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(check the link below). The ABA does publish a member's directory and there are a few thousand Canadian members listed among the close to 20,000 members but it is available to members only.
The Canadian listings represent only a small percentage of all the birders here, you may wish to cross-reference access all the different birding clubs in Canada that are listed in the same publication and contact them for more information (BSC, OFO, etc.). You may find this info elsewhere on the website along with various published articles and reports on this topic, try e-mailing someone there for help.
I hope this helps you focus your research efforts, you will still need to spend a lot of time tracking down potential sources of info but that's what research is all about. Good luck with your project! Brete
64.229.87.246
-- 64.229.87.246
yesterday, Feb 5, 10:30 am I spotted an apparent immature red-shouldered hawk feeding on a newly killed bird in a secluded backyard near Royal York and Bloor. Tail bands on the hawk were clearly visible . Feeding continued for about 1.5 hours. From the size of the kill it may have been a pigeon. Anyone else aware of a red-shouldered hawk in this area?
64.228.116.139
-- 64.228.116.139
In Reply to: RFI:Falcon at posted by Frank Butson on February 01, 2004 at 19:35:32:
Hay Frank great photos !! I have sent 2 of them off to Jean Iron to comferm but my felling is that it is the same bird that was over at Humberbay wich turnd out to be hybrid Gyrfalcon x Barbary Falcon.
Craig
67.70.67.162
-- 67.70.67.162
In Reply to: Briding Info posted by jenn on February 03, 2004 at 12:34:02:
I'm not sure you will ever get "good numbers". There are a lot of people who are just back yard bird watchers. These folks enjoy the birds at their feeding stations, but won't travel anywhere to find birds so the CD won't sell to them. The avid birdwatchers in Ontario already know the hotspots by word of mouth or by email lists and message boards, so probably a limited number would be interested in your CD. Your target market is probably birding tourists from overseas or even other Canadian provinces! And who knows what "good numbers" you'll ever get for that!
67.70.67.162
-- 67.70.67.162
In Reply to: Briding Info posted by jenn on February 03, 2004 at 12:34:02:
I'm not sure you will ever get "good numbers". There are a lot of people who are just back yard bird watchers. These folks enjoy the birds at their feeding stations, but won't travel anywhere to find birds so the CD won't sell to them. The avid birdwatchers in Ontario already know the hotspots by word of mouth or by email lists and message boards, so probably a limited number would be interested in your CD. Your target market is probably birding tourists from overseas or even other Canadian provinces! And who knows what "good numbers" you'll ever get for that!
129.100.212.183
-- 129.100.212.183
Hi everyone, my name is Jennifer Chu and I am a student at the University of Western Ontario. As a student taking Business 257, we are required to create a business plan and compile all relevantinformation in starting up a business. As such, my group has come up with the idea of creating a travel and tourism interactive cd software for birdwatchers, who wish to travel to Southern Ontario. This CD would provide users with rated information regarding accomodation, driving directions, hot spots, restuarants, bird-related stores in the area etc. Before we develop the product though,we need to collect information from the atching market. We are interested in any information regarding the demographics of birdwatchers, their age, where they live, their avg income and such.I have also been searching for weeks for an estimate of the number of Birdwatchers in Ontario-and am still unscessful! If anyone could provide me with any information, it would be greatly appreciated! As well, if anyone would like to give me feedback or suggestions on our idea, please feel free to do so! Thanks in advance! - Jenn
157.134.186.41
-- 157.134.186.41
www.rarebird.org
Check it out !
67.69.9.162
-- 67.69.9.162
We were driving north on Winston Churchill south of Royal Windsor yesterday about 1pm when my husband spotted what looked like a Harris Hawk perched on an advertisement sign on the east side. Well...after almost swerving off the road into a ditch, we turned around to look for it again. We did actually see 2 Harris Hawks...but unfortunately they weren't wild...there were 3 people in the forestry area with them that seemed to be training them. The hawks had leg bands and bells on them. We continued to watch the hawks and these people eventually returned to their parked vans with the birds. We can only assume they were with some falconry project of some kind. Does anyone know who these individuals might have been? Is there a falconry group in Mississauga/Oakville? The hawks were beautiful but we were quite disappointed that we could not add them to our bird list.
64.228.116.143
-- 64.228.116.143
In Reply to: RFI:Falcon at posted by Frank Butson on February 01, 2004 at 19:35:32:
Frank pleas send the photos over too me , all though I have bin having some email troballs ( I hope that this post works ) I still wood love too see them !? I also find the Ruff lagged Hawks too be entrusting !!
Craig
65.95.108.116
-- 65.95.108.116
In Reply to: Re: RFI large urban hawk posted by Glenn Coady on January 27, 2004 at 09:18:28:
Thanks! We have plenty of Red-tails in the area so that makes sense.
216.94.63.3
-- 216.94.63.3
Yesterday afternoon at about 4PM there were 70+ turkeys in a field at 3070 Taunton Rd (maybe two miles east of Liberty Rd).
64.10.124.139
-- 64.10.124.139
I have photos which ASAP will be scanned and emailed to anyone who'd like a look. A Gryfalcon was reported there but as I havent seen one Im not sure(especially with the hybrid flying around) I am interested to know which leg the hybrid was banded on as one photo I have shows clearly an outstretched leg with no band on the falcon I saw Saturday at The Spit.I was able to approach very close which has me suspicious though..or maybe I am just lucky. It really gave chase to a duck in flight. I looked at Jean Irons photos of the "mystery falcon",and it appears (keeping in mind the poor quality I can view with on a sadly lacking laptop computer) not to be that falcon.Quite a sighting no matter what it turns out to be! There were also 3 Rough-legged hawks there,one being dark morph.
64.228.53.94
-- 64.228.53.94
I just looked out on an interesting scenario --- an immature northern goshawk perched on a tree swallow nest box at the edge of the pond in front of the house. The objects of his attention were about 100 mallards and black ducks nervously milling around in the little patch of open water not 20' from him. They were smart enough to know, I guess, that if they attempted to flee or step out on the ice, they'd be toast. Finally the gos lost interest and took off. The ducks are back to normal now -- lounging around on the ice.
Al Johnston, Whitchurch-Stouffville
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Re: Bohemian Waxwings in King City posted by Colleen on January 24, 2004 at 12:00:47:
Colleen:
Wayne, Ross and Rolph examined the birds from a few metres away. As a result, they could clearly see the rufous undertail coverts and other field marks. Those people who have had experience with Bohemians know that the fact that the observers were allowed to approach so closely is in itself an identifying characteristic. Bohemians are strikingly tame in comparison with Cedars.
Cheers,
Tony Lang
149.99.117.150
-- 149.99.117.150
In Reply to: bay ducks struggling in storm posted by Joanne Mathew on January 26, 2004 at 18:40:58:
We were at the same park last weekend and saw a lot of common goldeneye (along with scaup, red head, american coot, bufflehead, gadwall and the male & female harlequins). I wouldn't doubt that what you saw were common goldeneye.
216.126.83.98
-- 216.126.83.98
Slightly larger/fatter than a Mallard. Brilliant orange feet (no bands). Blue/gray feathers with orange edges (slighly more orange on the sides than the back). Pinkish bill. Side of face was orange, with a pair of thin, dark stripes that angled up from the bill, through the eye, and back. Top of head was dark. Brown eye. White collar that is only visible when it extended its neck (also in flight). Relatively good quality images of the bird sitting and walking, and a bad one of it in flight are available (send email; expect a couple of megabytes of data in response).
Question is: what is it? No obvious matches in the usual guide books. Hydrid? Domestic? Escapee?
Other birds of note at the Park that day: a Northern Pintail, a Wood Duck and a Redhead slumming with the usual gang of Mallards, 7 Trumpeter Swans (5 tagged adults, one untagged/unbanded adult (at last!), and a juvenile).
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: RFI large urban hawk posted by Gerard Van Herk on January 26, 2004 at 17:46:19:
Gerard,
It is much likelier that it was indeed a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk lacking the red tail as yet.
GC
209.29.93.114
-- 209.29.93.114
I was on the shoreline of Lake Ontario (Mississauga) at Ben MacRee Park (south end of Maple Avenue & Lakeshore), east of Rattray Marsh & west of Mississauga Rd., and I spotted over 50 ducks swimming in a cove and then taking off in pairs, fighting the winds along the shore & attempting to fly east. I believe they were "goldeneyes", not certain. Any comments - they certainly appeared to be struggling.!
65.92.115.109
-- 65.92.115.109
Last week we saw a large hawk perched in a tall tree in the (bird-rich) Jesse Ketchum schoolyard, Bay & Davenport. It was the size of a Red-tail, but with strong contrast between the dark back/wings and very light underparts. Head was at least partly dark. When it flew, it flapped too slowly to be the peregrine occasionally seen around there. The only thing that seems right is a Goshawk. Is this possible, or likely? Any other suggestions?
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
I have a request on behalf on Region 12 of the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas.
I am looking for observers who know of active Purple Martin colonies in the area bounded by Steeles Avenue on the north, Eglinton Avenue on the south, Dixie Rd on the west, and Beare Rd. on the east.
I am looking to put in some extra effort to confirm this species in as many of the Region 12 squares within these boundaries as possible and would appreciate any information readers here can provide.
GC
149.99.125.111
-- 149.99.125.111
I'm interested in viewing the various gulls that have moved into the area for the winter. I can't really travel very far from home (southern Mississauga), preferably closer than downtown Toronto. If anyone has some location tips for me I'd really appreciate it.
199.243.108.112
-- 199.243.108.112
In Reply to: Re: Bohemian Waxwings in King City posted by Colleen on January 24, 2004 at 12:00:47:
Colleen,
Wayne King, Tony Lang, Ross Harris and Rolph Davis are all impeccable observers.
Rest assured that these were certainly Bohemian Waxwings - more may be in your neighbourhood, so keep on the lookout and let us know if you find any more.
You may even see mixed flocks of both species.
GC
64.231.140.133
-- 64.231.140.133
In Reply to: Bohemian Waxwings in King City posted by Tony Lang on January 23, 2004 at 13:15:43:
Are you sure they were not Cedar Waxwings? I live in King City and have recently seen a few flocks of Cedar waxwings in the same vacinity.
65.92.126.28
-- 65.92.126.28
In Reply to: Re: Atlantic Puffin posted by Ted Castle on January 20, 2004 at 19:27:35:
large white beak doesn't sound like an atlantic puffin to me... but hey, what do i know?
149.99.126.86
-- 149.99.126.86
In Reply to: Pictures? posted by Carla Rolfe on January 22, 2004 at 07:20:59:
The tip Fred gave is helpful. Here's what I do to ID birds with pictures. I use the link below to find any birds on-line, the pictures may be kinda small though.
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Yesterday around noon, Wayne King found a flock of 20 or so Bohemian Waxwings on Fisher Street in King City, across from the LGL Limited office. Wayne brought Ross Harris, Rolph Davis and Andrew Davis outside to have a look, and they agreed with Wayne's ID. Unfortunately, the birds were gone about an hour later when I looked. The only conspicuous fruit trees in the immediate vicinity are junipers. Wayne last saw the birds heading west.
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Re: Pictures? posted by Fred on January 22, 2004 at 15:00:39:
Great suggestion Fred. I've looked online before using Google but never using the Images option. Thanks for the tip.
64.229.193.108
-- 64.229.193.108
In Reply to: Pictures? posted by Carla Rolfe on January 22, 2004 at 07:20:59:
Some posters may not have unlimited internet connection services so searching online for a bird picture could use up valuable time and bandwidth. But you can easily find a picture yourself. Just go to the google search page, click on images, type in the bird's name, and click on google search. Try it for puffin, and you'll get lots of nice pics. Click on any of the thumbnails to enlarge the pic.
64.72.236.164
-- 64.72.236.164
In Reply to: Re: Hawk ID posted by Dan on January 21, 2004 at 17:07:54:
Thanks for your help. I looked at various pictures of Red-Tailed Hawks last night and that is the bird I saw. It was all fluffed up due to the cold and seemed to be glaring at everyone on the bus. I usually keep an eye open for birds in that area due to the open field but now I'll stay extra alert.
Athena
209.226.106.10
-- 209.226.106.10
I check this forum all the time, and as I was reading this morning a thought occured to me. Is it possible for you regular posters to include links to pictures of the birds you see? If you dont have one of the exact bird YOU saw, could you post a link to a general shot of the specific bird?
I know this means a little more work, but it would sure be helpful when I read a post about a bird I'm unfamiliar with. I could (and usually do) go look up the bird in our field guide, but it would be nice to have a picture link attached right with the post.
:-)
Just a thought. Happy birding!
64.231.220.81
-- 64.231.220.81
In Reply to: I give up. posted by Ted Castle on January 21, 2004 at 16:03:03:
Dear Ted; Don't despair. My wife thinks I'm nuts, too. But for other reasons. Anyway, I doubt you saw Atlantic Puffins. I saw many of these wonderful birds last summer. But, alas, in Newfoundland. These salt water birds thrive and breed in the north Atlantic mainly in rocky, desolate areas and, except when on land, are almost always on the wing. When on the water they will constantly dive in search of capelin and other small fishes. Small fishes such as the favourites they seek are quite rare in fresh water lakes. I concur with Mr. Coady. Your wife has yet to appreciate your keen interest in our fascinating feathered friends. Happy birding, Ted!
67.70.64.47
-- 67.70.64.47
In Reply to: I give up. posted by Ted Castle on January 21, 2004 at 16:03:03:
Ted, did you check out Glenn Coady's suggestion that your birds were American Coots?
If the bill was white as you describe, then I too would guess they had to be Coots. Puffins don't have white bills, and at this time of year even their white faces turn a dusky color.
64.231.92.225
-- 64.231.92.225
In Reply to: Re: Hawk ID posted by Garth N. Baker on January 21, 2004 at 11:32:44:
On may way to work last summer, I sat on a bench outside of Downsview Station and watched a R.W.Blackbird in a tree hollering at a Red-Tailed Hawk on a light post...they were only a metre or two apart...it was kinda cool...
65.48.205.102
-- 65.48.205.102
At this point all I know for sure is that I have a room full of bird pictures, a wife that thinks I,m nuts and an appointment to go get my eyes checked. Thank You all for your help. Ted.
64.228.71.224
-- 64.228.71.224
I was at the location you reported seeing the Puffins a day after your report but did not see any. I did see a lot of Common Goldeneye. would this be what you saw. One other bird to consider would be a male King Eider.
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Buffin reply posted by Ted Castle on January 20, 2004 at 20:02:41:
Ted,
Based on your posting below I am pretty certain that what you saw were American Coots.
GC
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Re: Atlantic Puffin posted by Ted Castle on January 20, 2004 at 19:27:35:
Ted,
OK - I believe now we can make some progress. I believe the three birds you saw were American Coots.
GC
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Hawk ID posted by Athena on January 21, 2004 at 09:44:23:
From your description it would suggest Red-tailed Hawk.They commonly sit on fence posts and Hydro Poles,while hunting or eating.
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
64.72.236.164
-- 64.72.236.164
When pulling out of Downsview station this morning I saw a hawk sitting on the snow fence. It had a rusty/brown head and back, white breast feathers with tufts of brown, and a brown neck band. It was approximately 20" tall. Although I was only 10 feet away this was all I could make out as the bus was moving, however I am hoping it is enough info to make a tentative I.D. when I get back home to my Field Guide. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
204.101.196.17
-- 204.101.196.17
In Reply to: Atlantic Puffin posted by Ted Castle on January 18, 2004 at 15:46:10:
Hi Ted,
Is Bufflehead or Long-tailed Duck (Oldsquaw) a possibility?
Cheers,
Frank Pinilla
66.203.188.46
-- 66.203.188.46
I noticed a large group of snow buntings at the south corner of Derry road and Tremaine road in Milton. The numbers were easily into the hundreds. They have been there for the last 2 days.
209.29.89.196
-- 209.29.89.196
In Reply to: Re: Humber bay Prairie Falcon NOT !! posted by Glenn Coady on January 19, 2004 at 18:16:45:
If the bird is as tame as some reports have suggested, it may be possible for the leg band(s?) to be read via scope, which would not only allow for the mystery to be resolved conclusively, but would presumably lead to the bird being reunited with its owner. Of course, falcons aren't particularly known for posing with their "jewelry" in full view, so some considerable patience may be required :-)
65.48.205.102
-- 65.48.205.102
I have looked at pictures of scoters and that is not what I saw, can you think of any other water bird that might fit. I still believe that I saw puffins. They were about the size of a Gull but much more erect and compact.The large fat beak is what drew my attention. They were hanging around a few ducks, but their were no canadian geese in the area. I would love if some one would be able to confirm my sighting. Good Day
65.48.205.102
-- 65.48.205.102
In Reply to: Re: Atlantic Puffin posted by Glenn Coady on January 19, 2004 at 18:26:45:
I checked pictures of scoter,s and that is not what I saw, I still believe that I saw puffins. Can you think of any other water bird that it might be. THey were about the size of a Gull, but much more compact and erect, diving for long periods of time. Their profile would be much like a fat yellow rubber ducky. The large white beak is what drew my attention. They were hanging around a few ducks, their were no canadian geese in the immediate area.
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: RFI Birdwatching for Children posted by chuck creamer on January 09, 2004 at 22:27:24:
If you hear of any I'd be interested. My 5 yr old daughter and I saw a Cooper's Hawk in the backyard and she did well - did not move too much and watched the bird from inside the house for 10 minutes or so. I had her draw a picture of it after.
Take care
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Re: RFI Raptor seen in South Ajax on Jan 14,04 posted by Al Johnston on January 18, 2004 at 09:55:15:
Thank you Al and Garth for your responses. I thought I remembered the hawk's back as uniform slate grey. I was thrown off by the cooper's photo so your replies were reassuring. I never considered the age of the bird in the cooper's photo.
Thanks again, seeing the Cooper's hawk was thrilling - it was only 10-12 feet from the other side of the sliding glass door! We did not move too much for fear of scaring it away -I am not sure how much birds can see of the insides of houses.
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Atlantic Puffin posted by Ted Castle on January 18, 2004 at 15:46:10:
Ted,
Atlantic Puffin is unprecedented in the Greater Toronto Area and a record involving multiple birds is unprecedented in all of Ontario.
It is much likelier that you saw some species of regularly occuring waterfowl (perhaps a scoter?) in an unusual posture that made you mistake them for Atlantic Puffins.
GC
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Humber bay Prairie Falcon NOT !! posted by Craig McLauchlan on January 19, 2004 at 14:04:34:
Craig,
It is certainly very good news that the original misidentification of this bird as a Prairie Falcon (which would have involved a potential first record for the Greater Toronto Area) has now been rectified upon supplementary observations and obtained material evidence.
I have previously confirmed with Mark Adam of Falcon Environmental Services that there is no possibility whatsoever that this escaped bird originates from the falconry program used to deter bird strikes at Pearson International Airport. They have not had any birds escape recently and all of their birds remotely similar to this bird are fully accounted for.
There is no reason to assume this escaped falcon necessarily represents a local escape. It may have wandered from somewhere distant where the falconer involved has not learned of its appearance here as yet.
Let's hope the bird continues to do well in these frigid temperatures and that it might be re-united with its trainer sometime soon.
GC
67.70.136.116
-- 67.70.136.116
Hello!
I am looking for a knowledgeable birder (or birders) to show me around Toronto.
As an Environmental Studies student at York University, I have been assigned a project to create a guided tour of my neighbourhood (St. Clair and Bathurst in Toronto) in a way that illustrates urban planning issues. I am interested in what birds can tell us about the ecological status of my neighbourhood. But I'm from rural New Brunswick so my urban bird-watching skills have not yet been honed!
Do you know of anybody who might be able to assist me in this? Or perhaps another organization that might better be suited to help me? I would like to get started on this project as soon as possible, and so your help at this stage is greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much! Long live birding!
Laura Reinsborough
64.228.116.131
-- 64.228.116.131
Finally some rely good birders got rely good look’s at this Falcon today and it is now thought to be ether a Saker falcon or a falconer's hybrid I was told that the Toronto Airport has Saker Falcon’s , it is not known weather one is missing ???
Still if you have the time to go down to look at this bird do it’s a reel nice looking bird !!
Craig
206.47.0.171
-- 206.47.0.171
In Reply to: Atlantic Puffin posted by Ted Castle on January 18, 2004 at 15:46:10:
Are your sure they are puffins? It would be be quite uncommon for this area. If your not sure, please post what you saw.
66.203.174.157
-- 66.203.174.157
I seen the following today at the Burlington canal...Surf scoters , white winged scoters, long tailed ducks,golden eyes,buffleheads, common mergansers, and greater scaups
67.70.63.88
-- 67.70.63.88
In Reply to: Re: Atlantic Puffin posted by Garth N. Baker on January 19, 2004 at 11:16:29:
Petticoat is in the southwestern corner of Pickering. Normal access is from White's Road off the 401 but you can't drive in in the winter. Quicker access to the shore in the western part of the park can be had from residential streets to the west of the park, but I have no idea what the names of these streets are, or how possible it is to park there.
Pat
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Atlantic Puffin posted by Ted Castle on January 18, 2004 at 15:46:10:
Just wondering! Where is Petticoat Creek located? It sounds familiar,but just can't put my finger on it!
Cheer's Garth
64.228.39.11
-- 64.228.39.11
In Reply to: can you help? posted by Daniel on November 25, 2003 at 14:51:22:
Could the bird you saw between the house sparrows on November 23 have been a chestnut-collard longspur, daniel?
65.48.202.171
-- 65.48.202.171
I saw 3 Puffins in the water at the west end of Petticoat Creek Conservation Area at about 2pm. I have never seen them in these waters before. There might have been a few more, they kept diving and were hard to count.
24.156.61.160
-- 24.156.61.160
I saw a pair of Trumpeter Swans at Ashbridges Bay this afternoon - one was tagged while the other was not (I couldn't read the numbers).
Nik
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Re: RFI Raptor seen in South Ajax on Jan 14,04 posted by Al Johnston on January 18, 2004 at 09:55:15:
Hi Darlene & Al:
Yesterday on an outing we had a Sharp-shinned Hawk that also had white flecks on its Back.It was the first time I had seen that myself.Another member of the Party suggested that it was a Young bird molting into it's Adult Plumage. I can go along with that,as I haven't heard a better explanation! I would also go along with Al to say it was a Female Cooper's due to the description of Size.
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Re: RFI Raptor seen in South Ajax on Jan 14,04 posted by Al Johnston on January 18, 2004 at 09:55:15:
Hi Darlene & Al:
Yesterday on an outing we had a Sharp-shinned Hawk that also had white flecks on its Back.It was yhe first time I had seen that myself.Another member of the Party suggested that it was a Young bird molting into it's Adult Plumage. I can go along with that,as I haven't heard a better explanation! I would also go along with Al to say it was a Female Cooper's due to the description of Size.
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
64.228.100.127
-- 64.228.100.127
In Reply to: RFI Raptor seen in South Ajax on Jan 14,04 posted by Darlene on January 17, 2004 at 18:11:55:
Darlene, the size of the sharp-shinned hawk is listed as 10"-14",the cooper's hawk as 14"-20" and the American crow as 17"-21". Based on size alone, I'd say that you most probably saw a cooper's hawk -- probably a female which is larger than the male. I couldn't access the web site you gave about the cooper's but I wouldn't place too much stock on the "flecks of white" on the back. The mature cooper's back is a uniform slate-gray. BTW, great sighting and description.
Al Johnston, Whitchurch-Stouffville
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Saw a raptor eating a starling-sized bird at 4pm jan 14th on the backyard deck. We only saw the side-view so I don't know what the chest looked like but the rest of the colouring follows: mostly dark bluish grey along back, wings and tail with slightly rustier grey between eye and bill,eyeball was a rust colour?,wing tips were black, legs and underside of wing was white with back markings, tail was banded with black and was blunt ended.
looked online to ID the bird but there's a couple of similar birds.
One possiblity is the Sharp-shinned hawk - resembles uppermost photo on this site :http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i3320id.html but length is listed as 10.5 inches and the bird I saw looked to be much bigger, kind of like a crow.
The other idea was a Cooper's hawk but the only non-frontal view I can find was this site: http://www.holoweb.com/cannon/coopers.htm and I don't remember seeing flecks of white on the back.
Sorry for such a long description but this is the first thing I've tried to ID and I'm very eager to identify it. Many thanks.
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
This morning at 9:15 while exiting the 400 south at Major Mackenzie,I noted a White spot on a Hydro Pole.I went along to Weston Road and north 1/4 mile. Got out my Scope and picked up an Adult Male Snowy Owl(almost Pure White).He was sitting ontop of the 5th Hydropole that run East to West about 1/4 mile north of Major Mackenzie,east of Weston road. We came back as a group at 3:30 on an Outing with Ron Fleming,but were unable to relocate the Bird.We did however have a Juvenil Northern Shrike and an American Kestrel. Hopefully this Owl will hang around the Area for awhile.
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Peregrine Falcons posted by Kevin McIntosh on January 16, 2004 at 00:28:45:
Looks like a Red-tailed Hawk to me. The dark breast band gives it away. Cool to see one that close in the city.
Definitely not a Peregrine.
David
65.95.226.85
-- 65.95.226.85
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Peregrine Falcons posted by Cam Lockerbie on January 14, 2004 at 18:02:35:
Jim.
I may have seen (and photogrpahed) the same falcon not far from where you live at St.Clair West and Christie (Jan13/04). I am not an avid bird watcher and don't know much, but can anyone tell me if this is indeed an image of a Peregrine Falcon?
204.50.208.4
-- 204.50.208.4
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Peregrine Falcons posted by Marcel Gahbauer on January 14, 2004 at 21:01:46:
Thanks for the info!
209.29.106.76
-- 209.29.106.76
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Peregrine Falcons posted by Cam Lockerbie on January 14, 2004 at 18:02:35:
Geographically and seasonally possible, yes ... but in terms of behaviour highly improbable. Peregrines are generally open sky hunters, diving at and hitting their prey in mid-air; the hunting technique you describe instead sounds typical of an accipiter. Cooper's Hawks, due to some similarities of size and colouration, are often mistaken for peregrines; I suspect that's what you saw in this instance.
To add to Glenn's comment earlier, I think the London situation may be uncertain, but other than that, all of the southern Ontario breeding peregrines I'm aware of are now resident year-round.
204.50.208.4
-- 204.50.208.4
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Peregrine Falcons posted by Glenn Coady on January 13, 2004 at 17:09:29:
So then it _is_ possible that the bird i saw dive into the bush full of starlings could have been a peregrine.
About two years ago I was at the Mr. Noodles at Dufferin and Finch. I saw a blur go into a fur tree, then an eruption of starlings, and a big bird, which I thought was a peregrine, take off. I was so startled, I didn't get a good look at it. But I thought it was a peregrine, the face reminded me the pix I've seen of them.
204.50.208.4
-- 204.50.208.4
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Peregrine Falcons posted by Glenn Coady on January 13, 2004 at 17:09:29:
So then it _is_ possible that the bird i saw dive into the bush full of starlings could have been a peregrine.
About two years ago I was at the Mr. Noodles at Dufferin and Finch. I saw a blur go into a fur tree, then an eruption of starlings, and a big bird, which I thought was a peregrine, take off. I was so startled, I didn't get a good look at it. But I thought it was a peregrine, the face reminded me the pix I've seen of them.
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: RFI: Peregrine Falcons posted by Jim Ingles on January 13, 2004 at 11:00:10:
Jim,
Many of the urban breeding Peregrine Falcons in southern Ontario are indeed resident year-round.
GC
128.100.128.253
-- 128.100.128.253
Do these falcons now winter in Toronto? I was somewhat surprised to see one this morning (January 13) high in the trees above Woodlawn Avenue, a little south of Yonge and St Clair.
66.185.84.80
-- 66.185.84.80
In Reply to: Merlin posted by Dave on January 06, 2004 at 12:54:19:
I had one in my backyard (also in Scarborough) a few years ago. They definitely do live in Scarborough.
64.228.116.13
-- 64.228.116.13
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding.
this morning around 9:00 Don Perks found a Prairie Falcon at the foot of 2nd st in New Toronto go south of the Lakeshore Blvd to the lake and look up in the trees , it was still there when we left at 11:10 am.
You can exit the Gardiner at ether Kipling av or Islington av going south to the Lakeshore Blvd then head east to 2nd st .
Craig & Bev McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
65.95.183.133
-- 65.95.183.133
I would like to introduce my 5 year old granddaughter to birdwatching (and learn about it myself). Does anyone know of any club/organization/etc. for children (or where children would be welcome)in Toronto where we can get started? Thank you.
131.104.102.130
-- 131.104.102.130
I am wondering if there is anybody from the Guelph/KW area planning on attending the Petroglyphs OFO trip on Sunday, Jan 11, who wouldn't mind a passenger (will provide money for fuel). I realize that this is short notice, but I did not think that I would be free on Sunday, but now I am.
If it makes a difference, I have no annoying travel habits that I am aware of....and love Tim Hortons coffee.
Please let me know.
Jason Miller
jmille07@uoguelph.ca or jayjaymiller@yahoo.ca
(519) 836-0749
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Merlin posted by Dave on January 06, 2004 at 12:54:19:
I'd like to see it. You can send it to; davidshilman@hotmail.com
Where is Terraview Park?
David
24.100.49.110
-- 24.100.49.110
Greetings Birders.
Whitby Harbour had an AMERICAN COOT today. It was there from 2:30 pm to sunset. It was right down at the mouth of the harbour, along the west breakwall, easily seen from the fancy parking area. Also present were about 5 Gadwall, 5 Lesser Scaup, and 1 Greater Scaup. A Northern Harrier flew by offshore headed west. There were also Mute Swans, Mallards, Blacks, Goldeneye, Bufflehead, and C. Mergansers
Nearby, at the bridge on Brock St, there was a pair of Hooded Mergansers. These were on the east side (in Pringle Creek).
As for the more common species, I counted 4,900 CANADA GEESE flying into the harbour at sunset.
To reach Whitby Harbour, exit Hwy 401 at Brock (Whitby), and go south. Stop at the bridge over the creek for the Hooded Mergansers, then proceed south again. The road veers left, then you can access a parking area on the right. If you decide to walk out to the end of the pier, BE CAREFUL - it's a sheet of ice.
Let's hope this cold weather helps the birding!
Steve
24.100.49.110
-- 24.100.49.110
In Reply to: RFI: Geese in Whitby posted by Derek Lyon on December 27, 2003 at 13:00:38:
There are indeed a lot of geese in Whitby. On Wed. Jan 7, I counted 4,900 flying in to the harbour at sunset.
65.95.97.65
-- 65.95.97.65
I've seen what I believe is a Merlin at Terraview Park in Scarborough. I have a picture and would like if someone could confirm it for me.
142.154.163.141
-- 142.154.163.141
I spotted this most majestic of birds as I drove home today.Anyone caring to receive info about it please feel free to write. Unfortunatly it didn't make the Christmas count although others may have seen it and added it to the list.
216.26.113.69
-- 216.26.113.69
Trumpeter's 766 and 773 were seen Sun.Jan.04.04 at 1600hrs at Valley Inn Road Hamilton. (RBG)
64.228.116.127
-- 64.228.116.127
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding.
I was aball to refine the Eurasian Wigeon out on the Leslie st spit ( Tommy Thomson Park ) today right wear it was being seen before in the embayment between B and C .
other good birds seen out on the spit today wear Green Winged Teal 3 ( 2 up from yesterday )C.Redpoll 45 , H.Redpoll 1,Canvasback 2, Sharp shin hawk 1 , N Goshawk 1, D.C.Cormorant 1.
Tommy Thompson Park is found at the foot of Leslie st south of the Lake shore Blvd here in Toronto
Craig & Bev McLauchlan
64.228.116.149
-- 64.228.116.149
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding.
With hundreds of eyes looking too day, I do not no of any one that saw the Erasian Wigeon , all though I did hear second hand that it might have bin seen yesterday ??? in the bay too the south from wear it has bin ??.
Other good birds too day Red N Grebe 1, Green Winged Teal 1 , Northern Shrike 1 and its cash was found by Bev we think from what was left it could have bin a Orange Crown Warbler.
Over at Ashbridges bay thanks too Jean Irons and Kevin McLaughlin ther was a Iceland Gull , Thayers gull and 1 Wood Duck .
Tommy Thompson Park is found at the foot of Leslie st south of the Lake shore Blvd here in Toronto, Ashbridges bay is just east of Tommy Thompson Park .
Craig & Bev McLauchlan
64.229.199.28
-- 64.229.199.28
A juvenile Sharp Shinned Hawk started its New Year's Eve celebrations early by visiting my back garden in the Rouge area of Scarborough to snack on a luckless rock dove.
The Sharpie took its time munching on the luckless bird, flew off for awhile, came back to continue eating and then flew back this morning to finish off the job.
66.203.175.77
-- 66.203.175.77
I recently visited Amherst Island (near Kingston )
I was amazed at the number of rough legged hawks, at least 30 were counted along with many northern harriers.
An area on the island is called owl wood. I seen 6 long-eared owls and 2 northern saw-whet owls. In all it was a great visit and highly reccomend it.
204.50.208.4
-- 204.50.208.4
In Reply to: Raptor on light standards posted by Cam Lockerbie on December 31, 2003 at 15:01:39:
Yes, most of the birds had white breast feathers. In November, a redtail was perched on the light standard near Allen rd. and Lawrence Ave. I was able to get within 15 feet of it before it took flight, went straight up the Allen about 100 metres, then dove on a pigeon in flight. I think know it was a redtail because got close enough to see the red tail quite clearly. I was surprised at how big the bird was though. And I thought buteos fed by diving on voles / mice and other rodents for food.
64.228.41.86
-- 64.228.41.86
In Reply to: Raptor on light standards posted by Cam Lockerbie on December 31, 2003 at 15:01:39:
Cam, by any chance, did you notice if they had whitish breast feathers? If so, they were almost certainly red-tails. Chances are, they were red-tails any how. Al
64.10.126.166
-- 64.10.126.166
In Reply to: Raptor on light standards posted by Cam Lockerbie on December 31, 2003 at 15:01:39:
Mostly likely Redtailed Hawks U are correct. We often see American Kestrals as well. Occassionally there is a Roughlegged Hawk. A Raptor Watch friend and I take a run along 400/407 for an over winter fix.
204.50.208.4
-- 204.50.208.4
On Boxing Day I counted 19 raptors on light towers between the exits for Walker's Line in Burlington and Allen Road in Toronto. My question: were these birds Red Tailed Hawks (my guess) or could they be other kinds of buteos?
