24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
American Kestrel.
Took these at Mountsberg Conservation Area last weekend. They're in captivity healing.
I'll post the rest in replies.
64.228.116.46
-- 64.228.116.46
In Reply to: Ontbirds posted by WDJack on March 26, 2004 at 14:13:21:
I am so sorry Willie my misunderstanding I thought you wear a contributor to Ont Birds not just a reader .
Best of best
Craig
66.11.164.150
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: Re: Trumpeter swans posted by Chris on March 31, 2004 at 08:41:46:
The Rouge River is right on the eastern border of Toronto, and runs right thru the Toronto Zoo.
Checkout www.rougepark.com
209.240.205.63
-- 209.240.205.63
In Reply to: Re: Trumpeter swans posted by Kin Lau on March 30, 2004 at 23:44:15:
Thanks for posting the photos. :)
Where is Rouge River located?
ThanksChris :)
66.11.164.150
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: Re: Trumpeter swans posted by Chris on March 30, 2004 at 22:56:19:
It's not 646, and looking at the negatives, it may be 649. 819 is for certain, since the number is quite clear in my pictures.
Here's a link www.blacksphotocentre.com/photosite/gabe@blacks
Excuse the grainy scans.
209.240.205.63
-- 209.240.205.63
In Reply to: Re: Trumpeter swans posted by Kin Lau on March 30, 2004 at 22:46:47:
About the tag numbers, did you mean #646 and #814 ?
You had mentioned #640 and #819 in your message.
Number #640 has been in the Burlington area for sometime and, I have seen him daily.
Thanks for your message.Chris
66.11.164.150
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: Re: Trumpeter swans posted by Chris on March 15, 2004 at 21:14:32:
We spotted 2 at Rouge Beach, #'s 640 & 819 (already reported) on Friday March 26. A very beautiful sight as they moved in, out of the mist/fog.
A very interesting sight too, as they were moving about with 2 muted swans, and they came up very close.
24.101.219.26
-- 24.101.219.26
In Reply to: Re: Ontbirds posted by Jim Richards on March 26, 2004 at 17:04:03:
You could also try accessing reports via surfbirds.com
130.15.66.115
-- 130.15.66.115
In Reply to: Amherst Island posted by Cynthia Zalewski on March 24, 2004 at 07:19:11:
Have made several trips there this winter. Last one was made yesterday, March 28th. Great number of hawks (Rough-legged, Red-Tailed and Northern Harriers all successfully hunting). Thousands of goldeneye, many buffleheads, pintails, scaups, Red heads. Heard horned larks, meadowlark. Owl woods have been somewhat dissapointing this winter, having turned up only two long-eared owls in my experience. No snowies yesterday although every other trip has turned up at least two.
Good luck, Iain
24.114.9.104
-- 24.114.9.104
On Saturday morning at 8:30am I saw saw at least 35 Whistling Swans (Tundra Swans) flying WNW over south Ajax. What a wonderful sight.
12.107.97.217
-- 12.107.97.217
In Reply to: Amherst Island posted by Cynthia Zalewski on March 24, 2004 at 07:19:11:
Had a good weekend at the island. First time. Recorded 40 species between home and what I saw there, including a Snowy Owl, Northern Shrike,and a Tree Swallow!!!! That was a surprize. Stayed at a nice B&B on the island. Unfortunately visit was cut short due to car problems, so did not make it to Owl Woods, but that means another trip next winter for there. Now know the lay of the land, so it will be even more fun next time.
206.172.85.138
-- 206.172.85.138
In Reply to: Re: Snow Geese - 25/3/04 posted by Glenn Coady on March 29, 2004 at 08:49:14:
thank you Glen. I will now look them up in my book, now. To see what I was hearing
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Re: Snow Geese - 25/3/04 posted by suekaakee on March 27, 2004 at 22:28:39:
The flock you describe leads me to suspect that the birds you encountered were likelier Tundra Swans.
67.71.69.148
-- 67.71.69.148
In Reply to: Etobicoke Creek Valley - a gallery on it posted by Mathew on March 20, 2004 at 09:56:12:
Your photos are beautiful.
24.141.98.34
-- 24.141.98.34
In Reply to: Re: heard them in the fog, very eerie posted by Garth N. Baker on March 28, 2004 at 10:47:15:
Thanks Garth. Looked in my book and realized they were tundra swans. Also that day I heard for the first time a shrike singing. I would have thought the northern shrikes would be gone from the area by now?
69.197.100.77
-- 69.197.100.77
In Reply to: Re: heard them in the fog, very eerie posted by sookie on March 27, 2004 at 21:31:24:
Hi All:
My guess is that they would probably be Tundra Swans.They are migrating through now . Also the Trumpeters that winter on the Great Lakes are heading to their own nesting spots.The Trumpeter Swan population isn't big enough yet to have such a large flight go overhead.
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
216.192.88.1
-- 216.192.88.1
Although a bit disappointed with the misleading weather forecast, 15 members of the PBC met at Guelph Line to start birding under a gray and overcast sky. We decided to start with a trip to Ben Machree Park in Port Credit to look for the Harlequin Ducks. Bill Baughan spotted them (a pair) after we had collectively scanned the waters for about 20 minutes. They were actively feeding (many ups and downs) so it took awhile before everyone had a good look or two through the spotting scopes. We also got our first Tree Swallows and Common Loon while here for the 2004 PBC year list. Breeding plumaged Horned Grebes and Red-necked Grebes (in progress) were also seen in the general vicinity.
From here we headed back west to LaSalle Park marina where sharp-eyed Mary Schuster spotted the Barrow’s Goldeneye and we recorded our first American Coot and Belted Kingfisher for the year. A few winter plumage Horned Grebes, Canvasback, Common Mergansers, White-winged Scoters, and Redheads were also seen before we headed east to the Travelodge in Burlington. Here we had “point blank”(about 20-25 feet) extended looks at 3 pairs of Long-tailed Ducks as well as a breeding plumage male Red-breasted Merganser not much further away.
After a quick refreshment stop we decided to go ahead and visit Beamer’s Point in Grimsby in spite of the overcast sky and low cloud ceiling. We saw an Eastern Phoebe (Thanks Jean Iron!), a Red-shouldered Hawk, and a pair of Wood Ducks in the short time that we opted to stay there. Another birding tip (Thanks Darlene!) took us to the Burlington Lift Bridge, while enroute we detoured past a pond and some wet areas not far off of Ridge Road where we got courting Hooded Mergansers, Northern Shovelers, and Ring-necked Ducks. This gave us a merganser “Hat-trick” for the day!
At the lift bridge we found a female Peregrine Falcon sitting high on the northmost bridge tower watching all the Rock Pigeons flying around below her. The male Peregrine Falcon flew in and landed beside her, unfortunately empty-taloned though, and he then flew off after a few minutes of “excited” communication. She later flew to another perch nearby but not before everyone had great views of her through the scope. We then called it a day after discussing plans for next weekend’s birding activity. _______________________________________________________
B. Griffin - Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/
64.231.227.13
-- 64.231.227.13
Late this afternoon (Saturday) I found 18 Horned Grebes in the harbour area at Colonel Sam Smith Park. There were another 2 in the larger eastern bay. None of the grebes were in breeding plumage, but some were starting to show a bit of colour. Along with many Buffleheads and Goldeneyes, there were 20 - 30 Red-breasted Mergansers well to the west, close to shore (scope required). There were several Lesser Scaup, and a female Hooded Merganser in the harbour area as well. I could hear lots of Long-tailed Ducks out in the lake, but most were hidden in the fog.
On land, there were a few Song Sparrows singing, and Cowbirds of both genders (the first I've seen this year). Lots of Robins, RW Blackbirds, and Grackles.
BB
199.243.44.175
-- 199.243.44.175
In Reply to: Snow Geese - 25/3/04 posted by Glenn Coady on March 25, 2004 at 17:54:20:
please read my posting dated march 27. was that snow geese in the fog? i also have a story about a brown pelican who visited us at the lake south of bancroft 2 autumns ago if you would like to hear it just ask and i will post it
24.141.98.34
-- 24.141.98.34
In Reply to: heard them in the fog, very eerie posted by suekaakee on March 27, 2004 at 19:38:07:
Saw similar flocks previous day, 70 birds, all white, snow geese? Just north of Hornby in Ballinafad area
24.141.98.34
-- 24.141.98.34
In Reply to: heard them in the fog, very eerie posted by suekaakee on March 27, 2004 at 19:38:07:
had similar flocks fly by my place in ballinafad the day before (March 26) approximately 70 birds, all white, snow geese?
199.243.42.19
-- 199.243.42.19
it is saturday night about 7:20 p.m. when i am summoned outside by a strange squeaking. above my head is a huge flock of geese i assume.can anyone identify them for me? the rythym is that of canada geese but the pitch is much higher, more like a squeaky cartwheel.i live in Hornby Ontario just slightly west of Mississauga at Trafalgar road and the 407. these birds were heading almost due west from what i could see. it was almost dark and much fog. i just caught a glimps of three or four of them althogh the flock was passing over for two or three minutes
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Re: Ontbirds posted by Bob on March 26, 2004 at 17:01:37:
ONTBIRDS would appear to be working perfectly fine for its subscribed membership for its listserv.
The link to it provided on this site is a web-based archive of ONTBIRD's e-mails provided via the Virtual Birder web site. This site has been having problems with its ONTBIRDS archive not updating for 11 days.
For an alternative, try accessing the web-based ONTBIRDS archive found at Jack Siler's web site found at:
http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/ONTB.html
It is operating perfectly fine at present and should allow you to monitor ONTBIRDS posts without subscribing.
You might also want to subscribe to the ONTBIRDS listserv to receive the e-mails directly. Directions on how to do just that can be found on the Ontario Field Ornithologists web site at:
http://www.ofo.ca
or directly at the server's page at:
http://mailman.hwcn.org/mailman/listinfo/ontbirds
GC
24.100.73.213
-- 24.100.73.213
In Reply to: Re: Ontbirds posted by Craig McLauchlan on March 26, 2004 at 16:43:51:
I think Mr. Jack is asking about getting up-to-date readings from the OntBirds site via this site.
At the top of the page (here) one can access OntBirds, but it is only current up to mid-March as of today for example.
The Toronto site (here) is not current!
