noisy clatter of cars crossing the ramp to and from the ferry. Of particular note last week was what appears to have been a GREEN HERON hopping from ice flow to ice floe in the ferry track, catching alewives. The bird was well described, and birders using the ferry are asked to be on the lookout for it. There were two GLAUCOUS GULLS in the ferry channel on Thursday.
Bird feeder operators are still reporting good success at most feeders in the Quinte area despite a noticeable absence of winter finches. Extremely high numbers of TREE SPARROWS are being reported at most feeders along with similar numbers of MOURNING DOVES, BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS and DARK-EYED JUNCOS. At 23 Sprague Road on Big Island, 5 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS have joined the menagerie that regularly descends on the feed there, although the CAROLINA WREN has not been seen since the cold snap of a week or so ago. The VARIED THRUSH continues to delight birders at 383 Prinyer's Cove Crescent. It was last reported today. A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER and NORTHERN FLICKER are also patronizing this feeder. Another NORTHERN FLICKER is coming to a feeder east of Tweed. And there are 16 WILD TURKEYS coming to a feeding station on Moira Road, east of Highway 62, north of Belleville. NORTHERN HARRIER and COOPER'S HAWK were both reported at a Maitland Avenue backyard north of Belleville.
Despite the cold weather, there are still a few open spots in the Moira River, at Belleville. In one such location, directly across from the Knights car dealership on Station Street, there is still a male GREEN-WINGED TEAL where it was initially found in early January.
Other Quinte area sightings over the past week included 4 SNOW BUNTINGS on Highway 62 near Ben Gill Road, 50 MALLARDS in Consecon Creek on Ben Gill Road, 10 HORNED LARKS at Wooler, and RED-TAILED HAWKS at 401 and Wallbridge/Loyalist Road and also on Wooler Road.
The NatureStuff website has been updated for the month of February. This month's updates includes information on tall grass prairie in the Naturalization section, and some useful "tidbits" (pardon the pun) on offering table scraps at your bird feeder. We look at roadside birding under the Birding Opportunities section, and for wildflower enthusiasts there is a review under References on a new book by Court Noxon, "Field, Forest, Hedgerow - A Hiker's Wildflower Guide to Prince Edward County." This year's roster of outdoor events (something scheduled for every weekend this year, and many evenings) can be found in the Outdoor Events section and a new section has been added to the photo gallery, including 12 outstanding photos of Main Duck Island by Toronto photographer Doug Arnberg. We hope you spend some time on the website and do plan to check out the banners for Ducks Dive Charters and Cottages, Doug Arnberg Theme Photography, and Frontenac Outfitters who help in supporting this website.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte Area. Our thanks to John Haig, Albert Boisvert, Janet Foster, Art MacConnell, Joanne Dewey, John Charlton, Lloyd Paul, Judy Bell, Rita Chapman, John Moore, Dave Milson (OntBirds) and Scotty Allan for their contributions to this week's report This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16th. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good winter birding!
Terry Sprague
Picton, Ontario
tsprague@kos.net
http://www.naturestuff.net
64.228.47.19
-- 64.228.47.19
In Reply to: bird question, re: singing posted by Anthony on February 06, 2003 at 16:40:46:
Anthony, I also assume that birds sing in the rain, particularly, say, a light rain and during breeding season where they are establishing territories. Having lived in Kenora, briefly, many years ago, I'm curious why you have singled out this location?
Al Johnston, 43.98 N, 79.32W Whitchurch-Stouffville
205.239.196.6
-- 205.239.196.6
In Reply to: Re: Screech Owl posted by Al Johnston on February 08, 2003 at 19:22:55:
I am located north of Port Perry, near Little Britain
64.228.36.166
-- 64.228.36.166
In Reply to: Screech Owl posted by jude on February 08, 2003 at 09:56:28:
Hi Jude,
Nice sightings! Where are you located? BTW, it's Shrike. Shreck was a movie ( a good one )
Al johnston, 43.98N, 79.32W Whitchurch-Stouffville
205.239.196.6
-- 205.239.196.6
I had a Eastern Screech Owl sitting on my wood pile last week. The wood is under my deck so I guess he thought that was a good spot to spend the day. He wasn't intimidated by me at all. I got some nice pictures of him from only a few feet away! I think he was keeping a eye on the feeder as well. Nice to see something a little different! As well I had a Northern Shreck? at the Suite Ball as well. He looks similar to a Whisky Jack but has a hooked bill. I guess that explains the dead chickadees I have found in some of the trees around the yard!
209.240.198.63
-- 209.240.198.63
In Reply to: Re: T Swan #533 posted by Marsha Barnes on February 07, 2003 at 16:33:59:
Hi Marsha,I do have some JPEGs that I can send you of the swans.
I met a couple at the lake yesterday that has fed these swans for 5 years now.The swans have come down to the Burlington area for the winter time for some years now.
I found out that some of the swans have been tagged in this area as well as by the Wye Marsh conservation area in Midland.
I am to send some JPEG's to the Wye Marsh as well.
I don't recall seeing Swan #111 but, will check my photos and can send you some photos. Chris
66.185.84.196
-- 66.185.84.196
In Reply to: Re: T Swan #533 posted by Chris on February 02, 2003 at 17:54:51:
Hi Chris. I would love to see the JPEGS of swans. I am looking for T. Swan # 111.
Thanks. Marsha
nanabarnes@hotmail.com
66.185.84.196
-- 66.185.84.196
In Reply to: Re: T Swan #533 posted by Chris on February 02, 2003 at 17:54:51:
Hi Chris. I would love to see the JPEGS of swans. I am looking for T. Swan # 111.
Thanks. Marsha
nanabarnes@hotmail.com
64.231.115.121
-- 64.231.115.121
In Reply to: Re: Chickadees posted by Marcel Gahbauer on February 06, 2003 at 07:43:41:
Thank-you Marcel for your explanation
65.95.161.231
-- 65.95.161.231
Greetings, I am very glad to have found this messaging board. I am currently working as a researcher at a theatre and have a specific (although I am sure basic for some of you) question regarding birds:
Do birds sing in the rain?
I assume the answer to be yes, but would like to confirm it. It is very difficult to find information such as this in general resources in books and on the web. The location of these singing birds would be Kenora, ON.
Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
24.192.106.248
-- 24.192.106.248
In Reply to: Re: White-Winged Scoter? posted by Bill Halliday on February 04, 2003 at 17:08:27:
Buoyed by all the reports of White-winged Scotes at Humber Bay, I took my friend Liz, who has never seen one except as a tiny speck through a long scope lens. There were two today easily visible by eye and binoculars from the parking lot in Humber Bay West. Very icy and treacherous there though so be careful.
Also there were Greater Scaup, Common Mergansers,Common Goldeneye, and the other usual suspects.
Over in Humber Bay East, seen from the drive on the outside of the park near the "Butterfly/Wildflower area", througha scope, were: 1 Canvasback, Redheads, 1 Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Hooded and Common Mergansers and the other pedestrian waterfowl. All in all, a cold but wonderful little outing.
209.29.91.229
-- 209.29.91.229
In Reply to: Chickadees posted by Bob Bird on February 05, 2003 at 12:00:58:
There are several possible explanations. The one that seems most likely to me is that many of them simply didn't travel as far south as the Toronto area this winter. Chickadees are much more migratory than is generally realized. Several areas to the north and east (e.g. Peterborough, Petroglyphs, Algonquin) had record high numbers of Black-capped Chickadees on their recent Christmas Bird Counts, so it could well be that the low numbers seen in Toronto are just a reflection of them staying further north this winter (like many of the finches).
64.231.112.39
-- 64.231.112.39
Can anyone explain the low number of Chickadees this year?
209.240.198.63
-- 209.240.198.63
In Reply to: Re: Swans posted by Jen on February 04, 2003 at 12:28:52:
Jen:Thanks for the information about the Wye Marsh. I plan to email them.
I was out again today and found quite a few of them at Beachway Park right at the shore. These swans had number tags on each wing ....the ones that I saw on Feb. 1st had only one tag on their back.
I will check the website for the Wye Marsh as it does give descriptions as to where they place the tags. I also have photos that I can forward them via email.
Thanks again,Chris
66.185.84.68
-- 66.185.84.68
In Reply to: White-Winged Scoter? posted by Kerri on February 04, 2003 at 14:38:49:
Believe it! I have had my scope on it. There has been a White-winged scoter at the mouth of the Humber river for the past week or so. See posting by TCameron. The day after this posting the "usuals" also included a white-wing scoter and a ring-necked duck. Funny how such a bland bird will stand out.
66.185.84.68
-- 66.185.84.68
About noon today I saw what I believe to be a male white-winged scoter on the Humber River up at the Lakeshore offramp bridge. It was with a pair of common mergansers, some redheads, buffleheads, and common goldeneyes. It was black with brownish flanks, a white cresent shape patch below the eyes, sloping forehead, a black knob at base of reddish bill and white secondaries. Size-wise it was larger than the goldeneyes but smaller than the common merganser. It looked very similar to the illustration in the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America. I saw two others at Humber Bay East in the channel with the islands alongside the wildflower garden as well as 2 male hooded mergansers and one female, 2 American coots, buffleheads, gadwalls, mallards, with redheads, scaup, common mergansers and long-tailed ducks farther out. Have white-winged scoters been seen in Toronto previously? From my reading, I understand they do winter on Lake Ontario. Any additional insight is appeciated.
67.69.9.162
-- 67.69.9.162
In Reply to: Re: Swans posted by Chris on February 02, 2003 at 17:30:52:
I believe the swans with the yellow tags are trumpeter swans and are tracked by the Wye Marsh in Midland, Ontario. They have a reintroduction program. I saw a lot of them too this weekend below the Skyway bridge in Burlington. The Wye Marsh appreciates it if you report to them what you see. Their site is www.wyemarsh.com.
64.228.53.18
-- 64.228.53.18
In Reply to: robins posted by Robert Murphy on February 03, 2003 at 08:28:04:
Hi Robert,
It's not unusual at all, this winter. We've had large flocks in Whitchurch-Stouffville for some weeks now. They've been feeding on fruit and berries and also pecking in the bark around the base of trees (for small insects, I assume). Check out Terry Sprague's post below where he describes where flocks of 150 have been seen. Al Johnston
128.100.72.205
-- 128.100.72.205
The creek mouth under the Humber Bay Bike Bridge remains a good spot for close-up duck viewing, especially nice for birders without a scope. A brief visit Sunday afternoon turned up mallards, black ducks, and a lone gadwall hauled up on the ice with the ring-billed gulls, inside the breakwater just to the east of the bridge. Under the bridge itself one could get really close to redheads, lesser scaup, greater scaup, buffleheads, golden eyes, long-tailed ducks, a black scoter, and a beautiful male hooded merganser in full breeding plumage. A close-up look at him was alone worth the trip down!
64.228.116.138
-- 64.228.116.138
In Reply to: robins posted by Robert Murphy on February 03, 2003 at 08:28:04:
Hi this was posted on Ontbirds this weekend you might want to reed and pass your sighting on to them .
Craig McLauchlan
This message is posted with the permission of the ONTBIRDS coordinator. DO NOT POST THE REQUESTED SIGHTINGS TO ONTBIRDS.
Journey North, an internet-based science program that monitors and studies the arrival of spring across North America, is beginning its 10th season. This program is utilized by over 3000 classrooms in Canada and the U.S.A. Details on participating in this program can be found at: http://www.learner.org/jnorth/spring2003/species/. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcing the 10th Annual Winter Robin Round up! Dates: February 4 - 18, 2003 ***************************************************************** Calling All Robins! Where do robins spend the winter, anyway? Let's find out. ***************************************************************** How to Participate in Journey North's Winter Robin Round Up
1. Go outside and look for robins.
2. When you spot a robin, come to the Web and report your observations to Journey North (you will need to register at: www.learner.org/jnorth), or e-mail your observations to Cindy Schmid at: Cindy_JourneyNorth@msn.com (Winter Robin Round Up only)
DO NOT POST THE REQUESTED ROBIN SIGHTINGS TO ONTBIRDS
We will add your robin observations to the winter map whether they're... * seen alone (FIRST Robin), * in groups (WAVE of Robins), * singing (FIRST song), or * OTHER Robin observations. Remember, you have until February 18th, 2002 to collect your sightings!
3. On February 18th we'll post a map to show where robins are found spending the winter of 2003. We'll also give you a data summary so you can make your own map.
4. After February 18, please continue to watch for robins and help us track their spring migration.
AS PREVIOUSLY STATED, DO NOT POST THE REQUESTED ROBIN SIGHTINGS TO ONTBIRDS!
Walking through the Kortright Centre north of Toronto on Sunday we encountered a flock of Robins. Isn't this unusual for Feb. 2?
Saturday Feb 1 - great birding day, 4 WILD TURKEY grazing in the field on the north side of the field, further down the road, 25+ SHORT EARED OWLS in the trees, one in particular was "barking" may birders were going into the field for photos, we were lucky the owls didn't take flight.
North of Fisherville on Fisherville Road at Con 6 turn west, watch the field to the north, and move along to the open area farm. Other sitings of the day, CEDAR WAXWINGS, JUNCOS, N. FLICKER, DOWNY and HAIRY WOODPECKERS.
Brantford airport area #24 highway south bound from 403 turn left at Robinson, just in the bramble on the right at the crest of the hill. Other birds of interest, many RED TAILED HAWKS, ROUGH LEGGED HAWKS NORTHERN HARRIERS and KESTREL. Sue & Dan Suess
Mississauga
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, February 02, 2003
A very active week in Prince Edward County and area for birds. Patronage at most bird feeders in the county continues to accelerate as the winter season moves along. There is an EASTERN TOWHEE visiting at least two separate feeders on Scoharie Road, and another is coming to a feeder in the Airport Parkway area east of Belleville. At what has become one of the most successful feeders in the county at 2800 County Road 1, a total of 3 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS may be seen. The VARIED THRUSH, first seen in early January at 383 Prinyer's Cove Crescent, continues to delight birders who come to add it to their checklists. EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were found checking out feeders during the week at East Lake and on Maitland Drive in Belleville. Other feeder operators are reporting increases in the numbers of MOURNING DOVES, TREE SPARROWS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS, and BLUE JAYS. But with the increase also come reports of COOPER'S HAWKS, SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, AMERICAN KESTRELS, RED-TAILED HAWKS, NORTHERN SHRIKES, and even a NORTHERN HARRIER who have come to do a little birdwatching of their own.
A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was seen today near Caughey Road on Big Island, and one observer birding Point Petre Road on Friday came across 6 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS feeding on one side of the road, and directly across the road were another 6. At Cressy, an EASTERN SCREECH OWL allowed itself to be photographed as it perched on an antique wagon wheel attached to the side of a building.
AMERICAN ROBINS are everywhere despite the frigid temperatures of last week and early this week. Flocks of 150 were seen today on Sprague Road at Big Island, and smaller numbers along Wesley Acres Road, Massassauga Point, Ameliasburgh, Mountain View, Point Petre, West Point, Long Point Road and Little Bluff, as well as Maitland Drive at Belleville. There were 261 CEDAR WAXWINGS tallied on Long Point Road near Babylon Road on Friday with another 14 seen at West Point. There was a dead LONG-EARED OWL picked up along the shoreline at Wellington during the week, and another found at the White Rose Nurseries on Huyck's Point Road two days ago. According to a biologist, the one in Wellington had died of starvation.
Some interesting ducks in the area. An adult male HARLEQUIN DUCK was found on Tuesday at Point Petre and seen again on Friday, but could not be found today, according to the observer. Also of note, a quite significant flight of GREATER SCAUP occurred throughout the mid-day today at Point Petre. All birds were seen flying from east to west in groups of 10 - 80, with approximately 350 birds in total passing by in three hours. Two weeks earlier, there were at least two BARROW'S GOLDENEYES positively identified, with a possibility of two others that could not be seen clearly according to the observers, at Prince Edward Point. Other observers birding West Point and Long Point noted COMMON GOLDENEYE, BUFFLEHEADS, and LONG-TAILED DUCKS during the week.
One observer birding Amherst Island on Friday tallied ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS (2 dark phase, 9 light phase), 7 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 COOPER'S HAWK, 10 HORNED LARKS and 1 NORTHERN FLICKER. RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS (60) and a COMMON GOLDENEYE were also seen.
Among the interesting sightings from the Barry Heights area at Trenton were 2 each of RED-TAILED HAWKS, SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS and COOPER'S HAWKS, along with GREAT HORNED OWLS, and PILEATED WOODPECKER.
Although well out of the general reporting area, 9 members of the Quinte Field Naturalists travelled to Algonquin Provincial Park yesterday, coming up with 60+ EVENING GROSBEAKS, an undetermined number of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS (they were everywhere!), GRAY JAYS, PURPLE FINCHES, COMMON RAVENS, one RUFFED GROUSE and one SPRUCE GROUSE (both along the Spruce Bog Boardwalk).
Other interesting sightings during the week included an adult BALD EAGLE at Point Petre, SNOW BUNTING on Long Point Road, and 5 WILD TURKEYS on Ridge Road at County Road 12.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Don McClure, John Blaney, Joanne Dewey, John Perry, Maggie Webster, Marg Wallace, Margaret Haylock-Capon, Albert Bosivert, Michael Schummer, Lloyd Paul, Richard Koppens, Jayne Burkholder, Judy Bell, John & Margaret Moore and John Charlton for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 9th. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good winter birding !
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net (updated for February)
In Reply to: Re: Swans at the Humber River posted by Al Johnston on January 26, 2003 at 13:41:28:
I just saw that this thread about the swans at the Humber River involved a discussion about the tags on the swans.....I just finished replying to another thread about them in this message board. There are many swans at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington. It is at least 60 km west of Toronto, right at the end of Lake Ontario. I didn't take a count of them but, I would guess that there could be over 20 swans. I took videos of them and, the one that came the closest to me had #533 on a yellow tag on it's back. There were a few others in the distance that had yellow tags on them as well but, of course, I didn't see the numbers. I do get a view of the lake from my window and, I noticed the swans a few days back. When I went down to see them yesterday, I had no idea how many there were.!! Chris I can send JPEGS if anyone is interested.
In Reply to: Swans posted by Monika on February 01, 2003 at 13:40:26:
I have also seen many swans in my area. I reside at the western end of Lake Ontario near Hamilton. I have not noticed that many in my area previously. Also, many of them are branded with yellow bands on their backs with 3 digit numbers. Should I report them to the Ontario Bird Association? Chris
For the past week or so, I've been admiring a flock of swans that have landed on the Detroit river between Windsor and Detroit. I've never seen so many ... counted 21 at one time. They're gorgeous!
In Reply to: Rough legged hawks in Oakville posted by Jen on January 27, 2003 at 21:46:07:
Yes, Oakville and Mississauga, as well as the Snowy
that was at Dundas and 403 a couple of years ago.
In Reply to: Re: Swans at the Humber River posted by Al Johnston on January 26, 2003 at 14:01:47:
The family of 7 is still hanging around the Humber, one tagged #395 (plus #732 as previously posted.)
In Reply to: T. Swans in Humber Bay posted by Jake Walker on January 28, 2003 at 18:42:13:
Jake, This family of five Trumpeter Swans was still present near the Palais Royale on January 26th. The bird that is tagged #732 was banded by Harry Lumsden at Bluffer's Park on December 2, 2002. The breeding locality of this pair is thus far undetermined. Hopefully the wing tag will help provide that information later. GC
In Reply to: Re: Swans at the Humber River posted by Al Johnston on January 26, 2003 at 14:01:47:
I saw a family of 5 Trumpeter swans in Humber Bay south of High Park on Jan 12. One of the two adults was tagged, #732. Jake Walker
In Reply to: Rough legged hawks in Oakville posted by Jen on January 27, 2003 at 21:46:07:
There are 4, including a dark-morph, that have been hanging around the old landfill east of the Toronto Zoo. A lot of other great birds in that part of the Rouge, too.
Saw 3 juvenile rough-legged hawks hovering at 403 & dundas area last Sunday. They stayed quite a while, eventually landing in some trees. Distinct black patches under the wings. Has anyone ever seen rough-legged hawks in this area (or the Toronto area) before?
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, January 26, 2003
Bird feeders across Prince Edward County were just a buzzing after yesterday's heavy snowfall (48.8 cm in one area of the county according to one Highway 62 resident who keeps official records). Numerous observers reported brisk business with some reporting highs of 40+ TREE SPARROWS, 20+ BLUE JAYS, 80+ MOURNING DOVES, and significantly higher numbers of other regulars. A feeder near Tweed reported 70+ TREE SPARROWS, and up to five NORTHERN CARDINALS and two AMERICAN ROBINS at a feeder near Waupoos. The VARIED THRUSH Is still coming to the feeder at 383 Prinyer's Cove Crescent, 17 km east of Lake-on-the-Mountain. It has now been confirmed that both a male and a female are visiting this feeder as several observers have seen both appear together. This same feeder also has a female RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER and a NORTHERN FLICKER. There is an EASTERN TOWHEE coming to a feeder on Scoharie Road, not far from Picton, and there are WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS at a feeder near the Quinte Skyway Bridge. At South Bay, an active feeder there has a couple BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS and 5 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS among the regular clientel.
One observer who visited the Prinyer's Cove varied thrush site, also reported great success the same day at Luck's Crossroad, between County Roads 17 & 8, where a particularly good food crop in a stand of red cedars produced well over 100 AMERICAN ROBINS on Wednesday, along with at least one YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, a NORTHERN FLICKER, a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, a few EUROPEAN STARLINGS, and about a dozen CEDAR WAXWINGS.
Among the birds of prey reported in the county during the week was a BARRED OWL, both seen and photographed near the 4-way Stop at the West Lake Sector at Sandbanks Provincial Park. A COOPER'S HAWK continues to harvest a mourning dove every other day or so from a feeder at 23 Sprague Road, and another was seen early in the week along Babylon Road. Two BALD EAGLES likely part of the trio seen regularly along Adolphus Reach, were seen on the ice off Cressy Lakeside Road on Tuesday, and another was seen near Waupoos the same day.
Other good sightings during the week included 35 WILD TURKEYS on Sidney Street north of 401 at Belleville; SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, RED-TAILED HAWK, PILEATED WOODPECKER and 85 CEDAR WAXWINGS at the H.R. Frink Centre 9 km north of Belleville, 4 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS on Kinlin Road, east of Tweed; and a PILEATED WOODPECKER at Smith's Bay in Prince Edward County.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and area. Our thanks to Bruce Ripley, Maris Apse, Susan Shipman, Thomas Rymes, Janet Foster, John Blaney, Margaret Haylock-Capon, Evelyn Sloane, Fran Donaldson, and Don Craighead for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 2nd. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good winter birding!
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
In Reply to: Oops posted by Teddy Cameron on January 25, 2003 at 16:57:06:
Hi Teddy, I mentioned your sighting to Harry Lumsden, as well and he sends his thanks. Trumpeter #673 was released to the wild from the Program in 2000 and was last reported at Seneca College in Dec. 2002. I hope he/she doesn't mind this cold snap we're having.
Al Johnston
In Reply to: Swans at the Humber River posted by Frank Butson on January 25, 2003 at 23:57:16:
I called Harry Lumsden, Founder of the Ontario Trumpeter Swan Restoration Program and advised him of these sightings and he was most appreciative, especially of the numbers on the yellow wing tags you were able to obtain. He aked me to pass on his thanks. He also mentioned that about 30 trumpeters on the water front east of Toronto to Whitby appear to have moved.If anyone notices an influx of trumpeters, could you post it here and I'll pass it on to Harry. Many thanks.
Al Johnston, Whitchurch-Stouffville
In Reply to: Swans at the Humber River posted by Frank Butson on January 25, 2003 at 23:57:16:
Test
In Reply to: Re: Ducks etc at the Humber River posted by Joel Kits on January 25, 2003 at 20:40:19:
There were 7 tagged swans at Humber Bay Park very early this morning. I believe trumpeters but they wouldnt look up much for a proper ID. I did get 2 tag #s 706 and 522. Saw the yellow rumped warbler in the bushes near the east entrance as well.
In Reply to: Ducks etc at the Humber River posted by Teddy Cameron on January 24, 2003 at 15:22:33:
Today I had an immature male Surf Scoter off of Humber Bay Park West. At the first Sunnyside parking lot east of the river were an adult Iceland Gull and a first-basic Glaucous Gull. Joel Kits
In Reply to: Ducks etc at the Humber River posted by Teddy Cameron on January 24, 2003 at 15:22:33:
Doh! That should be one Trumpeter Swan, tag # 673. Mea culpa.
There's a respectable-sized raft of ducks at the mouth of the Humber River today - many dozens of Redheads and Scaup. Also one Whistling Swan, tag #673, and the usual suspects: Oldsquaw, Common Mergansers, a solitary Hooded Merganser, a few Common Goldeneye and Bufflehead. The raft has been right under the foot bridge all day, though the swan is a recent arrival.
In Reply to: Re: distressed hawk posted by Glenn Coady on January 23, 2003 at 15:56:54:
Valerie, Further to what Glenn has stated, you may wish to go to the "links" tab at the top of this homepage. From there, access the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. Once on their site, you can go to 'Nature Network' and using the map or an alphabetical listing, find a naturalists club near your home area. Enjoy!
In Reply to: Re: distressed hawk posted by Valerie Savolainen on January 21, 2003 at 22:25:50:
Valerie, The Toronto Ornithological Club provides leaders for a series of outings each year as an outreach activity to novice and intermediate birders to honour the memory of the late James L. Baillie Jr. one of our charter members and an Ontario birding legend. A complete list of such outings can be found on the Toronto Ornithological Club's web site at: http://www.torontobirding.ca You might also consider joining the Ontario Field Ornithologists, the premier organization for field bird study in Ontario. Best $25/yr you will ever spend.
Along with membership (and 3 issues per year of both its journal Ontario Birds and newsletter OFO News) you may participate in about twenty free field outings of the club led by many of this province's most skilled birders/naturalists to nearly all the most productive and exciting locations Ontario has to offer. Visit their web site at: http://www.ofo.ca GC
In Reply to: Re: distressed hawk posted by Valerie Savolainen on January 21, 2003 at 22:25:50:
Use the links button at the top of the page to find several organizations and pick something in your area. I took a course at George Brown College years ago where we went out every Saturday for 8 weeks to ird watch.Besides being alot of fun, it showed many good areas to go bird watching as well as different clubs to join. Some of the clubs have outings which would be very similar. Good Birding!
In Reply to: Re: distressed hawk posted by Dave on January 21, 2003 at 16:48:20:
Thank you for your response. It makes perfect sense, and I feel silly that my inexperience shows so clearly. It never occurred to me that the feathers flying around might have been those of the prey rather than the hunter. Since the hawk's back was to me, I couldn't see the true story playing out. As to the type of hawk, the tail wasn't recognizably reddish, so perhaps they were Cooper's Hawks. Can anyone recommend a bird-watching club or web-site for beginners like me?
In Reply to: distressed hawk posted by Valerie Savolainen on January 16, 2003 at 09:12:47:
In my opinion, you most likely came across a couple of Red Tailed Hawks, either fighting over territory, but most likely over food. I have seen R.T.'s catch a mouse, and try and cover it with their wing as they eat it. In your case one may have been dining on another bird while the other bird was trying to poach. Red Tailed Hawks are quite common in Toronto, even in this weather as opposed to seeing two Goshawks which would be a rare sighting. Other possibilties would be Sharped Shinned Hawks,which range from about 10 to 14 inches, Coopers Hawks, a little larger perhaps 20 inches with the R.T. ranging up to 26 inches.
He's still around! This morning he was sitting in a tree on Macpherson singing as though it were a mild morning in May instead of -18 in January!
In Reply to: Saw some robins today! posted by Colleen on January 19, 2003 at 13:07:13:
I think dried fruit is OK and somebody told me they will eat Meow Mix!
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FOR THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, January 19, 2003
The male VARIED THRUSH which appeared early this month at a feeder at 383 Prinyer's Cove Crescent, is still being seen daily by birders who make the trip to Prinyer's Cove, 17 km east of Lake-on-the-Mountain. Morning still seems to be the time of the day when the bird is most dependable. Apparently, a second bird, a female, reported earlier by the operator of the feeder, has been confirmed by one observer. If anyone knows the identity of the observer who confirmed the female, please e-mail me as I would like this information for our Prince Edward County records. There is also a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER coming to this same feeder.
Feeders elsewhere are reporting good success with MOURNING DOVES numbering 60 or more at some feeders. Similar numbers are at my feeder, although a male COOPER'S HAWK snatches a MOURNING DOVE on the average of once every two days. The CAROLINA WREN at 23 Sprague Road, is seen on a regular basis most days, dividing its time between Timbits, suet, peanut butter, and the heated bird bath. A Smith's Bay feeder has a high of 5 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS coming, and several SONG SPARROWS, in addition to a BROWN CREEPER and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET on the premises. Thirteen species of birds are coming to my 22 feeders with highs of 32 TREE SPARROWS, 26 HOUSE FINCHES, 43 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS, 30 HOUSE SPARROWS and 13 BLUE JAYS, in addition to the previously mentioned MOURNING DOVES and regulars. Eight WILD TURKEYS have been coming to a feeder at Chuckery Hill.
So many reports of BALD EAGLES came in during the week, it is difficult to determine which ones are repeat sightings and which are new birds. Reports came in from the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area, Prince Edward Bay, Kaiser Crossroad, Smith's Bay, Adolphus Reach and Cressy. RED-TAILED HAWKS during the week were seen at Mountain View, Black River, and Bongard Road.
As frigid weather seals up the lakes and bays around the county, waterfowl is becoming much more difficult to locate. Prince Edward Point today had COMMON GOLDENEYE, LONG-TAILED DUCKS, GREATER SCAUP, MALLARDS and AMERICAN BLACKS. During mid-week, COMMON MERGANSERS, 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and CANADA GEESE had also been seen. There are three TRUMPETER SWANS (2 adults & one immature) in Lake Ontario between Cressy Lakeside Road and Kaiser Crossroad, seen on Wednesday. TUNDRA SWANS numbering 25 continue to be seen in the Smith's Bay and Waupoos area.
Other good sightings during the week included WHITE-THROATED SPARROW east of Lake-on-the-Mountain, a WINTER WREN on Tuesday at the Prince Edward Point lighthouse, 43 WILD TURKEYS at the Sandbanks' Woodland Campground on Wednesday, a wintering TURKEY VULTURE west of Gravelley Bay Road, 4 HORNED LARKS near Waupoos, and a BELTED KINGFISHER today at Cressy. Outside the county, 44 WILD TURKEYS were found along Sidney Street north of the 401 at Belleville, and a GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Cobourg on Monday.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Joe Victor, Don Craighead, Keith Edgett, Lloyd Paul, Mark Cranford (OntBirds), Nancy Fox, Sergio de Sousa, Shirley Preston, Jack Lashley, Bob Sachs, Fran Donaldson and Joanne Dewey for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 26th. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good winter birding !
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
I saw a Northern Mockingbird on Hampton Street, in Riverdale this morning. A bit unexpected. Don Baxter
Had a robin in my yard today. It sat in our Maple tree for about 10 minutes. I was then in Richmond Hill and saw a few fly in front of us. Any ideas on what to put out to feed them?
In Reply to: distressed hawk posted by Valerie Savolainen on January 16, 2003 at 09:12:47:
The park in which I saw the large hawk-like birds was not E.T. Seton...it was Serena Gundy. I have walked by the same spot twice since the strange sighting but have not seen them since. Am anxious to get an identification and an explanation for the strange behaviour.
During an almost birdless walk through Colonel Samuel Smith Park today, I was surprised to find a Great Blue Heron. I saw it at about noon sheltering in low bushes along the shore of the pond. I doubt it will stay long, because I can't see where it will feed. The pond and the harbour are completely frozen over. Even the normally sheltered bay next to the pond is filled with floating ice. I didn't spend long by the lake, but the areas I checked had fewer ducks than normal. Brian Bailey
I sent a message about this yesterday but it was not posted. Is there a membership requirement for this board? I will try again since I am very curious about a sighting I made yesterday while walking in ET Seton Park at Eglinton and Leslie yesterday. I heard a loud screeching (similar to a jay's but louder)coming from a wooded area just across the cantilevered bridge near the parking lot and took a path from the main walkway into the woods to see if I could trace it. The noise persisted but I could see no birds until a commotion in the snowy field on the side of the ravine caught my attention. Suddenly two very large birds appeared on the ground about twenty feet from me. They were hawk-like, brown and tan speckled on the breast and head, brown and gray wing and tail feathers, a tannish stripe behind the eye (goshawks???), yellow feet, black hooked beak. They were larger than my cats. One bird was being very aggressive towards the other; it looked as if it were trying to push it down the hill. Then the aggressive bird jumped onto a short bush and watched the other, which had turned its back towards the ravine and had started to pluck its breast feathers in a very frenzied manner, squawking the whole time. Soon feathers were flying all over, and the second bird on the bush kept watching as the feathers from the other flew around and stuck to his body. I watched for about 20 minutes until I became too cold to stay. I am not an experienced bird watcher and would appreciate it if someone could identify these hawks for me and explain their unusual behaviour.
In Reply to: West Nile Virus posted by Jean-François on January 13, 2003 at 22:56:10:
The Tufted Titmice in Essex County are greatly
reduced. If this was the result of other factors
such as drought, the adult Titmice in west Windsor,
Ojibway and LaSalle, would have been there in September
and October. Most of them were gone. Other spots in Michigan and Ohio still have good
numbers of Tufted Titmice. This summer in Guelph
there were lots of Chickadees in the cedar bogs.
However, the bogs were dried out and the underlying
acquifer was at near record low levels. The mosquito
levels appeared to be low. My money is on is on mosquito born WNV, but whether
its a human generated variant is another story.
In Reply to: West Nile Virus posted by Jean-François on January 13, 2003 at 22:56:10:
In general I think there is still a lot of uncertainty. Some people state categorically that WNV is responsible for (apparent) declines; others are equally confident that it is not at all responsible. Neither side has shown me enough evidence to convince me. I suspect the truth lies somewhere in between. Tests last summer proved that some crows found dead in the GTA had WNV, so it seems logical to assume that the decline in crow numbers is at least partly attributable to the virus. Given that many other species have been found infected elsewhere, it's also reasonable to expect that might be the case here - though to what extent this causes mortality still seems hard to predict. But it's also possible some of the declines aren't as bad as they appear to us. For example, there are hardly any Blue Jays in Toronto this winter, but in other parts of Ontario they are present at above-normal levels. Maybe some of what we are seeing is simply an unusual distribution of birds (take your guess as to the reasons for that), rather than actual declines. I would imagine that a clearer picture of the overall trends will appear at the end of the winter, once Bird Studies Canada has had a chance to collect and summarize data from Project Feederwatch. In the meantime, it's certainly worth continuing to make observations such as those you've noted. I remain optimistic that things are not as bleak as the media would have us believe, but the more data collected by everyone, even informally, the better the odds of finding out what really is going on.
In Reply to: West Nile Virus posted by Jean-François on January 13, 2003 at 22:56:10:
Your questions on WNV may be answered by going to the menu bar at the top of this websites' home page and click onto ONTBIRDS. Once there, on the taskbar, keep clicking on 'previous day' and go back to Sunday, Jan. 12. An email there from A. Wormington contains addresses for two sites that may be of help to you.
Dear birders, I have gone to James Gardens on several occasions over the past three months and I have found very few birds in comparison to other years. 20 or 30 chickadees, 20 or 30 finches, 3 or 4 hairy woodpeckers, 20 or 30 downies... Everytime I ask why, the answer provided is the West Nile Virus. Is this the only reason? Which species are affected? Is the virus as catastrophic as it appears to me? Also, is there a website with statistics, examples and maps regarding the effects of the West Nile Virus on bird life? Thanks for any information.
Jean-François
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, January 05, 2003
Final Results from the Belleville Christmas Bird Count on December 28th revealed a total of 49 species seen. EUROPEAN STARLING led the list with a high of 2,527, followed by 1,224 MOURNING DOVES. Other noteworthy sightings and numbers were 691 CANADA GEESE, 347 COMMON MERGANSERS, and 293 MALLARDS. Also seen were 1 HORNED GREBE, 4 EASTERN SCREECH OWLS, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 11 NORTHERN FLICKERS, 65 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 2 HERMIT THRUSHES, 17 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 467 AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, 27 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and 2 SWAMP SPARROWS.
With the arrival of snow late this week, bird activity has picked up considerably at most feeding stations across the county. The CAROLINA WREN was back at my feeder early this morning feasting on crushed Vegetable Thins. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW is at a feeder east of Lake-on-the-Mountain, and another two were seen in Belleville during the week, on Benson Court. A female RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD and a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER were present at a feeder at Wesley Acres, south of Bloomfield. Hawks seen at or near feeders during the week included a COOPER'S HAWK at Waupoos, Barry Heights at Trenton and in the Shannonville area; SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS at feeders at Big Island, Elmbrook and Bloomfield; a NORTHERN HARRIER near a feeder on Maitland Drive in Belleville; and a NORTHERN SHRIKE at a Ridge Road feeder south of Picton, and two others seen in the Cressy area.
Other interesting birds of prey during the week were BALD EAGLES (2 adults, 2 immatures) at Long Reach off Highway 49, and a single adult on Adolphus Reach. RED-TAILED HAWKS were observed at Davis Road, Wesley Acres, Big Island, over the Millennium Trail near Picton, and another north of Bloomfield. There was an immature MERLIN on the east side of Waupoos on New Year's Day, and a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK on Highway 62 near Matthie Road. Two GREAT HORNED OWLS turned up during the week north of Belleville.
At Big Island, a RAVEN called noisily as it passed overhead on Monday and disappeared south over the Big Island Marsh toward Demorestville. Other good sightings during the week included 8 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS at Little Bluff Conservation Area, hundreds of AMERICAN ROBINS and 30 CEDAR WAXWINGS feeding on buckthorn berries along Old Milford Road, 30 GADWALL on Cressy Lakeside Road, 25 COMMON MERGANSERS at Adolphus Reach, a male PILEATED WOODPECKER and a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at Barry Heights (Trenton), 200 MALLARDS at Athol Bay, and a rare sight this winter - 30 SNOW BUNTINGS on Wesley Acres Road.