64.231.166.134
-- 64.231.166.134
Observed a Great blue heron flying over Humber River at Lambton Woods, upstream from railway bridge on Dec. 28th, 2003
66.203.189.22
-- 66.203.189.22
I have seen 2 northern shrikes over the past 2 days at Bronte Provincial park
24.192.106.248
-- 24.192.106.248
I have a friend coming in from out of town on Tuesday the 30th and then again in mid-January and I will be introducing her to birding along the waterfront. However, I'm also interested in showing her some owls, if possible. So if anyone knows any reliable spots for owls right now, anywhere from the 401 south to the lake and from Kipling (on the west) to Markham road I would greatly appreciate it. You can e-mail me privately if you are concerned about disturbing the owls. A Red-bellied Woodpecker or Pileated Woodpeck, or any other rarities in this area would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.
205.188.209.6
-- 205.188.209.6
Hi,
I had a fabulous birding day in Tommy Thompson Park. I saw groups of Gadwalls, long-tailed ducks, buffleheads, greater scaups, common goldeneyes adn red-breasted mergansers. However, the highlight was seeing my first great horned owl - a dream come true and a rare eurasian wigeon among a flock of red heads and american wigeons. I also saw a sweet american tree sparrow all on its own.
149.99.112.118
-- 149.99.112.118
My father lives in Whitby (near the marina) and he tells me about the noise from all the geese there. He moved there this year and this is his first Christmas there so he has no idea if this massing happens every year. Living in Mississauga my visits aren't as often as I would like. I haven't had a chance to see them for myself. Does anyone know about these geese and what they are?
64.228.116.24
-- 64.228.116.24
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding.
What a great Christmas Present !! To see Eurasian Wigeon out on the Leslie st spit ( Tommy Thomson Park ) thanks to John Carley for getting the word out on this ounbelivaball late date for this speeches ( I think my latest is Oct 5 in Ont ) I refound the bird right wear they had it on there CBC witch in the embayment between B and C .this mooring at 9:00 am.
You must walk out past the red bridge and tack the first rood on your right , follow this right around too the Embayment .
Other good birds found today on the spit wear Great horned Owl 2, Redpoll 31 , Hoary Redpoll 1 , Pine Siskin 3, imm Northern Goshawk 1 ( dining on rabbit ) N.Saw-Whet Owl 1,and to my great serpice ( when I step on or near ) a Woodcock .
Tommy Thompson Park is found at the foot of Leslie st south of the Lake shore Blvd here in Toronto
Craig
Craig & Bev McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
In Reply to: Dec. 6 outing, Durham Region posted by Joanne Doucette on December 24, 2003 at 17:43:01:
Joanne,
A very nice set of sightings by you and Rob. You might want to check in a couple of months as to whether your Common Raven has designs on establishing a territory in the section of the Durham Regional Forest where you saw it. Common Raven nested in the York Regional Forest last summer and you might be detecting evidence of a willingness for them to nest in Durham as well.
Let us know if you find their continued presence there.
Thanks for reporting it.
GC
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
In Reply to: Re: Juv. Tufted Duck at Humber bay east park posted by Craig McLauchlan on December 24, 2003 at 17:07:39:
Craig,
Despite your rant above I find myself neither angry nor taking anything remotely personally - likely a product of too many presents left too wrap (or the warm glow of the festive season - either that or the warm glow of single malt scotch, I find the two sensations hard to separate). :^)
Your British acquaintances were also unfortunately in error with the September Aythya duck however - as the bird to which you refer was clearly not a Tufted Duck. They can at least take encouragement in the knowledge that even J.J. Audubon and Alexander Wilson (both men with bountiful experience on the other side of the pond as well) both misidentified another member of the genus Aythya as Tufted Duck - so they are in sublime company.
Happy Holidays - I hope you have a safe and bird-filled Christmas vacation and a wonderful New Year,
GC
64.228.105.184
-- 64.228.105.184
On Dec. 6, I led a birding outing in Durham Region (with Rob Miller's able assistance). I share only the best sightings:
Durham Regional Forest Common Raven Lynde Shores Conservation Area/Cranberry Marsh Barred Owl Northern Harrier
Joanne Doucette
64.228.116.188
-- 64.228.116.188
In Reply to: Re: Juv. Tufted Duck at Humber bay east park posted by Glenn Coady on December 24, 2003 at 13:08:45:
WOW it must just be terrible having such a case of little man syndrom, that must be what makes you so angry and confrontational !!
In my last post I was saying that I felt sorry for you missing seeing a bird and now I think I am glad you mist seeing it and I wood think that Santa might fell the same way .
In your post you state that I Conformed this sighting well again you are wrong with this Asumchon, I just posted it so others could go out on the same day and look for it , It was pointed out to me by 2 birders from Britain wear it is a common bird and their knowledge of this species is greater than birders on this side of the pond .
Some of the other birders that have seen this bird also still fell that THEIR sighting was correct and also fell sorry that you dint see it !
You might want to try not tacking this so personal it is a hobby not a job . A hobby wich with your posts you seem to have the felling that you're the all time decision maker regarding birds of the GTA. Well your not and no one is, these are all individuals sightings right or wrong, its not your place to braid and bully others with and in their hobby .
Craig
32.102.136.166
-- 32.102.136.166
In Reply to: Re: Toronto Christmas Bird Count - results posted by Al Johnston on December 24, 2003 at 13:31:09:
Ah, so THAT'S where they're all hiding! :-)
Actually, this was the second year in a row with particularly low Black Duck numbers, and the general decline goes back at least a couple of decades. As late as the 1950s, Black Ducks and Mallards were fairly similar in numbers in winter; since then the Black Duck population has shrunk by 70-80%, while the Mallard population has roughly tripled (note, these changes are very approximate, as I'm estimating from trends rather than calculating).
64.228.47.99
-- 64.228.47.99
In Reply to: Toronto Christmas Bird Count - results posted by Marcel Gahbauer on December 23, 2003 at 11:45:10:
Marcel, I'm surprised at the low count of American black ducks (82). I have 32 sitting in the open water of my pond here in Whitchurch-Stouffville and there's often twice that number. Mind you, I feed them half a bucket of whole corn every morning. Have a great Christmas and good birding in 2004. Al
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
In Reply to: Re: Juv. Tufted Duck at Humber bay east park posted by Craig McLauchlan on December 17, 2003 at 16:32:01:
I saw this bird both long before, as well as long after, your claim to have confirmed identification of it as a juvenile Tufted Duck. It was, however, always a VERY straightforward Lesser Scaup (and clearly not a juvenile either) proven thoroughly by its appearance upon completing molt.
No one even faintly credible still contends that this September bird (still finishing molt) was a Tufted Duck. It was always a simple case of misidentification, your subsequent supposed "confirmation" notwithstanding.
Here's hoping a real Tufted Duck eventually joins the record-sized Greater Scaup flock at Humber Bay as more birds continue to arrive.
GC
24.141.13.173
-- 24.141.13.173
Today at 3pm as i was walking home here in Bronte in west Oakville i had a mourning dove fly right by me chased by a huge falcon ,it was at least twice the size of the dove it was chasing ,was wondering if it could be a gyrfalcon?? I've seen peregrine falcons many times by Hamilton and other places and it was bigger than what i am used to for peregrines. Was so neat ,of course it happens when i have hands full of groceries and no binoculars on me :(
32.102.136.78
-- 32.102.136.78
The 79th Toronto Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday December 21. Preliminary totals are 88 species (tied for third best ever) and 63,421 individuals (fourth highest), plus one count week species so far (NOTE: see the end of the message for a list of some of the birds we're still missing, and which you can perhaps help us with). Thanks to all 88 participants, and to everyone involved with the organization of the event!
The highlight was a male Eurasian Wigeon on the Leslie Spit, the first ever for our count. Other very rare species were the Wilson's Snipe in the East Don Valley near Finch (the first since 1973) and an American Woodcock, also in the East Don (only the third ever).
New record high counts were noted for 7 species: American Wigeon (58, vs 44 in 2002), Greater Scaup (6896, vs 5866 in 2002), Lesser Scaup (147, vs 31 in 2001), Hooded Merganser (172, vs 111 in 2002), Ring-billed Gull (8241, vs 7494 in 2002), Red-breasted Nuthatch (59, vs 57 in 1997), and Northern Mockingbird (25, vs 20 in 2002).
Others with high counts included Hairy Woodpecker at 64 (highest since 1965) and Red-winged Blackbird at 18 (highest since 1987)
Among the species recorded this year which we often miss were Red-necked Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Northern Goshawk, Short-eared Owl, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Common Yellowthroat, Brown-headed Cowbird, and Purple Finch.
Present in unusually low numbers were American Black Duck (82, fewest since 1946), Mallard (2610, fewest since 1990), Herring Gull (777, fewest since 1986), Great Black-backed Gull (54, fewest since 1990), Blue Jay (22, just one more than last year's half-century low of 21), American Crow (76, up from 47 last year, but still far below the mean of 806 over the past decade).
There were a number of species missed which we've had at least five times in the past decade. These are among the better candidates for "Count Week" species, i.e. those seen between Dec 18 and 24 inclusive. They include Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Ring-necked Pheasant, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Glaucous Gull, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Fox Sparrow, and Common Grackle. If you've seen any of the preceding in Toronto during this period (or any other rarities), please e-mail me or post your observations here.
Thanks,
Marcel Gahbauer, Toronto CBC compiler
marcelga@istar.ca
Toronto Ornithological Club - Christmas Bird Count
64.228.105.45
-- 64.228.105.45
I'm not able to take part in the Christmas Bird Count, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has seen the following birds, but I wanted to mention them in case they were overlooked. I've been riding my bike frequently on the bike path beside the Don River south of Gerrard Street and for the past week I've seen a male Pintail among the Mallards around the Dundas Street bridge. I've also seen two roosting Black Crowned Night Herons roosting in the tree North of the Queen Street bridge. (Occasionally they roost across the river close to the bike path in the dense shrubbery). Also the Northern Mockingbird can still be seen in the shrubbery where the bike path veers to the west. I hope this is helpful.
Don Baxter
64.228.105.45
-- 64.228.105.45
In Reply to: Re: Turkey Vultures near Leslie Spit posted by Craig Mclauchlan on December 17, 2003 at 15:25:38:
Hi Craig,
I've ridden my bike along the bike path several times last week, though not at eight in the morning, but I haven't seen them since. They were roosting in a tree close to the lake on the south side of the bike path a little bit west of the O'Hearn generating.Their huge size in the bare trees made them very easy to spot.
Don Baxter
64.228.116.38
-- 64.228.116.38
In Reply to: Re: Juv. Tufted Duck at Humber bay east park posted by Glenn Coady on September 22, 2003 at 10:28:43:
Wow it too bad that you dint get to see this bird it was great to look at and the others that saw it wear vary happy also .
beter luck next time
Craig
64.228.116.50
-- 64.228.116.50
In Reply to: Re: Turkey Vultures near Leslie Spit posted by Marcel Gahbauer on December 16, 2003 at 08:52:02:
I lookit for the Vultures today but had no luck in finding them ! thay might have bin off feeding , but not knowing wear ther rosting area is it still might be be woth wild looking for this birds ..
Craig
131.104.42.16
-- 131.104.42.16
A Who's Whoo in Ontario with Interpretive Biologist Chris Earley. This workshop is designed to help you develop your skills in identification of Ontario's owls. Through a wide variety of hands-on activities, you'll learn about owl plumage, calls and behaviour. We'll also look at habitat requirements, migration patterns and owl folklore. You'll participate in an "Owl Prowl" in the evening in the Guelph area. Participants will receive a tape of owl calls and an information booklet.
The workshop takes place at The Arboretum, University of Guelph on Friday, January 16, 2004 from 9am -5pm with the Owl Prowl taking place from 6:30pm -9pm. Fee $65.00. To register, please call The Arboretum, (519) 824-4120 ext. 52358 or email arbor@uoguelph.ca.
Registration and payment by cash, cheque, Visa or Mastercard required by Monday, January 5, 2004.
131.104.42.16
-- 131.104.42.16
Don't miss this year's Owl Prowl taking place at The Arboretum, University of Guelph on Friday, January 30 or Saturday, January 31 from 7pm - 8:30pm. Adult $12.00, Child $6.00, Family of 4 $30.00.
Meet at the J.C. Taylor Nature Centre. Learn about the behaviour and adaptations of owls in the Guelph area. The introduction to this program will take place indoors, but dress warmly in preparation for a walk outdoors.
To register, please call The Arboretum, (519) 824-4120 ext. 52358 or email arbor@uoguelph.ca.
Registration and payment by cash, cheque, Visa or Mastercard required by Friday, January 16, 2004.
66.185.84.70
-- 66.185.84.70
Good Morning, I saw 2 tagged trumpeter swans this morning in the bay in front of Grenadier Landing, just west of Palace Pier. One tag was #607. I could not read all the numbers on the second, but the last 2 digits were 22.
209.29.109.236
-- 209.29.109.236
The Toronto Ornithological Club will be conducting the annual Toronto Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, December 21. More information is at the link below. If you would like to contribute to the count, there are three ways to do so:
1) Help out with surveying one of the ~20 sectors (see the link for details)
2) Count the birds at your feeders from the comfort of your own home (e-mail me directly at marcelga@istar.ca if you are interested in that)
3) Notify us of any rare birds seen during "count week", i.e. Thu Dec 18 through Wed Dec 24, inclusive.
Thanks in advance for your contributions - I'll post some totals and highlights after the count!
Toronto Ornithological Club - Christmas Bird Count
209.29.109.236
-- 209.29.109.236
In Reply to: Turkey Vultures near Leslie Spit posted by Don Baxter on December 13, 2003 at 13:29:09:
Yes, Turkey Vultures in Toronto are indeed rare in winter. I would strongly encourage you (and anyone else who visits the area) to continue reporting sightings of these birds.
64.228.105.80
-- 64.228.105.80
This morning I was surprised to see two roosting Turkey Vultures at very close range, near the bike path between the Leslie Spit and Cherry Beach. Is it unusual to have Turkey Vultures in the area so late in the year?
Don Baxter
67.68.32.196
-- 67.68.32.196
Today I had a chance to check the waterfront . There is a white-fronted goose at the foot of Mimico street.Large rafts of scaups, redheads,goldeneyes and buffleheads are all over the place. Two trumpeter swans in humber bay park. It is cold , happy birding .Arko
64.228.53.163
-- 64.228.53.163
In Reply to: Coopers Hawk posted by Sheila on December 07, 2003 at 13:36:41:
Sounds like a coopers to me too, Sheila. Neat sighting.
Al
66.185.84.198
-- 66.185.84.198
Hello All
We are in Guelph. This AM while enjoying a cup of tea we noticed a large bird sitting on our fence post and after closer observation we noticed it to be slate grey over back, red eyes and red streaks from neck to feet. It was larger than a crow and had bars on underside of tail. We decided this must be a Coopers Hawk. He has just flown into the trees and all the doves flew out from where he landed. I believe he is hunting this A.M. for birds from our feeder. Great to see them this close.
64.228.53.157
-- 64.228.53.157
In Reply to: Unknown duck posted by Kabir J.V on December 06, 2003 at 20:08:54:
Kabir, probably a domestic duck or hybrid. Al
152.163.252.162
-- 152.163.252.162
Today (dec 6) I went birding in scarbourough bluffs.
I saw a very strange duck amoung a swarm of mallards, buffleheads and canadian geese. At first glance it looked like a female mallard, but when I looked again i saw that it was a little larger .It had a very orange beak and had a more rufos, lighter colering. I cheked in ALL my bird identification books but could not find it. Could anyone tell me WHAT I SAW?
kabir
152.163.252.162
-- 152.163.252.162
In Reply to: Brewer's blackbird? posted by Jack and Marg Broxholme on November 24, 2003 at 13:39:57:
Hi,I think you saw a FEMALE Brewer's blackbird since they have dark brown eyes. I hope you find what it was,
Kabir
64.231.0.47
-- 64.231.0.47
In Reply to: Sketch posted by Daniel on November 26, 2003 at 17:00:39:
Hi Daniel; So, did you figure it out? I'm sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what that bird was. Any news?
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Trumpeter Swan Tag #s posted by Frank Butson on November 30, 2003 at 18:26:48:
Hello Frank,
I have forwarded your observations to Harry Lumsden this morning. He asked me to thank you for taking the time to record and report them.
GC
149.99.118.146
-- 149.99.118.146
Hello I saw 9 Trumpeter Swans Sunday November 30,2003 at around 1:30pm at Lasalle Park in Hamilton area. Some tag numbers were obscured by feathers,but I did get the following 550,551,278,426, and 632. These birds were all adult birds. 2 of the birds were immature,still some greyish colour. They were both tagged ,numbers 825 and 827.
While I suspect these birds are heavily reported,I hope the report is of some value. I tried to email a site I found asking for sightings,but both emails it was sent to bounced back at me. I hope someone can pass these on,possibly to Harry Lumsden.
65.93.207.32
-- 65.93.207.32
In Reply to: Re: can you help? posted by Glenn Coady on November 25, 2003 at 17:57:49:
I have used photoshop to create a passable image of the bird...I haven't the appropriate photographic equipment.
If possible, could I e-mail you the sketch so that you can confirm the suggested identity?
Thanks
Daniel
64.228.105.112
-- 64.228.105.112
I had a great look at a male Surf Scoter between Cherry Beach and the Leslie Street Spit, - in front of the O'Hearn generating plant. It was among a flock of Goldeneyes, Buffleheads and Scaup Ducks.
Don Baxter
64.228.105.112
-- 64.228.105.112
I had a great look at a male Surf Scoter between Cherry Beach and the Leslie Street Spit, - in front of the O'Hearn generating plant. It was among a flock of Goldeneyes, Buffleheads and Scaup Ducks.
Don Baxter
128.100.72.138
-- 128.100.72.138
I'm posting this for Sean Spisani from Rouge Park. The flyer is available here.
Rouge Park First Annual Christmas Bird Count
Whether you are a professional birder, nature enthusiast, or just want to learn more about Rouge Park and its birds, you are invited to participate in the First Annual Rouge Park Christmas Bird Count on Saturday January 3, 2004. The count encompasses a section of the Rouge River watershed including portions of the Town of Markham and eastern Toronto. Experienced birders are needed to lead groups as captains. Volunteers are also needed to count birds in the backyards of their own homes and report their findings. For more info or to register contact Sean Spisani at Rouge Park, 905.713.7729 or e-mail sean_spisani@rougepark.com
209.29.88.220
-- 209.29.88.220
In Reply to: Roughlegged Hawks Redtailed Hawks migrating Scarborough posted by Frank Butson on November 25, 2003 at 13:46:11:
Nice sightings! I believe that years ago raptor observations were made along the Scarborough Bluffs more regularly ... the main observation points these days are High Park and Cranberry Marsh, but no doubt it's still possible to see good numbers along the bluffs too, and if more people made a regular habit of looking there in fall, we would probably hear of some other really good days. If I remember correctly, some past observations were made from Sylvan Park (Bellamy Ravine) and Cudia Park, while I've heard speculation that East Point Park would also be a good spot (I haven't been able to try it myself in season, but from visiting it often at other times of year would agree that it looks promising).
64.228.35.138
-- 64.228.35.138
In Reply to: Wonderful Sighting posted by Cavan on November 24, 2003 at 16:14:19:
Oh it must have been beautiful!! I saw an owl on Sunday night when I was out looking for my missing cats, but anyway, it flew across the road just ahead of me and landed in a bunch of cedars. It was dark, so I didn't see the markings too good, but what big eyes it had, hee hee. Anyway, the bird itself, was huge it had a great wingspan. I was in my car and had to keep an eye on the on-coming traffic and I was turning on to the Forks of the Credit Road off 10 HWY. That's exactly where it was at the corner pretty much, just a little into the Forks. There have been a few sightings of owls up here in Caledon. Nice sighting for you :):)
64.228.35.138
-- 64.228.35.138
In Reply to: can you help? posted by Daniel on November 25, 2003 at 14:51:22:
I Believe that is probably an escapee from someone's cage. We, here in Caledon, not far north of you, we had a European Finch hanging around with our Goldfinches. It was very colourful and seen a lot on Dixie road and Heart Lake road north of the Old Base Line. Also, here in the Village, we have a Chukar which is a member of the Partridge family from Eurasia and Hungary. Anyway, it sounds very beautiful, would love to see a picture of it. Can you take a pic? I will look in some of my birdbooks tomorrow...they are up at my store and I"m at home right now. But it sound's quite exciting to see something different. Nice! :):)
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Re: can you help? posted by Daniel on November 25, 2003 at 16:00:37:
Still sounds like a perfectly good description for a male Orange Bishop in mid-moult from breeding to non-breeding plumage.
If it is a male Orange Bishop, it should be a bit smaller than the House Sparrows it is accompanying.
65.93.207.201
-- 65.93.207.201
In Reply to: Re: can you help? posted by Lloyd on November 25, 2003 at 16:06:48:
Definitely not. I am actually still looking at the bird, even as I type this. I can't over-emphasize the brightness of the orange. It is almost fluorescent!
64.231.226.181
-- 64.231.226.181
In Reply to: can you help? posted by Daniel on November 25, 2003 at 14:51:22:
Hi Daniel; Could it possibly have been a Purple Finch? Perhaps a juvenile? Let us know if you see this little mystery again.
65.93.207.201
-- 65.93.207.201
In Reply to: Re: can you help? posted by Glenn Coady on November 25, 2003 at 15:52:01:
No. I didn't have enough of a description before...I have seen him some more and here is a better look.
Bright orange neck band, which doesn't wrap around to the head, underscored by a thin black "v" which tapers down in black flecks to a large (size of a quarter) black belly spot, the bright orange is also evident under its tail, the size and shape is that of a house sparrow, and it is among a flock of them, the head is small and indistinct with faint flecks of light browns, dark browns and white all muddled with no pattern, the beak is like that of a sparrow, and it is definitely a ground bird, foraging among the fallen seeds beneath my feeders. Its back is light brown and dark brown in patches like that of a house sparrow.
This bird has been in my backyard in Brampton off and on all day.
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: can you help? posted by Daniel on November 25, 2003 at 14:51:22:
Sounds to me like somebody has lost a caged bird like an Orange Bishop (Euplectes franciscanus).
GC
65.93.207.201
-- 65.93.207.201
Among a flock of house sparrows in my backyard in Brampton, ON, today, the 25th of November, at about 2 p.m., I saw what at first appeared to be a house sparrow that had something stuck around its neck. A closer view showed it to have a neckband of bright orange as well as a small patch of the same orange, no larger than a dime, on its sides, or possibly wings. In all other respects it was quite like a house sparrow. It possibly had a light line over or above the eye. My look at it was short but clear. I hope to see it again this afternoon, and if I do, I will follow up with more description. But if anyone can help with what I have provided, please do and it would be greatly appreciated.
128.95.253.107
-- 128.95.253.107
Dear Birders of Toronto,
I'm writing to request your assistance. I am currently compiling a list of the most common birds breeding in the largest cities of the world. I am circulating questionnaires to birders and ornithologists all over the world. If you are familiar with the birds of Toronto, or any of the other largest cities in the world, I'd appreciate your help. Please email me directly so I can send you a questionnaire. The purpose of this survey is to increase our understanding of urban birds. The final data will be made publicly available once it is complete.
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Fran Bonier
fb2@u.washington.edu
Department of Biology
University of Washington
149.99.113.50
-- 149.99.113.50
Okay..cold..snow and I had to shovel,so I went to Rosetta McClain Park and did a walk about. I always check in all the evergreens now in hopes of an owl,but nothin. There were the typical winter birds,and nothing but gulls on the lake. I took my spot at the edge of the bluffs and made a pact with myself to go home if I hadnt seen a bird(raptor) within 30 minutes(hey my toes was cold!). It was about 10:30 so I didnt really expect to see anything unless it was a local tail. Almost immediately a Coopers Hawk went past me just below off the bluff..ok I sorta convinced myself it was local despite the fact it went straight line away from me and out of sight. I really did wanna go home . The wind seemed to be North West so how I could I leave? Well around 11am I was watching a helicopter..it was doing something odd or I wouldnt have paid attention. It went east over the lake...then went west over the lake ...then started back east again. It sounded ok. I wondered if maybe it was searching for someone? (in the end it left so who knows). Suddenly a bird flew into my lens...fair sized,not a Redtailed Hawk. Waaay cool it was a no brainer to call as it started to circle,I saw the tail band and the black wrist patches! No question a Rough-legged Hawk. A terrific view,and my first one from this park. I followed it long enough to decide it was too far away for a photo,though I had started into my bag as it was that close. It passed the sun,then circled somemore,so I watched more. I had been looking around for someone to share it with,when an old fella I speak to when there happened by. I pointed it out to him and he had a look. As we yacked about what we were seeing and I explained things to him about raptors migrating,I looked up and said "Oh there is another hawk below the 2 gulls." It was a Redtailed Hawk. Now this was a good day 3 birds,3 species and one a wonderful Rough-legged. But wait it gets better! 11:15 I see a bird,its smaller then a tail,not terribly far away,but going towards the sun,such that getting much colour is very hard,but,it did do 4 sets of 5flaps each. I believe thats very typical of a Redshouldered Hawk right? But it gets even better. About 11:45am,I spy a bird coming in. Its big and quickly I can tell its a Redtailed Hawk. I watch it climb and circle,a beautiful adult. I leave it as it passes the sun and look east again. Oh my...another bird coming. Its circling and nooo waaay its another Rough-legged Hawk. Awesome, As I watch it circle and gain height,I turn to check on the Redtailed that had flown past..I couldnt relocate it,so went back to the circling Roughie. Just then I catch a bird above it. Its another Redtailed Hawk. Now the last bird I saw I cant swear to so am not able to count it,but I saw a large black bird,quite distant and not flapping. It headed away from me going down and east. I watched it till it disappeared in the tree branches..conclusion..I think it was a Golden Eagle though I wont swear to it. Well not a bad morning eh?? I hung in long as I could,hoping that "the eagle" mite come back but it was nearing 1pm and my toes was froze so I headed home,very pleased with 2 of my best sightings of Rough-leggeds. Rosetta McClain Gardens is off of Kingston Rd near Birchmount.
65.92.10.24
-- 65.92.10.24
Hello everyone, It's been awhile since I've last posted. Today I had a really neat thing happen to me. I was in my front yard putting up a string of Christmas lights onto a 40 year old cedar that stands almost 40 feet high. I use a large 15 foot pole and a ladder to attach the lights onto the tree branches. After almost 5 minutes of walking around the tree sticking this pole up into it's branches and being really disruptive, (here's the neat part), this huge bird takes off from one of the cedar's branches and flies into a linden tree directly across the street.
My first thought (when it first took flight) was that it was a Cooper's hawk by its brownish colour and similar size/wingspan etc... But after it landed in the neighbour's tree, and much to my delight, I was staring directly at a beautiful "long-earred" owl. I couldn't believe that it took the bird almost 5 minutes to finally be flushed from the tree because I was being very noisy and disruptive (on further reading about this bird I discovered that it is not easily flushed...they weren't kidding!!).
I really had no idea it was even there. This is only my third owl sighting in my life and by far the best. After about 2 minutes of staring at one another, the owl finally took off and wasn't seen again. I will definitely be checking my cedar tree more often and I'll be on the lookout for this magnificent creature. Anyone else have any owl sightings lately?
65.92.13.58
-- 65.92.13.58
According to our bird books, we have a male Brewer's at our feeder, except that it has a dark eye instead of yellow. We are quite sure it is not a rusty or a grackle.
Could anyone shed any light on this mystery?
199.243.108.102
-- 199.243.108.102
In Reply to: CAVE SWALLOW-Cranberry Marsh Oct 7 2003 posted by Craig McLauchlan on November 07, 2003 at 14:57:29:
At present, there has been no record of Cave Swallow accepted by the Ontario Bird Records Committee (OBRC) from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and thus it has not yet been considered a valid addition to the Greater Toronto Area bird checklist (which presently includes 392 species).
Documentation for a previous report of Cave Swallow from the GTA was unfortunately never submitted for consideration by the OBRC as far as I can recall.
Fortunately, in this instance, the bird was apparently seen well by multiple observers and hopefully this occurrence will be ably documented and accepted by the OBRC providing the 393rd species added to the Greater Toronto Area bird checklist.
Congratulations to all those dedicated raptor watchers of the Cranberry Marsh hawk watch who were ever-present to detect this potential first record for the GTA!
64.228.116.73
-- 64.228.116.73
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding.
To day the T.R.C.A (Toronto regional conservation authority) held its winter water fowl day out on the Spit (Tommy Thompson Park). All though we worked out the wind speed to a bout 30 k and the wind chill at times was numbing a good number of birds wear seen by the 120+ hearty birders that had signed up.
John Carley and I wear ask to come along to help with the IDing this year and with John’s ever searching eye’s ( I was tucking to much ) we came up with 16 speeches of Ducks , swans and geese the best being a Black Scoter . Also a Red necked Grebe was seen in close allowing every one good look's.
Later I had 11 Snow Bunting’s fly over head witch is always great to watch.
Craig
Tommy Thompson Park is found at the foot of Leslie st south of the Lake shore Blvd here in Toronto
Craig & Bev McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
216.94.63.3
-- 216.94.63.3
I was down at noon today to see the Purple Sandpiper posted earlier this morning on Ontbirds. This is a typically "tame" bird that allows very close inspection. It is on the rocky shoreline near the point of land which is several hundred yards east of Rotary Park. Drive down Westney Rd, turn right onto Lake Driveway, go past the Rotary Park entrance and park in the next parking lot which is at the top of the bluff. There is a relatively easy route down to the beach just west of the parking lot.
65.95.99.156
-- 65.95.99.156
Brant goose spotted on Saturday November 16th (3 p.m.) just north of the bridge over the mouth of the Humber. It was on the east side of the river.
64.228.102.24
-- 64.228.102.24
In Reply to: Re: Exotic bird in Caledon posted by Cynthia Zalewski on November 10, 2003 at 07:19:28:
Come to my store, Caledon Mountain Wildlife Supplies here in Caledon Village. The Chukar isn't far...couple of blocks. I can point the way. It won't be there for long thought, as it is going to be housed for the winter. However, the people that are housing it are giving it back for the residents in the spring. If you want directions up here, call 927-3212 and we'll be only to glad to help.
12.107.97.217
-- 12.107.97.217
In Reply to: Exotic bird in Caledon posted by Dawn Phippen on November 05, 2003 at 21:30:26:
I live in Cheltenham and would be interested in the directions or a contact to see this bird. Thank you for your reply.
66.185.84.70
-- 66.185.84.70
In Reply to: Plovers, Goshawk, kinglets, etc posted by Bob Kortright on November 09, 2003 at 15:18:45:
My daughter and I counted close to 50 Bufflehead in a very small area on De Le Salle Beach near Jackson's Point (Lake Simcoe) today as well as approx. 100 Canada Geese, and 43 Mallards as well. Also saw a lone Coopers Hawk flying around our area. Lots of White Tailed Deer moving around lately. The deer seem to be very brave right now and are on peoples' front lawns!!
216.209.210.51
-- 216.209.210.51
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding.
Today Bev and I spent the day Ont on the Leslie st spit ( Tommy Thompson Park ) and all though we could only find 29 speeches of birds it was well worth the walk .
It started of slow with only 2 Snow Buntings flying over head but 75 moor wear seen flocking later on , then Bev found a first year Glaucous Gull in the first bay along with 14 Dunlin , Bev also found her first Saw-whet Owl, the only one of the day but we did see a vary small Adult Great Horned owl ? runt ?
Also seen wear 44 Hood Mergansers , 500+ Long Tailed ducks , 4 Tundra swans , 31 Mute swans , 1 Hermit Thrush .
But the best was too watch the local juv N.Goshawk Hawk ( witch can be seen most days out by the light house)putting the run to a Large dark Falcon ! all though we could not 100% ID this falcon I do no that it was not a Peregrin !
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan Toronto/Ont/Canada/World. csam@sympatico.ca
64.231.78.64
-- 64.231.78.64
Between 12:30 and 2:30 today on the Leslie St Spit:
- 3 Black-bellied plover (S side of first cell being capped) first seen Oct 11 in almost the same spot
- Goshawk at N end of peninsula B
- about 20 white-throated sparrows and juncos were keeping a low profile nearby
- a late cormorant
- thousands of scaup, longtails, & bufflehead, along with a few Shoveler, hooded merganser & a single horned grebe in triangle pond.
Cherry Beach (E side of Eastern Gap) 9am yesterday:
- a late Ruby-crowned kinglet and 2 yellow-rumped warblers
64.228.53.100
-- 64.228.53.100
In Reply to: CAVE SWALLOW-Cranberry Marsh Oct 7 2003 posted by Craig McLauchlan on November 07, 2003 at 14:57:29:
I'm astounded that any species of swallow would still be at this latitude this late in the fall. We had a skiff of snow here in Whitchurch-Stouffville today.
64.229.197.29
-- 64.229.197.29
This morning at 10 a.m I looked out in my garden, located in Port Union Village to see an adult Cooper's Hawk perched under my bird feeder amongst the sad remains of a pigeon. The Hawk happily feed on the pigeon for about 10 minutes before flying off to eat his breakfast in private.
64.12.96.104
-- 64.12.96.104
In Reply to: Re: bluebirds in the don posted by Marcel Gahbauer on November 04, 2003 at 17:50:30:
For some reason, the Don Valley is a fairly regular stopover point for Bluebirds in migration (Maybe there is some sort of mysterious genetic avian memory involved). Anywhere from around the Viaduct and north. In the spring they may appear anytime between April and the beginning of June (I don't know where these late birds are headed). In the fall between October and the beginning of December.
209.161.228.105
-- 209.161.228.105
In Reply to: injured red-tailed hawk posted by Al Johnston on October 07, 2003 at 13:14:29:
From one bird rescuer to another, good for you Al! Sounds like a really memorable and intimidating experience.
Merrilea
64.228.116.103
-- 64.228.116.103
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding.
I was lucky to get a call early this mooring telling me that their had bin a swallow seen yesterday and still their too day witch yes is a CAVE SWALLOW at Cranberry Marsh it was still their when I left at 1:45 pm today flying around the cattails seen at the south platform .
this wood be the second Cave Swallow for the GTA , I hope to fined one out on the Lesley st spit tomorrow !!it was a great day at Cranberry Marsh
Cranberry Marsh is found south of Victoria st on Halls rd in Whitby Ont
66.185.84.70
-- 66.185.84.70
Up here on Lake Simcoe (north of Keswick) I have seen alot of raptors lately. In one day I saw a Merlin, 1 Coopers Hawk and a couple of Red-tailed Hawks flying quite low in a farmers field. Since then I have seen close to 7 more Coopers Hawks. I guess they're trying to bulk up for the winter! I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes but there is another birding report message board that disappeared in the summer and has come back up late summertime. I have always checked in with this birding site as well and noticed alot of familiar names here. I just thought I'd let you know about it. It is open to anyone in Canada and we are learning about other birds accross Canada from other people. The website is http://www.web-nat.com/bic/ont/
It is the Birding in Canada chat room and message board. Scroll to the bottom of the page. We would love to hear from anyone out there. I hope this doesn't offend anyone!