216.26.113.37
-- 216.26.113.37
In Reply to: Re: Ontbirds posted by Craig McLauchlan on March 26, 2004 at 16:43:51:
The web-based version hasn't worked in awhile.
64.228.116.132
-- 64.228.116.132
In Reply to: Ontbirds posted by WDJack on March 26, 2004 at 14:13:21:
It still works fine for me !? I have just gone through 11 new email
Craig
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Does anyone know what has happened to ONTBIRDS?
Willie
130.63.100.84
-- 130.63.100.84
In Reply to: Point Pelee in April posted by Brendan O'Sullivan on March 18, 2004 at 20:04:01:
Dear Brendan,
If you go to the following web site, you will find a link to bird sightings at Point Pelee that will allow you to access sightings from any given day of any given (recent) year:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/pelee/natcul/natcul4_E.asp
Or, you can go directly to the following web site and cut out the first step:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/pelee/natcul/page2_e.asp?text=yes
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Avron
66.203.190.47
-- 66.203.190.47
At Lasalle Park in Burlington I saw 3 Horned Grebes. 2 females and 1 male. Many other water fowl were also present.
67.69.243.230
-- 67.69.243.230
March 21, 2004 - Spotted a Hawk in Queens Park
March 25, 2004 - Saw an American Woodcock injured on the sidewalk at Bay and College.
64.231.222.142
-- 64.231.222.142
I don't usually think to post these here, but CCFEW (Citizens Concerned About the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront) organizes a series on monthly "Bird Walks" from September to June. The participants usually cover the full spectrum from beginners, to avid birders. The next one is this Sunday.
Glenn Coady will be leading this one on Sunday, March 28th, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Humber Bay East Park.
This walk is funded by TD Canada Trust Friends Of The Environment Foundation, and is free for all participants. Everyone is welcome.
Meet in the Humber Bay East parking lot at 9:00. Walks are held rain or shine.
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
Just after 1:00 p.m. this afternoon I saw a flock of 18 Snow Geese (all blue morph) flying due north high over the corner of Bay St. and College St.
GC
66.46.232.73
-- 66.46.232.73
Ontbirds is having a bad day. Found this on Genesee Birds. It was probably sent to Ontbirds hours ago....
Subject: Black Vulture SE Hamilton ON 12:24 PM From: lazarcg1 AT netzero.net Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 20:56:14 GMT
Was hiking the Bruce Trail eastbound and crossed New Mountain Rd. (near Devil's Punchbowl) at 12:12 PM and crossed Dewitt Rd. (near Vinemount Conservation Area) at 12:44 PM. Had stepped off the Bruce Trail and was near the RR track when I saw the vulture coming from the East and just slightly south of the tracks. It passed overhead no further than 50 yds. and probably much closer to 40 yds at 12:24 PM. Observed the bird without binoculars. It had a silvery patch at the end of both wings and had a gray head. Also noted the short, squarish tail. The vulture continued to fly along the RR tracks westbound until it was out of sight. I was at the Hamburg Hawkwatch with William Watson Sr. on Monday 3/22/04 and saw the Black Vulture pass then. Have seen hundreds of Black Vultures when living in MD and VA.
216.58.70.87
-- 216.58.70.87
Hi all birds;
Sorry about this, but Vol. 2 of An Annotated Bibliography of Canadian Ornithology will be out in Dec. 2004 with Vol. 3&4 in May 2005
Thank you for all the e-mails, and your books are on there way.
Lynn
12.107.97.217
-- 12.107.97.217
Thinking of taking a trip here this coming weekend. Any reports or experiences with this location would be appreciated. I know it is good for owls, but we maybe a little late in the month.
Thank you for your reply.
216.58.70.106
-- 216.58.70.106
Hi to all and spring birding is here in the Ottawa Valley.
Just to say that Kenneth Walton books An Annotated Bibliography of North Amercican Wood Warblers Vol. 1, $59.95 canadian each. An Annotated Bibliography of Canadian Ornithology Vol. 1 & 2.$59.95 each. An Annotated Bibliograpgy of Ontario Ornithology Vol. 1. $59.95 each.
with Tax (R.S.T.), S&H is $71.85 canadian each.
Are being sold thought Sayers Antiques & Collectibles
by Money order or check out to "Lynn Sayers"
Sayers Antiques & Collectibles
P.O. Box 16,
Beachburg, Ontario,
Canada K0J 1C0
69.158.81.240
-- 69.158.81.240
In Reply to: Toronto Turkey Vulture posted by Craig McLauchlan on March 21, 2004 at 17:37:02:
Also, don't forget about the two-toned wings. Dark, and less dark. A dead giveaway. Wonderful birds.
64.228.112.185
-- 64.228.112.185
In Reply to: Re: Toronto Turkey Vulture posted by Mathew on March 21, 2004 at 21:56:28:
Mathew, what you saw were probably TV's. The 2 most identifiable features are their habit of soaring with their wings forming a pronounced "V" or dihedral and also their tendency to tilt or rock from side to side. They don't always soar in groups. They're certainly back as Craig pointed out.
64.228.112.185
-- 64.228.112.185
In Reply to: Re: Toronto Turkey Vulture posted by Mathew on March 21, 2004 at 21:56:28:
Mathew, what you saw were probably TV's. The 2 most identifiable features are their habit of soaring with their wings forming a pronounced "V" or dihedral and also their tendency to tilt or rock from side to side. They don't always soar in groups. They're certainly back as Craig pointed out.
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Toronto Turkey Vulture posted by Craig McLauchlan on March 21, 2004 at 17:37:02:
I'm not positive but perhaps someone can help confirm based on actions - I today saw 5+ what I believe were Turkey Vultures all soaring together in the wind, ~1500-2000ft alt. Really amazing to see them in the wind.
Hawks are solitary, correct? I'm guessing what I saw were Turkey Vultures.
216.209.210.5
-- 216.209.210.5
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding.
Today wile shopping in Bloor west village hear in Toronto Bev and I finally got to watched with great humour as our first Turkey Vulture (or should that be condor) of the year flue and fought in the strong winds . what fun it was to see a new year bird.
Craig & Bev McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
64.228.100.136
-- 64.228.100.136
Cottage Birds: Friday, April 23 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Your Summertime Companions
Why does that loon make different sounds? Why is that male hummingbird
so aggressive at the feeder? What is that Great Blue Heron hunting
for? The cottage is a great place to observe our feathered friends.
This workshop will focus on common species found in cottage country and
help you learn what to look for. Surely this is the best way to get
ready for a summer at your favourite spot! Information booklet
included. Naturalist: Chris Earley. Fee: $45.00. Registration and
payment required by Friday, April 9. To register, call 519-824-4120 ext. 52358 or e-mail arbor@uoguelph.ca.
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Re: Cooper's Hawk?? posted by Al Johnston on March 20, 2004 at 11:08:07:
Canon Digital Rebel with 300mm zoom. I highly reccomend that model.
24.192.222.27
-- 24.192.222.27
In Reply to: Etobicoke Creek Valley - a gallery on it posted by Mathew on March 20, 2004 at 09:56:12:
Nice shots...thanks for sharing!
D
64.228.53.30
-- 64.228.53.30
In Reply to: Re: Cooper's Hawk?? posted by Mathew on March 20, 2004 at 09:48:09:
Mathew, what make and model camera are you using? I'm considering finally getting with it and going digital.
Al
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
Hi everyone. I live backing onto the Etobicoke Creek in Mississauga north of Burnhamthorpe. I head out daily with a camera just in case, and have a gallery that is slowly growing and shows what I'm finding from Eglinton south all the way to Marie Curtis park.
So far I've seen a fair number of species but expect to see many more as Spring unfolds.
Latest species seen this week are a flock of red-winged blackbirds, red-breasted nuthatches, and a Cooper's Hawk as shown in another post.
Anyways, check out the gallery. It's sort of a hobby, sort of my documentation on what I'm finding there.
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Re: Cooper's Hawk?? posted by Derek Lyon on March 20, 2004 at 09:07:48:
I wish I could describe the sound. I somewhat forget now, but while a Red-Tail may give the single screeching "whahhhhh", as I recall this one made a shorter number of squawks which definitely drew my eye up since it's not a common sound for the area.
149.99.113.28
-- 149.99.113.28
In Reply to: Re: Cooper's Hawk?? posted by Mathew on March 19, 2004 at 12:27:00:
Hi Mathew,
Wow another really great photo!
The bird is Definitely an adult Cooper's Hawk (the tail seems narrow/atypical, but the rest of the bird is classic Cooper's hawk).
Is it possible to desribe the sound it made?
Thanks, DL
209.226.103.18
-- 209.226.103.18
In Reply to: Re: Golden Eagle posted by melissa on August 20, 2003 at 12:46:57:
I have seen this bird twice a short distance from Lake Charles between Wiarton and Owen Sound.It had white almost oval patches on the underside of its wings and its wingspan was easily six feet.Sightings were Feb. 18 and Mar. 16.There are remote areas of the escarpment nearby so I hope it nests here.Birding maps indicate that it should be much further north.I'm new at this, any comments?
152.163.252.162
-- 152.163.252.162
Today,(March 19) I headed down to Colonel Sam Smith Park to attempt a glimpse of the immature, female snowy owl. Unfortunatly, I did not see the elusive phantom of the snow. However, it was a beutifull day and the red pine and poplars looked very picturesque in the hazy March sky. I decided to take a stroll around the lake. While I was admiring the scenery, I noticed 5 figuers swimming in the body of water. As I looked closer and then watched the five birds through my binoculars, I realised they were horned grebes making their annual spring migration! Later, I also saw my first red-winged blackbirds of the year. It was a good day to end my friday after all.
152.163.252.162
-- 152.163.252.162
Today,(March 19) I headed down to Colonel Sam Smith Park to attempt a glimpse of the immature, female snowy owl. Unfortunatly, I did not see the elusive phantom of the snow. However, it was a beutifull day and the red pine and poplars looked very picturesque in the hazy March sky. I decided to take a stroll around the lake. While I was admiring the scenery, I noticed 5 figuers swimming in the body of water. As I looked closer and then watched the five birds through my binoculars, I realised they were horned grebes making their annual spring migration! Later, I also saw my first red-winged blackbirds of the year. It was a good day to end my friday after all.