Quinte Conservation is still taking registrations for the 6-week Bird Identification Course, being held every Tuesday evening commencing February 11th at the Quinte Conservation Conference Room. Openings for the course are filling up fast and those interested are urged to contact the e-mail address below for further information. Cost is $60/person.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Barry Pinsky & Janette Loveys, Judy Bell, Laura Pierce, Lynn McMullen, Joanne Dewey, Lloyd Paul, Henry Pasila, Donn Legate, Shirley Preston, Joe Victor, David Bree, John Charlton and Don McClure for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 12th. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good birding !
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
In Reply to: Re: ruby crowned kinglet at seut feeder posted by Don Baxter on January 04, 2003 at 12:49:38:
Hi Don - the "post message" link works for me, but I know all too well that what works on one computer won't necessarily function correctly on another! The new message window is actually on the same page as all the messages, right at the bottom. If the link isn't working, odds are you may have a slow connection, and the bottom of the website hasn't loaded by the time you try to access it. Simplest solution is to scroll down to the bottom, which is currently April 1/02. (For the record, I have nothing to do with the operation of this website, by the way!)
In Reply to: Re: ruby crowned kinglet at seut feeder posted by Marcel Gahbauer on January 03, 2003 at 18:43:49:
Hi Marcel,
I tried to post my message about the ruby-crowned kinglet by clicking on "Post Message", but for a couple of weeks now, no window opens up. I posted it as a follow up and changed the subject hoping it would become a new subject. Any idea what I'm doing wrong? Don Baxter
In Reply to: Re: Toronto Christmas Bird Count results posted by Maureen on January 03, 2003 at 17:20:35:
Yes, that's the strange thing - the crow population is remarkably low in certain areas (e.g. Toronto, Niagara), yet recent Christmas Bird Counts have shown that numbers are normal, or even at record highs (e.g. Ottawa, Strathroy)in some other parts of Ontario. At this point, it's evident that the distribution of crows in the province is not normal - that is, it is noticeably different from how it has been in years past. But how much the overall population has changed is not at all clear yet. Perhaps once all of the Christmas Bird Counts have been reported, regional totals can be computed and compared to previous numbers. Odds are that this year's numbers will be somewhat lower - after all, the number of dead crows found in the summer is bound to be reflected to some extent. Of course it's tempting to assume that the decline is entirely due to West Nile Virus. Knowing that many of the dead crows tested positive for WNV, I think it's safe to say that any crow decline is at least partly related to the virus. What we don't know is whether WNV is the only problem currently facing birds. For example, some have concluded that because Black-capped Chickadee numbers were down by 77% from the 2001 count to the 2002 total, they must be vulnerable to WNV as well. It's very likely they are to at least some extent - but it's a stretch to assume that WNV is the only possible cause of this decline in numbers. Until there is more direct evidence, it's a hypothesis only - and one of many, not all of which are sinister (e.g. perhaps some of the chickadees which winter in Toronto breed further north, and this year simply didn't migrate this far south.)
In Reply to: Re: robins on new year's day! posted by Maureen on January 03, 2003 at 17:29:41:
That particular snowfall may not have been a blizzard, but that doesn't mean they can avoid that fate all winter long. Though I'm not aware of any documentation on these wintering flocks over the course of the season, I would expect that if they are here in late December / early January, they are likely going to stay here through the whole winter (as long as food doesn't run out). So, at some point they're almost certainly going to face some rather unpleasant weather. However, if they couldn't handle the cold and snow, they wouldn't be here - I think for the most part we humans find winter more objectionable than the birds do!
In Reply to: ruby crowned kinglet at seut feeder posted by Don Baxter on January 03, 2003 at 17:29:53:
Yes, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet in winter is certainly a rarity around here. I'm not aware of any having been reported in Toronto recently - certainly there were none on the Christmas Bird Count (though a record high number of Golden-crowned Kinglets were seen). Surprisingly though, they have turned up on at least a few other Ontario CBC's this year, including as far north as Bruce Peninsula National Park. Proof that some of these little birds can be really tough!
In Reply to: Re: robins on new year's day! posted by Marcel Gahbauer on January 03, 2003 at 12:00:45:
two days ago I had a ruby crowned kinglet feeding at my seut feeder. This is the first time I have seen one at this time of year, as well as the first time I have seen one at a feeder of any sort. Is this unusual? Don Baxter
In Reply to: robins on new year's day! posted by martin ahermaa on January 03, 2003 at 09:57:12:
That is wonderful!
I too hope that they survived the snowfall. At least it was not a blizzard. Maureen
In Reply to: Re: Rathnelly Avenue Robin posted by Jennifer Burns on January 02, 2003 at 10:36:59:
Well enjoy that Robin!
I have not seen one for awhile.
There seem to be fewer robins around my area.
I miss their singing!
In Reply to: Re: Toronto Christmas Bird Count results posted by Jennifer Burns on January 02, 2003 at 10:46:12:
Yes but it seems to have really desimated the population compared to other places, especially rural areas.
I have not seen a crow or a blue jay since August
of this year! :(
Maureen
In Reply to: digiscope? posted by Piers Perren on January 03, 2003 at 13:08:03:
No special fitting is required. Just hold your digital camera up to your scope's eyepiece and voila! Depending on the combination of your scope's eyepiece diameter, camera lens diameter, and optical zoom setting of camera (3X works nicely) you will encounter varying amounts of vignetting in your image, which you can then crop out on your computer. There are some coupling systems commercially available for specific combinations of scopes/digital cameras (Nikon Coolpix seems to be the most popular). For the digiscoping listserv see: http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/DIGI.html Also check out the digisoping section on: http://www.surfbirds.com
GC
Is the art of digiscoping using your scope with a digital camera without a fitting? I have seen the OFO pictures that are labeled as digiscoped and was wondering if a special fitting was needed. Any explanation would be welcome as I have both a scope and a D-camera. Max Perren
In Reply to: robins on new year's day! posted by martin ahermaa on January 03, 2003 at 09:57:12:
Actually, just to be clear, my message stated that Robins are in fact not nearly as rare a sight in winter as is commonly believed. Not only were over 900 individuals recorded on this year's Toronto Christmas Bird Count, but they were widely distributed, recorded on 18 of the 21 routes across the city.
I spent a delightful hour watching a flock of at least 50 individuals feeding in the Lambton Woods portion of the Humber Valley Trail , i.e., north of Dundas St. W. on the west bank. I was puzzled by their evident robustness not to mention just being there. I just noticed Marcel Grabauer's post of 18 Dec/02 and realized how unusual this sighting was. I dearly hope they all survived the snowfall. Best wishes to all for the new year,
Martin
In Reply to: Re: "White" goose posted by Al Johnston on January 02, 2003 at 12:57:19:
Thanks, Al. That seems the obvious answer in hindsight. Sometimes we tend to overlook the simple solutions.
Tony Johnson, Mississauga.
In Reply to: "White" goose posted by Tony Johnson on January 02, 2003 at 10:24:27:
Hi Tony,
My guess is a domestic goose that is taking up
with his wild cousins. Let's see what others think.
Al Johnston, Whitchurch-Stouffville
In Reply to: Re: Toronto Christmas Bird Count results posted by Al Johnston on December 25, 2002 at 13:39:39:
I'm sure the decline in crows and blue jays is due to the spread of the West Nile virus :-(
In Reply to: Re: Rathnelly Avenue Robin posted by Marcel Gahbauer on December 24, 2002 at 12:47:36:
He was singing again this morning, as loudly and cheerfully as ever! I hadn't heard him for a couple of days, but he's back at it.
Yesterday, Jan 1, I was watching a large raft of duck at Port Nelson Park in Burlington when a small group of geese flew past. With the 4 Canada Geese was a all-white goose. I did not, however see any black on the wings which I gather is quite noticeable on a Snow Goose. Is it possible it is an albino Canada Goose?
BTW, there is still a Harlequin Duck close to the CCIW, on the 1st 'island' in Hamilton Harbour.
In Reply to: Toronto Christmas Bird Count results posted by Marcel Gahbauer on December 23, 2002 at 18:00:10:
By the end of August, the crows had disappeared
I have seen no crow gatherings since then and the crows that have been my local family group for over 5 years disappeared at that time as well.
If you know of any way that I can get any more information or you know of anyone doing any surveys/studies of corvids in this region, please e-mail me privately Thanks,
Maureen Falk
There was a shrike at East Humber Bay Park early this afternoon (Jan 1), likely a northern shrike but I couldn't get a close enough look at it to be absolutely sure. It was bobbing its tail when perched, but also swooped low before rising to find another perch, sometimes fairly low (3-4 metres from the ground), sometimes fairly high (20 metres+). If someone more experienced at differentiating northern and loggerhead sees it, I'd appreciate hearing which it is - and yes, I know it's not likely to be a loggerhead, but I'd appreciate confirmation. Thanks.
While on our morning walk,we spotted a Bald Eagle flying easterly low(30 metres) over the shore line just west of Bronte Harbour at about 9:45 a.m. this morning.A great way to start the birding New Year!!
Directions:Q.E.W.exit south on Bronte Road to the water front.
While on our morning walk,we spotted a Bald Eagle flying easterly low(30 metres) over the shore line just west of Bronte Habour at about 9:45 a.m. this morning.A great way to start the birding New Year!!
Directions:Q.E.W.exit south on Bronte Road to the water front.
Click here For a New Year's Greeting And, may your ventures be filled with exciting diversity and frequent twitches. . . But most of all. . .have a Peaceful 2003 Tony Beck
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, December 29, 2002
The Belleville Christmas Bird Count on Saturday resulted in a few interesting species being seen including BROWN CREEPERS, HERMIT THRUSH, EASTERN SCREECH OWLS, NORTHERN FLICKERS, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER and RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. In Prince Edward County, the HERMIT THRUSH was found at the Harry Smith Conservation Area in Ameliasburgh, with the EASTERN SCREECH OWLS turning up on Pulver Road. Elsewhere on the count in the Prince Edward County half, BROWN CREEPER was found at Sawguin Island, 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS and RUFFED GROUSE near the Sawguin Marsh at Mountain View, and HORNED GREBE near the Bay Bridge.
A NORTHERN HAWK OWL was seen yesterday on Davis Road, at Elmbrook, but it did not appear to be around today. Anyone wishing to try their luck will find Davis Road off County Road 5, north of Picton. From Picton, take Highway 49 past the Golf Course and turn left onto County Road 6, and follow to County Road 5. Follow for one kilometre to Davis Road. Those travelling from Deseronto can also find County Road 6 by following Highway 49 toward Picton and turning just before reaching Picton.
BALD EAGLES continue to turn up here and there, and it is anybody's guess how many there really are as a few of the same individuals could be involved in the same sightings. Reports during the week came in from Consecon Lake (1), Cape Vesey (2), three on Adolphus Reach, and one on the Moira River, north of Belleville at Lost Channel Road.
Other raptors in the area during the week included a NORTHERN SHRIKE near the corner of County Road 23 and Victoria Road, south of Rednersville, and another individual at a feeder on Ridge Road, south of Picton, where there has also been a NORTHERN HARRIER. Lots of AMERICAN KESTRELS being seen everywhere, and usually quite dependable in their given areas. There was a NORTHERN HARRIER north of Codrington reported and a few isolated reports of RED-TAILED HAWKS including more recent ones at Big Island and another near Elmbrook.
Despite copious amounts of open water, waterfowl reports were few during the week. Over 200 COMMON MERGANSERS, a few COMMON GOLDENEYE, and MALLARDS can be seen most days at the Norris Whitney Bridge between Rossmore and Belleville. A number of TUNDRA SWANS are still in South Bay, 4 HOODED MERGANSERS were seen at Prinyer's Cove, and there were about 50 GADWALL along Cressy Lakeside Road on Boxing Day.
Lots of AMERICAN ROBINS wherever there are red cedars and tangles. It is here where many of the EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS have been found, along with CEDAR WAXWINGS. It was in this habitat where the WHITE-EYED VIREO was found during the Prince Edward Point Christmas Bird Count on December 14th, just east of Little Bluff Conservation Area, out first winter record of this species for the county. EASTERN BLUEBIRD reports also came in during the week from Stirling, and the South Bay area.
Feeder birds during the week included RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD at Elmbrook, two SWAMP SPARROWS, BROWN CREEPER and three WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS at Smith's Bay, and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at a feeder on the south shore of Consecon Lake. Other interesting reports to come in were PILEATED WOODPECKER at Big Island, GREAT HORNED OWL on Ridge Road, RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER between Waupoos and Cressy, BROWN CREEPER and SONG SPARROW along the east extension of the Belleville Bayshore Trail, 20 CEDAR WAXWINGS at Smith's Bay and 34 WILD TURKEYS north of Codrington.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Andy Hanson, Don Craighead, Donn and John Legate, Joanne Dewey, Fred Chandler, Lloyd Paul, Jess Chambers, Doug McRae, Judith Bell, Joe Victor and Bernice Hardy for their contributions to this week's report. If Rick Cathrae of Belleville is reading this report, your e-mail address would be appreciated. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 5th. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good birding !
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
Took a chance not expecting much at Taylor Creek. Saw 2 Great Blue Herons,in the creek not far from the Dawes Rd entrance. I had seen one on 27th along the same creek,but not in this park. I suspect one of them is that one. It sat there for hours,and I took several photos from close range. Someone passing said they hadnt been seen there in 3 years. I also spotted 10 American Robins,the first ones of the winter for me. As well I saw 2 redtailed hawks,scattering pigeons from nearby appartment roofs. A few Northern Cardinals,and Black Capped Chicadees rounded out the notable sightings. Taylor Creek Park is on Dawes Rd in Toronto,just north of Danforth Avenue. On the way I saw 2 American Crows at Birchmount and Danforth. I have a photosite for personal enjoyment only(ie I am not trying to promote anything)with many pictures of birds and local wildlife,as well as many photos from trips to South Africa including many birds. If Ud like the site please feel free to email me(dont wanna catch trouble for posting it here).
In Reply to: Toronto Christmas Bird Count results posted by Marcel Gahbauer on December 23, 2002 at 18:00:10:
Hi Marcel,
I was surprised to see the low count of only 92
American Black Ducks. I have about 50 sitting in
the open water in my pond, in Whitchurch-
Stouffville along with some Mallards and 1
American Wigeon. Good birding in 2003. Al
In Reply to: Rathnelly Avenue Robin posted by Jennifer Burns on December 18, 2002 at 10:33:53:
Robins are actually not nearly as rare in Toronto as many people think. There are usually at least a few hundred which stay here - though for the most part they congregate in parks, and aren't as conspicuous in residential areas as in the summer. The Toronto Christmas Bird Count found a total of 932 Robins on Dec 22, so there are certainly a good many around this year! That being said, all of the ones I saw were silent, so having one that is cheerfully singing throughout the winter is a rare and pleasant surprise!
Yesterday the Toronto Ornithological Club coordinated the annual Toronto Christmas Bird Count. The preliminary totals are 85 species and 68,316 individuals. Record high numbers were recorded for 14 species, but numbers were shockingly low for American Crow (down 96% from 2001), as well as Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee and a few others. Follow the link below for a summary of the highlights. Several species were missed on the count which have often been observed in recent years. These include Common Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Northern Shoveler, Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Snowy Owl, Red-winged Blackbird, Field
Sparrow and Snow Bunting. If you see any of these species (or any other rarities) in Toronto during the count week period of Dec 19-25 inclusive, please e-mail me privately. Marcel Gahbauer Toronto Christmas Bird Count highlights
In Reply to: Re: Missing Birds posted by Nick Avery on November 13, 2002 at 17:29:01:
We too have noticed the absence or markedly decreased numbers of our common birds here in NE Oakville. Our squirrels are having the run of the birdfeeders this year with next to no competition from the birds. I wonder if the heat of last summer has something to do with it, or is it WNV, or pollution. Scarey!
In Reply to: Re: missing birds posted by Martin Casse on December 20, 2002 at 13:11:46:
Dec 23 2002. I live in NE Oakville on a very large wooded ravine just above Ford Plant. We had endless varieties and substantial numbers of the common birds when we first moved here 3 years ago. Each year numbers have been fewer. There were hundreds of crows here last year(I cursed them as I feared they were scaring away the small a birds) There are none now. I hear a robin singing maybe once a day. Last year maybe a hundred wintered in the woods here. I see maybe 3-4 chickadees a day at feeder and one Downy woodpecker; there are no juncos or jays now. It is alarmingly quiet. Was it the heat of last summer or West Nile?
In Reply to: Any sight of Heerman's gull?? posted by Christopher Di Corrado on December 22, 2002 at 19:21:26:
Hi being one of the birders that spent a lot of time photogaing and studying this bird and its time in Toronto I have to say that it has not shown back up and their is a chance that it might have met with fowl play and ended up in the lake or a garbag bag ! Which wood have bin to bad . Shortly after it disaprard from the Toronto area One shoed up in Florida but I have gone over the photos that wear takin in the first days and it was not the same bird ! So I am sorry you mist a great gull and a lot of fun !! Craig
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, December 22, 2002
One live RING-NECKED PHEASANT this afternoon and one dead one! The live bird was spotted crossing County Road 24 at Point Petre, while another encountered along the Morganston/Codrington Road north of Brighton didn't fare so well along the highway there. It was being consumed by a RED-TAILED HAWK! Also trying its luck at more readily available food was an immature NORTHERN GOSHAWK on Tuesday which perched for two hours near a feeder east of Lake-on-the-Mountain. An immature RED-TAILED HAWK was seen catching a meadow vole in a birder's backyard at Trenton on Thursday. Less imposing was a juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK perched on a utility wire west of Milford today, and one adult and an immature BALD EAGLE travelling down the Adolphus Reach during the week, along with a second year individual at Prince Edward Point, and another at Bongard Road on Wednesday. AMERICAN KESTRELS during the week were tallied at South Bay, Shannon Road near Bloomfield, Prinyer's Cove Crescent, County Road 1, and three on the Stirling/Campbellford Road. There was a NORTHERN SHRIKE on Thursday on County Road 1 in Prince Edward County.
Warmer weather during the week has improved waterfowl viewing opportunities around the county. Wellington Harbour has had a good mix of ducks including MALLARDS, CANADA GEESE, COMMON GOLDENEYE, BUFFLEHEAD, HOODED MERGANSER (1), and COMMON MERGANSER. When conditions permit, TUNDRA SWANS continue to appear at South Bay, and the species has also appeared at Consecon Lake. Point Petre during the week offered 90 CANADA GEESE, 40 MALLARDS, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, and 60 BUFFLEHEAD in Soup Harbour. A HOODED MERGANSER was present at Glenora Ferry on Tuesday, and there was a HORNED GREBE at Prinyer's Cove the following day.
Some summer type birds during the week included the usual complement of AMERICAN ROBINS, with 100 east of Lake-on-the-Mountain. 25 at Little Bluff Conservation Area and isolated sightings elsewhere in the county. Little Bluff Conservation Area on Tuesday produced 30 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, 10 CEDAR WAXWINGS, and a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET. A GREAT BLUE HERON was seen in flight along County Road 5 between Picton and Demorestville, and there was another seen on White's Road near Trenton yesterday where there was also a NORTHERN FLICKER. Barry Heights at Trenton had a BROWN CREEPER and there was also a DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT in the area too. EASTERN BLUEBIRDS have been travelling around the Quinte area during the week in packs of 6 or 7, with reports coming from the Cherry Valley area, South Bay, Frankford, and Wilton. The Prince Edward Point Christmas Bird Count yielded a WHITE-EYED VIREO but no information was immediately available from the Kingston Field Naturalists as to where this individual was seen. There was a BELTED KINGFISHER at Cressy Bayside Road on Wednesday.
Not much yet in the way of interesting feeder birds this winter. Some feeders are dead while others are reporting good patronage, but only common species. The CAROLINA WREN at 23 Sprague Road on Big Island appeared early this morning before chattering loudly whule it was still quite dark, and a PILEATED WOODPECKER is coming to a backyard on a regular basis at Barry Heights in Trenton.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Bruce Ripley, Byron Berwick, Jean McCornock, Lloyd Paul, Bea Heissler, Chris Grooms, Don Craighead, Paul Thompson, Wynne Thomas, Joe Victor, John Charlton and Don McClure for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 29th. Bird sightings must be received by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good birding!
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
I've heard over the last few years that a (male?) Heerman's gull shows up in the winter around the docks downtown. Can anyone tell me where it is most likely found, and if there is any particular date/time it shows up? I'll cross my fingers and hope it comes back.
Hello again. And thanks again to all who have been providing location and breeding information. I will be scouting Toronto and area on 23 Dec and Niagara and Haldimand 24 Dec for sightings and photos, and any info from CBCs and personal observations would be very helpful. Please note that I'm not that familiar with Niagara or Haldimand, so the more detail, the less chance of me ending up in Sarnia, where there are probably a few NOMOs anyway. Again, thanks a bunch and enjoy your holidays. BG
Happy Holidays Everyone May the season be filled with frantic "twitches" and juicy rarities. And, may your feeders be graced with wonderful diversity. And, may we all have Peace for the New Year. Tony
We have 2 workshops in Canada this year(2003), Bird Field Study Methods at Long Point in June which will be hosted and instructed by Bird Studies Canada staff and Fall Warblers which will be taught by Jon Dunn and Thomas Schultz at Pt. Pelee in August. Jim Rising (with David Beadle), will do a Sparrows Workshop in June at Minot, North Dakota. Find more details on these and other workshops below: COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF ABA-IFO WORKSHOPS for 2003
___________________________________________________________ We are planning twelve workshops for 2003. Popular workshops sell out quickly, so if you're interested in a workshop, be sure to register early! Subtropical Birds of the Lower Rio Grande Valley — 12-17 May 2003; McAllen and South Padre Island, Texas; Instructors: Tim Brush, Brad McKinney, and John Arvin. NEW! Bird Field Study Research Methods and Citizen Science Projects — 10-15 June 2003; Long Point Region in Ontario, Canada; Instructors: Bird Studies Canada Staff (including Jon McCracken and Keith Larson). NEW! Sparrows — 16-20 June 2003; Minot, North Dakota; Instructors: James Rising and David Beadle. NEW! Arctic Breeding Bird Ecology — 1-8 July 2003; Nome, Alaska; Instructors: Wayne Petersen and Paul Baicich. Read 2002 report. Learning from Birds: A Field Course for Educators and Community Organization Leaders — July 15-20, 2003; York, South Carolina; Instructor: Bill Hilton Jr. of the Hilton Pond Center and Operation Rubythroat. NEW! Seabirds of the Central California Coast — 1-6 August 2003; 27 October - 1 November 2003; and 10-13 January 2004; Monterey Bay, California; Instructors: Debra Shearwater and Peter Pyle. East Coast Shorebirds — 23-30 August 2003, Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Instructor: Wayne Petersen. Read 2000 report Hummingbirds — 10-17 August 2003; Bisbee, Southeastern Arizona; Instructors: Sheri L. Williamson and Tom Wood. NEW! Fall Warblers — 25-31 August 2003; Point Pelee, Ontario, Canada; Instructor: Jon Dunn and Tom Schultz.
Pacific Northwest Shorebirds — 27 August - 3 September 2003; Coastal Washington State; Instructor: Dennis Paulson. NEW! Ultimate Migration — 25-30 October 2003; Cape May, New Jersey; Instructor: Clay Sutton assisted by Jim Dowdell, and guest instructors Paul Kerlinger (author of How Birds Migrate), weather and bird migration guru Paul Lehman, and sound recordist and nocturnal flight call master Michael O’Brien. Wetlands and Waterfowl — 16-21 November 2003; Chesapeake Bay Region, Maryland; Instructor: William R. Stott, Jr. NEW!
___________________________________________________________
For more details and registration info please visit http://www.americanbirding.org/programs/eduifowksp.htm
In Reply to: Re: missing birds posted by Tony Beck on November 13, 2002 at 07:18:38:
Chin up Tony! FLAP, the Toronto organization that concerns itself with building bird strikes publishes their lists of the dead and injured (mostly migratory): 1997 1868 dead and injured
1998 1150 " "
1999 2336 " "
2000 2260 " "
2001 3081 " " FLAP hasn't published their 2002 figures yet, but I understand they had another "good" year like 2001. Birders may wish to follow these FLAP folks around, as many of these birds are not so common I understand. Some great additions to the old Life Lists! (Or would that be Death Lists?) Lock
In Reply to: Re: Birded Humber Bay Park (east entrance) posted by Christopher Di Corrado on December 20, 2002 at 17:33:35:
Humber Bay is a great spot for birding - especially in winter (though it can be bitterly cold at times, it's almost always rewarding). Tundra Swans do move through, but tend to not linger for long, so are usually only seen for a brief period during migration. However, there are exceptions to every rule - e.g. last winter a small flock was seen at Humber Bay during the Christmas Bird Count. Other noteworthy birds discovered at Humber Bay just within the past few winters include Ivory Gull, Ross's Goose, and Eared Grebe. In short, it's worth keeping an eye open for the unexpected on any visit there!
In Reply to: Birded Humber Bay Park (east entrance) posted by Frank Butson on December 18, 2002 at 18:12:06:
I was at the west entrance of Humber Bay park to the Humber River; I also saw common mergansers, greater scaup, golden crowned kinglets, greater black-backed gull, black ducks, am. wigeon, gadwall, and tons of longtailed ducks just outside the bays. Saw the trumpeters too (band 395)... sounded like trumpeters. Does anyone know if we get tundras coming through? I've lived north of TO all my life and this was my first time birding at the lake shore - wow! it's great. Good to see birds when it's so cold!
In Reply to: missing birds posted by joe on November 12, 2002 at 08:23:10:
I've been feeding birds in my yard for over 30 years. Slow time or no this is the worst I have ever seen it. In Willowdale there was a very established Crow community.. a delight to watch, Chickadees were in abundance, so too Blue Jays and Finches...now I am lucky so see even Juncos. I too worry about a quiet spring!
In Reply to: missing birds posted by joe on November 12, 2002 at 08:23:10:
I've been feeding birds in my yard for over 30 years. Slow time or no this is the worst I have ever seen it. In Willowdale there was a very established Crow community.. a delight to watch, Chickadees were in abundance, so too Blue Jays and Finches...now I am lucky so see even Juncos. I too worry about a quiet spring!
In Reply to: Re: spotting scope posted by Vince McNally on December 17, 2002 at 21:30:56:
Marge, I've just got to say "Glad your still with us"
Gotta take advantage of the good days! Bufflehead,a raft of about 200 Redheads,a lone Wood Duck,Hooded Merganser,Common Goldeneye,Mute and I think 2 Trumpeter Swans(one banded I believe #595)Will have pictures and confirm ID soon. The park is at Lakeshore Blvd and Park Lawn Rd Toronto.
He's one stubborn bird! Every morning for the past week, he's been perched in one of the now-very-bare trees at Rathnelly and McMaster aves., singing his cheerful song. It's wonderful to hear on cold wintry mornings - at first I thought it must be a starling mimicking a robin, but it's definitely a robin. He seems all right but I wonder what he's eating and if he will survive the winter. Has anybody else seen/heard American Robins in Toronto lately?
In Reply to: Re: spotting scope posted by Marge Kelvin on December 17, 2002 at 18:34:28:
great story, good laugh at oneself.I too will be looking for a used spotting scope after Christmas,ythanks for the idea.
In Reply to: spotting scope posted by joan on December 17, 2002 at 15:40:13:
Joan, I know there was an earlier post about a 'found' scope and more recently a camera on this site ... rather a long shot, but perhaps you should check the archives. You have my condolences, as I too have suffered similar losses. Perhaps with the burgeoning market in "New! Improved!" scopes and such, you will be fortunate at this site, particularly after Christmas, when some lucky laridophile unwraps his new 'Gullmaster 2002' or whatever. It was a sultry afternoon in Cozumel, sometime in the 80's, if I recall, when I was leisurely sorting out a huge group of herons and egrets at a lagoon away from the throngs of tourists, when I heard Mother Nature calling. I sauntered (my preferred method of locomotion -- the 'crab-walk' seems to make young children hysterical with fright)over to a nearby thicket of Lantana and took care of the matter efficiently. As I stood up, some still-unidentified thorny shrub got hold of my left earlobe. I shrieked like a burning rooster, attempting to keep my (famously) shaky balance and disentangle myself from the spiny devil with a minimum of damage to my ear. Well, to make a long story a bit shorter, as I raised my arm, it too was ensnared, and as I emitted a long, amplitude-modulated howl reminiscent of Lon Chaney, Jr. in his glory years
at Universal Studios, I crashed into the floriferous thicket, bleeding profusely and now sprawled on my side, eyeball-to-eyeball with a Cozumel Thrasher, who began pecking me viciously about the eyes. Unfazed, I brushed the curved-billed bully aside with my checklist and marked down another new one. From my prone position, I noticed two young locals peering through my Spacemaster (I highly recommend the 15x fixed eyepiece if they still make them -- with an exit-pupil of 4.0, it's perfect for pracically any lighting situation.) and then, to my astonishment, picking it up and walking back toward the road, laughing about "la gringa loca." They were quite proud of themselves, until I summoned all my strength and catapulted my tiny frame through the scrub, blood-stained floral shift in tatters, waving my earlobe and screaming, "Alto! Alto!" or something to that effect. I had dressed hastily that morning, and noticed I was wearing a rubber flip-flop on one foot and an iguana cowboy boot on the other. One of the lenses on my bifocals was shattered, and the curlers in my hair were unravelling as I pursued the would-be thieves. Needless to say, they dropped the scope and tripod, and, oh, could they run! "La esposa del Diablo! La esposa del Diablo!" or some such thing was all I heard receding into the distance as I retrieved my beloved Bushnell. Sadly, the herons and egrets had left. I'm told that to this day, they've never returned. But I'll bet that nasty little thrasher's genes have done all right for themselves. Good luck and enjoy your holidays, dear. It will work out. Marge
i have lost my busnell spacemaster spotting scope. how can a birder exist without one? i there anyone our there in webland who has upgraded his/her spotting scope and wishes to sell the old one? i would be interested in hearing from you if you are. please contact me directly on my e mail. thanks joan
In Reply to: Re: Canada geese flying north in December posted by Barry E. Darroch on December 15, 2002 at 21:26:39:
I'm not sure what the conditions are in Calgary.
However, what happens here in Ottawa in the fall is similar to what was described by Gavin, except it occurs during fall migration (late summer through early winter):
Geese will feed throughout the day in the fields south of Ottawa, then fly north to rest on the Ottawa River. Although flocks go back & forth all day, the main flux occurs shortly after dawn and again at dusk. Throughout this period, the bird numbers fluctuate, typically peaking around mid October. The evening northward movement can sometimes be spectacular, especially during the peak. Gradually all of them eventually continue their southward journey, with the last ones remaining until just before the river freezes. I suspect that the phenomenon occuring in Calgary may be related to this type of temporary feeding/roosting behaviour. I recommend contacting the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Preservation Society ( http://weaslehead.org ) or the Calgary Field Naturalists Society ((403)285-8553) to get their story. Good Luck,
Cheers & Happy Holidays Tony
In Reply to: Re: Canada geese flying north in December posted by Gavin Edmondstone on December 15, 2002 at 21:15:41:
I'm the guy in Calgary who has seen the Canada geese. Although Gavin is probably correct about the Great Lakes Area, the only geese that winter in Calgary are several hundred at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (part of the Bow River than remains unfrozen). I have seen many times more in the air than winter here. There in an inordinate number seemingly flying north.
In Reply to: Canada geese flying north in December posted by Vivian on December 15, 2002 at 20:28:57:
The Canada Geese that winter in the GTA typically make two daily commutes between the lake, where they rest and get water, and inland fields were they feed. When they are flying north it is to feed, not part of a misguided migration. Many of these birds have migrated south to the GTA to spend the winter with us.
In this month of December, I've noticed flocks of Canada geese flying North across the city of Toronto. My brother in Calgary speaks of hundreds of Canada geese, dozens of flocks, flying North from Calgary in the last 2 weeks. Would any one know why? Usually my my brother sees them flying south around now. Thank you.
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FOR THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, December 15, 2002
To date, it appears to be anyone's guess what, if anything exceptional, will show up at Prince Edward County and area feeders this winter. Reports during the past week indicate that only the usual guests are sampling local menus, and numbers vary from some feeders having next to nothing to others enjoying good patronage of local species. The CAROLINA WREN at 23 Sprague Road, south of Demorestville, appears sporadically, but other birds at the same feeder continue to appear in large flocks such as today's totals of 30+ MOURNING DOVES, 15 BLUE JAYS, and high numbers of BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, TREE SPARROWS, HOUSE FINCHES and other regulars. Special appearances at other feeders in the area have included WILD TURKEYS at Glenora and Canifton, RUSTY BLACKBIRD east of Lake-on-the-Mountain, and RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS at a feeder northeast of Bloomfield.
Results of the Prince Edward Point Christmas Bird County yesterday have not come in yet, but during periods of wind, heavy rain, snow and freezing rain, my party managed to rustle up WILD TURKEY, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, HORNED LARK, AMERICAN ROBIN, NORTHERN HARRIER and SHARP-SHINNED HAWK along with the more common species. More highlights will be given at a later date.
Hawks seen during the past week included RED-TAILED HAWKS at Lake-on-the-Mountain, Victoria Road, and Big Island. The Stinson Block, west of Consecon, last week also produced COOPER'S HAWK, and NORTHERN SHRIKE. There was an adult BALD EAGLE at Peat's Point on Tuesday, possibly the same individual seen at Big Island last Sunday. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was reported at Morganston, and AMERICAN KESTRELS were seen during the week at the Stinson Block, Mountain View, Victoria Road, and near Fenwood Gardens.
Other interesting sightings reported during the week were HOODED MERGANSER at Prinyer's Cove, two BARRED OWLS near the water treatment plant at Bayside, 30 BONAPARTE'S GULLS at North Beach, an immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER north of Madoc and a SONG SPARROW west of Consecon.
A six-week Bird Identification Course is scheduled to begin at Quinte Conservation on February 11th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and will continue every Tuesday night until completion. This course usually fills very quickly and those interested are urged to e-mail the address given below for more information.
Also, advance notice of a cross country ski/hiking/birding day at Sandbanks Provincial Park on Sunday, February 16th. The ski chalet will be open and the day will include interpretive tours, and a wood stove and an open fire will be available. Bring your own grub. This event is being offered by the Quinte Paddlers and Hikers. More information by contacting the e-mail address below.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Doris Lane, John and Janet Foster, Elaine Carscadden, Paul Thompson, Lloyd Paul, Don Craighead, John Blaney, Albert Boisvert, Peter Mulloy, Lois Gentile and Joe Victor for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 22nd. Bird sightings must be received by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good birding !
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
In Reply to: blue birds posted by alan hathaway on December 15, 2002 at 11:49:55:
wear wear thay seen ????? Craig
Sun Dec 17th Spotted several blue birds this morning. Males &FEMALES
In Reply to: Brown Thrasher, Fox Sparrow, etc. at Heart Lake posted by Bob Noble on December 08, 2002 at 16:52:06:
Hi Bob I was abele to find all the birds yesterday that you had machined in you post .
I also past them on to the big big listers that dint no of them !
I gess it dos pay to be on the net ! this is also a rely nice area to bird you have up their
I had never stop in and hope in the spring to come up for the passerines . Craig
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, December 08, 2002
Often the best birding can be found no further away than your own backyard. After trudging several kilometres this morning, clearing a cross-country ski trail, and seeing nothing more exciting than a few small flocks of AMERICAN ROBINS and one WILD TURKEY, I returned home just in time to see an adult BALD EAGLE drift lazily over our house, then disappear over the Big Island Marsh. The CAROLINA WREN returned to our feeders at Big Island on Friday after an absence of several weeks, and was happily hammering away in one of the feeders on a stale Timbit. Another CAROLINA WREN was visiting a Black River area feeder for two days last weekend. Other feeder operators this past week reported FOX SPARROW at Smith's Bay, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at Elmbrook (north of Picton), an OREGON JUNCO subspecies east of Lake-on-the-Mountain, RUSTY BLACKBIRD and SWAMP SPARROWS at Smith's Bay, and a COOPER'S HAWK at a feeder in Bloomfield. The feeder at the Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area, north of Brighton has FOX SPARROW and 2 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS among the regular clientel there.
Despite colder temperatures sealing many of the inland lakes and bays, a few waterfowl species turned up. The Smith's Bay/Waupoos area has about 200 CANADA GEESE loafing along shore and they were joined by about a dozen TUNDRA SWANS. Another observer on Thursday found about 75 swans in the same general area. Before the ice closed in West Lake, there had been 600 MALLARDS and about 20 BLACK DUCKS along the shore.
Late birds during the week included 2 DUNLIN feeding along the shoreline at Salmon Point on December 1st, a DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT on the lake near Kaiser's Crossroad, and another at Waupoos, both on December 5th. A GREAT BLUE HERON flew over a residence at Elmbook on Thursday.
At Weller's Bay there has been a SNOWY OWL in the Stinson Black area, 2 MUTE SWANS were observed in the Sandbanks area, and CEDAR WAXWINGS were found during the week at Smith's Bay, Elmbrook, Big Island, Prinyer's Cove, and Wellington. EASTERN BLUEBIRDS during the week were seen at Stirling, and behind the old Corby's Distillery at Corbyville. Other interesting sightings during the week included RUFFED GROUSE at Codrington, 2 PILEATED WOODPECKERS at Lake-on-the-Mountain, SNOW BUNTINGS and a COOPER'S HAWK at Kaiser's Crossroad, 9 HORNED GREBES at Little Bluff Conservation Area, NORTHERN HARRIER at Bloomfield Creek and another along Christian Road, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK near Bloomfield, and WILD TURKEYS at South Bay and Ridge Road.
The NatureStuff website has been updated with lots of new material in the Birds and Birding section, including what birds to expect in Prince Edward County this month, a look at some of the better waterfowl watching areas in the county, and some updated information on birdfeeding. Both the Quinte Field Naturalists and the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists have new material, and the Naturalization page looks at how the disappearance of hedgerows and fence bottoms have had an affect on our bird populations.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Roger Clark, Fran Donaldson, George Underhill, David Cooke, Nancy Welsh, Lloyd Paul, Don Craighead, Paul Thompson, Jim Ives, Joanne Dewey, Joe Victor, Tom Livingstone, Don McClure and John Blaney for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15th. Bird sightings must be received by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good birding !