64.228.100.74
-- 64.228.100.74
We still have the Chukar in Caledon :), it has taken up residence on a family's lawn in a subdivision in the Village. The Chukar is a member of the partridge family from Eurasia and Hungary. It is about the size of a chicken, but really beautiful looking. It is a brown colour body with black and white zebra striped wings. It has a brown head with an interesting black stripe that goes across it's head and around it's outer eyes and down the throat. Anyway, the residents love it and have been feeding it since it showed up in the spring. It seems to have laid claim to this one property though, so the woman bought a ground feeder from us and it loves it. The Chukar waits for her to come home after work and peeks it's head around her garage and then runs back and forth between the feeder and the garage until she puts seed in it. Then it hops in and eats..it also sometimes roosts on her front doorstep. She laughs as it won't let anything come into the yard, including any neighbourhood cats. It sure has spunk. There have been a couple of people who have offered to house it over the winter, but the families in the neighbourhood want reassurance that they get it back in the spring as they consider it a sort of pet now. We don't know how easy it will be to catch it though as it's like a road runner it's so fast, and it also can fly and sits of peoples roofs and squawks funny sounds, it's quite the item here in town. Happy Birding Everyone.
64.228.100.74
-- 64.228.100.74
In Reply to: Juncos are back posted by Carla on October 17, 2003 at 14:21:01:
Oh Woe is me...as much as I love those little birds, they are the best predictor of weather. This means...as much as I hate to say it...it's gonna get cold, burrrrrr. I have seen them back for a few weeks now and we are in Caledon.
64.228.100.74
-- 64.228.100.74
In Reply to: bluebirds in the don posted by db_rodrigue on November 04, 2003 at 12:38:10:
They are very beautiful birds. They were on migration down south. They return in March and start looking for nesting boxes and sites. There are a lot of them up here in the Caledon and Hockley Valley Area. A man named Sheldon Anderson has put up hundreds of boxes over the years and he is now 94 years old and still making nesting boxes and going out to people's properties and pointing out good sites for them to be erected. This man is incredible and has a right hand man that is a licenced bander and when the fledglings are ready, they band them. Bluebirds can have two to three nestings a year and that is a good thing as the bluebird was on the decline and there was fear that one day they would become extinct. A competitor of the bluebird is the tree swallow as it can take over a nesting box, so it's best to put up boxes in pairs as a bluebird and a tree swallow will neighbour together, but two tree swallows or two bluebirds usually won't neighbour so close. There are a lot of obstacles for bluebirds, just from the hazards for migration to weather conditions and cold killing the young, to predators along with other pushy birds. Shelly as he is known, has made a very special bluebird nesting box that has a built-in predator prector and it is very sucessful. Everyone around this area knows or knows of him. We carry his nesting boxes at our store in Caledon as well as the Peterson boxes too. But we also have the blueprints of his boxes as well that we give out to anyone who wants them, along with information on setting up a bluebird trail, monitoring,etc. We encourage people to set up nesting boxes for them and if you have the property...well, maybe you can attract them, that would be so great. But if you are interested in seeing a good number of bluebirds, you should head up to the Caledon, Hockley Valley and Mulmur areas in the spring or summer when you have a chance. Glad to hear that you had the chance to see a number of the most beautiful and delicate birds that grace our land. Take care, and happy birding!
64.231.227.113
-- 64.231.227.113
In Reply to: Re: bluebirds in the don posted by Marcel Gahbauer on November 04, 2003 at 17:50:30:
What a thrill it must have been! For many years I ached to see the Eastern Bluebird. I would always keep a sharp eye on fence-line bird boxes in south western Ontario thinking, incorrectly, that these areas must be the only place Bluebirds would be found. While out for a country drive one cool autumn morning I spotted a pair of these wonderful birds just north of Brampton! My first sighting after so many years. I could have reached out and touched them, they seemed so close. Excellent!
209.29.107.128
-- 209.29.107.128
In Reply to: bluebirds in the don posted by db_rodrigue on November 04, 2003 at 12:38:10:
Nice sighting! They are late fall migrants and do appear in flocks like that in High Park fairly regularly, but reports from the Don Valley are infrequent at best. They used to nest in the valley, but I would suspect the last breeding records go back at least a few decades now.
64.228.116.96
-- 64.228.116.96
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding.
After reading Jeans post large numbers of Fox Sparrows going through the Toronto Area I spent some time Birding in High Park too day and after a throw searching I could only come up with 7 Fox sparrows (and surprising 6 wear all together in one spot )
Also with Saw-whet Owl moving in record numbers through the GTA right now I also spent time searching the dwindling number of rousting areas around Toronto too day and I was not lucky to find one?? it surprise me how fast they move on !
Craig
High Park is found in the west end of Toronto , Bordered by Bloor st to the north Parkside Dr to the east and the Queensway to the south
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
64.231.178.129
-- 64.231.178.129
I'm pretty new to birdwatching and was delighted to see a dozen or so Eastern bluebirds along the Don Valley trail (near the Police Dog training centre) yesterday afternoon. I had never seen so many in one place.
64.231.60.147
-- 64.231.60.147
Went to the Leslie Spit yesterday, where some great birds were seen. We saw approx. 500 Scaups, which was the most I'd ever seen in one place! Northern Shovelers, Hooded Mergansers, and Long-tailed ducks were all there as well.
Winter must be on its way, as there were a good number of Buffleheads present in the park. Those birds always bring a smile to my face.
In addition to the Juncos and American Tree Sparrows, the highlight for us was 5 plump Snow Buntings.
Take care,
OutdoorDan
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the OCTOBER 13, - 30 2003, period
COMMON LOONS and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS can be seen foraging in Lake Ontario in small numbers. Small numbers of GREAT BLUE HERONS and immature BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS still are utilizing the 2nd Marsh. AMERICAN COOT numbers continue to increase with 42 present on the 28th.
RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS have now increased greatly with several hundred birds seen daily feeding in the Lake. Winter waterfowl (LONG-TAILED DUCK, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, COMMON GOLDENEYE, and BUFFLEHEAD) have returned to Lake Ontario in small but increasing numbers. On the strong northern winds on the 23rd several flocks of Canada Geese and 2 flocks of BRANT were seen heading south high over the marsh. 2 SNOW GEESE (1 white, 1 blue) have joined the ever increasing flock of CANADA GEESE roosting in the 2nd Marsh. The goose flocks forage in fields east of the marsh, and return in mid-late afternoon usually. Between 400 and 800 ducks are still in the Second Marsh daily. The primary species remain AMERICAN WIGEON, GADWALL, MALLARD, NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAIL and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Small numbers of LESSER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD, and HOODED MERGANSERS can be seen daily. Solitary GREATER SCAUP, WOOD DUCK, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, and RUDDY DUCK have also been seen during the period.
A strong flight of raptors on the 22nd and 23rd were observed. The highlight was a dark phase GYRFALCON flying westward over Lake Ontario off the Second Marsh on the 23rd. 11 species of raptors seen over the two days including PEREGRINE FALCON, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, and ROUGH LEGGED HAWK (both light and dark morphs).
Shorebirds are now down to usually less then a dozen birds. The most abundant being GREATER YELLOWLEGS and DUNLIN. Other species seen include LESSER YELLOWLEGS, PECTORAL SANDPIPER and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER.
A PILEATED WOODPECKER was reported from the 2nd Marsh area Oct 18. A EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH was observed in the SE corner of the Oshawa Water Treatment Plant adjacent to the Waterfront Trail, Oct 24. Also seen in that area was PINE SISKIN, and 8 species of sparrows including FOX SPARROWS. Large numbers of blackbirds are roosting each evening in the cattails on the eastern side of the Second Marsh. Among them are a few RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. On Oct 17, a solitary TREE SWALLOW was seen over the 2nd Marsh. A late WILSON'S WARBLER was seen on the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve Oct 30. EASTERN BLUEBIRD, a rare/uncommon visitor to the Second Marsh area showed up on the Reserve Oct 22 and there was one seen west of the 2nd Marsh, Oct 24. AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS, PURPLE FINCHES and SNOW BUNTINGS are now being seen almost daily in the area. The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD numbers in the area have risen to 6 birds (Oct 18th), and can be readily seen in the shrub gardens adjacent to the GM Headquarters parking lots Other species seen in the area include EASTERN MEADOWLARK, EASTERN PHOEBE, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, WINTER WREN, MARSH WREN, VEERY and HERMIT THRUSH.
Our thanks to contributors: Michael Biro, Brian Brasier, Durham Rare Bird
Line, Tyler Hoar, Jim Richards, and Wioletta Walancik for their sightings
reports.
Please send sightings reports to the attention of Tyler Hoar, (e-mail)
ww.secondmarsh@rogers.com mailto:ww.secondmarsh@rogers.com no later than
Thursday morning each week.
For a trail map of Second Marsh visit www.secondmarsh.com
(http://www.secondmarsh.com). There is a link on that site that will take
you to a trail map for McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve.
Directions: Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit (419) in Oshawa. Go
south on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to
the parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot close
to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario
waterbirds proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the
lakeshore.
131.104.42.16
-- 131.104.42.16
Gull Workshop presented by The Arboretum
Graceful, gregarious and simply gorgeous are words which describe the gull. To develop your skills in the identification of wintering gulls, The Arboretum at the University of Guelph, is offering a workshop on Friday, November 14, 2003 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Through a variety of hands-on activities, participants will learn about gull plumage, size differences, bill shapes and behaviours of 13 different gull species. A one day field trip to the Niagara River and Niagara Falls is planned for Saturday, November 15, 2003. The Niagara River in autumn is one of the best places in the world to see a large number of gulls consisting of many different species.
The Arboretum's Interpretive Biologist, Chris Earley, will lead the workshop. Register by Friday, October 31, 2003 by calling The Arboretum at 519-824-4120 extension 52358 or by email at arbor@uoguelph.ca.
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
In Reply to: head's up! Darkphase Gryfalcon heading west past Oshawa posted by Tyler hoar on October 23, 2003 at 13:58:19:
For an excellent description of this bird, and it's habits and range visit borealforest.org It is quickly accessed by using google images and searching the word gryfalcon.
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
At 12:40 I had a darkphase Gyrfalcon flying westward over Lake Ontario off the Second marsh. The bird was approxmately 100m from shore and flying about between 10 and 20 feet above the lake. It appeared it had no intention of stopping in the immediate area.
64.68.162.90
-- 64.68.162.90
( I thought you would be interested in learning more about the newest birding adventures in America:)
New Birding Drives Offer Exciting Wildlife Adventures
This weekend, birders from North America and Europe marveled at the opportunity to observe some of the rarest birds in the world - a pair of Whooping Cranes - along the new Bismarck-Mandan Birding Drive. This new Birding Drive offers birding adventures along the historic Lewis and Clark Trail.
Similarly, along the Central Dakota Birding Drive, other birders and nature enthusiasts witnessed one of the greatest of migration episodes, with huge feeding concentrations of geese – Snow Geese, Ross’, White-fronts, and Arctic-nesting Canada Geese – flying in a seemingly endless parade to a field where circled and spiraled down, flock after flock, where they mixed and fed amid a chorus of “goose music.”
Two new free booklets describe, illustrate, and map the Central Dakota and Bismarck-Mandan Birding Drives, each of which are composed of three easy-to-follow routes. Simple maps help users navigate along the routes, and provide information about where to go, how to get there, and what birds you can expect to see in season.
For a free copy of the Central Dakota Birding Drive booklet, telephone 701-465-3825, e-mail birding@centraldakotabirdingdrive.com or write the Quad County Economic Development Corporation at P.O. Box 175, Drake, ND 58736.
For a free copy of Bismarck-Mandan Birding Drive booklet, telephone 800-767-3555, e-mail visitnd@bismarckmandancvb.com or write the Visitors Center at 1600 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58503.
There is a natural energy that brings people back to central North Dakota time and time again to enjoy our abundant natural resources and our great birding opportunities. These Birding Drives – along the great Missouri River and through the center of the continent – offer fine examples of the wild lands that provide the best examples of Great Plains birding and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Central North Dakota has already received national attention as one of the Top 10 Birding Hotspots in North America due to the abundance and diversity of birds found in the mosaic of prairies, wetlands, woods, and riverine habitats in our region. Among the hundreds of birds that nest in North Dakota and many more that migrate through the state during spring and fall, birders are especially attracted to the area by birds of prey such as Ferruginous and Swainson’s Hawks, shorebirds such as Upland Sandpipers and Piping Plovers, and songbirds including Sprague’s Pipits, Baird’s Sparrows, and Chestnut-collared Longspurs. Photograph active flocks of American White Pelicans, Sandhill Cranes, as many as 15 species of ducks, and much more.
This is a great area to enjoy many outdoor activities while birding, including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, camping, and auto touring – as a social activity, a family outing, a field trip shared among friends, or a personal journey you enjoy on your own.
After birders have seen the winter birding hotspots in Texas, Florida, and Arizona, we hope you will migrate north with the birds to visit the best birding area in the northern Great Plains - central North Dakota!
Come see our Whooping Cranes, White-fronted Geese, Ferruginous Hawks, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Gray Partridge, Hudsonian Godwits, Clark's Grebes, Yellow Rails, Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows
– and so much more!
Thanks, Paul
192.75.48.2
-- 192.75.48.2
In Reply to: The buffleheards are back Winter is coming posted by George Daszkowski on October 17, 2003 at 11:04:42:
To me the flock of 500 Long-tailed ducks off the end of the Leslie St Spit on Saturday were an exciting sign of approaching winter - I haven't seen them since June.
There were at least 3 Bufflehead around the Spit on Oct 11, increased to about 100 on Saturday, Oct 18. The scaup also increased from about 200 to about 1000, with a few Redheads mixed in, and the juncos have increased from a few last weekend to outnumbering the whitethroats. However, I am still waiting for the first tree sparrow, redpoll, etc.
Happy birding.
64.228.116.11
-- 64.228.116.11
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding.
Their wear some good birds seen out on the Leslie st spit (Tommy Thompson Park) before the rain , It started with a Northern Goshawk ( 1 , Juv.) being harass by a adult Coopers hawk , 10 Black Bellied plovers wear seen in the first embayment and a Merlin was seen perched in a tree near the sailors club .
Further out past the red walk bridge we found 1 Saw whet owl ( I am sheer their wear moor ) and 1 Great Horned Owl being mobbed by 7 Crow’s
It’s a long walk but worth it. The spit is found south of the Lake shore Blvd at the south end of Leslie st. hear in Toronto Ont , and is open only on the weekends and Holladay's
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan Toronto/Ont/Canada/World. csam@sympatico.ca
64.12.96.104
-- 64.12.96.104
Very busy morning under the juniper tree today. Some of the visitors were:juncos, bluejays, white crowned sparrows, nuthatch, white throated sparrows.
The treat of the morning was a beautiful little golden crowned kinglet - there may have been 2 of them, but they move so fast I can't be sure.
I love this time of year :-}
64.12.96.104
-- 64.12.96.104
We've begun to see juncos and white-crowned sparrows under the juniper tree again over the last couple of days.
24.42.93.21
-- 24.42.93.21
The buffleheards first appeared along the shore line of Port Credit on Thursday October 16th this year.
I know that this is earlier than before because the 16th is my father's birtghday.
They have been my harbinger of winter for more than 25 years now.
199.71.175.100
-- 199.71.175.100
This is a late post. I saw 4 nighthawks on weekend of Sept 27-28 over Warden Woods park Scarborough and wondered the same thing if it was late in the season for them
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 12, 2003 period
Hunting season has started in the Darlington Provincial Park section of McLaughlin Bay. Hunt days are Mon., Wed., Fri., and Sat. morning.
Numbers of COMMON LOONS are starting to build in Lake Ontario; 71 were reported on Oct. 7. Two RED-NECKED GREBES were seen in the Lake off Second Marsh on Oct. 1 . Heron numbers have dropped with the first days of cold weather. A single GREAT EGRET (Oct. 8th) and AMERICAN BITTERN (Oct. 9) were observed in the Second Marsh.
Waterfowl numbers in the Second Marsh remain at approximately 1200 birds. AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, CANADA GEESE, and AMERICAN WIGEON have increased significantly. HOODED MERGANSER, LESSER SCAUP have increased in small numbers as well. On October 12, solitary RUDDY DUCK, COMMON MERGANSER, and SNOW GOOSE (white phase) were present. Both BLUE-WINGED TEAL and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT numbers have decreased sharply. AMERICAN COOTS continue to increase with 28 present on Oct. 12.
Raptors continue to be seen passing through on migration. Species seen include OSPREY, BALD EAGLE, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, AND PEREGRINE FALCON. Two NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS were found in Darlington Provincial Park on Oct. 12.
Shorebird numbers have been low. The mudflats within the Second Marsh are mostly covered with several inches of water now, and the rotting algae mats on the barrier beach have been washed away. Shorebirds can still be seen foraging around the gravel bar island in the sw corner of the Second Marsh. Species observed include DUNLIN, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and WILSON'S SNIPE. BONAPARTE'S GULLS have return to the area, with small number seen daily foraging along the lakeshore.
Three NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS have been reported. One was seen Sept. 27 at the Second Marsh. A search around McLaughlin Bay turn up two birds on Oct. 7. One was in the sw corner of the Bay and the other at the north end. Other sparrows reported this week include LINCOLNS, SAVANNAH, and large numbers of WHITE-CROWNED and WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS. Warblers seen include large numbers of YELLOW-RUMPEDS, small numbers of PALM, COMMON YELLOWTHROATS and a lone BLACK-and- WHITE WARBLER on Oct. 7. The family of NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS remain quite visible on The McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve with 3 birds at the Dogwood Trail Oct. 10. A lone PINE SISKIN was reported Oct. 10 in Darlington Provincial Park.
Our thanks to contributors: Brian Brasier,Glenn Coady, Darlington Provincial Park sighting book, Durham Rare Bird Line, Susan Hall, Tyler Hoar, Jerry and Alex Lewchyshwn, Jim Richards, Dave Ruch, and Wioletta Walancik for their sightings reports, Please send sightings reports to the attention of Tyler Hoar, (e-mail) ww.secondmarsh@rogers.com mailto:ww.secondmarsh@rogers.com no later than Thursday morning each week. For a trail map of Second Marsh visit www.secondmarsh.com (http://www.secondmarsh.com). There is a link on that site that will take you to a trail map for McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve.
Directions: Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit (419) in Oshawa. Go
south on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to
the parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot close
to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario
waterbirds proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the
lakeshore.
24.192.106.248
-- 24.192.106.248
In Reply to: Re: Nighthawks posted by Mark Cranford on October 11, 2003 at 21:00:11:
On October 6th there were two Common Nighthawks flying all day around the High Park Hawk Watch. I understand they had been around for several days at least. I did not see any there on Friday the 10th but they may still be around. On Tuesday October 7th I had 4 nighthawks flying overhead and putting on quite an aerial display for about 20 minutes around 10:30 a.m. They then flew off to the southwest. This was in the Donlands and Danforth area.
216.209.249.35
-- 216.209.249.35
In Reply to: Re: Nighthawks posted by Glenn Coady on October 10, 2003 at 09:54:34:
I saw a single Common Nighthawk Wednesday Oct 8 while driving along Dundas St just east of the Credit River in Mississauga around 5:30 pm
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
In Reply to: Nighthawks posted by Piers M. Perren on October 10, 2003 at 09:22:47:
There are a large number of much later than usual Common Nighthawks present in the Greater Toronto Area (indeed, in the whole Great Lakes basin) this year. This data is worth capturing for Toronto's long term database to help broaden the future yardstick against which we measure what is "normal" and how this normal is subtly changing over time.
It would be useful if others could detail any ongoing Common Nighthawk sightings in the GTA this October here as well.
GC
209.167.234.36
-- 209.167.234.36
Yesterday at 4:30PM there were 10 nighthawks feeding over Upper Canada College (St. Clair and Avenue Road). It was quite a sight in the middle of the afternoon and I assume they were feeding on the bountiful Ladybug population.
64.228.53.154
-- 64.228.53.154
In Reply to: Re: Eagles? Hawks? Yonge & St. Clair posted by john on October 08, 2003 at 23:40:42:
John, you're absolutely right. As a matter of fact, Jeff e-mailed me a pic which included 2 of his "Eagles, Hawks" and they were classic turkey vultures IMHO.
Al
64.229.246.81
-- 64.229.246.81
In Reply to: Re: Eagles? Hawks? Yonge & St. Clair posted by Al Johnston on October 04, 2003 at 20:44:39:
"3 feet is about half the spread of a turkey vulture's wing span so must be something else"
Not at all. People's perception of size at such a distance is typically remarkably off.
64.228.35.30
-- 64.228.35.30
In Reply to: Re: injured red-tailed hawk posted by David Shilman on October 07, 2003 at 16:58:46:
David, two good questions; A) gauntlets are gloves with flaired cuffs that cover the lower part of the arm.
B)Yes, many decades ago I was a boy scout and I'm flattered that you'd ask.
Al
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: injured red-tailed hawk posted by Al Johnston on October 07, 2003 at 13:14:29:
A) What are "heavy leather gauntlets"?
B) Were you a boy scout, or what? ;-)
David
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
In Reply to: injured red-tailed hawk posted by Al Johnston on October 07, 2003 at 13:14:29:
Well done! Nice to hear a positive ending to one of these traffic stories.
64.228.53.164
-- 64.228.53.164
Yesterday my son saw a red-tailed hawk that was in lying, injured in
the middle of a busy road. Fortunately it managed to hop off the road
into a field without being hit by another car so I headed off with my
son to see if we could find it again. After a few minutes we located it
and it obviously had a broken wing. On seeing us, it adopted a defensive
posture by flopping on to it's back with it's talons extended. I had
taken a pair of heavy leather gauntlets and was able to grasp it by it's
talons, or rather, it grasped me (don't try this with thin leather
gloves). In any event, I carried it back to the car and we took it to a
rehabber where it will receive proper care. As I turned it over to the
rehabber, it wouldn't release it's vise-like grip on my right glove but
I was able to withdraw my hand intact. Hopefully, before too long it'll
be soaring over the fields and woodlots again. Maybe it'll drop my glove
off :-)
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
In Reply to: Eagles? Hawks? Yonge & St. Clair posted by Jeff Berg on October 04, 2003 at 15:43:38:
Please see the posting I put up on Oct 2nd in response to an inquiry regarding Fisherville Raptor centre. I think now, that the 30 or so birds I saw that day were Turkey vultures. When the first 5 or 6 came into view the thought of road kill did cross my mind......sher
64.228.233.80
-- 64.228.233.80
In Reply to: Eagles? Hawks? Yonge & St. Clair posted by Jeff Berg on October 04, 2003 at 15:43:38:
Sounds like buzzards to me...
64.229.189.23
-- 64.229.189.23
In Reply to: Re: Eagles? Hawks? Yonge & St. Clair posted by Al Johnston on October 04, 2003 at 20:44:39:
As a former resident of the Spadina / St Clair area, I frequently watched the Turkey Vultures migrate through the area at this time of year, from east to west. I imagine the incline up to St Clair produces minor thermals to help them soar across the City. The flock size, dark brown colours and "V" shape fits the Turkey Vulture well.
Best Regards,
Bruce
64.228.35.139
-- 64.228.35.139
In Reply to: Re: Eagles? Hawks? Yonge & St. Clair posted by Jeff Berg on October 04, 2003 at 18:16:18:
Hi again Jeff, 3 feet is about half the spread of a turkey vulture's wing span so must be something else. Can you e-mail a pic?
Al
64.231.220.181
-- 64.231.220.181
In Reply to: Re: Eagles? Hawks? Yonge & St. Clair posted by Al Johnston on October 04, 2003 at 17:53:34:
Thanks for the response - they were quite dark - possibly black although I would have said dark brown - from the distance I would guesstimate wings at 3 feet tip to tip. The wings seemed quite wide, with a kind of large fringing at the tips - the birds were gliding, and my one digital photo shows the tips were above the bird's back if that is the "V" orientation ("dihedral" is Greek to me). Regards,
JB
64.228.47.99
-- 64.228.47.99
In Reply to: Eagles? Hawks? Yonge & St. Clair posted by Jeff Berg on October 04, 2003 at 15:43:38:
Jeff, if they were black and their wings formed a pronounced "V" (dihedral), they were turkey vultures. What size would you estimate their wingspan was?
Al, Whitchurch-Stouffville
64.231.220.181
-- 64.231.220.181
I live in an apartment tower near Yonge and St. Clair - at about 3:00 p.m. Saturday (Oct 4) a group of six or eight very large hawk-like birds was circling the area. Their size and the number of them was astonishing. Would appreciate learning what they are and where they're from. I'll be developing some hastily-taken photos but have low expectations.
209.167.234.36
-- 209.167.234.36
About 20 Turkey Vultures were soaring above the Ontario Legislature yesterday afternoon. They were riding the wind north, but presumably trying to migrate south (and not to Mr. Eves riding in Caledon).
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
In Reply to: RFI: Fisherville Raptor Reserve posted by Gord on September 28, 2003 at 08:42:43:
Today at 1:30 P.M. I saw about 30 hawks circling on the thermals.......and drifting south towards the lake in the area of Kingston Rd and Midland. They were at least 100 ft up and so were just silhouetted on the sky making identification difficult, but the wing feathers seemed to spread and curve up at the ends. From the time they appeared till they were out of sight, not one wing was flapped! it was pretty amazing
As for the place you are looking for I do not know it's whereabouts, sorry. sher
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
In Reply to: Re: Crane on Humber River posted by Kerri on October 01, 2003 at 17:33:18:
Great Egrets successfully raised two young near the Double-crested Cormorant colony on the Humber River this summer. The two birds described here on the Humber and the one in Grenadier Pond may possibly be some combination of these adults or young. Two pairs also nested on the Leslie St. Spit this summer.
GC
66.185.84.70
-- 66.185.84.70
In Reply to: Re: Crane on Humber River posted by Marcel Gahbauer on October 01, 2003 at 15:29:34:
I saw a Great Egret, with a Great Blue Heron nearby, yesterday when I crossed the Humber at the Queensway bridge. Last week I saw a Great Egret at the lower duck pond in High Park when I went by on the Queen streetcar
209.29.109.89
-- 209.29.109.89
In Reply to: Re: Crane on Humber River posted by David Shilman on September 30, 2003 at 16:08:28:
I'm going strictly by memory here, but I seem to recall that for a few years now there has been at least one Great Egret in the lower Humber / Humber Marshes area for a while each September (often visible from the Queensway bridge). It could be that this one is further up the river this year, or it may be another. Either way, it's still far from a common sight in Toronto, and reports are welcome.
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Crane on Humber River posted by Mo on September 30, 2003 at 13:48:09:
Check out these photos of Great Egret. They are almost as big as Great Blue Heron.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?M36215F06
It's a good sighting. I'll let others comment on significance for that location at this time of year.
David
64.231.24.231
-- 64.231.24.231
I am not a birder, so my information is not the best. Today walking beside the Humber River we saw what looked like a white crane in the shallow part below the dam below Dundas Street. It was larger than an Egret, and looked about the size of a blue heron, but it was white. Is this of interest?
64.231.219.174
-- 64.231.219.174
In Reply to: American Golden-Plover @ Colonel Samuel Smith Park - Sept. 27, 2003 posted by Glenn Coady on September 28, 2003 at 14:21:26:
The plover was still there early this afternoon (Sunday), but that was the only shorebird I found.
There was also a Green Heron and a female Northern Shoveler in the pond. Warblers were very scarce. I found one Yellow-rump, and a few Palms near the south viewing platform. In the same area were one or two White-crowned, and several White-throated Sparrows.
Waterfowl variety is picking-up. There was a small flock of Widgeon off the east side, 8 Hooded Mergansers and a Red-necked Grebe in the harbour. (Late Saturday, I counted 14 Hooded and 1 Red-breasted Merganser in the harbour.)
It was a good day for Monarch watching. They were everywhere!
BB
199.243.108.105
-- 199.243.108.105
Yesterday afternoon I found an American Golden-Plover feeding on the algae covered rocks on the east beach of Colonel Samuel Smith Park. It was feeding with a juvenile Sanderling and a juvenile Spotted Sandpiper.
GC
199.243.108.105
-- 199.243.108.105
Yesterday I found a Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow near the southeast portion of Oshawa Second Marsh. It flushed once and landed on a set of tree roots long enough for a single good viewing before disappearing to skulk in long grasses.
GC
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Re: Will Budgies survive winterÉ posted by Rick on October 10, 2002 at 14:26:14:
We live near Victoria Park and Gerrard, and we've had a budgie at our feeder 3 days this week. The earlier postings seemed to be divided as to whether or not it'll survive a Toronto winter.
I'd welcome any other comments.
Regards,
Bill Ross
149.99.117.251
-- 149.99.117.251
I know fall is here; I made my first sighting of a White-throated Sparrow in my backyard this past Saturday (Sept 27, 2003) in the Mississauga area (QEW & Erin Mills). I haven't recorded the date before, is this early?
64.228.99.29
-- 64.228.99.29
A friend and I were recently in Algonquin Park for a week of camping and were hand-feeding Black Capped Chickadees, Red Breasted Nuthatches and Gray Jays. We also got a Blue Jay to take peanuts 6" from our hand but not from the hand! We also saw 2 Northern Harriers (one at West Rose Lake on the Mizzy Lake trail and one at the pond at the end of Whitefish Lake on the old Rail Trail).
On a ride down the Rail Trail another day, we had a fantastic close-up of a Pileated Woodpecker, who was drilling holes in the ground. He hopped to within 4 feet of our out-stretched hand! First time I have ever seen that happen.
We also saw: 5 - Ruffed Grouse 5 - Great Blue Herons Some Ring Necked Ducks Many - Loons 2 - Juvenile Hairy Woodpeckers 1 - Male Hairy Woodpecker 5 - Common Mergansers (M & F) 1 Male Wood Duck with 6 Females 2 - Belted Kingfishers 1- Immature Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3 - Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers Numerous Flickers 4 - Male Wood Ducks (together) Numerous Ravens Many Black Ducks 1- Canada Goose
Gord Cumming
64.228.99.29
-- 64.228.99.29
Hi OFO,
Can someone provide directions to the Fisherville Raptor Reserve? I believe this is where a friend took me 3 years ago and I wanted to go there with another friend to check for owls and other raptors. Have any started their migration?
Thanks for the help.
Gord Cumming
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: place to watch birds posted by Sam on September 26, 2003 at 10:41:45:
By this; "bright yellow bird that flys is a zig zag pattern", do you mean an undulating (U-shaped) flight path? Gotta be American Goldfinch.
David
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the SEPTEMBER 12 - SEPTEMBER 25, 2003 period.
A lone RED-NECKED GREBE was seen in the Lake off the Second Marsh on the 25th.Within the Second Marsh a GREAT EGRET continues to be seen daily. GREEN HERONS (1-2) and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS (5-10) are also being seen daily in the Marsh, and a solitary AMERICAN BITTERN was reported on the 14th and 17th.
Raptor sightings have been unusually low this fall. One MERLIN still maintains a territory in the area between the nw corner of the Marsh and the sewage treatment plant, much to the chagrin of the local Kestrels. 1 to 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS have also set up foraging routes between Oshawa Harbour and Darlington Provincial Park. An adult BALD EAGLE was seen roosting in the willows at the south end of the Second Marsh Thursday evening (25th) Small numbers of migrating SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS and AMERICAN KESTRELS have been seen this week.
Waterfowl numbers continue to grow in the Second Marsh. Most species have increased with the exception of BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Large numbers of MALLARD, NORTHERN SHOVELER, GADWALL, BLUE and GREEN-WINGED TEAL can been seen daily. NORTHERN PINTAIL (66 on the 17th), AMERICAN WIGEON ( 64 on the 23rd) and AMERICAN BLACK DUCK (19 on the 24th) are also increasing. Also being seen in the 2nd Marsh are REDHEAD(1 on the 24th), LESSER SCAUP (1-4 daily), and HOODED MERGANSER (1-3 daily).
HUDSONIAN GODWITS were reported on the 17th and the 25th. On the 17th, two birds were foraging on the algae mat at the west end of the barrier beach within the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve. The next day these birds were replaced by 3 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS. However by the 19th the extensive algae mat was washed away. On the 25th there was one Godwit feeding on the mudflat in the Second Marsh. There were 2 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 7 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 2 Dowitcher spp., and small numbers of PECTORAL and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, both species of yellowlegs and some unidentified peeps foraging in the marsh also on the 25th.
The remnants of Hurricane Isabel brought no visible rarities. The best birds being a flyby WHIMBREL on the evening of the 18th and 14 SANDERLINGS and a DUNLIN on the barrier beach in Darlington Provincial Park on the 19th. 6 Sanderlings still remained at the Park on the 25th.
BLUEJAYS have been passing through heavily. Between 9:25 and 10 am on the 20th, 1189 Bluejays were observed migrating westward. Another 700+ bird were counted between 10:30 and 11:30 that same day. Other passerines recorded during this period were SEDGE and MARSH WREN, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, YELLOW-RUMPED, PALM and CONNECTICUT WARBLERS. The resident NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD remains easily seen around the Dogwood Pond the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve.
Our thanks to contributors: Brian Brasier, Durham Rare Bird Line, Susan Hall, Tyler Hoar, Jim Richards, and Wioletta Walancik.
Please send sightings reports to the attention of Tyler Hoar, (e-mail)
ww.secondmarsh@rogers.com For a trail map of Second Marsh visit www.secondmarsh.com
Directions: Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit (419) in Oshawa. Go
south on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to
the parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot close
to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario
waterbirds proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the
lakeshore. "Tyler Hoar" Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving
and joining the list. As well as general information and content
guidelines.
In Reply to: Re: >700 Blue Jays posted by Glenn Coady on September 26, 2003 at 07:58:00:
To add to Glenn's response, they went over in flocks of 40-60-80 over the course of 50 minutes, so it wasn't difficult. I can't say I didn't miss ONE, but that number was pretty close. David
I'm not much of a bird watcher, but living at a condo overlooking a Humber Creek nature walk situated NW of Hwy 27 and Rexdale I get to see birds to last a life time.
I witnessed the migrating Blue Jays Yesterday (they were going for a few hours in packets of approximately 50) and are still trailing along today in smaller numbers. There is also a rickety old hawk (frequently pestered by small birds), cardinal, and many varieties I can't identify including this one really interesting bright yellow bird that flys is a zig zag pattern. All of these birds stay the winter (in smaller numbers) to feed off the bird feeders. A nice place to look at a variety of birds without going too far from Toronto. Oh yea, there is also a family of white tailed deer living in the woods.
In Reply to: Re: >700 Blue Jays posted by John Bacon on September 25, 2003 at 20:14:40:
John, Migrant Blue Jay flocks generally do not occur as a large, difficult-to-count flock. They tend more toward a long, strung out, linear stream of birds well suited to accurate counting. GC
In Reply to: Re: Help to ID migrating? bird posted by Fleming on September 15, 2003 at 20:49:23:
Thanks for the help. I believe it was a Swainson's thrush which was a first for me. The pictures you gave and another field guide helped confirm it in my mind.