64.228.47.25
-- 64.228.47.25
In Reply to: Cooper's Hawk?? posted by Mathew on March 19, 2004 at 12:26:30:
Mathew, you didn't say how large you estimated it to be but if it's crow sized, I'd say cooper's for sure.
Nice pics, BTW. Al
65.92.149.68
-- 65.92.149.68
In Reply to: Re: Cooper's Hawk?? posted by Mathew on March 19, 2004 at 12:27:00:
It sure looks like the Cooper's hawk in our birding books.
Only difference being the tail, which in your picture looks closed and in our books shows it more spread out.
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Cooper's Hawk?? posted by Mathew on March 19, 2004 at 12:26:30:
Another sharper image
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
Hi all. I'm not sure enough at ID'ing birds so I ask for your help once again. Taken this morning in the Etobicoke Creek ravine north of Burnhamthorpe Rd. The call of this one didn't match Red-Tails I normally see in the ravine, and from the tail I'm thinking it's a Coopers but your help appreciated.
66.185.84.70
-- 66.185.84.70
I have the second week of April off work and was wondering if it would be worthwhile spending a few days at Point Pelee then or is it still a bit too early for any significant birds? What birds could I expect to see at that time?
Thanks in advance
Brendan O'Sullivan
Mississsauga.
216.94.63.3
-- 216.94.63.3
There is a wren on the west side of the creek in Hague Park, Scarboro. It has been quite vocal for the past week. Rubber boots are a good idea. Enter the park from Seminole Ave which runs east from Danforth Rd south of Lawrence. Walk north on a muddy trail to a wide area of cattails on the left. While his territory is in the vine tangles back of the houses (30 muddy yards off the trail), you can likely hear him from almost anywhere on the trail. There was also a wren in the park in 2002 but it didn't stay.
209.240.205.63
-- 209.240.205.63
In Reply to: Trumpeter swans posted by Scott Hulme on March 10, 2004 at 11:03:07:
Scott:
The trumpeter swans that you spotted at the Scarborough Bluffs are part of a re-introduction program that is associated with the Wye Marsh center in Midland.
The Wye Marsh center appreciates hearing from the public if, any of the trumpeters have been seen. That was great of you to write down the tag numbers.
In the Burlington area, we had about 100 trumpeter swans this past winter. Most of them have migrated back up north.
Since you saw these swans recently, it helps the center know where they are located. They tend to move around a lot during this time.
Here is the link to the Wye Marsh center with their email address should you wish to report the tag numbers.:
http://www.wyemarsh.com/swan_sighting.html
If you choose not to send a note to them, please let me know and, I can forward your message.
Thanks,Chris :)
64.230.177.40
-- 64.230.177.40
In Reply to: Re: birds in buildings? posted by Mathew on March 11, 2004 at 13:53:31:
I've seen small birds (I think they were House Sparrows) in Costco (Woodbine/Highway 7); Big Land Farm (McCowan/Steeles); Home Depot (Woodbine/Hwy 7); and White Rose (Warden/Hwy 7).
64.231.217.191
-- 64.231.217.191
The Snowy Owl was on the docks again at Colonel Sam Smith Park in Etobicoke this afternoon. I assume it is the same bird that has been seen for the past couple of weeks, although I couldn't find it last Sunday.
A few blocks away, there was lots of birdsong around my house. Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds were calling, and a Northern Mockingbird was filling in for several species who weren't there to sing for themselves.
Brian
24.141.13.173
-- 24.141.13.173
In Reply to: Re: How is the Hawk Flight @ Beamer? posted by Barbara Taylor on March 11, 2004 at 21:14:21:
i just saw 2 red shouldered hawks setting up their nesting area in a forest here in Bronte (West Oakville),such vocal hawks ,make such a racket when anyone goes close to them.
67.70.65.249
-- 67.70.65.249
In Reply to: How is the Hawk Flight @ Beamer? posted by Derek Lyon on March 10, 2004 at 09:31:04:
Looks like the Red-shouldered Hawks started moving through (in small numbers) on March 9 and 10. See ONTBIRDS posts for Beamer:
http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/ONTB.html
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Re: birds in buildings? posted by Marcel Gahbauer on March 11, 2004 at 06:30:28:
The food court at Sherway Gardens (mall) commonly has birds flying around.
209.29.82.105
-- 209.29.82.105
In Reply to: mockingbird in Toronto posted by Marnie on March 10, 2004 at 09:32:50:
Thanks, everyone. I looked back through some old posts here and found a few more mentions of mockingbirds in this area. I guess it's not extremely rare, but still, it's always interesting to add a new bird to my list!
64.228.47.54
-- 64.228.47.54
In Reply to: birds in buildings? posted by Jessica Thompson on March 10, 2004 at 18:39:51:
Jessica, there are house sparrows (Passer domesticus) inside the White Rose garden centre building on the north side of Hwy. # 7 east of Warden Av. I must admit I'm curious why your interested. Anyway, good luck in your quest. Al
209.29.106.1
-- 209.29.106.1
In Reply to: birds in buildings? posted by Jessica Thompson on March 10, 2004 at 18:39:51:
I would be surprised if anyone knows specific locations except by chance (i.e. having recently visited such a store). There's no doubt your best bet is the bigger stores - Home Depots and the like. But in the vast majority of cases the birds will be House Sparrows; perhaps occasionally European Starlings or Rock Pigeons. Only very rarely will other species be found inside - one which comes to mind is a Common Yellowthroat which overwintered in Allan Gardens a few years back.
64.10.126.243
-- 64.10.126.243
In Reply to: RFI Bird Calls posted by Athena on March 10, 2004 at 14:22:08:
a great site for photos and calls www.enature.com
64.228.116.97
-- 64.228.116.97
In Reply to: Re: Cormorant Cull posted by Craig McLauchlan on March 09, 2004 at 17:51:02:
Before any other post promotes any moor paranoia of a cormorant cull hear in Toronto first pleas ree reed my last post.
Wear you will see that I say only that “ I agreed with the Management of cormorant colonels”, and not that their wood or that their has bin one .
Also their is a rep from the bird club on the TTPAC that the poster belongs to wear he might get moor up to date info from rather than my self.
Craig
64.231.254.21
-- 64.231.254.21
Hello, Everyone;
I am interested in finding out where in Toronto that one can find birds living INSIDE buildings - I'm thinking specifically about unusual locations, such as big-box stores. Any information you can provide me would be appreciated.
204.50.208.4
-- 204.50.208.4
In Reply to: mockingbird in Toronto posted by Marnie on March 10, 2004 at 09:32:50:
When I lived at Browing / Pape a few years ago, I thought I saw a mockingbird, in the park behind the Greek Orthodox Church. I am by no means an expert, but what I saw in the tree seemed to match very well the pix in my Golden field guide.
66.185.84.70
-- 66.185.84.70
In Reply to: mockingbird in Toronto posted by Marnie on March 10, 2004 at 09:32:50:
We have had mockingbirds in the Cawthra QEW region of Mississauga on and off for 10 years. I saw the most recent one in mid January.
64.229.193.189
-- 64.229.193.189
In Reply to: RFI Bird Calls posted by Athena on March 10, 2004 at 14:22:08:
Common Ontario birds: http://www.rom.on.ca/ontario/fieldguides.php
Some of everything: http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/song.html AND http://www.uwgb.edu/birds/wbba/speciesaudios.htm
Owls: http://www.owlpages.com/n_american_owls.html
Warblers:
http://www.virtualbirder.com/vbirder/onLoc/onLocDirs/BOSSPR/gallery/index.html
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Re: Cormorant Cull posted by Craig McLauchlan on March 09, 2004 at 17:51:02:
Craig,
The MNR press release regarding a Double-crested Cormorant cull dealt exclusively with the colony at Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
As your reply to this issue deals mostly with control issues at the Leslie St. Spit, and touches on the merits and methods of lethal control measures, I think it might be good to provide clarification on a point of confusion that might possibly result from your post.
I have heard of no suggestion thus far of any intention to use lethal control measures on the Double-crested Cormorant colony at the Leslie St. Spit. Am I correct to assume that it is NOT your intention or that of the Tommy Thompson Park advisory committee to give suggestion that such lethal control measures are necessary there?
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64.72.236.164
-- 64.72.236.164
Can anyone recommend a source/website that would have audio clips of bird calls or songs. I would like to put "voices" to "faces". Thank you in advance.
67.71.91.85
-- 67.71.91.85
In Reply to: mockingbird in Toronto posted by Marnie on March 10, 2004 at 09:32:50:
Hello Marnie,
I've seen northern mocking birds in TO before. When I was living near St. Clair and Oakwood, I observed one in my backyard. However, I only saw it the one time and it never reappeared.
Cheers!
Scott Hulme
67.71.91.85
-- 67.71.91.85
I was out at Scarborough Bluffs on this beautiful morning and saw five trumpeter swans. One wasn't tagged but the other four had the tag numbers 646, 583, 731 and 814. They were swimming near the boat launches near the parking lot.
Cheers!
Scott Hulme
209.29.168.141
-- 209.29.168.141
On March 7 I noticed an unfamiliar bird in the Pape/O'Connor area. It was sitting in a crabapple tree, pecking at the fruit. I took note of the colouring and size, and especially the white wing patch, and looked it up when I got home. A mockingbird!
I saw it again this morning in the same tree, and got a good long look from about ten feet away, confirming my "diagnosis." This is a new bird for me -- anyone else seeing them around here?
149.99.115.111
-- 149.99.115.111
I checked the latest info on the Hawkwatch at Beamer in Grimsby, but the latest I could find is for March 6. I can only get to Beamer a few times and only on a weekend. I'm interested in seeing some Red-shouldered Hawks, but the window for seeing them seems small so I'd really like to know what's going on there.
64.228.116.125
-- 64.228.116.125
In Reply to: Proposed Cormorant Cull at Presqu'ile PP posted by Mark Cranford on March 06, 2004 at 09:25:37:
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding.
Mark Wow what a great thread you got going hear ! All though I am not a great fan of the D.C. Cormorant and will seating on the advisories comity for Tommy Thompson park ( which should be noted as now being the west side of the historical Leslie street spit ) I agreed with the Management of the Cormorant’s colony for 3 reasons.
#1 lost habitat on Pencil A. B. and now showing on C , Lost of habitat is one thing but the lack of regrowth in this areas is quite amazing . at one time Pen. B was a great area for fall sparrows during migration but now with no or little area of cover and food supply waning their numbers area way down , NOT that their not going though just that there not staying .