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
There have been some uncommon winter species in my backyard
yesterday and today including a Fox Sparrow, a Brown Thrasher
and a Northern Mockingbird. There was also a Chipping Sparrow
about a block away. The Fox Sparrow has been at the feeder
for the past two days. The Thrasher was only seen once today
and the Chipping Sparrow has been seen on both days of the
weekend. For the winter listers you can get quite close to the feeder
by entering Heart Lake CA by the northern entrance off Mayfield
Road. It is located about a half mile west of Heart Lake road
and is marked by a sign for the Ogada Wilderness area. Walk
back the road to the fifth house (there is a table wrapped
in a blude tarp on the deck). The birds were feeding on the
ground below the feeder. The Chipping Sparrow is on Stonegate Drive, which is just
west of the laneway to Heart Lake. Turn left into the street
and go to the first house on the left (past Chickadee Cr).
The bird has been seen twice by the fence at 9 Stonegate Dr. The
In Reply to: How do I identify birds posted by Dave on December 08, 2002 at 09:23:02:
The Royal Ontario Museum has a website with birds commonly seen in the Ottawa area (although the list is for "summer birds", you may find what you are looking for:
http://www.rom.on.ca/ontario/fieldguides.php?distribution=45 *******
Or you can browse through my page of links to find bird photo and song websites: http://members.tripod.com/muskoka/birding/links.htm
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding.
After working some insanely long hours on a film this week I desired
not to sleep in today but to go out for a walk on the Leslie St. spit (
Tommy Thompson park ) what was I thinking ?? As it turned out it was moor than the right thing to do , Bev and I ran
in to Andrew Jano after he had flushed out the first bird witch was a
Great blue Heron , then a good bird for Andrew was a Red Neck Grebes (2
for the day ) we all watched in amassment as a N Shrike hovered like a
Kestrel none of us had observed this behaviour be for ?? A single
Cormorant was feeding in the last bay and as the first of the snow
started to fall I sighted a rely large Great Black Backed gull flying
over the woods on a second look my G.B.B.G turned in to a full adult
Bald Eagle ! And yes the jokes went on from their !! Thanks Andrew and
Bev !! Other good winter birds wear Great Horned Owl 2 , Long Eared Owl 1 ,
winter wren 1 ,27 species for the day .
Tommy Thompson park is open only on weekends and holidays and can be
found at the foot of Leslie st , south of Lake shore blvd in Toronto . Craig
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
In Reply to: Lone Trumpeter Swan posted by Kirk Vetor on December 08, 2002 at 10:16:34:
Kirk,
I'd suggest you phone Harry Lumsden, founder of the Ontario
Trumpeter Swan restoration Program, at (905) 727-6492. I believe you're
right to be concerned. I don't think that, normally, a swan would be
away from water that long. BTW, where are you located? Al Johnston,
Whitchurch-Stouffville
In Reply to: How do I identify birds posted by Dave on December 08, 2002 at 09:23:02:
You may also like this one for all forms of wildlife. http://www.enature.com/main/home.asp
Craig
In Reply to: How do I identify birds posted by Dave on December 08, 2002 at 09:23:02:
Hi Dave Lucky You. . .The riverbanks of Ottawa can be very exciting and adventerous, especially for wildlife. There is all kinds of great info on the web, too many sites to mention here. Although they aren't complete, some are fairly thorough. Nothing replaces good field guides. However, I recommend supplementing these by doing regular searches to see what you come up with. I discover great new sites almost every day. Let me start with a couple of sites that can help you learn all about the Ottawa area: http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/index.htm http://home.achilles.net/~ofnc/index.html The following is a potpourri of Bird-discovery pages that will set you in the right direction (This list is only a small example of the many excellent sites on the net, and I'm sure I have left out some excellent pages): http://www.naturesongs.com/birds.html http://www.math.sunysb.edu/~tony/birds/ http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/ http://www.oiseauxqc.org/quebangl.html http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/G_Kunkel/homepage.htm http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/atlasmain.html http://www.virtualbirder.com/bmail/ontbirds/index.html http://www.birdersjournal.com/HomePage.htm http://www.ofo.ca/ http://collections.ic.gc.ca/warblers/index.htm Good Luck, and keep exploring. . .
Tony
There is a lone trumpeter swan in a corn stubble field. It has been there for 2 days now and I'm concerned it might be injured. It has yellow wing tags on both wings (looks like 675 but cannot be sure of first number). Is this usual behavior for a trumpeter swan? Should I be concerned? Thanks, Kirk
Found this site. Hope you can help. Where can I find a page with pictures and maybe calls of birds in Eastern Ontario. Just moved onto a riverbank in Ottawa and seeing birds I never noticed in the City before. Thanks, Dave
In Reply to: Re: Sharp Shinned Haawk posted by Jen on December 01, 2002 at 09:27:09:
Yesterday at 2:30 pm we had a similar backyard visitor in Winston Churchill/Britannia area. To me it looked like male adult Merlin, as shown on p 130 of the Sibley Guide to Birds. Definitely medium blue grey on the back, and medium rust splotches on the front, with obvious pure white at the throat and below the stomach. And it looked very broad, like in the picture. The only difference was that mine also had some large white splotches on its back, similar to the warm brown splotches on its front. The bird stayed on a dead branch of a pussy willow, near my birdfeeder for about 10 minutes. When one of my usual blue jays came by, it (the jay) squawked non-stop for 3 minutes, higher up in the same tree where branches were closer together. Then one of my regular black squirrels came to the rescue, approached, and kept approaching, until it came within 2 feet of the bird, which was obviously larger than it. The bird could swivel its head all the way backwards. At 2 feet, the bird flew away. After the bird had gone, the squirrel approached the spot where the bird had been, sniffing tentatively, no doubt wondering (like me) what that big thing really was. Sharon
In Reply to: Re: SWM Seeks Northern Mockingbird For Possible Relationship posted by Glenn Coady on December 06, 2002 at 12:37:46:
Craig, Greg, Glenn and the others who e-mailed me: Thanks, big-time. At this rate, I may have to cut a deal with the Second Cup people -- the coffee deal is still on, though ... And keep those cards and letters coming in, folks. Thanks again, BG
In Reply to: Re: SWM Seeks Northern Mockingbird For Possible Relationship posted by Craig McLauchlan on December 06, 2002 at 09:45:31:
The Toronto Ornithological Club web site is still mostly under construction and will not be that helpful for the Northern Mockingbird survey portion. You can contact Roy Smith and Winnie Yung, the study's principal investigators at: rbhs@sympatico.ca GC
In Reply to: SWM Seeks Northern Mockingbird For Possible Relationship posted by Bob Goulet on December 04, 2002 at 16:28:40:
Hello, I know of up to 3 or 4 consistent pairs up in Vaughan. I am currently working in an area from Dufferin and Steeles over to Jane north to Teston Rd. There are many idustrial type areas in which this species tends to favor. Also in 2000 and 2001 Mocking birds nested at Jane and Shoreham at the offices of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Roy Smith could also help you in your quest. Thanks Greg Sadowski 416 661 6600 ext 5668
In Reply to: SWM Seeks Northern Mockingbird For Possible Relationship posted by Bob Goulet on December 04, 2002 at 16:28:40:
Hello, I know of up to 3 or 4 consistent pairs up in Vaughan. I am currently working in an area from Dufferin and Steeles over to Jane north to Teston Rd. There are many idustrial type areas in which this species tends to favor. Also in 2000 and 2001 Mocking birds nested at Jane and Shoreham at the offices of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Roy Smith could also help you in your quest. Thanks Greg Sadowski 416 661 6600 ext 5668
In Reply to: SWM Seeks Northern Mockingbird For Possible Relationship posted by Bob Goulet on December 04, 2002 at 16:28:40:
Hi I know that Roy Smith was doing a in depth look in to the growing number of N . Mocking Bird in the GTA , I believe that it was being down in conjuchin with the Toronto Ornithological group their web page can be found hear
http://www.torontobirding.ca/ he is a vare good birder and a great guy so hopefully he can help you out !! Craig
In Reply to: Niagara River Gulls... good viewing location? posted by Ian on December 04, 2002 at 16:18:47:
You may want to pick up the excellent birding site guide to the Niagara River published in OFO News 16:3 (October 1998) by the Ontario Field Ornithologists. Check out: http://www.ofo.ca/siteguid/htm Best $3.00 you will spend on Niagara bird outings
In Reply to: Niagara River Gulls... good viewing location? posted by Ian on December 04, 2002 at 16:18:47:
Ian, Once again, I would direct you to go to the OntBirds listings. Flip back to the postings for Monday, Dec. 2 and you will find some excellent suggestions.
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding. Their wear some good December birds in the Toronto area today Dec 4 2002
at Humber bay east
witch is found at the foot Park lawn rd just south of Lake shore blvd. I came up with 1 Yellow- rumped Warbler, 1 Wood Duck ( female) 1
Bonaparte's gull , 1 Ring - necked Duck , 1 Coot,
1 Ruby - crowned Kinglet and 1 Northern Mockingbird .
And over at Col. Sam smith park ( found at the foot of Kipling south of
Lake shore blvd ) ther was a single Red Neck Grebe and One Peregrine
falcon. Craig.S.A.McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
Well, I got your attention, I hope. I'm currently working on a study of Northern Mockingbirds, and I'm particularly interested in overwintering individuals in Ontario. If any of you folks out there know of overwintering mockers in the Toronto area (I've found a few), I would be most appreciative if you could contact me regarding their location. They tend to maintain and defend winter territories, so once you've found one, you'll likely see it again in that area. Any Ontario sightings are equally important, and I will try to arrange transportation to get to your bird. If you don't wish to post on the board, I'm at robert.goulet(AT)sympatico.ca (AT=@). My research is limited to observation and photgraphic confirmation -- strictly non-intrusive. And I'll buy you a coffee. Many thanks. BG
I am planning on going to the Niagara River to see the gulls this weekend, can anyone recommend good viewing locations?
Thanks, Ian
Lovely little raft of Common Mergansers at the mouth of the Humber River today - about 20 males and a half dozen females, easily seen from the bridge. Also a few common Goldeneyes, and Oldsquaw of course.
In Reply to: Re: Architectural features that kill wildlife posted by Tony Lang on November 05, 2002 at 13:24:23:
Hello Tony and Wily... thanks for your replies! Yeah, I know about tower strikes and FLAP, and even legislation that doesn't get enforced! ... Good luck to the Sierra folk! Here's an update on my (friend Al's) situation: I did some digging. The building in question is owned by Oxford Properties. In 2001, Oxford was bought out by OMERS (Ontario Municipal Employees Pension Fund.) OMERS ascribes to (is a signatory to?) the CERES Principles (see www.ceres.org/ ). I am corresponding with the OMERS Board. I am hoping to use moral suasion. So far the Board is being "fed" a "crock" by Oxford about all their "efforts" to fix this - the reality is, Oxford spends considerably more each year on Christmas Decorations (Merry Christmas) than they have on any real solutions to this problem. So I am trying to educate the OMERS Board about what is *really* going on. As a side "benefit", National Geographic were in town a couple of weeks ago for a photoshoot for an upcoming article on bird strikes. The FLAP folk laid out thousands of dead birds on the floor of Toronto City Hall to be photographed. Mostly song birds, but also a Red-Tailed Hawk, etc etc... All deaths from the Toronto buildings. So the OMERS folk will have full colour glossies to mull over sometime this coming summer. Cheers Lock Hughes
The following list of Jim Baillie Memorial Bird Walks are aimed at the intermediate birder but beginners are also welcome. The outings are free to the public. This full list of outings is availoble on the Toronto Ornithological Club web site at: http://www.torontobirding.ca/outings.html
Gulls & Waterfowl - Sunnyside
Saturday, January 11, 2003 1:30 p.m. - sunset
Leader: Glenn Coady Meet in the Sunnyside parking lot at the foot of Windermere Avenue. Dress warmly
Winter Birds - Durham Region
Saturday, February 8, 2003
9:00 a.m. (all day)
Leader: Garth Riley Meet at the Pickering GO Station to car pool if necessary. Bring a lunch and dress warmly.
Waterfowl - Toronto to Burlington
Saturday, March 1, 2003
9:00 a.m. (all day)
Leader: Ron Scovell Meet in the parking lot at Humber Bay East to car pool. Bring a lunch and dress warmly.
Early Migrants - Leslie St. Spit
Saturday, April 26, 2003
8:00 a.m. (all day)
Leader: Hugh Currie Meet at the foot of Leslie St. at Unwin Avenue. Bring a lunch.
Spring Migration - High Park
Saturday, May 3, 2003
7:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Leader: Bob Yukich Meet at the parking area inside the Bloor St. entrance at High Park.
Warblers - Lambton Woods
Saturday, May 10, 2003
7:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Leader: Don Burton Meet in the parking lot for James Gardes (access via Edenbridge Drive)
Peak Migration - Toronto Islands
Monday, May 19, 2003
7:45 a.m. (all day)
Leader: Luc Fazio Meet at the Toronto Islands ferry docks at the foot of Bay St. to catch the 8:00 a.m. ferry to Hanlan's Point. Bring a lunch. Whimbrel & Late Migrants - Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Saturday, May 24, 2003
7:30 a.m. - 12 noon
Leader: Alfred Adamo Meet in the southerly parking lot at the foot of Kipling Avenue.
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, December 01, 2002
The ROSS'S GOOSE, found in early November in Hay Bay, finally turned up at Prinyer's Cove in Prince Edward County, apparently for one day only, as it has not been seen since. The bird was present with a gaggle of CANADA GEESE for most of November 23rd, before moving to nearby Cressy Lakeside Road at 3:00 p.m. the same day. A search the following day by other observers failed to turn it up again. A look in the area again today failed to reveal anything in Prinyer's Cove except 85 CANADA GEESE and 25 MALLARDS. There was a BELTED KINGFISHER there last week as well.
Waterfowl in that area during the last two weeks have also included BLACK DUCKS, BUFFLEHEADS, GADWALLS, and COMMON MERGANSERS. On November 26th, there were three TRUMPETER SWANS in the area (2 adults and 1 imm, no leg bands).
Today in Wellington Harbour there were 300 CANADA GEESE and 50 MALLARDS. At South Bay close to 100 TUNDRA SWANS were loafing on the north shore. A memorable excursion on Helmer Road to Babylon Road, one of the questionable backroads of the county , (SUVs are mandatory here at this time of the year) , through iced over water, in some places up to the running boards, produced only a NORTHERN HARRIER. GREAT BLUE HERONS were seen today at West Point and another at the pond in Glenwood Cemetery. There was a COOPER'S HAWK at the East Lake boat launch off County Road 18, and a NORTHERN SHRIKE east of Rutherford Stevens Lookout.
The CAROLINA WREN at 23 Sprague Road has not been present since mid-November, but has been replaced by an AMERICAN ROBIN which visits the heated bird bath daily. Other feeder operators have been more fortunate. At 2800 County Road 1, northwest of Bloomfield, the clientel there over the last month or so has included RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, NORTHERN FLICKER, and PILEATED WOODPECKER. There was a FOX SPARROW present at this same address for three days earlier in the month.
Other notable sightings over the past week or so included a TURKEY VULTURE at Point Petre two weeks ago, 25 LITTLE GULLS on East Lake November 20th (there were two at Log Cabin Point today), HORNED GREBES at Little Bluff Conservation Area and Wellington, 32 WILD TURKEYS at Sandbanks' West Lake Sector on Wednesday, RED-TAILED HAWKS at Cressy, Point Petre, and South Bay. A NORTHERN HARRIER was seen at Mountain View where it has been observed now for the last two weeks. Two ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS have been present at Point Petre. Outside the county, there was a BLACK VULTURE today at Presqu'ile, a NORTHERN FLICKER at Trenton, and the usual complement of AMERICAN ROBINS (some pursued by a resident female COOPER'S HAWK) at the Quinte Conservation Area, west of Belleville. Other good sightings during the week were BELTED KINGFISHER in Warkworth and a GREAT BLUE HERON in Belleville.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and area. Our thanks to Don Craighead, Doris and Bill Lane, Lloyd Paul, Joanne Dewey, Fred Helleiner (OntBirds), Don Chisholm, Paul Thompson, Nancy Fox, and Wynne Thomas for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on December 8th. Bird sightings must be received by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good birding !
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
In Reply to: Sharp Shinned Haawk posted by George Daszkowski on November 21, 2002 at 15:47:40:
We live in Clarkson and just had a visitor to our bird feeder (Sun Dec 1-8am) too. Looking at our bird books, we thought it was an immature Coopers Hawk as he was not as red as a juvenile Sharp Shinned. Ours was eating its prey (we think it was a grackle). Does anyone know if Coopers are known to frequent bird feeders too?. And is there any real way to be sure what it was?
A group of birders from the Philadelphia area will be visiting the Niagara Falls area the weekend of December 6-9. We have done extensive research to determine locations for gulls, waterfowl, and raptors but we do not have reliable locations for feeder type birds. We are interested in receiving information about any active feeder stations in the Niagara River (Canada)/ Hamilton area. Can anyone provide information?
I was biking the path along the Don River, and noticed that the Black-Crowned Night Herons are roosting in the same tree where they roosted throughout last winter. It's the first tree north of Queen Street on the east side of the river. Are they planning to stay all winter? Who knows? Don
In Reply to: Falcon or Hawk, can anyone help? posted by Monsoon on November 19, 2002 at 20:02:35:
Seems like a hawk to me. Look at my post from October 31. Mike
In Reply to: Re: Birding in Late November?... posted by Jim Richards on November 25, 2002 at 15:41:14:
Had a wonderful day birding at the Leslie Spit last Thursday. My first good long look at a roosting Long Ear Owl. If you want to know where on the spit I saw it email me privately. Another birder told me there was a short eared owl there as well, but I didn't see it. Don
I hope she is feeling better,I miss her postings
In Reply to: Birding in Late November?... posted by Ian on November 25, 2002 at 14:22:50:
Ian, On the title page of this website you will see a menu bar. Follow it over to "Ontbirds". Click. This will give you todays sightings as posted. However, the postings are archived, and you can work your way back (using "previous day") to get an idea of great places to go and things to see.
Hi,
Can anyone help me find some good locations for winter birding in southern ontario? What can I expect to see, realistically? I would like to see owls and other large birds, but I am more than happy as long as I see something other than the regular ducks, geese, buffleheads, gadwalls, etc I see down by Humber Bay park at this time of year. I'm prepared to drive a distance from the GTA. Any recommendations? Thanks!!!
Ian
In Reply to: Falcon or Hawk, can anyone help? posted by Monsoon on November 19, 2002 at 20:02:35:
Hi most people do not anser massages with out a name put to them ? Why ? Well we just don't know how wear tacking with or chatting or what ever wear doing ! But I will say do to wear you live is a nesting area for Peregrine falcon But it sounds like a kestrel to me ? But their vary small could it have bin a sharp shin hawk ? look under birds hear http://www.enature.com/main/home.asp it will help
Craig ( this is my real name )
I had a visitor at my bird feeder in Port Credit this afternoon. An immature he hung around for about an hour.
In Reply to: Falcon or Hawk, can anyone help? posted by Monsoon on November 19, 2002 at 20:02:35:
There is a Red-tailed Hawk in my neighbourbood (Cabbagetown) that has been chasing the pidgeons. Red-tails are appropriately named in that the tail is brick red above. Also, Falcons aren't much larger than pidgeons, so if the bird you saw was considerably larger, it's gotta be a hawk. Rod
In Reply to: Hawk HIll posted by Monsoon on November 19, 2002 at 20:24:51:
See http://www.gtrw.ca/ for raptor data.
Recommended Field guides: for raptors:
Hawks in Flight by Dunne, Sibley et al.
For General birding:
1. Peterson latest edition Birds of Eastern N Am.
has range maps with text I am told
2. Golden guide Birds of N Am. is compact - little text, but has sonograms
More advanced, thicker & heavier:
National Geographic, Sibley.
Go to Open Air Books for max. selection and compare.
In Reply to: Falcon or Hawk, can anyone help? posted by Monsoon on November 19, 2002 at 20:02:35:
http://www.enature.com/guides/select_Birds.asp
In Reply to: Hawk HIll posted by Monsoon on November 19, 2002 at 20:24:51:
Viewable from Hawk Hill,Turkey Vulture,Osprey,Bald Eagle,Golden Eagle,Northern Harrier,Sharpshinned Hawk,Coopers Hawk,Nothern Goshawk,Red-shouldered Hawk.Broad-winged Hawk,Redtailed Hawk,Rough-legged Hawk,American Kestral,Merlin and Peregrin Falcon. As I am new to Hawk Hill this year,I cant speak as an authority on what could still be seen,but the bulk of the migration goes in September. They have shut down things for the season as far as official counting,but some stragglers can still be viewed,but essentially the migration is over.
can someone please give a list of raptors that can be seen from hawk hill at any time of the year and if any of them can be seen in nov-dec.
Also, what books(field-guides) do you recommend for beginner/semi-experienced bird watchers? thx again
Hello there
I live in an apartment building in the west end (close to dundas and lansdowne). I've been noticing pigeons flying around in big groups going round and round in circles and i realized that there must be a bird hunting them. I didn't have much luck with my binoculars in spotting the bird until this past sunday (nov 17). I was sitting around when i heard a really loud bang on my window, it was a falcon(i think), and it had a pigeon pinned down(and killed) on the window sill. I think the collision with the window dazed it and it just sat there and then perched on a tree opposite of my apartment for about 20 min. The bird had a greyish body with few white speckles on the upper wing, the underside of the wing was a reddish-brown and it was very large in its general appearance. Also, it had black pathces around each eye (they were small like a mask). The beak was not very big, and this made me think it was a falcon but falcons tend to be "thin" and this bird was "husky". Could someone please help me identify this bird. thank you
In Reply to: Re: Bird Feeder Surveys posted by Glenn Coady on November 18, 2002 at 14:43:19:
Thanks Glenn. That's what I was looking for. Kirk
In Reply to: Bird Feeder Surveys posted by Kirk Vetor on November 18, 2002 at 12:42:44:
Kirk, Perhaps what you are referring to is Bird Studies Canada's/Cornell University's Project FeederWatch. For information on this program please see: http://www.birdsontario.org/pfw/pfwmain.html
What are "bird feeder surveys" and how does one go about participating in such a survey? Is this something the children could participate in as well? Thanks, Kirk
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, November 17, 2002
It seems rather late for shorebirds to be still hanging around, but several species turned up during this past week in Prince Edward County and adjacent areas. There were 3 KILLDEER, 3 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 10 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, 4 DUNLINS and 2 WILSON'S SNIPE at Presqu'ile on Thursday. Despite the snow storm today, DUNLIN, as well as WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER and PURPLE SANDPIPER were still around this morning. At Hungry Bay, on the north shore of the Bay of Quinte near Shannonville, on Friday, there 2 DUNLIN, and one GREATER YELLOWLEGS. There were 4 DUNLIN at Wellington Harbour on Tuesday (and another 18 at West Point), and a GREATER YELLOWLEGS was seen in flight over the harbour on Friday. The NORTHERN PHALAROPE, reported last week, was still on the Lake Ontario beach at Wellington where it was initially found November 9th. A search of the area Friday failed to locate the bird.
Wellington Harbour, and the waters of Lake Ontario and West Lake, can provide some great birding, depending on the day. On Friday, there were 126 MALLARDS, COMMON GOLDENEYE, AMERICAN WIGEON, CANADA GEESE, BLACK DUCK, and a lone GADWALL. One day earlier, the population was made up of AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN SHOVELERS, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, GREATER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEADS, MALLARDS and CANADA GEESE.
Meanwhile over at West Point, waterfowl encountered there on Tuesday comprised 3 HORNED GREBES, 80 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 75 LONG-TAILED DUCKS and 300 BUFFLEHEAD. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was trying its luck at attacking one group of BUFFLEHEADS flying low over the water. Point Petre produced 15 HORNED GREBES, 8 LESSER SCAUPS, 23 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 125 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 500 BUFFLEHEADS and 60 COMMON GOLDENEYES.
Also present in the Point Petre area the same day were 3 TURKEY VULTURES, a MERLIN, 38 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 50 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 4 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and a FOX SPARROW. There was a NORTHERN SHRIKE on Chase Road in the county on Thursday, and another seen earlier in the week near the Quinte Conservation Area in Quinte West. A BELTED KINGFISHER turned up in the Brighton Marina area late in the week. Among the hawks seen during the week were RED-TAILED HAWKS (one at Mountain View), and several reports of AMERICAN KESTRELS. Concentrations of AMERICAN ROBINS were noted during the week at King's Road, Big Island, Massassauga area. and at the Quinte Conservation Area in Quinte West.
With the start of the Bird Feeder survey this weekend (last weekend for some) people are being more vigilant. One observer reported 7 NORTHERN CARDINALS at his feeder on Glenora Road. Another observer has a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK doing a little birdwatching of its own at a feeder in Bloomfield. On Blakley Road, one observer noted a BLUE JAY on several occasions flip up a lid on an enclosed squirrel feeder, enter to snatch a few peanuts, then pop the lid open again, and exit. The bird seemed quite unconcerned about being completely enclosed while it gathered its loot.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and area. Our thanks to Don Craighead, Mike Jaques (OntBirds), Doug McRae (OntBirds), Jack Evans, Marlene Blatherwick, Joanne Dewey, Serge de Sousa, Donald McClure and John Blaney for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on November 24th. Bird sightings must be received by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good birding !
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
There was a northern shrike just west of the parking lot at the Leslie Street Spit. It was looking longingly at the Juncos in the area. Max
In Reply to: furry critters at feeders posted by Tony Beck on November 14, 2002 at 11:30:57:
I agree wholeheartedly with your welcoming policy for furry fiends, Tony, but even I have found the nastier elements of wayward mice sometimes hard to take. At this rural house of cozy winter quarters to assorted mice, voles, chipmunks and squirrels of all stripes, I have found the best strategy is to declare a ceasefire and raise the white flag. No chemical weapons nor mechanical devices nor feline stealth is necessary to keep the peace. The foolproof solution to burdgeoning populations of feeder fattened furries is best left to the most efficient of hunters--the snake. For two years of the twenty lived in constant warfare with rodents, I have seen no significant explosions in their numbers since the unexpected arrival of Milk Snakes who, I am happy to say, have chosen my house as their hibernation destination. In fact, for the last two years, I am delighted to report that not one mouse has lived to tell the tale of chewing up the electrical wiring, leaving business cards everywhere, and turning the place into their party central. And my conscience, devious as it may be, is clear of environmental sins. Who said snakes are evil?
I found an injured one at Eglington and Bathurst (in Forest Hill). It has since been turned over to a raptor rehab (U of Guelph), but they must be filtering into the city.If there is one in Forest Hill there must be some on the spit and ravines.
In Reply to: Re: Good numbers in Port Hope area posted by Martin Ahermaa on November 14, 2002 at 09:34:46:
I would welcome a squirrel to our back yard. I've only seen a squirrel in our yard 4 or 5 times in the five years we've lived here. Being a fairly new subdivision, there's not much cover for the wildlife around our house. We don't get the numbers that we did when we lived in Espanola. You could go broke trying to feed the birds there! Of course, we're not home most of the day so....who knows? Also most of the food disappeared when the migrants were here heavy. It's slowed down a bit for now but, as soon as the snow flies, things should heat up again. Kirk
In Reply to: Re: Good numbers in Port Hope area posted by Martin Ahermaa on November 14, 2002 at 09:34:46:
Hi Martin A little off topic. . .however. . . I deal with it by tolerating my "furry" friends. After all, they help create part of the diversity I seek from my feeders (have you ever seen flying squirrels?). One strategy I use is to offer a great variety of food, distributed through a large number of feeders in different locations throughout the yard.
When it comes to squirrels and racoons, the war cannot be won. My motto has survived the 60's and might do well in our current international political environment: "Make love, not war".
Besides being cute, those little furry characters are persistent and resourceful, and have managed to figure out most feeder barriers.
If you still insist on denying racoons food, I recommend bringing your feeders in at night.
Squirrel proof feeders (the ones with the weight sensitive baffle) are also fairly successful and should be considered. My feeder philosophy may not be for everyone. So, maybe others will respond with different strategies. Good Luck Tony
In Reply to: Re: Good numbers in Port Hope area posted by Kirk Vetor on November 13, 2002 at 09:29:37:
Kirk wrote:
At any given time I can count 10 to 20 mourning doves, up to 8 blue jays, half dozen goldfinches, a couple cardinals, a few juncos, the occasional house finch and hoards of house sparrows. The fall migrants have all gone (from my feeder anyway) and I have not seen any winter arrivals yet.
------------
With that high volume of consumption, it looks like you're also being visited by "birds" of the furry, if not nocturnal, kind. ;-)
How does one deal with that? Cheers,
Martin
In Reply to: oops. . .typo posted by Tony Beck on November 13, 2002 at 07:27:03:
I live in Oakville & have kept records of bids seen in & over our backyard for about 10 years. The past October & November (so far) are the quietest on record. I too hope for a songbird filled spring, but it is eerie working in the yard without the constant sound of birds. Nick
In Reply to: missing birds posted by joe on November 12, 2002 at 08:23:10:
My feeders in Port Hope are being hit pretty hard considering the time of year and the abundance of natural forage. In the past 4 weeks I've gone through 18 lbs of finch seed, 5 lbs black oil sunflower and 40 lbs standard feed. And we live in an newer subdivision without many trees. At any given time I can count 10 to 20 mourning doves, up to 8 blue jays, half dozen goldfinches, a couple cardinals, a few juncos, the occasional house finch and hoards of house sparrows. The fall migrants have all gone (from my feeder anyway) and I have not seen any winter arrivals yet. Hopefully things will pick up for you soon. Good birding, Kirk
In Reply to: Re: Sawhet Owls posted by Jacques Gravel on November 12, 2002 at 14:42:04:
On saterday I look every wear I have found Sawhet Owls on the spit and could not find one .
I do not know wether thay had gon through our area by now or are still up north !? Craig
In Reply to: Re: Common Raven High Park posted by Glenn Coady on November 12, 2002 at 09:49:11:
As being one of the observers and seeing the flight path and high that the Comm. Raven was tacking comparing it to the migrating RT Hawks on the day , We all agreed that this bird was following the veer same migration flight ! To wear?? known won could no and any one that wood hazard a gees I wood think you could call real birdbrain :) I wood hope that to flue back north before it got to Mississauga Craig
In Reply to: Re: missing birds posted by Tony Beck on November 13, 2002 at 07:18:38:
oops. . . I mean "GTA" I must have been regressing to my rebellious youth where fast cars were more important than precision binoculars. Tony
In Reply to: Re: missing birds posted by Marcel Gahbauer on November 12, 2002 at 16:44:29:
Hi Marcel I have very little experience with birds of the GTO. However, without quoting specific numbers, my expereince with bird-trends in the greater Ottawa area is that, some late falls, song birds seem virtually absent. Especially at feeders. Over the years, having maintained several feeding stations in and outside Ottawa, I have often felt like the birds have vanished. I also hear this complaint from other local feeder watchers. But, the perpetual flux of bird populations has proven that forces at play are very dynamic, and each year can be dramatically different. Yes, we must be concerned, vigilant, and cautious. But, there is a danger in jumping to conclusions. It would be very interesting to hear from other GTO birders of their experiences and opinions on this subject. Especially if they have years of data. A "silent spring" doesn't have to be a certainty. Our best tool for combatting this is through public awareness.
And, forums like this are excellent tools to help make people aware of our natural heritage. In anticipation of a melodious spring. . .
Tony
In Reply to: Re: missing birds posted by Marcel Gahbauer on November 12, 2002 at 16:44:29:
Were there any spraying programs in and around Toronto to try to reduce the number of mosquitoes? There has been some concern that insecticides may be harming the birds possibly by reducing their immune response to the west nile virus. I haven't noticed any fewer chickadees or blue jays so far this season in Muskoka compared to last year, and I don't think there was any spraying done here.
In Reply to: Re: missing birds posted by Tony Beck on November 12, 2002 at 14:01:03:
Tony, you're right that this is typically a quiet time of year. But it really does seem to be much more so than usual in Toronto (and perhaps other places - certainly in Ottawa things appear quite 'normal', but perhaps we have just been lucky in that regard). I was in Toronto over the past couple of days, and made quick visits to a few sites I'm very familiar with - songbird numbers were extremely low in all cases. My parents have had a bird feeder up at their house in Scarborough for 8 years, and have always in the past attracted good numbers of birds (most days regular visitors included 10-15 Mourning Doves, 10-15 House Finches, 5-8 Chickadees, ~5 House Sparrows, and a pair of Cardinals). Since putting the feeder out three weeks ago (same time, location, food as in the past), they've had a grand total of 2 House Sparrows and 1 Chickadee visit the feeder. Though it is early in the season and other food sources remain available, the birds were always much quicker to return to the feeder in the past. This example in itself wouldn't be enough to cause worry of course, but the fact that several others in Toronto have recounted similar stories to me suggests that there may be more to it than just coincidence. If such a pattern is real, then the question is what has caused it? The natural reflex is to suspect West Nile Virus, but to jump to that conclusion is dangerous - what if it is something else, possibly even more serious (at least for birds)? Before any conclusions are drawn, some dead birds would have to be tested ... though I suspect that what may have happened is that when small songbirds were found and reported, people were told not to bother sending them in for testing as WNV had already been confirmed in the area (this has certainly happened in the US). Hopefully things are not as grim as recent observations in some areas would seem to suggest. The thought of a real 'silent spring' is a depressing and scary one indeed, and I certainly hope it does not lie in our future.
In Reply to: Sawhet Owls posted by Richard Gonin on November 11, 2002 at 11:54:19:
He un francophone qui fait de l'observation d'oiseaux a Toronto.La derniere fois que j'ai vu des petites nyctales c'est au Leslie Spit il y a quelques automnes. C'est lŕ auusi que j'ai vu un faucon pélerin et un harfang des neiges. Trčs bon pour les rapaces et les canards en automne
In Reply to: Re: missing birds posted by fred urie on November 12, 2002 at 09:30:54:
Hey Joe & Fred Yes. . .West Nile is nasty. So is salmonella. Come to think of it. . .toxic waste is pretty ugly too. But, don't be so quick to blame these problems for the perception of diminishing birds. "Where are all the birds?" is a common perception at the end of the year.
But, it is normal to observe a lull in bird activity at this time. Especially with song birds. Many have already migrated through. Those that remain have stopped singing. Winter birds are yet to come. And, there is plenty of natural food available, so bird feeders are not as active as later in the season. The time to panic is when we have a "silent spring". Chin up. . .and keep your feeders topped up. Tony
In Reply to: Re: Common Raven High Park posted by Craig McLauchlan on November 11, 2002 at 10:25:10:
Although Common Raven is clearly extending its range southward into parts of southern Ontario in which it has not been present for a very long time (see maps for both Ontario Breeding Bird Atlases on the Atlas web page at http://www.birdsontario.org), and this could very well be a young bird prospecting for its own new territory, I think one should give some thought to the notion that this bird could just as easily be one of dubious origin. It has recently come to my attention that someone has released a human-imprinted Common Raven in Toronto. GC
In Reply to: missing birds posted by joe on November 12, 2002 at 08:23:10:
West Nile Virus has wiped lots of birds in the
Windsor area.
where did all our birds go?
Can anyone suggest a good place to see these owls? I have not seen one and would like to addit my list Richard Gonin
There was a pair of Peregrines at Rattray Marsh at 10:00 am November 11. They were in a tall dead tree on the shore of the lake, near the outlet of the stream. Rattray is at the bottom of Bexhill Road, not far east of Erin Mills Parkway.
In Reply to: Re: Common Raven High Park posted by rob on November 10, 2002 at 10:15:05:
I think that in the fucher this will be vary rear
with the west nile virus and at this time in the GTA it is still rear.
But I wood think that the ones that are seen are just non breeders doing a
fly about to see what they can find .. Craig
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FOR THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, November 10, 2002
November very well may be viewed as a dull and uninteresting month by many; however, several observers this past week learned that there is still some good stuff to see out there. Yesterday morning at Wellington, there was a RED PHALAROPE on the lakeside beach, feeding with BONAPARTE'S GULLS along the edge. In Wellington Harbour itself, there were several DUNLIN, a KILLDEER, and among the dabbling ducks there was a NORTHERN PINTAIL and some GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Other observers there during the week found GREATER YELLOWLEGS, RED-NECKED GREBES (2), 30 HORNED GREBES and lots of LONG-TAILED DUCKS and WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS.
The ROSS'S GOOSE, found on November 3rd, in Hay Bay, has not been seen since Thursday. As this area is right adjacent to Prince Edward County waters, we are asking observers to be on the lookout for it whenever flocks of CANADA GEESE with which it associates, are encountered in Prince Edward County, as it may still be around. The bird is an adult white phase so it will be hard to miss. At the east end of the Big Island Marsh, at Northport, on Friday, there were 30 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 3 AMERICAN WIGEON, 1 GADWALL, 3 NORTHERN PINTAIL, 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 1 BRANT and a number of RING-NECKED DUCKS. Also present were 3 GREATER YELLOWLEGS and 25 DUNLIN.
At East Lake around the boat ramp and Sandbanks group camping area yesterday, there was a PIED-BILLED GREBE. There were also 6 LITTLE GULLS seen far out on the lake. Traditionally, this has been a dependable place to find this species every year at this time. At West Point, there was lots of waterfowl activity with 5 HORNED GREBES, 60 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 10 GREATER SCAUPS, 80 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 60 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 400 BUFFLEHEAD, 200 COMMON GOLDENEYES and a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER making up the duck species tallied there. Also present were 60 DUNLINS, a SANDERLING, 100 BONAPARTE GULLS and 18 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS. There was a flock of 50 MALLARDS in Athol Bay today. The PACIFIC LOON, seen November 3rd by a Kingston Field Naturalists member, in Prince Edward Bay, near the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area, has not been seen since the initial sighting.