In Reply to: >700 Blue Jays posted by David Shilman on September 25, 2003 at 16:57:35:
Just out of interest; how do you count 649 birds in flight? Wouldn't they be long gone before you finished counting?
In Reply to: Re: >700 Blue Jays posted by David Shilman on September 25, 2003 at 18:03:00:
David, Sooner or later you will hook up with a really large flight near the lake. One year, if memory serves, I saw a reverse migration of 5800+ Blue Jays along the lakeshore in Durham - quite a spectacle! GC
In Reply to: Re: >700 Blue Jays posted by Glenn Coady on September 25, 2003 at 17:52:36:
Thanks, Glenn, but what I failed to mention is that this location happens to be a Starbucks patio at the Chapters just N of Steeles. I was meeting a friend, and don't really spend much time in York Region...I live much closer to the lake in Toronto so am more likely to see those flights. I didn't know Arnold Dawe, but I'm happy to contribute to the records of Gerry Bennett. David PS I DID send the record to Roy, btw.
In Reply to: >700 Blue Jays posted by David Shilman on September 25, 2003 at 16:57:35:
David, Quite a nice record. While many Blue Jay flights of impressive number (particularly along the lakefront) have been detailed over the years, few good flights are being systematically reported from York Region since the passing of Arnold Dawe and Gerry Bennett. It is good to see you picking up the tradition. GC
Yesterday morning, September 24 between 9:50 and 10:40, I
counted 649 Blue Jays flying west, just N of Yonge and
Steeles in Thornhill (50 metres outside of Toronto).
At 11:40 am, I saw a flock of 63 flying west over Kingston
Rd. and Lawrence Av. in Scarborough. Quite a sight, and a personal record. David Shilman
Toronto, ON
"Always wave to the locals!"
I was surprised to find a male Pileated Woodpecker at Colonel Sam Smith Park on Sunday. I've never seen one or any evidence of one in the area before. He was busily ripping bark off of a dead tree near the south-east corner of the "quadrangle" of red brick buildings. He may choose to stay around for a while. There's no shortage of dead & dying trees in the park. Migrant passerines were scarce there this past weekend. Between the 2 days, I only managed to find 6 species of warbler. They were mostly 1's & 2's except for a large flock of Palm Warblers near the south viewing platform on Saturday. Isabel left a lots of algae washed-up on the beaches, but all I could find feeding there were a few Killdeers. Birds in the harbour area yesterday included one Red-necked Grebe, and one Hooded Merganser. Notable recent changes in and around the park: The "owl woods" are gone - replaced with a hole that will be a new secondary school. The south viewing platform has been destroyed by fire. Most of the underbrush has been removed from around "the bowl" (the long depression surrounded by conifers in the north-east corner of the park). BB
In Reply to: Juv. Tufted Duck at Humber bay east park posted by Craig Mclauchlan on September 20, 2003 at 19:20:18:
Perhaps the reason that nobody has posted a juvenile Tufted Duck at Humber Bay Park East is explainable on the basis that: a) it is not a juvenile; and b) it is not a Tufted Duck. This molting Lesser Scaup has been present in this bay and the adjacent one all summer (it likely arrived in the fall 2002 migration). GC
In Reply to: Re: Mourning Dove Disease? posted by Terry Sprague on September 21, 2003 at 05:51:43:
Thanks for your help. Sounds like that could be what it is. Although this bird didn't show any of the general symptoms that you mentioned. Unfortunately I won't be able to follow this bird as it seems to have flown away a few days ago, and have not seen it since it left.
In Reply to: White House Sparrow posted by Stanley Feenstra on September 04, 2003 at 19:05:56:
I have one of those too, here in east Toronto. I came to this site to find out what I could about them, since I'd never seen one before, either. Thanks for the information and link.
In Reply to: Missing Birds posted by E. Bartlett on September 20, 2003 at 18:57:37:
We (the PBC) just returned from a birding trip on Sat. the 20th to Toronto Island and the numbers of migrating Monarchs and Blue Jays were quite impressive. We estimated to have seen close to 500 Blue Jays that were for the most part moving quietly from east to west through the island's "large tree" habitat. There were alot of branches on the ground from the storm the night before and a few birds that seemed a bit dazed and confused(the No. Flickers in particular seemed to have had a rough night). The movement of Monarch butterflies was also quite noticeable for their numbers as we worked the area for pockets of migrant warblers. The blustery conditions in the morning made this effort quite a challenge but we still managed to find and identify Pine, Palm, Blackpoll, and Bay-breasted Warblers while there. A few raptors also passed through(several Sharp-shinned, at least one Cooper's, two No. Harriers and a family group of 4 Kestrels near the airfield) helped keep the morning interesting. The shoreline near Hanlan's Point had much debris and numerous waterfowl but was devoid of any shorebird species. We did find 2 Canvasback and a Hooded Merganser family among the more common waterfowl species in the area. The migration continues with Isabel seeming to produce only a minor blip on the radar screen in this area (Craig's sightings not withstanding!).
In Reply to: Mourning Dove Disease? posted by Colleen on September 17, 2003 at 07:46:10:
Sounds like it could be Trichomoniasis which is characterized by lesions in the upper digestive region, particularly in the mouth, esophagus, and crop of infected birds. The general symptoms include labored breathing, weakness, and emaciation. The disease is caused by a flagellated protozoan Trichomonas gallinae. Mourning Doves and
common pigeons are the common carriers, but it has also been reported in wild raptors in the
United States. About two years ago, there was a mourning dove in Trenton at a feeder which displayed the same symtoms. At least, this is what someone from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology told me when I described the lesions to her. As well as affecting the interior of the bird, apparently the disease can show up around the face as you described. Terry Sprague
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding. I am not sher why this has not bin posted yet ( all though I have bin told
it is all reedy posted on the RBHL hear in Toronto ??) But at 5:00 pm I
spent 20 mints looking at the
Juv. Tufted Duck at Humber bay east park . The Humber Bay park is found south of the QEW on Park Lawn rd
Park your car in the parking lot and walk east past the first inlet ( wear
the Wood duck winters) too the second inlet it was swimming with some
Mallard’s also to day in the Toronto Harbour I saw a Adult Black Lagged Kittiwake this
was the second record I have for Adult B.L.K.W in Ont ( thanks to Norm Murr
Trained eye for the first one) And yesterday in the Height of the storm I staked out the bass of the
Lesley street spit and saw 1 Long Tailed Jaeger and a Juv B.L. Kittiwake.
not much for such a big storm .
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
My wife and I were interested in seeing what was in the marsh after the storm went through. There was minor damage and lots of debris. The bridge at the entrance was impassable; a tree had been blown down at one end (just missing the bridge). The marsh's water level is still low and the best view is made after walking on the shore of Lake Ontario. We noted the following birds:
Belted Kingfisher (2),
Great Blue Heron (10),
Black-crowned Night Heron (5 adult, 10 juvenile),
Great Egret (2),
Green Heron (1),
Sora (1),
Caspian Tern (1),
Green-winged Teal (3),
Hooded Meganser (3),
Killdeer (8),
Red-winged Blackbird (1). We also saw a Raccoon. For the Sora and the Green Heron, we had to watch the edges of the reeds closely. A good Day!
I live on the Scarboro bluffs. I have walked early morning and late evening since 1994 and have always enjoyed the birds - until this year. In spring the crows were here then they disappeared followed by the cardinals, blue jays and the robins.We have always had large flocks of migrating birds (and monarch butterflies) gather along the lakeshore. This year - none!. The silence in the morning and evening is eerie - no sounds of birds. Does any know what is going on ???
In Reply to: White Pelican posted by Rob. S. on August 29, 2003 at 10:11:39:
Hi, just wanted to mention there was actually 2 white pelicans in Cootes Paradise couple weekends ago,1 was on the beach with the cormorants at Hickory Island and then there was a 2nd one off Rat Island by the marsh boardwalk. Seems every year about the end of august there 2 in the Cootes Paradise area,seen last year and year before,wonder if could be the same pelicans? Are stopping off there on purpose?
I have a Mourning Dove (Juv. fed by mother on Fri.) that has been in my backyard for a few days now. At first when I saw it I thought it had flown into a window and broken its beak, as it was deformed. After watching it (and moving in to get a closer look) it appears the beak is not broken, rather it looks like a large "blister" on both the top and bottom part of the beak (it is able to open beak), with the tip curled downward. When I was able to get real close yesterday I also noticed another "blister" under the right eye, and what looks like a very small one starting under the left eye. Does anyone know what might be wrong with this bird?
In Reply to: Rattray Marsh posted by Brian Bailey on September 14, 2003 at 23:46:06:
What a change a few days make. Today a highpoint was a Peregrine falcon chasing a Merlin around the now muddy marsh with 9 worried Killdeer looking on. 2 Great Blues, an American Egret and a Black Crowned Night Heron were also present along with many Mallards,Gadwalls and Red-necked Grebes. The Kingfishers were heard but not seen.
There were many interesting looking dragonflies and a few monarchs
In Reply to: Help to ID migrating? bird posted by Gail Christoff on September 13, 2003 at 09:19:04:
Gail, Sounds likely that what you might have been looking at was a juvenile European Starling. GC
In Reply to: Help to ID migrating? bird posted by Gail Christoff on September 13, 2003 at 09:19:04:
Gail, Sounds likely that what you might have been looking at was a juvenile European Starling. GC
In Reply to: Scarbrough Bluffs Eagle????? posted by Richard H. on September 07, 2003 at 22:51:19:
Have you excluded the Red-Tailed Hawk as a possibility?
Generally Eagles are seen only in migration this far south. Here
are some photos: http://www.schmoker.org/BirdPics/RTHA.html
In Reply to: Help to ID migrating? bird posted by Gail Christoff on September 13, 2003 at 09:19:04:
Sounds like you've got a Thrush here. If you're in the Toronto
area you were probably looking at one of three species. The
Hermit and Wood Thrushes have a lighter, almost white breast,
while the Swainson's Thrush has a duller, beigish breast. Here are
some photos: http://www.wbu.com/chipperwoods/photos/hermthrush.htm http://www.wbu.com/chipperwoods/photos/wdthrush2.htm http://www.nenature.com/BirdPhotos/swainsons-thrush-
photo.htm
I visited Rattray Marsh in Mississauga today hoping for some shorebirds, but there are no exposed mudflats. The outlet is currently closed-off completely by a gravel bar. This has left the marsh level slightly higher than the lake level. Migrants of any kind were surprisingly scarce. I found 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Caspian Tern, 1 Great Egret, 2 Great Blue Herons, and 3 Black-crowned Night Herons. Also on the marsh were Wood Ducks, Green Winged Teal, and Hooded Mergansers. Directly offshore were the usual several dozen Red-necked Grebes. (This is the most reliable location I know, at almost any time of year, to find RN Grebes.) Aside from the scarcity of migrant birds, there were very few dragonflies, and no Monarch butterflies! BB
Parks and Rec have dramatically lowered the water level in the duck pond just west of Parkside, near the south end of High Park. This morning at 8:30 within 25 m of each other were two Great Egrets, a Great Blue Heron and two Black Crowned Night Herons taking advantage of the easy pickings. High Park is just south of the High Park subway station on the Bloor line in Toronto, between Keele/Parkside and Ellis Park road. There's a parking lot at the south end of the park, just off Parkside.
In Reply to: Re: Disappearing House Sparrows posted by Gail Christoff on September 13, 2003 at 09:32:03:
Gail, you might try changing the kind of seed you offer. Try black oil sunflower and see what happens. House sparrows and European starlings, in particular don't need our encouragement. Good luck.
Al Johnston, Whitchurch-Stouffville
In Reply to: Re: Disappearing House Sparrows posted by Al Johnston on April 23, 2002 at 11:34:00:
I unfortunately have many house sparrows at my feeders and would not be upset at a decline. Same goes for housefinches and starlings. All three are nasty aggressive birds and are not native. They hinder my goldfinches,cardinals & woodpeckers from eating.
I didn,t get a long look at this bird on the wire either watching peanuts being taken on my lawn or looking at the birdbath. He was brownish, the size of a starling (or slightly smaller) and had a lighter beige coloured throat, black dot-like markings on either side of his(her?) chest and brown steaky marks in between.
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the SEPTEMBER 5 - SEPTEMBER 11, 2003 period. A first year BALD EAGLE seems to have been trying to join the DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT flock. It has been observed sitting in the Second Marsh barrier
beach willows with Cormorants. On the 5th is was perched on a stump on the
west side of the marsh. On a nearby adjacent stump several cormorants
perched oblivious to, or now accepting the eagle. 2 MERLINS (5th and 9th)
have set up temporary territories around the marsh. They can been seen
chasing shorebirds or making dashes from their perches to catch dragonflies.
Other Raptors seen this week around the marsh include OSPREY, NORTHERN
HARRIER, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, and COOPER'S HAWK.
Some mudflats have now emerged between the islands of new growth cattails in
the central and northern areas of the marsh. Species seen this week include
both GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, AND SOLITARY
SANDPIPER. An extensive band of rotting algae has washed up on the shore of
Lake Ontario. It extends from the eastern side of McLaughlin Bay Wildlife
Reserve to the middle of the barrier beach in Darlington Provincial Park.
Shorebirds numbers and diversity have fluctuated daily. On Sept 9 there were
7 species there including 9 SANDERLING, 4 BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, and a immature
RUDDY TURNSTONE. On Sept 11 there was one 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 2 LEAST
SANDPIPERS.
Waterfowl numbers have soared this week in the Second Marsh. On the 5th
there were approx. 700 birds, rising to 2500 on the 9th, and then down to
850 on the 11th. On the 9th 1065 MALLARDS, 411 BLUE-WINGED TEAL, 278
GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 244 GADWALL, and 208 NORTHERN SHOVELERS were counted
among 14 species of waterfowl. Also observed this week were small but
increasing numbers of AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN PINTAIL, AND AMERICAN BLACK
DUCK. There were single RUDDY DUCK and HOODED MERGANSER and 2 LESSER SCAUP
observed there on the 5th.
One COMMON LOON was seen in Lake Ontario off the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife
Reserve on the 11th. A lone PIED-BILLED GREBE continues to been seen in the
marsh. AMERICAN COOTS (9 on the 11th) and COMMON MOORHENS (3 on the 5th) are
becoming more visible. The post breeding dispersal of herons is evident in
the marsh, with GREAT BLUE HERONS (25-11th), BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS
(26-5th),
GREEN HERON (4 -5th) and a GREAT EGRET which has been seen daily in the
Second Marsh.
Several large flocks of westward bound BLUE JAYS were observed passing
over the area on the 11th. Our thanks to contributors: Brian Brasier, Tyler Hoar, Jim Richards, and
Wioletta Walancik. Please send sightings reports to the attention of Tyler Hoar, (e-mail)
ww.secondmarsh@rogers.com For a trail map of Second Marsh visit www.secondmarsh.com
Directions Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit (419) in Oshawa. Go
south on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to
the parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot close
to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario
waterbirds proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the
lakeshore.
In Reply to: migration begins? posted by sherry on August 25, 2003 at 16:17:50:
I have had a couple pairs of goldfinches all spring and summer. Mine are bringing their fledglings to the feeder and bath at this time.(They have their young later than most birds because the seeds they like are not available till later in the season.(like your sunflower)
I do see more goldfinches in the spring and fall at my nyjer feeders though.
I have had an increase in redwinged blackbirds lately as well they seem to group up before moving south and most of them have molted. They disappear for a while when molting from my feeders (my cardinals look shabby now though)
In Reply to: Scarbrough Bluffs Eagle????? posted by Richard H. on September 07, 2003 at 22:51:19:
I'm quite new to this also but have you looked at pics of immature bald eagles? I'll attempt attaching a link. Their plummage is similiar to described though they don't have alot of white under the wings. I understand they are making a come-back in southern Ontario.
In Reply to: Re: Scarbrough Bluffs Eagle????? posted by John Bacon on September 08, 2003 at 21:57:01:
I don't think so not as sleek as an Osprey
Length: 30 inches Wingspan: 65-70" inches
Large, Broad-winged
Thanks for the response
In Reply to: Scarbrough Bluffs Eagle????? posted by Richard H. on September 07, 2003 at 22:51:19:
Sounds like an Osprey. Have you seen it diving for fish?
I have no experience identifying birds. We live in Scarbough Bluffs area. We periodically see a very large bird - Much larger than a seagull. I believe it is some kind of eagle perhaps a young eagle. It has many different colours brown wings and white under the wing. colouring on its head is brown,white and a little bit of black and has a very large wings and wide wingspan and is a smooth flyer. It's tail feathers are quite different - . Does anyone have any idea what type of bird this may be? Very curious! Thank you.
Follow Ups:
In Reply to: White House Sparrow posted by Stanley Feenstra on September 04, 2003 at 19:05:56:
Since no-one seems to be answering... It's not OVERLY common, but it definitely happens in many species of bird. Check this out;
http://www.ornithology.logan.k12.ky.us/Albinism.htm David
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Raptor posted by John on September 04, 2003 at 12:35:38:
Red tail was the first thing that we checked for.We have lots in the area. I'm pretty sure that it wasn't but I could be wrong. If it hadn't been for those bees, i'd know what it was!!!! There is a wide range of what it could be, but I'm assuming that unless I see it again, I'll never know. Thanks for your input.
We have at our backyard feeder in Mississauga, what appears to be an almost completely white juvenile house sparrow. It has been fed by a normal coloured parent. Are these unusual?
In Reply to: RFI: Raptor posted by Melissa on August 31, 2003 at 20:03:37:
any reason you've ruled out a red-tailed hawk?
In Reply to: RFI: Raptor posted by Melissa on August 31, 2003 at 20:03:37:
any reason you've ruled out a red-tailed hawk?
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Raptor posted by Derek on September 03, 2003 at 15:02:44:
yeah, I thought of the osprey too. I have seen them in that area, I'm not sure it was. This bird looked like it was wearing a white bib. I thought that Osprey's had a mostly white chest and belly. I am going to have to check out the area again and see if I can spot the bird again. Thanks for help.
In Reply to: RFI: Raptor posted by Melissa on August 31, 2003 at 20:03:37:
Hi Melissa; the raptor may be an Osprey. Check out the link below for details about the bird.
In Reply to: RFI: Raptor posted by Melissa on August 31, 2003 at 20:03:37:
Hi Melissa; the raptor may be an Osprey. Check out the link below for details about the bird.
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Raptor posted by Lloyd on August 31, 2003 at 22:22:47:
I'm not sure, I was looking @ some pics in two field guides of the Northern Harrier, It's head was a dark brown, not pale like the N.Harrier. The white around it's neck really stood out, the rest of it's body was like a dark brown color. Could it have been a rough legged Hawk, Dark Morph? I'm totally unsure. I'm going to chck it out tis morning, maybe i'll see it again.
In Reply to: RFI: Raptor posted by Melissa on August 31, 2003 at 20:03:37:
Hi Melissa; Hmmmm, not a lot to work with but I'm guessing this bird may have been a Northern Harrier. There is a lot of white under the wings and body and they are certainly as large as a Red-Tailed Hawk. If an observer can get more than a fleeting glimpse, the base of the tail is white enabling a positive I.D. This hawk emits squeaky sounds similar to squeezing a "rubber ducky". Does this help?
My husband and I were out driving, when a large raptor flew overhead. The bird had a high pitch shriek/yelping call. We were unable to fully identify the bird(husband got stung by some bees)before we had to leave. It had a white neck, dark head and body, white underwings and white markings under tail, larger than a red tail hawk but not by much. Anyone have an idea..we spotted the bird just outside of cambridge. We have a few assumptions but can't be sure. Thanks
In Reply to: Re: Dragonflies! posted by Dawn Phippen on August 31, 2003 at 16:45:46:
You could ask him if the timing, location and numbers of my sighting would be expected. Thanks, David
In Reply to: Dragonflies! posted by David Shilman on August 23, 2003 at 15:36:25:
Too bad you aren't in Caledon. We have had a scientist here all summer from Texas studying Dragonflies. He is working on a thesis that was studied over 35 years ago. I was there as a child with the original scientist who was from Quebec. It's really interesting and sort of deja vous for me. I've found out that with the global warming, that from the egg stage to emergence, the time has been cut by three weeks. So global warming is playing a part.They still migrate back here at the same time and lay their eggs at the same time, but developing a lot faster. Will keep you informed of more info if you want.
In Reply to: Blue Jays, has anyone seen any lately? posted by J on August 24, 2003 at 23:24:30:
There are lots of blue jays up here in Caledon. Lots of babies trying to find their voices and sounding quite funny.
In Reply to: Re: White Pelican posted by Marcel Gahbauer on August 30, 2003 at 10:53:08:
Hmm - the "optional link URL" field doesn't seem to end up putting the link in the message! Here it is: Going back to May 2002...
In Reply to: Re: White Pelican posted by Greg Stuart on August 29, 2003 at 10:35:12:
White Pelicans appear occasionally, and have been discussed on this board previously, including at the link below. However, they are still quite a rare sight on Lake Ontario, so take advantage of the opportunity if this individual hangs around!
In Reply to: White Pelican posted by Rob. S. on August 29, 2003 at 10:11:39:
I believe that last year at about the same time there was a white pelican seen in Cootes Paradise for almost one month. Perhaps this is the same individual? Also, for two or three days last year, a brown pelican was also seen in Hamilton (on the Lake Ontario side). Unfortunately there have been no recent reports to my knowledge.
There was a white Pelican at Cootes Paradise yesterday. This is the first time I have ever seen one there, has anyone else seen Pelicans in and around the west end of Lake Ontario?
In Reply to: Re: Peregrine falcons posted by David Shilman on August 22, 2003 at 20:10:44:
Unfortunately though, nesting failed again this year, so any juveniles in the area would be quite unexpected as I understand that the adults remain present and territorial.
In Reply to: Re: Toronto Islands swallows RTF posted by Pat Hodgson on August 26, 2003 at 09:19:06:
I've seen Cliff Swallows there on a number of occasions too - looks like there are a few possibilities for what these birds were!
In Reply to: Toronto Islands swallows RTF posted by Gerard Van Herk on August 25, 2003 at 19:44:00:
These are probably northern rough-winged swallows. But immature tree swallows at this time of year can look pretty plain too.
Pat
Hello! Can anyone tell me which swallows swarm over the rocky jetty on the south shore of the Toronto Islands? Not barn (no long tail fork) or tree (not enough back/front contrast), but my light was too bad to get anything more.
In the last week I have had goldfinch, in pairs and alone, visit my garden to perch on the sunflowers which are going to seed. They seem very bold and usually appear around late afternoon. First sightings this year. In the tall grasses at Cherry Beach, flocks of mixed starlings and red-winged blackbirds. Blackbirds look quite shabby....are they molting?
In Reply to: Blue Jays, has anyone seen any lately? posted by J on August 24, 2003 at 23:24:30:
A friend spotted a whole flock of bluejays on Sat the 23rd being shooooed away from balconies in the Rosedale area just north of Sherborne and Bloor. an unusual sight. You might hike around the ravines in that area....I have seen at least one each time I walk in there.
I witnessed the first noticable fall movement of songbirds through my south Etobicoke backyard today (Sunday). There were Redstarts, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Magnolia Warblers, and an Empidonax (Least?) Flycatcher. I haven't seen any of these species in my yard since June. BB
Looking to get some photos of Blue Jays. I haven't seen nor heard any this summer. Does anyone have any suggestions where I might see them in West Mississauga, Milton, Oakville or Burlington? I'd appreciate your help.
In Reply to: Dragonflies! posted by David Shilman on August 23, 2003 at 15:36:25:
Sorry, I guess this should have been on the "Wildlife in Toronto" board. D
At 1:30 today, down at the Beach boardwalk (between Silverbirch and Kew Gardens and beyond) there were 000's of dragonflies. I've been walking down to this area regularly for a dozen years and have never seen this. By 3pm, there were many fewer, but people were still heard to say "look at all the dragonflies!". Some were as large as ~7-8 cms and were greenish-gold. None would "perch", so I couldn't get a really good look. All appeared to be the same species* with a couple of exceptions. They seemed to be hunting, but I couldn't see their prey. Any entomologists on the list? David *after a bit of research...Common Green Darners?
In Reply to: Peregrine falcons posted by Paul wesley on August 22, 2003 at 19:52:37:
Yup, check it out; http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/tops/torontou.html Cd
Has anyone heard of any peregrine falcons being in the Yonge eglinton area? I saw a pair of juvenile peregrines yesterday in my backyard, just off Oriole Pkwy. Thanks Paul
Forwarding this for Alan Wormington on behalf of the Friends of Point Pelee: FALL BIRDING HIKES at Point Pelee National Park: Every weekend from August 23 to October 26 inclusive (excluding Saturday, September 6). Hikes will start on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. only. Similar to spring hikes, they will be about two (2) hours in length and are led by local experts - cost is $10 per hike. Although there will be an emphasis on migrating birds, we will look at anything of interest including butterflies, plants, other insects etc. (including Monarchs). Pre-registration is NOT required; additional details (if needed) can be obtained by calling The Friends of Point Pelee at 519-326-6173. There will be no regular hikes on Saturday, September 6. Instead, the 2nd Annual W.E. Saunders Birding Odyssey will be held, which is a friendly competition. Participants will be assigned to a group and expert leader, and each group will then scour Point Pelee National Park from 8:30 a.m. to about 12:00 noon - $20 fee includes a BBQ lunch and awarding of the "Peregrine Falcon Trophy". How many species will the winning team find? Again, additional information can be obtained by phoning Friends of Point Pelee at 519-326-6173. Michelle Nicholson - The Friends of Point Pelee
In Reply to: Re: RFI Crows? posted by sherry on August 20, 2003 at 10:36:11:
I live an hour or so away from toronto, their are tons of crows here(cambridge). If I drive through the country, you can see hundreds of them(no exageration)in the farmers fields.
In cambridge, above the concession st bridge, there are hydro wires, no big deal. IF you are lucky enough to drive by at the right time, you will get a very unsual sight. We have a Cormorant that sits on the wire to scout for fish over the grand River. It's quite a sight, especially when he starts to wobble, because he his losing his balance.
In Reply to: Re: Golden Eagle posted by Glenn Coady on August 20, 2003 at 10:36:29:
I thought that as well, however, I have seen immature bald eagles, as they nest along the grand river. I watched him for about a half hour, when he flew away, I was careful to look for signs of white under the wings and tail. I looked it up in the sibleys guide, and took noticed of soaring patterns and it was consitant with that of a golden eagle. I too thought it was unusual. I'm going to go back and check it out agian, perhaps I will see the bird again.
In Reply to: Re: Golden Eagle posted by Lloyd on August 20, 2003 at 10:21:03:
Melissa, Is it possible that the bird you saw was an immature Bald Eagle? It would be VERY unusual for a Golden Eagle to be found anywhere in southern Ontario in August - unless you were dealing with an escaped bird from a captive source like a zoo. GC
In Reply to: RFI Crows? posted by Marti Latta on August 19, 2003 at 13:10:00:
In my area of Scarborough, there were several crow families of a number of generations that could be seen daily until last fall. We fed them bread which they enjoyed dunking in puddles.I have heard a crow call 2 times this summer, and no other crow responding. What a lonely sound! I do not know of any official count nor why this particular bird seems to be so vulnerable to West Nile. They are missed.
In Reply to: Golden Eagle posted by Melissa on August 20, 2003 at 09:31:24:
Hello Melissa; You're very lucky indeed to spot one of these spectacular creatures. I too had an opportunity in North Bay, many years ago, to observe at great length the hunting and feeding habits of this great bird. While in Newfoundland quite recently, my wife and I witnessed two adult Bald Eagles leisurely soaring a short distance from a rocky coastline. Golden Eagles tend to be more northerly and less-often spotted than Bald Eagles.
Spotted Golden Eagle outside cambridge Ont. @ Twnshp Rd 10 and trussler Rd. Was perched on pole, scouting for food in field.
In Reply to: RFI Crows? posted by Marti Latta on August 19, 2003 at 13:10:00:
On a totally unscientific basis, in my midtown Toronto neighbourhood, which for several years has been more or less overrun with crows at all times of year, there have been very few lately - virtually none. It is a big change that many non-birder neighbours have noted. I have seen quite a few blue jays lately, however. Pat
Does anyone have any sense yet of the impact of West Nile
virus on our Crow population in the Toronto area? We've had
a flourishing crow colony in our Willowdale pine trees for
decades. Other groups (offspring spin-offs, perhaps)were
all over the neighbourhood. Autumn congregations consisted
of many dozens of birds. Garbage bags were a favourite
target, as was our elderly cat. This year (January to August), I've seen two or three crows
in the entire province -- including west to Sarnia and north
to Georgian Bay. Our back yard is strangely quiet and none of our garbage
bags have been ripped open either! (Our cat approves...) Am I right in assuming that this is not just a change in
dietary preference on the part of the crows of Willowdale? Marti Latta
In Reply to: I think I've just seen the same bird. posted by LB on August 10, 2003 at 16:46:16:
I suppose it's possible, but most likely you've seen a different bird. They don't tend to wander far from their territory unless they are migrating south, and it seems much too early for that. Many cardinals don't bother migrating and overwinter on their territory in southern Ontario. It's not unusual to see "bald" Blue Jays and Cardinals at this time of year since they are undergoing their summer molt. Sometimes a bad case of feather mites will also cause them to lose all their head feathers since they can't get at the mites on their head. But usually the feathers will all grow back in a couple weeks or so. The interesting thing about the poor cardinal in the photo is that the feathers apparently never grew back and he has stayed that way for 3 years. Very strange! Below is a link that has a couple pictures of "bald" birds, etc.
In Reply to: Re: Could this be a Cardinal with abnormal markings? posted by Barbara Taylor on August 06, 2003 at 18:49:59:
I just started searching for birds online because I just saw what I thought was a cardinal but it didn't look like a cardinal. I couldn't think of any other birds with red colouring in these parts. I live west of Hamilton so I guess the same bird could have flown out here. I'm trying to get a better look at it, this is the first time I've seen it but I think it's the same as the photo you've posted.
In Reply to: Could this be a Cardinal with abnormal markings? posted by Jan on August 05, 2003 at 22:49:44:
The bird sure is a cardinal, but it looks like it never grew back all its head feathers after a molt. Since this is the third year it has been seen looking the same way, I guess something just went terribly wrong with this poor bird. Note the bird was eating a red berry when the picture was taken so that's why the beak looks a bit odd.
Here's the url for the photo that was emailed to me: http://muskoka.tripod.com/cardinal.jpg
In Reply to: Could this be a Cardinal with abnormal markings? posted by Jan on August 05, 2003 at 22:49:44:
If you'd like to send me an email with a photo attached, I can upload it to my website and then post the link to it here. Sounds like a very interesting bird... Barbara Taylor email: muskoka_birder@hotmail.com
For the past 3 years I have spotted a red bird (Male Cardinal) but it does not have a crest. It has a black head and mask. At first I thought it was a young male but I've seen him for 3 years and he has not changed.
I am certain he is a Cardinal as he sings the same. He begins his song around 5am and usually is heard throughout the day until 6pm. I'd attach a photo but I don't know how to on here.
He is strangely interesting. I'd be interested in an opinion.
Thanks!
In Reply to: Missing Cockatiel near Norval posted by Dom Vetro on August 03, 2003 at 09:45:16:
Try placing the cage outside, close to the door it flew out of...with the cage door open and some favourite food and water inside the cage. There is a chance it will return, depending how "tame" it was. Keep all cats indoors and ask immediate neighbours to be on the lookout. Good luck...
In Reply to: Missing Cockatiel near Norval posted by Dom Vetro on August 03, 2003 at 09:45:16:
http://www.web-nat.com/bic/ont/index.html You might want to post this on Gord's sight also , the moor pepoll the beter !! Craig
Our pet cockatiel flew out of an open screen door Saturday morning and has not returned. I'm sure there is nothing any person, group or association can do at this point, but if you would provide me with any advice whatsoever, it would be greatly appreciated. I am hoping there is a bird watching group/chat room/hot line were I could post a MISSING BIRD NOTICE. We have 4 young heartbroken little children that are desperate to know where their bright yellow cockatiel may be. Dom Vetro
RR #2 NORVAL, ON (Peel Region - Mississauga Rd & Hiway 7)
Phone: 905-453-4404 (please call collect)
Cell: 905-464-4959
Email: dvetro@magiclantern.ca
This bird is on the Humber River near the stone Bridge ( Old Mill).
Jacek.
31.08. 2003
Sora Porzana carolina in the Eglinton Flats ( South East corner). First time in this area this year.
Jacek.
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the JULY 4 - JULY 31, 2003 period. The big news this month is the confirmed breeding of TRUMPETER SWANS in the Second Marsh. Neck collared swan R39 and unbanded mate have been very
aggressive since early spring at the marsh. They have kept most of the MUTE
SWANS out of the northern part of the marsh. Suspected breeding became a
reality when on July 9th, R39 and mate brought out 5 very young cygnets (less
than 2 days old) on. However these first time parents showed their
inexperience in dealing with possible predators. Sadly by July 16 only 1
cygnet still remained. The family is still intact and the cygnet now is
larger than the adjacent mallards. The family feeds primarily in the central
to northern areas of the marsh in the abundant new growth of vegetation. The summering TUNDRA SWAN returned to the marsh from July 14 - 23. This bird
when not in the marsh probably is out in Lake Ontario with the Mute Swan
flock off McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve. Hundreds of waterfowl are now using the Second Marsh as a staging area. These species (from
most abundant to least) include, MALLARD, GADWALL, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN
SHOVELER, AMERICAN WIGEON, GREEN-WINGED TEAL and WOOD DUCK. Other species
being seen include REDHEAD ( 3 drakes, 1 hen July ), HOODED MERGANSER(female
daily), 1-2 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS and SCAUP sp. A PIED-BILLED GREBE was in
the Marsh July 31. This species is rarely seen in the marsh during the summer. The DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT numbers are building daily. As in the last
decade, several hundred birds start to loaf on the gravel island in the sw
corner of the marsh and in trees along the barrier beach. CASPIAN and COMMON TERNS numbers are decreasing quickly (COMMON TERNS 115
July 21, and 23 July 31). CASPIAN TERNS (2 pairs) nested for the first time in Second Marsh this year, but were unsuccessful. Post breeding Ospreys are now being seen several times a week around the
marsh, with 2 birds present July and eating Brown Bullheads (mudcats). Four species of heron are being seen almost daily, including LEAST
BITTERN . The Migrant shorebird numbers have decreased in the last few weeks
however their diversity has increased. On July 14 there were 36 LESSER YELLOW
LEGS, 25 GREATER YELLOWLEGS. This evening (July 31) there were 5 species (10
birds) including the SEMI-PALMATED SANDPIPER (2) and LEAST SANDPIPER (3). On
July 21 and 23, a STILT SANDPIPER was foraging with the yellowlegs.