#2 The threat of disturbance to the Black Crown Night Herons and now Great Egret colony is vary real and happening, yes it is true that the BCNH will move on too other areas too nest , this areas in the park are at a premium and it wood not tack to many years before they wear out of the park all too gather , with BCNH being one of the big reasons the park was made into a Rear Bird Area it wood be a shame too loos this owner.
#3 the Colonels of D.C. Cormorant have shown to rebound quite fast and all though this is not a good reason for a Cull I believe it must be pointed out that it wood not tack long for this speeches to grow in Numbers once again . I rember in 1984 canoeing from Port Hope too Cobourg on lake Ontario and seeing 7 or 8 seating on a now defunk light house we wear all threald ! but now 20 years later you could see this Number over wintering on or around the great lakes .
Although I do not think of my self as a Ornithologist or a scientist like others in this group I wood think that like the TRCA that the MNR has put a lot of thought into this possible kettle of fish . My only wore wood have too do with the means Shooting them , I hope that it is not with lead shot! witch I believe is illegal to youse over water in Colonial nesting areas .
just my 2 cents Craig
216.209.97.75
-- 216.209.97.75
In Reply to: Re: Cormorants posted by OutdoorDan on March 08, 2004 at 18:46:18:
Well spoken, OutDoorDan! This was an interesting thread. And good idea about the plastic bag. We could call them B.L.B's (birder litter baggies).
Al
64.231.63.217
-- 64.231.63.217
In Reply to: Re: Cormorants posted by Glenn Coady on March 08, 2004 at 16:56:20:
I want to thank everyone for adding to this topic. Glenn, Barbara, I agree with both of you. Yes, a large population of D.C.Cormorants do impact the environment around them (negatively in some cases). And I also buy in to the argument that it is we humans who have done more damage to flora/fauna environments than any one bird species ever could.
The question now becomes this: What can we do? What can someone like me, who posts a message on Cormorants do to help?
Should I help lobby the various levels of government, to change their wasteful and short-sighted ways? Or should I set my sights a little closer to home, and put a new hole on my nestbox to discourage introduced species. Maybe the next time I go birding, I'll pick up that paper coffee cup and chocolate bar wrapper I find littering the trail...
This message board is fantastic for bird enthusiasts, as we can share our love and information for these wonderful creatures. But as mentioned in this thread, there are serious issues that affect the quality of the natural envrionment.
As such, I challenge you all to do just ONE thing. I know this is going to sound really idealistic, but that's okay by me...It doensn't have to be big, but if everyone who reads this does just one thing positive, then the bird watching that we all love can only get better!
Thank you so much! OutDoorDan
(As for me, I will bring a plastic bag with me when I bird, and pick up those unsightly wrappers I'm sure we've all seen dozens of times!)
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Re: Cormorants posted by Barbara Taylor on March 08, 2004 at 15:48:52:
Double-crested Cormorants undoubtedly have the potential to locally displace other species of herons. Certainly they can also have deleterious effects on the treed areas in which they nest (so, too, can Great Blue Herons). It's what cormorants do - it's who they are. They do have a large impact on their environment, to be sure, but so do people who drive SUVs and own monster homes - and I don't think anyone is going to advocate a cull on them. ;^)
Nature, however, is not static, and the other species of herons do not simply roll over and die. Black-crowned Night-Heron colonies move and shift in response to these pressures. Ten years post asymptotic growth of Double-crested Cormorant numbers at the Leslie St. Spit, there is still is a very sizable Black-crowned Night-Heron colony there even in the absence of lethal control measures on Double-crested Cormorants. This colony has moved before in response to habitat pressure and no doubt will do so again in future. Certainly some non-lethal control of cormornats has occurred here, but clearly culling has not been essential.
While some non-lethal control measures, serving to try to enhance and maximize the diversity of ALL colonial nesters might be justifiable, I see no rationale why any management consideration should be given at all to a hierarchical philosophy that assumes perhaps that a Black-crowned Night-Heron is innately preferable to a Great Blue Heron which is preferable to a Double-crested Cormorant. Such a management philosophy would be wrong-headed IMHO.
Large multi-species colonial sites like the Leslie St. Spit and the off-shore islands at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters in Burlington have demonstrated that non-lethal measures can be reasonably taken which can promote a staggering biodiversity of a variety of colonial nesters (Black-crowned Night-Heron, Great Egret, Double-crested Cormorant, Ringed-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern and Caspian Tern).
I sincerely hope Eleanor Island can retain its Great Blue Herons - however, even if they should move, I suspect it will be to a forest interior not very far away. Great Blue Herons are very adaptable birds, evolutionarily equipped to co-exist with Double-crested Cormorants.
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67.70.65.105
-- 67.70.65.105
In Reply to: Re: Cormorants posted by Glenn Coady on March 08, 2004 at 12:50:25:
I don't know enough about the proposed "cull program" to comment on its appropriateness...that's why I changed the subject heading to just plain "cormorants". ; )
While I'm not "against" cormorants, I'm not exactly rooting for them either. IMHO their numbers have increased way too rapidly for other species to make necessary adjustments. And they do serious damage to the habitat around their nest sites. (sort of like the age old discussion about beavers - love 'em or hate 'em - they have an undeniably big impact on the environment)
Here is a study done on the Leslie St. Spit about the impact cormorants have had:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/nwrc/is/cormorants/pdf/corsym13_nogfx.pdf
and here's another review if you're interested:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/nwrc/is/cormorants/pdf/corsym12_nogfx.pdf
I'm not sure if anything can be done or even if anything should be done. But it will be a sad day if the GB Herons no longer return to nest on Eleanor Island. The cormorants have already pushed them off the southern end of the little island.
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Re: Cormorants posted by Barbara Taylor on March 08, 2004 at 10:27:00:
Whether Double-crested Cormorants were "originally" native to the Great Lakes Basin is wholly immaterial. They ARE native now, and arrived here on their own.
The rationale for beginning ANY control measures has been very poorly thought out and even more poorly debated. Attempting local coromorant control, when there are endless other suitable colony sites, will merely result in an asinine game of colony shifting or a necessary shift to wholesale slaughter to save face - a tremendous waste of scarce and jealously-guarded taxpayer's dollars - dollars which could be used to slay much more pressing wildlife conservation concerns such as the decline of a whole suite of native marsh-nesting species in the Great Lakes Basin due to human-induced habitat degradation.
Great Blue Herons and Double-crested Cormorants have co-evolved and can (and do) both nest in each other's proximity quite suitably due to differences in range of habitat preferences. They will also nest quite well in mixed colonies.
I see the negative portrayal of the Double-crested Cormorant, a top-of-the-line predator and excellent environmental indicator species, as an irrational and emotional field mark of "Homo sapiens imbecilus".
Cast me in among those who do not support heavy-handed and yet-unjustified Double-crested Cormorant culling.
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24.42.93.21
-- 24.42.93.21
In Reply to: Re: Proposed Cormorant Cull at Presqu'ile PP posted by OutdoorDan on March 07, 2004 at 17:13:49:
One of the linked issues is that the nutirent levels in Lake Ontario have been dropping since the 70's reducing the scale of the entire food chain.
We have a very interesting situation now. The nearshore lake, defined as but not exclusively limited to waters under 30 meters in depth, is still under threat from runoff and storm sewer discharges but the deep lake has below nutrient levels.
An unintended consequence of pollution control.
I am attending an internation conference this week and if I hear answers I will be back to report.
Some of you may wish to contact me directly.
67.70.65.105
-- 67.70.65.105
In Reply to: Re: Proposed Cormorant Cull at Presqu'ile PP posted by OutdoorDan on March 07, 2004 at 17:13:49:
The Cormorant population explosion is more than just a competition problem for fishermen. For example, cormorants are rapidly taking over a heronry on Eleanor Island, Lake Muskoka. It was generally thought that boat traffic would keep cormorants from nesting on inland lakes, but these guys seem to have adjusted quickly. We never saw any cormorants on Lake Muskoka until about 1995 when there was an occasional one. In 1997 a few began nesting on Eleanor Island, but since then their population has literally exploded into the hundreds.
You might be interested in the website link below. It explains the cormorants' "invasion" of the Great Lakes and notes that they were not native to this area originally. Here's an excerpt:
"Historically, it is thought that the Double-crested Cormorant did not nest in the Great Lakes. Archaeological excavations in aboriginal settlements have not shown any evidence of the bird. Although cormorants have nested in Lake of the Woods (in northwestern Ontario) for hundreds of years, the first suspected nesting on the Great Lakes did not occur until 1913, at the far western end of Lake Superior."
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Tundra Swans In Toronto posted by Brian Bailey on March 06, 2004 at 11:58:55:
On Saturday afternoon I saw two separate flocks of Tundra Swans flying east to west over Colonel Samuel Smith Park - a flock of 41 birds at 4:40 p.m. and a flock of 26 birds at 5:45 p.m.
The Snowy Owl was still present at the marina there.
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66.203.188.223
-- 66.203.188.223
In Reply to: Re: loggerhead shrike posted by Frank Pinilla on March 06, 2004 at 20:45:20:
Hi Frank...no you didn't burst my bubble. The experts have seen the pictures and it was a Northern. By the photos I took and by the back view, it had me really convinced it was a Loggerhead. My photos matched up much better with the Loggerhead in the ROM book than the Northern. I'm still trying to get a more detailed pic of the bird but lately my extra time has been spent tracking down a Pileated Woodpecker. Got his feeding area and finding new trees each time out that he has mutilated, but haven't got a pic so far.(except for the holes)
Regards Tom Rook Brantford Ont.
64.231.62.197
-- 64.231.62.197
In Reply to: Re: Proposed Cormorant Cull at Presqu'ile PP posted by Al Johnston on March 07, 2004 at 12:06:26:
Thanks Al, I'm sorry i got carried away with my "CormoRANT"...I just don't like the fact that it's numbers were brought back from the brink here in Ontario, and now they are seen as too numerous. And if they are infact being being blamed for depleted fish stocks in Lake Ontario, I have to assume that human fishing and pollution should be blamed first.
(And thanks for the nest box tip, I'll give it a try!!!)