Numerous reports of CEDAR WAXWINGS and AMERICAN ROBINS seen feeding on the copious crop of red cedar berries this fall in the county came in during the week. One interesting sighting from Belleville involved one small flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS that appeared to be imbibing a little too heavily on a few fermented berries, the observer watching one of the birds as it appeared to lose it balance whereupon it fell to the ground and keeled over dead!
The GOLDEN EAGLE, seen last week in the Welbanks Road vicinity, near Sandbanks, is still in the area, as of yesterday. It, or another immature, was seen at the Quinte Conservation on Monday. Other raptors seen during the week included a MERLIN at Bloomfield, and a GREAT HORNED OWL at East Lake (both seen yesterday) , GREAT HORNED OWL and SCREECH OWL at Glen Miller on Thursday, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK at West Point yesterday, COOPER'S HAWK and RED-TAILED HAWK at Point Petre (also yesterday), and a persistent SHARP-SHINNED HAWK that has now claimed ownership of a bird feeder in Bloomfield where it can be near the action.
EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were seen during the week at Point Petre, Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area (north of Brighton), and a nice flock of 35 at Glen Miller where there was also a PILEATED WOODPECKER. The latter species was also seen at Gommorah Road, near Demorestville, where a pair was present all summer. Elsewhere, TREE SPARROWS are settling in now, with most bird feeder operators and observers in the field reporting the presence of these northern birds. Several flocks of SNOW BUNTINGS were reported during the week, but there is no indication yet what northern finches, if any, will be present in any great numbers in the Quinte area in the months ahead. Any flocks of birds being encountered now seem to be mostly BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS.
The 13th annual Picton Birdfeeding Seminar drew exactly 140 people this afternoon at the Tip of the Bay Hotel and Marina. Local sponsors and other donors donated so many door prizes that virtually everyone went home with something. The Napanee seminar is this coming Sunday at the Royal Rox Catering and Banquet Centre, on Dairy Avenue.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Joanne Dewey, Don Craighead, Paul Thompson, Paul Mackenzie, Bob Sachs, David Bree, Donald McClure, Joe Victor and Nick Quickert for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 17th. Bird sightings must be received by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good birding everyone!
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
Junco went through my yard this evening, even stoping at my
above ground platform feeder tray. I was nice to see them as
they make their way south. I'm at Nepean, ON at the corner of
Merivale and Meadowlands
In Reply to: Re: fewer birds in oakville posted by John Bacon on November 08, 2002 at 02:49:25:
Here's a link to recent posts on the Muskoka Bird Board on this subject: http://www.b2g3.com/boards/board.cgi?action=read&id=1034461289&user=MuskokaBirdBoard
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding.
Some good birds wear found out on the Leslie st spit yesterday ( Tommy
Thompson park) including 1 Long eared owl , 9 C Loons , 72 Hood
Mergansers , 17 Golden eye , 1 Bonaparts gull , 115 snow buntings 1000+
Long Tailed ducks , 3 Great black back gulls , 1 American pipit. and 2
Dunlin And 3 speeches of Butterflies pretty nice day … The spit is found at the foot of Leslie st south of Lake shore blvd hear
in Toronto , open only on the weekends and holidays
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
In Reply to: Common Raven High Park posted by Craig McLauchlan on November 08, 2002 at 10:02:40:
I did not know that ravens migrate. Is this a common phenomenon? rob
In Reply to: Re: fewer birds in oakville posted by John Bacon on November 08, 2002 at 02:49:25:
CDC (Center for Disease Control) list 110 or so species as being affected by WNV. They list them on their website. Unfortunately I no longer have the URL.
In Reply to: peregrine falcons posted by mc on November 08, 2002 at 13:54:54:
This has been a semi-regular perch for peregrines over at least the past four years. There haven't been all that many sightings this summer and fall, but now that there again appears to be a pair settling in the Bloor / Yonge area, they're likely to become more frequent again. For more on the local sightings, check out the Canadian Peregrine Foundation's Midtown Toronto page, and follow the links to the archives for older sightings at the Whitney block.
i just noticed a peregrine falcon perched on top of the whitney block (queens park). has anyone else noticed this bird?
In Reply to: Re: Birding in Toronto posted by John Bacon on November 08, 2002 at 02:46:42:
Leslie Street Sandspit (in Toronto, but only open on weekends)
I am shear that John is making light with this but yes the Leslie
street spit or also known as Tommy Thompson Park is one of the
better areas for birding in the GTA for all types of birds depending on when you are coming .I have seen 271 speeches of bird on the spit and the official list is over 300 (maybe moor wear working on that right now) . if you do go out on the spit be prepared to tack a lunch and water it a good long walk and it will tack 5 hours to do and see every thing !! I am going out Saturday morning to look for waterfowl and hope for some late migrants . Craig
On Wednesday at the High Park hawk watch along with the good day for hawks we had a Common Raven fly over and definitely migrating. This counts for my 9 record of Raven in the GTA and 6 in the City of Toronto.
So it dos go to show that they are around and do migrate through ! our area . Craig
In Reply to: Re: fewer birds in oakville posted by Nick Avery on November 06, 2002 at 16:25:40:
Doesn't West Nile only kill Crow & Blue Jays?
In Reply to: Birding in Toronto posted by Andrew Francis on November 07, 2002 at 16:05:07:
Leslie Street Sandspit (in Toronto, but oly open on weekends) Point Pelee (a few hours west of Toronto) If you time it right, you may hit the northern migration.
Hi there!
I've been an avid birdwatcher since I was a kid and my brother has just moved to Richmondhill. I've never been to Canada even though some of my favourite musicians (Rush) are Canadian. I plan to visit sometime next Spring. could you guys recommend me some places to visit please? Anything, no matter how common would be new to me but it would help if I knew where there were some good locations. Thanking you in advance!
In Reply to: Re: Hermit Thrush or birds at Feeders posted by Mike Boyd on November 06, 2002 at 15:28:21:
Colin, Toronto Island is very unproductive for Eastern Screech-Owls. Most Northern Saw-whet Owls will be gone from Toronto Island by that date, but there are better places just outside the city. Contact me privately and I will likely be able to get you good looks at Eastern Screech-Owl while you are here. GC
In Reply to: fewer birds in oakville posted by enid and vic varga on November 03, 2002 at 17:19:48:
Vic, I live near Coronation Park in Oakville & we have a deficit of birds. Juncos are the only bird seen today, & the feeder is still full after 3 days. Normally the Chickadees would try & clean it out before the Bluejays find it. I have put it down to West Nile Virus, but I am willing to be persuaded otherwise. Nick
In Reply to: Re: Hermit Thrush or birds at Feeders posted by Kirk Vetor on November 06, 2002 at 13:48:19:
Ward Island, I am assuming in the Toronto Islands, could be a good spot to get both owls. The Toronto Islands known as a pretty good spot for Saw Whets, I believe looking in cedars and dogwood tangles would be your best bet. For Screech Owls, though it might be a little early, would be to get a tape of their calls and try going out at night in a woodlot in the Islands or High Park maybe and playing it, might be able to hear one calling back. Mike
In Reply to: Hermit Thrush or birds at Feeders posted by colin bradshaw on November 04, 2002 at 17:09:56:
I believe it's getting a little late to view fall migrants. There are still a few stragglers around but the viewing is inconsistent at best. My feeder currently has the standand winter birds - blue jays, house sparrows, starlings, cardinals, mourning doves and a few goldfinches in their drab winter garb. I have one lonely white crowned sparrow but I think even he left yesterday (there were dozens two weeks ago). I'm not sure where Ward Island is located, but if it's in Lake Ontario, your best bet would be to find a park or woodlot on the island. Good luck, Kirk
In Reply to: Re: Architectural features that kill wildlife posted by Wily Verdin on November 03, 2002 at 23:28:05:
Lock: Such buildings could probably be interpreted as in contravention of the federal 'Migratory Birds Convention Act'. However, the Act is rarely enforced in these kinds of situations. Every year thousands of active nests of species protected by the Act are destroyed during forestry operations, but the Act is not enforced. That may change depending on the outcome of a lawsuit filed by the Sierra Legal Defence Fund against the federal government.
I'm coming back from the UK to visit my daughter at York Uni on 14th for a week. I'm very keen to see +/- photograph any Hermit Thrushes that are left in the area. I will be staying on Ward Island but can get out almost anywhere. I'd also be keen to visit any feeders with good numbers of fall sparrows coming to them.
New birds for me would be Saw Whet and Easterbn Screech. If anyome knows of any roosts I'd be keen to visit Cheers Colin
I'm coming back from the UK to visit my daughter at York Uni on 14th for a week. I'm very keen to see +/- photograph any Hermit Thrushes that are left in the area. I will be staying on Ward Island but can get out almost anywhere. I'd also be keen to visit any feeders with good numbers of fall sparrows coming to them.
New birds for me would be Saw Whet and Easterbn Screech. If anyome knows name
In Reply to: Canada Goose with white head posted by Val on October 16, 2002 at 16:52:45:
I have seen a full white Canada Goose, not a snow goose, a few times this summer and fall, with a flock that lives at Blue Springs Golf Course in Acton (just off Highway 25). Same size as Canada Goose, no other colour at all, just bill and feet. Very odd.
In Reply to: Killing Canada Geese posted by Rick on October 15, 2002 at 13:36:36:
Hi Rick
[quote]Posted by Rick on October 15, 2002
Are there any "official positions" out there from outfits such as OFO, or is the subject too touchy for anyone to deal with? [/quote] Canada Geese are yummy. A nice sharp boar spear as a blade to decapitate would be better than a shovel. You have me curious now - why are THESE creatures protected? Having said this, I'm not one for big slaughters etc. Rather, fixing the disfunctional "environments" that we prepare for these little beasties on which they seem to thrive - manicured lawns of junk food grass. Sorry. I don't see'm as a problem. More like a symptom. Cheers Lock
ps... remember, food prep is everything
If anyone is interested... there are a pair of White-Fronted Geese
in Garden Hill Pond (just 10-15min North of Port Hope)Members of Willow
Beach Field Naturalists have been reporting them there all week. As well
there were 2 Snow Geese, one blue phase and one white phase. You will have
look in a very large flock of Canadas. Good Luck
In Reply to: Architectural features that kill wildlife posted by lockhughes on November 03, 2002 at 22:50:19:
Hi Lock, here are a few websites that pertain to the effects of man-made objects on migrating birds and the efforts that are being made to try and rectify the situation. As far as the legal aspects, good luck, but I would love to see a wildlife friendly architecture initiative or class offered as a step in the right direction. There is always hope! I think you may find some useful info in the websites below: http://www.towerkill.com/ http://www.flap.org/new/nestegg2.htm
Is there any recourse in law (Canadian, Ontario,Municipal) when a building owner maintains a property which clearly is causing the deaths of several hundreds of animals every year (and injury to many, many more), where other properties in the same vicinity clearly do not cause the same loss of life? Deaths attributed to architectural features and landscape design.
I'm a little tired of helping my friend Al collect the dead and the dying and injured. He's been doing this every day for the last six weeks. Some days only one or six, other days near one hundred and higher. Of the many species involved, some are becoming less common as the years go by. Any replies most appreciated Regards Lock
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA FOR Sunday, November 03, 2002
Persistently cool weather, snow flurries, and even a layer of snow this morning, reminded us that winter is in the offing. However, a few summery birds turned up during the week to add a bit of flavour to the overall scene in both Prince Edward County and in areas to the north and west of us. There was a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT at the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area near the harbour on Thursday to close off October. An AMERICAN PIPIT was there a day earlier. Four EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were reported from Presqu'ile and from near Glen Ross, and near the Tuftsville Road. FOX SPARROWS turned up northwest of Stirling (where there were also 2 NORTHERN FLICKERS), Glen Ross, Bloomfield, and at a feeder at the H.R. Frink Centre. Three HORNED LARKS flew over Prince Edward Point on Wednesday, and other birds moving along included 5 GREATER YELLOWLEGS in flight over Big Island, and thousands of EUROPEAN STARLINGS, COMMON GRACKLES and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS throughout the reporting area. A KILLDEER and a WILSON'S SNIPE showed up near the Belleville Marsh Saturday, where there was also a NORTHERN FLICKER. There were 24 TUNDRA SWANS in Pleasant Bay Friday, and another 28 in South Bay. The area at South Bay and Smith's Bay bears watching as this traditional feeding and resting ground attracts large numbers of the species until freeze-up.
At Prince Edward Point, 45 BRANT flew past on October 26th, and GREATER SCAUP had increased to 10,000 offshore by Tuesday. NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS continue to pass through with 130 trapped during the period, and also banded were 2 BARRED OWLS. A LONG-EARED OWL was seen roosting in the bushes on Tuesday. GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS continued to move through but in lesser numbers than in previous weeks, declining from 120 on October 27th to less than a handful by Friday. DARK-EYED JUNCO numbers have never risen above 45 on any day and numbers of other sparrows were also small. A RED-THROATED LOON flew past the Point with two COMMON LOONS on Tuesday.
A passage of raptors took place at Prince Edward Point on Wednesday with 350 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 4 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 2 COOPER'S HAWKS, 4 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, 12 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS and 4 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS flying over. An immature GOLDEN EAGLE cruised along the treetops on Friday providing an excellent view for those present, and what is probably the same bird was seen the same day circling the fields near the junction of Welbanks and Kelly Roads, just east of Sandbanks Provincial Park.
Scattered sightings of SNOW BUNTINGS, were made at Prince Edward Point, the Bay of Quinte shoreline at Trenton, and at Point Petre. TREE SPARROWS are increasing in numbers now and small flocks are turning up along roadsides and at feeding stations. On Friday, there was a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD on the old rail trail at Corbyville. Feeding station operators everywhere are reporting good patronage of regular clientel, just in time for the start of Feeder Watch, commencing this next weekend. And just in time too for the bird feeding season, a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK appeared at a Bloomfield feeder during the week.
The north shore of the Bay of Quinte got good coverage during the week, all the way from Trenton, east to the old Bakelite plant east of Belleville. Observers along the East Bayshore Trail in Belleville reported DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT there today, along with BUFFLEHEAD, and HOODED MERGANSERS. Another observer found BLACK DUCKS, LESSER SCAUP, COMMON GOLDENEYE and COMMON MERGANSERS. Elsewhere toward the Trenton area, there were AMERICAN WIGEON, GADWALL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, BLACK DUCK and NORTHERN SHOVELER.
For those in the Quinte area wanting to learn a bit more about bird feeding and get in on a plethora of door prizes, the 13th annual Birdfeeding Seminar will take place on November 10th at the Tip of the Bay Hotel and Marina in Picton, commencing at 2:00 p.m. For further information and admission cost, please e-mail the address given below. The seminar is repeated in Napanee the following Sunday, at the Royal Rox Catering and Banquet Centre. A total of 148 people attended the presentation last year in Picton.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Lloyd Paul, Cathy Anderson, Paul Thompson, Don Craighead, Albert Boisvert, Joe Victor, David Okines (Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory), Don McClure, Wynne Thomas, David Bree and John Blaney for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 10th. Bird sightings must be received by 6:00 p.m. to be included in the next weekly report. Good birding everyone!
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net www.naturestuff.net
location :oakville backing onto 14 mile creek..We used to have on our feeders :chickadeees,house wrens nuthatches cardinals finches starlings sparrows woodpeckers. This november (2002) only the woodpeckers ,cardinals aand the odd chikadee is around.Is it going to be a bad year for birds?we think thatwe have a resident hawk in the woods behind.Could this be the cause or is it general in the region?
In Reply to: Never seen before... posted by Andre Arsenault on October 22, 2002 at 13:57:37:
i think what you saw was a chipping sparrow . check your bird guide to confirm
In Reply to: Re: Hermit Thrush at Feeder posted by Marge Kelvin on October 31, 2002 at 19:25:21:
Hi Marg, it was certainly good to hear from you! I can't say that I have ever had that kind of experience with a Hermit Thrush, by the way, what was its fate? Nevermind, I'm not sure that I could handle the answer! I really enjoy your writing and I'm ready to recommend you for the Pulitzer Prize. At the very least I think you desrve a free year's membership with OFO, what do you think Jean? Let's hope that Tropical Kingbird near Rondeau finds someone like Marge to look after it. We should all be so lucky!
All the best, Wily
In Reply to: Re: Hermit Thrush at Feeder posted by Barbara Taylor on October 25, 2002 at 22:35:34:
I have been feeling the effects of the diminishing daylength, so I hope you will forgive me for not posting lately; I have, though, when I'm up to it, been keeping an eye (well, that's another story we won't rehash) on the line here! Hermit Thrushes are tough little fellows, that's for sure, though certainly no match for their red-breasted cousins when it comes to prolonged cold spells. They're invariably the first of the brown-backed thrushes to arrive in spring, and latest to leave in autumn ... I remember back in the late eighties when, every morning through December, one of these retiring little cuties would visit the feeder/scarecrow/windmill I had erected in my heavily-wooded yard and feed among the usual crowd, flitting off to a low-medium perch regularly, cocking his now-dingy rufous tail in that charming way that brought tears to my eyes and, once, anyway, set off a temper tantrum during which I destroyed rather a lot of priceless antique Royal-Doulton china and about half the furniture on the first floor of my home. You see, I knew the diminutive darling wasn't going to do well, based on reports of an incoming storm and cold front, and the fact that the Robins and Starlings had pretty-well stripped the three Mountain Ash of their fruit. I knew the Viburnum would be next to go, and my little brown visitor would surely succumb. So I laid in a supply of cranberries (real ones) and raisins and snuck out before dawn to heavily stock "The Device," as one neighbour scornfully christened my feeding structure. 'Hermie' did just fine, thank you, until the temperature dropped to -20C. He didn't look so good at that point, just sitting on the collar of the scarecrow part, kind of teetering and wobbling,his head set at a rather odd angle and, well, drastic action was clearly called for. I rushed to the local Home Hardware and purchased a large bag of 'pocket-warmers' and managed to finagle a few bales of straw from a local farmer who hates me (you could see it in his eyes --blackened pools of loathing that seemed to cut through my skin -- oh, those horrifying pits of hatred buried deep in his protruding sockets)and set about my plan. I waited under "The Device" all night, wrapped in a heavy tarpaulin, waiting, hoping, crying for 'Hermie' to make his crepuscular appearance. Something landed above me, and, looking up, I spotted the characteristic wobbling and the disturbing head-angle of my little friend. I leapt from my crouch and made the grab, wrapping him in the pocket warmers and straw and duct tape. His head kind of righted itself, and he picked up a frozen cranberry. I happily puffed on my Brigham pipe, quite self- satisfied I freely admit, when the combination of straw, pocket-warmers, burning Amphora tobacco, feathers and my trusty Zippo lighter combusted, sending a massive orange and green fireball some 30 metres into the air, engulfing tree branches, hydro wires and the UFO the government has up there, watching me day and night. Eventually, the charges were dropped on the provision that I move to another county and undergo some silly tests for a few months, but I learned something there. I most certainly did. Regards, Marge
Saw a red tail hawk on a residential roof, SW corner of Annette Street and High Park Avenue (Toronto), 1:30 p.m., 31 October, eating a pigeon. Watched it for about 30 minutes.
In Reply to: Re: The Buffleheads are back! posted by Gail Christoff on October 27, 2002 at 09:54:53:
I live midway between the Adamson Estate (enter off the Lakeshore at the Beer Store) and Hiawatha Park (off Lakeshore east of Hurontario, south onto Hiawatha Parkway look for the Collusus of Rhodes restaurant on the north side of Lakeshore)in the east end of Port Credit. They are almost always out in front of my house, so send a note if you want to drop by.
Spotted a lone snow goose(blue phase) amongst a flock of approx 200 Canada Geese on the beach of Geaorgian Bay. Walked up to within 20? feet before it walked towards the bay. First one I have ever seen!
WEEKLY REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, October 27, 2002
Much of the activity this past week took place at Prince Edward Point. The Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory reported that duck numbers on the lake are starting to increase with GREATER SCAUP increasing to about 3,500 during the first of the week. LONG-TAILED DUCKS have also started to appear and a few can be seen flying offshore most days along with the start of BUFFLEHEADS and a few COMMON GOLDENEYES. A VESPER SPARROW was seen on the lawn of the banding station early in the week, but had disappeared by afternoon. DARK-EYED JUNCOS are being seen in larger numbers as are WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS. The first AMERICAN TREE SPARROW of the fall was seen on Monday down near the harbour and a few FOX SPARROWS are being trapped by the bird banders. BRANT are still moving past on the lake but only in small numbers. Up to 3 GREATER YELLOWLEGS are seen in the harbour most days but no other shorebirds are around. HOUSE FINCHES are starting to appear at the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area after about a month's absence. Kinglets are still trickling through, and warblers have all but finished, except for a NASHVILLE WARBLER a week ago today and, of course, the usual complement of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. A few raptors were moving on Wednesday with 20 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 50 TURKEY VULTURES and 100 RED-TAILED HAWKS being the most noteworthy. In general, things appear to be slowing down at the Point as the fall migration comes to a close. Migration monitoring will continue until the end of the month with only casual observations after that. The owl banding continues with 127 NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS and 2 BARRED OWLS being caught during the week, bringing the total up to 392 for the fall.
The best bird of the week was a HUDSONIAN GODWIT in Wellington Harbour on the morning of October 24th, seen by several observers. EASTERN BLUEBIRDS have been increasing in numbers as the species passes through the area with 10 being seen at Point Petre on Thursday, and 43 in four separate flocks in the same area the following day. Isolated sightings came in from elsewhere including 4 outside of Prince Edward County, at the Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area, north of Brighton.
Flocks of blackbirds dominated the scene throughout the area during the week, with a major flyover of COMMON GRACKLES and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, numbering in the thousands, extending from one horizon to the other today south of Picton, along Ridge Road. High numbers were also reported from Point Petre.
Concentrations of other birds during the week included 15+ COMMON LOONS from Little Bluff Conservation Area to Point Traverse on Thursday, 10,000 SCAUP off Salmon Point Road the same day, and 150 HORNED LARKS on King's Road, also the same day.
Other interesting sightings during the week included 4 SANDERLINGS at Prince Edward Point on Wednesday, the season's first SNOW BUNTING at Point Traverse on Thursday, and a dark morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK on Army Reserve Road on Friday. A WINTER WREN was present at the Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area on Thursday, and the CAROLINA WREN is still present every day at 23 Sprague Road on Big Island, north of Demorestville. On Brintnell Blvd. in Brighton, there was a BROWN CREEPER working its way up a maple tree just a few feet from the kitchen window, offering the residents there an excellent view.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to David Okines (Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory), Don Craighead, Albert Boisvert, Matt Holder, Jack Evans, John and Margaret Moore, and Donalyn Legate for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated on Sunday, November 03. Bird sightings must be received by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next weekly report. Good birding !
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
In Reply to: The Buffleheads are back! posted by George Daszkowski on October 25, 2002 at 11:16:36:
Where in Port Credit? I live near there and would like to add to my life list.
In Reply to: Hermit Thrush at Feeder posted by Kirk Vetor on October 23, 2002 at 16:48:36:
We often have Hermit Thrush visiting our platform feeder in the early spring when there still isn't much insect activity.
Muskoka Bird Board:
http://www.b2g3.com/boards/board.cgi?&user=MuskokaBirdBoard
I sighted buffleheads in Port Credit earlier this week but kept forgetting to post their arrival. I beleive that they are earlier this year by a couple of weeks. Despite what the forecasters are saying about a mild winter, I think this presages a colder than normal winter as they are fleeing the north early.
In Reply to: Kinglet? posted by Allison on October 24, 2002 at 16:54:33:
Yes, that sure sounds like an adult male Golden-crowned Kinglet. They migrate through all parts of the city in the thousands at this time of year.
I spotted a bird like the others are describing in the parkette in front of the Rosedale Subway station on Yonge: tiny, compact greyish body, with long tail feathers, and a red, yellow and black stripe on the top of it’s head. The bird was very fearless, burrowing under leaves and long weeds on the ground, thus I was able to see the stripe on the head, and examine the bird closely. It didn’t fly away as I approached, and even when other pedestrians walked closely by, wasn’t startled. Very interesting.
In Reply to: Re: how to keep cats out of my yard posted by Robert Goulet on October 14, 2002 at 09:54:36:
Paint ball guns! actually that seems like a really good idea. I have to agree with you that cats are held in much higher esteem than they really should be. I think if you love animals you have to love them in the right context... the migratory birds that "dropped by" my yard on their way south have so much to offer.. my neighbors cat however is predictable and all too common. Thanks for the idea..
I built and installed a platform feeder this past weekend. The birds are already arriving in hoards. Much to my surprise, I had a hermit thrush land on the roof of my feeder last night. He (she?) was quite nervous and didn't actually feed at the feeder. Do hermit thrushes occasionally visit feeders or was this just a lucky sighting? Thanks, Kirk
In Reply to: could it be booby? posted by patricia on October 21, 2002 at 20:02:23:
after reading this post this morning and having to go down to this area I decide to look ,I sent P a copal of emails to get moor info on her sighting , not thinking on ever seeing a BF Booby in Ont but hay I woodint have thought I wood have seen a Heermans gull in Ont ether ! But after doing a thorough search I only could find a Juv. Cormorant, it was a vary brown bird with a vary wight chest and belly. I also found 2 snow buntings , 1 clay collard sparrow , 9 Brown Creepers Craig McLauchlan
In Reply to: Re: Never seen before... posted by Cheryl on October 22, 2002 at 15:18:08:
Cheryl, The bird you describe is a Golden-crowned Kinglet.
In Reply to: Never seen before... posted by Andre Arsenault on October 22, 2002 at 13:57:37:
Andre, Sounds to me like you've seen a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
In Reply to: Never seen before... posted by Andre Arsenault on October 22, 2002 at 13:57:37:
Hello,
Today I was visited at my window sill here at work by a small tiny bird with a black, yellow and red stripe down it's head. It's body was greyish in color, and it was perched on my window still by my desk for about 20 mins without moving. I have never seen this type of bird before, and I don't know where they come from or what they are called, but I must say, it truly was interesting to see one of these up close!
I work in North York by Mel Lastman Square, and directly across the street, is alot of shrubbery backed onto a parking lot. I wonder where this species of bird would have came from? Does anyone know? If so, can you please email me! Thanks!
In Reply to: Never seen before... posted by Andre Arsenault on October 22, 2002 at 13:57:37:
I am sher you are seening Kinglet's we have bouth
the Golden-Crowned Kinglet's and the ruby-crowned
kinglet's hear right now , Craig
Hi there
I live and work in the downtown core of Toronto. Recently, on two occasions I have seen a bird, that I have never seen before. i was wondering if anyone could help identify the bird, and or where I could learn more about it.
Description: Tiny, hummingbird sized body, light grey/tan body and colours, with a bright red patch or strip on the top of its head, beautiful tail feathers that fan out, same colour as body. Dark beak, straight not hooked or curved.
I have seen it twice, once on the corner of King and Simcoe, amongst planted flowers and brush in a landscaped area, the second, today amongst flowers and plants outside then inside the convience store St. Patricks, on Queen street across from the MuchMusic/City TV Building.
If anyone could help me out with this I would really appreciate it. Thank you
In Reply to: Re: could it be booby? posted by Mike Boyd on October 22, 2002 at 08:00:07:
We see cormorants all the time here, but this bird was definitely not black and didn't seem to have the length of neck or lighter coloured bill that the cormorant has. Maybe it was a juvenile. Must try for a second look.
In Reply to: could it be booby? posted by patricia on October 21, 2002 at 20:02:23:
I would say it would be extremely unlikely to be a booby, the bird you describe sounds a lot more like a cormorant which are quite common on Lake Ontario. The odds that a booby ending up in Ontario are extremely slim. Mike Boyd
Walking along a Toronto beach (near Balmy Beach Canoe Club), we saw a bird on the rocks amongst the gulls and odd Canada goose that wasn't recognizable...long tail, slight 'S' in neck, dark brown, perched (but we couldn't see its feet) and far enough away from the beach that we had to squint to get a good look (no binoculars with us). The only bird in Peterson's and Sibley's that closely resembles it is a Booby (the Blue-Footed apparently is known to be recorded on interior lakes and likes to perch on rocks). Could this have been one? Has one ever been seen in Toronto before?
In Reply to: Newpaper article on Crows posted by Mark Cranford on October 17, 2002 at 19:10:23:
My wife and I were in the Everglades last spring. I was astounded to see crow "harvesting" the bugs that were squashed on the front of our car.
Oct 19 We saw many birds and very well! Among the common sighted were grackle,ringbilled gulls,European Starling,Mallard Ducks. The rest made the day worth while! Belted kingfishers,American Widgeon,Northern Shovelor,Northern Harrier,Buffleheads,Redheads(both ducks),Hooded Mersangers,Ruddy Ducks,White crowned,white throated,chipping and swamp sparrows.Ruby and Golden crowned kinglets,Mute Swans,Great Blue Herons,Black crowned nite herons,Semipalmated Sandpiper,Hermit thrush and Red winged blackbirds.Several of which were firsts for me! (what can I say I am new)
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, October 20, 2002
Cool, wet weather this past week certainly didn't dampen the spirits of birds migrating through Prince Edward County, nor the spirits of those who went in search of them. Warm, sunny skies and rare calm seas greeted 12 Kingston Field Naturalists members as they prepared for a pelagic trip to Main Duck Island on Monday. However, a drop in water levels during the week prevented our 48' boat from accessing Lake Ontario from the Prince Edward Point Harbour. Instead, we birded the Point and came up with 2 BLUE-HEADED VIREO, 1 NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL, 20 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPER'S HAWK, 1 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 1 MERLIN, 1 AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, 100 HERMIT THRUSHES, 1 PALM WARBLER, 1 EASTERN TOWHEE, 25 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, and 2 TREE SWALLOWS.
Birds continue to dominate the scene at the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. Many of the warblers have passed through now, but lots of kinglets are still appearing. There were 3 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS at the Point last weekend, followed by a NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW seen briefly on the 13th, near the waterfowl observation blind. A FOX SPARROW was seen and banded on Monday. NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS continue to appear with 64 banded on Monday and Tuesday evenings, including one banded six hours earlier at Port Hope, 120 km west of Prince Edward Point! Light northwest winds on Thursday and Friday produced another 80 owls. On Monday afternoon, 145 BRANT flew past, many of them stopping on the rocks near the lighthouse. Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS were banded on Tuesday. The first reported BUFFLEHEAD appeared there on Wednesday. Lots of birds were about on Saturday and by the end of the day 463 had been banded (a new day record), 1,000 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were tallied as well as 200 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 50 HERMIT THRUSHES and 35 BROWN CREEPERS.
At Point Petre, BROWN CREEPERS moved into the area en masse today, along with large numbers of GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS. On Soup Harbour today, there were 300 GREATER SCAUP. Other birds of interest at Point Petre included GREAT HORNED OWL, PALM WARBLER, and a heavy migration of raptors in mid-week, with a steady passage of RED-TAILED HAWKS on Thursday.
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS continue to be the subject of conversation in the Belleville area where steady strings of them pass under the Norris Whitney Bridge daily, from Cow Island and west up the bay. Numbers have ranged from 250 to over 1,500 seen early Saturday morning at daybreak.
Over at Sandbanks Provincial Park, West Point today produced 19 HORNED GREBES, 11 AMERICAN WIGEON, 200 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 2 COMMON GOLDENEYES and 10 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. Other birds of interest seen there were 3 DUNLIN, 100+ GOLDEN CROWNED and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, a BLACKPOLL WARBLER and 4 WINTER WRENS. The CAROLINA WREN continues to frequent bushes and feeders at 23 Sprague Road, Big Island.
Large numbers of AMERICAN ROBINS are being noted throughout the county, ranging from a few dozen to 250 on Black Road on Wednesday. Elsewhere large numbers of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS and SONG SPARROWS have been noted. A small flock of FIELD SPARROWS was encountered by one observer on the Millennium Trail near Consecon. Waterfowl sprinkled from Wellington Harbour west to Huyck's Point on Thursday included GREEN-WINGED TEAL, BUFFLEHEAD, BLACK DUCKS, CANADA GEESE, MALLARDS, and up to a thousand WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS. There was a PIED-BILLED GREBE and a COMMON SNIPE at Consecon, and there were five COMMON SNIPE at Wellington. MUTE SWANS appear to be everywhere now, with one at Wellington, 2 in Pleasant Bay, 10 in Consecon Lake and about 40 in Presqu'ile Bay (east of Brighton Marina).
Outside the county, an observer birding Highway 30, just north of 401 came across 85 KILLDEER in a field along with 5 AMERICAN PIPITS and 7 male WILD TURKEYS. The east extension of the Bayshore Trail in Belleville produced some good birds for one observer on Friday. This area east of Herchimer Avenue encompassing the Belleville Marsh produced 250 CANADA GEESE, BLACK DUCK, GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, 9 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, COMMON MOORHEN, 4 COMMON SNIPE, HERMIT THRUSH, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, SWAMP SPARROWS and RUSTY BLACKBIRDS.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte Area. Our thanks to Sid Andrews, Doug McRae, Bruce DiLabio, Bob Sachs, John Blaney, John & Margaret Moore, Lloyd Paul, Jack and Nancy Evans, Don Craighead, Donald McClure, David Okines (Prince Edward Point Observatory) and Wynne Thomas for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 27th. Bird sightings must be received by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next weekly report. Good birding!
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
Oldsquaws ( also known as Long-tailed duck) are back! I saw a few on Humber Bay while kayaking in mid-June. Nothing since, till today when a flock was spotted from the condo, overlooking the bay.
In Reply to: Sandhill Crane posted by Vince McNally on October 18, 2002 at 12:59:27:
I was at Van Buren Rd. (Hamilton beach strip) today at about noon time. I stopped at the marsh and I thought I saw 4 Sandhill cranes. Luckily, I had my camcorder with me so, I took some videos of them flying in the marsh area.
I am still not absolutely sure that they were Sandhill cranes but, they look similar to what I have found online and, according to my Field Guide to the Birds.
Is it possible to send a jpeg attachment to an organization that can help me identify these birds?
Thanks,
Chris
As I look out my condo window at the pond at Bronte Creek and Lakeshore RD. in Oakille to my amazement I spot a Sandhill Crane feeding in the pond.time 1P.M.
I enjoyed the following article about Crows and Corvid researchers. The story focuses on one researcher who notes that "there are crows around Ithaca that hate my guts". He also comments on West Nile in the context of crow social structures. http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/021014/misc/14crow.htm
FORT MYERS, Florida (AP) -- The owner of a fish hatchery has been charged with killing 4,000 endangered or protected birds and an alligator, police said. Fish and wildlife officials arrested Vicky Davidson, 40, of Arcadia, on Tuesday after a six-month, state and federal wildlife investigation. Davidson faces at least six violations of Florida law and the federal migratory bird act, said Gary Morse, a Florida Fish and Wildlife spokesman. The charges range from a third-degree felony to a second-degree misdemeanor. Wildlife officials said Davidson purchased 25,000 shotgun shells and told her employees to shoot at anything that posed a threat to her fish. Wood storks, black-neck stilts, cattle egrets, eastern meadowlarks, herons and at least one alligator were killed over 11 months, Morse said. DeSoto County Jail released Davidson Tuesday night after she posted $4,500 bail. Davidson does not have a listed phone number and could not be reached for comment.
In Reply to: Re: Canada Goose with white head posted by Dave on October 16, 2002 at 22:39:11:
I'd like to follow up on Dave's comments. About a week back I queried on Ontbirds about a goose I saw at Coyote Pond that I thought might be a blue phase Snow Goose, but I wasn't certain and thought it could be domestic. It was in a group of a couple hundred Canada Geese. Stan who birds there regularly did see "my bird" a few days later and confirmed it was a Snow Goose. White head but darker "blue body", some speckling at the neck, pink bill with black grinning patch. Slightly smaller than the Canadas. I wasn't certain so I posted my uncertainty. When Stan confirmed, that gave a possible location for others to see a Snow Goose. So it's always good to post those uncertainties, with good descriptions, so others can check it out and report back. For those who don't know, Coyote Pond is a large artificial pond with no posted signs on the north side of Highway 7, just east of Ninth Line in Markham.
In Reply to: Canada Goose with white head posted by Val on October 16, 2002 at 16:52:45:
It is possible that the goose is a hybird(hybrid)
having one parent being a Canada Goose and the other a farm goose. Now you know where the term "loose goose" came from. But keep your eyes open for Snow Geese that do appear here in the winter. The snow goose is usually white with black wing tips, but does come in a "blue phase"
In Reply to: Golden Crowned Kinglet migration posted by Bruce on October 07, 2002 at 22:35:29:
Be prepared for a second wave! There are hundreds around Muskoka right now on Oct. 16.
##
Barbara Taylor
The Muskoka Bird Board: http://www.b2g3.com/boards/board.cgi?&user=MuskokaBirdBoard
In Reply to: Re: how to keep cats out of my yard posted by Wily Verdin on October 09, 2002 at 22:40:28:
I have and have previously had cats and love them.
This suggestion might help. I started to do this to ward off a neighbourhood cat from my yard using this technique but moved before I could prove the longevity of the effect. Cats are very sensitive to noise and will run for cover if scared. When you see any cats in your yard, take a couple of large steel pot lids and bang them together to make the largest noise possible as close as you can get to them. Try to surprise them. This won't damage the cat - but hopefully might give them a morbid fear to stay away. In other words, it might condition them to stay out of your yard. Any other fear tactics would probably work - not intending to inflict any harm but just to make your yard off-limits to them. Spraying them with the hose would probably be another very good technique as they hate to get wet. As an owner of outdoor cats, I would have NO issue with my neighbours using any such tactics to keep the cat off their property. In fact, I have invited them to.
Hello, In case it's of interest to anyone: I'm reporting the sighting of a Canada Goose in a flock of Canada geese which has a white head and speckled neck and an orange beek and legs. Other than that he looks like all the rest of the flock - size, shape and colouring of the body. The head is a bit bigger and the neck thicker and a bit shorter.
There is a white goose grazing with them at present as well. He's in a flock that is currently grazing down at Bronte Harbour in Southwest Oakville in Ontario.