Along McLaughlin Bay barrier beach, washed up algae is building in the
western end and near the log cabin In Darlington Provincial Park. However,
only a few LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and SPOTTED SANDPIPERS. have been observed
there. On the Lake, offshore COMMON LOONS are being seen daily with 3
reported July 16 Passerines have been very quiet for most of the month. Now, EASTERN
KINGBIRDS and YELLOW WARBLERS appear to be in the initial stages of
migration. Fall warbler migration should be starting within the next week.
In previous years good results were found in Darlington Provincial Park,
just listen for the BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES as migrant warblers forage with
these flocks. Our thanks to contributors: Brian Brasier, Daniel Denov, Durham Rare Bird
Line, Tyler Hoar, Bill and Nancy Logan, Rayfield Pye, Jim Richards, and
Wioletta Walancik. Please send sightings reports to the attention of Tyler Hoar, (e-mail)
ww.secondmarsh@rogers.com no later than Thursday morning each week. For a trail map of Second Marsh visit www.secondmarsh.com There is a link on
that site that will take you to a trail map for McLaughlin Bay Wildlife
Reserve. Directions Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit (419) in Oshawa. Go
south on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to
the parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot close
to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario
waterbirds proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the
lakeshore.
In Reply to: Wye Marsh birds posted by Derek on July 30, 2003 at 12:46:16:
Derek, I'm surprised you haven't had a response yet. Wye Marsh is famous for it's Trumpeter Swans. You'll see other birds as well, of course, but the Trumpeters alone should be worth the visit. Enjoy!
Al Johnston, Whitchurch-Stouffville
Just wanting information on the recent breeding history of this bird in Southern Ontario. Thanks.
In Reply to: More doves... posted by Jennifer on July 28, 2003 at 17:04:27:
yes, this is the variety commonly called rats-with-wings.
I'm planning to go to the Wye Marsh this weekend. What bird can am I likely to see there? Any other info would be appreciated too.
In Reply to: RFI: What is it? posted by Colin on July 29, 2003 at 09:13:12:
Hi, Your bird sure fits the description of our Zebra Finches...if that was what you saw, then it is probably an escapee.
Saw and heard Clay-colored Sparrow with young on Monday in Beaver Creek ravine located NW of Leslie and 16th (Richmond Hill). I was surprised to see them in a suburbanized area. Same area but a week earlier, I saw and heard an Olive-sided Flycatcher. An early migrant?? There are other interesting birds in the area. Could anyone suggest other areas that are close to 16th and Leslie for walking and birding?
In Reply to: Re: Identification of song birds posted by Al Johnston on July 27, 2003 at 15:50:39:
Al, thanks for the info.
On July 29 in Southern Ontario not too far from Toronto I saw a small bird that acted a little like a House Sparrow.(Just a tad smaller) Although...it was not one. When I got closer I noticed it had a very solid orange bill a bit darker than a Goldfinch's. It also had orange cheeks. Most of the body was a brownish-gray except for the rump which was white with black speckles. I do not believe it is from around here. Please Help
In Reply to: Juv. Bald Eagle and Oldsquaw posted by Bill Halliday on June 21, 2003 at 14:21:25:
Sorry if this is a repeat but my first message does not seem to register. On Sunday July 27 I saw what initially looked like hawks but upon closer observation were almost certainly Bald Eagles. The remarkable point of this is that I was in my study (17th floor, Bloor & Bedford, facing south) and they perched on antennas on the roof of OISE/UoT. They stayed for 20+ minutes occaisionally soaring (goodness they are beautiful, although a bit scruffy) but they certainly had no competition! One was considerably larger than the other and I only saw the larger flying. Questions from a non birder:
What would they be doing downtown; what would they eat, squirrels, cats?
Is this a migration path?
I guessed from scaling against OISE building components that the wingspan of the larger was around six feet with several loose (possibly 'prominent' might be more appropriate) feathers at the wing tips. They were both reddish brown with (dirty) whitish heads and tails and the characteristic 'trousers'. Why would such birds be so low and in such an urban location? John.
I saw an unusual dove or pigeon on Saturday evening in Kensington Market. It was sitting over one of the doors of the synagogue on St. Andrew's Street - it was largeish, kind of a dirty-white, with tail feathers that looked like a pigeon's. It doesn't look much like the Ringed Turtle dove pictures I've seen on the Net...Has anybody else seen this bird? Could it be a hybrid?
In Reply to: Re: eurasian collared dove posted by kathryn on July 28, 2003 at 13:58:39:
Kathryn, This bird will likely do fine on its own with no assistance from you. I would recommend that you do not attempt to catch it. Glenn
In Reply to: Re: eurasian collared dove posted by Glenn Coady on July 28, 2003 at 13:44:55:
GC, I have since viewed more photos of ringed turtle doves and am sure that is what we have. Do you think we should attempt to catch it or do you believe it could survive?
Thanks for your reply.
In Reply to: eurasian collared dove posted by Kathryn Gray on July 28, 2003 at 10:33:51:
Kathryn, It sounds to me like this bird is likely a domestic Ringed Turtle-Dove and probably a recent release. Eurasian Collared-Dove can be told from the Ringed Turtle-Dove by its lead gray undertails coverts (vs. cream in Ringed Turtle-Dove), noticeably darker primaries, and black basal portion of the tail feathers right out to the outer web of the outermost tail feather. They are vocally distinct but with the kind of looks you appear to be getting you should be able to sort this one out visually I suspect. GC
In Reply to: Re: Bird ID help posted by Marcel Gahbauer on July 27, 2003 at 09:56:21:
Thanks Marcel, I looked at Sibley's guide soon after I posted my question, and that's what I saw, the Rose-breasted Grosbesk.
We believe we have a eurasian collared dove in our yard. Could possibly be ringed turtle dove. Is about the size of mourning dove, not quite as hardy. Very beautiful, clean white feathers with black collar on back of neck. Are concerned it is out of its habitat. Have taken some photos as it always us to come right up and almost eats out of our hands.Any ideas?
In Reply to: Identification of song birds posted by Silvia on July 27, 2003 at 10:54:11:
Silvia, I'd say house finches 100% from the description
you gave.
Al, Whitchurch-Stouffville
In Reply to: Re: Please ( what is it ? ) posted by Marcel Gahbauer on July 27, 2003 at 14:06:46:
thx Marcel lol I went to look for it's nest and almost stepped on another. I'll do what you suggested & put both in safe area close to where they were found. thx again
In Reply to: Please ( what is it ? ) posted by Jim on July 27, 2003 at 13:58:10:
Perhaps a Cedar Waxwing? In any case, if the bird is uninjured, the best approach is to put it back near where it was found, on a safe perch above ground. Usually the parents will find and feed it - and that should also help with confirming identification.
my son found it afer a storm, must of got knocked out of it's nest. too young to fly but has all it's feathers, almost the size of a sparrow,mostly med brown, with a yellow orange at the end of it's tail feathers, narrow black ring from eye's and around the top of it's beak. Hope thats enough info . I live in southern Ontario.
thx 4 any help
I have a pair of song birds nesting in a flower basket right on my balcony. The female is all brown and the male is brown with a reddish chest(12-14 cm). There are four ligh blue eggs in the nest(1.5 cm). Can anybody help me identify them?
In Reply to: Bird ID help posted by Derek Jen on July 26, 2003 at 17:51:06:
You may have in fact seen Rose-breasted Grosbeaks! The juveniles do have quite a golden upper breast, looking very similar to a Black-headed Grosbeak (The Sibley guide is the only one I'm aware of which illustrates this well). I'm not sure about the rump (I think it's more brownish than golden), but it's probably still the best match for what you saw.
We were in the RBG in Burlington and spotted what we thought were new birds to us. They (4 different bird) looked very much like female Rose-breasted Grosebeaks but we could easily makeout a gold breast and rump. Looking through the Peterson's Guide we had with us the bird looked like the Black-headed Grosbeak but that seamed unlikely considering it's range. What did we see?
In Reply to: digiscope? posted by Piers Perren on January 03, 2003 at 13:08:03:
I have no idea what your talking about.....try taking the cap off!
In Reply to: how to keep cats out of my yard posted by susan on October 09, 2002 at 19:12:57:
we just put a sandbox in our backyard for my three yr old little brother. He enjoys playing in it, but latley we have found cat poop in it and he can not play in it when there is cat poop in it so we clean it out and then the cat keeps on comming back and now the cat has filled up the whole sandbox with poop and my little brother can no longer enjoy playing in the sandbox. PLEASE HELP we need to make our neighbors cat stop pooping in the sandbox!!!!
In Reply to: Re: Cardinal Imposter? posted by Paul on May 27, 2003 at 06:50:20:
I would love to intice cardinals to my backyard, unfortunately blackbirds like oilsunflower seeds also and I don't want to encourage any more of them.
Anyone have any tips for attracting cards.
In Reply to: Re: Mockingbird posted by Lloyd on June 04, 2003 at 20:17:07:
I live in a new subdivision in Brampton, and started attracting backyard birds about 2 months ago. I have the usual house sparrows, red wing blackbirds, brown headed cowbirds, and house and american goldfinch.
Then a mocking bird appeared then another.There are three of them at times. I don't know if they are related, but they are very posessive of the apples so I put them in three separate spots and this seems to work for them.
In Reply to: Re: Yellow Headed Blackbird posted by Tim Peckham on July 16, 2003 at 19:45:03:
There have been occasional sightings of almost all birds FAR outside the range which appears in books or online maps. The Yellow-headed Blackbird is no exception - this spring alone there was a male reported almost as far east as Kingston, and I've heard a reliable report of another northeast of Toronto this summer. No doubt there are many more distant records too, in Quebec and beyond. That being said, they ARE a rare bird in southern Ontario, and seeing more than one at a time as you did is very unusual indeed. As far as I know, the only place where that might be expected is around Lake St. Clair where there is a small breeding population. Red-winged Blackbirds tend to disperse from their breeding grounds in mid-summer and congregate in flocks elsewhere; perhaps Yellow-headed do the same, and this group happened to move north to where you saw them.
In Reply to: Screech Owl sighting posted by Tracy on July 17, 2003 at 13:19:41:
Very cool!
In Reply to: where did my orioles go? posted by Ramona Shields on July 17, 2003 at 12:12:09:
Hi, As you surmised, the majority of our local Baltimore Orioles have their young already out of the nest. As the young can now follow the adults around to feed they are now less tied to the nesting area which was presumably very close to your home GC
Hello to all you Birdwatchers, My husband and I saw a Screech Owl (in it's grey colours) hunting in our garden for two consecutive evenings during the first week of July. We have lived in Willowdale, North York for nearly four years and this is our first sighting of one. Tracy
In Reply to: Help! Large bird alert! posted by Karen on July 16, 2003 at 12:52:22:
This is possibly a common nighthawk. Does your bird make any particular call? If you want to learn more, borrow from your library a copy of The Peterson Field Guide to Birds east of the Rockies. You will find excellent picture, information, maps, and silhouettes of all our birds.....And hours of entertainment!
I have been hearing my orioles all day long since they first came to the Dundas area. The pair or maybe two pairs have been coming to my feeders regularily and their songs could be heard all day long. I mean it, all day long. About two weeks ago no sight or sound of them. Is this their behaviour? are the babies born? will they come back? did the neighbourhood stray cat (who kills frogs, mice, chipmunks and squirrels) get to them? I cannot find any info on the behaviour of orioles. I really miss them. Who can help me?
In Reply to: Re: Yellow Headed Blackbird posted by John on July 16, 2003 at 19:00:58:
Do you mean Long Point in Lake Erie? So, it has gotten this far east. When we first noticed them a few flew away into nearby trees but we observed a male and two females for about 10 minutes. I'd say there were 5 or six total. Maybe a second male. Memory blurry. Long walk, hot sun. Do you think they were blown this way, as there was a lot of wind and rain on Friday, or are they normally seen around here? Tim
In Reply to: Yellow Headed Blackbird posted by Tim Peckham on July 16, 2003 at 15:50:01:
excellent sighting. how big was the group? i was fortunate enough to band one at long point this spring. a cool bird.
On Sunday last, July 13, 2003, my wife and I spotted and observed for some time a group of Yellow Headed Blackbirds on the shores of Lake Huron. We were staying at the MacGregor Point Provincial Park near Port Elgin. At least one male and several females were feeding near the water amongst the large beach rocks that make up the shore up there. My reserch on the web showed that they hadn't been seen this far east before. Thought you all would like to know.
Tim
I have no experience identifying birds. We live in Vaughan and we back onto a forest. We periodically see a fairly large bird - slightly larger than a seagull. It's dark - possibly black and has a very wide wingspan and is a smooth flyer. It's tail feathers are quite different - they seem long and fork into 2 sections. Does anyone have any idea what type of bird this may be? Very curious! Thank you.
In Reply to: What bird is in my backyard? posted by Michael W. on July 15, 2003 at 15:02:23:
Hi Micheal, It sounds like you have a robin nest. Robins often have several broods of chicks each year. The parents really know how to raise their chicks, so don't feel they could use your help. Often people that try to elp and inadvertantly scare away the perents. It may be hard, but the best thing to do is nothing. If you really can't do nothing, you could keep an eye out for cats or curious children, and keep them away.
In Reply to: Re: Curious Siting posted by David Shilman on July 12, 2003 at 21:48:38:
At least I know I'm not crazy. You know, it very well could have been a redwinged blackbird that I saw...the hitchhiker was definitely mostly black in colour although I didn't spot any red. Remember, I saw this from my car and it lasted only a matter of seconds. It was a very bizarre experience to say the least but I'm glad some others have seen this behaviour too...thanks for all your help.
In Reply to: What bird is in my backyard? posted by Michael W. on July 15, 2003 at 15:02:23:
There is nothing you can do to help out except keep any local cats away. Don't try to feed the young. The parents know what to do.
Hey everyone, There is a bird's nest under my backyard porch with
3 chicks that just hatched a few days ago.
I don't know what type of bird it is so I am asking for help.
The mother has a reddish brown breast and belly, while the
rest of the body is dark brown. The mother is relatively
small, about the size of fist.
If anyone knows what type of bird this is please
message me. I want to know what I can do to help
the bird out. Information on the type of food the birds
eat will be helpful. The bird's nest is located in
Richmond Hill, Ontario.
In Reply to: RFI: Muskoka/Bala area birds posted by Willam H. Fissell on July 13, 2003 at 22:24:48:
I'm not familiar with the best birding areas near Bala, but the Bracebridge Lagoons and Henry Rd. marsh are usually good areas. (see directions below) Try posting on the Muskoka Bird Board (see link below)to see if anyone in the Bala area can offer some tips. You can review recent reports of Muskoka area birds or browse through older sightings from the Archived Reports link. directions:
From Hwy. 11, take Hwy. 118 W. and turn left at the stop lights onto Beaumont Dr. Very short drive until you turn left at the entrance to Kerr Park. To reach the sewage lagoons, walk up the hill to the south of the parking lot and there is an entry gate along the path to the right. To reach the Henry Rd. marsh from there, walk straight ahead once through the gate, ie., walking south along the lagoon roadway, and then turn right at the "T" crossroads, so now heading west. Keep walking west and the roadway turns into a very nice path which is part of the Trans Canada Trail and the marsh is about 20 minutes walk from there. Or go back out to Beaumont Dr. and continue past Kerr Park until you see Henry Rd. on your left. Park by the pile of wood chips and walk in from there until you reach the open fields and marsh about 5 minutes away.
In Reply to: Curious Siting posted by Caven on July 12, 2003 at 12:22:51:
I've heard of this behavior before, and also seen it happen. Kinda cool, actually. :-}
Hi, Thanks in advance. I will be visiting Bala, Ontario in about a week. I will be bringing cameras, etc. Any tips about birding spots would be greatly appreciated; no special species in mind. most interested in water that won't have power boats on it. thanks, bill
In Reply to: Acadian Flycatcher posted by Brendan O'Sullivan on June 20, 2003 at 15:50:11:
any luck?
In Reply to: Curious Siting posted by Caven on July 12, 2003 at 12:22:51:
I saw a recent discussion confirming this phenomenon, but I can't remember where...Ontbirds? OntarioBirding? BirdChat? Did a quick web-search, but couldn't find it. Did find this, though; Blackbird riding a hawk
Sun, 5 May 2002 18:26:10 -0700
From: Don Lewis Last Thursday, May 2, a carload of four birders was driving between Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore and Shadow Cliffs Park in Pleasanton. We saw something I had never seen before, and had more-or-less disbelieved that it really happens. A Red-winged Blackbird was harassing an adult Red-tailed Hawk. But it wasn't just buzzing it, it repeatedly landed on the rear part of the hawk's back and rode it for many yards. It did this at least a half dozen times. The blackbird did not appear to be pecking the hawk, just riding it. Then it would get off, buzz the hawk for a moment, then get back on. We saw this clearly, above open fields, for perhaps a minute. They flew across the road, giving excellent close views. We had time to stop the vehicle and watch it. Anyone seen this before? Don Lewis
Lafayette, CA
Hi everyone,
This is going to sound strange but I know what I saw. I was travelling along the QEW about to cross the 16 Mile Creek bridge in Oakville. I spotted a Coopers Hawk (many of them in the area) swooping down underneath the bridge I was crossing. For a couple of seconds the bird and I were at eye level before it disappeared below the bridge and into the valley below. Anyway what makes this siting extremely weird is that there was a small black bird sitting on the Cooper's back, just below the hawk's neck. At first I thought the little bird (black in colour and the size of a sparrow) was flying beside the hawk but when I got a closer look it was definitely perched on the Cooper Hawks back!! Was I just seeing things or is this possible? I'm pretty sure my eyes were not playing tricks on me. Anyone else hear of such behaviour? Thanks.
In Reply to: Re: European Goldfinch posted by Donna on July 09, 2003 at 10:56:58:
Hello All: While looking for information on the migration of the European Goldfinch I stumbled across this information and I thought it was worth sharing.I know that you can't believe everything you read but this certainly sounds credable.Judge for yourselves.... http://www.umd.umich.edu/dept/rouge_river/eugo.html
In Reply to: Re: European Goldfinch posted by sherry on July 07, 2003 at 15:58:47:
Hi there: I wonder how many escapees there are?First one in Toronto then photos of one in Caledon and now yet another escape at Davisville and Bayview?I believe that Dawn said her European Goldfinch has been coming to her feeder in Caledon for three years.Are they able to survive our winters?(like the Americn Goldfinch)or do they migrate?I'll have to keep my eyes open maybe I will see one of these run aways(or should I say fly aways)in my yard?! Happy birding!! Donna
In Reply to: Orchard Oriole? posted by Jennifer Burns on July 08, 2003 at 10:36:33:
Hey Jennifer Orchard Oriole is fairly un-common along the lake ontario shoreline, all the way to Kingston. However and with a bit of post-breeding dispersal starting it is a possiblity in a residential area, although un-likely. My best guess would be your bird is a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, which's song is very much like the American Robin (more meladous and softer than American Robin). And i would expect seeing that bird in a residential area. You can try downloading the song of Rose-breasted Grosbeak and tell us what you think, Good Birding
In Reply to: Orchard Oriole? posted by Jennifer Burns on July 08, 2003 at 10:36:33:
Hi Jennifer; Chances are it was a Robin. Perhaps a very content one at that. Happy to be perched high above it's domaine. You're right about the song of the Baltimore Oriole. It's different. But oddly enough, the Orchard Oriole's song is vaguely similar to the Robin's. Cheerfully singing perched upon a TV antenna in an urban area suggests it was probably not an Orchard Oriole. I'm guessing right now they would probably be farther south in a wooded environment.
Biking yesterday evening (8 PM) in the Wychwood Park neighbourhood - Bracondale Road - I heard a bird singing from the top of a TV antenna. Because it was so high up I couldn't see what colour it was, but it had a beautiful song, clear and fluting - at first I thought it might be a robin but the song was faster than a robin's. The silhoutte was almost like a dove - a long tail, kind of curved body. I was pretty sure it was an oriole but I've listened to a Baltimore Oriole recording online and it sounded nothing like it. Could it have been an Orchard Oriole?
In Reply to: European Goldfinch posted by Sharen W. on July 07, 2003 at 11:44:41:
Hi,please refer back to a discussion on this forum June 23rd and 24th, where it is surmised that these birds must be escapees...I wonder how many there are around the GTA?
In Reply to: Relocating, how is the birding? posted by Greg M on July 04, 2003 at 18:09:58:
The Niagara escarpment,near Hamilton creates fantastic updrafts for raptors and because of the funnel created between the 2 lower great lakes,is a prime spotting area during migration. There are serious counting birders keeping raptor records in that area.
11:27 AM Monday July 7, 2003 a European Goldfinch appeared at my birdfeeder. I have never seen one in my backyard before ( Davisville & Bayview ). Is it unusual for this bird to be in our city?
In Reply to: Black-crowned night herons? posted by Jennifer Burns on July 02, 2003 at 15:00:09:
I agree with Dave, there appear to be lots of Black-crowns around
this year. If you are on the Humber river in the near future, then
drift close to the willows on the east bank just north of the
bridges, but south of the launch site. There are always two there.
Another for sure location is the willow on the west bank at the
bend in the river just north of the lower marshes.
In Reply to: Re: Relocating, how is the birding? posted by Marcel Gahbauer on July 05, 2003 at 11:41:17:
Sorry about the missing link - for some reason it disappeared when I posted. Trying again:
In Reply to: Relocating, how is the birding? posted by Greg M on July 04, 2003 at 18:09:58:
Greg, the birding is great! As of 2000, the Greater Toronto Area Checklist included 390 species, and 190 of these are known to have bred in the area. Overall, Toronto is one of the greenest cities in North America, and there are many good parks to explore within the city - not to mention many others just a short drive away to the west, north, or east. You may find some additional information of use on the Toronto Ornithological Club's website, linked below.
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the week ending JULY 3,
2003
Fall Migration has started for shorebirds. On the evening of July 1st, 7
GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 29 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS were
foraging in the marsh. On July 3rd there were 7 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 21
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and 3 LEAST SANDPIPERS. The Yellowlegs were primarily
foraging in the nw area of the marsh in newly vegetated shallow water. CASPIAN TERNS attempted nesting on the gravel island. However by July 1st
both nests appeared abandoned. COMMON TERNS numbers are increasing with non
or failed breeders using the marsh in addition to the existing colony. A
large roost of immature BONAPARTE'S GULLS is building in the Second Marsh
with 263 birds there June 26. The first adult BONAPARTE'S GULLS have
returned
with 3 present July 3rd. Also, 1 to 2 immature LITTLE GULLS are mixed in
with them. Several young waterfowl families have appeared in the marsh over the last 10
days. Most are MALLARDS, however WOOD DUCK, GADWALL, NORTHERN SHOVELER and
NORTHERN PINTAIL families can also be seen. Several species of moulting
males are increasing. These bachelor flocks consist primarily of
MALLARDS(150+), GADWALLS(40+), AMERICAN WIGEONS(20+), BLUE (20+) and
GREEN-WINGED TEAL(10+) and NORTHERN SHOVELERS (20+). Loitering waterfowl
observed almost daily include LESSER SCAUP (2), GREATER SCAUP (1), BLACK
DUCK (2), HOODED MERGANSER (2) and REDHEAD (2). On June 17 there was a pair
of LONG-TAILED DUCKS in Lake Ontario off the marsh. The Swan flock has
appeared to have now moved to Lake Ontario off the western edge of
Darlington Provincial Park. 51 Mute Swans were
present there July 3. A family of COMMON MOORHENS was seen on June 26th and July 3rd. The GREAT
EGRET was
last reported June 18th. Also on that day a LEAST BITTERN was reported.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS are increasing as they disperse from their
colonies; 7 were observed on July 3rd. The resident pair of COOPER'S HAWKS in Darlington Provincial Park are
roaming further from their nest site to feed their growing family. They can
regularly be seen foraging over the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve. An
OSPREY has been a regular around the Second Marsh lately. It was last seen
June 27th hunting over the marsh. Passerines on territory in the Oshawa Second Marsh and McLaughlin Bay
Wildlife Reserve area include MOURNING WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN
WATERTHRUSH, CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW, MARSH WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER,
ORCHARD AND BALTIMORE ORIOLE, BOBOLINK, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, BROWN
THRASHER, GRAY CATBIRD, and RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. Our thanks for this week's contributors: Brian Brasier, Durham Rare Bird
Line, Tyler Hoar, Ray Laughlin, Jim Richards, Keith Sharp, and Wioletta
Walancik. Please send sightings reports to the attention of Tyler Hoar, (e-mail)
ww.secondmarsh@rogers.com no later than Thursday morning each week. For a trail map of Second Marsh visit www.secondmarsh.com There is a link on
that site that will take you to a trail map for McLaughlin Bay Wildlife
Reserve. Directions Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit (419) in Oshawa. Go
south on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to
the parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot close
to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario
waterbirds proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the
lakeshore.
I may be relocating to the Toronto or Hamilton area (from California). I grew up in upstate NY where there was a lot of open country and forest for me to bird in. How does the birding (and topography) compare to the Toronto area? Is it mostly city, or is there a good deal of green space?
I'm a 32 year birder but a Toronto novice, so any information you can offer would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much.
Greg
In Reply to: rfi posted by Phil Caudill on July 03, 2003 at 00:41:18:
...also keep in mind that this is a quiet birding time.
In Reply to: FWD: Request for Hummingbird Info posted by Bill Hilton Jr.(via B. Griffin) on July 03, 2003 at 10:12:58:
Your distribution map shows most areas to have "1 and below" hummingbirds. What does that mean exactly? Should I expect to see one per acre or one per 10 acres or...?
Spring through autumn, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) occur--and likely breed--across the eastern U.S. and into southern Canada. Most distribution maps indicate that RTHUs can be seen in Canada only within a hundred miles or so of the U.S. border. Nonetheless, through "Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project"( http://www.rubythroat.org ) we have received several reports of RTHUs coming to feeders much further north into Canada. To gain better understanding of the actual northern range of RTHUs, Operation RubyThroat is conducting a survey aimed at residents of and visitors to Canada. We are especially interested in RTHU nesting reports from the Canadian provinces and in information about the possible spread of RTHUs into British Columbia. If you live in Canada or vacation there and observe hummingbirds, please visit our survey information page at
http://www.rubythroat.org/FormCanadaRTHUMain.html and complete the form. Your data will be valuable in helping determine the actual distribution in Canada of one of North America's favorite birds. If you have questions or comments, please send them to mail to: questions@rubythroat.org. Thank you, and please forward this e-mail to folks in Canada who may be interested in submitting observations. We are especially interested involving Canadian students and teachers in this effort. Happy Hummingbird Watching! BILL
-- RESEARCH PROGRAM
c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director
Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History
1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA
research@hiltonpond.org, (803) 684-5852, eFax: (503) 218-0845 Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net):
Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at
http://www.hiltonpond.org
"Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project" at
http://www.rubythroat.org
In Reply to: rfi posted by Phil Caudill on July 03, 2003 at 00:41:18:
Phil: Where you go might depend somewhat on how you plan to get about. The High Park and Humber areas can be accessed by our public transit.You will see many interesting reports on those areas at this site. If you cycle, there are many trails through the Don Valley, and I have found that the densly treed side ravines,especially in the Rosedale area harbour many birds.The Leslie spit is a "natural" man made extention into the lake but in hot weather can be very challenging on foot.I suggest you view a map of the city and mark some of the places you hear about on this forum, then we can tell you how to get there. Have an enjoyable trip!
In Reply to: Black-crowned night herons? posted by Jennifer Burns on July 02, 2003 at 15:00:09:
They are just what you think, Black-crowned night herons. They are a regular in Toronto and occasionally we may even record a yellow-crowned night heron. I have seen more this year than previous years although I don't count.
I will be visiting Toronto late this month. I am planning to do some birding in the city while I'm there. Are there any parks or open areas that offer better birding that others? I would appreciate some advise on where to go in the city. Thanks.
P.Caudill
Santa Rosa, California
I think I saw some black-crowned night herons over the weekend (in High Park) and yesterday while canoeing on the Humber River. I've never seen these birds before. While they look vaguely like the pictures of black-crowned night herons on the Net, it's hard to tell - they looked like they were all one colour, almost beige-grey, with a black cap or crown. They were large - about a foot tall. And very solid-looking, not "herony" at all - more hawk-like - thick necks. They were solitary - I saw them one at a time, not in pairs or flocks. They flew very gracefully and majestically across the water. So, what were they exactly?
In Reply to: RFI - Sound from Scugog Bullrushes posted by Rick Lauzon on June 29, 2003 at 16:13:27:
Rick, Play that sound over again in your mind. Was it really a "knock-knock" (like the sound of bare knuckles on a wooden door), or was it more like "kek-kek"
Recently we have seen a great egret fly by the condo, coming from the area of Humber Bay East and going up the Humber river. Tonight we made a trip up the river and found a PAIR at the marsh adjacent to the cormorant colony (second marsh area going north from the mouth of the river). This is the third year in a row Great Egrets have been around and birders watching High Park ponds, Humber Bay East and Humber river marshes should keep an eye out for them.
While kayaking along the sea wall we noted a large black duck, all black and with the tail of a mallard. The head does have a green tinge in the right light. Feet are black and the size is about 11/2 the size of a mallard (side by side comparison tonight) It is frequently seen on the sea wall between Sunnyside pavillion and the mouth of the river. It reminds me of hybrids you see in SW USA , but I have no idea where the total black and size are coming from.
In Reply to: RFI - Sound from Scugog Bullrushes posted by Rick Lauzon on June 29, 2003 at 16:13:27:
Rick, I believe the proper response to "Knock, Knock" is "Who's There?" which should then elicit a typically corny joke. ;^) GC
In Reply to: RFI - Sound from Scugog Bullrushes posted by Rick Lauzon on June 29, 2003 at 16:13:27:
Hi Rick, possibly yellow rail? And did you mean cat tails ;-) ? BTW, do you see or hear any purple martins
while canoeing on Lake Scugog? I know there's a colony at Port Perry.
Al Johnston, Whitchurch-Stouffville
I have walked past the nest of the breeding Red Necked Grebes in Bronte Outer Harbour twice in the past week. I saw no sign of young, but today I saw two eggs on one side & one on the other side of the bird on the nest. Do I assume that there will be no young this year? The nest has been occupied for about 8 weeks now. Nic Avery
On June 28th, from 6 to 8 AM, I was canoeing in and around the extensive bullrushes in the south east of Lake Scugog. Many times and from many different locations I heard what I would describe as simply "knock-knock", a sharp rapping sound, occasionally with a third, weaker knock. Sometimes it seemed that there was an answering "knock-knock" from another part of the marsh.
I was birding, and saw and heard Least Bitterns, but the sound was not from any bird that I can imagine.
In Reply to: Two new Ontario breeeding birds posted by Jim Richards on June 22, 2003 at 22:22:48:
By going to google - images - and asking for these birds, I found many excellent pictures of both species. They are very pretty and clearly popular with photographers who are lucky enough to find them. I look forward to the whole story.
In Reply to: Re: Two new Ontario breeeding birds posted by Glenn Coady on June 24, 2003 at 18:51:13:
Wow, that's quite significant...thanks! BR
In Reply to: RFI posted by Rachel on June 26, 2003 at 10:05:54:
Here's the contact info: 566 Welham Rd.
Barrie, ON
L4N 8Z7
Tel: (705) 721-4444
Fax: (705) 721-4999
E-mail: du_barrie@ducks.ca Ducks Unlimited website: http://www.ducks.ca/index.html
I am looking for a site called 'Wellham Ducks Unlimited'in the Barrie area.
In Reply to: what was that huge bird ... posted by Peter Bedoukian on March 07, 2003 at 09:31:29:
I realize that this was posted a long time ago but I was scrolling and the re-line caught my eye. While looking through my field guide at the suggestions by others, the Northern Harrier caught my eye. I am in no way suggesting that this was the bird you saw (as it is described as a marsh bird) but I would like to know if anyone has ever seen this striking bird within Toronto limits?
In Reply to: Re: The Demise of posted by sherry on June 25, 2003 at 15:12:12:
Sherry, I know for a fact that this was not a retirement decision by Barry Mackay. He wrote a farewell column that made no mention that he was being terminated because he had no choice if he hoped to say any goodbye to his readers at all. This was simply a business decision by the Star - hopefully one which we will be able to clearly demonstrate the advantage of reversing. Thanks for taking the time to write to the Star. GC
In Reply to: Re: The Demise of posted by sherry on June 25, 2003 at 15:12:12:
Sherry, I can assure you, this was not the decision of the author. It was referred to as a cost-cutting measure. Given that it is the only national paper with a quality nature column worth looking forward to, one would think the cost would not be a factor for being unique.
In Reply to: The Demise of posted by Jim Richards on June 22, 2003 at 22:10:27:
I have sent off my e-mail to the Star! But are we sure that this is not the author's decision after 25 years? Toronto surely needs a nature column as more people walk....bike....hike for health and enjoyment and ought to be able to identify at least a few of the things they see along the way.........
In Reply to: Re: Two new Ontario breeeding birds posted by Bill on June 24, 2003 at 07:57:06:
"Bill", Nest record information provides infinitely more data about poorly understood breeding birds like Bohemian Waxwing and Pine Grosbeak in Ontario than does breeding evidence that does not involve finding the nest. An active nest provides the highest confidence of the suitability of an area for breeding by a given species. Things like precise suitable habitat matrix descriptions, nest construction materials, nest lining material preference, nest height, nest tree species selection, inter-species associations, intra-species competition/cooperation, extra-pair infidelity, egg dates, clutch sizes, incubation period, site fidelity, productivity, continuity of incubation, roles of the two sexes at the nest, prevalence of predation and/or parasitism, temporal feeding patterns, food preferences for nestlings, food gathering effort assessment, response to weather events, growth rates of young, period to fledging, number of broods per season, re-use of nest materials, and a myriad of other variables useful in assessing population viability and potential impacts of environmental change on local and overall population dynamics are more completely facilitated by nest records than by other forms of breeding evidence. Nest records allow the greatest amount of value-added study. GC
In Reply to: The Demise of posted by Jim Richards on June 22, 2003 at 22:10:27:
If the Star receives enough letters expressing concern over this loss, they may reconsider. Below you'll find the email address of the editor and the ombud. I am Ccing both with my letter, you may choose one or do the same. lettertoed@thestar.ca ombud@thestar.ca Even a short note will help! Thanks, David Shilman, Toronto, ON
We have a golden pheasant and a Chukar in Caledon Village. Everyone has been feeding the pheasant most of the winter, but the Chukar has shown up just recently. They are seen quite a bit on the East side of 10 hwy in the subdivision, but the Chukar crossed the road yesterday and went into the subdivision on the West side of the highway. People have been calling in the reports of these beautiful birds. Hope they survive, sure they will with everyone feeding them. We have some really interesting birdsightings in Caledon and a webpage with reports .. it's www.caledonmountain.boz.ca if anyone is interested in Country birds, lol.