64.228.99.71
-- 64.228.99.71
In Reply to: Re: Proposed Cormorant Cull at Presqu'ile PP posted by OutdoorDan on March 06, 2004 at 22:16:19:
Hi Outdoor Dan, Your rant is well taken and, yes, the mute swan is an introduced species. I recall reading something recently that the officials in one of the Provincial Parks were acknowledging that some kind of action would have to be taken to reduce their numbers. BTW, if you attach a small piece of board with a 1 1/8" hole over the existing entrance hole of your chickadee nest box, it'll solve the HOSP problem.
Al Johnston, Whitchurch-Stouffville
64.231.28.92
-- 64.231.28.92
In Reply to: Proposed Cormorant Cull at Presqu'ile PP posted by Mark Cranford on March 06, 2004 at 09:25:37:
Hi Mark...It's sad to hear that MNR is considering a Cormorant Shoot-a-thon...I also can't help but think about their reasoning behind the move (Bass sport fishing industry???)
I just had a funny (sad) thought about all the other birds species that are affecting the world around them negatively:
The Mute Swan, with their penchant for eating tons of local plant life, and aggressively defending their territory from other waterfowl. I belive these majestic white birds where introduced, no?
The Brown-Headed Cowbird, that parasitically lays their eggs in songbird nests, at which point their babies hatch first and get all the food. It's not their fault, as the cutting down of trees allows these open plains birds to get deeper and deeper in to nests they normally wouldn't.
The House Sparrow, another introduced species. Well, I take issue with them because we had a Chickadee family in a birdhouse at our place, and they were kicked out by a pair of H.Sparrows. We haven't seen Mr. & Mrs. Chickadee since.
And don't get me started on the European Starlings...
I guess my point is about balance in our ecosystem, or lack thereof...The MNR should really invest our tax dollars in pro-active intiatives designed to regain some balance in our eco-system. And maybe not expand our cities/industry into the far reaches of our natural landscape. Because look what happens when we mess with Nature too much...no more Chickadees in my yard!!!
Thanks for letting me vent,
OutdoorDan
64.228.101.81
-- 64.228.101.81
In Reply to: Tundra Swans In Toronto posted by Brian Bailey on March 06, 2004 at 11:58:55:
Seems their back! I had a small flock of 6 Tundra Swans over the Toronto Zoo (northeastern Scarbourough).
Also, many blackbirds (Red-winged & Common Grackles) around. Had a nice Rough-legged Hawk flying over Westney Rd, just north of Concession 8 (which runs across the north end of Claremont C.A.).
Regards & good birding,
Frank Pinilla
Thornhill, ON
64.228.101.81
-- 64.228.101.81
In Reply to: loggerhead shrike posted by Tom Rook on February 29, 2004 at 07:34:09:
Hi Tom,
I don't want to burst any bubbles, but it is more than likely that this was a Northern Shrike (which is the shrike species that you would see in southern Ontario in winter) and not a Loggerhead. As you have discovered the Loggerhead Shrike is an endangered species in Ontario and they don't generally return this early, usually returning in another month's time or so, maybe even later.
Hope this helps out a bit.
Regards & good birding,
Frank Pinilla
Thornhill, ON
64.228.101.81
-- 64.228.101.81
In Reply to: Three-toed Woodpecker posted by Brendan OSullivan on February 27, 2004 at 18:30:52:
Actually, I did follow up on that ONTBIRDS report the weekend after it was reported but without any luck. I met up with a couple of other birders, one being from Huntsville and apparently that was the only sighting of that particular Three-toed, which was a male. I was at the Algonquin CBC on Jan 3/04 and a female Three-toed was found then, I went searching for that one, the very next day, also with no luck.
Sorry for the late reply, I only check this site once-in-a-while.
Regards & Good birding,
Frank Pinilla
Thornhill, ON
64.231.221.148
-- 64.231.221.148
This morning at 10:30, I watched a flock of about 30 Tundra Swans flying north over south Etobicoke. They would have passed over the west side of Colonel Samuel Smith Park a few minutes earlier.
Brian
142.154.115.109
-- 142.154.115.109
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources intends to cull adult Double-crested Cormorants from High Bluff Island at Presqu'ile Provincial Park this spring. The official rationale is protection of the biodiversity of colonial nesting birds as well as woodland plant communities. MNR goes to length to state that cormorant management is not driven by sport or commercial fishing concerns. According to the MNR (link below), existing management (oiling eggs, destroying nests) in place since 2002 is not working. The new strategy will include shooting birds nesting in trees.
http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/planning_pdf/amend_pres_cormorant_2004.pdf
As required by law the MNR has posted the proposal on the Environmental Registry and will be accepting written comments until Apr. 16
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envregistry/022534ep.htm
Despite an appreciation for emerald green eyes, I've never been a great fan of cormorants. Still looking at MNR's proposed amendment to their management plan does not convince me. My impression is that this is bad management for wrong reasons.
A listing of Presqu'ile planning documents is available at
http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/pres_planning.html
Mark Cranford
Mississauga, Ont
cranford at allstream dot net
142.154.115.109
-- 142.154.115.109
In Reply to: Re: What's That Bird? posted by Tony Beck on February 23, 2004 at 12:16:04:
I should dig up some old Clint Eastwood movies, that's a spaghetti car commercial filmed in Spain. Bet you don't get Cactus Wren in a Fist Full of Dollars.
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Re: What's That Bird? posted by Keith Sharp on February 23, 2004 at 16:08:33:
It's hard to get a good look at the bird in the commercial. However, for some reason it reminds me of a member of the laughing thrush and babbler family (or subfamily) (Timaliidae or Timaliinae, depending on which classification you follow).
Does anyone have a book with a good set of plates for this family that they can check? Perhaps the Lynx Editions birds of the world series has gotten far enough through the taxonomy to have published the Timaliidae in one of its volumes.
Cheers,
Tony Lang
66.203.174.101
-- 66.203.174.101
Drove the lakeshore road from Simcoe to Longpoint but not many sightings except for a good number of red tailed hawks. Coming home we Spotted a loggerhead shrike and watched him for a good half hour looking for food. This was just outside of Waterford. First time ever seeing one of these birds but once I checked into it I found out that they are an endagered species in Ontario. Was lucky enough to get a few good pics though.
64.228.111.94
-- 64.228.111.94
In Reply to: Re: Swede - looking for hot spots in toronto?? posted by Pat Hodgson on February 24, 2004 at 10:17:01:
Well, i'am already here!!
If you want.......send an email if you guys hanging around somewhere.
64.231.217.113
-- 64.231.217.113
In Reply to: Snowy Owl posted by Colin Walker on February 27, 2004 at 16:42:30:
The owl was still there this afternoon. She(?) was out on the ice when we arrived, but moved on to the docks as we were leaving (about 4:30). There were very few ducks around on the west side (the only part I visited). They were mostly Mallards & Gadwall, with a scattering of Buffleheads and a pair of Hooded Mergansers.
Brian
216.192.74.131
-- 216.192.74.131
We met at 745am today (Feb. 28)at Kipling Spit and immediately spotted the Snowy Owl on the ice near the marina as initially described yesterday by Colin Walker. It was a very “dark” appearing bird, heavily mottled, likely a first-year female. From here we headed due north towards Bolton and spotted several Red-tailed Hawks along the way. One was working on a nest near the SW corner of the intersection of Highway 50 and Rutherford Road. The nest was an odd design when compared with most Red-tailed nests that I have seen, it was the first that I can remember that was taller than it was wide (maybe 2 feet wide and at least 3 feet deep). If this does become a viable nesting effort, let’s hope that they revisit the stability aspects of the construction process!
At the Palgrave Conservation Area, we walked in from the Duffy’s Road entrance gate and heard then saw the first of three different White-winged Crossbill fly-overs. The flock size varied between 2-6 birds for the 3 sightings but we were not lucky enough to see them perched for a more careful study. Shortly thereafter near the pond area we spotted a Northern Shrike looking for prey in the snow in a boggy section west of the pond. As we walked back to the cars, we heard a Red-breasted Nuthatch and Northern Cardinal and then heard and saw two Golden-crowned Kinglets along with several Black-capped Chickadees. A raptor appeared nearby and started circling higher in the sky and was identified as a Northern Harrier (this is one of the earliest sighting for my personal records). Just before we left the Northern Shrike flew in and perched to give us a closer look before flying off across the road to the west.
From here we headed SW on backroads to the Halton area just north of the Hilton Falls C.A. to look for the Bohemian Waxwings reported a few days earlier. While we did not find them, we did find several Am. Robins, Dark-eyed Juncos, a Hairy Woodpecker, and a Common Redpoll at a local resident’s feeder along with several more Black-capped Chickadees. Five more Red-tails were seen on the drive home along the 401 as we returned to end what seemed to be one of the first days of spring in terms of both the weather and bird activity observed. _______________________________________________________
B. Griffin - Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/
66.185.84.70
-- 66.185.84.70
I got all excited when I read the report last Wednesday of a Three-toed Woodpecker sighting in Algonquin Park, as it would be a life bird for me.
However, since then-nothing. I'm wondering if this is because the chance of another sighting are slim and birders haven't been motivated to go and look, or search attempts have been unsuccessful. The reason I ask is because I am willing to travel tomorrow if chances are reasonable of refinding the bird.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks
Brendan O'Sullivan
216.249.10.175
-- 216.249.10.175
A snowy owl has returned to Col. Sam Smith park and was last seen sitting in sunshine on the ice off the marina. Nearby are the redhead duck, buffleheads, scaup, hooded mergansers, longtailed duck, eared grebe, horned grebe and a kestrel to name a few.
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
I got an invitation to this by being on a TRCA mailing list, and so I share it with any of you interested:
69.156.127.111
-- 69.156.127.111
Hi!
There were not many ,but the ducks were colorfull. There was a male wood duck at the Humber Bay park sunning itself on the rocks. Near by 2 pairs of hooded mergansers and few comon mengansers.Wigeons ,redheads and scoups were swiming in the pond. Happy birding Arko
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Swede - looking for hot spots in toronto?? posted by Gustaf on February 23, 2004 at 14:05:47:
When are you coming?
216.226.55.130
-- 216.226.55.130
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Owls posted by Derek Lyon on February 25, 2004 at 16:18:37:
no problem, im no ornithologist but if you need some species-specific information, let me know
149.99.115.20
-- 149.99.115.20
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Owls posted by victor w on February 23, 2004 at 23:05:37:
Thank a lot Victor, I kind of thought that I'd need to do some research but the info you gave really helps out alot.
I really didn't think anyone would reply since so many birders keep info about owls to themselves.
Thanks again, DL
216.106.105.245
-- 216.106.105.245
A saw whet owl visited us today from noon to 1:30. We have pictures and an account of the visit that thrilled us if any one is interested
64.231.70.160
-- 64.231.70.160
I viewed my first male Redwing Blackbird of the season yesturday at James Gardens in the reedy area near the start to Lambton Woods Trail. In the same area many Robbins were present as well as a pair of Cedar Waxwings and at least 1 Mockingbird which have been there all winter.
65.95.237.28
-- 65.95.237.28
In Reply to: Swede - looking for hot spots in toronto?? posted by Gustaf on February 23, 2004 at 14:05:47:
The web site of the Toronto Ornithological Club http://www.torontobirding.ca/ has a good list of hotspots. But the site is still being developed and thus most do not include directions. Some you can figure out from just the name and a map of the city. Or you can go to a bookstore or library and look at either A Birdfinding Guide to the Toronto Region, or A Bird-Finding Guide to Ontario, both by Clive Goodwin.
In Toronto at this time of year the most interesting things are on the water, so sites like the Leslie Street Spit and Humber Bay Park East are good.
For other ideas check recent Ontbirds posts - see the link at this site when you first arrive (not visible when reading a post).
Pat Hodgson
216.226.55.130
-- 216.226.55.130
In Reply to: RFI: Owls posted by Derek Lyon on February 23, 2004 at 15:24:39:
Well after a few years of looking for owls I can list a few ways, although im sure that somone will be able to help you more than I can.
The best way is to do research.
1)It might sound a bit dissapointing and unspontaneous but other birders reports are often your best friend! If you go to surfbirds.com you can often find reports, some specific, some less so. Often reported owls are a bit harrassed afterwards being pursued by a good number of birders/photogs. This often keeps many good reports hidden. Research habitats. Specific species of owl will be associated with specific trees/specific habitats. 2) Once on the ground your research into habitat should come into play. Chances are that you will be searching during the day. Owls aren't out and about during the day, instead they seek some fo the densest cover possible. The trick here is that different species often use cover specific to that species. Like birds nests, specific species roost at different levels. They will also favor specific trees. For instance Saw whets will favor small pines and cedars, and grape tangles, Boreals will favor slightly larger pines and cedar groves and locate close to trunks. Longears love dense medium-sized (15-20 ft?) pines. great horned and barred owls will like trees even bigger than that. hawk-owls love perching right out in the open, on top fo the tallest trees. Shortears will of course favor open fields and like hiding in low shrubs or on the ground. Snowy owls will tend to be out in the open areas like the shortears. Like runways. Even though there aren't really hard and fast rules as to where owls can be foudn, it usually has something to do with their preferred habitat. 3)Once on location you work is cut out for you. You're looking for a bird that looks like treebark in a forest most cases. Your research into habitat will help you here, since you'll know which trees to look in for your specific species. I've found that movieng slowly and being persistent help. Owl's wings dont make sound so sight is more important. the larger owls will tend to flush but the smaller owls will not and remain absolutely still. 4)Many owls tend to have a favorite roost. This is given away by whitewash and pellets. Whitewash is not pine tree sap. A big mistake that I used to make all the time was to see pine tree sap and think that there were 849327973597435 owls in the area. Whitewash tends to NOT be found dripping down the trunk and is usually located out on the branches more.
hope that helps!
-vic
64.229.197.225
-- 64.229.197.225
In Reply to: Re: What's That Bird? posted by Keith Sharp on February 23, 2004 at 10:51:26:
Tony:
You are probably right. The bird in the commercial probably had to be specially trained for the shot.
That would explain why it doesn't look like anything in my birdwatching books.
Thanks for your observations.
149.99.113.15
-- 149.99.113.15
I have been a birder for a number of years and have seen one owl (a Great Horned Owl) in February of 1996.
Would anyone know of any tricks for finding owls?
Thanks, DL
64.228.111.180
-- 64.228.111.180
Hi! I'm a swedish bird watcher and staying in toronto for a month. Where are the best bird watching sites in toronto?? Where can I meet other bird watchers(because these north american birds are not so familiar to me)??
/gustaf
64.230.105.182
-- 64.230.105.182
In Reply to: Re: What's That Bird? posted by Tony Beck on February 23, 2004 at 10:13:28:
Hi Again Keith
Further to my previous suggestion...
Trained birds are frequently used in videos.
Production teams often use non-North American species in both audio and video products. Depending on the producer, there is little priority placed on realism when you have a large commercial production. How often have you seen Bald Eagles open their beaks to the sound of a Red-tailed Hawk? I have even seen audio errors on respected programs like "The Nature of Things"...the list is endless...
Also, car manufacturers can afford to spend lots of money on high budget commercial productions.
Magpies (related to crows and jays) are easily trained and occasionally seen in a variety of video products (movies, TV commercials, music videos, etc.).
Although I can't say for certain until I review the commercial again. I suspect the bird is a magpie, possibly an Azure-winged Magpie from Spain or China, and possibly with domesticated colour aberrations.
I also suspect that a bird-trainer was hired by the ad agency to use the bird in a highly digitized, BIG budget video environment to illustrate the message of a thirsty bird in a desert environment.
Can we believe anything on TV anymore?
I hope this helps.
Cheerio
Tony
65.92.116.99
-- 65.92.116.99
In Reply to: What's That Bird? posted by Keith Sharp on February 22, 2004 at 14:25:44:
In response to Peter's comments, I don't believe the bird in question is a Fork-Tailed Flycatcher. The black on the bird's head is definitely Tern-like and the setting of the commercial is in the Western Desert. I understand Fork-tailed Flycatchers are more easterly visitors from the tropics.
Anyone catching the GM commercial would appreciate their response.
64.230.105.182
-- 64.230.105.182
In Reply to: What's That Bird? posted by Keith Sharp on February 22, 2004 at 14:25:44:
Hi Keith
If you are talking about the commercial where water drips from the exhaust pipe, and the bird flies down to drink it (a public relations attempt by the manufacturer to reveal its environmental sensitivity)...I haven't studied the commercial close enough. But, I think the bird is a magpie of some sort. Although I don't recall seeing any blue on the bird in the commercial, I suspect it is related to Azure-winged Magpie, perhaps a domesticated version, or an obscure variant (some subspecies have recently been split).
I will now look for this commercial with hightened interest. Oh oh...the dangers of TV listing!
Good Luck
Tony
129.97.42.32
-- 129.97.42.32
In Reply to: What's That Bird? posted by Keith Sharp on February 22, 2004 at 14:25:44:
I haven't seen the commercial, but if the head is tern-like in that it black above and light below, I would guess that it is a Fork-tail Flycatcher.
149.99.117.149
-- 149.99.117.149
In Reply to: A different hawk from my usual area - what kind? posted by Mathew Rossi on February 22, 2004 at 10:07:09:
The bird looks like an adult Cooper's Hawk.
69.156.16.30
-- 69.156.16.30
Okay here is question to brighten up the mid-February blahs.
On a current General Motors commercial on tv there's a bird that has the head of a tern, mid-sized and has a long tail like a flycatcher.
The commercial looks like it was shot in the Western US desert. Anyone seen the commercial and can recognize the bird that is the focal point of the commercial?
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Eastern Bluebirds posted by Tom Rook on February 19, 2004 at 06:04:59:
Last February I saw 6 Eastern Bluebirds in Innisfil.They caught me completely off guard,but there were alot of Robins overwintering as well.Being part of the thrush family,maybe they stay if there is food available.Reports of Robins seems to be much less this year. Lately there have been other reports of Eastern Bluebirds in the Southwestern Ontario region.Perhaps they overwintered,or they are coming back early!
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil,Ont.
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
Okay, snapped some more good photos. I'm really terrible at ID'ing these beauties, but at least I'm getting the pics so I can get better help.
Once again, this is from my backyard along the Etobicoke Creek at the border of Miss & Toronto.
This bird, unlike the various Red-Tails I see more often, was of a smaller size than those. He/she looked large on its perch, but when it flew away I noticed it was much smaller than the usual Red-Tails I see around here.
Take a look at the 3 top gallery images, with rich blue background to see a couple more shots.
http://www.asic.ca/gallery
65.95.160.28
-- 65.95.160.28
On Feb 15th I went into work for my night shift where we found an owl sitting inside the warehouse - probably had chased a small bird thru a doorway.
It was either a Saw-whet owl or a Boreal owl - small (10") with darker body feathers and a very greyish face.
Location is Avonhead Rd. in Clarkson, right beside the CFRB tower field - we tend to see quite a few hawks and falcons there on a regular basis.
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Ducks At The Feeder posted by Keith Sharp on February 20, 2004 at 07:18:26:
Keith,
This is relatively common in and around Toronto - I have particularly noted it even well inland near the headwaters of the rivers running down off the moraine.
The next surprise you should be in for is when Wild Turkeys find your loose corn. I have found them with young on the Rouge River near the zoo this summer.
GC
149.99.113.199
-- 149.99.113.199
In Reply to: Re: Hawk ID again, better images now posted by Derek Lyon on February 19, 2004 at 17:01:09:
The Red-tail photos posted on Feb 8, 2004, is a different bird than the photos posted now. The earlier Red-tail was darker overall and looked like an juvenile 'Western' dark intermediate (dark rufous) morph.
65.95.114.6
-- 65.95.114.6
I woke up this morning to find a pair of Mallard ducks happily feeding on loose corn under my bird feeder. I have never heard of ducks visiting a bird feeder. Particularly in the Rouge area of Scarborough. How common is this?
64.231.216.62
-- 64.231.216.62
Two mornings this week, I have seen a medium sized raptor perched on a light standard near the Humber River bridges as I am coming east on the Gardiner Expressway. It has been facing east both times, so I haven't had much of a look. The only remotely distinguishing features I have been able to make out are the size, and very pale (white?) breast.
I was wondering if it was the hybrid falcon reported a few weeks ago, but I haven't read any reports of it lately.
Brian
149.99.124.198
-- 149.99.124.198
In Reply to: Re: Hawk ID again, better images now posted by Glenn Coady on February 19, 2004 at 14:32:30:
I agree with Glenn the bird is a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk. I can see enough detail of the bird to be able to identify the subspecies. The bird is either a light morph 'Western' Red-tail, or more likely a heavily marked/Northern 'Eastern' Red-tail.
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Re: Hawk ID again, better images now posted by Mathew on February 19, 2004 at 11:48:27:
This bird is a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk.
GC
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Re: Hawk ID again, better images now posted by Mathew on February 19, 2004 at 11:44:40:
The same one with head detail.
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Hawk ID again, better images now posted by Mathew on February 19, 2004 at 11:42:04:
Here's an image and a link to the site (again)
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
This was previously concluded to be a red-tailed hawk but I wanted to see if the new images would result in different opinions (or not).
There's a series of 4 good shots here: http://www.asic.ca/gallery
And the best may be this one:
http://www.asic.ca/gallery/images/f19_20045.jpg
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: House Finch: Disease posted by Derek Lyon on February 19, 2004 at 10:14:09:
Derek,
The disease you are seeing in your House Finch population is avian mycoplasmal conjunctivitis caused by the pathogen Mycoplasma gallisepticum. It has been dubbed House Finch disease but other wild finches have been shown to be susceptible.
You should be able to learn very much about it at the following web sites:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol3no1/fischer2.htm
http://birds.cornell.edu/hofi/news.html
http://www.vet.uga.edu/ivcvm/1999/Hartup/Hartup.htm
Hope this is helpful,
GC
65.92.96.153
-- 65.92.96.153
In Reply to: House Finch: Disease posted by Derek Lyon on February 19, 2004 at 10:14:09:
Conjunctivitis. Maybe more experienced people can say how common it is. There's some info (and nasty pictures) at http://birds.cornell.edu/hofi/news.html.
This is impressionistic, but there seem to be far fewer House Finches around my neighbourhood (annex, toronto) this year than last, although we've noticed a fair number of singing males this week.
149.99.114.229
-- 149.99.114.229
Over the past two weeks I've noticed that about half of the House Finches at my feeder have some crusting built-up around their eyes. On an individual bird only one eye is affected, but it can be either eye. By the way no other birds that share the feeder seem to have this eye disease (cardinals and house sparrows).
What is this disease and how is it caused? I've never seen it before, is it common?
66.203.175.173
-- 66.203.175.173
Was doing some birding in the Turkey Point area yesterday and spotted an eastern bluebird,(male) and then the female. Next thing we saw were about a dozen more. They were sitting in a tree like as if it was a summer day. When my buddy stopped the truck and told me he had just seen a bluebird, I thought he was crazy. Got some good pictures so I guess hes not. I've only seen a few in my lifetime but couldn't imagine ever seeing them in Febuary.
64.231.193.178
-- 64.231.193.178
In Reply to: Any good birds down Niagara way posted by Cynthia Zalewski on February 18, 2004 at 12:54:48:
Cynthia
Below is an excerp from a trip down to Niagara at the end of January.
---------------------------------------- We also continued up the river to Chippewa and on Peter St. found 1 Carolina Wren, 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, 1 Tufted Titmouse and about 50 other birds at a number of feeders. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON
DIRECTIONS
PETER STREET
Continue upriver past the Control Dams until you bump into a Tim Hortons, turn right here (or go in for a coffee first) and at the first street (name at this time not remembered), turn left and drive to Peter St. This is a crescent, so drive down to where it doubles back and on the left and in front of you will be 2 houses with a number of feeders. Park here keeping well to the left of the road and watch the show. -------------------------------------------------
PS
At Niagara-on-the Lake look for N. Mockingbirds and if you have a map do check out the Sakespeare St. area. I am at work so it is hard to give you good directions to Shakespeare without my own maps.
12.107.97.217
-- 12.107.97.217
I am going to Niagara, starting at Stevensville, on the weekend for the day. Any reports of good birds, along the river, Lake Erie near the river, etc? Someone told me about an island in the river that there is alot of eagles. I do not think it would be accesible from the Canadian side and do not what to cross the border for the day.
Thanks for your reply.
24.141.13.173
-- 24.141.13.173
Wow,you never know what you will see ,even when coming home from work. At 8:30am just 4 yards from my house on Hixon Street near Third Line there was 2 Northern Shrikes in a tree above the sidewalk :) 1 was quite a bit bigger than the other,fatter too ,was wondering what they were doing there and on a weather vane above the nearby house was a Sharp Shinned Hawk eating a bird attached to the vane ,not sure if one of the shrikes put it there and the hawk stole it or if the shrikes were looking for scraps. Could one of the shrikes be male and other female? Since could see a size difference between the 2 quite clearly.
Made my morning :)
64.231.27.214
-- 64.231.27.214
In Reply to: Re: immature red-shouldered hawk in southern Etobicoke posted by pam on February 11, 2004 at 10:28:03:
I live in the Bloor and Royal York area. A few weeks ago a Coopers Hawk flew through my backyard, which has two active birdfeeders. It then sat in a tree nearby where I got a good look at it with my scope.
149.99.117.238
-- 149.99.117.238
In Reply to: What Kind of Hawk is this? posted by Dianne on February 15, 2004 at 22:12:21:
Hi Dianne,
Great image ... nice and close showing lots of detail. The image is of a juvenile 'Eastern' Red-tailed Hawk. On the link it suggests the bird to be a Broad-winged Hawk. I can point out the difference for you. First the hawk has a very distinct belly band, the hallmark of a Red-tail (even though other raptors do have belly bands too), but Broad-wings are more uniformly striped. Second, Broad-wings are all in South America by now ... none over-winter, none even migrated over Cranberry Marsh this year. Third, a juvenile Red-tail hasn't got the red tail yet, the tail appears greyish with thin dark lines.
If you want to get some good close shots of all kind of Hawk go to the south part of Lynde Shores (use Hall's Rd. just to the east, it's the south viewing platform for Cranberry Marsh), from September to November.
Hope this helps
192.139.248.1
-- 192.139.248.1
In Reply to: What Kind of Hawk is this? posted by Dianne on February 15, 2004 at 22:12:21:
Looks like a red tail to me. Nice photo.
65.95.238.102
-- 65.95.238.102
In Reply to: Ajax area birding on Feb. 14th posted by B. Griffin on February 15, 2004 at 08:49:39:
Unfortunately one of the long-eared owls in this vicinity didn't make it as I found it dead on the side of Lake Ridge Rd. on the morning of Feb 15th.
Pat Hodgson
Toronto
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: What Kind of Hawk is this? posted by Dianne on February 15, 2004 at 22:12:21:
Hi Diane;
I think that it is a Red-tailed Hawk,in its first winter.
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
216.221.63.194
-- 216.221.63.194
Posted this messsage already but forgot to add the html to view the image.
I photographed this hawk at Lynn Shores Concervation Area. Can anyone tell me what kind of hawk this maybe? Please go the link below.
http://horvath.ca/gallery/hawk/image.html
Thanks, Dianne
216.221.63.194
-- 216.221.63.194
I photographed this hawk at Lyn Shores Concervation Area two years ago. Can anyone tell me what kind of hawk this is?
216.192.96.134
-- 216.192.96.134
A small group of PBCers headed out for the Ajax area yesterday morning in search of Bohemian Waxwings. After about 1.5 hours of driving/searching the sideline and concession roads all around the Claremont C.A. we spotted two flocks of Bohemian Waxwings heading south over our heads while we were driving north on #12 sideroad. We had a pretty good look at the 2nd flock (about 80-90 birds) as it passed directly over us and I also heard their distinctive flight calls. We immediately turned around and headed SW in the direction that we lost sight of them. After about 15 more minutes of searching we spotted 2 birds in the top of a snag beside the road on Westney just north of Concession 8. They turned out to be Bohemians and we studied them through the scope for about 15 minutes from about 30 meters. They stretched both their wings and tails for us while sitting and apparently looking for the rest of the flock from their conspicuous perch. It was quite a treat! A Red Fox was seen hunting nearby. We also had six male Ring-necked Pheasants "strutting" while foraging out in a frozen field (near the right-of-way) just south of Taunton on the west side of Westney earlier in the morning.
From here we headed to Hall's Road at Cranberry Marsh where we spotted a Rough-legged Hawk while looking for Snow Buntings. We later saw a small flock of 12 Snow Buntings in the air on the west side of the road near the south platform. Later, a larger flock of Snow Buntings (about 200) was seen on the ground in the same general area and a Long-eared Owl was seen roosting near the south platform trail. We also had several Red-tailed Hawks during the course of the day, Tree Sparrows at the north platform feeder at Cranberry, brief glimpses of a large accipiter hunting in the wooded section of the Claremont C.A., and a Kestrel near the Salem Road on-ramp for the 401. All in all it was a good birding day, especially for February. ___________________________________________________________
Brete Griffin - Peel Birding Class(peelbirding@yahoo.ca)
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/
157.134.185.196
-- 157.134.185.196
In Reply to: New website, advice needed posted by Chuck on February 09, 2004 at 18:48:05:
149.99.116.199
-- 149.99.116.199
We had a Northern Shrike come for a house finch at our feeder this afternoon (Winston Churchill/QEW area). The bird attacked the finch on our feeder, took it to the ground, then flew away with it. First sighting of a Shrike for us. Very impressive.
64.229.87.246
-- 64.229.87.246
In Reply to: Re: immature red-shouldered hawk in southern Etobicoke posted by Derek Lyon on February 10, 2004 at 17:08:26:
Many thanks for passing on the website info. It certainly did look like the juvenile Cooper's in the photo. I'll keep an eye out for another sighting.
64.231.217.140
-- 64.231.217.140
In Reply to: Birding Toronto to Montreal posted by Gail Jackson on February 08, 2004 at 16:47:46:
How about backing up and visiting one of Canada's hottest birding spots? Point Pelee National Park is only three hours west of Toronto and is world renowned for the incredible numbers of migrating birds during the month of May. My wife and I make the trek every year and have yet to be disappointed.
64.229.192.196
-- 64.229.192.196
In Reply to: New website, advice needed posted by Chuck on February 09, 2004 at 18:48:05:
Might help if you didn't have to register first before you could post a message. I've got too many passwords and logins to remember already!
149.99.112.147
-- 149.99.112.147
In Reply to: Re: immature red-shouldered hawk in southern Etobicoke posted by pam on February 09, 2004 at 20:57:32:
Hi Pam,
The bird still sounds like a Cooper's Hawk to me. If the streaking on the bird from side to side then it was an adult but if the steaking went up and down the bird it was a juvenile. The back of the adult is more greyish so I think you saw a juvenile.
Look at the different pictures in this link
149.99.112.147
-- 149.99.112.147
In Reply to: Re: Hawk ID help posted by Mathew on February 09, 2004 at 17:01:41:
The colour of the claws (talons are the nails only but I think you mean the toes of the bird) are similar if not exactly the same on different raptors ... so, no the colour of claws is a poor tool for raptor ID. However, leg colour is often used for the ID of other birds (shorebirds and gulls come to mind.)
Hope this helps
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Re: New website, advice needed posted by David Shilman on February 09, 2004 at 19:30:10:
I would agree with David Shilman that southern Ontario is already very ably served with the number of places where rare birds are being posted on the internet (this site, ONTBIRDS, Ontario Birding, various local club web sites). One more place to have to look to or double or triple-post to is merely overkill at this point in our jurisdiction and probably counter-productive.
Another suggestion that might help create any buzz at all locally for the rarebird web site would be to introduce yourself a little more formally on this web site. People here are probably not going to be inclined to respond to any information from an anonymous "Chuck", unless of course it is a Chuck-will's-widow. :^)
GC
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Re: New website, advice needed posted by David Shilman on February 09, 2004 at 19:30:10:
I'm relatively new here, but I stumbled across rarebird.org that other day via some links at some other sites.
I'm sure this board here will not suffer as a result of rarebird.org, but I really like the format/layoutm and forum software used over there. I don't think it's uncommon for people (like me) to be members of two boards and participate on both.
I've been part of various other forum communities for years, and at the start of a new webspace, things seem slow but eventually the membership increases and you end up with a good community after all.
Getting rarebird.org added to other site's link lists is sure a good place to start.
Good luck!
64.229.87.246
-- 64.229.87.246
In Reply to: Birding Toronto to Montreal posted by Gail Jackson on February 08, 2004 at 16:47:46:
I would add that it's worth the time to stop at the St. Lawrence Islands National Park interpretation centre to see what's new. It's just off the 401 highway, south of Brockville, close to Mallorytown Landing on the shores of the St. Lawrence. Migration should be in full swing, and since this area is the Frontenac Axis it's interesting from a geological and botanical perspective too.
64.229.87.246
-- 64.229.87.246
In Reply to: Re: immature red-shouldered hawk in southern Etobicoke posted by Derek Lyon on February 09, 2004 at 16:19:06:
Here are some more details: the hawk was quite large, definitely larger than a crow- I'd say 18 inches high approximately. The back was a plain mottled brown without distinguishing features. The breast was completely covered with brown streaks and the tail was long and medium brown, prominently barred with dark brown bands. It had a bulky appearance as if the feathers were fluffed up for warmth. Any opinions as to what it was are most welcome.
64.228.46.174
-- 64.228.46.174
In Reply to: posted by Garth N. Baker on February 08, 2004 at 19:29:03:
Hi Garth - Thanks for replying - unfortunately I had to keep my eyes on the road and wasn't able to observe black wing tips - perhaps they were swans - this might sound silly but I've never seen swans flying before - Anyway it was exciting to see something different in the sky-
Kim :>
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: New website, advice needed posted by Chuck on February 09, 2004 at 18:48:05:
I think the problem is that we are well served by this board, Ontbirds, OntarioBirding, Birdchat and the Toronto Star Rare Bird Hotline.
Yes, your site provides lots of extras, but it seems unlikely that you are going to get the users of the above options to switch over, or to double-post.
David
157.134.186.146
-- 157.134.186.146
The new website at www.rarebird.org has many desirable features including: ability to post pictures, link pictures, hotlinks, font and text color changes, private messages to other members, and hit counters for each post. I have been unable to entice Toronto visitors to post and would like to know how can I attract traffic from your area. Membership is absolutely free and there is no advertisements. Let me know, or drop me an email at chuck@rarebird.org
Thanks, Chuck
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Hawk ID help posted by Mathew on February 08, 2004 at 12:59:44:
Whoops, just realized I could post the picture directly. Here goes...
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Re: Hawk ID help posted by Derek Lyon on February 09, 2004 at 16:52:25:
Thanks for all the help everyone!
Now what I'm wondering about is that in the pics I took, the claws (sorry, forget the real name of those things) are yellow, but in my Audubon book they aren't. I suppose claws aren't a good way to ID then, right?
149.99.115.138
-- 149.99.115.138
In Reply to: Hawk ID help posted by Mathew on February 08, 2004 at 12:59:44:
Great photos of the hawk, if all ID help posts had photos like this every ID would be much easier.
On to the ID, the bird you photographed is defiantly a Red-tail (the tricky part is identifying which subspecies.)
I think the Hawk is a juvenile "Western" bird for 2 reasons. First a "Harlan's" is rare and mainly black and white - very little brown. Second the "Western" has a dark supercilium or eyebrow.
149.99.123.85
-- 149.99.123.85
In Reply to: immature red-shouldered hawk in southern Etobicoke posted by Pam on February 06, 2004 at 11:51:35:
A Red-shouldered Hawk is a rare bird and when seen is usually in a forested area and in the summer or spring. From what you describe the bird sounds like a Cooper's Hawk.
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Re: Hawk ID help posted by Pat Hodgson on February 09, 2004 at 09:38:03:
Hi Pat:
I'll go along with that.I think I would have made the same call if I had consulted the Sibley's first.A good Bird none the Less.
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil,Ont.
209.29.104.108
-- 209.29.104.108
In Reply to: posted by Garth N. Baker on February 08, 2004 at 19:29:03:
Until recently the majority of Tundra Swans did winter along the east coast; within recent years substantial numbers have remained on Lakes Erie and Ontario in winter. Considering the deep freeze we have had in recent weeks, it's hard to say how many are still around now, but when the annual Mid-Winter Waterfowl Inventory was held on January 11, 494 Tundra Swans were recorded on Lake Ontario (almost all of them around Kingston), while record numbers of Trumpeter Swans (106, 19 of them in the GTA) and Mute Swans (547, 277 of them in the GTA) were observed.
As for Snow Geese, they are rare in winter, with only 5 observed on the MWWI (and that was unusually high). Ross's Goose would be even more exceptional.
209.29.104.108
-- 209.29.104.108
In Reply to: Re: Birding Toronto to Montreal posted by Garth N. Baker on February 08, 2004 at 19:38:02:
I would second Garth's recommendations of Thickson's Woods and Presqu'ile in particular; Quinte is great too, but a bit more of a detour, and with somewhat less concentrated focal points. Closer to Montreal, Cooper Marsh near Cornwall is also worth a visit. For that matter, in mid-May, you can stop at virtually any green space along the Lake Ontario or St. Lawrence River shoreline and be reasonably likely to have good birding.
65.95.236.58
-- 65.95.236.58
In Reply to: Hawk ID help posted by Mathew on February 08, 2004 at 12:59:44:
I'll hazard a guess that this bird is a juvenile western red-tailed hawk (but not a Harlan's). Check out the picture of "intermediate juvenile" on p.122 of Sibley Guide to Birds, if you can. I agree it appears too brownish to be a dark phase rough-legged.
Pat Hodgson
Toronto
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Birding Toronto to Montreal posted by Gail Jackson on February 08, 2004 at 16:47:46:
Hi Gail:
I think that Prince Edward County has some terrific areas to Bird in the Spring.Being right on the Shore of Lake Ontario it is great for Shorebirds,Passerines and Waterfowl.Also Presquile Provincial Park and Thickson's Woods are great Locals aswell as the Rouge Valley Area. Thicksons Woods and Presquile Park and Rouge Park have Websites that you can find on a Search.You could also look under "Quinte" and find some info on Prince Edward County.
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil,Ont
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: White birds posted by Kim on February 08, 2004 at 17:56:25:
Hi Kim:
Were the 2 Birds that you saw completely White? Or did they have Black Wing Tips? The Snow Goose has Black Primaries and are close in size to a Canada(depending on Race).The Ross's Goose also is White with Black Tips,but is smaller than a Snow Goose. If they were pure White than it may suggest a Swan.We have 3 Species of Swan in Ontario,Trumpeter,Tundra and Mute.The Mute and Trumpeter Swans winter along Lake Ontario,but I beleive the Tundras go towards the East Coast and further South.
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil,Ont.
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Hawk ID help posted by Mathew on February 08, 2004 at 12:59:44:
Hi Matthew;
I am no expert either,but comparing your Photo's of the Hawk in question with the 3rd Edition of National Geograhic Birds of North America,I would hazard a guess at a Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk.In my own experiences with Dark Phase Rough-legged, they strike me as more Black than Reddy-Brown as yours appears to me. The Harlani Race of Red-tail is a Western race and winters in the mid-western States according to my Guide.But with what has been seen in past years(not to mention this year),it would not be so Far fetched an Idea. This is my uneducated guess!
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil,Ont.
216.209.97.21
-- 216.209.97.21
I was driving along the Gardner westbound near High Park, and two large geese flew overhead - they looked like Canada Geese but were white - were these snow geese?
Kim
Brampton
4.11.190.61
-- 4.11.190.61
We are birders from Florida and will drive from Toronto to Montreal Mid May along the Queens Highway-St Lawrence River area. Can you suggest "hotspots" along this route, National Parks Area or Bird Sanctauries? Thanks Gail Jackson, Tampa FLorida
66.185.84.70
-- 66.185.84.70
This was taken at the border of Mississauga/Etobicoke. I'm not an expert birder but from my Audubon book it looks like either a rough-legged or red-tailed.
Also, I understand these are solitary birds but often see a pair that stick together and another two in the area that don't. They all periodically soar together if the wind is right.
Take a look here:
http://www.asic.ca/gallery2/
129.100.212.183
-- 129.100.212.183
In Reply to: Re: Birding Info posted by B. Griffin on February 07, 2004 at 09:04:19:
Thanks for the help, it's greatly appreciated! I'll be sure to checkout the site!
216.192.72.8
-- 216.192.72.8
In Reply to: Briding Info posted by jenn on February 03, 2004 at 12:34:02:
The ABA website may be a good place to get some info on birding economics and related topics although it has a predominantly US perspective