In Reply to: Re: Commarants posted by Dave on October 15, 2002 at 10:16:18:
Cormorant (Commarants?) Noun:
"Large voracious dark-colored long-necked seabird with a distensible pouch for holding fish; used in Asia to catch fish." The Brits call them "Shags" (However. . .not to be confused with the Austin Powers' Shag). All of Dave's comments also apply. Happy Shagging (oops. . .did I say that? Oh, Behave)
Tony
Margaret Wente, in the Toronto Globe & Mail on the weekend, had an article that discussed the overabundance of geese in Toronto. It outlined a few expensive (and politically dangerous) solutions(?) to the problem. Vasectomies at $140 each!!!!?? Her idea was to just hit them with a shovel. While this was likely a tongue-in-cheek remark, it may not be far from the true feelings of many people (e.g. golf course owners?) Are there any "official positions" out there from outfits such as OFO, or is the subject too touchy for anyone to deal with?
In Reply to: Commarants posted by Ed on October 14, 2002 at 20:30:17:
In Ontario we usually see the double crested cormorant
who have dramatically increased their numbers in recent
years. So much in fact that commercial fisheries are
complaining that the cormorants are eating too much
fish. The bird itself is a long neck bird that suns (dries)
it wings by spreading them apart. When floating on the water,
many people confuse them with loons, while in the air
they look like a "t" They nest in large colonies along the great lakes
In Reply to: Re: Ravens posted by Mike Boyd on September 30, 2002 at 15:52:33:
Two years ago there was a family of Ravens that had a nest and babies on a old tower at Marmour Mines which is in Marmour east of Havelock off highway 7 last year the tower they nested on had collasped. Mike
Just curious, what are commarants ?
Are they an endangered species ?
In Reply to: Re: how to keep cats out of my yard posted by Wily Verdin on October 09, 2002 at 22:40:28:
Ah, the domestic cat. As the not-so-old adage states, "If you have a cat, it means you have a box of s*** in your house." Nice. The Audubon Society calculated a horrific statistic a few years back, concerning the loss of avian migrants to these (illegally: off-leash rules which apply to mutts are the same)utterly useless feline vermin, and believe me, the numbers are appalling. And we're not, if you're a 'speciesist,' talking about a few house sparrows here, either. Mr. Verdin has kindly supplied a site address which may prove useful; certainly a chat with the sad humans who harbour these man-made monsters (they're native to nowhere -- just a low-rent, artificially-selected descendant of the Abyssinian wild version)has about a 1% chance of making a difference, and I hope it proves useful. Perhaps a lovely bell on its collar, if it's got a collar. Of course, a well-made slingshot would be out of the question ... I might add that in urban areas, a cat around the hen-house is a cat with elevated lead levels in its body. A more humane approach, effectively applying the necessary 'aversion therapy' these creatures so desperately need at times, is the paint-ball gun, which fires water-based dye at reasonably low velocities and sends a message to even the most dense owner -- "Gee, Becky, did we have a pink and orange cat this morning?" as well as Fluffy and her new hair-do. Sure, they keep house mouse (another gift from abroad, courtesy of human negligence)populations manageable, if they're contained in an area of severe infestation, but these mutants must be restricted to sites where they're useful, if they're to be tolerated at all. Before the deluge of hate mail from "animal lovers," what do you feed the little darlin's? Oh, I get it -- you 'love' cats, but horses, cattle, sheep, pigs and whatever else fell into the grinder aren't quite so 'lovable.' Well, that makes sense. RG
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, October 13, 2002
The fall bird migration marches on with some good numbers of birds being checked off at prime observation points such as Prince Edward Point, Point Petre, and West Point. The BROWN PELICAN, discovered at Sandbanks Provincial Park on October 5th, did not turn up again, despite repeated searches through the early part of the week by numerous observers.
Reports coming in through the week verify that the kinglet season is definitely underway with large numbers of both species turning up across Prince Edward County. Both GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS dominated the scene during the week at Prince Edward Point, with 40 to 200 being banded most days. After a period of NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL inactivity at the banding station, the migration started to show some promise last weekend with 71 birds banded, and a further 34 being banded the following two nights during similar weather conditions. A rare yellow subspecies of PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea) turned up on Tuesday and was new to the Observatory banding list. Late OVENBIRDS were banded a week ago yesterday and on Thursday, and BROWN CREEPERS were still plentiful in the bushes and in the nets.
Birders at the Point on Friday chalked up a late OSPREY, juvenile BALD EAGLE, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, 3 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, and a late GREEN HERON. Also late for the year was a HOUSE WREN, seen at Little Bluff Conservation Area, west of Prince Edward Point. To offset the late departures, there was a sign of winter this past week with fairly early light morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, seen hovering over the fields at West Point, on October 6th.
TURKEY VULTURES continue to dominate the scene whenever kettles of raptors are observed. One observer at Sandbanks on Tuesday counted 385 during four hours of observing and another 33 in two kettles on Friday were counted at South Bay, and another 10 at Consecon. Hawks of interest seen during the week included MERLINS at Babylon Road (Oct. 9), Little Bluff (Oct. 11), and another along Ridge Road. An adult BALD EAGLE was seen over Adolphus Reach.
At Point Petre a heavy movement of sparrows was reported today with more than 200 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS present, and considerable numbers of WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and CHIPPING SPARROWS. EASTERN PHOEBES also continued to move steadily through this morning and into the afternoon. On Thursday, BROWN CREEPERS passed through and large numbers of CANADA GEESE passed over early in the week.
Large aggregations of blackbirds and EUROPEAN STARLINGS are being noted throughout the county, and increased numbers of AMERICAN ROBINS were observed through the week at both Picton (Ridge Road area) and also east of Lake-on-the-Mountain.
Other interesting reports to come in during the week included a NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW at Prince Edward Point yesterday, a COMMON SNIPE at West Point on Tuesday, GREAT BLUE HERON at Sheba's Island on Wednesday, along with 4 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS on Ridge Road and a BLUE-HEADED VIREO east of lake-on-the-Mountain during the week.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Lloyd Paul, Margaret Bain, David Okines (Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory), Bob Sachs, Don Craighead, Joe Victor, Rae O'Brien, Wynne Thomas, John & Margaret Moore, and Donnalyn & John Legate for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 20th. Bird reports must be received by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good birding!
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
In Reply to: pelicans? posted by Rob on October 10, 2002 at 19:10:17:
Actually American White Pelicans breed on the Lake of the Woods in Ontario near the Manitoba border and across the Prairies. The Brown Pelican is found near the ocean in North America. Similarly in South America I assume.
In Reply to: Prothonotary Warblers posted by Derrick Marven on October 10, 2002 at 19:12:29:
you can find good continental range maps at www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/framlst.html
In Reply to: Re: Prothonotary Warblers posted by Jim Richards on October 10, 2002 at 20:49:52:
Thanks Jim Derrick
In Reply to: Re: Turr - what is it? posted by Mark Cranford on October 10, 2002 at 17:36:01:
Rick, Mark is correct in his reply, but the name "turr" generally applies to both the Common and Thick-billed Murre, and yes, they are seabirds.
In Reply to: Prothonotary Warblers posted by Derrick Marven on October 10, 2002 at 19:12:29:
Derrick, A direct answer to your question about their status - 'endangered', and as to their numbers - about 22 breeding pairs.
In Reply to: Prothonotary Warblers posted by Derrick Marven on October 10, 2002 at 19:12:29:
Derrick, Bird Studies Canada has a terrific 6-page full colour factsheet on this very species, printed in 2001. Call them toll-free at 1-888-448-2473 or email: generalinfo@bsc-eoc.org
Hi There Birders,
I am looking for the most current status for Prothonotary Warblers in Ontario. How many pairs are there nesting, number of birds and so on.
We have just had a large influx of two birds here in B.C., maybe the same bird but a long way apart. But still the first live records for our Province.
Any info would be much appreciated. Cheers
Derrick
So we have pelicans in the province?! What gives? I thought they reiside near the ocean. How will they survive freshwater and cold winters? Where do they come from? What will they eat? Smelt? Alewife? I remember seeing pelicans in Greece a few years back. They were massive and quite docile. r
In Reply to: Turr - what is it? posted by Rick on October 10, 2002 at 15:14:06:
Common Murre although it probably could include other Newfoundland Alcids like Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill even Black Guillemot. I'd hope Dovekie would escape the Newfoundland palate
I'm reading a book called "Rare Birds" and it refers to "turr". I used to know what it is but can't remember now.
It's a seabird (or possibly a family of birds) that Newfies hunt and eat.
In Reply to: Re: Will Budgies survive winterÉ posted by susan on October 09, 2002 at 19:05:34:
I had a budgie in my yard along with dozens of other sparrows, juncos, etc. They all used the feeder and I see no reason for a budgie succumbing to the cold if it is well fed. But --- I watched a sharp-shinned hawk single out the budgie and chase it relentlessly, the budgie squawking louding as it dodged through the shrubbery across three yards and back. Do budgies taste better than sparrows, or was the hawk just curious to find out?
In Reply to: Re: Will Budgies survive winterÉ posted by Graham on October 09, 2002 at 21:53:31:
I have seen these birds on the corners of East Av
and Lawrence Av, usually on the north side.
In Reply to: how to keep cats out of my yard posted by susan on October 09, 2002 at 19:12:57:
Susan, here are 2 links with helpful info. Be politely persistent with your neighbors, they clearly need to be educated even though I'm sure they don't think so. The ABC has a good program to help combat this problem, give them articles and facts for their perusal and hopefully they will come around. Good luck! http://www.abcbirds.org/cats/catsindoors.htm
http://www.umd.umich.edu/dept/rouge_river/cats.html
In Reply to: Will Budgies survive winterÉ posted by Dave on October 09, 2002 at 09:38:31:
Could you be a little more specific on the location where you saw them. We currently have a budgie living with us that we rescued from a nearby park over a year ago.
I am so lucky to be on the migration path of birds that I feel like I've won the lottery! sadly my neighbours cats keep ruining the experiance. They insist that it's natural, despite my pointing out that domestic house cats are not natural to canada... nor is going into a warm house and eating pamper, after you've killed several birds - for sport. Vet cared for, well fed and ultra healthy the birds don't have a chance against these preditors... please suggest something.
In Reply to: Will Budgies survive winterÉ posted by Dave on October 09, 2002 at 09:38:31:
Not likely to survive... they are from the Austrailian grass lands which can be "cold" at night, but nothing like our seasons... Poor things.
Hi, near the Rouge Hills Go station,( eastern Scarborough), there
are 3 or 4 budgies (Budgerigar) flying free and I was wondering
on their chances of surviving Toronto`s harsh winter. Any thoughts
Hi all, I have a questions about Brown Creeper behaviours. There are a pair of Brown Creepers feeding in my backyard trees and at least one of them has come by my hanging bird feeder twice now, landed and taken off. It's happening so quickly I can't see if they are taking the sunflower hearts or not. If I sit too closely they won't come but from a distance I can't tell if they are just landing or actually feeding. Any advice out there on whether Brown Creepers eat from feeders? Thanks, Theresa
There seems to be a major movement of Golden Crowned Kinglets going on right now. The conifers down on the Esplanade (near Sherbourne) were full of them around 8.30am this morning, and if they are there, then they must be everywhere! Also, yesterday we helped one out of the revolving door at my office building at Yonge and York Mills near the 401. It was clinging to the the middle of the door - I wonder how many times it had gone round in circles?!
In Reply to: Where to buy a platform feeder? posted by Kirk Vetor on October 07, 2002 at 11:32:11:
you could probably build one in less than an hour. : )
I was planning to build a platform feeder this fall but I am quickly realizing that I don't/won't have the time. Does anyone know where I can purchase a large (i.e. 24" x 24") platform feeder with a roof? I live in Port Hope and would travel up to an hour to buy one. Thanks for the help. Kirk
I was planning to build a platform feeder this fall but I am quickly realizing that I don't/won't have the time. Does anyone know where I can purchase a larger (i.e. 24" x 24") platform feeder with a roof? I live in Port Hope and would travel up to an hour to buy one. Thanks for the help. Kirk
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, October 06, 2002
In Prince Edward County, whenever a new bird shows up, we always like to have two separate sightings the same year, just to make sure everyone is paying attention. The big news yesterday, of course, was the sighting of the juvenile BROWN PELICAN, seen by Belleville birder John Blaney. The bird was observed late in the afternoon in Athol Bay at Sandbanks Provincial Park, and was seen again a half hour later at nearby West Point. A search of the area by several birders today, including myself, failed to find the bird again. Another brown pelican was seen a month ago at Weller's Bay.
At Prince Edward Point 800 BLUE JAYS were tallied, along with 600 EUROPEAN STARLINGS moving through on Tuesday. The following day saw 45 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 50 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 2 COOPER'S HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS and 6 MERLINS. BLUE JAYS continued to move with a further 750 seen, and 200 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS and a juvenile RED-HEADED WOODPECKER were seen. The big day however was Thursday with 1,500 CANADA GEESE flying south, and a flock of 6 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. A late CAPE MAY WARBLER was banded, constituting the only fall banding record. A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was also banded, a very late YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER and a PINE WARBLER. There were lots of birds in the bushes with over 1,000 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS being the most obvious. Also present, but in lesser numbers were GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS (120), BROWN CREEPER (25), RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS (50), WESTERN PALM WARBLER (30), and 150 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS. The banding total at the end of this spectacular day stood at an impressive 436 birds, and only 20 birds short of being the best ever days banding total. The 270 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS that were banded were a day record for this species. Owling had been disappointing so far with only 10 NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS since the season began, but a large wave last night on light northwest winds brought in 71 owls, most of them second year birds. Today, 130+ kinglets were banded. Other highlights yesterday included 100 TREE SWALLOWS, and singles of SNOW GEESE and BRANT. A large movement of raptors resulted in 500 TURKEY VULTURES, 6 BALD EAGLES (all this year's), 550 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 20 COOPER'S HAWKS, 7 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, 7 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON and 2 late OSPREYS.
At Point Petre on Friday, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were the order of the day, among which were 2 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS of the Gambell's race (western). PEREGRINE FALCON and MERLIN were seen as were LINCOLN'S SPARROW, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, and WINTER WRENS. Other observers there found a GREAT EGRET last weekend, a major influx of DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 1,000 EUROPEAN STARLINGS and a late RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD.
Moving west to Sandbanks Provincial Park, observers there reported great birding (how can you top a brown pelican?) with 667 BLUE JAYS, TENNESSEE WARBLER, NORTHERN PARULAS, 100 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 9 GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSHES, and 2 YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS on Thursday. A raptor watch from atop one of the sand dunes produced 73 TURKEY VULTURES, 2 immature BALD EAGLES, 8 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 29 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 2 COOPER'S HAWKS, and 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS rounding off the day's total.
And at the other end of the Sandbanks, at Wellington Harbour, birds were hopping there too, with lots of CANADA GEESE, MALLARDS, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, RING-BILLED GULLS and CASPIAN TERNS, and small numbers of BLACK DUCKS and AMERICAN WIGEONS and at least one REDHEAD.
Other highlights within the county boundaries included RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS at a feeder at Pleasant Bay, AMERICAN WOODCOCK at West Point, lots of WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and GREATER SCAUP on Athol Bay today, RED-NECKED GREBE and 200 AMERICAN PIPITS at Sandbanks, RING-NECKED PHEASANT on Highway 33 west of Bloomfield, 2 COMMON RAVENS at Sandbanks, and 4 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS on Kleinsteuber Road.
At Depot Lakes Conservation Area today, there were 2 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS and tons of kinglets calling during an 8-km hike there in which 28 people took part. Other reports to come in from outside Prince Edward County included EASTERN BLUEBIRDS on Vanderwater Road at Thomasburgh, and one observer birding an area west of Gananoque prior to last weekend's Ontario Field Ornithologists meeting in Kingston, found LEAST BITTERN, 3 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 1 LINCOLN'S SPARROW and 3 LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Sid Hadlington, Sept. 28).
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to John Blaney (the pelican man), David Okines (Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory), Rae O'Brien, Cheryl Mound, Sid Haddlington, Helen Graham, Shirley & Ken Joyce, Matt Holder, Don Craighead, Wynne Thomas, John Moore, Donald McClure and David Bree. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 13th. Bird reports must be received by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good birding.
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding. At 4:45 this afternoon wile a small grope of die hard's stood their
ground in the strong south winds at the side of East port drive Alfred
Adamo yelled out " hear it comes " , and sheer a off after waiting for
10 hours for it ( not 10 mints like some had hoped) along came the Brown
Pelican ! it was seen flying straight down the Hamilton Harbour and we
all wachit it fly up and over the QEW and out over in to Lake Ontario .
By the time I got to the lake sied it could not be seen ??? But as I was about to live the foot of Brant st in Burlington I thought
I saw a bird way out by the wave tower that might have bin the B.P land
on the water ? so it still might be around !!!
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
Has anyone seen my baby. We are heartbroken, he's be gone 3 wks now. I live in east Toronto. A pet we cannot afford to replace, please anyone who know anything please email me. Thnx - also I can be called at work 416-326-3435 or at home after 5:30 416-698-3457. Thnx Sandy
This morning Oct.3 I was birding at Marie Curtis Park
down by the lake. Near the bridge I saw two white ducks.
One bigger than the other, obviously female and offspring.
Red beaks and yellow webbed feet. My birding book show
them as Muscovy ducks. As at the time I didnt know what
the male duck looked like I never looked around for it.
Where would they come from and are they Muscovy? Anyone
know? Thank you Pat Gangl. Marie Curtis Park.
West of Browns Line at Lakeshore Blvd.
Saw a flock of Canada Geese this morning travelling south on Dufferin Street (just north of Seneca College). There were between 500-1000 birds in the flock. I have been watching birds for years and I have to say this is the largest flock I have ever seen.
Yearsterday I decide to let the Brown Pelican come to me ( It did not show up
) and walk the bass land of the Leslie st spit ( or Tommy Thompson Park
) which is found on the east side of the Toronto Harbour at the foot of
Leslie st south of the Lake shore blvd . I did see some good Birds one I have only seen once on the spit before
in 12 years I have bin birding their and this was a ( 1) Sharp tailed
Sparrow ( see they do show up in other places other than Hamilton
hahaaa) it was found in the reeds on the east side of the bass near the
lake , also seen wear 2 Peregrine Falcon ( one imm and one adult female
)
3 Sharp shinned Hawks , 1 G.B.B.Gull and 7 Blue Jays . Also 220 Monarch wear seen along with 7 other species of butterflys !
not bad for the 1 of Oct. Craig
I have a grade 12 student who wants to voluteer his services in the field of birds. He has just returned from volunteering in a field study on penguins in South Africa. Hopefully it would not just be data entry, but he is willing to do some. Let me know if you any ideas.
In Reply to: Ravens posted by Rob on September 29, 2002 at 23:39:12:
I have a cottage in the Bruce Peninsula, and since the mid nineteen seventies Ravens have always been common in the upper Bruce, at least north of Lion's Head. At that time, I noticed that they shied away from settled areas, or were rather furtive around them. Even at dump sites, they fled quickly whenever people arrived. I think this is slowly changing. I see them more and more in open areas. I also read in a local newspaper that they have been spreading south to the base of the peninsula and are now nesting on the cliffs just north of Wiarton. I hope this is helpful. Don Baxter
My apologies to all who have tried in vain to look up the fall listing of Toronto Ornithological Club outings - due to a technical glitch, this was among the information lost from the TOC website recently, and I've only been able to repair it today as I have been out of town. Still coming up are all day trips to the Toronto Islands (October 5) and the western Lake Ontario shoreline (December 7). For details on these, see the outings section of the TOC website - which should be working smoothly again now! Marcel
In Reply to: Ravens posted by Rob on September 29, 2002 at 23:39:12:
Ravens usually dont venture much further south than the shield however they have been pushing further south every year, and I believe historically they occured throughout southern Ontario. Check out this link to see a map of where Ravens have been reported breeding for the atlas:
http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/map.jsp
Then under select species just find Common Raven, you can even compare the current atlas with the first one 20 years ago.
How far south are Ravens spotted at any given time of the year in Ontario? It seems that they rarely, if ever, venture south of the shield. Why do they appear to be confined to central and norhtern climes? Thanks, rob
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, September 29, 2002
Birds and birders were all over the place this past week, particularly on the weekend when more than 150 birders attended the Ontario Field Ornithologists Annual General Meeting, in Kingston. The convention included field trips to Amherst Island and Prince Edward Point on both days, resulting in a few good species found. There was a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO at Prince Edward Point on Saturday. BLACKPOLL WARBLERS, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS, and BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS were quite common, and an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was also found. Also seen were WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS and a lingering ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW. Amherst Island had a PEREGRINE FALCON and AMERICAN PIPITS.
Shorebirds continue to appear in the Quinte area. There were about a dozen species seen during the OFO convention. On Thursday, there were BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS heard on Main Duck Island, and there were least a dozen GREATER YELLOWLEGS in the lagoon area at the lighthouse at the extreme west end of the island. Another GREATER YELLOWLEGS was seen at the Prince Edward Point Harbour. There were two WHIMBRELS on Main Duck Island, and another was flushed from a field just west of our house at 23 Sprague Road, Big Island the following day.
Birding highlights at Point Petre during the week included 6 AMERICAN KESTRELS concentrated near the towers and a small passage of abut 50 BLUE JAYS today. There were also numerous EASTERN PHOEBES about today, and several flocks of SANDERLINGS, numbering about 30 to 40, were also seen during the week. The steady rain there Friday from the hurricane edge grounded a few birds. At one location south of Royal Road, just east of County Road 24, there was a concentration of 14 PALM WARBLERS, 3 BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS, COMMON YELLOWTHROATS and a variety of sparrows, including WHITE-THROATED, CHIPPING and LINCOLN'S. Raptors were present but appeared to be waiting out the storm. Seen were SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, a PEREGRINE FALCON and a MERLIN. An adult BALD EAGLE was flying westward at the Point at dawn. Another adult had been seen earlier, on Monday, and an immature was spotted on Tuesday.
Over at Sandbanks Provincial Park, West Point on Monday produced WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, 3 COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS and a WILD TURKEY. Four hours spent raptor watching from the nearby sand dunes produced 4 TURKEY VULTURES, a NORTHERN HARRIER, 51 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 4 COOPER'S HAWKS, 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS and 3 AMERICAN KESTRELS.
Down at Prince Edward Point on Wednesday, a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was seen (likely the same as Saturday's individual), and other highlights included HOUSE WREN, BROWN CREEPER, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS (8), GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSHES (7), SWAINSON'S THRUSHES (11) and two each of GRAY CATBIRD and BROWN THRASHER. There were eight species of warblers tallied, and highlights here were 2 ORANGE-CROWNED, 5 NASHVILLE, 6 MAGNOLIA and 1 BLACKPOLL. The Point Travers shoreline and woods produced 9 COMMON LOONS, 17 TURKEY VULTURES, 11 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and 3 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, along with 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS and an AMERICAN PIPIT.
Other good sightings during the week were an immature BALD EAGLE at Baker Island in the Bay of Quinte at Trenton, and a RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD that is still coming to a feeder at Sheba's Island, south of Bloomfield. At Black River, an OVENBIRD collided with a window, and close to 1,000 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS have been see regularly cruising the waters of the Bay of Quinte from Hay Bay, west to Weller's Bay. No banding summary came in this week from the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, but it is understood that banding of NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS commenced on September 16th, with the first one not caught until the 22nd, and two on the 24th. Banding of this nocturnal species of owl will continue until mid-November.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Pat York, Bruce Dilabio, Paul Mackenzie, Paul Thompson, Don Craighead, Matt Holder, David Bree, Wynne Thomas, John Moore and Bruce Ripley for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6th. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report. Good fall birding everyone!
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
Hi Come along to our Community page at www.globalwildlife.net and add your local favourite birding place to our online global database of places to see wildlife - local nature reserve, national park, whale-watching point, sea-watching vantage point, forest trail - large or small, we'd love to have you share it with all our other visitors Hope to see you david@globalwildlife.net
In Reply to: West Nile question posted by Don Peuramaki on September 25, 2002 at 07:36:23:
Hello, everyone ... I've been following the discussions on this board with great interest indeed! It seems probable to me that the virus or viruses in question would be no match for the extremely acidic environments in the GI tracts of the creatures mentioned, and the whole question of Culex spp. as vectors of zoonoses (Dont get me started on Anopheles! Don't you dare!) brings to mind a story from my early days as an amateur naturalist. As I recall, I was recovering from a brutal crocodile attack in a hospital in Durban -- well, the crocs didn't attack me in the hospital, but the nurses at my current hospital are pestering me to get to the 'med cart,' so I'm a little rushed today -- when I noticed that, whenever the attending physician would check in on me, he appeared to be looking over my shoulder when he spoke. The nurses did this too. Quite unsettling. Finally after they'd sewn my other leg back on and reset my greater trochanter so that it wasn't protruding from my eye socket, I asked the young medico why he never looked me in the face. He was so startled, he jumped back in his chair, which unfortunately for him was set on casters, and crashed through the emergency door leading to the stairwell on the 19th floor of the hospital. The screams of anguish and horror, punctuated by the sound of breaking bones and furniture echoed down the stairwell, upsetting the entire staff as well as yours truly. It turned out that I had somehow picked up a tick of some sort on the side of my neck as I hurriedly gathered my body parts from the underbrush, the ghastly snapping of those frightful reptilian jaws speeding me along, let me tell you, and this tiny eight-legged denizen of the overhanging foliage latched on. And grew.
It was actually bigger than my head after three days, and the care-givers thought my real head some sort of benign cyst or something. Well, the doctor survived, although he now is employed by the Johannesburg Circus in a somewhat different capacity, and I had the bothersome tick cauterized to a fine vapour that very evening. I was released the next day, and, while crossing the street to buy a newspaper, was promptly mowed down by a drunken rug merchant on a speeding dik-dik.
In Reply to: West Nile question posted by Don Peuramaki on September 25, 2002 at 07:36:23:
Hi Don, You would think that this would hold true. Direct diet of insects to th absorbtion process in some way would effect blood. If I hear of anything I will let you know.
In Reply to: Volunteer work posted by Jeff Groves on September 25, 2002 at 00:06:54:
Jeff, email me with your request. There might be something here at the conservation authority for you.
Has anybody done research on the impact of West Nile on mosquito eating birds (flycatchers, warblers)? Are these birds at risk from eating mosquitoes, or only from being bitten by them (like other birds)? I guess the same question applies to bats and dragonflies.
Hello I am a 17 year old student in Toronto, I attend school at City Alternative School and I have to do community serve for my Environmental Studies course. This summer I Got to go down to South Africa and helped my uncle with his Research Project, his project is funded by Earth Watch, the main objective of his project is to find more efficient ways of banding African Penguins. I really enjoyed working with the penguins. I have loved birds and I am hoping to eventually do a PHD on penguins. So I thought it would be fit if I did volunteer work with birds. So if you need anyone needs help please let me know. And if you know any one that is looking for help could you please give me there Email or a phone number that I’d be able reach them at.
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, September 22, 2002
And the migrants, they come....... Hawk watching, for the most part, has been very good in Prince Edward County. An observer at Sandbanks on Monday rounded up 282 raptors in just under six hours of observing. Among the more noteworthy were 1 OSPREY, 1 imm BALD EAGLE, 204 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 8 COOPER'S HAWKS, MERLIN, 20 AMERICAN KESTRELS and a PEREGRINE FALCON. There were also 3 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS seen with the kettles; however, a kettle of about 80 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS was seen by another observer at Lake-on-the-Mountain the same day. Another three hours of observing the following day at Sandbanks yielded fewer numbers, about 51 raptors. Activity at Point Petre has also been good with significant numbers of AMERICAN KESTRELS and SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS passing through today, along with a COOPER'S HAWK and several other species in lesser numbers.
There was no report received on the activity from the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory banding station; however, observers there on Monday reported a fallout of warblers comprising some 19 species. Among them were 60 BLACKPOLL WARBLERS, 20 NASHVILLE WARBLERS, 6 BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS, 5 TENNESSEE WARBLERS, and one each of OVENBIRD, PINE WARBLER as well as a CONNECTICUT WARBLER.
Low water on the shorelines, combined with copious amounts of algae has resulted in good shorebird watching, something that is usually rare in the area, compared with such famed shorebird watching focal points as Presqu'ile. About a dozen species were present during the week at Prince Edward Point with RUDDY TURNSTONE, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, 120 SANDERLINGS, and both LESSER (50) and GREATER (3) YELLOWLEGS. On Friday, there were 2 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, 29 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, a RUDDY TURNSTONE, and 62 SANDERLINGS.
Numbers of waterfowl are starting to show up in some local waters. Largest of these was a raft of 1,000 off Sandbanks Provincial Park on Wednesday, although too far away to identify. Closer to shore, 12 HORNED GREBES, 4 COMMON MERGANSERS, and 18 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were checked off. Elsewhere, there was HORNED GREBE at Point Traverse, and 80 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS in Soup Harbour.
At Sheba's Island, there are still RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS patronizing feeders there as of today, and others were reported from Smith's Bay. Other noteworthy sightings around the county this past week included PILEATED WOODPECKER, YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK at Sandbanks; LITTLE GULL and 100 BONAPARTE'S GULLS at Prince Edward Point; PALM WARBLERS and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at Point Traverse; AMERICAN PIPIT along the shore west of the Prince Edward Point CWS property; BALD EAGLE at Point Petre; SAVANNAH SPARROWS and CHIPPING SPARROWS at Smith's Bay; 8 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS on Royal Road; 25 WOOD DUCKS and 14 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS at Beaver Meadow; and a GREAT HORNED OWL at Big Island. While gulls and cormorants don't always manage to make it in print, one observer on Wednesday noticed hundreds of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, BONAPARTE'S GULLS and RING-BILLED GULLS, all mixed together in the Bay of Quinte, off the Norris Whitney Bridge, a spectacle which he described as "looking like salt and pepper" on the bay.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Don Craighead, Paul Mackenzie (through OntBirds), John and Margaret Moore, Wynne Thomas, Don Chisholm and Lloyd Paul for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29th. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report.
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding. Sorry for the light post I just woke up Yesterday Tim Foran ,Tom Thomas and my self tuck the drive down to Hawk
Cliff to see what wood fly by with the wrong winds ,We picket the right
day (this being my first time their ) for it was their open house and
their was a good number of birds pass by ( see previously posted #)
thanks to all for their hospitality . On our way back we stop in to Long Point to see if we could find some
Warblers what we came up with at the banding station, Prairie Warbler
1,Magnolia , Palm warbler and A. Redstart . But at Big Creek March some high lights wear, Snowy Egret 1, Sandhill
Cranes 4 (1 juv.) , Bald Eagle 1 adult , A. Bittern 1 , their wear lots
of W. Snipe and 4 N. Harrier. But in on the hole day ( and we counted every one we saw) we could only
find 18 A.Crows!? Long point is found south of Simcoe follow # 24 south to # 59 and again
south to the point .
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
would anyone know what kind this pair might be? orange bills and feet. one was a very pale caramel colour with beautiful white eyebrow and cheek. the white contined down the underside of the neck to the chest and below. the other duck was also pale with speckled chest and below, paler wings with black markings and an darker back. the head and neck light tannish brown.
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding.
To day 6 hawk watchers braved the hot south- south west wind and sun ,to
be given the wonderful experience of good conversions and of cores
amazingly some hawks to look at , Truly I think we had to much time on our hands! But we did have from
11:00 am to 2:00 pm have 8 sharp shin Hawks and at 1:58 a Peregrine
falcon .. And as I said a lot of good conversation !!!! High Park hawk wach is found on the site (Hawk Hill) located on a
small hill at the north end
of the Grenadier Restaurant parking lot.hear in Toronto Craig.S.A.McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
In Reply to: Broadwings through Toronto? posted by Theresa Dobko on September 18, 2002 at 15:17:06:
Apparently the South Michigan Raptor Research watch site had 71,000 Broad-winged Hawks yesterday, so it appears a great bulk of the migration has passed by here on an inland route without getting pinned up against the Lake Ontario/Lake Erie shore-based watch sites by suitable periods of north or northwest winds. Many of them found suitable winds on which to go around us. Undoubtedly some birds will still pass by High Park on the next favourable winds, but I suspect numbers this fall will likely be below the long term average.
Does anyone know, given the lack of NW winds, whether the big Broadwing movement has gone through (undetected by me obviously) or whether there is still a chance for a large push when the winds are next from the north? Many thanks,
In Reply to: Re: West Nile Virus posted by Mike Boyd on September 17, 2002 at 22:54:40:
One might presume that Old World birds did not spontaneously acquire such an immunity but rather developed it in response to an increasing exposure as will hopefully be the case in eastern Europe and our own hemisphere.
An aquaintance of mine recently asked me about an intriguing bird behaviour her father had observed. He spreads mothballs on his garden to keep squirrels away, and he's observed birds picking up the mothballs and rubbing them on their feathers. My best guess is that this is homologous to "anting" and presumably helps control mites or other pests. I wonder how the birds would learn that using mothballs works, though, if this is the case. Does anybody have any other theories? Joel Kits
jkits@uoguelph.ca
In Reply to: Re: West Nile Virus posted by Glenn Coady on September 17, 2002 at 15:06:46:
I believe the reason why West Nile has not caused widespread damage in the Old World is because that is where it originated and the birds there have acquired at least some sort of resistance to it. However I am not sure how non-migratory birds in Europe have reacted to it though. Mike Boyd
In Reply to: West Nile Virus posted by Craig Mclauchlan on September 17, 2002 at 14:45:45:
Craig, Yes, West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Bald Eagle. The list you are referring to is posted on the web site of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/birdspecies.htm I would assume this list is very incomplete and that by now the vast majority of North American bird species have had at least some exposure to West Nile Virus in some portion of their ranges. Undoubtedly you are correct that there will be some effects on bird numbers which we might play a role in detecting and quantifying with ongoing organized, systematic bird counts. As West Nile Virus did not systematically wreak widespread havoc in the Old World on bird species' populations, perhaps we might have reason to stay optimistic that such will be the case here also. Recents calls for widespread use of pesticides for mosquito control in some jurisdictions will likely pose a graver consequence for birds (and people!).
In Reply to: Re: West Nile Virus posted by Marcel Gahbauer on September 17, 2002 at 15:01:05:
As I suspected, I've forgotten how to format links here - there are too many different systems! I'll try again with a different method...
In Reply to: West Nile Virus posted by Craig Mclauchlan on September 17, 2002 at 14:45:45:
Yes, Bald Eagles have been killed - in general it seems that mortality is higher among raptors than other birds, though at the same time, it appears that almost all families are vulnerable to some extent. I will try to include links below to the list of species killed, and a news release from the Raptor Center in Minnesota ... in case I mess up the formatting and the links don't work, just copy and paste the URL's to access the pages. Species list: [url]http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/birdspecies.htm[/url] News release: [url]http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/content.asp?page=1028[/url]
In Reply to: Re: High Park B.Eagles today posted by Glenn Coady on September 17, 2002 at 09:32:18:
Has West Nile Virus bin found in B Eagles yet?
I have bin trying to find a list of the 111 speeches
That it has bin found in but have not found it yet?? I do no that we are in for some changes in numbers
Of birds in the futcher!
In Reply to: birds in october posted by Jim Cobb on September 17, 2002 at 10:28:17:
Jim, I'm afraid that October is likely to be too late for hummingbirds, though nothing of course is impossible. Once you arrive in Toronto, check the Toronto Ornithological Club's hotline (416-350-3000 x 2293) for news about birds currently in the area. If you are free on October 5, I would recommend that you take part in the TOC outing to the Toronto Islands (details at www.torontobirding.ca under "outings"). If you can't join the group, I'd still recommend visiting the islands at some point as they are one of the best places to go in October - but with the group you would have a much better chance of finding some of the species thanks to the experience of the leader and other participants (in terms of familiarity with the islands, as much as the birds). There won't be too many "summer migrants" by that time, but you still have a chance for a good half-dozen warblers, a variety of sparrows, some late thrushes, etc. Other spots that are definitely worth checking out are High Park (especially for the hawk watch commented on elsewhere on this board - generally best on days with northwest winds), Humber Bay Park (30 minutes west of downtown on the Queen streetcar), and the Leslie Street Spit (aka Tommy Thompson Park, depending on what maps you're looking at). If there are any other specific species you're interested in seeing beside hummingbirds, let us know and we may be able to help. Good birding, Marcel
In Reply to: Quinte Area Bird Report posted by Terry Sprague on September 15, 2002 at 20:26:42:
I'll be visiting Toronto in October from Scotland and am curious as to where Quinte Area is in relation to Toronto,how far away and if accessible by public transport.Can you help? Thanks Jim Cobb
I will be visiting Toronto from 4-18 October from Scotland and was hoping someone could tell me what I might expect to see and where to see it.I am especially interested in hummingbirds,is there any remote chance there might still be any around and if so where?What about other summer migrants? I will probably be confined to places reachable by public transport so any suggestions?Thanks a lot Jim Cobb
In Reply to: High Park B.Eagles today posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 16, 2002 at 16:28:02:
Seven Bald Eagles is an impressive total for the day - wish I could have been there! Perhaps the watch is poised for its best fall yet for Bald Eagle numbers. Hopefully these birds migrate late enough in the season to minimize any additional exposure to West Nile Virus.
In Reply to: Re: Hawk Watching at High Park posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 12, 2002 at 18:26:59:
I think the number of people at this site who really care about this non-issue has dwindled to one rather touchy individual. Inane.
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding.