We seem to have a Chukar and a Golden Pheasant in the Village of Caledon. The Pheasant has been fed by most of the residents in the village most of the winter...but now a Chukar has showed it beautiful self and everyone is scrambling to feed it as well. We have some very interesting birds and wildlife up here. There is a webpage in caledon that has birdsightings for the area, it's quite interesting what's happpening up here...www.caledonmountain.boz.ca if anyonen is interested.
In Reply to: European Goldfinch posted by Jane on June 23, 2003 at 12:37:12:
We have a European Finch feeding with the Regular Gold finches here in Caledon. He's been staying with the other finches and feeding with them for the past three years. He's been seen mostly along horseshoehill road which is actually Dixie road but north of the old base line...he's mostly seen north of the Grange sideroad. Very pretty bird, we have some pictures of him.
In Reply to: Re: Two new Ontario breeeding birds posted by Glenn Coady on June 23, 2003 at 13:53:19:
What is the significance of the nest find, if breeding was already confirmed? Thanks, BR
In Reply to: Great Horned Owl (wow!) posted by Carla on June 08, 2003 at 08:00:21:
Wow, very cool. I would have like to see that. B
In Reply to: Re: The Demise of posted by Glenn Coady on June 23, 2003 at 14:04:23:
Unbelievable...first Peter Whelan, now this. D
In Reply to: European Goldfinch posted by Jane on June 23, 2003 at 12:37:12:
Jane, Yes, as you assumed this bird is an escapee - still fun to see though. GC
In Reply to: The Demise of posted by Jim Richards on June 22, 2003 at 22:10:27:
Hello all, Yes, it is truly a tragedy that the Toronto Star has felt compelled to discontinue the last nature column in any Toronto or national daily newspaper. Barry Kent Mackay's column provided a comprehensive expertise level not found elsewhere in any other Toronto media forum on matters of wildlife and ecology. He is a very gifted writer and has a unique talent for simplifying often complex issues for wider public consumption with an economy of words and yet a clarity of ideas and purpose. I would urge all readers of this web site to register your complaints and ask that Barry Kent MacKay's very useful Nature Trail column be resumed again. Contact the Toronto Star with your complaints at: Managing Editor
The Toronto Star
One Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5E 1E6 or e-mail a letter to the editor for inclusion in the paper to: lettertoed@thestar.ca Please lend your voice to those wishing to have the Toronto Star reconsider this unfortunate decision. Glenn Coady
In Reply to: Two new Ontario breeeding birds posted by Jim Richards on June 22, 2003 at 22:22:48:
Jim, Thanks for your enthusiasm for the results of our very rewarding atlas trip to the James Bay coast north of the Swan River. As a point of clarification for others, I would note that both Bohemian Waxwing and Pine Grosbeak have long been included on the recognized list of Ontario breeding birds (see the Ontario Bird Checklist on the Ontario Field Ornithologists web page -http://www.ofo.ca/obrc/chcklst.htm) based on the discovery of dependent, fledged young in the past. The siginificance of our find was that we discovered the first actual nests in Ontario for both of these species - both represent first ever nest records for the respective species, as opposed to breeding records. We will be preparing articles on both of these first nestings for Ontario Birds in the future, as well as reports on the atlas web site (http://www.birdsontario.org) and for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas newsletter. Hopefully by tomorrow I will post a brief summary of our atlas trip on the atlas listserv (which can also be viewed via the atlas web page). Thanks for your interest and encouragement Jim, GC
I have an old bird book and this is my first visit here so perhaps these birds are common in Toronto but I was so excited to see this new and different bird. There was no doubt as he was feeding at the feeder and was quite close. Three of us saw him and we were all sure that is what it is.
He was quite a bully chasing everything else away. Perhaps he is a pet on the loose. Let me know.
In Reply to: Juv. Bald Eagle and Oldsquaw posted by Bill Halliday on June 21, 2003 at 14:21:25:
Bill, The Long-tailed Duck is a very rare summer species on western Lake Ontario. Most summers there are a few somewhere on the western Lake Ontario shoreline - likely non-breeders or injured birds that forego migration to the arctic. I have seen Long-tailed Duck in summer off either Sunnyside or Humber Bay in several different summers, some remaining right through the summer until the first migrants start arriving in the fall. GC
As many of you no doubt know (from the radio broadcast this morning on CBC Radio One), the list of Ontario breeding birds has just been increased by two species. As part of the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas project (Mike Cadman, Co-ord.)a crack team of birders (Mark Peck, Glenn Coady, Gerry Binsfeld and Karl Konze just returned from two brutal but enjoyable weeks on the northwest shores of James Bay (just north of the Swan River). The area is rich in birdlife but the conditions (willow thickets, spruce bogs and muskeg) make for difficult birding even for the most dedicated. In any event, among the impressive list of breeding birds they tallied, nests of two new species, Bohemian Waxwing and Pine Grosbeak were discovered. All of these skilled gentlemen are to be congratulated on their discoveries; a job well done. After all these decades of records keeping it is no small feat to add a new species to the Ontario breeding bird list let alone 2, and on one trip! Logisticts and travel for the trip were generously supplied by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; Ken Abraham and Lyle Walton in particular, and our thanks goes out to them as well.
It came as a complete shock to myself and countless other regular readers for the past 25 years that the Toronto Star decided to drop the weekly (Sunday edition) "Nature Trails" column so masterfully written (and never missed a deadline)by our own Barry Kent MacKay. How many columns discussed birds and other wildlife in a manner we could all understand. How many alerted us to the many injustices to our native wildlife at the hand of man. It was a sad day indeed when a national paper seen fit to drop the only regular nature column in a major Canadian newspaper. As a protest, after 30 years, I have dropped my subscription to the Star, written to the publisher and the managing editor. Finally, I am writing this short note in hopes that other nature and wildlife enthusiasts will make their collective feelings known to the powers that be, no matter how misguided, at the Toronto Star.
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY AND AREA for Sunday, June 22, 2003
Vanderwater Conservation Area, east of Thomasburg was the scene of considerable bird activity yesterday and today. A paddle down the Moira River from this site resulted in numerous birds being heard including NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, PILEATED WOODPECKER, COMMON RAVEN, BELTED KINGFISHER, ALDER FLYCATCHER, and GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER. In the former campground area at the far south end, there were up to 3 SCARLET TANAGERS singing continuously for two days, and numerous WOOD PEWEES. The highlight was a pair of BARRED OWLS last night at 10:00 p.m. that responded to our tape recordings, flew from the hardwoods across the Moira River, and called for more than 10 minutes from a tree directly above us.
A SCARLET TANAGER was also seen Wednesday on Main Duck Island. The island is located 12 miles off the southeast corner of Prince Edward County.
At Mountain View, it's more than a case of bats in the belfry; instead, it's a pair of AMERICAN KESTRELS nesting in the steeple of the Wesley United Church. The church is near the corner of Union Street and Cannery Road, in the hamlet located about 10 km south of Belleville on Highway 62.
Quinte Conservation's Monday evening guided hike will be taking place along the new Parrott Riverfront Trail in Belleville, leaving at 6:00 p.m. sharp from Victoria Park. The series will wrap up at Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area in Picton on June 29th, to be followed in July and August by evening canoe/kayak paddles. For more information please see the website given below.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte Area. Due to a total absence of bird reports, the weekly bird report is shutting down one week earlier than planned. The Quinte Area Bird Report will resume in September only if there is sufficient number of sightings to warrant it. Our thanks to those who have supported this effort during the past six years.
Terry Sprague Picton, Ontario tsprague@kos.net www.naturestuff.net
In Reply to: Juv. Bald Eagle and Oldsquaw posted by Bill Halliday on June 21, 2003 at 14:21:25:
Hello Bill; Earlier this year, in south-western Ontario, I sighted both an immature Bald Eagle and later an adult. The adult is quite easy to identify even at great distances. But the younger bird, lacking the white fore and aft, was no doubt a Bald Eagle due to it's immense size (that of a Turkey Vulture) and thrilling presence. Very exciting. I'm happy to note that the Bald Eagle appears to be increasing it's numbers in this province.
I've seen several Oldsquaw this winter in and around the Toronto harbour. It's refreshing to note you're using the old name Oldsquaw and not Long-tailed Duck.
While kayaking along the waterfront (Humber Bay) this past week, I saw a juvenile (? 1st year) Bald eagle on the breakwater (Wed evening). It was causing quite a stir with the gulls and flew off over High Park. While offshore (Friday evening) I came across a small group of Oldsquaw. Is there a small population that stay all year?
My "target bird" for the summer months is the Acadian Flycatcher--I've never seen one and was wondering if anybody out there could give me directions to one. I know they nest in the Wilson Tract area of Long Point but that's a big place! It would be nice if there is one closer to Mississauga where I live but I'm willing to travel to the Long Point area if need be. Im hoping to top 300 species before the summer is over: I'm at 295. Thanks. Brendan O'Sullivan
In Reply to: Need advice on Sibbald Point posted by Athena McKenzie on June 19, 2003 at 13:38:00:
Hi, I worked at Sibbald Point a few summers ago, and know the area pretty well...There are some marked trails, one of which passes by a small pond (there are often ducks here). As well, there are some wooded areas by the north shore where i've seen some good birds. Of note are Pileated Woodpeckers. I've seen them on 2 different occaisions, so keep an eye out for them. As well, the lake offers some opportunity to spot the odd Caspian Tern. Some other birds i've seen there include Red Eyed Vireo's, Yellow Warblers, Black Throated Green Warblers, Phoebes, Peewees, and many others. I hope this helps.
I will be in Sibbald Point Provinvial Park in a few weeks and was hoping for recommendations on hikes/areas that may provide an opportunity for bird-watching. The Toronto Ornithological Club has Sibbald listed as a Toronto "hot-spot" but won't be adding details until a later date. Any tips on species to keep an eye out for would also be appreciated. Thanks!!
In Reply to: Re: mystery birds reprise posted by Donna on June 19, 2003 at 10:14:21:
My thanks to Theresa Dobko for the Google site info!! Sorry again for the spelling error Theresa!!Have a Great Day All!! Happy Birding!! Donna
In Reply to: Re: mystery birds reprise posted by Lora Nelson on June 18, 2003 at 22:31:23:
Good Morning Lora:Your welcome!!I'm glad the pictures helped!Isn't it a wonderful site?!I found that site thanks to Teresa.She mentioned it in one of her messages so "Thanks Again Teresa!"I myself have never seen an Orchard Oriole but after looking at the pictures and checking my bird guides,I thought your description matched.I didn't see any orange! I hope this helps in solving your mystery? Happy Birding!! Donna
In Reply to: Re: mystery birds reprise posted by Derek on June 18, 2003 at 09:29:43:
Hi Derek From what I've read in the books the female Orchard Oriole shows no orange but the female Baltimore does. I know it wasn't a Great Crested Flycatcher because we get them around a lot so I'm really familiar with them.
I think they are one of our prettiest garden birds. When the sun shines on their yellow feathers they stand out like sore thumbs. I really like the GCF's a lot. Lora
In Reply to: Re: mystery birds reprise posted by Donna on June 18, 2003 at 14:53:01:
Hi Donna So far as I could tell from the pictures I looked at on Google and in my field guides there is no orange on the female Orchard Oriole. I saw the females of both species this spring and there was a definite difference. It was my first time for a female Orchard Oriole. Last year was my first time for a male. Thanks for pointing out Google. I'd never tried it before. Lora
In Reply to: Re: some bird posted by Theresa Dobko on June 18, 2003 at 06:23:40:
A few years ago we had a House Finch take over a nest previously constructed by a Robin atop our front porch light. Although, admittedly, a strange method of positive identification is to check the cleanliness of the nest site. Our Robin's nest was spotless throughout. But the House Finch did very little house-cleaning. Little droppings all over the place. Be prepared...and enjoy!
In Reply to: mystery birds reprise posted by Lora Nelson on June 17, 2003 at 21:51:16:
Hi Lora:I read your description and I think you may be right.It does sound like a Female Orchard Oriole.If you go to http://images.google.com/(thanks for the great site info Teresa!!) and type in female orchard oriole you will see some very good pictures of this bird!As far as I can see from these pictures there is no orange on a female Orchard Oriole.I hope this helps? Donna
In Reply to: mystery birds reprise posted by Lora Nelson on June 17, 2003 at 21:51:16:
Hi Lora, Great details. I may be wrong here but I thought that a female orchard oriole has some orange in it. If the bird stand more erect than a vireo then you may consider it being a flycatcher, a GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER comes to mind. Hope this helps.
In Reply to: some bird posted by paul hutchings on June 18, 2003 at 01:28:46:
Paul, from your description of bird and song it might be an orange variant of a House Finch. Every once in a while rather than being tinged with red around the head and upper back and on the rump, the male will be orange instead. The constant singing you describe also sounds like a House Finch. If you can find a book that shows the orange variant, or look on the Internet, say at Google, you might find it. Go to http://images.google.com/ and then type in the words "house finch orange" (with no quotation marks). You'll see an example of what your bird might be. Good luck Theresa
I could use some help here. a pair of birds have nested in a hanging plant we hung up from the balcony roof of our 18th floor apartment here in Toronto. The female is kind of plain, but the male is grayish-brownish with an orange head and some orange on his back just above his tail feathers. also, he sings very loudly - nice, but loud, especially at 6 a.m. anyone know what kind of birds these are? BTW at last count there were five eggs in the nest. We don't know anything about birds, but we're happy to have them here.
Hi all If we're thinking of the same badlands and I think we are I went on a university geography trips there when I was taking soils and land management courses. They are the result of bad farming practices (land clearing and livestock overgrazing) which allowed erosion to take over. It is an outcrop of the Queensland shale component of the Niagara Escarpment area.
Hi all I've been studying your replies and have come up with a few more details. It was olive-green on top, dark wings with prominent white wing bars and yellowish-green underneath. The top of the head was the darker green and its chin yellow-green. The breast and belly were yellowish-green as well with no hint of orange anywhere. The bill was dark. There were no eye rings so it wasn't any of the vireos that have green or yellow in them. There were no eye stripes either. It was also larger than a vireo. To me vireo's look a bit flat in profile and this bird wasn't like that. I looked at all my bird field guides and the closest fit seemed to be the female orchard oriole. I haven't seen one before so I wasn't 100% sure. I'm sure the other bird I saw was some sort of immature swan given the size, shape, colour and no trailing legs but I don't know which species it might have been. As for location. I live in the North Toronto area of Yonge-Eglingon & Yonge-Lawrence. We live on the edge of a ravine. At the top of the ravine it opens up into backyards and therefore is a large open area with mature trees. The bird was in the bushes at the side of the garden. As for the probable swan all I can say is that it was high in the sky and heading north. Too far away to hear any calls etc. Any further information anyone could give me would be apprciated. Lora
In Reply to: need Identification posted by Karl on June 17, 2003 at 19:15:15:
Karl, The closest I can come is bobolink, given the description you gave. What size was it and what area did you see it in -- woods , fields, marsh????
Al, Whitchurch-Stouffville
We had a what looked like a grackle but this one had longer white tail feathers and a white patch on the back of its neck. I have tried to identify but with no success. Can anyone help me with this. I live in Aurora.
In Reply to: Re: Help - Bird ID posted by Barbara on June 16, 2003 at 13:18:03:
Hi! I used to live at Spadina / St. Clair and frequently saw the Red-Tailed Hawk in that area. The radio / TV mast in the SE corner of the park is a favourite perch for the Hawk. Thanks,
Bruce
In Reply to: Re: Forks of the Credit Prov. Pk. posted by Mark Cranford on June 15, 2003 at 22:29:17:
I too went there in high school on a geography field trip!! Might I suggest, after visiting the Badlands, you make a stop in the tiny village of Terra Cotta for some afternoon tea in their quaint village inn. It's quite a nice way to break up the afternoon...and it's a great way to get some food into your system before heading back out into the field. Enjoy!
In Reply to: Forks of the Credit Prov. Pk. posted by Marcel Gahbauer on June 15, 2003 at 19:33:59:
The clay hills are on the Old Base line Rd. west of 10 hwy halfway between the second and third line on the south side. They are a glacier formation and are red and grey clay...really neat, lived here all my life and used to play on them years ago. The Old Base Line is two roads south of the Forks of the Credit Road on ten hwy. There is a set of traffic lights there and a service station with a restaurant called the coffee bean cafe...if you are going north then you would turn left or west and keep going about 5 minutes past two lines or consessions and half way between the second line and the third...on a hill the clay hills (really called the "BAD LANDS") are on the south side of the road or on the left. As for bird sightings and neat places to go there is a website in caledon with a birdsighting page with a lot of great sightings and locations for people to go. if you are interested in the caledon area and good info the website is www.caledonmountain.boz.ca go to the bulletin board where it says post your sightings and you will find all kinds of stuff... good luck and happy birding.
In Reply to: Re: Help - Bird ID posted by dave on June 16, 2003 at 13:10:25:
Yes, that's what it looks like. Thanks for your help. B.
In Reply to: Help - Bird ID posted by Barbara on June 16, 2003 at 13:03:56:
The most common large hawk in Toronto is the Red Tailed Hawk, see http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i3370id.html
for description. Larger than a crow but smaller than an eagle......
Hi - I am new to this and I have to confess I am not a birdwatcher. But I have been seeing some type of raptor bird (maybe a hawk?) circling around the St. Clair West and Spadina area, by Winston Churchill Park. I am curious to know what kind of bird is it. Thanks for your help.
In Reply to: large white birds posted by Ulla Weimann on June 12, 2003 at 11:37:21:
This weekend I saw a family of 9 mute swans close to where I saw the "large white birds". I guess those where my "pelicans". Thanks for your responses.
Ulla
Hellow,
On Wednesday 18.06. ( 6:15 PM) there will be a meeting under Evergreen (non profit). For the people who would like to work for this small ( 9.3 ha) park.
Barn swallows on the nests, lots of Red-Winged Blackbird's...
Jacek Pawlikowski.
The 2 of June I have been watching this species for about 20 minutes on Eglinton Flats ( South-East)side of intersection of Jane & Eglinton.
Jacek Pawlikowski.
P.S. I consider that it was important.
In Reply to: Forks of the Credit Prov. Pk. posted by Marcel Gahbauer on June 15, 2003 at 19:33:59:
Cheltenham Badlands are west of Inglewood and Highway 10 on Old Baseline Road . We used to find Pine Grosbeaks in the winter in an orchard converted into houses east off McLaughlin on the north end of Inglewood.
In Reply to: Black Crowned Night Herons - Tommy Thompson Park posted by Dan on June 15, 2003 at 14:50:43:
I was out there too...saw Spotted Sandpiper chick..it was tiny. Common Tern chicks were also a highlight of mine. 2 Canvasbacks still there also.
A few days ago I visited the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park for the first time (near Caledon; directions below). Very nice spot - I saw about 30 species of birds in a 2-hour period of mid-afternoon, even though I was more preoccupied with brushing up on vegetation identification than looking for birds! Highlights included Grasshopper Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, and Alder Flycatcher. The habitat* is a mixture of grasslands with a few forest fragments and plantations, plus a (formerly?) beaver-occupied pond part of the landscape as well (* this is just in the small area I explored - the park is much larger and may encompass other habitats too). The grassy areas look suitable for Harrier and/or Short-eared Owl - is anyone familiar with the area, and if so, have you seen either species there? On an unrelated topic, while driving in the Caledon area, I remembered a school trip in geography class many years ago in which we stopped at the "badlands" near Caledon - a remarkable rock formation off the side of a road with very crumbly red rock highlighted with light green striations (yes, at the time I knew the more scientific descriptions for the formation, but those are now long forgotten). If anyone knows of this site and can jog my memory as to where to find it, I'd appreciate the information. Marcel
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY AND THE QUINTE AREA
for Sunday, June 15, 2003 With the spring migration all but behind us in the Quinte area, this is the month when nesting bird activity is at its highest ebb as resident species continue to mark out their territory by song, defend their nests, and feed their young. The confusing calls of young birds fill the air as even those birds out of the nest continue to beg for food and train their voices. Some species, like the EASTERN PHOEBE, AMERICAN ROBIN and SONG SPARROW that may have nested earlier, will move into their second brood of the season.
Two AMERICAN REDSTARTS, in separate locations, were singing on Main Duck Island on Wednesday, suggesting occupied territory. Also in good numbers there Wednesday were at least a dozen BOBOLINKS in what is now being fondly known as the Bobolink fields for they are surely present in high numbers on each visit to the island. Also present on the island were both RED-BREASTED and COMMON MERGANSERS, MALLARDS, CANADA GEESE, COMMON LOONS, GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHERS, WARBLING VIREOS, RED-EYED VIREOS, FIELD SPARROWS, VESPER SPARROW and SAVANNAH SPARROWS. BARN SWALLOWS still had young in nests in both the abandoned light keeper's house near the lighthouse and in the blacksmith shop/net shed at the harbour.
At Sidney Conservation Area, south of Stirling, Monday evening, there was a good chorus of song for the traditional Monday evening hike with OVENBIRD, WOOD THRUSH, VEERY, WARBLING VIREO, RED-EYED VIREO and CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER calling.
A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER turned up at Smuggler's Cove Campground today, the first and only report of this species for Prince Edward County this year. Near Eldorado, three SANDHILL CRANES unexpectedly turned up, much to the delight of observers there.
An absence of reports has made it necessary to suspend the Quinte Area Bird Report for the season, with the posting of the June 29th summary being the final report. Hopefully, we can resume the weekly postings by the first of September.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Dorothy Romphs, Albert Boisvert, Kristen Walsh and Jeremiah Allen for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 22nd. 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 www.naturestuff.net
The weather was fantastic at Tommy Thompson Park today. There was a number of different species active, including a few Yellow warblers and Song Sparrows. A large number of Common Terns were present, some of them feeding their young on the rafts. There was a lot of Killdears, one of which had it's cute little young with it near the lighthouse...as well, we saw a Spotted Sandpiper. The highlight though had to be the Black Crowned Night Herons. There was a good number of them, both flying over, and nesting. Those were the highlights for the day.
In Reply to: Winged Migration posted by William D. Jack on June 14, 2003 at 12:24:54:
Hello Willie; Birds are fasinating creatures indeed. Your observations bring to mind an image i'll never forget. Many years ago while living in North Bay, Ontario my then father-in-law pointed upward indicating something high in the atmosphere. I trained my binoculars on three large birds that were grouped in a circle and were slowly spiraling up or down, i'm not sure which. They were so high up that they appeared "silvery" as an aircraft might. I had no idea what they were then and still don't now. I would have loved to have traded places.
I went to see the movie the other day. I was amazed at the altitudes that some of the geese flew at. Is there a reason that explains why they fly as high as they do? Do they pick their altitude from experience or is it based on the weather conditions?
BTW, it is a very good documentary. Many of the scenes are truly mind boggling. Willie
In Reply to: Re: large white birds posted by Al Johnston on June 12, 2003 at 12:28:54:
I don't know if this makes any sense....but, there actually have been sightings of Egrets up here in caledon area....I know, it's weird...but, hey...anything is possible. There have been several people that have reported them...could the white birds you saw be egrets???
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the week ending June 12, 2003 Spring Migration appears to be almost over. Two flocks of late shorebirds
were observed this week. Monday evening (June 9) a flock of 2 RUDDY
TURNSTONES, 3
SANDERLINGS and 2 SEMI-PALMATED SANDPIPERS were foraging on the sandspit
directly west of the east viewing platform. Thursday evening (June 12)
there was
another small flock feeding on the sandspit. It consisted of 1 WHITE-RUMPED
SANDPIPER, 3 RUDDY TURNSTONES and 9 SEMI-PALMATED SANDPIPERS. Waterfowl numbers are building in the marsh again with several bachelor
flocks. These flocks consist primarily of MALLARD, AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN
SHOVELLER and GADWALLS. The swan flock numbers in the marsh can now vary
greatly; a few dozen birds are now foraging on Lake Ontario off the east
side of the McLaughlin Bay Reserve. Both the TUNDRA and TRUMPETER SWAN
remain in the Second Marsh. Other species of waterfowl seen this week
include RED-BREASTED and COMMON MERGANSER, REDHEAD, LESSER and GREATER
SCAUP. The spawning run of Alewife into the nearshore areas of Lake Ontario has
brought 100s of gulls foraging off the Second Marsh, Darlington Provincial
Park and Oshawa Harbour. There were 2 immature BONAPARTE'S GULLS roosting
Wednesday evening (June 11) in the Second Marsh. Several COMMON TERN nests
are
now under way in the marsh and It appears CASPIAN TERNS may breed this year
as well. Daily courtship flights and even copulating birds have been
observed. A GREAT EGRET is putting in an almost daily appearance in the marsh this
week. Passerines observed on territory this week include GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER,
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BROWN THRASHER ( with fledged young), NORTHERN
MOCKINGBIRD, MOURNING WARBLER, several BALTIMORE and ORCHARD ORIOLES.
Our thanks for this week's contributors: Brian Brasier, Tyler Hoar,
Rayfield Pye, Jim Richards, Keith Sharp, and Wioletta Walancik Please send sighting reports to the attention of Tyler Hoar, (e-mail)
ww.secondmarsh@rogers.com no later than Thursday morning each week. For a trail map of Second Marsh visit www.secondmarsh.com There is a link on
that site that will take you to a trail map for McLaughlin Bay Wildlife
Reserve. Directions Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit (419) in Oshawa. Go
south on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to
the parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot close
to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario
waterbirds proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the
lakeshore.
In Reply to: large white birds posted by Ulla Weimann on June 12, 2003 at 11:37:21:
Saw many flying today..together and they had alot of white on them.
In Reply to: High Park - Great Egret? posted by Bruce on May 31, 2003 at 17:36:03:
I too saw the same bird at the same location as I drove past at @ 5:00 pm on June 12. My first impression was that it wasn't large enough for a Great Egret. The only other alternative might be a Snowy Egret? An immature Little Blue Heron seems unlikely at this time of year.
In Reply to: large white birds posted by Ulla Weimann on June 12, 2003 at 11:33:14:
Two things about the white pelican we get here (American White Pelican). They fly with their neck folded back -like herons- their bill is long & yellow The wing tips are black
Hope these point help, Derek
In Reply to: large white birds posted by Ulla Weimann on June 12, 2003 at 11:37:21:
Ulla, white pelicans are located not much east of Winnipeg. I have no idea what you saw if they weren't trumpeter or mute swans. Perhaps we'll hear from someone who knows.
Al
Last night from the Beaches I saw a straight row of large white birds out on the lake. After a while they took off in direction of Ashbridges Bay Park and the spit. They flew in a uniform line close over the water, much like the cormorants do. I did not have my binoculars and could not see any details. They did not look like swans.
Are there any pelicans in this area?
Ulla
Last night from the Beaches I saw a straight row of large white birds out on the lake. After a while they took off in direction of Ashbridges Bay Park and the spit. They flew in a uniform line close over the water, much like the cormorants do.
I did not have my binoculars and could not see any details. They did not look like swans. Are there any pelicans in this area?
Ulla
I should have posted this sooner but on Monday, June 9, 2003, I got off work early and decided to go to Lakeside Park in Mississauga for a walk - around 2 pm. I was surprised by the number of different bird species I found. They were as follows: Grackle, Starling, Red-wing Black Bird, Warbing Vireo, Goldfinch, Cedar Waxwing, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Robin, Baltimore Oriole, Gray Catbird, Song Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Ring-bill Gull, Canada Goose. There may have been others too, that I may have missed. A good day. Lakeside Park is on Lakeshore Rd. between Winston Churchill and Southdown
In Reply to: Palgrave - Bald Eagle, N Goshawk - Sat Jun 7 posted by Frank Pinilla on June 10, 2003 at 08:01:40:
Funny thing is, for us, it seems to be those unplanned outings, spontaneous walks, where we see the most striking sights. :-} Like the day we drove thru Algonquin Park last June, at the "wrong time" for seeing moose, and spotted 19 of them, along the highway. :-}
In Reply to: Palgrave - Bald Eagle, N Goshawk - Sat Jun 7 posted by Frank Pinilla on June 10, 2003 at 08:01:40:
Wow Frank. Sounds like a great day in the field. I will definitely keep that place in mind when I'm in that area. I saw my first bald eagle last summer in rural Burlington, Ontario. I was actually golfing when a male bald eagle flew over us (low to the ground, maybe 30 feet above us) heading directly towards the Niagara Escarpment less than 1km away. It was truly amazing. The bird proceeded to soar high over the escarpment for about 30 minutes...then we couldn't see it anymore. I'm still excited! I saw my second one in Florida this past winter...but that's another story!!!
In Reply to: Re: Downy Woodpecker Question (I.D.) posted by Dawn Phippen on May 29, 2003 at 21:28:02:
Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions. I just saw the female Downy this morning. She's as pretty as ever.
I'm not sure where this pair lives but they must be close as they do come and visit often. They are not shy at all and come within only a few feet of me...they are lots of fun to watch.
Hi All, This may be a little late but I did try posting it twice on Sunday morning and for some reason, it never got posted. I went for a walk at Palgrave C.A. on Sat Jun 7th and although I was only there for about 2 hours, had some pretty good birds. Only began around 3pm (not the best time for birding, but it was just a walk), the birds were quiet, but as I walked up Duffy's Lane beside a marshy wet area, had a pair of Hairy Woodpeckers, a female Northern Flicker at a nest hole, a couple of Veery and Swamp Sparrows singing and a little more distant to the east, a singing Alder Flycatcher. Then, as I watched a small flock of about 10 American Goldfinches, a male PURPLE FINCH sat up with them and began singing. Just after seeing a MINK cross the gravel road, I looked up at a couple of Turkey Vultures soaring and to my surprise watched a NORTHERN GOSHAWK soaring below them, got good looks at this bird as it circled (although a little distant), and THEN to top it all off, I saw a HUGE bird much higher up and, lo and behold, had an adult BALD EAGLE making it's way to the northeast, it circled a couple of times (could plainly see the white head & tail) and then continued NE. Not too bad for a summer afternoon (ok, FELT like summer). Good birding,
Frank Pinilla
Richmond Hill, ON Directions to Palgrave C.A. (west entrance):
Take Hwy 50 north from Bolton and just as you arrive at the small town of Palgrave make a left/west turn at Patterson Sdrd, after about 1km you will see Duffy's Lane on the right/north. Follow Duffy's Lane until you see a short laneway on the right which takes you to a small parking area, the gate will be closed but there are plenty of trails in the area. The area where I saw all the birds were actually ON Duffy's Lane at the swampy area just north of the small parking lot. The area can also be reached by going south from Finnerty Sdrd about 1km (along Duffy's Lane).
In Reply to: Re: saw strange birds in Durham Forest posted by Lloyd on June 09, 2003 at 15:39:22:
Hi Lloyd. Thanks for looking it up for me. My husband and I were actually in the thick of the forest and were being very quiet when we startled these birds, so maybe that's how we managed to get so close...? We didn't get to observe them on the ground, only in flight as they took off quickly and loudly - their wings were quite noisy. We looked up the American Woodcock today and are pretty sure these are what we saw. They were definitely chunky, dumpy looking birds, had long, skinny beaks, as well as the colouring described on a few websites. I thought one of them looked very fat, as though it may have been ready to lay eggs, but it was so quick that I can't be sure. I've never seen a bird like this, so it's quite exciting! If we encounter them again, I'll come back with updates! Thanks again.
Laurie PS We'll definitely pick up a new Field Guide!
In Reply to: Re: saw strange birds in Durham Forest posted by Al Johnston on June 09, 2003 at 08:47:09:
Thanks Al. We're pretty sure this is the bird we saw. Lucky us! Laurie
In Reply to: Re: Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the week ending, June 5 2003 posted by Keith Sharp on June 09, 2003 at 16:24:43:
Hello Keith With the marsh drawn down this year most shorebirds are using either the mudflats, gravel bar or the old creek channel spit. There has been shorebirds (primarily Ruddy Turnstones) using either the beach at the sw side of the marsh or(more likely) the sand/gravel beach which run along the south side of McLaughlin Bay. The weekly heavy rains we have been having has been covering up the mudflats almost as soon as they are exposed. Currently there are two areas which migrating shorebirds are using. 1) The gravel bar island in the sw corner of the marsh. This "island" tends to attract Whimbrel and the beach shorebirds (Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstones, and Red Knots) in migration.
2) The old creek entrance into the marsh. This is a sandy spit located directly west of the Viewing platform closest to the GM parking lot. The south end of this sandy spit tends to attract shorebirds daily in migration. When the water level lowers over the summer, there should be extensive mudflats for shorebirds heading south. Right now these mudflats are covered with 1-5 inches of water thanks to all the rain. Areas where mudflats will re-emerge are. 1) the south and sw west side of the sandy spit. 2) the nw side of the marsh between the 2 northern islands and the west side of the marsh and 3) The northern border of the marsh immediately adjacent to the cattails Right now northward bound shorebirds have mostly passed through. However some species are late this year due to delays in available food in Delaware Bay.
With today's strong NW/N winds some of these tardy birds were grounded in the marsh to await the winds to die down. There were 3 Ruddy Turnstones, 3 Sanderling and 2 Semi-palmated Sandpipers. As for the best time to of the day for viewing. I recommend dawn to approximately 10am on sunny days. Since you are looking west, the morning sun lights up the area nicely. In the afternoon and evening the Sun either makes the birds backlit or the heat shimmers make viewing difficult.
Also there was a Great Egret foraging along the north side of the marsh. Keith it sounds like you had a good time at the Second Marsh. If you could forward any future sightings from the Second marsh area I would be quite grateful. Cheers
Tyler
In Reply to: Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the week ending, June 5 2003 posted by Tyler Hoar on June 06, 2003 at 03:29:01:
Hi Tyler:
I took my first walk around Second Marsh on Sunday and was fascinated by the entire layout. I was puzzled thought by the location of the shorebirds. Are they located in the marsh itself or on Lake Ontario behind the marsh. Is there a preferred time to see them. I was at the Marsh about 10 a.m. on Sunday, saw a number of ducks, herons and terns but no shorebirds.
May seem a dumb question but your reply would help my next trip to the Marsh.
Sincerely
Keith Sharp
In Reply to: Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the week ending, June 5 2003 posted by Tyler Hoar on June 06, 2003 at 03:29:01:
Hi Tyler:
I took my first walk around Second Marsh on Sunday and was fascinated by the entire layout. I was puzzled thought by the location of the shorebirds. Are they located in the marsh itself or on Lake Ontario behind the marsh. Is there a preferred time to see them. I was at the Marsh about 10 a.m. on Sunday, saw a number of ducks, herons and terns but no shorebirds.
May seem a dumb question but your reply would help my next trip to the Marsh.
Sincerely
Keith Sharp
In Reply to: saw strange birds in Durham Forest posted by Laurie on June 08, 2003 at 21:21:15:
Hi Laurie; Wow. What a mystery. Your description has me spending some time in my field guides. I doubt you would get an opportunity to observe four Woodcocks only two meters away. Anything's possible of course but Woodcocks are prized game birds that, because of their habit of quickly "flushing" when startled, are usually heard then seen quickly flying off. A rather chunky bird, their beaks are quite long. If you haven't already done so, I heartily recommend that you and all readers invest in one (or several) of the excellent field guides that are available. Literally a lifelong friend, my Peterson Field Guide is over 40 years old. Happy birding!
In Reply to: saw strange birds in Durham Forest posted by Laurie on June 08, 2003 at 21:21:15:
Laurie, the bird that comes to my mind, from your description, is American woodcock.
Al Johnston, Whitchurch-Stouffville
Hi. I was at Durham Forest, southern Ontario and saw some birds that I am hoping someone can help identify. There were four birds, all on the ground in an area of dense saplings. They did not seem to be timid and only flew off when I was about 2 metres away. They had tails that were vertically stripped dark brown and orange. They were medium sized - about 10 inches tall. One flew back around towards us and was flying almost in a vertical orientation (it looked like a large hummingbird flying in). It also appeared to have a long beak (about 2 inches long). Any ideas? Thanks.
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY AND THE QUINTE AREA
for Sunday, June 08, 2003
This is advance notice that, due to July and August being traditionally slow months for birding, and with fewer people sending in reports during this period, the Quinte Area Bird Report will issue its final weekly summary for the season on June 29th, and will resume in September. Meanwhile, I will still appreciate any reports that people would care to e-mail me during the summer as these will continue to be entered in the Prince Edward County data base.
The big news this past week was the appearance of a male DICKCISSEL at a feeder on Highway 62, at the junction of Jericho Road. The bird, which was photographed, was present only for the day, and did not return. This is the first sighting since an individual was banded at Prince Edward Point in 2001.
Bird feeder operators across the Quinte area continue to enjoy periodic visits from INDIGO BUNTINGS and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS, accented by the arrivals of other backyard species nesting in the immediate area. There has been an interesting number of people reporting BROWN THRASHERS nesting in their backyards this year, a somewhat uncommon habit with this species. This is the season for relaxing in our lawn chairs when we can and just watching the parade of birds that do make their debut on the famed yard list. Today, a pair of MUTE SWANS passed noisily over 23 Sprague Road at Big Island, and a resident north of Belleville along the Moira River had a pair of CANADA GEESE with an amazing 17 goslings trail across her backyard.
ORCHARD ORIOLES were seen this past week at both Sandbanks Provincial Park at the entrance to the Woodlands Campground, and another ORCHARD ORIOLE interested in camping, at the entrance to
Adolphustown U.E. Loyalist Park. Two late BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS turned up at Huff's Island on June 6th, and a somewhat tardy OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was present at the Glenora Ferry landing at Adolphustown.
A Quinte Conservation staff hike at Sheffield Conservation Area, south of Kaladar on Friday, netted a few birds including a singing AMERICAN REDSTART and a PINE WARBLER in the parking lot, with CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER, LEAST FLYCATCHER, WOOD PEWEE, WARBLING and RED-EYED VIREOS, FIELD SPARROW, EASTERN TOWHEE, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS, and a VEERY also encountered during the 2-hour hike.
A VIRGINIA RAIL responded to a taped call at the H.R. Frink Centre, 9 km north of Belleville, on Monday night. Also seen during a 2-km guided hike there in the evening, attended by 28 people, were WOOD THRUSH, VEERY, WARBLING and RED-EYED VIREOS, SWAMP SPARROW, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK and GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER.
Other species reported during the week worthy of mention included OSPREYS at the Quinte Skyway Bridge along with a nesting pair atop a light standard in a ball park east of Waupoos, PILEATED WOODPECKER at Warkworth, RING-NECKED PHEASANT north of Napanee, and COMMON LOONS near Telegraph Narrows and in the Big Island Marsh.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to Sergio de Sousa, Colleen McLeod, Lloyd Paul, Carolyn Barnes and Frank Artes, Joanne Dewey, Evelyn & Doug Sloane, and Linda Ray for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 15. 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 www.naturestuff.net
My husband and I had a most unusual experience last night. We'd stepped out onto the deck about 9:30, for a cup of coffee, and noticed the robins were going a little nuts... flying back and forth and just squalking up a storm.
One robin flew up into one of the pine trees to the left of the house, and as I watched him fly into the tree, I noticed something odd about the branch, so I did a double take, and saw a great horned owl, sitting on the end of the branch.
We watched him for maybe 10 minutes, when he flew off the branch, across the yard and into the chestnut tree, with a loud crash. When he did that, 10-15 bats flew out of the tree, and seconds later, he flew out of the tree as well, with a bat in his claws! He flew back up to the same tree he was first spotted in, landed and sat there for a minute, then flew off across the corn field.
It was one of the coolest things I've ever seen, lol. Got a little bit of video, but sadly no pictures.
Happy birding!
Carla
http://groups.msn.com/WoodstockTavistockStratfordSightingsinNature
In Reply to: mystery birds posted by Lora Nelson on June 05, 2003 at 19:22:26:
The first bird may be some kind of vireo, it dosen't sound like an oriole. If you have any bird field guide lookup vireos (there are a few), if you don't then click on the link below. For the second bird it still could be a swan, an immature swan may not have the adult plumage yet (they tend to be greyish though). A crane has long legs and tends to trail them behind as it flies. Any more information about the birds could help in the id (eg. song, habitat, behaviour and location).
In Reply to: mystery birds posted by Lora Nelson on June 05, 2003 at 19:22:26:
Lora, you may actually have seen an immature swan (cygnet) which are a dingy grayish/light brown colour.
Al Johnston, Whitchurch-Stouffville
In Reply to: mystery birds posted by Lora Nelson on June 05, 2003 at 19:22:26:
Your location would be very helpful in determining the ID of these birds. David
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the week ending June 5, 2003. High nw winds on June 2nd grounded several hundred shorebirds and brought in
a few interesting species. In the evening of the 2nd, an adult PARASITIC
JAEGER flew in from Lake Ontario. It circled the marsh once then flew off
to the sw along the Lakeshore. It possibly could of been attracted by the
large numbers Ring-billed gulls roosting out of the wind in the marsh. The large shorebird grounding on June 2 consisted of 10 species including:
RED
KNOT (1), RUDDY TURNSTONE (15), SANDERLING (4), WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (2),
DUNLIN (92), SEMI-PALMATED (769), and LEAST SANDPIPER (36). By the evening
of June 3, only 54 birds of 5 species were in the marsh. By June 5, the
shorebird numbers have dwindled down to 10 birds including 1 RUDDY
TURNSTONE. Also seen this week was a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (30th). A GREAT EGRET was in the marsh on the evening of the 2nd. It was foraging
around the gravel island in the sw corner of the marsh. A few reports of BRANT last weekend. A flock of 63 were observed on the
afternoon of the 31st flying north over the marsh. The next day (June 1)
another
flock of 60 birds were observed. Swan numbers remain the same with 54-72
MUTE SWANS, 1-3 TRUMPETER SWANS and 1 TUNDRA SWAN seen daily. Small numbers
of
REDHEAD, LESSER SCAUP, WOOD DUCK and GREEN-WINGED TEAL observed this week.
The RUDDY DUCKS range between 5 and 9 birds. An adult BUFFLEHEAD was
seen on June 2nd. There is an increasing bachelor flock of MALLARDS. Within
this flock, BLACK DUCKS have now returned to the marsh, 2 birds (5th). Both COOPER'S ( McBWR) and SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS( Second marsh) were observed
on the 4th. Late passerine migrants seen this week included BLACKPOLL, WILSON'S AND
MAGNOLIA WARBLERS. Our thanks for this week's contributors: Brian Brasier, Glenn Coady, Durham
Rare Bird Line,
Tyler Hoar, Rayfield Pye, Jim Richards, and Wioletta Walancik Please send sighting reports to the attention of Tyler Hoar, (e-mail)
ww.secondmarsh@rogers.com no later than Thursday morning each week. For a trail map of Second Marsh visit www.secondmarsh.com There is a link on
that site that will take you to a trail map for McLaughlin Bay Wildlife
Reserve. Directions Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit (419) in Oshawa. Go
south on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to
the parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot close
to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario
waterbirds proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the
lakeshore.
In Reply to: mystery birds posted by Lora Nelson on June 05, 2003 at 19:22:26:
1. Possibly a female Scarlet Tanager:
http://www.enature.com/fieldguide/showSpecies_LI.asp?imageID=17411
2. Possibly a Sandhill Crane:
http://www.dongettyphoto.com/platteriver/cranes2.html
Those are my best guesses.
Barbara Taylor
Towards the end of last month I saw a couple of birds that I'm not sure about. The first one was definitely some sort of oriole. It was much too big to be a warbler. I thought at first that it was a female Baltimore Oriole but there was absolutely no hint of orange in it. It was basically I'd say a greenish yellow not orange. I thought it might be a female Orchard Oriole. Is that likely? The second bird was flying high overhead and at a distance. It was a cloudy day. My first thought on seeing it was 'swan'. It's neck was much too long to be a goose. However, when I looked at it through the field glasses it looked light brown. I know the light wasn't good but wouldn't a swan look white even in cloudy dull conditions. As far as I could tell there were no legs sticking out behind it. I definitely wasn't a goose though. Any ideas? Lora
In Reply to: Re: Mockingbird posted by Lloyd on June 04, 2003 at 20:17:07:
I'm betting that Lloyd might live in Hamilton or the Niagara region where they've had the pleasure of Northern Mockingbird records for quite some time. Mockingbirds are becoming much more common in the Toronto area and north, as their range spreads. If you check this page of the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas website, you can see how much they have spread in the past 20 years; http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/map.jsp?map=be&species=NOMO&no=5&ts=1054843722139 The yellow dots indicate records that are new to the current atlas. The area you mention Ulla is a known nesting site. David
This message is mainly for Mark Chojnacki, but anyone can reply. Are the Warblers mentioned in your resent posting still at Lake Wabukayne Mississauga? (I might take a look if I have the time)
In Reply to: Mockingbird posted by ulla on June 04, 2003 at 10:23:25:
Mockingbirds have always been with us both winter and summer but appear not to be seen as often as our more common Bluejays and Cardinals, etc. On the coldest day this winter I spotted one in our forsythia bush. While in Cuba a week later, I spotted several near our resort. A hearty bird indeed. The longish tail reveals a flash of white when flying.
In Reply to: Re: Mystery Bird posted by Lloyd on June 03, 2003 at 14:56:36:
Thanks everybody for your help and suggestions! There are a lot of cardinals (one of my favourite birds - that brilliant red!) in my neighbourhood so maybe it is a cardinal after all. I also thought it might be an oriole. For the past couple of weeks, I've been playing various bird songs on my PC, trying to identify my mystery bird - my coworkers think I've lost my marbles, LOL
There is mockingbird nest just north of the Lower Don bicycle path between Don Rd and Cherry Street. I have been watching the parents for a while on my daily ride to work and this morning I saw a chick (are their babies called chicks?) on a lower branch in a bush. I don't know how rare mockingbirds are here. This is the first year that I have seen them. There is another mockingbird in the new park south of Queen Street E and west of Woodbine where the racetrack used to be.
Ulla
In Reply to: Mystery Bird posted by Jennifer Burns on June 03, 2003 at 14:03:23:
Sounds like an oriole to me. I remember when I first started hearing the oriole, it sounded similar to the robin, but I knew there was something different about the pitch of the song. Slice an orange in half, stick it on a tree close to a window, and see if a gorgeous orange & black bird doesn't show up, singing that song. :-}
In Reply to: Mystery Bird posted by Jennifer Burns on June 03, 2003 at 14:03:23:
Sounds to me like Northern Oriole. Keep watching for this songster and put an end to the mystery. Cheers,
In Reply to: Mystery Bird posted by Jennifer Burns on June 03, 2003 at 14:03:23:
Hi Jennifer; I'm quite sure it is a cardinal. The common "cheer, cheer" call is one of at least two or three in this bird's repertoire. Your description is perfect. Sometimes the "Do keep'er, keep'er, keep'er" trails off. A beautiful bird to see and hear.
There's a bird living in my neighbourhood that I can't identify - I've only heard it, I've never seen it. It sings a loud, rather robin- or cardinal-like song, but it's definitely not a robin and I'm almost positive it's not a cardinal, as they usually sing, "What cheer! What cheer!" or "Cheer!". The mnemonic I would use to describe this mystery bird's song is a loud "Ju-lie, Ju-lie! Do keep'er-eep'er-eep'er". I'm really curious to know what this bird is - does the call sound familiar to anybody?
At 7:20pm an adult Parasitic Jaeger flew in from Lake Ontario. It Circled
the marsh once then flew off to the SW along the Lakeshore. With strong N winds, there was a diverse and sizable fallout of Shorebirds.
The beach birds( Sanderling, Knot, and Turnstone) were on the Gravel bar in
the sw area of the marsh and on the Sand spit directly west of the GM
viewing platform. Most of the shorebirds were in the newly re-emerging
mudflats along the north side of the marsh. Highlights 962 shorebirds of 10 species including:
Red Knot(1), Ruddy Turnstone(15), Sanderling (4), White-rumped Sandpiper
(2), Dunlin (92), and Semi-palmated Sandpiper(769) Other Species seen tonight include: Ruddy Duck, Common Loon, Tundra Swan,
Bufflehead, Greater and Lesser Scaup, Wood Duck, Great Egret, and Green
Heron
In Reply to: Re: Identification posted by David Shilman on May 31, 2003 at 10:24:49:
Paul, if you follow up with this by checking a field guide and figure out what it is/was, let us know!
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY AND THE QUINTE AREA
for Sunday, June 01, 2003 Heavy, lush foliage on the trees now has made birding in some of the more popular birding areas a little more challenging. Sound oriented birders with trained ears continue to chalk up respectable lists and are still finding good numbers of warblers and other migrants in the area. On Monday, an impressive 20 species of warblers were tallied by observers at the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area with MOURNING WARBLER, WILSON'S WARBLER, CERULEAN WARBLER, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER ranking high among the species seen. One observer described the din of 20 BLACKPOLL WARBLERS there as "deafening." On Thursday, there were still good numbers about and observers that day found 15 warbler species. Other good finds included 50 RED-EYED VIREOS, 4 PHILADELPHIA VIREOS, a GREEN HERON, 3 SWAINSON'S THRUSHES and a GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH. Other observers yesterday added SEDGE WREN and both ALDER and WILLOW FLYCATCHERS.
A trip to Main Duck Island on Wednesday, located 12 miles out in Lake Ontario from Prince Edward Point produced SCARLET TANAGER, several BLACKPOLL WARBLERS, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, CHESTBUT-SIDED WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, FIELD SPARROWS, and a VESPER SPARROW singing at close range near the old John Foster Dulles cabin site. Large numbers of BARN SWALLOWS are once again nesting in the abandoned light keeper's house at the point, as well as in the net shed and blacksmith shop at the harbour.
Birds reported from the Trenton area on on Thursday included BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, OSPREY, COOPER'S HAWK, NIGHTHAWK and SORA.
This is the nesting season and among the various species reported during the week either nesting or claiming territory was a pair of WOOD DUCKS just west The Rock along the north shoreline of Prince Edward Bay. However, there is still good birding to be had at most feeding stations in the area. There are still good numbers of ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS patronizing feeders ( a gold variant is coming to one feeder at Waupoos). A COOPER'S HAWK was seen doing a little birdwatching of its own at a feeder on Ridge Road, and the same residence had a GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER at the window. A Bloomfield feeder this morning enjoyed a visit from an ORCHARD ORIOLE, with the same feeder also attracting BALTIMORE ORIOLE and a NORTHERN CARDINAL. In Belleville, Maitland Drive back yard regulars have included SONG and FIELD SPARROWS, WILD TURKEYS, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, EASTERN MEADOWLARK, BROWN THRASHER, and nesting EASTERN BLUEBIRD. Oh, to have a backyard like that!
Two adult BALD EAGLES, seen in the Milford area, were definitely of interest this past week, as was a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, heard at Prince Edward Point on Monday. There was a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO at Deroche Lake on Saturday, a huge piece of property owned by Quinte Conservation, east of Thomasburg. VEERIES, WOOD THRUSHES and HERMIT THRUSHES were in good supply there, and also found were SCARLET TANAGER, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, BLACKPOLL WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART, WARBLING VIREO and RED-EYED VIREO. At one location along the the wooded shore of Deroche Lake, two RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS called as they circled above, and a BARRED OWL called several times. While rejoicing in the discovery of these species, a VIRGINIA RAIL called from the marshy shoreline. Other birds seen here during the week included both BLUE-WINGED and GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER, CEULEAN WARBLER and LEAST BITTERN. Definitely an area worth birding if you don't mind roughing it through lots of slippery mud and following deep ATV trails and avoiding thorny bushes. The area is located at the east end of Vanderwater Road but visitors are cautioned to come with topo maps to find your way around.
Belleville Marsh on Monday night, despite a steady rain, produced SWAMP SPARROW, YELLOW WARBLER, RED-EYED VIREO, WARBLING VIREO, CHIMNEY SWIFT, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, BELTED KINGFISHER, MALLARD, CANADA GOOSE, GRAY CATBIRD, as well as two COMMON MOORHENS in the west pond beside the trail. The guided hike tomorrow evening (Monday) will be at the H.R. Frink Centre, 9 km north of Belleville, off Highway 37 on Thrasher Road, commencing at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Those attending must register by e-mailing tsprague@kos.net .
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our thanks to David Bree, Fred Chandler, Mary Hart, Julie Hymus, Lloyd Paul, Paul Thompson, Bon Sachs, Donald McClure, Laura Pierce, Hank Vos, Jack Lashley, Marlene Bulpit, Mia Lane and Bill Ogden for their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 08. 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 www.naturestuff.net
This afternoon about 2:40 p.m., while leading my R.O.M. birding class, we spotted a flock of 63 Brant flying north over Oshawa Second Marsh. The birds circled over the marsh once and then headed west out of sight towards Whitby Harbour. GC
In Reply to: Identification posted by Paul on May 31, 2003 at 10:19:41:
It sounds like it's a house finch. The males are that colour and the females are brown. I wouldn't think it's a red poll as they have headed north a while ago. And their bodies are more grey than brown. The stoke's book, the beginner's guide to birds for the eastern region is a really good little book for quick identification. If you see a red bird, you go to the section with the red dots, if you see a blue bird, you do the same with the blue dotted section, etc. etc. etc. There are a lot of books out there with good Identification pictures in them.I favor the stokes book because of such a quick reference and it's small. Good luck and Happy Birding.
In Reply to: Identification posted by Paul on May 31, 2003 at 10:19:41:
With the sparrow size and the pinkish tinge to the body as well as the reddish head, could it be a House Finch?
Driving along The Queensway early this afternoon, looking into High Park, I saw what appeared to be a Great Egret at the duckpond (S.E. corner of the Park). Unfortunately I didn't have time to stop and confirm my sighting so can only narrow it down to "a large white heron". I know there were various reports of Great Egrets in this area last year but I haven't read anything this year, so far. Has anyone else seen this bird? I also spent an hour or so dodging the rain in the Park this morning finding not much except for a cluster of Blackpoll Warblers (5 or 6) and a single male Scarlet Tanager in Hillside Gardens. Thanks,
Bruce
Over the last week a pair of catbirds have been visiting my backyard. I live on the edge of the escarpment with a fairly wooded property. The two birds first caught my attention because they were not afraid of me, i was able to get within a few feet without any difficulty at all. I have since noticed on several occasions the birds eating mushrooms that grow throughout our garden. I have watched very closely to see if they are eating insects on the fungus but even with binos i dont see any. Is this normal behaviour for catbirds or any birds? My guess that i can get real close is that they are somewhat intoxicated. Has anyone else seen this type of behaviuor before?
In Reply to: Identification posted by Paul on May 31, 2003 at 10:19:41:
Check out Common Redpoll in your guide. David
You don't have a field guide?...GET ONE! ;-)
Greetings all A couple of weks ago the list was very helpful in identifying a grosbeck for us. Now we have a little sparrow sized bird with a red top on his head feeding at our feeder. It doesn't have a woodpecker beak. The body is brown has a slight pinkish tint to it as well. It has come to our feeded in Newmarket at least twice. Any ideas? Thanks
Paul
Oshawa Second Marsh: On Sunday evening (May 25) an ARCTIC TERN was seen by 4 observers. It was
sitting on a log in the west side of the marsh directly across from the east
viewing platform.It left the marsh towards the southwest at 7:26pm. COMMON
and CASPIAN TERNS numbers are building in the marsh. Both species have been
observed over the last week performing courtship flights. BLACK TERNS (1-2)
have become infrequent visitors to the marsh this week. On May 25 there were
4 LITTLE GULLS (1 adult and 3 immature) and a dozen immature BONAPARTE'S
GULLS. Both species also now making sporadic appearances at the marsh. A
lone immature LITTLE GULL was observed on May 29. With all the rain this past week most visible mud flats from last weekend
have been covered with a few inches of water. Shorebird numbers are changing
daily. Thursday evening (29th) there were 94 RUDDY TURNSTONES, 113
DUNLIN, 33 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. Over the past weekend 'till May 25
(evening) there were small flocks of WHIMBREL(13-36 birds) resting in the
marsh. Saturday evening (24th) Geoff Carpentier reported 155 WHIMBREL in the
marsh. Other species of shorebirds observed this week include SANDERLING,
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, STILT SANDPIPER, SOLITARY
SANDPIPER, and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. Swan numbers still remain high with 78 MUTE SWANS, 1 TUNDRA SWAN and 3
TRUMPETER SWANS ( R39 and two unbanded birds) in the marsh on May 29th.
GREATER and LESSER SCAUP continue to loiter either in the southern part of
the marsh or just south in Lake Ontario. REDHEAD, RUDDY DUCK and
GREEN-WINGED TEAL have been seen in small numbers this past week. McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve: The Cool Hollow area continues to attract warblers including ORANGE-CROWNED,
WILSON'S, BAY-BREASTED, TENNESSEE, BLACKPOLLS and BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS. 2
CLAY-COLOURED SPARROWS were singing early in the week. The flowering shrubs
along the south side of the GM office parking lots are still attracting
numerous RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS. Several ORCHARD ORIOLES, WILLOW
FLYCATCHERS and GRAY CATBIRDS have now set up territories throughout the
reserve. Darlington Provincial Park: A lone BRANT was seen off the beach on May 23. Please send sighting reports to the attention of Tyler Hoar, (e-mail)
ww.secondmarsh@rogers.com no later than Thursday morning each week. For a trail map of Second Marsh visit www.secondmarsh.com There is a link
on that site that will take you to a trail map for McLaughlin Bay Wildlife
Reserve. Directions
Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit (419) in Oshawa. Go south on
Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to the
parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot close to
the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario
waterbirds proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the
lakeshore.
In Reply to: Downy Woodpecker Question (I.D.) posted by Caven on May 29, 2003 at 16:37:19:
Just a suggestion - but you might like to try either the Sibley's guide, or the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) Guide to Birds of Ontario. We have both, use both, and we think they're great. The Sibley's has pictures of both male and female, perched, in flight, first years, etc. It's been a real good resource to have - while the ROM has actual photographs - which is sometimes more helpful than colored sketches.
In Reply to: Re: Downy Woodpecker Question (I.D.) posted by Theresa Dobko on May 29, 2003 at 18:27:23:
One of the best little books is the beginners guide of eastern birds by Stokes. It's pocket size and has photographs of both the males and females. It is very simple to use as it's colour coded. If you see a red bird, you go to the red dotted pages, if you see a brown bird you go to the pages with brown dots...etc etc etc. Anyway, if a male and female are two different colours etc..and you are looking for a red bird for instance, like a purple finch it will show the male in a big picture and the female in a smaller picture in the corner, but it will show you what page in the brown dot section you will find her, as she is a brown bird...and there you will find a big pictue of her with the small picture of the male with page number for him. Anyway it tells a lot of information for a little book too. It has pages for green coloured birds, blue coloured birds, black birds, black and white, black and red and white, white, etc etc. Hope this helps out.
In Reply to: Whimbrel Colonel Sam Smith Park posted by Craig McLauchlan on May 25, 2003 at 08:59:16:
Hi;
Are you still seeing Whimbrel at Colonel Sam Park?
I have Friday off and was going to head down that way.
Thank You.
Robin
In Reply to: Downy Woodpecker Question (I.D.) posted by Caven on May 29, 2003 at 16:37:19:
You were seeing the male with the red crown, and the female with no red crown. That's how you can tell them apart. you were looking at a pair, or couple if you wish :)
In Reply to: Re: Cardinal Imposter? posted by Caven on May 28, 2003 at 17:49:54:
The funniest thing... Last night about 8:30 as we were sitting on the deck, enjoying the end of the day, guess who flies through the yard and lands in the birch tree, right in front of us? :-} Of course I dont know if he is the same one I've been hearing, or if he was just passing thru, but regardless, he was a brilliant red, a real looker. I do hope he decides to hang around and show himself more often.
In Reply to: Downy Woodpecker Question (I.D.) posted by Caven on May 29, 2003 at 16:37:19:
The bird you saw was a female Downy Woodpecker if identical in size and appearance in every other way. The female does not have the red on the crown. If you can afford it, it would be good to get a book that shows males and females for all species as they are frequently different in some respect. My personal favourite is the National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America but it is a bit weighty to carry around. Other people use Peterson's Birds of Eastern America. Nice to see a pair of Downy Woodpeckers. Maybe if you can follow their movements you will see them nesting.
The Kestrels that returned to their nesting site above my office on May 1st, have hatchlings in the nest today! I can hear them...,I have been watching eaglecam on the net and wonder if anyone is using time-lapse picturing in the Toronto area. I would like to set up a Kestrel-Cam next year.It seems it is not too hard to get sponsors for equipment and power.It is quite facinating to see real nests in real time as far away as Alaska!
Hi everyone,
This afternoon I was watching a downy woodpecker pecking at my dying apple tree. It was soon joined by a second Woodpecker...which looked like a Downy as well. What I found interesting is that the second Downy did not have any red on it's crown whatsoever...it was only Black and White in colour but the markings and size were identical to the first Downy (minus the red crown). I looked in my reference guide and I couldn't find a picture of any woodpeckers with this description. Do Downy Woodpeckers sometimes lack the red crown or did I see something very unusual?? Can anyone please help me. I also thought it might be the female however I couldn't find a picture of the female in my book suggesting that Male and Female look identical. Maybe someone can answer that as well. Thanks for your help guys.
In Reply to: Re: Cardinal Imposter? posted by Carla on May 28, 2003 at 05:55:02:
I'm sure he'll turn up Carla. Just keep looking up!! Yeah, we sure do have a lot of them...when I said I see 30 in an afternoon I meant 30 sightings not 30 all at once....but I'm guessing you got that. Our backyard must be a favourable habitat for them...we live in a mature area with large lots and many trees.
In Reply to: Re: Merlin in Whitby Front Yard! posted by Glenn Coady on May 27, 2003 at 15:16:45:
Glenn, Thank you for your kind words about my Dad, I will talk to him, and possibly we can look for it again. It was a beautiful looking bird, and it would be a delight to see it once more. I will pass on the web-site info to my Dad. Sincerely, Katie
In Reply to: Re: need help I.D.ing a bird posted by Tony Beck on May 26, 2003 at 18:39:11:
Hi Tony,
I viewed this bird from a screened window and I was afraid to move and startle it. He was under a suet feeder where I also have been throwing some apple chunks. The suet feeder which I hang from a big lilac tree really looks untouched since I put it up two weeks ago. He was definitely pecking at the same area on the ground for a few minutes. When it lifted his head I swear I thought this poor bird had been scalped. The whole head was smooth and red and it did have that dark band across its chest. Not sure about any other colouring. He was on a slope and that was all I could see. A long beak. I thought he was quite unusual looking, but I have only seen your usual hairy and small downy ones. I live in Dundas along a creek and a very wooded area. Now whenever I leave my home I make sure I have my camera. Will he come back? Is this his area? I sure hope so.
Ramona
In Reply to: Re: Cardinal Imposter? posted by Caven on May 28, 2003 at 00:15:48:
wow... 30 in one afternoon! They're one of our favorites too, which is why it's become a bit frustrating that we *hear* one every day, but very rarely see one here in the yard. We have a bird call, that we've used many times to create different types of calls, and they do respond to that too.
In Reply to: Re: Cardinal Imposter? posted by Paul on May 27, 2003 at 06:50:20:
Gotta love those cardinals!! Luckily where I live my neighbourhood is chalk full of them. I almost see one everyday and sometimes as many as 30 in one afternoon. They are quite social and readily respond to my whistles...they are one of my faves!
In Reply to: Merlin in Whitby Front Yard! posted by Katie Wood on May 25, 2003 at 14:03:47:
Katie, Your father is an excellent photographer and a very good nest finder. The Merlin is experiencing a rapid southward expansion of its range through south-central Ontario the last 10 years. I have for some time been predicting the Merlin to be added to the list of confirmed breeding species within the Greater Toronto Area (which would be new for the checklist). For a map that outlines how extensive this new range expansion into our area has become and the change in the last 20 years based on atlas data, please see the following web page which shows the results for Merlin in our area from the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas with comparison to the last atlas 20 years ago. http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/map.jsp?map=be&species=MERL&no=7&ts=1054062188760
I am the regional coordinator for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas for Region 12 (Toronto). Should you see this Merlin again please let me know and I will organize a search to see if it is breeding locally near you. Perhaps with a little searching you and your father might make a little local ornithological history. GC
In Reply to: Re: Cardinal Imposter? posted by Carla Rolfe on May 27, 2003 at 06:42:33:
Hi Carla We are in "historic" Newmarket (read- old part of town) and heard what we now know as the cardinal call for about 3 years before we saw one at our feeders. For the last two years they have visited regularly! You may also have a shy one that has to work up his/her nerve! When he showed up last year he wasn't the prettiest specimen. This year he looks great. Paul
In Reply to: Re: Cardinal Imposter? posted by Wayne Glump on May 26, 2003 at 16:31:44:
Thanks for the replies everyone... I'll keep looking, and see if I can't find this sneaky little birdie. :-}
In Reply to: Re: Cardinal Imposter? posted by David Shilman on May 26, 2003 at 12:24:29:
We're just north of Woodstock, on hwy 59. As I said, we have had cardinals here before, they're just not 'regulars'. The calling I'm hearing, is every day.
Re: >700 Blue Jays
Posted by David Shilman on September 26, 2003 at 13:32:34:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
place to watch birds
Posted by Sam on September 26, 2003 at 10:41:45:
64.231.115.124
-- 64.231.115.124
Re: >700 Blue Jays
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 26, 2003 at 07:58:00:
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
Re: Help to ID migrating? bird
Posted by Gail Christoff on September 25, 2003 at 20:52:07:
209.29.143.207
-- 209.29.143.207
Re: >700 Blue Jays
Posted by John Bacon on September 25, 2003 at 20:14:40:
63.139.236.109
-- 63.139.236.109
Re: >700 Blue Jays
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 25, 2003 at 18:16:06:
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
Re: >700 Blue Jays
Posted by David Shilman on September 25, 2003 at 18:03:00:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Re: >700 Blue Jays
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 25, 2003 at 17:52:36:
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
>700 Blue Jays
Posted by David Shilman on September 25, 2003 at 16:57:35:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Pileated Woodpecker At Col Sam Smith Park
Posted by Brian Bailey on September 22, 2003 at 22:40:29:
64.231.0.14
-- 64.231.0.14
Re: Juv. Tufted Duck at Humber bay east park
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 22, 2003 at 10:28:43:
142.76.82.157
-- 142.76.82.157
Re: Mourning Dove Disease?
Posted by Colleen on September 21, 2003 at 20:59:23:
209.250.153.20
-- 209.250.153.20
Re: White House Sparrow
Posted by Granny on September 21, 2003 at 12:58:50:
216.138.230.57
-- 216.138.230.57
Re: Missing Birds
Posted by B. Griffin on September 21, 2003 at 12:41:27:
216.192.85.2
-- 216.192.85.2
Re: Mourning Dove Disease?
Posted by Terry Sprague on September 21, 2003 at 05:51:43:
199.246.2.11
-- 199.246.2.11
Juv. Tufted Duck at Humber bay east park
Posted by Craig Mclauchlan on September 20, 2003 at 19:20:18:
64.228.116.22
-- 64.228.116.22
Good Birding at Rattray Marsh
Posted by Derek Lyon on September 20, 2003 at 19:19:01:
149.99.113.239
-- 149.99.113.239
Missing Birds
Posted by E. Bartlett on September 20, 2003 at 18:57:37:
24.112.214.176
-- 24.112.214.176
Re: White Pelican
Posted by Andrew Don on September 19, 2003 at 14:18:05:
24.141.13.173
-- 24.141.13.173
Mourning Dove Disease?
Posted by Colleen on September 17, 2003 at 07:46:10:
209.250.153.20
-- 209.250.153.20
Re: Rattray Marsh
Posted by Colin Walker on September 16, 2003 at 16:06:37:
209.250.153.20
-- 209.250.153.20
Re: Help to ID migrating? bird
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 16, 2003 at 11:20:49:
156.34.87.165
-- 156.34.87.165
Re: Help to ID migrating? bird
Posted by Glenn Coady on September 16, 2003 at 11:20:40:
156.34.87.165
-- 156.34.87.165
Re: Scarbrough Bluffs Eagle?????
Posted by Fleming on September 15, 2003 at 20:56:09:
24.226.14.146
-- 24.226.14.146
Re: Help to ID migrating? bird
Posted by Fleming on September 15, 2003 at 20:49:23:
24.226.14.146
-- 24.226.14.146
Rattray Marsh
Posted by Brian Bailey on September 14, 2003 at 23:46:06:
64.231.221.6
-- 64.231.221.6
Egrets, Herons at High Park
Posted by Steve on September 14, 2003 at 10:46:35:
64.229.9.26
-- 64.229.9.26
Re: Disappearing House Sparrows
Posted by Al Johnston on September 13, 2003 at 13:16:53:
64.228.47.189
-- 64.228.47.189
Re: Disappearing House Sparrows
Posted by Gail Christoff on September 13, 2003 at 09:32:03:
209.29.143.230
-- 209.29.143.230
Help to ID migrating? bird
Posted by Gail Christoff on September 13, 2003 at 09:19:04:
209.29.143.230
-- 209.29.143.230
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the SEPTEMBER 5 - SEPTEMBER 11, 2003 period.
Posted by Tyler Hoar on September 12, 2003 at 07:49:15:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Re: migration begins?
Posted by Gail Christoff on September 11, 2003 at 20:27:08:
209.29.143.238
-- 209.29.143.238
Re: Scarbrough Bluffs Eagle?????
Posted by Athena McKenzie on September 10, 2003 at 12:11:21:
207.35.129.66
-- 207.35.129.66
Re: Scarbrough Bluffs Eagle?????
Posted by Richard H. on September 09, 2003 at 23:11:36:
63.139.247.176
-- 63.139.247.176
Re: Scarbrough Bluffs Eagle?????
Posted by John Bacon on September 08, 2003 at 21:57:01:
63.139.236.109
-- 63.139.236.109
Scarbrough Bluffs Eagle?????
Posted by Richard H. on September 07, 2003 at 22:51:19:
66.185.84.70
-- 66.185.84.70
Re: White House Sparrow
Posted by David Shilman on September 05, 2003 at 21:50:36:
66.185.85.77
-- 66.185.85.77
Re: RFI: Raptor
Posted by Melissa on September 05, 2003 at 08:17:33:
209.226.152.179
-- 209.226.152.179
White House Sparrow
Posted by Stanley Feenstra on September 04, 2003 at 19:05:56:
64.228.40.169
-- 64.228.40.169
Re: RFI: Raptor
Posted by John on September 04, 2003 at 12:35:42:
216.208.162.70
-- 216.208.162.70
Re: RFI: Raptor
Posted by John on September 04, 2003 at 12:35:38:
216.208.162.70
-- 216.208.162.70
Re: RFI: Raptor
Posted by Melissa on September 03, 2003 at 20:55:52:
206.172.56.84
-- 206.172.56.84
Re: RFI: Raptor
Posted by Derek on September 03, 2003 at 15:02:44:
209.151.130.21
-- 209.151.130.21
Re: RFI: Raptor
Posted by Derek on September 03, 2003 at 14:59:46:
209.151.130.21
-- 209.151.130.21
Re: RFI: Raptor
Posted by RFI : Raptor on September 01, 2003 at 10:49:54:
209.226.185.96
-- 209.226.185.96
Re: RFI: Raptor
Posted by Lloyd on August 31, 2003 at 22:22:47:
64.231.219.30
-- 64.231.219.30
RFI: Raptor
Posted by Melissa on August 31, 2003 at 20:03:37:
209.226.185.18
-- 209.226.185.18
Re: Dragonflies!
Posted by David Shilman on August 31, 2003 at 17:09:51:
66.46.141.75
-- 66.46.141.75
Re: Dragonflies!
Posted by Dawn Phippen on August 31, 2003 at 16:45:46:
64.228.32.53
-- 64.228.32.53
Re: Blue Jays, has anyone seen any lately?
Posted by Dawn Phippen on August 31, 2003 at 16:41:50:
64.228.32.53
-- 64.228.32.53
Re: White Pelican
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on August 30, 2003 at 10:57:51:
209.29.88.140
-- 209.29.88.140
Re: White Pelican
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on August 30, 2003 at 10:53:08:
209.29.88.140
-- 209.29.88.140
Re: White Pelican
Posted by Greg Stuart on August 29, 2003 at 10:35:12:
209.250.153.20
-- 209.250.153.20
White Pelican
Posted by Rob. S. on August 29, 2003 at 10:11:39:
65.95.14.191
-- 65.95.14.191
Re: Peregrine falcons
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on August 26, 2003 at 12:45:47:
209.29.109.81
-- 209.29.109.81
Re: Toronto Islands swallows RTF
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on August 26, 2003 at 12:44:38:
209.29.109.81
-- 209.29.109.81
Re: Toronto Islands swallows RTF
Posted by Pat Hodgson on August 26, 2003 at 09:19:06:
65.95.239.79
-- 65.95.239.79
Toronto Islands swallows RTF
Posted by Gerard Van Herk on August 25, 2003 at 19:44:00:
65.92.114.174
-- 65.92.114.174
migration begins?
Posted by sherry on August 25, 2003 at 16:17:50:
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
Re: Blue Jays, has anyone seen any lately?
Posted by sherry on August 25, 2003 at 12:27:36:
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
Fall Migration
Posted by Brian Bailey on August 24, 2003 at 23:45:03:
64.231.221.112
-- 64.231.221.112
Blue Jays, has anyone seen any lately?
Posted by J on August 24, 2003 at 23:24:30:
24.141.44.6
-- 24.141.44.6
Re: Dragonflies!
Posted by David Shilman on August 23, 2003 at 15:41:59:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Dragonflies!
Posted by David Shilman on August 23, 2003 at 15:36:25:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Re: Peregrine falcons
Posted by David Shilman on August 22, 2003 at 20:10:44:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Peregrine falcons
Posted by Paul wesley on August 22, 2003 at 19:52:37:
24.156.9.248
-- 24.156.9.248
FALL BIRDING HIKES at Point Pelee National Park
Posted by Glenn Coady on August 22, 2003 at 16:45:50:
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
Re: RFI Crows?
Posted by melissa on August 20, 2003 at 18:12:46:
209.226.185.105
-- 209.226.185.105
bird on a wire
Posted by melissa on August 20, 2003 at 12:51:24:
209.226.187.186
-- 209.226.187.186
Re: Golden Eagle
Posted by melissa on August 20, 2003 at 12:46:57:
209.226.187.186
-- 209.226.187.186
Re: Golden Eagle
Posted by Glenn Coady on August 20, 2003 at 10:36:29:
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
Re: RFI Crows?
Posted by sherry on August 20, 2003 at 10:36:11:
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
Re: Golden Eagle
Posted by Lloyd on August 20, 2003 at 10:21:03:
64.231.227.17
-- 64.231.227.17
Golden Eagle
Posted by Melissa on August 20, 2003 at 09:31:24:
64.187.35.163
-- 64.187.35.163
Re: RFI Crows?
Posted by Pat Hodgson on August 19, 2003 at 14:41:42:
67.70.60.29
-- 67.70.60.29
RFI Crows?
Posted by Marti Latta on August 19, 2003 at 13:10:00:
142.150.166.49
-- 142.150.166.49
Re: I think I've just seen the same bird.
Posted by Barbara Taylor on August 11, 2003 at 11:32:12:
67.70.65.208
-- 67.70.65.208
I think I've just seen the same bird.
Posted by LB on August 10, 2003 at 16:46:16:
24.150.210.164
-- 24.150.210.164
Cardinal photo link
Posted by Barbara Taylor on August 07, 2003 at 19:03:00:
67.70.66.216
-- 67.70.66.216
Re: Could this be a Cardinal with abnormal markings?
Posted by Barbara Taylor on August 06, 2003 at 18:49:59:
67.70.67.46
-- 67.70.67.46
Could this be a Cardinal with abnormal markings?
Posted by Jan on August 05, 2003 at 22:49:44:
24.141.44.6
-- 24.141.44.6
Re: Missing Cockatiel near Norval
Posted by Barbara Taylor on August 03, 2003 at 18:53:04:
64.229.23.173
-- 64.229.23.173
Re: Missing Cockatiel near Norval
Posted by Craig on August 03, 2003 at 10:59:39:
64.228.116.159
-- 64.228.116.159
Missing Cockatiel near Norval
Posted by Dom Vetro on August 03, 2003 at 09:45:16:
209.226.103.119
-- 209.226.103.119
Great Egret
Posted by Jacek Pawlikowski on August 02, 2003 at 00:22:20:
209.151.131.50
-- 209.151.131.50
Sora
Posted by Jacek Pawlikowski on August 02, 2003 at 00:10:03:
209.151.131.50
-- 209.151.131.50
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the JULY 4 - JULY 31,
Posted by Tyler Hoar on August 01, 2003 at 12:20:53:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Re: Wye Marsh birds
Posted by Al Johnston on July 31, 2003 at 19:32:44:
64.228.47.46
-- 64.228.47.46
Great Egrets at Dundas Marsh
Posted by Doug on July 30, 2003 at 20:18:22:
209.226.184.110
-- 209.226.184.110
Re: More doves...
Posted by sherry on July 30, 2003 at 16:28:07:
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
Wye Marsh birds
Posted by Derek on July 30, 2003 at 12:46:16:
209.151.130.21
-- 209.151.130.21
Re: RFI: What is it?
Posted by Dan on July 29, 2003 at 19:59:31:
64.231.30.195
-- 64.231.30.195
Olive-sided Flycatcher and Clay-colored Sparrow
Posted by Ron Stager on July 29, 2003 at 17:20:49:
63.139.199.18
-- 63.139.199.18
Re: Identification of song birds
Posted by silvia on July 29, 2003 at 09:43:27:
149.99.115.75
-- 149.99.115.75
RFI: What is it?
Posted by Colin on July 29, 2003 at 09:13:12:
209.226.249.120
-- 209.226.249.120
Re: Juv. Bald Eagle and Oldsquaw
Posted by John Arnott on July 28, 2003 at 21:11:33:
65.95.152.77
-- 65.95.152.77
More doves...
Posted by Jennifer on July 28, 2003 at 17:04:27:
207.236.59.158
-- 207.236.59.158
Re: eurasian collared dove
Posted by Glenn Coady on July 28, 2003 at 15:18:45:
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
Re: eurasian collared dove
Posted by kathryn on July 28, 2003 at 13:58:39:
66.185.84.198
-- 66.185.84.198
Re: eurasian collared dove
Posted by Glenn Coady on July 28, 2003 at 13:44:55:
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
Re: Bird ID help
Posted by Derek on July 28, 2003 at 12:43:57:
149.99.116.137
-- 149.99.116.137
eurasian collared dove
Posted by Kathryn Gray on July 28, 2003 at 10:33:51:
66.185.84.198
-- 66.185.84.198
Re: Identification of song birds
Posted by Al Johnston on July 27, 2003 at 15:50:39:
64.228.35.29
-- 64.228.35.29
Re: That's it ! --->
Posted by Jim on July 27, 2003 at 14:30:59:
24.101.173.83
-- 24.101.173.83
Re: Please ( what is it ? )
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on July 27, 2003 at 14:06:46:
209.29.89.23
-- 209.29.89.23
Please ( what is it ? )
Posted by Jim on July 27, 2003 at 13:58:10:
24.101.173.83
-- 24.101.173.83
Identification of song birds
Posted by Silvia on July 27, 2003 at 10:54:11:
149.99.117.182
-- 149.99.117.182
Re: Bird ID help
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on July 27, 2003 at 09:56:21:
209.29.105.169
-- 209.29.105.169
Bird ID help
Posted by Derek Jen on July 26, 2003 at 17:51:06:
149.99.119.17
-- 149.99.119.17
Re: digiscope?
Posted by Jason Start on July 25, 2003 at 08:32:53:
195.229.241.228
-- 195.229.241.228
please help keep this cat out of the kids sandbox!!!
Posted by allison hall on July 21, 2003 at 14:02:42:
198.81.26.102
-- 198.81.26.102
Re: Cardinal Imposter?
Posted by Joy Durnan on July 18, 2003 at 23:16:52:
216.75.179.53
-- 216.75.179.53
Re: Mockingbird
Posted by Joy Durnan on July 18, 2003 at 23:08:38:
216.75.179.53
-- 216.75.179.53
Re: Yellow Headed Blackbird
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on July 18, 2003 at 09:59:53:
209.29.104.1
-- 209.29.104.1
Re: Screech Owl sighting
Posted by David Shilman on July 17, 2003 at 16:02:52:
24.192.74.89
-- 24.192.74.89
Re: where did my orioles go?
Posted by Glenn Coady on July 17, 2003 at 15:34:20:
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
Screech Owl sighting
Posted by Tracy on July 17, 2003 at 13:19:41:
149.99.112.106
-- 149.99.112.106
Re: Help! Large bird alert!
Posted by sherry on July 17, 2003 at 12:34:57:
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
where did my orioles go?
Posted by Ramona Shields on July 17, 2003 at 12:12:09:
65.93.184.109
-- 65.93.184.109
Re: Yellow Headed Blackbird
Posted by Tim Peckham on July 16, 2003 at 19:45:03:
205.210.170.48
-- 205.210.170.48
Re: Yellow Headed Blackbird
Posted by John on July 16, 2003 at 19:00:58:
64.229.244.213
-- 64.229.244.213
Yellow Headed Blackbird
Posted by Tim Peckham on July 16, 2003 at 15:50:01:
205.210.170.48
-- 205.210.170.48
Help! Large bird alert!
Posted by Karen on July 16, 2003 at 12:52:22:
216.94.61.100
-- 216.94.61.100
Re: What bird is in my backyard?
Posted by Derek on July 16, 2003 at 11:18:23:
209.151.130.21
-- 209.151.130.21
Re: Curious Siting
Posted by Caven on July 15, 2003 at 19:19:54:
65.92.12.89
-- 65.92.12.89
Re: What bird is in my backyard?
Posted by John on July 15, 2003 at 17:53:19:
64.229.244.213
-- 64.229.244.213
What bird is in my backyard?
Posted by Michael W. on July 15, 2003 at 15:02:23:
24.43.18.108
-- 24.43.18.108
Re: RFI: Muskoka/Bala area birds
Posted by Barbara Taylor on July 14, 2003 at 21:58:59:
67.70.66.50
-- 67.70.66.50
Re: Curious Siting
Posted by Carla on July 14, 2003 at 05:11:32:
205.188.208.169
-- 205.188.208.169
RFI: Muskoka/Bala area birds
Posted by Willam H. Fissell on July 13, 2003 at 22:24:48:
68.40.216.104
-- 68.40.216.104
Re: Acadian Flycatcher
Posted by John on July 13, 2003 at 15:37:57:
65.92.125.204
-- 65.92.125.204
Re: Curious Siting
Posted by David Shilman on July 12, 2003 at 21:48:38:
24.192.74.89
-- 24.192.74.89
Curious Siting
Posted by Caven on July 12, 2003 at 12:22:51:
65.92.12.160
-- 65.92.12.160
Re: European Goldfinch
Posted by Donna on July 10, 2003 at 15:46:57:
152.163.252.162
-- 152.163.252.162
Re: European Goldfinch
Posted by Donna on July 09, 2003 at 10:56:58:
205.188.208.169
-- 205.188.208.169
Re: Orchard Oriole?
Posted by Brandon Holden on July 08, 2003 at 19:30:06:
142.154.68.116
-- 142.154.68.116
Re: Orchard Oriole?
Posted by Lloyd on July 08, 2003 at 18:03:36:
64.231.221.196
-- 64.231.221.196
Orchard Oriole?
Posted by Jennifer Burns on July 08, 2003 at 10:36:33:
207.236.59.158
-- 207.236.59.158
Re: European Goldfinch
Posted by sherry on July 07, 2003 at 15:58:47:
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
Re: Relocating, how is the birding?
Posted by sherry on July 07, 2003 at 15:37:33:
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
European Goldfinch
Posted by Sharen W. on July 07, 2003 at 11:44:41:
216.254.166.50
-- 216.254.166.50
Re: Black-crowned night herons?
Posted by Bill Halliday on July 05, 2003 at 12:22:10:
65.50.136.47
-- 65.50.136.47
Link here
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on July 05, 2003 at 11:43:53:
209.29.87.228
-- 209.29.87.228Re: Relocating, how is the birding?
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on July 05, 2003 at 11:41:17:
209.29.87.228
-- 209.29.87.228
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the week ending JULY 3,
Posted by Tyler Hoar on July 04, 2003 at 19:30:40:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Relocating, how is the birding?
Posted by Greg M on July 04, 2003 at 18:09:58:
172.194.93.135
-- 172.194.93.135
Re: rfi
Posted by David Shilman on July 04, 2003 at 08:07:33:
24.192.74.89
-- 24.192.74.89
Re: FWD: Request for Hummingbird Info
Posted by Sue on July 03, 2003 at 21:30:48:
67.70.67.7
-- 67.70.67.7
FWD: Request for Hummingbird Info
Posted by Bill Hilton Jr.(via B. Griffin) on July 03, 2003 at 10:12:58:
216.192.83.40
-- 216.192.83.40
Re: rfi
Posted by sherry on July 03, 2003 at 09:11:48:
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
Re: Black-crowned night herons?
Posted by Dave on July 03, 2003 at 08:48:42:
204.101.196.17
-- 204.101.196.17
rfi
Posted by Phil Caudill on July 03, 2003 at 00:41:18:
209.148.113.146
-- 209.148.113.146
Black-crowned night herons?
Posted by Jennifer Burns on July 02, 2003 at 15:00:09:
207.236.59.158
-- 207.236.59.158
Re: RFI - Sound from Scugog Bullrushes
Posted by Jim Richards on July 01, 2003 at 08:18:58:
149.99.202.104
-- 149.99.202.104
Great egret and unkown hybrid
Posted by Bill Halliday on June 30, 2003 at 22:42:02:
65.50.136.47
-- 65.50.136.47
Re: RFI - Sound from Scugog Bullrushes
Posted by Glenn Coady on June 30, 2003 at 13:01:47:
142.76.27.139
-- 142.76.27.139
Re: RFI - Sound from Scugog Bullrushes
Posted by Al Johnston on June 30, 2003 at 09:36:58:
64.228.53.84
-- 64.228.53.84
RFI - Bronte Grebes
Posted by Nick Avery on June 29, 2003 at 20:50:49:
64.229.157.89
-- 64.229.157.89
RFI - Sound from Scugog Bullrushes
Posted by Rick Lauzon on June 29, 2003 at 16:13:27:
216.94.63.3
-- 216.94.63.3
Re: Two new Ontario breeeding birds
Posted by sherry on June 27, 2003 at 13:27:03:
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
Re: Two new Ontario breeeding birds
Posted by Bill on June 26, 2003 at 17:30:26:
24.192.74.89
-- 24.192.74.89
Re: RFI
Posted by Jennifer Burns on June 26, 2003 at 10:26:43:
207.236.59.156
-- 207.236.59.156
RFI
Posted by Rachel on June 26, 2003 at 10:05:54:
66.119.34.39
-- 66.119.34.39
Re: what was that huge bird ...
Posted by Athena on June 25, 2003 at 22:44:32:
216.154.2.7
-- 216.154.2.7
Re: The Demise of "Nature Trails"
Posted by Glenn Coady on June 25, 2003 at 16:14:11:
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
Re: The Demise of "Nature Trails"
Posted by Jim Richards on June 25, 2003 at 16:00:00:
149.99.202.190
-- 149.99.202.190
Re: The Demise of "Nature Trails"
Posted by sherry on June 25, 2003 at 15:12:12:
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
Re: Two new Ontario breeeding birds
Posted by Glenn Coady on June 24, 2003 at 18:51:13:
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
Do something!
Posted by David Shilman on June 24, 2003 at 17:22:30:
24.192.74.89
-- 24.192.74.89
Chukar and Golden Pheasant in Caledon
Posted by Dawn Phippen on June 24, 2003 at 08:22:32:
64.228.37.139
-- 64.228.37.139
Chukar and Golden Pheasant in Caledon
Posted by Dawn Phippen on June 24, 2003 at 08:05:14:
64.228.37.139
-- 64.228.37.139
Re: European Goldfinch
Posted by Dawn Phippen on June 24, 2003 at 08:00:57:
64.228.37.139
-- 64.228.37.139
Re: Two new Ontario breeeding birds
Posted by Bill on June 24, 2003 at 07:57:06:
24.192.74.89
-- 24.192.74.89
Re: Great Horned Owl (wow!)
Posted by Bill on June 23, 2003 at 17:50:43:
24.192.74.89
-- 24.192.74.89
Re: The Demise of "Nature Trails"
Posted by David Shilman on June 23, 2003 at 17:45:14:
24.192.74.89
-- 24.192.74.89
Re: European Goldfinch
Posted by Glenn Coady on June 23, 2003 at 14:06:43:
142.76.27.139
-- 142.76.27.139
Re: The Demise of "Nature Trails"
Posted by Glenn Coady on June 23, 2003 at 14:04:23:
142.76.27.139
-- 142.76.27.139
Re: Two new Ontario breeeding birds
Posted by Glenn Coady on June 23, 2003 at 13:53:19:
142.76.27.139
-- 142.76.27.139
European Goldfinch
Posted by Jane on June 23, 2003 at 12:37:12:
216.254.175.19
-- 216.254.175.19
Re: Juv. Bald Eagle and Oldsquaw
Posted by Glenn Coady on June 23, 2003 at 10:03:21:
142.76.27.139
-- 142.76.27.139
Two new Ontario breeeding birds
Posted by Jim Richards on June 22, 2003 at 22:22:48:
149.99.208.98
-- 149.99.208.98
The Demise of "Nature Trails"
Posted by Jim Richards on June 22, 2003 at 22:10:27:
149.99.208.98
-- 149.99.208.98
Quinte Area Bird Report - June 22/03
Posted by Terry Sprague on June 22, 2003 at 21:16:05:
199.246.2.11
-- 199.246.2.11
Re: Juv. Bald Eagle and Oldsquaw
Posted by Lloyd on June 22, 2003 at 11:44:45:
64.231.220.225
-- 64.231.220.225
Juv. Bald Eagle and Oldsquaw
Posted by Bill Halliday on June 21, 2003 at 14:21:25:
65.50.136.47
-- 65.50.136.47
Acadian Flycatcher
Posted by Brendan O'Sullivan on June 20, 2003 at 15:50:11:
24.102.237.87
-- 24.102.237.87
Re: Need advice on Sibbald Point
Posted by Dan on June 19, 2003 at 23:42:01:
64.231.29.57
-- 64.231.29.57
Need advice on Sibbald Point
Posted by Athena McKenzie on June 19, 2003 at 13:38:00:
207.35.129.66
-- 207.35.129.66
So Sorry for the spelling error Theresa!!
Posted by Donna on June 19, 2003 at 10:41:43:
64.12.96.104
-- 64.12.96.104
Re: mystery birds reprise
Posted by Donna on June 19, 2003 at 10:14:21:
64.12.96.104
-- 64.12.96.104
Re: mystery birds reprise
Posted by Lora Nelson on June 18, 2003 at 22:43:56:
24.156.12.213
-- 24.156.12.213
Re: mystery birds reprise
Posted by Lora Nelson on June 18, 2003 at 22:31:23:
24.156.12.213
-- 24.156.12.213
Re: some bird
Posted by Lloyd on June 18, 2003 at 21:11:41:
64.231.220.238
-- 64.231.220.238
Re: mystery birds reprise
Posted by Donna on June 18, 2003 at 14:53:01:
152.163.252.162
-- 152.163.252.162
Re: mystery birds reprise
Posted by Derek on June 18, 2003 at 09:29:43:
209.151.130.21
-- 209.151.130.21
Re: some bird
Posted by Theresa Dobko on June 18, 2003 at 06:23:40:
24.192.106.248
-- 24.192.106.248
some bird
Posted by paul hutchings on June 18, 2003 at 01:28:46:
64.228.51.95
-- 64.228.51.95
Badlands
Posted by Lora Nelson on June 17, 2003 at 22:04:14:
24.156.12.213
-- 24.156.12.213
mystery birds reprise
Posted by Lora Nelson on June 17, 2003 at 21:51:16:
24.156.12.213
-- 24.156.12.213
Re: need Identification
Posted by Al Johnston on June 17, 2003 at 20:13:51:
64.228.35.33
-- 64.228.35.33
need Identification
Posted by Karl on June 17, 2003 at 19:15:15:
64.229.161.191
-- 64.229.161.191
Re: Help - Bird ID
Posted by Bruce on June 16, 2003 at 21:07:52:
64.229.186.168
-- 64.229.186.168
Re: Forks of the Credit Prov. Pk.
Posted by Caven on June 16, 2003 at 20:04:22:
65.92.11.242
-- 65.92.11.242
Re: Forks of the Credit Prov. Pk.
Posted by Dawn Phippen on June 16, 2003 at 19:45:44:
64.228.99.87
-- 64.228.99.87
Re: Help - Bird ID
Posted by Barbara on June 16, 2003 at 13:18:03:
209.167.32.75
-- 209.167.32.75
Re: Help - Bird ID
Posted by dave on June 16, 2003 at 13:10:25:
206.47.0.172
-- 206.47.0.172
Help - Bird ID
Posted by Barbara on June 16, 2003 at 13:03:56:
209.167.32.75
-- 209.167.32.75
Re: large white birds ( mute swans)
Posted by Ulla Weimann on June 16, 2003 at 10:03:57:
128.100.72.161
-- 128.100.72.161
Eglinton Flats
Posted by Jacek Pawlikowski on June 15, 2003 at 23:22:29:
209.151.131.178
-- 209.151.131.178
Swallow-tailed Kite
Posted by Jacek Pawlikowski on June 15, 2003 at 22:43:53:
209.151.131.178
-- 209.151.131.178
Re: Forks of the Credit Prov. Pk.
Posted by Mark Cranford on June 15, 2003 at 22:29:17:
142.154.111.195
-- 142.154.111.195
Spotted Sandpiper Chick- Tommy Thompson Park
Posted by Frank Butson on June 15, 2003 at 19:59:43:
149.99.112.117
-- 149.99.112.117
Forks of the Credit Prov. Pk.
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on June 15, 2003 at 19:33:59:
32.102.136.43
-- 32.102.136.43
PS - directions to FOTC: north on Highway 10 toward Caledon; turn left at Forks of the Credit Road, then after ~3 km, turn right on McLaren Road. The parking lot (signed) will be on the left after another ~3 km.
Quinte Area Bird Report - June 15/03
Posted by Terry Sprague on June 15, 2003 at 19:02:35:
199.246.2.11
-- 199.246.2.11
Black Crowned Night Herons - Tommy Thompson Park
Posted by Dan on June 15, 2003 at 14:50:43:
64.231.62.61
-- 64.231.62.61
Re: Winged Migration
Posted by Lloyd on June 15, 2003 at 11:34:54:
64.231.216.210
-- 64.231.216.210
Winged Migration
Posted by William D. Jack on June 14, 2003 at 12:24:54:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Re: large white birds
Posted by Dawn Phippen on June 14, 2003 at 08:08:58:
64.228.36.143
-- 64.228.36.143
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the week ending June 12, 2003
Posted by Tyler Hoar on June 13, 2003 at 04:18:21:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
How about immature cormorants
Posted by Frank Butson on June 12, 2003 at 20:46:08:
149.99.116.166
-- 149.99.116.166
Re: High Park - Great Egret?
Posted by Randy on June 12, 2003 at 20:37:53:
216.154.12.185
-- 216.154.12.185
Re: large white birds
Posted by Derek on June 12, 2003 at 12:39:00:
209.151.130.21
-- 209.151.130.21
Re: large white birds
Posted by Al Johnston on June 12, 2003 at 12:28:54:
64.228.53.170
-- 64.228.53.170
large white birds
Posted by Ulla Weimann on June 12, 2003 at 11:37:21:
128.100.72.161
-- 128.100.72.161
large white birds
Posted by Ulla Weimann on June 12, 2003 at 11:33:14:
128.100.72.161
-- 128.100.72.161
Birding @ Lakeside Park
Posted by Derek on June 11, 2003 at 16:06:34:
209.151.130.21
-- 209.151.130.21
Re: Palgrave - Bald Eagle, N Goshawk - Sat Jun 7
Posted by Carla on June 11, 2003 at 06:51:44:
152.163.252.162
-- 152.163.252.162
Re: Palgrave - Bald Eagle, N Goshawk - Sat Jun 7
Posted by Caven on June 11, 2003 at 00:58:10:
65.92.14.19
-- 65.92.14.19
Re: Downy Woodpecker Question (I.D.)
Posted by Caven on June 11, 2003 at 00:49:21:
65.92.14.19
-- 65.92.14.19
Palgrave - Bald Eagle, N Goshawk - Sat Jun 7
Posted by Frank Pinilla on June 10, 2003 at 08:01:40:
206.47.0.172
-- 206.47.0.172
Re: saw strange birds in Durham Forest
Posted by Laurie on June 09, 2003 at 21:14:24:
65.49.34.146
-- 65.49.34.146
Re: saw strange birds in Durham Forest
Posted by Laurie on June 09, 2003 at 21:01:25:
65.49.34.146
-- 65.49.34.146
Re: Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the week ending, June 5 2003
Posted by Tyler Hoar on June 09, 2003 at 20:10:44:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Re: Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the week ending, June 5 2003
Posted by Keith Sharp on June 09, 2003 at 16:24:43:
209.82.61.169
-- 209.82.61.169
Re: Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the week ending, June 5 2003
Posted by Keith Sharp on June 09, 2003 at 16:24:39:
209.82.61.169
-- 209.82.61.169
Re: saw strange birds in Durham Forest
Posted by Lloyd on June 09, 2003 at 15:39:22:
64.231.227.61
-- 64.231.227.61
Re: saw strange birds in Durham Forest
Posted by Al Johnston on June 09, 2003 at 08:47:09:
64.228.47.55
-- 64.228.47.55
saw strange birds in Durham Forest
Posted by Laurie on June 08, 2003 at 21:21:15:
65.49.34.146
-- 65.49.34.146
Quinte Area Bird Report - June 08/03
Posted by Terry Sprague on June 08, 2003 at 19:46:37:
199.246.2.11
-- 199.246.2.11
Great Horned Owl (wow!)
Posted by Carla on June 08, 2003 at 08:00:21:
152.163.252.162
-- 152.163.252.162
Re: mystery birds
Posted by Derek on June 06, 2003 at 12:44:02:
209.151.130.21
-- 209.151.130.21
Re: mystery birds
Posted by Al Johnston on June 06, 2003 at 08:48:01:
64.228.53.153
-- 64.228.53.153
Re: mystery birds
Posted by David Shilman on June 06, 2003 at 07:42:23:
24.192.74.89
-- 24.192.74.89
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the week ending, June 5 2003
Posted by Tyler Hoar on June 06, 2003 at 03:29:01:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Re: mystery birds
Posted by Barbara Taylor on June 05, 2003 at 21:34:29:
67.70.67.156
-- 67.70.67.156
mystery birds
Posted by Lora Nelson on June 05, 2003 at 19:22:26:
24.156.12.213
-- 24.156.12.213
Re: Mockingbird
Posted by David Shilman on June 05, 2003 at 16:15:38:
24.192.74.89
-- 24.192.74.89
are Warblers still at Lake Wabukayne Mississauga?
Posted by Derek on June 05, 2003 at 14:07:56:
209.151.130.21
-- 209.151.130.21
Re: Mockingbird
Posted by Lloyd on June 04, 2003 at 20:17:07:
64.231.221.114
-- 64.231.221.114
Re: Mystery Bird
Posted by Jennifer Burns on June 04, 2003 at 11:01:15:
207.236.59.158
-- 207.236.59.158
Mockingbird
Posted by ulla on June 04, 2003 at 10:23:25:
128.100.72.161
-- 128.100.72.161
Re: Mystery Bird
Posted by Carla on June 04, 2003 at 08:50:58:
64.12.96.104
-- 64.12.96.104
Re: Mystery Bird
Posted by Jim Richards on June 03, 2003 at 15:39:10:
149.99.200.31
-- 149.99.200.31
Re: Mystery Bird
Posted by Lloyd on June 03, 2003 at 14:56:36:
64.231.220.80
-- 64.231.220.80
Mystery Bird
Posted by Jennifer Burns on June 03, 2003 at 14:03:23:
207.236.59.158
-- 207.236.59.158
Parasitic Jaeger (flyby) and lots of Shorebirds at Oshawa Second Marsh tonight
Posted by Tyler Hoar on June 02, 2003 at 21:02:53:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Hey Paul
Posted by David Shilman on June 02, 2003 at 07:55:19:
24.192.74.89
-- 24.192.74.89
Quinte Area Bird Report - June 01/03
Posted by Terry Sprague on June 01, 2003 at 20:01:22:
199.246.2.11
-- 199.246.2.11
Brant over Oshawa Second Marsh - 31/05/03
Posted by Glenn Coady on May 31, 2003 at 23:34:28:
199.243.108.99
-- 199.243.108.99
Re: Identification
Posted by dawn phippen on May 31, 2003 at 21:13:48:
64.228.35.53
-- 64.228.35.53
Re: Identification
Posted by Theresa Dobko on May 31, 2003 at 18:11:34:
24.192.106.248
-- 24.192.106.248
High Park - Great Egret?
Posted by Bruce on May 31, 2003 at 17:36:03:
64.229.187.242
-- 64.229.187.242
Catbird & Mushrooms
Posted by Gavin Wells on May 31, 2003 at 16:39:07:
216.8.165.32
-- 216.8.165.32
Re: Identification
Posted by David Shilman on May 31, 2003 at 10:24:49:
24.192.74.89
-- 24.192.74.89
Identification
Posted by Paul on May 31, 2003 at 10:19:41:
24.112.45.146
-- 24.112.45.146
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the week ending May 29
Posted by Tyler Hoar on May 30, 2003 at 16:15:33:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Re: Downy Woodpecker Question (I.D.)
Posted by Carla on May 30, 2003 at 07:02:01:
64.12.96.104
-- 64.12.96.104
Re: Downy Woodpecker Question (I.D.)
Posted by Dawn Phippen on May 29, 2003 at 21:28:02:
64.228.57.11
-- 64.228.57.11
Re: Whimbrel Colonel Sam Smith Park
Posted by Robin Anderson on May 29, 2003 at 21:21:31:
64.228.51.31
-- 64.228.51.31
Re: Downy Woodpecker Question (I.D.)
Posted by Dawn Phippen on May 29, 2003 at 20:58:54:
64.228.57.11
-- 64.228.57.11
Re: Cardinal Imposter?(he showed up, lol)
Posted by Carla on May 29, 2003 at 19:18:25:
152.163.252.162
-- 152.163.252.162
Re: Downy Woodpecker Question (I.D.)
Posted by Theresa Dobko on May 29, 2003 at 18:27:23:
24.192.106.248
-- 24.192.106.248
Kestrel chicks
Posted by sherry on May 29, 2003 at 16:56:05:
206.222.73.214
-- 206.222.73.214
Downy Woodpecker Question (I.D.)
Posted by Caven on May 29, 2003 at 16:37:19:
65.92.14.4
-- 65.92.14.4
Re: Cardinal Imposter?
Posted by Caven on May 28, 2003 at 17:49:54:
65.93.173.171
-- 65.93.173.171
Re: Merlin in Whitby Front Yard!
Posted by Katie Wood on May 28, 2003 at 09:59:27:
64.231.183.182
-- 64.231.183.182
Re: need help I.D.ing a bird
Posted by Ramona Shields on May 28, 2003 at 08:19:18:
65.93.186.98
-- 65.93.186.98
Re: Cardinal Imposter?
Posted by Carla on May 28, 2003 at 05:55:02:
152.163.252.162
-- 152.163.252.162
Re: Cardinal Imposter?
Posted by Caven on May 28, 2003 at 00:15:48:
65.93.173.171
-- 65.93.173.171
Re: Merlin in Whitby Front Yard!
Posted by Glenn Coady on May 27, 2003 at 15:16:45:
142.76.82.229
-- 142.76.82.229
Re: Cardinal Imposter?
Posted by Paul on May 27, 2003 at 06:50:20:
24.112.45.146
-- 24.112.45.146
Re: Cardinal Imposter?
Posted by Carla Rolfe on May 27, 2003 at 06:42:33:
152.163.252.162
-- 152.163.252.162
Re: Cardinal Imposter?
Posted by Carla Rolfe on May 27, 2003 at 06:40:47:
152.163.252.162
-- 152.163.252.162