To day at High Park I was privy to see 6 of the 7 Bald Eagles for the day , As with the B. Eagles last week the times wear provide by my watch (witch my watchmaker keeps to perfect time with a tune up ever 6 months, treated better than my car ) and I also did the aging of this birds # 1 adult 11:35 # 2 adult 12:20 # 3 & 4 Juv. birds 1:08 # 5& 6 3rd year 1:11 birds . I apologize ( well not rely ) for giving the counter the flight times on both days from my watch destroying any chance of synchronous times of birds seen downtown . Craig
In Reply to: Re: Hawk Watching at High Park posted by Don Peuramaki on September 16, 2002 at 06:32:09:
Let us review: Don has provided his usual cogent explanation for my original contention that, while tempting to assume, it is by no means certain that raptors seen at Queen's Park are necessarily going to be seen at High Park. Having been to High Park in the interim, I found that the timepiece being used to correlate with data collection there was within 15 seconds of synchrony with that which I have been using since Wednesday. As Marcel clearly understands, any individual Bald Eagle purportedly covering the 4.7 km distance between Queen's Park and High Park in the span of one minute likely did so with help from a tornado or a Cruise missile. Our new-found anonymous "wily" correspondent is far too easily impressed by decidedly basic mathematics and clearly is not the most diligent fact-checker. You see, while I am thankful for his voluntary work in providing this forum, I think it is going to be very difficult for Andy Rubaszek and I to become good friends before we have actually ever met each other. That consummate entertainer himself, Robert Goulet, has taken time out from his busy rehearsal schedule for his week-long run in "South Pacific" in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to let us know how entertaining he finds this thread. That guy is just so giving - dang, I love it when he sings Leslie Bricusse's and Anthony Newly's "What Kind of Fool Am I?".
In Reply to: Leslie st spit birds Sept 14 2002 posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 15, 2002 at 05:24:33:
I was also out on the spit on Saturday, and I had a wonderful day. I found warblers virtually everywhere I walked. The best spot was the bush and trees off to the right on the other side of the bridge. I found Northern Parulas, Nashville Warblers, Black Throated Greens, Black Throated Blues (lots) Black and White, Blackburnian, Red Starts (females only) Bay Breasted, Common Yellow Throat, Chestnut-Sided, Magnolia, and the first Palms of the fall. There were a number of yellow breasted, bars on wings that I couldn't nail down.
I also found a number of shore birds, since the water has dropped significantly. Shorebirds included Semiplamated Plovers (4), Semiplamated Sandpipers (1), Least Sandpipers (4), Lesser Yellow Legs (1).
I also found some immature Rose Breasted Grosbeaks in two locations, a Least Fly Catcher, and 3 species of Vireos (Philadelphia, Red Eye, and Warbling).
I kept flushing the Coopers Hawk, or there were more than one. I also couldn't find an Egret. Truly a bumber crop of Mutes.
The highlight came while eating lunch at the triangle pond. Terry (a veteran of the spit) joined me and we were debating what kind of Mergansers were on the pond (I agreed with Terry that they were Female Hooded), and we were waiting for the Pied-billed grebe to make another surfacing when first one, then a second Sora came darting out of the reeds to scavenge for food not 15 feet away from us. The male displayed his white fan of a tail, and the female nervously darted back and forth over the bare spot between the bulrushes. We watched them for 15 minutes or so. A real treat!
In Reply to: Re: Hawk Watching at High Park posted by Marcel Gahbauer on September 14, 2002 at 13:14:42:
A note re:flightpaths of buteos & eagles over Toronto. There are at least three major flight lines taken by buteos over Toronto that I'm aware of, and these intersect at various locations (depending on wind direstion, speed and time of day). The first is along the lakeshore (preferred by accipiters and falcons?). The second is along Danforth/Riverdale/U of T (this one sometimes gets even more buteos than High Park though never as many accipters, except maybe stronger flying Goshawks later in the season). The third is along Eglinton/Sunnybrook, etc. Another, more northerly route goes over Downsview (I don't know much about this one). Then there are many crossover points, or nodes, where concentrations occur: High Park can get birds coming from the Islands plus birds from the Bloor path, Riverdale gets birds coming from the bluffs along Danforth, birds coming down the Don Valley from the Eglinton route, and birds coming up from the lakeshore. They will often kettle in large numbers over the Riverdale/viaduct "bowl" before choosing whether to head towards High Park, or Saint Clair/Lambton Woods (Clive Goodwin used to get major flights over Lambton, which I suspect were combinations of Riverdale and Eglinton birds, and the first official hawk counts used to take place at the Imperial Oil building on St. Clair many years ago). So, to muddy the waters, Glenn Coady's eagle probably flew over High Park but it may have chosen to head towards Lambton (or another route altogether).
I visited Col Sam Smith Park this morning and found a nice assortment of fall warblers: There were surprisingly few Monarch butterflies for this time of year: only a dozen or so. There were large groups (flocks?) of dragonflies in a couple of spots: mainly Black Saddlebags, with smaller numbers of Green Darner, and a single Twelve-spotted Skimmer. BB
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, September 15, 2002
It was an almost unbelievable week for rarities in Prince Edward County, and most seemed to gravitate toward Sprague Road at Big Island on the north side of the county for some peculiar reason. In addition to a CAROLINA WREN that appears sporadically at the south end of Sprague Road, the north end was treated to a juvenile SABINE'S GULL on September 14th. The bird was observed along the north shore of the island for several minutes before it headed east and disappeared. Two days earlier, a male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen with a small flock of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS that descended onto our lawn at 23 Sprague Road.
Elsewhere in the county, this writer is currently following up on two reports of a well described male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD that appeared recently at feeders located at Point Petre, and a few days later, at Wellington, a distance of 24 km as the hummingbird flies. Independent Rare Bird Report forms are being written by the observers of this bird.
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS are still in good supply and numerous sightings have come in this week from Sheba's Island, Main Duck Island, Bloomfield, Picton, Wellington, and areas in between. They will likely begin thinning out by the end of next week as they migrate south.
An observer at Sandbanks Provincial Park had a reasonably successful day monitoring raptors from the top of one of the sand dunes in the west half of the park on Wednesday (116 in 5 hours) and Thursday 73 in 3 hours). Seen Wednesday were 4 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 OSPREY, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 79 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, and 31 AMERICAN KESTRELS. Tallied the following day were 5 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 OSPREY, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 59 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPER'S HAWK, 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS (imm), and 3 AMERICAN KESTRELS.
Another observer monitoring the bird life in the Point Petre area came across an AMERICAN KESTREL chowing down copious numbers Common Green Darners (Anax junius). Also seen in the area were 33 juvenile and adult WILD TURKEYS at Simpson Road and Army Reserve Road.
Across the Prince Edward County border, a Trenton resident found an immature SNOW GOOSE in with a gaggle of 100 CANADA GEESE, along Fraser Road, 3 km west of the city. The Moira River, off Canifton Road, just south of the 401 at Belleville on Wednesday, produced 3 GREEN HERONS, and a GREATER YELLOWLEGS was found along the river just east of Highway 37, north of the 401.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to John Charlton, Joanne Dewey, Lloyd Paul, Don Craighead, Matt Holder, Bill Vloeberghs, John Moore, and Madeline Kimmett for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 22nd. Bird sightings must be in by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening to be included in the next report.
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
In Reply to: Leslie st spit birds Sept 14 2002 posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 15, 2002 at 05:24:33:
This should have reed Nesting record ! opps so sorry ! Craig Also not seen wear any of the family of Great Egrets which wear ( at
lest the last time I saw them ) successful in rearing 3 young for the
first ever record for this speeches in the GTA .
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding.
To day ( Sept. 14 2002 ) Bev, Carol Horner and my self braved the fog and did a walk out on the Leslie st spit , bird numbers wear low with only 21 speeches being seen ( compared with 11 speeches of Butterflies ) some Hi lights wear Great Blue Heron 5 , Magnolia Warbler 1,
Redstart 1 , Mute Swan 37 , Great Black - backed gull 2 ,Coopers Hawk 1 and a family of Gold finch with 3 new born in the nest . Look as hard as we could we could not see the
Long Tall duck that was seen on the east side of the base earlier in the week , Also not seen wear any of the family of Great Egrets which wear ( at lest the last time I saw them ) successful in rearing 3 young for the first ever record for this speeches in the GTA .
The spit is found at the end of Leslie st and south of the Lake shore Blvd , it is opine to the public only on weekends and holidays .
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
In Reply to: Re: Hawk Watching at High Park posted by Wily Verdin on September 14, 2002 at 11:38:47:
I find Mr. Coady's censusing precision and remarkable calculations most entertaining. Please do not dissuade him from further outbursts. Thanks. RG
In Reply to: Re: Hawk Watching at High Park posted by Wily Verdin on September 14, 2002 at 11:38:47:
I don't see why personal politics need to enter into this. If the eagle seen by Glenn was in fact one of those that passed over High Park, then it seems quite reasonable to expect that the 11-minute travel period is a better match than one minute (assuming that time-keeping at both ends was more or less accurate). Even if off by a couple of minutes (i.e. up to a three minute gap), the poor bird would have needed nearly hurricane force winds to make the trip that quickly. But as has been pointed out, we can't even be sure that the downtown eagle ever passed over High Park - there are lots of details about the flight paths of all the raptors which we don't really know yet.
In Reply to: Re: Hawk Watching at High Park posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 14, 2002 at 08:53:31:
Bravo Craig! Don't be "afraid" to hold your
ground! I wonder how long it took Glenn to calculate those flight velocities? What about windspeed and direction, were they constant for the specified interval of time? I wonder what other assumptions were made? Maybe the eagle stopped for a coffee at Hart House, who knows?
Hang in there, there are many who enjoy your posts. This one may not last long, as Glenn and Andy are good friends. I wish I could make the hawkwatch on Sunday, sounds like there will be an interesting mix of people. Later!
In Reply to: Re: Hawk Watching at High Park posted by Glenn Coady on September 13, 2002 at 14:14:37:
I think your assumption could just as easily be off and
with wind gust up to 60Km on the day I do not think
that one should safely consider that possibility unlikely. Bald Eagle are incredible strong flyers and it wood not
be beyond their skill to travel great distant in short lengths
of time also I am quite sheer that our time pieces are not
synchronous..! Craig
In Reply to: Re: Hawk Watching at High Park posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 12, 2002 at 18:26:59:
It is tempting to assume that any Bald Eagle seen over Queen's Park would likely pass over Hawk Hill in High Park and be observed as well - but it is not a certainty by any means. However, assuming the Bald Eagle I observed WAS one of those, I would expect it would be the bird at 1:20 (11 minutes after the Queen's Park sighting) rather than the bird seen 1 minute later. Assuming synchronous time-keeping at the two locations (not a safe assumption) 11 minutes between the two observation points would translate into an average 26 km/hr transit - about right for what I observed, I expect. One minute between the two obserevation points would suggest an average wing-shattering 282 km/hr transit. I think we can safely consider that possibility unlikely.
In Reply to: Re: Hawk Watching at High Park posted by Marge Kelvin on September 12, 2002 at 18:10:30:
This sounds reminiscent of an earlier post of yours - seems your sense of balance could use some improvement :-) Dare I ask what other birds may have caused you to fall from elevated perches?
In Reply to: Re: Common Nighthawk migration posted by Craig McLauchlan on August 29, 2002 at 18:49:32:
finaly last night we had 1 nighthawk migrating through
our back yard north of high park . Craig
In Reply to: Re: Hawk Watching at High Park posted by Glenn Coady on September 11, 2002 at 14:32:27:
if this wear the same birds it tuck 1 mint to get
to High Park , for the first Bald Bald Eagle came
over at 1:10 pm the second folowed at 1:20 also was
a adult the next was a first year bird , and I do not
know what the 4 was. Craig
In Reply to: Re: Hawk Watching at High Park posted by Glenn Coady on September 11, 2002 at 14:32:27:
Oh, what a ghastly time to be in the hospital ... you can appreciate my frustration upon reading about the current buteo movement in the Toronto area! I'm hoping to procure an "Accompanied Pass" on Sunday, and high Park, of course, will be my destination. Usually, I avoid the crowds of people (another of my numerous phobias; don't get me started on that!), but for hawk-watching, it's so helpful to have the 'pros' around ... I'll be the lady with the bag of turnips and the stuffed rabbit. I remember, many years ago, before the madness descended upon me like blow flies on a freshly-dead marmot, standing in the Hawk Tower near Kingsville and marvelling at the expertise of the veterans -- a dot in the sky was a Peregrine, they said, and sure enough, it was. Then, unfortunately, a swarm of southbound Ruby-throated Hummingbirds crashed into my face -- a Hitchcockian moment that even now strains my waning credulity -- I tumbled over the railing, and amid much shouting and shrieking from the helpless onlookers, plummeted earthward, violently demolishing the hatchback of a '78 Ford Pinto, which (predictably) exploded. Fortunately, the wooden tower was untouched by the flames, but I spent the next eight months in the burn unit of a now-defunct hospital. But I'll never forget that Peregrine Falcon. Never. Marge
In Reply to: Hawk Watching at High Park posted by Theresa Dobko on September 11, 2002 at 08:15:24:
In fact, on today's brisk north winds I observed an adult Bald Eagle (at 1:09 p.m.), 11 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1 Northern Harrier and 86 Broad-winged Hawks (34 in a single kettle) between 12:45 and 1:20 from Queen's Park Circle and Grosvenor St. I suspect there is going to be a fairly good movement today. GC
For those of you who don't know, the next fews days should bring the largest push of hawks migrating south, including a day or two where Broadwing Hawks migrate through in the thousands. One of the best spots to see this happen is from "Hawk Hill" in High Park. Binoculars are enough to see the show but a scope is also helpful. For the next few weeks there will be people there every day. Starting today, Wednesday, any day where there are northwest winds, or winds from the north in general, there will be large numbers of birds. On any given day you might see hundreds or over a thousand. On the big Broadwing day(s), the number often rises over 10,000. The best way to ensure seeing the "big day" is to start going today, and every day you can when the winds are right, starting from around 10 in the morning, sometimes until as last as 6 p.m. Directions: go to High Park and the Grenadier Restaurant parking lot about 1/3 the way south into the park. From the parking lot you will see a mound and a sign for Hawk Hill -- also lots of people standing around staring up at the sky and happily shouting out numbers. It's a good place for beginners and advanced alike and you will learn a great deal about raptor identification. Good birding
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Monday, September 09, 2002
There has been a fair bit of stuff moving through Prince Edward County over the past two weeks. At Prince Edward Point, things have been generally very quiet. Hawks moving through on Wednesday included 16 TURKEY VULTURES, 97 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 62 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 130 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, a few BROAD-WINGED HAWKS, and a single RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. Warblers passing through during the past two weeks included some 11 species with MAGNOLIA, and BLACKPOLLS being the most abundant There was a MOURNING WARBLER banded on August 29th, and an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was present on Friday, NORTHERN PARULA on August 28th, and a WESTERN PALM WARBLER on Wednesday.
Shorebird numbers remained scattered, as they usually do in the county. There have been up to 20 LESSER YELLOWLEGS on Main Duck Island (Sept. 5 & Sept. 9), one of them happily feeding in a viscid yellow pool of 150+ rotting carp that had become trapped in a lagoon beside the lighthouse, and which dried up last week. Birders go where the birds are. There were 33 LESSER YELLOWLEGS seen west of the Prince Edward Point lighthouse on Monday, and a WHIMBREL was on the beach at Prince Edward Point on August 27th, along with 2 RUDDY TURNSTONES today.
Other interesting birds to have turned up at Prince Edward Point in the last few days were NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (today) BLUE-HEADED VIREO, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, HERMIT THRUSH, 5 BALD EAGLES (Monday), and a RED-THROATED LOON on August 31st. There was a COOPER'S HAWK in the area on Thursday.
Elsewhere in the county, 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS flew over a residence on County Road 1, northwest of Bloomfield, and another 15 were counted at Prince Edward Point on August 25th, followed by 30 the following night. Birds seen in the Albury area, east of Carrying Place, early last week, included CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, WILSON'S WARBLER and AMERICAN REDSTART, along with PHILADELPHIA, WARBLING and RED-EYED VIREOS. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen at Prince Edward Point on August 26th.
There was an OSPREY at Black River early in the week, NORTHERN FLICKERS at Sheba's Island, SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS at Sandbanks Provincial Park, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at Albury, and AMERICAN WIGEON at Fish Lake. At Main Duck Island today, there were small flocks of SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, BELTED KINGFISHERS, both GREEN HERON and GREAT BLUE HERON, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, CASPIAN TERNS, and numerous gulls comprising BONAPARTE'S, HERRING, RING-BILLED and GREAT BLACK BACKED. A well marked BROAD-WINGED HAWK flew over the John Foster Dulles cabin site, and an early single RUSTY BLACKBIRD was seen along the north shore of the island.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County. Our thanks to David Okines of the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, John Moore, Bruce Ripley (OntBirds), Don Craighead, Rae O'Brien, Mia Lane, Nancy Fox and Mark Larratt-Smith for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated again once enough material comes in to warrant doing so.
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
Thank You for your quick replies It is a Cedar waxwing chick. I could not find any sign of any other Cedar waxwings or nest etc. However the chick is thriving and I hope to release it safely as soon as possible.
GL
In Reply to: Re: Found Fledgling posted by Theresa on September 07, 2002 at 16:41:05:
Hi Gary Yes. . .Theresa has it right. Your baby bird is a Cedar Waxwings. They are late nesters, and it is not uncommon to find them actively nesting in September. However, I must warn about finding what appears to be orphaned young. With many species, it is normal for partly developed young to leave the nest before they can fly with full strength. When this occurs, the parents are usually nearby, continuing their feeding and care. Most advise on this subject recommends to watch from a distance making sure that they do not come into danger, and that parents return with food. If the bird appears abandoned after a day, then intervention is warranted. Here are some websites that offer good advise on this subject: http://www.webbedworks.com/messingerwoods/babybirds.htm http://www.rockisland.com/~whollow/finding/spicific_guide.html http://www.starlingcentral.net/wildbabybirds.htm http://www.geocities.com/drosera123/fledglings.htm ___________________________________________
This site thoroughly explains the fledgling cycle: http://www.webbedworks.com/messingerwoods/quickreference.htm Good Luck Tony
Last night (Sept. 6) I counted 187 Common Nighthawks passing by the Keele & Bloor area. It would appear the bulk of these birds are passing through a little later than usual this year.
In Reply to: Found Fledgling posted by Gary LeDrew on September 07, 2002 at 15:10:25:
Hi Gary, I thought from your description the fledgling might be a Cedar Waxwing and from the photos on your site it's definitely a Cedar Waxwing. Good luck with rehabilitating the bird.
In Reply to: Crows & West Nile Virus posted by Nick Avery on September 06, 2002 at 21:37:49:
I live in the area you do, work in Clarkson and visit Toronto on the weekends. I haven't seen a crow since returning from vacation near the end of August.
Hi
I found a fledgling and am working with a rescue lady to save it.
We are having trouble identifying it.
could you have a look?
Pictures are here
http://groups.msn.com/GaryLeDrew/pictures.msnw
It has yellow tail tips and very small red feathers in wing tips
thank you
Gary LeDrew
Uxbridge Ontario
905-852-3625
comgar@canada.com
About 10 days ago at least three dead crows were found in this area of Oakville (3rd Line & Rebecca.) Since then the number of crows in our area has dropped dramatically. In the past week we have not had a crow around our property. The last time this happened was in Oct 1996, & before that, Feb 1991. Has anyone else seen a major change in the number of crows in their area? Have all the crows died, or just moved on? For the record we have had a dead Blue Jay, Chickadee & House Sparrow all in this area. They may not all be WNV, but I move inside at sundown!
In Reply to: Common Grackle migration posted by Maeve Barham on September 02, 2002 at 08:33:27:
The females look very similar to the males except a bit smaller and duller. There were large flocks of Common Grackles moving south through Muskoka on Sunday so maybe you saw some of our birds. : ) http://cnet.windsor.ns.ca/Environment/Advocates/Anim/grackle.html
Barbara Taylor ( Muskoka Bird Board: http://www.b2g3.com/boards/board.cgi?&user=MuskokaBirdBoard )
CCFEW (Citizens Concerned About the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront) is conducting a bird walk on Saturday, September 7, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Colonel Samuel Smith Park. This walk will be led by Glenn Coady. The walk is funded by TD Canada Trust Friends Of The Environment Foundation, and is free for all participants. Everyone is welcome. Meet in the south parking lot at 9:00. Walks are held rain or shine.
In Reply to: White Pelican-Sedge Wren posted by Ken Walton on September 02, 2002 at 06:11:32:
White Pelican-Sedge Wren should say seen on Sunday Sept. 1st. 2002
At 8:00AM this morning I saw a flock of about 100 common grackles perched in tree tops at Church and Alexander St in downtown Toronto. After a few minutes they all flew south towards the lake.
There are usually a few common grackles in this area year round - they like free handouts from the local restaurants - but I only see them in flocks here during migration.
The flock seemed to be mostly, if not all, male. Do common grackles migrate in one-gender flocks? or is my observation at fault?
White Pelican flying very hi over Dundas Marsh going southwest at about 12:30 p.m.,maybe on its way to Dunmark Lake area?. At lest 10 Great Egrets off The Willows. Very nice Sedge Wren at the start of The Willows Trail near Tower Trail. Two nice Pileated Woodpecker along the Old Rail Trail along Spencer Creek near Dundas. Ken Walton and Lynn Sayers
The Toronto Ornithological Club has again scheduled a series of Jim Baillie Memorial Bird Walks for the fall season, and everyone is welcome to participate in these trips. All are free, and are let by experienced members of the Toronto Ornithological Club. The outings will be as follows: Lambton Woods (Sep 14), High Park (Sep 21), Leslie Street Spit (Sep 28), Toronto Islands (Oct 5), and West Toronto lakeshore (Dec 7). For details on any of these trips, check under the "Outings" section at the TOC website, www.torontobirding.ca.
In Reply to: Re: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville posted by collin tanner on August 21, 2002 at 10:27:47:
This Harris Hawk in North Bowmanville WILL DIE once the cold weather grips the land. Why 1) Harris Hawks are tropical raptors which make it into the desert and mesquite scrubland of the South Western USA. There are two separate populations which have slight behaviour differences (Arizona and new Mexico/Texas populations) This species is found in the warm areas of the southwest. In Arizona in is found in the Sonoran Desert region. In adjacent areas of high desert/grasslands it is either absent or occurs in extremely low densities. It actively avoids cold weather areas of the southwest i.e. mountains and their meadows, high desert regions, and extensive grassland regions in the area. 2) Harris Hawks feather tracks (density of feathers per square inch) is much less than species like Northern harrier, red-tails etc. Thus they suffer from cold if not stuffed full of fuel(food) to keep their furnace burning. Captive Harris hawks in Ontario suffer from frost bitten toes regularly. I have seen this happen several times to this species at the Wild bird Clinic at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph. Next time you see a falconers Harris hawk do not be surprised if it has a missing toe. 3) Harris hawks are primarily cooperative hunters(I.e. hunt in family groups like wolves). This make the species attractive to falconers in addition to their calm disposition. It also helps them survive in tough conditions. Lone Harris hawks have hard enough time hunting in their proper environment let alone up here in the first snows of November.
My experience with harris hawks is the following.I have had extensive experience with this species studying through field seasons(1991,1992 and a bit in 1994) in Arizona, Flying this species with falconers in Arizona and seeing them come into the above mentioned clinic to be treated. So if some one really want to do this bird a favour please have some qualified person trap it and give it to a respectable falconer who will care for it.
In Reply to: Re: Common Nighthawk migration posted by Glenn Coady on August 30, 2002 at 10:38:34:
Wednesday night at High park while attending shakespeare in the Park I watched 78 nighthawks migrating by between 7:45 and 8:45pm.
In Reply to: Re: Common Nighthawk migration posted by Craig McLauchlan on August 29, 2002 at 18:49:32:
The date of peak migration can vary from year to year by as much as two weeks - I suspect it is equally likely they may simply be later this year. GC
In Reply to: Common Nighthawk migration posted by Glenn Coady on August 27, 2002 at 09:57:06:
At this point Aug 29 I have yet to see a migrating
nighthawk from my back yard 3 blocks north of High park. My guess is that their all tacking the southern rought help along
by the east wind . Craig
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding. this morning at 10:35 , I had a adult Long tailed Jaeger flying out by
the wave tower from Vanwagners Beach , I watch it for at lest 10 mints
,this was one of the best days I have spent at Van Wagners beach ! nice
worm east wind ,sun shine and shorts and sandals !! Jaeger watching cant get much better than that !! also seen Bonaparte's gull 6 ( all individuals ) red neck phalarope 1 ,
great black back gull 7
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
Directions: From the QEW in Hamilton, take the Hwy 20 exit, go north,
turn
left at the North Service Rd, follow it around to the parking area near
Hutch's Restaurant.
In Reply to: Common Nighthawk migration posted by Glenn Coady on August 27, 2002 at 09:57:06:
I'd like to second Glenn's report (not that he needs it). Last night I saw a steady stream of Common Nighthawks from my deck near the Riverdale Farm. The birds would have been viewable anywhere over Riverdale Park East or West. I didn't count them but there were about 2 dozen with groupings up to 8 at one point. I think this spot is also good because it's over the Don River and there are aerial shows each evening of Chimney Swifts and Gulls as well going after large groups of insects. On Saturday night, and to a lesser extent yesterday, there were large flocks of dragonflies that seemed to be a focus of attention. Good birding, Theresa
We are at the time of year when the peak of Common Nighthawk migration is near. Last night I observed 37 Common Nighthawks migrating south-west over Keele St. and Bloor St. W. between 6:00 - 7:45 p.m. As a side bonus, I also observed 5 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and a male Scarlet Tananger migrating as well. Numbers of Common Nighthawks should increase over the next few evenings. Best time to observe them is from 5-8 p.m. They move on a broad front and can be observed all across the city, but my own highest counts have all occurred within a mile of the lake. GC
In Reply to: Re: Eared Grebe at Colonel Samuel Smith Park posted by Brian Bailey on August 25, 2002 at 23:01:33:
The Eared Grebe was also not present there on Sunday either, as far as I could tell. I checked in both the morning and afternoon and also checked the lake around the perimeter of the park. A couple of people I had called on Saturday (including Ron Scovell) did get down in time to see the Eared Grebe before 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. I did see 6 Lesser Yellowlegs, 3 Spotted Sandpipers and 2 Least Sandpipers on the floating algae in the northeast bay. It was whimsical to watch the Lesser Yellowlegs try to balance on round algae pieces like a lumberjack at a log-rolling contest!
In Reply to: Eared Grebe at Colonel Samuel Smith Park posted by Glenn Coady on August 24, 2002 at 21:33:08:
I couldn't find the Eared Grebe this evening, but the adult Red-necked, and juvenile Pied-billed Grebes were still in the marina bay. There was another grebe in the bay, but it was too distant & poorly lit for me to identify with binoculars. There is surprisingly good shorebird habitat in the northeast bay. I found Lesser Yellowlegs, as well as Pectoral, Least and Spotted Sandpipers on the mats of floating algae. It's as stinky as the ripest of sewage lagoons, but it may be worth keeping an eye on. There are still many Mute Swans (I didn't count), mainly on the northeast side. Brian
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM THE QUINTE AREA for Sunday, August 25, 2002
This is the first Quinte Area Bird Report since July 14th. While bird activity in the Quinte area is expected to pick up over the next few weeks, the future of this weekly report will depend entirely on the cooperation of those to whom it is sent. This report will continue weekly provided there is enough material.
Highlight of this past week was a CAROLINA WREN at 23 Sprague Road, Big Island, which stayed around for most of the day. Another CAROLINA WREN turned up at Prince Edward Point, west of the lighthouse on Friday. Other good sightings last week included 2 FORSTER'S TERNS foraging along the shore at Prince Edward Point on Tuesday, and a LITTLE GULL there the following day.
BALD EAGLE reports included a 2nd year bird at South Bay on Wednesday, and 13 today at Prince Edward Point, comprising 6 hatch years, 2 second years and 5 adults. The latter were part of a good passage of raptors at the Point which ended up with 1 OSPREY, 1 MERLIN, 16 COOPER'S HAWKS, 136 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 110 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS, 121 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 89 TURKEY VULTURES, 25 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, and 15 NORTHERN HARRIERS. Also noted passing over were 15 CHIMNEY SWIFTS and a COMMON NIGHTHAWK.
The Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory started for the fall season on August 14th and will run until October 31st. Birders there report the bushes quiet so far with only ones and twos of warblers being seen. LEAST, YELLOW-BELLIED and TRAILL'S FLYCATCHERS have been showing well, and two OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS were present yesterday. A few shorebirds were present along the shore until the 'weed' mat around the edge broke up. Peak counts of shorebirds were as follows: 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS on the 23rd, 51 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 16 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, 100 KILLDEER, 3 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, 17 SANDERLINGS, 37 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, 9 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 3 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS, 16 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and 2 SOLITARY SANDPIPERS. Also on the shorebird scene this past week, were 6 SOLITARY SANDPIPERS at Elmbrook a week ago today, and Sandbanks Provincial Park reported 3 BAIRD'S, 6 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and one each of SEMIPALMATED and LEAST.
There were 2 OSPREY at South Bay on Tuesday, and one at the Massassauga Road nesting site on Wednesday. A GREAT HORNED OWL was seen at McMahon Bluff near Black River on Wednesday, along with 10 BELTED KINGFISHERS, 5 EASTERN WOOD PEWEES and 2 RED-EYED VIREOS. Another GREAT HORNED OWL turned up at Little Bluff Conservation Area.
Forster's Island in the Bay of Quinte, at Deseronto, contained a nice mixture of birds in the south wetlands on Monday evening including some 500 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, 800 RING BILLED GULLS, HERRING GULLS, GREAT-BLACK-BACKED GULLS, RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, MALLARDS, 2 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 2 BELTED KINGFISHERS, 4 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, 4 CASPIAN TERNS and several CANADA GEESE.
The last canoe/kayak evening paddle will be taking place tomorrow evening (Monday) at 112 Thrasher Lane off Highway #2, between Belleville and Trenton. We will be checking out the waters of the Bay of Quinte in the area of Makatewis Island. Thrasher Lane is located just west of LaFarge Cement.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Joanne Dewey, David Okines and Don Craighead for their contributions to this week's report. This report will continue to be updated periodically as new material comes in.
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net http://www.naturestuff.net
In Reply to: Need help with strange flycatcher in High Park posted by Daniel Ansari on August 25, 2002 at 15:45:59:
Forgot to mention, I was close enough to see the bristles at the base of its bill.
I was watching it near to the Colborne Lodge parking lot. It had an orange bill, white/grey breast & belly, a black head except for an all-white face (white chin, ear, throat), and 2 white wing bars. There were no other head markings. I saw it catching a couple of large flies as it sat high on a deciduous tree (next to a conifer). Any ideas would be much appreciated.
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding. Yesterday Carol Horner and I decide to bird Durham area starting off with
the Nonquon
sewage lagoons near Port Perry, bird # wear vary low but we did find
2 Red-necked Phalarope , Semipalmated Plover 1, Short-billed
Dowitcher’s 8 , Killdeer, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted
Sandpiper , Least Sandpiper , Semipalmated Sandpiper ,and 2 Com Snipe
all found in the far east lagoon . We then went from their to Cranberry march which is in tribal shape! I
am not sheer what
Ducks unlimited have planed for the march?? but their plan must include
the largest crop of Purple loosestrife I have seen this year! It’s a
shame but we did find some shore birds on the beech including, White –
rumped Sandpiper 1 , Baird’s Sandpiper 2 both Greater and Lesser
Yellowlegs and from the north platform a Virginia Rail can be herd
calling ( less loosestrife found hear)
We also look at Pringle creek found on the east side of Whitby harbour
and came up with 2 moor Bairds ,3 S.B. Dowitcher , Least Sandpiper ,
Sanderling 1, Semipalmated Sandpiper , Semipalmated Plover and G and
L Yellowlegs . Over at Thickson’s Woods we did find some fall Warblers including
Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler , Magnolia Warbler and a Red E
Vireo.
The Nonquon sewage lagoons are located one road north on Scugog line 8.
North of Port Perry. Use the east entrance.
Cranberry march is found on Halls rood south of Victoria st in Whitby.
And Thickson’s woods is just off of Thickson’s rd south of the 401 in
Whitby . Craig.S.A.McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
This afternoon I discovered an Eared Grebe at Colonel Samuel Smith Park. It was in the marina bay, on the east side, just west of the viewing platform. It was associating with an adult Red-necked Grebe and both an adult and a juvenile Pied-billed Grebe. The Eared Grebe was still in breeding plumage and often would swim in quite close to the shoreline for exceptionally good viewing. I also observed 3 migrant Osprey, 10 Northern Mockingbirds and a remarkable 102 Mute Swans in the waters around the park. Warbler activity was very disappointing however. GC
In Reply to: Rattray birding posted by Bill Halliday on August 23, 2002 at 14:16:41:
I visited Rattray Marsh this afternoon (Friday). The only shorebirds were 6 or 8 Lesser Yellowlegs, and a couple of Spotted Sandpipers. The water level was still fairly high, but it may drop, because there is now a sand & cobble bar separating the marsh from the lake. That bar has developed sometime over the past 3 weeks. It would definitely be best to visit in the morning, because the only good viewing spot is on the southeast side of the marsh. It makes for very poor lighting on a sunny afternoon. I considered trying to find a vantage point on the southwest side, but the barrier beach is full of poison ivy. The two Great Egrets were still there along with one Green Heron and one Black-Crowned Night Heron. Surprisingly, there were no Great Blue Herons. Brian
On Tuesday (20/8) there was a Great egret at the lower marsh of the Humber river. At Rattray on the same day there was a pair of Great egrets. Other than the usual residents, the notable sightings included an immature Peregrine falcon and off-shore, a raft of Red-neck grebes (36+). These three sightings made the trip to Rattray worthwhile.
In Reply to: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville posted by Bob Hartley on August 13, 2002 at 23:56:21:
Bob, i observed the Harris's hawk for the first time on the 19th of Aug. Having taken a falconry course a few years ago [and working with a Harris's hawk] i knew immediately what it was, although i must admit i was shocked at first .It appears to be a female [approx. 20-30% larger than males] and a healthy one at that. More than likely it was captive breed and while it is illegal to take wild hawks from the wilds in Ontario it is legal in other provinces[Man. and B.C. and perhaps others] as well a numerous States.
Secondly, this bird will have no problem surviving our winters , as there are many falconer's in Ontario who work with Harris's hawks[because they are very "laid back' and are arguably the best birds to work with, esp. for beginner's] which are kept in outdoor pens yearound.
Thirdly,although all Ont. hawk species migrate in the fall, that doesn't mean that they all migrate. Birds having established territories with a healthy food supply will stay right where they are. Because Harris's hawks are normally found in the S.W. United States i don't believe that they are a migratory bird in the first place, but you can be assured that if it's food supply is depleted it will move on.
In Reply to: Movie set on Leslie Street Spit posted by Rod Thompson on August 19, 2002 at 14:29:02:
The "building" you refer to is indeed part of a movie set, and is little more than a wooden frame made to look somewhat like a real exterior (at least for a Panavision camera) with Hollywood-style artistry. The old gas pumps are also on a newly-poured and then "aged" slab of concrete. This film set was in place on August 10th when I was birding at the Leslie St. Spit as well. I know nothing about when filming commences or finishes on this production, but the TRCA staffer driving the public van told me the set will be totally dismantled upon completion. GC
Saturday morning I walked out on the spit to check for signs of the fall migration (not much, some shorebirds, found the Carolina Wren at the base, and the Pied-billed Grebe is back on the triange pond) when I saw that a large building had been deposited where the road turns off to Pipit point. I eventually walked over for a closer look and found half a truck, some cannibalized gas pumps, and a poor attempt at a garden. Very bizarre. Not long after I turned away to walk back I met a security guard who told me that the building and accouterments were a movie set, but that he didn't know anything more. He assumed that the building would be removed afterward. I'm now curious. Does anyone else know anything about this?
In Reply to: Mississauga - Dead birds posted by Greg on August 15, 2002 at 16:45:19:
Hi Greg "Canary in a coalmine" is a good analogy. However, I don't agree with the city officials you spoke to.
I'm not sure what the problem is with your birds. But, I recommend that you contact your local Ontario MNR office, or your Ontario Ministry of Health office. I'm know they will be interested in your dead birds.
They might be suffering salmonella poison.
Visit this site: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/csb/news/feb7nr02.html Or. . .even worse, there is a remote possibility they might be a part of the recent ongoing "West Nile" problem. Visit this site: http://wildlife.usask.ca/WestNileAlertHTML/WestNileAlertProvinceContact.htm Either way. . .Just to be on the safe side. . .follow their advise on what to do with the dead birds (good advise is included in both websites mentioned above). Good Luck Tony
Four dead birds in one week in my 1/3 acre backyard. Three common sparrows and one male house finch. The last one died in my hands today as I was trying to re-hydrate it. Upon death, the water I placed in its mouth became yellow and began to trickle out. The city stated that a warm and inviting winter followed by this extreme summer weather has left more than normal numbers of these birds competing for limited resources and exhausting themselves in their pursuits of sustenance. Very sad. Perhaps the canary in the coalmine. Any suggestions in addition to my feeder and fresh water. Greg
In Reply to: Re: Double breasted cormorant (!!!!????) posted by Tony Beck on July 24, 2002 at 21:10:24:
If you wish to become more acquainted with double-crested cormorants in the Toronto area, I suggest a bike ride down the Leslie Street Spit, at the foot of Leslie street in the city's east end. They nest earlier in the season at the ring-billed gull colony on the west side past the bridge, and you will see lots along the lake as you travel about. As for the double-breasted fauna, I suggest a tactful glance would be quite acceptable, but it would be innappropriate to set up a scope. A titillating thread. Sorry; it needed to be said. Regards RG
In Reply to: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville posted by Bob Hartley on August 13, 2002 at 23:56:21:
Congratulations Bob Solving a "birding" riddle is always a very satisfying experience. Your persistence has payed off. As for your questions. . .
I can't answer the legal one. But, I do know that falconry birds are sometimes captured from the wild. I know a falconer in the hills of Quebec. She has a very beautiful and friendly Harris Hawk. She keeps it outside all year. But, it is well fed, pampered, and can easily retreat to protected/sheltered corners.
My personal opinion is that your bird is better off with its original owner. If I found the bird here, I would report it to local falconers. You might want to consider contacting the Falconry Centre in the Toronto area. They might know who owns the bird, and start the process of its recapture.
Visit their site: http://www.falconrycentre.com/ Its your call Bob. . .
Harris's Hawks are neotropical raptors of open arrid countryside. But, with luck, the bird might survive our winter, especially if it has developed a taste for Meadow Voles, Starlings, Pigeons and House Sparrows. Good Luck Tony
The hawk is still there! I saw it in the same location at 11:30 A.M. today Aug 13th. For the first time it was facing away from me and I had a good look at the back of the tail. There is no doubt it is a Harris's Hawk. The confusing band I saw on the underneath side does not show from the back.
The bird appears to be very healthy. It moved around in the tree in a natural way and does not appear to be any thiner than when I first saw it on July 14th.
Three questions. First, was this bird born in captivity? I understand that it is illegal to train a bird in falconry if it is taken fron'the wilds'.
Second, will it survive the winter in ON?
Third, is it likely to migrate?
Thanks to all who help me with this. bob hartley
In Reply to: Re: Cutting down trees w/nest posted by Marge on August 12, 2002 at 18:47:27:
Now that's a nice change of pace from the usual
dialogue one would find on this website! Hang in there Marg, birding is fantastic natural therapy
for whatever ails you! Perhaps the breeding season
is not the best time to be chopping down trees if you are really concerned about the welfare of birds. It's worth looking for nests before you do.
In Reply to: Re: Cutting down trees w/nest posted by Marge Kelvin on August 12, 2002 at 18:33:35:
Of course, "soul" for "sole" was some kind of serendipitous substitution -- unintentional, I admit -- but I read my Bible every night with my remaining eye, and I think I'll go to heaven for all that pain so long ago. Sometimes I wish I was dead. Marge
In Reply to: Cutting down trees w/nest posted by Linda Fender on August 12, 2002 at 17:04:17:
Have you considered looking? Or perhaps someone experienced in tree-climbing could be persuaded to investigate for you. I had to have a magnificent Silver Maple removed because of a fungal rot which turned the heartwood to mush, and I suspected there were at least a few nests in there. As I recall, it was around December, 1987, just before Christmas, and my family doctor had just added 900 mg. Lithium to my 150mg Zoloft to see if the noble salt would potentiate the latter medication. One evening, after about a week on the Lithium/Zoloft combination, I went out on a bitterly cold night wearing a negligee, Mountain Co-op parka and a miner's helmet and proceeded to ascend the stately, yet doomed tree. I slipped at the third scaffold branch, about 12m up, and broke my left wrist and both clavicles when I landed on my neighbour's 1969 Buick. Undaunted, but in great pain, I once again scaled the old Acer, this time reaching the halfway point, when the cold (-32C)caused the batteries in my helmet to rapidly deplete, leaving me in almost total darkness. As I grasped about for a sturdy branch, one of my fuzzy slippers dropped off and my foot immediately froze to the icy surface of the trunk as I flailed about to grasp anything within reach. Alas, there was nothing, nothing ... and I dangled there by my frozen left soul for hours, hoping not to inflict further damage to the Buick. As luck would have it, the skin of my foot began to tear off -- I had become a bit heavy due to water retention brought on by the Lithium, I once again plummeted Buickward, this time crushing two-thirds of the automobile's roof and the entire left side of my body. So you must be careful, you see. Marge
I'm wacking down some Leland Cypress trees that I know have bird nests. I don't know if these nests have eggs or babies, but I'm concerned about the birds. What options do I have?....I don't have much time before they are cut.
In Reply to: Project posted by wayne on August 10, 2002 at 16:58:20:
Huh? I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Can you clarify? D
I am doing a project about bird sightings and I need the basic layout information for a number of sightings. can any one help?
In Reply to: Re: House Finches posted by Sandra Eadie on August 08, 2002 at 11:26:18:
great idea - I wonder how many of our animal control facilities do this - could be worth a few phone calls - we freeze our birds before they go to animal control and would likely last the trip to the ROM
In Reply to: Need help identifying a night bird posted by aileen on August 06, 2002 at 11:08:10:
So *that's* what that is! I've heard it all summer and I've been wondering what kind of bird that is! I hear them a lot in the Annex and on Queen West. Thanks!
In Reply to: House Finches posted by Sue Suess on August 07, 2002 at 20:39:27:
At least before the West Nile virus situation, the Royal Ontario Museum was always pleased to receive dead birds in good condition for their collection and for research purposes.
Sandra
this past week we have found two dead house finches in our yard,Mavis Rd/Central Parkway area of Mississauga; no visible injuries, but took them to a vet who thought they should go to animal control, but suggested they probably didn't want them either; interestingly enough when we took them to animal conrol they were very intersted in them and took down the particulars - with the salmonella scare published in the Toronto Star in Feb 2002 and the West Nile virus appearing in larger numbers I thought this should be posted - so if you do find dead birds do take them to animal control using all the proper protocal of course, rubber gloves, bags and washing the bird feeders with 10% chlorine bleach and 90% water - and don't use the kitchen sink to clean the feeder----happy birding
In Reply to: Need help identifying a night bird posted by aileen on August 06, 2002 at 11:08:10:
That's the sound! Thanks so much - my birding skills are coming along nicely! aileen
In Reply to: Need help identifying a night bird posted by aileen on August 06, 2002 at 11:08:10:
Hi Aileen I don't think I would describe a Common Nighthawk quite the same way you have (I find the call buzzy and harsh - and, each wing has a single white band 1/3 distance from the tip). However, nighthawks are certainly present in downtown Toronto. And, it is highly active at dusk. Therefore, I strongly suspect that is what you are observing.
Besides young nighthawks flying around right now, it is possible that you are seeing some early fall migrants.
Once very common in urban environments here in Ontario, for reasons that remain unclear, their numbers have dwindled considerably. If you want to hear what one sounds like, visit the following website, and double click on "Common Nighthawk". Make sure your speakers are on: http://www.naturesongs.com/caprpici.html#LCAPR Let us know if this doesn not match your bird. Cheerio Tony
Allo : )) I live in a 16 story condo in downtown Toronto. Every night I can hear the distinctive call of my favorite mystery bird.
It's call is one sharp squawk, but more like a gull than a hawk. Ckearer and prettier than a gull though. The bird flys very quicky in large circles and as far as I can tell it is somewhat smaller than a herring gull and has seemingly black bars on its wings. I'm thinking common nighthawk - but how to be sure?
Any helpful hints would be appreciated : )) aileen
In Reply to: Mystery at night posted by George Daszkowski on August 05, 2002 at 12:33:12:
George; My vote goes to your brother. I live about 8km north of the L. Ontario shoreline and frequently experience 'night' flights of Canada Geese. I suspect they are flying from feeding areas much further north (too early for migration) to the safety of shoreline wetlands and the lake itself. You mention that you lay around having a drink and scanning the night sky. My only other suggestion is to change to a lighter beer! Cheers,
In Reply to: Re: Crested Caracara/Dump Sightings/correction posted by ken wesley on August 04, 2002 at 01:07:30:
Do you think there is any opportunity to bait the bird in for photos with some carrion, perhaps placed somewhere at the dump? Pat Hodgson
Toronto
In Reply to: Re: Mystery Hawk north of Bowmanville posted by Bob Hartley on August 05, 2002 at 14:51:23:
Hi Bob I'm also still leaning in that direction.
However, the leg feather colour is a bit of a problem, since Harris's Hawk's are rufous in most plumages. Juvenile Harris's have dark brown belly with variable white verticle streaks, and pale "trousers" with rufous bars. (Immature and subadult Harris's retain some of these vertical white belly streaks.) I will try to contact some "raptor" people to see if they can shed any more light on your mystery hawk. I will respond to this forum when I get more information. Cheers Tony
In Reply to: Re: Mystery Hawk north of Bowmanville posted by Tony Beck on August 04, 2002 at 22:42:37:
My reply to Tony Beck.
The leg fethers were black. The feet were bright yellow with the tarsus showing. The bill appeared bright yellow but on examination the tip was dark. As I study the shapes in Sibley I think it was more like a Harris's but not sure.
You make an interesting case for a tail in moult. That would solve all the major issues and make it a Harris's. At this point I am leaning significantly in that direction. bobh
In Reply to: Re: Mystery Hawk north of Bowmanville posted by Tony Beck on August 04, 2002 at 22:42:37:
My reply to Tony Beck.
In Reply to: Re: Mystery Hawk north of Bowmanville posted by Tony Beck on August 04, 2002 at 22:42:37:
My reply to Tony Beck.
This weekend my brother and I went to Trois Riviers for the car races. Part of the weekend is lying around in the late evening, having a drink and scanning the night sky for satellites and meteors. As usual, we saw both. The unusual part was a flight of birds. They, more than two dozen, were in a rough delta shape, flying roughly west, southwest. My first guess was swans but brother Peter questioned why they would be flying at this time of year and suggested geese. Any suggestions, questions?
In Reply to: Mystery Hawk north of Bowmanville posted by Bob Hartley on August 04, 2002 at 19:48:19:
Hi Bob I have gone through most of my books and cannot find anything that matches your description. However, I will continue searching through my library, and I will also inquire with some local "raptor" people. There are some details missing from your description, like the colour of bare parts & leg feathers, size/shape of bill, etc.. Regardless, I will play the odds, and agree with Marcel and Glenn. I think your bird is probably a Harris's Hawk. Here's why: 1) I have never seen a Broad-winged Hawk with a prominent tarsus. 2) Although I have never seen a dark-morph Broad-winged, all the illustrations in my references lack rusty colouration on the back and shoulders, and white in the undertail (all above characters coorespond to Harris's). 3) Broad-winged Hawk is rarely kept by falconers, especially compared to Harris's Hawk, which is very common in captivity (it is typically a very cooperative bird). 4) The BIG problem is the bands in the tail. However, when a Harris's Hawk moults its tail, the new, shorter rectrices have white tips. This can create the illusion of a band. This is illustrated by photo HH03 on page 46 of "A Photographic Guide to North American Raptors" by Wheeler & Clark (Academic Press 1995). Although I still can't be certain, based on your description, this is the best I can come up with. I hope it helps. Please keep us posted if you relocate your bird. Cheers Tony
P.S. I also intended to thank Marcel Gahbauer.
bobh
My thanks to those who responded to my hawk enquiries especially Tony, Glen, Dave and Norm.
I returned to the site yesterday hoping for another look but was disappointed.
Here is some more info. It is hard to judge the exact size of the bird but I would say that it was Broad-winged size ie 15" rather than 19 or 20" for a Harris's or Zone-tailed Hawk. It sat, or rather stood, very erect on the branch with the full tarsus showing very like Sibley's painting on page 115 of an adult Harris's. On one occasion it stood for the full viewing time on one leg and I wondered if it was one legged. Then suddenly the other leg appeared for a scratch. Then it dissappeared in the feathers again. The body was uniform black with a 'dusting' of rust, not enough for a Harris's in my opinion. The rust was mainly on the shoulders and a bit on the back. The amount varried with the lighting conditions. The tail had the three white bars of a Broad-winged. Thus I concluded that it was a dark morph.
It did not seem to be the least disturbed by my observations of it. It is a varily busy intersection. I moved in a 135 degree arch with my scope and saw no significant reaction.
If it is an escaped trained bird like a falcon it could be a dark morph even though they 'are rare in the east'. I have heard that the Raptor Center in Simcoe, ON have a trained Harris's with jesses on both legs. It is trained to stay on a perch and come when called. It also like to sit on human heads!
My conclusions to date. It could be a Broad-winged, dark morph. The tail, body etc are right. Problem: the white undertail coverts and who want a trained Broad-winged?
It could also be a Harris's. They are trained and in Southern ON. The coloration is right except for the tail.
It could, as someone said, even be from Europe (my field guide shows nothing close) or Africa etc.
I would be very pleased if someone else would have a look, if it is still around, and post their observations. bobh
In Reply to: Great Egret at Humber Bay posted by John Harms on July 29, 2002 at 22:20:07:
I pass this along in case anyone sees a banded Egret. This summer, CAWS staff colour-banded young, flightless Great Egrets at three breeding colonies: Motor Island on the NY side of the Niagara River
Chantry Island at Southampton on the west shore of the Bruce Peninsula, and Nottawasaga Island in the south end of Georgian Bay. Birds were banded with a red leg-band on the left leg, above the "knee" joint, and an aluminum band on the right let, below the "knee". The red bands have a number-letter combination on them in white. Please report the date, location, time and observer of any sightings to me at the address below. Thanks,
Chip D.V. Chip Weseloh, Ph.D.
Wildlife Biologist
Canadian Wildlife Service-Ontario Region Here is some information on the Great Egrets banded at Motor Island in
Niagara River this year. I am asking all observers save this information so they can report their observations of GreatEgrets with RED BANDS WITH WHITE LETTERS-NUMBERS ABOVE THE KNEE ON THE LEFT LEG that they observe: June 17 between 11:00 am and 1:00 PM, twenty nestling Great Egrets were
banded at the heron colony on Motor Island on the Niagara River by Dr. D. V. Chip Weseloh, Wildlife Biologist for Canadian Wildlife Service-Ontario Region, Mark Kandel, Senior Wildlife Biologist for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and myself. (There were also about a hundred Great Egrets banded in a similar fashion in Ontario's Georgian Bay.) The Great Egrets are color banded in the hope that we might be able to learn something about the post breeding dispersal and migration of these young Great Egrets. Please look for Great Egrets with leg band above the knee of the left leg that are RED WITH WHITE LETTER(S) AND NUMBERS. They also have the traditional aluminum bands on the right leg above the ankle. If you see any please, if possible record the letter(s) and numbers. Report all sighting of Great Egret with red color bands to at least one of the following locations. D. V. Chip Weseloh
Canadian Wildlife Service-Ontario Region
4905 Dufferin St.
Downsview, Ontario
M3H 5T4
Phone: 416-739-5846
email: chip.weseloh@ec.gc.ca.
and/or Mark Kandel
NYSDEC
270 Michigan Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone (716) 851-7010
email: mxkandel@gw.dec.state.ny.us
In Reply to: Visiting Birder Seeks Info posted by David Schonfeld on August 03, 2002 at 20:38:53:
The islands can offer a nice break from the oppressive heat of the city at this time of year - but I'd say that in general the birding there isn't all that great in August. That being said, if you aim for the less heavily used parts of the island (Hanlan's Point or Ward's Island vs. Centre Island) you might have some luck. Another spot to consider is High Park, which can be easily reached by public transit from downtown - depending on where you are, you can take the Queen 501 streetcar west, and get off at Colborne Lodge to enter High Park from the south end; you can take the College/Carlton 506 streetcar to its western end at Howard Park (which is the east edge of High Park), or you can use the Bloor subway to access the north end of the park, getting off at High Park station. In each case it will take you 20-30 minute to get there. Parts of High Park can be very busy with people in the summer, but it is large and there are always natural areas to be found with little activity. The park supports a good variety of breeding birds, and down along Grenadier Pond in August there are often some early shorebirds arriving as well. Good birding! Marcel
In Reply to: Re: Great Egret at Humber Bay posted by Hugh Currie on July 31, 2002 at 21:37:43:
2 Great Egrets flying up the Humber and seen at the 401 and Humber River where they stopped for at least a while on Sunday Aug. 4th. Sandra
In Reply to: Re: Crested Caracara posted by Terry Osborne on July 31, 2002 at 16:11:00:
Terry, I've been to Roy's grave, and read the
book on him. I walked into the area along Sawmill
Creek where he use to live, and the cages were
still present a few years ago. What a great man.
In Reply to: Re: Waders at Port Perry Lagoons posted by Tony Lang on July 31, 2002 at 12:09:28:
Thanks for the help - I thought it must be a juvenile of some description but info on such is so hard to find! Sorry for the delay in replying, I've just spent a few days north of Muskoka with the family.
In Reply to: Re: Crested Caracara/Dump Sightings posted by Ken Wesley on August 04, 2002 at 00:16:26:
I meant to say community dump not community. sorry,ken.
In Reply to: Re: Crested Caracara posted by Alan Wormington on August 01, 2002 at 17:52:47:
Alan Your comments about the sighting at the dump in Vancouver interested me. I just heard today that an elderly man and his 19 yearold grandson also saw the Creasted Caracara at the Community here on July 23. What surprised them the most was when the bird was hoping around chasinsg and eating the frogs. That,s the third time he's been seen there. He has been seen eating frogs twice. Ken
Hi. I'll be in Downtown Toronto (for the first time) Aug 9-11, visiting from Connecticut. I'll be carless. Does anyone have any advice for me on where to walk? Preferably near the Centre, or easily accessible by public trans. The Islands look appealing to me, at least from a quick look at the map. Please write me directly at: optomate@snet.net Thanks/Merci! David
In Reply to: Re: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville posted by Norm on August 01, 2002 at 15:18:00:
Bite me Norm
In Reply to: Re: Crested Caracara posted by Tony Beck on July 29, 2002 at 18:03:32:
Everyone, If accepted by the OBRC, the Fort Albany Crested Caracara will be the third for Ontario. Remarkably, ALL have been during the month of July! Wasn't there also one coming to a dump north of Vancouver a few years ago, and wasn't in the summer as well? As per the second for Ontario, a few years ago at Pelee Island, it is remarkable that a Crested Caracara was also reported in Minnesota during the SAME week, implying that something happened to create the situation for birds to appear so far north. Alan Wormington
In Reply to: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville posted by Bob Hartley on August 01, 2002 at 12:27:07:
Hi Bob As Marcel has mentioned, based on the leg attachments, the bird is surely an escape. (To quote Don Shanahan: "a permanent runner") However, I'm not sure what species it is. You describe the plumage as dark-morph Broad-winged Hawk. But, you later mention birds like Zone-tailed.
Is the bird's shape of a typical buteo? To determine species, can you please describe more details? Are you certain about size? What is the length of the tail? How long are the legs? How big is the beak? What colour are the bare parts (feet, cere, etc.)? Have you seen the bird in flight? Does the bird have any character that would make it something besides a buteo? Are there any plumage details you left out from your previous message? If it is a falconer's bird, then the possibilities are huge. There are several possible species from all over the world. But, without more detail, any claim would be only a guess. If I was closer, I would certainly go have a look for myself. I look forward to more info. Cheers
Tony
In Reply to: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville posted by Bob Hartley on August 01, 2002 at 12:27:07:
Bob, Your mystery bird sounds very much like some falconer's escaped Harris's Hawk. Dark phase Broad-winged Hawks are exceedingly rare, particularly in the east, and even more so in captivity in the east. White undetail coverts essentially precludes Common Black-Hawk and Zone-tailed Hawk. GC
In Reply to: Re: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville posted by Dave on August 01, 2002 at 14:43:52:
get a bird book and look under buteos Dave
In Reply to: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville posted by Bob Hartley on August 01, 2002 at 12:27:07:
Way down on this page is a heading entitled Falcon Alert
which talks about a peregrine falcon that escaped with leather
harness attached to the legs,perhaps the same bird.
In Reply to: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville posted by Bob Hartley on August 01, 2002 at 12:27:07:
Bob, what you have identified around the birds' legs are almost certainly falconer's jesses, and thus the bird could be any number of species. The generally black/rust colouration would suggest a Harris's Hawk, though the tail banding doesn't quite match there. I'm also quite certain that rather than this being an "experiment", it's more of an escape, and no doubt the owner is wondering where the bird is!
I have studied this hawk on 4 occasions and can't be certain about the identification. It is at the corner of Taunton Rd and Durham road #57 north of Bowmanville. It was on the hydro (?) lines over Taunton Rd on July 14th at 8 am. On the 28th at 7:45am it was in a willow-like tree on the south east corner. This tree is 25 feet high and just behind some 10 foot cedars. It was in the same tree at 11:08 am and 8:40 pm on July 31st. It appears to be a dark morph Broad-winged Hawk according to size, color and appearance, ie black with rust tint except the tail which has three broad white bands. (See 'The Sibley Guide to Birds' page 118) BUT, it has white undertail coverts!!
THE MYSTERY--surrounding each leg is a green ring which fits snugly. Attached to this ring is a grey ring and another piece of material which looks like cloth or rubber. This can't be garbage as they appear to be identical, therefore it is human interference. Is it an escaped falconry experiment? Is it really a Broad-wing? Could it be an escaped Common Black-Hawk or Harris's or a Zone-tailed Hawk?
I would really like some help with this mystery!!
Thanks, Bob Hartley
In Reply to: Re: Great Egret at Humber Bay posted by Paul Fletcher on July 30, 2002 at 10:40:00:
3 Great Egrets above Old Mill on the Humber Sunday.
In Reply to: Re: Crested Caracara posted by Tony Beck on July 29, 2002 at 10:44:58:
As unlikely as this sighting sounds, it goes without saying that anything is possible. However, having said that, I did chase a "positive" sighting of a Caracara a number of years ago near Orillia made by an experienced birder. In fact, the bird DID turn out to be a Turkey Vulture. Re: previous records for Ontario and Canada. Many, many years ago I had occasion to take an injured bird to Roy Ivor's bird care centre near Streetsville, Ontario for him to take care of. (I was in my teens at the time making this somewhere in the 50's) The old gentleman showed me around his place and pointed out to me a Great Horned Owl in an outside rather large caged-in area and in another cage, a Crested Caracara that he told me had been found injured along the road locally. I've repeated this story a number of times to birders hoping it might be followed up for further verification. I'm sure his records are still available somewhere. Terry Osborne
In Reply to: Waders at Port Perry Lagoons posted by Dave Bickerton on July 30, 2002 at 19:40:13:
I think that a juvenile Swamp Sparrow (_Melospiza georgiana_) fits your description. It is also likely to occur in cattails around the sewage lagoons. The Henslow's Sparrow has been almost, if not entirely, extirpated in Ontario. It occurs in tall, thick grass, but not in wetlands.
In Reply to: Re: Expectations in October posted by Tony Beck on July 18, 2002 at 20:25:19:
If you are into hawk watching, High Park in the core of Toronto
and Cranberry marsh east of Toronto can provide excellent days if the winds are
with us. Check out their website http://www.gtrw.ca/
In Reply to: pS posted by Craig McLauchlan on July 29, 2002 at 20:59:45:
I talked to Ken on the phone and believe his sighting. Bill Crins is forwarding
an RBR to him by snail mail (tho ken, you can get it from the Ontario Field Ornithologists
web site) The bird was one day only and was seen by several observers, at least one of whom indepedently id'ed it as a Crested Caracara.
BTW Pete Chapman saw one on Pelee I a few years ago. Don't recall it OBRC accepted it. Hugh
I spent a very enjoyable and hot afternoon around the lagoons today. Many waders were still in evidence - 200+ Lesser y'legs, only 1 Greater y'legs, 20+ Spotted Sand, 30+ Killdeer, 20+ Semi-p Sand, 6 Least Sand, 2 Pecs, 2 w-r sand, 1 Bairds and a Semi-p Plover. I was very happy with all that lot, but to have 70+ Black Terns and 12 Caspian Terns as well was very pleasing.
That was the easy bit - as for the sparrows, I need to check something out with you guys out there who are far more used to these things than a travelling Brit - I had good views of a small sparrow with a golden-buff breast (streaked), buff cheeks and supercilium, thin malar and pale throat. There were chestnut patches on it's wing - Henslow's Sparrow?
In Reply to: Crested Caracara posted by Ken Wesley on July 28, 2002 at 12:10:40:
Sorry, I did not mean to be rude, just a suggestion.
I do think it is most unlikely and will eat crow if it is
actually there. Ooops that is probably politically incorrect.
Please try and photograph this bird Ken and Good Luck.
In Reply to: Re: Great Egret at Humber Bay posted by Marcel Gahbauer on July 30, 2002 at 06:30:47:
On July 28 while walking alongside the Humber at Lambton Woods I also saw a Great Egret. Presumably this is the same bird.
In Reply to: Great Egret at Humber Bay posted by John Harms on July 29, 2002 at 22:20:07:
The Great Egret remains an uncommon sight in Ontario, but is expanding its range within the province. Over the past few years a small breeding colony has started to establish at Presqu'ile, and I believe it was just earlier this year that Toronto's first breeding record was noted. There is a more established population along the Niagara River, and interestingly some are also breeding up on Georgian Bay. Additional nests are along Lake Erie. There are also many sightings of non-breeding Great Egrets each year - either solitary individuals, or birds which have moved north some distance after the breeding season (a characteristic of some members of the heron family). Both the Humber Marshes and High Park have been good places to look for them over the last ~5 years (especially late July - September), and I've seen one at Humber Bay on at least one occasion myself. It's always a pleasure to see them wherever they turn up.
In Reply to: Re: Crested Caracara posted by Craig McLauchlan on July 29, 2002 at 20:51:54:
First in response to Craig's question no I didn't see through the nostrils, but I did notice a yellowish color around both nostrils. And for the directions an 8 hr ride down hwy 11N from Toronto to Cochrane. Then a 4 hour train ride aboard the Polar Bear Express to Moosonee. Then a 1/2 hr plane ride to Fort Albany. We 're located along the Albany River 7 km inland from the James Bay Coast.
In Reply to: What is this bird along the 401! posted by Curious George on July 13, 2002 at 23:00:55:
I have not seen this bird for two weeks now! But from how Brian Bailey described the possiblity... it was likely a Northen Mocking Bird.
We live in the apartment that overlooks the little wetland at the mouth of Mimico Creek, just north of the white bridge. Yesterday I saw my first Great Egret there. It moves more quickly than the Great Blue, and seems to lack its stealth. My bird book (Stokes) shows the range to include the Great Lakes, but this is my first sighting. I checked the leg color (black) to ensure it was not a white morph of the Great Blue. When I trained my binoculars on it, it lit on the abandoned swan nest which still has the egg the parents finally gave up on a couple of weeks ago. I then noticed that a BIG round-shelled turtle, not a snapper, was sitting there too. A unique sight, a big turtle and Egret facing each other down over a big egg!
In Reply to: Re: Crested Caracara posted by Craig McLauchlan on July 29, 2002 at 20:51:54:
Wood you give moor duration's to the area it is being
seen in ??? Craig McLauchlan
In Reply to: Crested Caracara posted by Ken Wesley on July 29, 2002 at 17:27:44:
Hi Ken this is a great sighting for Ont !! and for Ont birders , I was wondering though seeing you wear so closes to the
bird wear you ablel to see through the opining we wood call the nostrils ??
Craig McLauchlan
In Reply to: Crested Caracara posted by Ken Wesley on July 29, 2002 at 17:27:44:
Ken I can't over emphasize how important it is to get some video, or still photos of your bird.
Your record will probably not be accepted unless it is documented as such. I'm assuming that the two others mentioned in your previous message have seen the same bird that you saw. Have they, or anyone else in the area, been able to document it? If you are able to photograph this bird, please make sure you include surrounding area that can be recognized. Also, if you observe this bird again, check for rings (bands) on its leg. (Although the first Canadian record has been accepted, some references suggest that it may have been an escape bird from a captive collection.) Good Luck! Tony
I had no bird book at the time but looking from 50ft with 10-42 nikon binoculars I was able to get a good look at it and make a positive ID. I just got into birding this spring and I do have 3 books on birds. After the sighting I rushed home to get my book which was only 1km way. There have been two other sightings that I know of. Both people have witnessed seeing a bird with a black crown and crest red face, white neck and breast, yellow legs , it was about the same size as an Osprey.
In Reply to: Re: Crested Caracara posted by dave on July 29, 2002 at 14:09:43:
Dave I understand that Crested Caracara is hard to believe. However, it is a very distinctive bird, especially from a roadside at 50 feet (something I have experienced frequently in Texas).
I also believe that anyone who knows what a caracara is, would also know what a Turkey Vulture is.
Maybe this sighting is nothing more than an immature Bald Eagle or even an odd looking Turkey Vulture, However, I feel it is irresponsible to completely dismiss this sighting at this time, without some sort of follow-up.
Anything is possible in the world of birds. So why can't there be a caracara in Fort Albany in July? I strongly feel that, as unlikely as Crested Caracara seems, this report has enough merit to justify further investigation.
The BIG problem is how to do this without using a lot of resources or effort. If Ken can gather some evidence that is verifiable to location, then we may have an exciting record to make us all jealous.
If it can't be verified, then we have lost nothing. Tony
In Reply to: Crested Caracara posted by Ken Wesley on July 28, 2002 at 12:10:40:
Either that or get a bird book and look under turkey vulture
In Reply to: Crested Caracara posted by Ken Wesley on July 28, 2002 at 12:10:40:
Ken!!!!! Please go back and photograph your bird! NOW! To the best of my knowlege, there is only one other record of Crested Caracara in all Canada. And, that was over a century ago. Your bird would be very significant and generate much excitement. If you can document the bird, try to get video or still photos that show some kind of land reference that would confirm location. Can anyone else in the Fort Albany area follow up on this? Good Luck
Tony
On July 26th I saw a Crested Caracara feeding on a dead bird along the side of the road. I was about 50 feet away from this bird and watched for about 10 minutes. It has a face that a person will not forget. I saw this bird in the community of Fort Albany which is located in Northern Ontario. Has this bird been seen in area before.
On July 26th I saw a Crested Caracara feeding on a dead bird along the side of the road. I was about 50 feet away from this bird and watched for about 10 minutes. It has a face that a person will not forget. I saw this bird in the community of Fort Albany which is located in Northern Ontario. Has this bird been seen in area before.
Well, I've arrived in Toronto and got some transport, so my wife and I headed off to Cranberry Marsh/Lynde Shores in the late afternoon. Clearly I don't know what's 'normal' for this area but some nice birds included a confiding Catbird, Osprey along the Lake Ontario shoreline, several families of Wood duck and Am Coot on the little water there was - I coundl't see any muddy edge to the lake and consequently there weren't any shorebirds unlike previous visits some 16 YEARS ago! A juvenile Sora was on the lily pads next to the car park.
I saw a wild turkey hen with a brood of 5 on July 23 near Caledon East. One in the brood was pure white. Is this unusual?
In Reply to: Re: Double breasted cormorant (!!!!????) posted by barnie Papp on July 24, 2002 at 20:49:56:
No Problem Barnie Its a common slip (Freudian?) I have read "Double Breasted" in reference to the dark seabird in both a well respected Natural History Journal and a prominent city paper (the two shall remain nameless). Just keep birding, and keep your sense of humor. Cheerio Tony
In Reply to: Re: Double breasted cormorant (!!!!????) posted by Tony Beck on July 24, 2002 at 19:17:46:
Thats funny sorry all yes Tony did correct me it is Double crested cormorant not double breasted, silly me, thankd Tony.
In Reply to: Double breasted cormorant posted by Barnie Papp on July 24, 2002 at 15:05:07:
Hi Barnie During spring, summer and fall, Double-crested Cormorants are very common sights along the shores of Lake Ontario. There are huge colonies in Hamilton and Presqu'ile, and are now even nesting on the Toronto shoreline. Once uncommon on the Great Lakes, their numbers have dramatically increased over the last 30 years.
Ummmm. . .But, you better watch out for those "Double Breasted" ones. They can get you into lots of trouble when you are out innocently birding. Cheerio Tony
I am fairly new to bird watching and while riding my bike last Sunday (July 21st) I spotted a bird that looked like a common loon but when closely watching it it looked like a double breasted cormorant. Can this be true. I spotted it at Grenadier Pond in Toronto. Please help.
In Reply to: Re: Expectations in October posted by Tony Beck on July 18, 2002 at 20:25:19:
Dave The best way of knowing what is going on in the Toronto area in the fall is to look at this site just before you arrive and when you are here. Willie
In Reply to: FALCON ALERT posted by Keegan Corcoran on June 09, 2002 at 20:27:35:
Dear mr. Corcoran: My name is Michael Baird. I live in a highrise apartment in the Donmills/Eglinton area. I live at 55 Wynford heights crescent which is located approximately 100 metres from the edge of the valley. One of our apartment windows has a window air conditioner installed, which makes for a perfect perch.The week of July 08,2002,I spotted,& photographed a Peregrine Falcon. Later on that week, the Falcon perched on our air conditioner once again. Neither time did I notice the long Jesses or bells. I was only able to approach the Falcon to approximately 10 metres before it took flight. Today,July 22,2002 @ 10:30 a.m., the Falcon showed up again. It seems to Me, that My air conditioner has become part of the Falcon's territory. I live on the 20th floor facing the valley,and this gives the Falcon a fantastic view of any potential prey items. I frequently hear the high pitched screeches coming from the valley and the surrounding buildings. I am not sure whether this is Your Falcon,but it is the same general location. For more information or to meet and discuss the situation please get back to me at: Belviebee@AOL.com
In Reply to: Shorebirds & More In Port Perry posted by Brian Bailey on July 15, 2002 at 23:10:14:
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding. To day Carol Horner and I visited the Port Perry Sewage Lagoons which
gave me the opportunity to pick up my pass # 126 I think its going well
and thanks again Geoff Their was No WILSON'S PHALAROPE to be seen gone in the night I wood
think .
other shorebirds to be seen wear . Killdeer (150+)
Greater Yellowlegs (5)
Lesser Yellowlegs (200+)
Solitary Sandpiper (2)
Spotted Sandpiper (50+)
Least Sandpiper (20+)
Semipalmated Sandpiper (3)
Pectoral Sandpiper (1)
Sanderling (1) Other species of note that wear still their today wear
March Wren ( 5)
Common Moorhen (1)
Trumpeter Swan (tagged #566 & 569)
Ruddy Duck (8)
Green-Winged Teal (16)
Caspian Tern (7)
Black Tern (5)
Craig
In Reply to: Expectations in October posted by Dave Harsh on July 14, 2002 at 19:25:56:
Hi Dave I was hoping Toronto birders would have responded to this message by now. But, I guess many of them are on vacation in some remote (and birdy) area of the country.
Anyway. . .I will provide you with some preliminary information until a local birder responds. I'm afraid I don't know the Toronto area very well. But, I do know the north shore of the Great Lakes, especially east of Toronto.
Late October is excellent for migration and, there are several spots along the shore that act as active staging grounds. Most of the insect eating songbirds will have passed (warblers, vireos, flycatchers, swallows, etc.) but a few will still be around. While the insectivores dwindle, other more hardy species will be arriving in good numbers. These include sparrows, kinglets, hawks, waterfowl and others. Shorebird migration will also have passed its peek. But, some shorebird species will be starting to arrive. Usually phalaropes, Dunlin, White-rumped and Purple Sandpipers are the star attractions in late October. Some popular birding spots in Toronto include The Leslie Street Spit, Toronto Islands and Thickson Woods. If you are adventerous, I highly recommend spending a day in Presqu'ile Provincial Park a couple of hours east of Toronto. I'm sure there are many other excellent spots you can visit, like Cootes Paradise (Hamilton) and Niagara Falls. But, I think the Toronto people are in a better position to advise on this. You might want to pick up "A Bird-Finding Guide to Ontario" by Goodwin. It has lots of juicy info that is useful, including details about the Toronto area, and a province-wide checklist that shows the likliness of seeing each species at any given time of year. You might also want to subscribe (free) to "Ontbirds", an internet birding network that advises of recent bird sightings and trends through e-mail postings. The postings usually provide directions to the birds.
Visit: http://www.virtualbirder.com/bmail/ontbirds/index.html I hope this helps. Cheerio Tony
In Reply to: Re: What is this bird along the 401! posted by Brian Bailey on July 15, 2002 at 01:22:01:
Hey Mr. Brian Bailey you just maybe right! It was inflight that I saw the white patches. I will take my glasses over on the weekend and have a look... I am on vacation this week. Thanks bud and the others for replying... I will let you know! I have heard of the song but never thought I would see a Mockingbird in TO!
In Reply to: night birds posted by Mark Strlic on July 15, 2002 at 21:02:58:
Hi Mark Your description is very limited. However, Brian Bailey's suggestion of Common Nighthawk seems like a good possibility since it is ma
robins
Posted by Robert Murphy on February 03, 2003 at 08:28:04:
216.123.170.13
-- 216.123.170.13
Fisherville
Posted by Sue Suess on February 02, 2003 at 23:07:02:
64.229.55.56
-- 64.229.55.56
Quinte Area Bird Report - Feb. 02/03
Posted by Terry Sprague on February 02, 2003 at 20:06:54:
216.191.189.211
-- 216.191.189.211
Re: T Swan #533
Posted by Chris on February 02, 2003 at 17:54:51:
209.240.198.63
-- 209.240.198.63
Re: Swans
Posted by Chris on February 02, 2003 at 17:30:52:
209.240.198.63
-- 209.240.198.63
Swans
Posted by Monika on February 01, 2003 at 13:40:26:
216.8.147.134
-- 216.8.147.134
Re: Rough legged hawks in Oakville
Posted by fred urie on January 31, 2003 at 12:29:07:
66.185.84.196
-- 66.185.84.196
T. Swan # 395.
Posted by Teddy Cameron on January 29, 2003 at 14:37:18:
66.185.84.68
-- 66.185.84.68
Re: T. Swans in Humber Bay
Posted by Glenn Coady on January 28, 2003 at 19:27:32:
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
T. Swans in Humber Bay
Posted by Jake Walker on January 28, 2003 at 18:42:13:
142.150.128.236
-- 142.150.128.236
Re: Rough legged hawks in Oakville
Posted by John on January 27, 2003 at 21:52:11:
64.229.245.178
-- 64.229.245.178
Rough legged hawks in Oakville
Posted by Jen on January 27, 2003 at 21:46:07:
149.99.112.253
-- 149.99.112.253
Quinte Area Bird Report - Jan. 26/03
Posted by Terry Sprague on January 26, 2003 at 19:37:15:
216.191.189.181
-- 216.191.189.181
Re: Oops
Posted by Al Johnston on January 26, 2003 at 17:10:13:
64.228.47.175
-- 64.228.47.175
Re: Swans at the Humber River
Posted by Al Johnston on January 26, 2003 at 14:01:47:
64.228.53.37
-- 64.228.53.37
Re: Swans at the Humber River
Posted by Al Johnston on January 26, 2003 at 13:41:28:
64.228.53.37
-- 64.228.53.37
Swans at the Humber River
Posted by Frank Butson on January 25, 2003 at 23:57:16:
149.99.116.252
-- 149.99.116.252
Re: Ducks etc at the Humber River
Posted by Joel Kits on January 25, 2003 at 20:40:19:
24.192.190.56
-- 24.192.190.56
Oops
Posted by Teddy Cameron on January 25, 2003 at 16:57:06:
66.185.84.68
-- 66.185.84.68
Ducks etc at the Humber River
Posted by Teddy Cameron on January 24, 2003 at 15:22:33:
66.185.84.68
-- 66.185.84.68
Re: distressed hawk
Posted by Jim Richards on January 23, 2003 at 22:36:26:
149.99.200.172
-- 149.99.200.172
Re: distressed hawk
Posted by Glenn Coady on January 23, 2003 at 15:56:54:
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
Re: distressed hawk
Posted by dave on January 22, 2003 at 12:54:08:
206.47.0.171
-- 206.47.0.171
Re: distressed hawk
Posted by Valerie Savolainen on January 21, 2003 at 22:25:50:
24.114.37.115
-- 24.114.37.115
Re: distressed hawk
Posted by Dave on January 21, 2003 at 16:48:20:
206.47.0.171
-- 206.47.0.171
Update: Rathnelly Ave Robin
Posted by Jennifer Burns on January 21, 2003 at 09:05:52:
207.236.59.158
-- 207.236.59.158
Re: Saw some robins today!
Posted by Jennifer Burns on January 20, 2003 at 10:44:55:
207.236.59.158
-- 207.236.59.158
Quinte Area Bird Report - Jan. 19/03
Posted by Terry Sprague on January 19, 2003 at 19:20:34:
216.191.189.49
-- 216.191.189.49
Northern Mockingbird
Posted by Don Baxter on January 19, 2003 at 15:09:06:
64.228.105.147
-- 64.228.105.147
Saw some robins today!
Posted by Colleen on January 19, 2003 at 13:07:13:
209.250.153.19
-- 209.250.153.19
Re: distressed hawk
Posted by Valerie Savolainen on January 19, 2003 at 12:38:55:
24.114.37.115
-- 24.114.37.115
Great Blue Heron In Toronto
Posted by Brian Bailey on January 18, 2003 at 14:00:28:
64.231.218.73
-- 64.231.218.73
distressed hawk
Posted by Valerie Savolainen on January 16, 2003 at 09:12:47:
24.114.37.115
-- 24.114.37.115
Re: West Nile Virus
Posted by fred urie on January 15, 2003 at 15:14:50:
66.185.84.196
-- 66.185.84.196
Re: West Nile Virus
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on January 14, 2003 at 12:34:20:
209.29.104.46
-- 209.29.104.46
Re: West Nile Virus
Posted by Jim Richards on January 13, 2003 at 23:47:19:
149.99.202.186
-- 149.99.202.186
West Nile Virus
Posted by Jean-François on January 13, 2003 at 22:56:10:
209.29.103.30
-- 209.29.103.30
Quinte Area Bird Report - Jan. 05/03
Posted by Terry Sprague on January 05, 2003 at 19:22:24:Posting new messages
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on January 04, 2003 at 15:08:19:Re: ruby crowned kinglet at seut feeder
Posted by Don Baxter on January 04, 2003 at 12:49:38:Re: Toronto Christmas Bird Count results
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on January 03, 2003 at 19:02:05:Re: robins on new year's day!
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on January 03, 2003 at 18:48:32:Re: ruby crowned kinglet at seut feeder
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on January 03, 2003 at 18:43:49:ruby crowned kinglet at seut feeder
Posted by Don Baxter on January 03, 2003 at 17:29:53:Re: robins on new year's day!
Posted by Maureen on January 03, 2003 at 17:29:41:Re: Rathnelly Avenue Robin
Posted by maureen on January 03, 2003 at 17:24:25:Re: Toronto Christmas Bird Count results
Posted by Maureen on January 03, 2003 at 17:20:35:Re: digiscope?
Posted by Glenn Coady on January 03, 2003 at 14:42:09:digiscope?
Posted by Piers Perren on January 03, 2003 at 13:08:03:Re: robins on new year's day!
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on January 03, 2003 at 12:00:45:robins on new year's day!
Posted by martin ahermaa on January 03, 2003 at 09:57:12:Re: "White" goose
Posted by Tony Johnson on January 02, 2003 at 14:20:42:Re: "White" goose
Posted by Al Johnston on January 02, 2003 at 12:57:19:Re: Toronto Christmas Bird Count results
Posted by Jennifer Burns on January 02, 2003 at 10:46:12:Re: Rathnelly Avenue Robin
Posted by Jennifer Burns on January 02, 2003 at 10:36:59:"White" goose
Posted by Tony Johnson on January 02, 2003 at 10:24:27:Re: Toronto Christmas Bird Count results
Posted by Maureen Falk on January 01, 2003 at 18:58:38:shrike - northern?
Posted by Celia Harte on January 01, 2003 at 16:12:12:BALD EAGLE
Posted by Vince McNally on January 01, 2003 at 11:42:22:BALD EAGLE
Posted by Vince McNally on January 01, 2003 at 11:41:54:Happy New Year
Posted by Tony Beck on December 31, 2002 at 10:44:02:Quinte Area Bird Report - Dec. 29/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on December 29, 2002 at 20:07:48:2 Great Blue Herons Taylor Creek Park
Posted by Frank Butson on December 29, 2002 at 16:27:43:Re: Toronto Christmas Bird Count results
Posted by Al Johnston on December 25, 2002 at 13:39:39:Re: Rathnelly Avenue Robin
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on December 24, 2002 at 12:47:36:Toronto Christmas Bird Count results
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on December 23, 2002 at 18:00:10:
Toronto CBC compilerRe: Missing Birds
Posted by kathie dick Oakville on December 23, 2002 at 10:40:26:Re: missing birds
Posted by kathie dick on December 23, 2002 at 10:21:50:Re: Any sight of Heerman's gull??
Posted by Craig Mclauchlan on December 22, 2002 at 22:54:15:Quinte Area Bird Report - Dec. 22/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on December 22, 2002 at 19:26:12:Any sight of Heerman's gull??
Posted by Christopher Di Corrado on December 22, 2002 at 19:21:26:Northern Mockingbirds (what else?)
Posted by Bob Goulet on December 22, 2002 at 14:58:03:Seasons Greetings
Posted by Tony Beck on December 22, 2002 at 10:43:52:Canadian Connection ABA-IFO Workshops
Posted by Arlene Hall on December 22, 2002 at 10:05:44:Re: missing birds
Posted by Lock Hughes on December 22, 2002 at 09:59:40:Re: Birded Humber Bay Park (east entrance)
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on December 20, 2002 at 19:16:45:Re: Birded Humber Bay Park (east entrance)
Posted by Christopher Di Corrado on December 20, 2002 at 17:33:35:Re: missing birds
Posted by Martin Casse on December 20, 2002 at 13:11:46:Re: missing birds
Posted by Martin Casse on December 20, 2002 at 13:10:05:Re: spotting scope
Posted by Steve on December 18, 2002 at 22:26:45:Birded Humber Bay Park (east entrance)
Posted by Frank Butson on December 18, 2002 at 18:12:06:Rathnelly Avenue Robin
Posted by Jennifer Burns on December 18, 2002 at 10:33:53:Re: spotting scope
Posted by Vince McNally on December 17, 2002 at 21:30:56:Re: spotting scope
Posted by Marge Kelvin on December 17, 2002 at 18:34:28:spotting scope
Posted by joan on December 17, 2002 at 15:40:13:Re: Canada geese flying north in December
Posted by Tony Beck on December 15, 2002 at 22:14:22:Re: Canada geese flying north in December
Posted by Barry E. Darroch on December 15, 2002 at 21:26:39:Re: Canada geese flying north in December
Posted by Gavin Edmondstone on December 15, 2002 at 21:15:41:Canada geese flying north in December
Posted by Vivian on December 15, 2002 at 20:28:57:Quinte Area Bird Report - Dec. 15/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on December 15, 2002 at 19:00:16:Re: blue birds
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on December 15, 2002 at 16:17:41:blue birds
Posted by alan hathaway on December 15, 2002 at 11:49:55:Re: Brown Thrasher, Fox Sparrow, etc. at Heart Lake
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on December 10, 2002 at 08:25:54:Quinte Area Bird Report - Dec. 08/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on December 08, 2002 at 19:28:48:Brown Thrasher, Fox Sparrow, etc. at Heart Lake
Posted by Bob Noble on December 08, 2002 at 16:52:06:Re: How do I identify birds
Posted by Barbara Taylor on December 08, 2002 at 16:29:11:Winter Birds 12-08-02 Tommy Thompson park Toronto
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on December 08, 2002 at 15:42:45:Re: Lone Trumpeter Swan
Posted by Al Johnston on December 08, 2002 at 14:48:56:Re: How do I identify birds
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on December 08, 2002 at 14:13:25:Re: How do I identify birds
Posted by Tony Beck on December 08, 2002 at 11:23:38:Lone Trumpeter Swan
Posted by Kirk Vetor on December 08, 2002 at 10:16:34:How do I identify birds
Posted by Dave on December 08, 2002 at 09:23:02:Re: Sharp Shinned Haawk
Posted by Sharon on December 07, 2002 at 15:45:32:Re: SWM Seeks Northern Mockingbird For Possible Relationship
Posted by Bob Goulet on December 06, 2002 at 23:31:37:Re: SWM Seeks Northern Mockingbird For Possible Relationship
Posted by Glenn Coady on December 06, 2002 at 12:37:46:Re: SWM Seeks Northern Mockingbird For Possible Relationship
Posted by Greg Sadowski on December 06, 2002 at 11:58:25:Re: SWM Seeks Northern Mockingbird For Possible Relationship
Posted by Greg Sadowski on December 06, 2002 at 11:58:21:Re: SWM Seeks Northern Mockingbird For Possible Relationship
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on December 06, 2002 at 09:45:31:Re: Niagara River Gulls... good viewing location?
Posted by Glenn Coady on December 05, 2002 at 17:19:56:Re: Niagara River Gulls... good viewing location?
Posted by Jim Richards on December 04, 2002 at 19:19:55:Yellow-rumped Warbler-Toronto 12-4-2002
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on December 04, 2002 at 17:20:21:SWM Seeks Northern Mockingbird For Possible Relationship
Posted by Bob Goulet on December 04, 2002 at 16:28:40:Niagara River Gulls... good viewing location?
Posted by Ian on December 04, 2002 at 16:18:47:Common Mergansers in Humber Bay
Posted by Teddy Cameron on December 04, 2002 at 12:57:40:Re: Architectural features that kill wildlife
Posted by lockhughes on December 03, 2002 at 23:15:56:Toronto Ornithological Club's Jim Baillie Memorial Bird Walks - January to May 2003
Posted by Glenn Coady on December 03, 2002 at 14:54:34:Quinte Area Bird Report - Dec. 01/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on December 01, 2002 at 19:31:22:Re: Sharp Shinned Haawk
Posted by Jen on December 01, 2002 at 09:27:09:RFI - Feeder Stations
Posted by Bert Filemyr on December 01, 2002 at 05:51:32:night heron roost
Posted by Don Baxter on November 30, 2002 at 17:05:47:Re: Falcon or Hawk, can anyone help?
Posted by Michael Hodge on November 27, 2002 at 17:20:47:Re: Birding in Late November?...
Posted by Don Baxter on November 27, 2002 at 16:20:01:Has anyone heard from Marge Kelvin
Posted by Steve on November 27, 2002 at 09:16:56:Re: Birding in Late November?...
Posted by Jim Richards on November 25, 2002 at 15:41:14:Birding in Late November?...
Posted by Ian on November 25, 2002 at 14:22:50:Re: Falcon or Hawk, can anyone help?
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on November 21, 2002 at 16:38:02:Sharp Shinned Haawk
Posted by George Daszkowski on November 21, 2002 at 15:47:40:Re: Falcon or Hawk, can anyone help?
Posted by Rod Thompson on November 21, 2002 at 15:21:39:Re: Hawk HIll
Posted by bobwsk on November 20, 2002 at 12:59:43:Try Looking at this
Posted by Frank Butson on November 19, 2002 at 20:46:04:Re: Hawk HIll
Posted by Frank Butson on November 19, 2002 at 20:35:21:Hawk HIll
Posted by Monsoon on November 19, 2002 at 20:24:51:Falcon or Hawk, can anyone help?
Posted by Monsoon on November 19, 2002 at 20:02:35:Re: Bird Feeder Surveys
Posted by Kirk Vetor on November 19, 2002 at 09:19:37:Re: Bird Feeder Surveys
Posted by Glenn Coady on November 18, 2002 at 14:43:19:Bird Feeder Surveys
Posted by Kirk Vetor on November 18, 2002 at 12:42:44:Quinte Area Bird Report - Nov. 17/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on November 17, 2002 at 19:36:59:N. Shrike
Posted by Piers M. Perren on November 17, 2002 at 17:21:04:Re: furry critters at feeders
Posted by Marien on November 16, 2002 at 22:26:38:N Sawhet Owl
Posted by Piers M Perren on November 15, 2002 at 15:16:24:Re: Good numbers in Port Hope area
Posted by Kirk Vetorq on November 14, 2002 at 21:26:48:furry critters at feeders
Posted by Tony Beck on November 14, 2002 at 11:30:57:Re: Good numbers in Port Hope area
Posted by Martin Ahermaa on November 14, 2002 at 09:34:46:Re: Missing Birds
Posted by Nick Avery on November 13, 2002 at 17:29:01:Re: Good numbers in Port Hope area
Posted by Kirk Vetor on November 13, 2002 at 09:29:37:Re: Sawhet Owls
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on November 13, 2002 at 09:26:59:Re: Common Raven High Park
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on November 13, 2002 at 09:23:51:oops. . .typo
Posted by Tony Beck on November 13, 2002 at 07:27:03:Re: missing birds
Posted by Tony Beck on November 13, 2002 at 07:18:38:Re: missing birds
Posted by Barbara Taylor on November 12, 2002 at 17:45:33:Re: missing birds
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on November 12, 2002 at 16:44:29:Re: Sawhet Owls
Posted by Jacques Gravel on November 12, 2002 at 14:42:04:Re: missing birds
Posted by Tony Beck on November 12, 2002 at 14:01:03:Re: Common Raven High Park
Posted by Glenn Coady on November 12, 2002 at 09:49:11:Re: missing birds
Posted by fred urie on November 12, 2002 at 09:30:54:missing birds
Posted by joe on November 12, 2002 at 08:23:10:Sawhet Owls
Posted by Richard Gonin on November 11, 2002 at 11:54:19:Peregrine Falcons
Posted by Richard Gonin on November 11, 2002 at 11:52:31:Re: Common Raven High Park
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on November 11, 2002 at 10:25:10:Quinte Area Bird Report - Nov. 10/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on November 10, 2002 at 19:57:49:Birds
Posted by Carl Martin on November 10, 2002 at 19:10:51:Re: fewer birds - west nile virus
Posted by Barbara Taylor on November 10, 2002 at 11:54:55:Birds at Tommy Thompson park Toronto 11-09-02
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on November 10, 2002 at 10:18:30:Re: Common Raven High Park
Posted by rob on November 10, 2002 at 10:15:05:Re: fewer birds in oakville
Posted by Nick Avery on November 09, 2002 at 19:32:14:Re: peregrine falcons
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on November 09, 2002 at 07:23:50:peregrine falcons
Posted by mc on November 08, 2002 at 13:54:54:Leslie st spit/Tommy Thompson park
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on November 08, 2002 at 10:16:22:Common Raven High Park
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on November 08, 2002 at 10:02:40:Re: fewer birds in oakville
Posted by John Bacon on November 08, 2002 at 02:49:25:Re: Birding in Toronto
Posted by John Bacon on November 08, 2002 at 02:46:42:Birding in Toronto
Posted by Andrew Francis on November 07, 2002 at 16:05:07:Re: Hermit Thrush or birds at Feeders
Posted by Glenn Coady on November 06, 2002 at 16:29:51:Re: fewer birds in oakville
Posted by Nick Avery on November 06, 2002 at 16:25:40:Re: Hermit Thrush or birds at Feeders
Posted by Mike Boyd on November 06, 2002 at 15:28:21:Re: Hermit Thrush or birds at Feeders
Posted by Kirk Vetor on November 06, 2002 at 13:48:19:Re: Architectural features that kill wildlife
Posted by Tony Lang on November 05, 2002 at 13:24:23:Hermit Thrush or birds at Feeders
Posted by colin bradshaw on November 04, 2002 at 17:09:56:Hermi
Posted by colin bradshaw on November 04, 2002 at 17:09:55:Re: Canada Goose with white head
Posted by Allison on November 04, 2002 at 16:44:54:Re: Killing Canada Geese
Posted by lockhughes on November 04, 2002 at 13:36:15:White-Fronted Geese
Posted by Matt Hayward on November 04, 2002 at 12:26:36:Re: Architectural features that kill wildlife
Posted by Wily Verdin on November 03, 2002 at 23:28:05:Architectural features that kill wildlife
Posted by lockhughes on November 03, 2002 at 22:50:19:Quinte Area Bird Report - Nov. 03/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on November 03, 2002 at 19:47:51:fewer birds in oakville
Posted by enid and vic varga on November 03, 2002 at 17:19:48:Re: Never seen before...
Posted by bird lover on November 02, 2002 at 14:23:20:Re: Hermit Thrush at Feeder
Posted by Wily Verdin on November 02, 2002 at 12:39:34:Re: Hermit Thrush at Feeder
Posted by Marge Kelvin on October 31, 2002 at 19:25:21:Red Tail Hawk
Posted by Michael Hodge on October 31, 2002 at 14:04:18:Re: The Buffleheads are back!
Posted by George Daszkowski on October 31, 2002 at 13:21:15:snow goose
Posted by angie gibson on October 28, 2002 at 22:08:52:Quinte Area Bird Report - Oct. 27/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on October 27, 2002 at 20:18:30:Re: The Buffleheads are back!
Posted by Gail Christoff on October 27, 2002 at 09:54:53:Re: Hermit Thrush at Feeder
Posted by Barbara Taylor on October 25, 2002 at 22:35:34:The Buffleheads are back!
Posted by George Daszkowski on October 25, 2002 at 11:16:36:Re: Kinglet?
Posted by Glenn Coady on October 25, 2002 at 09:58:19:Kinglet?
Posted by Allison on October 24, 2002 at 16:54:33:Re: how to keep cats out of my yard
Posted by susan on October 23, 2002 at 23:42:47:Hermit Thrush at Feeder
Posted by Kirk Vetor on October 23, 2002 at 16:48:36:Re: booby
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on October 22, 2002 at 16:28:28:Re: Never seen before...
Posted by Jim Richards on October 22, 2002 at 16:20:44:Re: Never seen before...
Posted by Jim Richards on October 22, 2002 at 16:19:13:Re: Never seen before...
Posted by Cheryl on October 22, 2002 at 15:18:08:Re: Never seen before...
Posted by Craig on October 22, 2002 at 14:05:39:Never seen before...
Posted by Andre Arsenault on October 22, 2002 at 13:57:37:Re: could it be booby?
Posted by patricia on October 22, 2002 at 09:38:16:Re: could it be booby?
Posted by Mike Boyd on October 22, 2002 at 08:00:07:could it be booby?
Posted by patricia on October 21, 2002 at 20:02:23:Re: Newpaper article on Crows
Posted by William D Jack on October 21, 2002 at 14:06:30:Oct 19 Birding at Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto
Posted by Frank Butson on October 21, 2002 at 04:12:27:Quinte Area Bird Report - Oct. 20/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on October 20, 2002 at 19:24:58:Oldsquaws
Posted by Bill Halliday on October 20, 2002 at 18:56:17:Re: Sandhill Crane
Posted by Chris on October 19, 2002 at 18:20:43:Sandhill Crane
Posted by Vince McNally on October 18, 2002 at 12:59:27:Newpaper article on Crows
Posted by Mark Cranford on October 17, 2002 at 19:10:23:An awful story from CNN
Posted by Piers M. Perren on October 17, 2002 at 07:24:58:Re: Canada Goose with white head -- Snow Geese sightings
Posted by Theresa Dobko on October 17, 2002 at 06:53:29:Re: Canada Goose with white head
Posted by Dave on October 16, 2002 at 22:39:11:Re: Golden Crowned Kinglet migration
Posted by Barbara Taylor on October 16, 2002 at 17:30:52:Re: how to keep cats out of my yard
Posted by Mary on October 16, 2002 at 17:10:05:Canada Goose with white head
Posted by Val on October 16, 2002 at 16:52:45:Re: Commarants
Posted by Tony Beck on October 15, 2002 at 16:45:24:Killing Canada Geese
Posted by Rick on October 15, 2002 at 13:36:36:Re: Commarants
Posted by Dave on October 15, 2002 at 10:16:18:Re: Ravens
Posted by Mike on October 14, 2002 at 22:03:14:Commarants
Posted by Ed on October 14, 2002 at 20:30:17:Re: how to keep cats out of my yard
Posted by Robert Goulet on October 14, 2002 at 09:54:36:Quinte Area Bird Report - Oct. 13/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on October 13, 2002 at 19:31:19:Re: pelicans?
Posted by Sandra Eadie on October 13, 2002 at 09:24:06:Prothonotary W - range map
Posted by Rick on October 11, 2002 at 11:23:05:Re: Prothonotary Warblers
Posted by Derrick Marven on October 11, 2002 at 02:03:22:Re: Turr - what is it?
Posted by Jim Richards on October 10, 2002 at 20:55:28:Re: Prothonotary Warblers
Posted by Jim Richards on October 10, 2002 at 20:49:52:Re: Prothonotary Warblers
Posted by Jim Richards on October 10, 2002 at 20:36:50:Prothonotary Warblers
Posted by Derrick Marven on October 10, 2002 at 19:12:29:pelicans?
Posted by Rob on October 10, 2002 at 19:10:17:Re: Turr - what is it?
Posted by Mark Cranford on October 10, 2002 at 17:36:01:Turr - what is it?
Posted by Rick on October 10, 2002 at 15:14:06:Re: Will Budgies survive winterÉ
Posted by Rick on October 10, 2002 at 14:26:14:Re: Will Budgies survive winterÉ
Posted by Dave on October 10, 2002 at 09:16:10:Re: how to keep cats out of my yard
Posted by Wily Verdin on October 09, 2002 at 22:40:28:Re: Will Budgies survive winterÉ
Posted by Graham on October 09, 2002 at 21:53:31:how to keep cats out of my yard
Posted by susan on October 09, 2002 at 19:12:57:Re: Will Budgies survive winterÉ
Posted by susan on October 09, 2002 at 19:05:34:Will Budgies survive winterÉ
Posted by Dave on October 09, 2002 at 09:38:31:Brown Creepers and bird feeders
Posted by Theresa Dobko on October 08, 2002 at 09:11:02:Golden Crowned Kinglet migration
Posted by Bruce on October 07, 2002 at 22:35:29:Re: Where to buy a platform feeder?
Posted by John on October 07, 2002 at 16:05:09:Where to buy a platform feeder?
Posted by Kirk Vetor on October 07, 2002 at 11:32:11:Where to buy a platform feeder?
Posted by Kirk Vetor on October 07, 2002 at 11:31:11:Quinte Area Bird Report - Oct. 06/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on October 06, 2002 at 20:32:23:Hamilton Brown Pelican
Posted by Craig McLauchaln on October 04, 2002 at 19:15:37:Lost Grey & Yellow Head Cockatiel?
Posted by Sandy Vincent on October 04, 2002 at 10:42:16:white ducks
Posted by Pat Gangl on October 03, 2002 at 15:11:00:Fall is in the air!
Posted by Colleen on October 02, 2002 at 18:21:46:Sharp tailed Sparrow T.T.Park
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on October 02, 2002 at 09:55:36:Voluteer Looking for Placement
Posted by Marc Lichtenberg on October 01, 2002 at 11:19:37:Re: Ravens
Posted by Don Baxter on September 30, 2002 at 18:34:51:TOC fall outings - UPDATED
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on September 30, 2002 at 16:51:58:Re: Ravens
Posted by Mike Boyd on September 30, 2002 at 15:52:33:Ravens
Posted by Rob on September 29, 2002 at 23:39:12:Quinte Area Bird Report - Sept. 29/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on September 29, 2002 at 19:35:14:add your favourite birding place to our database
Posted by david watkins on September 28, 2002 at 07:59:20:Re: West Nile question
Posted by Marge Kelvin on September 26, 2002 at 18:02:49:Re: West Nile question
Posted by Greg Sadowski on September 25, 2002 at 13:11:21:Re: Volunteer work
Posted by Greg Sadowski on September 25, 2002 at 13:04:49:West Nile question
Posted by Don Peuramaki on September 25, 2002 at 07:36:23:Volunteer work
Posted by Jeff Groves on September 25, 2002 at 00:06:54:Quinte Area Bird Report - Sept. 22/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on September 22, 2002 at 19:56:20:Snowy Egret Long Point 09-21-2002
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 22, 2002 at 10:35:37:pair of whitish ducks in grenedier pond??
Posted by n. herring on September 21, 2002 at 23:00:40:High Park hawk wach. Toronto
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 19, 2002 at 19:49:55:Re: Broadwings through Toronto?
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 18, 2002 at 17:28:46:Broadwings through Toronto?
Posted by Theresa Dobko on September 18, 2002 at 15:17:06:Re: West Nile Virus
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 18, 2002 at 07:44:28:Birds and Mothballs
Posted by Joel Kits on September 17, 2002 at 23:46:12:Re: West Nile Virus
Posted by Mike Boyd on September 17, 2002 at 22:54:40:Re: West Nile Virus
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 17, 2002 at 15:06:46:Re: West Nile Virus - corrected links?
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on September 17, 2002 at 15:06:10:Re: West Nile Virus
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on September 17, 2002 at 15:01:05:West Nile Virus
Posted by Craig Mclauchlan on September 17, 2002 at 14:45:45:Re: birds in october
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on September 17, 2002 at 10:42:45:Re: Quinte Area Bird Report
Posted by Jim Cobb on September 17, 2002 at 10:41:36:birds in october
Posted by Jim Cobb on September 17, 2002 at 10:28:17:Re: High Park B.Eagles today
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 17, 2002 at 09:32:18:Re: Hawk Watching at High Park
Posted by Robert Goulet on September 16, 2002 at 21:29:11:High Park B.Eagles today
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 16, 2002 at 16:28:02:Re: Hawk Watching at High Park
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 16, 2002 at 15:03:00:Re: Leslie st spit birds Sept 14 2002
Posted by Rod Thompson on September 16, 2002 at 09:41:57:Re: Hawk Watching at High Park
Posted by Don Peuramaki on September 16, 2002 at 06:32:09:Warblers At Colonel Sam Smith Park
Posted by Brian Bailey on September 15, 2002 at 21:58:47:
Chestnut-sided
Magnolia
Cape May
Black-throated Blue
Blackpoll
Black & White
Redstart
Common Yellowthroat and
Wilson's
Most of the birds were concentrated near the north end of "The Bowl", the long depression surrounded by conifers, in the north-eastern corner of the park. I'm sure that a better eye for those cryptic fall plumages would have yielded a few more species. There were numerous Flickers throughout the park, but I couldn't find any migrant thrushes or sparrows. Off the eastern shore was a Red-necked Grebe and a female (Lesser?) Scaup.Quinte Area Bird Report
Posted by Terry Sprague on September 15, 2002 at 20:26:42:Correction on Leslie st spit Sept.
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 15, 2002 at 05:56:48:Leslie st spit birds Sept 14 2002
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 15, 2002 at 05:24:33:Re: Hawk Watching at High Park
Posted by Robert Goulet on September 14, 2002 at 14:57:11:Re: Hawk Watching at High Park
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on September 14, 2002 at 13:14:42:Re: Hawk Watching at High Park
Posted by Wily Verdin on September 14, 2002 at 11:38:47:Re: Hawk Watching at High Park
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 14, 2002 at 08:53:31:Re: Hawk Watching at High Park
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 13, 2002 at 14:14:37:Re: Hawk Watching at High Park
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on September 12, 2002 at 21:05:16:Re: Common Nighthawk migration
Posted by Craig Mclauchlan on September 12, 2002 at 18:29:11:Re: Hawk Watching at High Park
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 12, 2002 at 18:26:59:Re: Hawk Watching at High Park
Posted by Marge Kelvin on September 12, 2002 at 18:10:30:Re: Hawk Watching at High Park
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 11, 2002 at 14:32:27:Hawk Watching at High Park
Posted by Theresa Dobko on September 11, 2002 at 08:15:24:Quinte Area Bird Report - Sept. 09/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on September 09, 2002 at 20:54:31:Fledling Identified
Posted by Gary LeDrew on September 09, 2002 at 14:21:05:Re: Found Fledgling
Posted by Tony Beck on September 08, 2002 at 07:27:36:Common Nighthawks
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 07, 2002 at 21:34:00:Re: Found Fledgling
Posted by Theresa on September 07, 2002 at 16:41:05:Re: Crows & West Nile Virus
Posted by Vicki Tudor on September 07, 2002 at 16:15:18:Found Fledgling
Posted by Gary LeDrew on September 07, 2002 at 15:10:25:Crows & West Nile Virus
Posted by Nick Avery on September 06, 2002 at 21:37:49:Re: Common Grackle migration
Posted by Barbara Taylor on September 03, 2002 at 18:39:44:CCFEW Bird Outing at Colonel Sam Smith Park Toronto - Sept 7th
Posted by Brian Bailey on September 02, 2002 at 21:57:52:Re: White Pelican-Sedge Wren
Posted by Ken Walton on September 02, 2002 at 09:54:51:Common Grackle migration
Posted by Maeve Barham on September 02, 2002 at 08:33:27:White Pelican-Sedge Wren
Posted by Ken Walton on September 02, 2002 at 06:11:32:Invitation to fall 2002 TOC outings
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on September 01, 2002 at 15:49:03:Re: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Tyler Hoar on August 30, 2002 at 20:27:50:Re: Common Nighthawk migration
Posted by Tyler Hoar on August 30, 2002 at 16:10:27:Re: Common Nighthawk migration
Posted by Glenn Coady on August 30, 2002 at 10:38:34:Re: Common Nighthawk migration
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on August 29, 2002 at 18:49:32:Long tailed Jaeger Vanwagners beach
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on August 29, 2002 at 14:37:41:Re: Common Nighthawk migration
Posted by Theresa Dobko on August 27, 2002 at 11:38:39:Common Nighthawk migration
Posted by Glenn Coady on August 27, 2002 at 09:57:06:Re: Eared Grebe at Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Posted by Glenn Coady on August 26, 2002 at 10:13:23:Re: Eared Grebe at Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Posted by Brian Bailey on August 25, 2002 at 23:01:33:Quinte Area Bird Report - Aug. 25/02
Posted by Terry Sprague on August 25, 2002 at 20:23:13:Re: Need help with strange flycatcher in High Park
Posted by Daniel Ansari on August 25, 2002 at 15:47:11:Need help with strange flycatcher in High Park
Posted by Daniel Ansari on August 25, 2002 at 15:45:59:Nonquonsewage lagoons near Port Perry,2 Red necked Phalarope
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on August 25, 2002 at 08:09:18:Eared Grebe at Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Posted by Glenn Coady on August 24, 2002 at 21:33:08:Re: Rattray birding
Posted by Brian Bailey on August 23, 2002 at 23:41:24:Rattray birding
Posted by Bill Halliday on August 23, 2002 at 14:16:41:Re: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by collin tanner on August 21, 2002 at 10:27:47:Re: Movie set on Leslie Street Spit
Posted by Glenn Coady on August 20, 2002 at 15:32:45:Movie set on Leslie Street Spit
Posted by Rod Thompson on August 19, 2002 at 14:29:02:Re: Mississauga - Dead birds
Posted by Tony Beck on August 16, 2002 at 07:48:49:Mississauga - Dead birds
Posted by Greg on August 15, 2002 at 16:45:19:Re: Double breasted cormorant (!!!!????)
Posted by robert goulet on August 14, 2002 at 16:09:34:Re: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Tony Beck on August 14, 2002 at 08:02:08:Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Bob Hartley on August 13, 2002 at 23:56:21:Re: Cutting down trees w/nest
Posted by Wily Verdin on August 12, 2002 at 21:12:32:Re: Cutting down trees w/nest
Posted by Marge on August 12, 2002 at 18:47:27:Re: Cutting down trees w/nest
Posted by Marge Kelvin on August 12, 2002 at 18:33:35:Cutting down trees w/nest
Posted by Linda Fender on August 12, 2002 at 17:04:17:Re: Project
Posted by David Shilman on August 12, 2002 at 16:24:56:Project
Posted by wayne on August 10, 2002 at 16:58:20:Re: House Finches
Posted by Sue Suess on August 09, 2002 at 13:18:54:Re: Need help identifying a night bird
Posted by Jen on August 09, 2002 at 09:41:35:Re: House Finches
Posted by Sandra Eadie on August 08, 2002 at 11:26:18:House Finches
Posted by Sue Suess on August 07, 2002 at 20:39:27:Re: Need help identifying a night bird
Posted by aileen on August 06, 2002 at 12:27:12:Re: Need help identifying a night bird
Posted by Tony Beck on August 06, 2002 at 11:53:26:Need help identifying a night bird
Posted by aileen on August 06, 2002 at 11:08:10:Re: Mystery at night
Posted by Jim Richards on August 06, 2002 at 10:58:03:Re: Crested Caracara/Dump Sightings/correction
Posted by Pat Hodgson on August 06, 2002 at 10:08:07:Re: Mystery Hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Tony Beck on August 05, 2002 at 16:48:23:Re: Mystery Hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Bob Hartley on August 05, 2002 at 14:51:23:Re: Mystery Hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Bob Hartley on August 05, 2002 at 14:42:29:Re: Mystery Hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Bob Hartley on August 05, 2002 at 14:42:28:Mystery at night
Posted by George Daszkowski on August 05, 2002 at 12:33:12:Re: Mystery Hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Tony Beck on August 04, 2002 at 22:42:37:Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Bob Hartley on August 04, 2002 at 20:03:34:Mystery Hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Bob Hartley on August 04, 2002 at 19:48:19:Re: Great Egret at Humber BayBanded?
Posted by Sandra Eadie on August 04, 2002 at 14:41:47:Re: Visiting Birder Seeks Info
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on August 04, 2002 at 13:42:40:Re: Great Egret at Humber Bay
Posted by Sandra Eadie on August 04, 2002 at 12:48:12:Re: Crested Caracara
Posted by fred urie on August 04, 2002 at 09:43:32:Re: Waders at Port Perry Lagoons
Posted by Dave Bickerton on August 04, 2002 at 08:19:22:Re: Crested Caracara/Dump Sightings/correction
Posted by ken wesley on August 04, 2002 at 01:07:30:Re: Crested Caracara/Dump Sightings
Posted by Ken Wesley on August 04, 2002 at 00:16:26:Visiting Birder Seeks Info
Posted by David Schonfeld on August 03, 2002 at 20:38:53:Re: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Dave on August 03, 2002 at 16:55:48:Re: Crested Caracara
Posted by Alan Wormington on August 01, 2002 at 17:52:47:Re: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Tony Beck on August 01, 2002 at 17:43:29:Re: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Glenn Coady on August 01, 2002 at 17:21:50:Re: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Norm on August 01, 2002 at 15:18:00:Re: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Dave on August 01, 2002 at 14:43:52:Re: Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on August 01, 2002 at 14:15:39:Mystery hawk north of Bowmanville
Posted by Bob Hartley on August 01, 2002 at 12:27:07:Re: Great Egret at Humber Bay
Posted by Hugh Currie on July 31, 2002 at 21:37:43:Re: Crested Caracara
Posted by Terry Osborne on July 31, 2002 at 16:11:00:Re: Waders at Port Perry Lagoons
Posted by Tony Lang on July 31, 2002 at 12:09:28:Re: Expectations in October
Posted by Dave on July 31, 2002 at 10:11:33:Re: pS
Posted by hugh currie on July 30, 2002 at 22:44:43:Waders at Port Perry Lagoons
Posted by Dave Bickerton on July 30, 2002 at 19:40:13:Re: Crested Caracara
Posted by dave on July 30, 2002 at 14:59:52:Re: Great Egret at Humber Bay
Posted by Paul Fletcher on July 30, 2002 at 10:40:00:Re: Great Egret at Humber Bay
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on July 30, 2002 at 06:30:47:Re: Crested Caracara / Directions
Posted by Ken Wesley on July 30, 2002 at 01:32:09:Re: What is this bird along the 401!
Posted by Curious George on July 29, 2002 at 23:40:01:Great Egret at Humber Bay
Posted by John Harms on July 29, 2002 at 22:20:07:pS
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on July 29, 2002 at 20:59:45:Re: Crested Caracara
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on July 29, 2002 at 20:51:54:Re: Crested Caracara
Posted by Tony Beck on July 29, 2002 at 18:03:32: Crested Caracara
Posted by Ken Wesley on July 29, 2002 at 17:27:44:Re: Crested Caracara
Posted by Tony Beck on July 29, 2002 at 15:34:32:Re: Crested Caracara
Posted by dave on July 29, 2002 at 14:09:43:Re: Crested Caracara
Posted by Tony Beck on July 29, 2002 at 10:44:58:Crested Caracara
Posted by Ken Wesley on July 28, 2002 at 12:17:15:Crested Caracara
Posted by Ken Wesley on July 28, 2002 at 12:10:40:Cranberry Marsh
Posted by Dave on July 27, 2002 at 21:52:29:White turkey
Posted by D. Cairns on July 25, 2002 at 12:29:20:Re: Double breasted cormorant (!!!!????)
Posted by Tony Beck on July 24, 2002 at 21:10:24:Re: Double breasted cormorant (!!!!????)
Posted by barnie Papp on July 24, 2002 at 20:49:56:Re: Double breasted cormorant (!!!!????)
Posted by Tony Beck on July 24, 2002 at 19:17:46:Double breasted cormorant
Posted by Barnie Papp on July 24, 2002 at 15:05:07:Re: Expectations in October
Posted by William D. Jack on July 24, 2002 at 12:24:08:Re: FALCON ALERT
Posted by Michael Baird on July 22, 2002 at 12:02:36:Re:More Shorebirds In Port Perry
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on July 21, 2002 at 10:11:27:Re: Expectations in October
Posted by Tony Beck on July 18, 2002 at 20:25:19:Re: What is this bird along the 401!
Posted by Curious George on July 17, 2002 at 01:17:07:Re: night birds
Posted by Tony Beck on July 16, 2002 at 10:27:21:
