Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Ontario Birding > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, November 20 at 03:24 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Bufflehead,©David Sibley

20 Nov HSR: Holiday Beach (20 Nov 2009) 1 Raptors [] 20 Nov Strong West winds, no thermals=only 6 migrating raptors at CRANBERRY in SW Whitby, ON--Nov.20/09 ["Doug Lockrey" ] 20 Nov Cave Swallows at Fifty Road in Stoney Creek...Friday November 20/09 ["Kevin McLaughlin" ] 20 Nov Direction clarification for Phainopepla location [dian bogie ] 20 Nov Phainopepla [dian bogie ] 20 Nov Phainopepla ["Michael Tate" ] 20 Nov "Kamchatka" Mew Gull - Northwest of Belwood [Holden Family ] 19 Nov HSR: Holiday Beach (19 Nov 2009) 1 Raptors [] 19 Nov Algonquin Park Birds: 19 November 2009 [Ron Tozer ] 19 Nov Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending November 19, 2009. [Fred Helleiner ] 19 Nov Western Tanager northeast of Sudbury [Jean Iron ] 19 Nov HSR: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (19 Nov 2009) Raptors [] 19 Nov N. Rough-winged Swallow, Holiday Beach C.A. (Essex Co.) - 19 Nov 2009 [Justin Bosler ] 19 Nov Directions to Phainopepla in Brampton [Mark Cranford ] 19 Nov Intersex Mallard at La Salle Marina in Hamilton. [Harold Stiver ] 18 Nov phainopepla update [dian bogie ] 18 Nov HSR: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (18 Nov 2009) 6 Raptors [] 18 Nov HSR: Holiday Beach (18 Nov 2009) 13 Raptors [] 18 Nov Phainopepla in Brampton... [Bernie Monette ] 18 Nov Harris' Sparrow at Little River, Windsor [David McNorton ] 18 Nov Phainopepla [dian bogie ] 18 Nov Hooded Mergansers, Ottawa, Rideau River ["Poirier, Alain" ] 17 Nov HSR: Holiday Beach (17 Nov 2009) 225 Raptors [] 17 Nov Greater Snow Geese - Casselman [] 17 Nov HSR: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (17 Nov 2009) 53 Raptors [] 17 Nov Cave Swallows at Burlington ["Rob Dobos" ] 17 Nov Phainopepla [dian bogie ] 17 Nov Cannington Screech-Owl Again ["Ray Lush" ] 17 Nov Sandhill Cranes, East of Ottawa ["Poirier, Alain" ] 17 Nov Any further sign of the Cannington Screech Owl? ["Rocchi, Ann" ] 17 Nov Re: Phainopepla some hints on seeing this bird ["Craig McL." ] 16 Nov HSR: Holiday Beach (16 Nov 2009) 47 Raptors [] 16 Nov Fifty Point Barn Owl in rehab ["Mark Cranford \[Ontbirds\]" ] 16 Nov HSR: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (16 Nov 2009) 14 Raptors [] 16 Nov HSR: Holiday Beach (15 Nov 2009) 9 Raptors [] 16 Nov Greater Black-backed Gull, Ottawa ["Don Wigle" ] 16 Nov Greater Black-backed Gull, Ottawa ["Don Wigle" ] 16 Nov Greater Black-backed Gull, Ottawa ["Don Wigle" ] 16 Nov 25 migrating raptors, snow buntings at CRANBERRY in SW Whitby, ON--Nov.16/09 ["Doug Lockrey" ] 16 Nov Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas - Save 35% [Jean Iron ] 16 Nov Cave Swallows - Point Pelee National Park [] 16 Nov Phainopepla update monday 16 2009 YES ["Craig McL." ] 16 Nov Eared Grebe - Port Burwell [Yousif Attia ] 16 Nov Snowy Owl in Vaughan ["Smith family" ] 16 Nov Single Snow Bunting - Ottawa ["Poirier, Alain" ] 15 Nov Phainopepla update [Glenn Coady ] 15 Nov Black-tailed Gull -Port Burwell - additional information [Garth Riley ] 15 Nov Western Kingbird at Port Burwell [Joe Stephenson ] 15 Nov Great Horned Owl - Thickson Woods, Whitby (15 Nov 2009) [Aaron Keating ] 15 Nov Phainopepla still there at 1245 [JEFF ATKINSON ] 15 Nov Black-tailed Gull - Port Burwell Beach [Garth Riley ] 15 Nov Brown-headed Nuthatch spoof? [Andrew Keaveney ] 15 Nov Redpoll - Algonquin Park ["Peter, Justin (MNR)" ] 14 Nov HSR: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (14 Nov 2009) 7 Raptors [] 14 Nov re: Lark Sparrow at Port Burwell - Vesper Sparrow instead! [Andrew Keaveney ] 14 Nov Phainopepla present 4 o'clock and later Saturday [S Eadie ] 14 Nov Western Kingbird at Port Burwell. ["Terry Osborne" ] 14 Nov Western Kingbird and Vesper Sparrow NOT Lark Sparrow [Brett Fried ] 14 Nov HSR: Holiday Beach (14 Nov 2009) 15 Raptors [] 14 Nov HSR: Holiday Beach (13 Nov 2009) 104 Raptors [] 14 Nov Blackpoll Warbler - Ottawa ["Ott User" ] 14 Nov Ottawa (Navan) - nearly 100 Sandhill Cranes ["Christina Lewis" ] 14 Nov Snow Geese Winchester [mark gawn ] 14 Nov Harlequin Duck - Humber Bay, Toronto [BP Bailey ] 14 Nov Cave Swallows in Bronte Harbour [] 14 Nov Western Kingbird still present - Port Burwell [Josh Vandermeulen ] 14 Nov Phainopepla present, ~11:45am [Garth Riley ] 14 Nov Phainopepla still present, ~1040am [Chris Kimber ] 14 Nov Lark Sparrow - Port Burwell [Josh Vandermeulen ] 14 Nov Phainopepla present today at 8:35 a.m. ["Cheryl Edgecombe" ] 13 Nov Barrow`s Goldeneye - Ottawa [KILLEEN ] 13 Nov HSR: Holiday Beach (12 Nov 2009) 281 Raptors [] 13 Nov Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, November 13th, 2009 ["Cheryl Edgecombe" ] 13 Nov Bohemian Waxwings - Bruce Peninsula [ALFRED RAAB ] 13 Nov Brampton Phainopepla [] 13 Nov HSR: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (13 Nov 2009) 94 Raptors [] Subject: HSR: Holiday Beach (20 Nov 2009) 1 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 20 Nov 2009 17:11:48 -0400 Holiday Beach Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 20, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 0 834 43841 Osprey 0 0 94 Bald Eagle 0 16 165 Northern Harrier 0 97 686 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 180 9700 Cooper's Hawk 0 128 938 Northern Goshawk 0 10 28 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 334 1092 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 18292 Red-tailed Hawk 0 2089 6147 Rough-legged Hawk 0 21 26 Golden Eagle 0 48 93 American Kestrel 0 8 1741 Merlin 0 2 122 Peregrine Falcon 0 6 105 Unknown Accipiter 0 1 8 Unknown Buteo 0 6 17 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 2 Total: 1 3780 83099 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours Official Counter: Justin Bosler Observers: Dan Loncke Visitors: Dan Loncke, of Windsor, stuck it out for two hours despite the grim conditions. Weather: Overcast and hazy skies with only a small pocket or two of blue sky throughout the day. Southwest and West-south-west winds at 5 to 12 mph. Temps. ranged from 7.3 to a high of 9 C. Visibility was reduced considerably by fog/ haze. Count terminated at 1400 EST with no forseeable improvement in the conditions. Raptor Observations: A few of the local Redtails and Bald Eagles were up and moving around a little. Non-raptor Observations: A few more birds moving today than yesterday, but that's not saying much; predominantly starlings. Some small flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles moving along the north edge of the marsh. Horned Lark- 5, Am. Goldfinch- 95. Predictions: Mostly to partly cloudy skies with light and variable winds. High of 10C. There will be sun, so there should be raptors. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Justin Bosler (justin.bosler AT gmail.com) Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at: http://hbmo.org/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Strong West winds, no thermals=only 6 migrating raptors at CRANBERRY in SW Whitby, ON--Nov.20/09 From: "Doug Lockrey" <lockrey33 AT rogers.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:21:18 -0500 Easterly winds on Nov.17 & 18, all-day rain on Nov.19, and strong W winds, falling BP and no thermals on Nov.20 brought only 13 migrating hawks over Cranberry. Among non-raptors were: swamp sparrow, northern shovelers, red-necked grebe. ----SEE TABLE BELOW for the raptors. Cranberry Marsh, sw Whitby, ON--south roadside parking area on Hall's Rd. FRIDAY, Nov.20/09 Observation time--0900-1100, 1200-1300 >> Official counters- Dan Kaczynski, Doug Lockrey Observers- Karl Jennewein, Jim Skene, Ron Stephenson, Charlie Adey, John Stirrat >From the 401 eastbound, exit at Salem Rd. in Ajax, south to Bayly, then east through LakeRidge Rd. to the first street beyond---Hall's Rd.--south toward the lake to the second roadside parking area. > Raptor species----------------Day Total-----Month Total------Season Total ---------------------------------Nov.20 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Black Vulture--------------------0---------------0----------------------0 Turkey Vulture------------------0----------------21------------------3964 Osprey--------------------------0---------------1-------------------- 137 Bald Eagle-----------------------0---------------3-------------------- 55 Northern Harrier---------------2-----------------14------------------ 107 Sharp-shinned Hawk----------0----------------57-------------------1491 Cooper's Hawk--------------- 0----------------25 -------------------117 Northern Goshawk------------ 0---------------8---------------------- 22 Red-shouldered Hawk---------0 --------------- 6 ---------------------45 Broad-winged Hawk---------- 0 ---------------0 --------------------416 Red-tailed Hawk---------------6--------------341-------------------1308 Rough-legged Hawk------------0 ---------------13--------------------18 Golden Eagle------------------ 0 ---------------- 2 ---------------------3 American Kestrel------------- 0 -----------------5 ------------------ 482 Merlin------------------------- 0 --------------0 ---------------------34 Peregrine Falcon--------------0 ---------------- 6--------------------- 47 Unidentified Accipiter---------0 ---------------- 1 ---------------------12 Undentified Buteo------------0 -----------------5-----------------------30 Unidentified Falcon----------- 0 ----------------- 1 ----------------------3 Unidentified Eagle-------------0------------------ 0--------------------- 1 Unidentified Raptor -----------0----------------3----------------- -----37 TOTALS--------------------8---------------512--------------------8329 HOURS----------------------3---------------70.5----------------377 Doug Lockrey-- coordinator CMRW, Whitby, ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Cave Swallows at Fifty Road in Stoney Creek...Friday November 20/09 From: "Kevin McLaughlin" <kevinmc AT mountaincable.net> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:40:30 -0500 I thought I would add to the list of Cave Swallow sightings from southern Ontario this month : I did a lake watch today from 9 until 11 o'clock at the north end of Fifty Road. Two Cave Swallows flew past heading west at about 9:20. They were roughly 150 to 200 metres from shore. Directions : Take the Fifty Road exit from the QEW and head north towards the lake. There is parking on the street just before the parkette which ends at the lake. Kevin McLaughlin Hamilton. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Direction clarification for Phainopepla location From: dian bogie <owletdb AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:59:09 -0500 Phainopepla direction correction! My apologies, I need to correct the directions in email sent at 11:37 401 to 410 north; exit at Steeles. turn right/south, proceed to Dixie Rd. turn left/north until reaching Birchbank; (landmark, Tandoori Flame Rest. on N.W. corner) turn right onto Birchbank and proceed until it ends at Avondale Blvd; turn left/north onto Avondale Blvd. and proceed to Addington (the 4th street on your right); turn right/east onto Addington; turn left/north onto Ascot and then a quick right/west onto Aberdeen. #7 Aberdeen has the log book and updates etc. I apologize for the confusion and hopefully no one ends up in a ditch or Timbuktu. Dian _________________________________________________________________ Eligible CDN College & University students can upgrade to Windows 7 before Jan 3 for only $39.99. Upgrade now! http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691819_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Phainopepla From: dian bogie <owletdb AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:37:39 -0500 Well, fellow birders it's wonderful to once again advise that THE BIRD is still very much present. As in previous postings, he seems to favour a wild rose from which he feeds and also dives into for cover. It is located adjacent to the backyard at 20 Ascot. My neighbour there, Sue is really enjoying this event and continues to be so generous inviting birders into her backyard. Another wonderful neighbour, has also offered her backyard for viewing. She lives at # 8 Aberdeen and has a large backyard from which you can easily watch THE BIRD, with completely unobstructed views. To access her backyard, walk up the driveway and alongside the closed-in porch. At Shirley's insistence I have propped open a very large gate which allows easy entrance. Proceed to middle of yard and look to the northwest corner where the rambling rose is easily seen.A local Merlin will sometimes perch in a maple almost directly above the Phainopepla's favourite spot in which case he disappears until 'the coast is clear'.Some interesting behavioural patterns of note. The Phainopepla seems to vocalize almost solely when it is foraging low in its favourite shrubs but not when flying or perched high. It also pumps its tail upward upon the initiation of the call and slowly lowers it when it then proceeds again in the same routine. Best of luck.Dian Directions:401 to 410 north; Steeles east to Dixie Rd. North; proceed north on Dixie to Birchbank (landmark =Tandoori Flame Rest. on N.W. corner) turn right/east onto Birchbank and follow to end; at Stop sign turn right/north onto Avondale Blvd; proceed on Avondale to the 4th street on right Addington, turn righ/east; turn left/north; turn right/east onto Aberdeen. Log book coffee and cookies at #7.I kindly request that this email be saved for future directional reference.Future postings will include the address and a reference to google maps. _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691816_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Phainopepla From: "Michael Tate" <tate AT rogers.blackberry.net> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:29:52 +0000 Is being seen today 10.30 am behind 20 Ascot in the same area it has been for the last week Michael Tate Michael Tate 1-613-863-8455 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: "Kamchatka" Mew Gull - Northwest of Belwood From: Holden Family <holden.ontbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:49:28 -0500 Jon Pleizier and I had an adult Mew Gull today in a farmers field northwest of the town of Belwood (Near Arthur/Fergus) late this afternoon. The bird was seen at close range for a few minutes, before flying further into the field, and was eventually lost. The bird was quite large (Ring-billed Gull size) and very dark mantled (closer to Lesser Black-backed Gull in shade) these features (among others) led us to believe it was a "Kamchatka" Mew Gull of eastern Siberia. I think relocation of this bird in the exact same spot is unlikely. Many fields in the area had Ring-billed Gulls, which were constantly flying from field to field. We believe large numbers of them may roost in Belwood Lake, which is currently drawn down. Searching this area at dusk may provide better odds of relocating it. There is also a compost production facility just south of the town of Arthur, on County Rd 12, which often attracts large numbers of gulls. I do not know if birders are allowed onto this site, but the birds may also roost in nearby fields. Relocation of this bird would probably be tough, it could well be long-gone, but we figured we'd post nonetheless. All the best, Brandon ______________________ Brandon Holden Hamilton, Ontario www.PeregrinePrints.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Holiday Beach (19 Nov 2009) 1 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 19 Nov 2009 22:11:42 -0400 Holiday Beach Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 19, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 0 834 43841 Osprey 0 0 94 Bald Eagle 0 16 165 Northern Harrier 0 97 686 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 179 9699 Cooper's Hawk 0 128 938 Northern Goshawk 0 10 28 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 334 1092 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 18292 Red-tailed Hawk 0 2089 6147 Rough-legged Hawk 0 21 26 Golden Eagle 0 48 93 American Kestrel 0 8 1741 Merlin 0 2 122 Peregrine Falcon 0 6 105 Unknown Accipiter 0 1 8 Unknown Buteo 0 6 17 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 2 Total: 1 3779 83098 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours Official Counter: Justin Bosler Observers: Rene Kielbasa Visitors: Rene Kielbasa was out for two hours in the afternoon. Weather: Delayed start due to rain. The following weather summary pertains to the count period only. Overcast skies with a very brief period of sun. Southwest wind at 3 to 10 mph. Temps. ranged from 8.8 to a high of 10 C. Visibility was poor to fair. Raptor Observations: Rain, thick cloud cover, and lousy winds discouraged most raptors from flying. However, one Sharpy didn't think twice. Non-raptor Observations: N. Rough-winged Swallow- 1 (westbound past the Tower at 1212 EST; very late) Common Yellowthroat- 1 (lingering), Am. Goldfinch- 70. Predictions: Cloudy skies with an AM rain shower possible. West-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. High of 8C. Chance of rain around 30%. Similar results predicted for tomorrow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Justin Bosler (justin.bosler AT gmail.com) Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at: http://hbmo.org/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Algonquin Park Birds: 19 November 2009 From: Ron Tozer <rtozer AT vianet.ca> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:20:30 -0500 Mild temperatures and no snow on the ground prevailed this week, but migrants continue to move on in response to factors such as day length and food scarcity (including a very poor conifer seed crop). Larger lakes remain open, but there has been thin ice on small lakes and ponds. A Common Redpoll at the Visitor Centre on November 15 was the first here this fall. The irregular presence and diminishing numbers of American Goldfinches and Evening Grosbeaks at the feeders this week, likely indicates they are moving through. A Dark-eyed Junco and a White-throated Sparrow were at the feeders occasionally. Nearly all the Snow Buntings along the Highway 60 Corridor have moved on to suitable field wintering range to the south. Many years it seems that they go when snow arrives to cover up weeds, but that is not the case now. A dozen Common Loons were off Opeongo Access Point on November 15, and there were still four there on November 17. At least one Great Blue Heron lingered at the Old Airfield Marsh on November 17. Flocks of Canada Geese foraging on the grass of Mew Lake Campground beach and on Park Lake between the West Gate and the boundary on November 17 were the second latest fall date on record here. The juvenile Brant foraging on lawns near the Oxtongue Lake Highway 60 bridge, west of Algonquin Park, was still present today. It has been in that area since at least November 4. Adult Bald Eagles were reported at Opeongo Access Point on November 15, and at Tea Lake on November 17. Boreal Species Info: Spruce Grouse: Try Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area of Mizzy Lake Trail (accessed via Arowhon Road), and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Gray Jay: Reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot, along Opeongo Road north of the gate (still open), and the Visitor Centre suet feeders. Boreal Chickadee: Two seen at Post 7 on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on November 17. Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports this week. Check Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Mammals: At least one pine marten continued to irregularly visit the Visitor Centre suet feeders, with no predictable schedule. As always, we would appreciate receiving your observations for our Visitor Centre records. Good birding. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, Ontario Directions: Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on Highway 400. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders, and information. The centre is open weekends only until December 20, from 10 am to 4 pm. Access to the building through the service entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on weekdays. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the restaurant this winter on weekends, but not full meal service. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending November 19, 2009. From: Fred Helleiner <fhelleiner AT trentu.ca> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:45:00 -0500 Owls and stragglers are the featured birds at Presqu'ile Provincial Park this week. The marsh normally develops a skim of ice by this date, but this year that has not yet occurred and dozens of dabbling ducks remain there, easily viewed from the road. Two TUNDRA SWANS were at the beach on November 14 and four were nearby on November 19. Five NORTHERN SHOVELERS landed far out in Popham Bay on November 14. MALLARDS and GREEN-WINGED TEAL continue to be the most abundant dabbling ducks in the Park. Up to three AMERICAN WIGEONS and two NORTHERN PINTAILS are regularly with those birds in the marsh. Small numbers of COMMON LOONS and HORNED GREBES are still present. A DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT was at Salt Point on November 13. A GREAT BLUE HERON was at the calf pasture on two consecutive days. On November 17 a TURKEY VULTURE consuming a dead fish at Owen Point represented, by one day, the latest record for Presqu'ile Park. There was also a NORTHERN HARRIER on Gull Island on that day, and a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK near the lighthouse on the next day. A WILD TURKEY was found on November 14, presumably one of the pair that has been lingering for some time. Only three shorebird species remained this week, a KILLDEER and a WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER on November 19 and a DUNLIN on November 17. It is unusual for an entire week to pass in November with no PURPLE SANDPIPER sightings in the Park, but the next cold front may change all that. A conservative estimate of the number of BARRED OWLS in the Park this week is eight birds, but there are likely more than that. In addition one was struck by a car and has been taken for rehabilitation despite its emaciated condition. To the delight of both birders and photographers, it has been possible to find five or six BARRED OWLS in the space of only a few hours, as several observers have done. PILEATED WOODPECKERS have again been seen in Jobes' woods and elsewhere. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was found on November 17. Late but not record-breaking late were a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET on November 13, two AMERICAN PIPITS on November 17, and a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER on November 14. A surprising find, twelve days later than the previous record, was a PALM WARBLER of the yellow race on November 17. What does a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK do when its wing is damaged and it cannot fly to its normal Central or South American wintering grounds? If it is lucky, it finds a well-stocked bird feeder provided by the Friends of Presqu'ile at the group campground parking lot. It was found there on November 13 and has been seen there repeatedly since then (most recently on November 18, to the best of my knowledge). How long it can survive here remains to be seen. In the meantime it establishes a new late record with every passing day. A flock of ten PINE SISKINS fed briefly at 186 Bayshore Road on November 16. To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton. Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid that is available at the Park gate. Visitors to Gull Island not using a boat should be prepared to wade through ankle-deep water that sometimes has waves that reach the shins. It should also be noted that, because duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Gull Island, High Bluff Island, Owen Point, and part of the calf pasture are not available for bird-watching on those days until December 20. Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird sightings board provided near the campground office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed there. -- -- Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road, Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0 VOICE: (613) 475 5309 If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Western Tanager northeast of Sudbury From: Jean Iron <jeaniron AT sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:26:37 -0500 An adult male Western Tanager in basic (winter) plumage is coming to a feeder at the home of Val Kirwan, 4456 Noel Crescent, Val Therese, Ontario. It has been there over a week, spending most of the day to feed on crushed hulled sunflower seeds only leaving for a short while every 15 to 20 minutes. Val is pleased to welcome visitors. The best place to see the bird is to come up driveway to the shed, and stand in the walkway between the shed and the house to the left. The tanager comes to seed on an old green rectangular patio table. Lots of Evening Grosbeaks also feeding there. Val has sent photos, which will be forwarded to the OBRC and to the OFO website. Please use Google maps to find 4456 Noel Crescent in the little town of Val Therese northeast of Sudbury. Val's phone number is 705-969-7215 Thanks to Erwin Meissner of Massey who called us about this bird. Jean Iron and Ron Pittaway Toronto ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (19 Nov 2009) Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 19 Nov 2009 18:11:33 -0400 DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 19, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 717 54864 Osprey 0 0 46 Bald Eagle 0 12 109 Northern Harrier 0 17 163 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 47 3251 Cooper's Hawk 0 46 326 Northern Goshawk 0 7 23 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 254 606 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 20016 Red-tailed Hawk 0 924 2412 Rough-legged Hawk 0 8 13 Golden Eagle 0 48 111 American Kestrel 0 2 440 Merlin 0 0 39 Peregrine Falcon 0 2 34 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 12 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Mississippi Kite 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 4 Total: 0 2085 82471 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours Official Counter: Raburn Howland, Seth Cutright Observers: Raburn Howland, Seth Cutright Weather: 100% cloudy all day with rain/snow looking clouds going over. Some dark and gray skies both over head and in the background. With some fog in the background too. Visibility was mostly clear besides this. Wind was from 0-8mph, and went anywhere from Southwest to Southeast. Then at times at the same time it could be more West and East. Raptor Observations: No migratory raptors today at all. Non-raptor Observations: Hardly any other movement of anything else. Not much around at all. Predictions: I guess it will be slow Friday with more West-Southwest winds and chances of rain around noon. But odder things have happened so maybe it will turn out OK... ======================================================================== Report submitted by Seth Cutright (seth.cutright AT gmail.com) SMRR- Lake Erie Metropark information may be found at: http://www.smrr.net/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: N. Rough-winged Swallow, Holiday Beach C.A. (Essex Co.) - 19 Nov 2009 From: Justin Bosler <justin.bosler AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:55:12 -0500 Hello Ontbirds, A nice and unexpected surprise, on an otherwise lousy day, was a very late NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW at Holiday Beach Conservation Area in Amherstburg (Essex Co.). The swallow was observed at 12:12 PM in a direct, westbound flight, below eye level, out over the marsh less than 100 meters to the north of the Hawk Tower. Although only speculative, it's possible that the swallow came in on the southwest winds of the advancing, northeast-bound low pressure system. Good birding, Justin -- Justin Bosler Official Raptor Counter and Interpretive Biologist Holiday Beach Migration Observatory Amherstburg, Ontario _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Directions to Phainopepla in Brampton From: Mark Cranford <mark.cranford AT rogers.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:50:58 -0500 Hi Angela, It's a pet peeve with me. This is a perfect example of why we keep asking for directions .... It may take you five hours to get there but don't drive too fast. From the 400 take 401 west to 410 north. North to Steeles (north of 407) turn right on Steeles about 2 lights to Dixie Rd turn left north. Maybe two lights north past industrial area and railway overpass. Turn right at the lights (an Indian Restaurant is on the left) onto Birchbank Rd. continue until stop sign at T-intersection. Turn left on to Avondale Blvd. Right at the fourth street - Addington. Park near the first road to the left (Ascott Ave) the bird has been seen often high up in trees. I saw the bird on Aberdeen Cres. It has been seen mostly along eastern sections of both Addington and Aberdeen Crescents. 20 Ascot Ave might be a good place to start. Mark Cranford Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranford at rogers dot com Welcome Lodge wrote: > Hi Mark, > We have just moved and my husband pulled off the last two Ontbirds > reports on the Phainopepia. He had to do some deleting before that > because of our phone lines. > Would it be possible for you to email me the directions to see the > bird? I will stop on my way down on Friday. > Thanks if you can. > Hope you have been enjoying the great weather. > Angela > _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Intersex Mallard at La Salle Marina in Hamilton. From: Harold Stiver <hstiver AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:42:52 -0500 There is an unusual Mallard at La Salle Marina which I thought might be a variation of the MallardXBlack Duck hybrids which can be found there. It seemed however to have only Mallard characteristic although some of each sex. A little research convinced me that it is a female Mallard with low female hormones, which is developing male plumage. (Picture and information ) It will likely winter there and it will be interesting to see her further changes and interaction with the other Mallards there. I wonder whether it has or will pair with a male Mallard. La Salle Marina is at the foot of La Salle Blvd off of Plains rd. in Hamilton. It is on Hamilton harbor. -- Harold Stiver Paris, Canada hstiver(at)gmail.com http://ontfin.com/Word/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: phainopepla update From: dian bogie <owletdb AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:00:33 -0500 I'm sorry for this late posting but my computer crashed and it's taken a while to resuscitate it. We had great viewings from 14:00 to 15:30 when THE BIRD would perch atop a wild rose (for want of the precise name) and then dive below to feed upon the tiny rose hips. When it's perched upon the wild rose, it can be viewed best from # 20 Ascot. The neighbours there are very excited about this whole experience and are welcoming everyone. Take care and good luck.Dian _________________________________________________________________ Ready. Set. Get a great deal on Windows 7. See fantastic deals on Windows 7 now http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691818_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (18 Nov 2009) 6 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 18 Nov 2009 20:11:30 -0400 DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 18, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 717 54864 Osprey 0 0 46 Bald Eagle 0 12 109 Northern Harrier 1 17 163 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 47 3251 Cooper's Hawk 0 46 326 Northern Goshawk 1 7 23 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 254 606 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 20016 Red-tailed Hawk 2 924 2412 Rough-legged Hawk 0 8 13 Golden Eagle 2 48 111 American Kestrel 0 2 440 Merlin 0 0 39 Peregrine Falcon 0 2 34 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 12 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Mississippi Kite 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 4 Total: 6 2085 82471 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours Official Counter: Seth Cutright Observers: Rodney Laura Visitors: Thanks to Rodney L., and Nora C., for coming by the count today. Made for a nice day. Weather: It was 100% cloudy all day. Some rain did come down just after 2:00pm. Visibility was clear but also hazy and dark in the background too. Wind started at East-North-East, then changed to East-South-East, and then lastly to East. It was either 5-10mph or 10-15mph. Raptor Observations: Not much went by before the rain, but what did go by was neat. The first two raptors of the day were Golden Eagles. They came by at about 10:40am. 2 Red-tailed Hawks, 1 Northern Goshawk, and 1 Northern Harrier also went by. Non-raptor Observations: Around 40 Bonaparte's Gull have been around and were neat to watch feed and fly by close. More Tundra Swans were around, and went past, with one flock of 29. Both Lesser and Greater Scaup flew past around over the lake. Bufflehead, and Common Goldeneye were also around. An Eastern Bluebird was also heard flying over. Predictions: It looks like rain tonight and early in the day Thursday. Then light South-Southwest winds. I would guess it might be OK, with rain today and tonight and early, and likely late in the day Thursday. But it could also be slow with Southwest winds. It is also the time of year when birds might just go at any time. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Seth Cutright (seth.cutright AT gmail.com) SMRR- Lake Erie Metropark information may be found at: http://www.smrr.net/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Holiday Beach (18 Nov 2009) 13 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 18 Nov 2009 17:11:27 -0400 Holiday Beach Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 18, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 0 834 43841 Osprey 0 0 94 Bald Eagle 0 16 165 Northern Harrier 1 97 686 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 178 9698 Cooper's Hawk 1 128 938 Northern Goshawk 2 10 28 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 334 1092 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 18292 Red-tailed Hawk 7 2089 6147 Rough-legged Hawk 0 21 26 Golden Eagle 0 48 93 American Kestrel 0 8 1741 Merlin 0 2 122 Peregrine Falcon 0 6 105 Unknown Accipiter 0 1 8 Unknown Buteo 0 6 17 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 2 Total: 13 3778 83097 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours Official Counter: Justin Bosler Observers: Claude Radley, Janina Radley Visitors: Claude and Nina Radley stopped by to see if anything was flying; no migrant raptors, but the local immature Peregrine put in an appearance over the campground. Weather: Partly cloudy to overcast skies with light rain moving in by 1400. East to East-southeast winds at 5 to 10 mph. Temps. ranged from 9.5 to a high of 12 C. Visibility was fair to good. Raptor Observations: Not much of a flight today before the arrival of rain clouds, and eventually the rain. Two juvenile Northern Goshawks at close range made the day worthwhile. Non-raptor Observations: Hundreds of waterfowl moving out over Lake Erie, primarily Red-breasted Mergansers, scaups, Common Goldeneyes, and Buffleheads. There were also a few Common Loons in the mix. Predictions: Overcast skies with AM rain showers likely. More gray skies and intermittent showers into the PM. South-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. High of 11C. Chance of rain around 60%. It is safe to assume that there will be few, if any, raptors flying tomorrow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Justin Bosler (justin.bosler AT gmail.com) Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at: http://hbmo.org/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Phainopepla in Brampton... From: Bernie Monette <monette AT iaai.ca> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:55:40 -0500 Greetings! Many many thanks to the folks there: they have been very welcoming and tolerant as we pursue our hobby! The Phainopepla this afternoon in the same area that Dian referred to in her earlier post. Great views were had by all. Please refer to previous posts for directions. Cheers, Bernie http://www.flickr.com/photos/berniemonette _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Harris' Sparrow at Little River, Windsor From: David McNorton <mcnorton AT iprimus.ca> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:34:08 -0500 At 10 a.m. this morning (November 18th) I saw a Harris' Sparrow from the paved trail NE of the sewage treatment plant. It was in a nice mixed flock of juncos, house and purple finches. The bird is in an interesting moult - the black bib is confined to the chin area, surrounded by the "5 o'clock shadow" of the full bib against the white breast. The head still shows a significant amount of grey at the cheeks. Since birding luck seems to always happen at the same time, I also saw my first Wild Turkey within the city limits of Windsor - a female bird that was visible from the paved trail just south of where it crosses the CN railroad tracks. To best access the area where I saw the Harris' Sparrow, park at the end of Little River Road and walk east towards the paved trail. Go north from this point, then turn onto a trail that begins with a wooden foot bridge. Follow this trail until you can see a gravel road heading north. The mixed flock was feeding in this general area. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Phainopepla From: dian bogie <owletdb AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:52:43 -0500 Hello everyone: It's great to be able to report that the Phainopepla is still here. It was sighted this morning, approx. 10:50 in a tree bordering the fence line between # 4 and # 6 Aberdeen Cr. It then flew into the barberry bush in the front yard of # 8 Aberdeen where we watched in feed on the tiny, red, waxy, berries. It then flew to the top of a shrub once again between #'s 4 & 6 Aberdeen where it perched for approx. 10 minutes, enjoying the sun. We had great looks. It then dropped down and to the right and out of sight. Take care and good luck. Dian _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691816_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Hooded Mergansers, Ottawa, Rideau River From: "Poirier, Alain" <Alain.Poirier AT ottawa.ca> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:33:26 -0500 At 8:00 this morning, there were 5 Hooded Mergansers (males and females) swimming with Goldeneyes on the Rideau River, just North of the Cummings Bridge. They seem to be going South, towards Riverain Park. >From Highway 417, take the Vanier Parkway exit and travel North to Montréal Road. Turn left (West) on Montréal Road to Cummings Bridge that connects Montréal Road and Rideau Street. Alain Poirier This e-mail originates from the City of Ottawa e-mail system. Any distribution, use or copying of this e-mail or the information it contains by other than the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify me at the telephone number shown above or by return e-mail and delete this communication and any copy immediately. Thank you. Le présent courriel a été expédié par le système de courriels de la Ville d'Ottawa. Toute distribution, utilisation ou reproduction du courriel ou des renseignements qui s'y trouvent par une personne autre que son destinataire prévu est interdite. Si vous avez reçu le message par erreur, veuillez m'en aviser par téléphone (au numéro précité) ou par courriel, puis supprimer sans délai la version originale de la communication ainsi que toutes ses copies. Je vous remercie de votre collaboration. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Holiday Beach (17 Nov 2009) 225 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 17 Nov 2009 23:11:59 -0400 Holiday Beach Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 17, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 19 834 43841 Osprey 0 0 94 Bald Eagle 1 16 165 Northern Harrier 3 96 685 Sharp-shinned Hawk 13 176 9696 Cooper's Hawk 11 127 937 Northern Goshawk 1 8 26 Red-shouldered Hawk 14 334 1092 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 18292 Red-tailed Hawk 160 2082 6140 Rough-legged Hawk 0 21 26 Golden Eagle 2 48 93 American Kestrel 0 8 1741 Merlin 0 2 122 Peregrine Falcon 1 6 105 Unknown Accipiter 0 1 8 Unknown Buteo 0 6 17 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 2 Total: 225 3765 83084 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7 hours Official Counter: Justin Bosler Observers: Jim McCoy Visitors: Jim McCoy was out to help spot for a little over two hours. Herb and Hanna Siefer, of Kitchener, stopped by to enjoy the most fruitful hour. Weather: Partly to mostly cloudy skies with gusty Northeast to East-northeast winds at 10 to 20 mph, and gusts in excess of 30 mph. Temps. climbed from 4.5 to a high of 10.5 C. Visibility was good. Raptor Observations: A few raptors were up and moving by 0830 EST, if not earlier. A nice push of raptors in the 1000 to 1100 hour, with 121 tallied, including 86 Redtails. The flight came to a screeching halt by about noon. A much reduced, but steady, movement of Redtails throughout the afternoon. Most raptors were between the "Point" and the shoreline; however, a good number of them still cut to the north to circumnavigate the marsh. Non-raptor Observations: About 13 species of waterfowl, including 75 Tundra Swans. Bald Eagle- 2 (residen pair), Peregrine Falcon- 1 (local imm.), Am. Crow- 4,800, Yellow-rumped Warbler- 1, Lapland Longspur- 5, Snow Bunting- large flock of 100+ (disappeared before counted), Pine Siskin- 4+, Am. Goldfinch- 175. Predictions: Partly cloudy skies early becoming mostly cloudy later on with a chance of rain showers. East-southeast winds at 10 to 15 mph. High of 12C. Chance of rain around 50%. There might be a light flight in the morning before it clouds over in the afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Justin Bosler (justin.bosler AT gmail.com) Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at: http://hbmo.org/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Greater Snow Geese - Casselman From: Brian.Morin AT pc.gc.ca Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:17:59 -0500 The flock that has been building along Hwy 138 just south of Hwy 417 was well over 10,000 at mid-morning. I did not have time to do a good count but for a while the birds were descending at the rate of 500 - 1,000/minute and that was with at least 5,000 on the ground. If someone has the time to do a decent count, we'll probably have about 15,000 birds. There are a few blues in with them. Brian Morin Cornwall Take Hwy 417 east to the Hwy 138 exit (about 5 km east of Casselman). Head south about 1 km. The birds have been seen on the west side of the road on the Manderley Sod Farm and can be viewed from the highway or by proceeding west along Lafleche Rd through the heart of the property. The numbers pick up after mid-morning. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (17 Nov 2009) 53 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 17 Nov 2009 20:11:20 -0400 DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 17, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 4 717 54864 Osprey 0 0 46 Bald Eagle 0 12 109 Northern Harrier 0 16 162 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 47 3251 Cooper's Hawk 1 46 326 Northern Goshawk 0 6 22 Red-shouldered Hawk 7 254 606 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 20016 Red-tailed Hawk 40 922 2410 Rough-legged Hawk 0 8 13 Golden Eagle 0 46 109 American Kestrel 1 2 440 Merlin 0 0 39 Peregrine Falcon 0 2 34 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 12 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Mississippi Kite 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 4 Total: 53 2079 82465 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:15:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours Official Counter: Seth Cutright Observers: John Elliott, Rodney Laura Weather: Clear visibility all day today with around 90% cloud cover. Winds were 10-15mph most hours, but got up to around 30mph for a few hours also. It was also from the Northeast. Raptor Observations: 53 counted raptors today, with most going by in the first two hours. 40 of the 53 were Red-tailed Hawks. Non-raptor Observations: Lots of ducks out over the lake. Predictions: It might rain around 11 and 12 Wednesday...if it is an all day rain then I will most likely not come down...But if it is only a light rain or on off then I might come down still. It should be an East wind and lighter then today's winds. If any rain happens birds might move right before that or after that. Also they might move since the winds should be lighter then today. But if they don't move it might because of the rain or because of the East winds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Seth Cutright (seth.cutright AT gmail.com) SMRR- Lake Erie Metropark information may be found at: http://www.smrr.net/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Cave Swallows at Burlington From: "Rob Dobos" <rdobos AT cogeco.ca> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:31:38 -0500 At 1:55 p.m. today (Nov. 17), I had two Cave Swallows outside my office window at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters in Burlington on the shore of Hamilton Harbour next to the Burlington Ship Canal. My office looks west over the Harbour, and the birds were flying back and forth in the lee of the building out of the strong NE winds. This side of the building is not accessible to the public. As I had to get to a meeting at 2:00 I could not get the word out earlier, but I was able to get one of my work colleagues (also a birder) to see these birds. Unfortunately, they did not stick around for more than five minutes, likely due to the presence of a Peregrine Falcon which was perched on the roof of the building having a meal (hopefully a pigeon). I don't know which direction they headed when they left. Cheers, Rob Dobos Dundas, Ont. rdobos AT cogeco.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Phainopepla From: dian bogie <owletdb AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:38:57 -0500 Hello Fellow Birders:This is my first posting so I hope that it is ok. The Phainopepla was last seen at 10:15 this morning sunning itself at the top of a pear tree in the backyard of #6 Aberdeen Cr. It sat quietly for approx. 8 minutes before dropping low and out of sight into another backyard. It has not been seen since. Sightings are still being recorded in the guest book in front of #7 Aberdeen and I will continue to post updates for those who still haven't had the opportunity to see 'the guest of honour'. I want to thank all of the wonderful people with whom I've the opportunity to meet and converse this past week. It has been an absolute pleasure. I've enjoyed hearing so many anecdotes, stories, bird-related tales and have seen some wonderful photographs as well. Thank you very much. Good Luck one and all. Dian Bogie (one very fortunate and grateful birder to have discovered this remarkable bird in my own backyard; it doesn't get much better than that) _________________________________________________________________ Eligible CDN College & University students can upgrade to Windows 7 before Jan 3 for only $39.99. Upgrade now! http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691819_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Cannington Screech-Owl Again From: "Ray Lush" <rlush AT rogers.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:33:28 -0500 Hello Birders, For those of you who missed the Screech-Owl last Friday I thought I would let you know that the Gray Phase Eastern Screech is back on its Maple Tree at the corner of Laidlaw and Gibb St. in Cannington. The bird was there at 9:00am and should be there till dusk tonight IF not disturbed. He is only about 12 ft above the lawn in an old branch cut. The homeowners are happy if birders want to come and see their little visitor. He is quite a study in camouflage. Cannington is between Highway 12 and Simcoe St. about an hour north of Oshawa or Whitby. Turn east on RR12 (Cameron St. or west from Simcoe St.) When you reach the corner of Cameron and Laidlaw turn south to Gibb St. The Maple tree is on the lawn of 98 Laidlaw on the south east side. Keep your eyes to the skies. Ray _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Sandhill Cranes, East of Ottawa From: "Poirier, Alain" <Alain.Poirier AT ottawa.ca> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:49:46 -0500 Yesterday at 3:30 pm, there were 28 Sandhill Cranes in a cleared cornfield South West of the intersection of Milton and Smith Roads. The field is across the street from 612 Smith. >From Highway 417, take Boundary Road North to Russell Road. Go East (turn right) on Russell to Milton. Go North (left) on Milton to Smith Road. Alain Poirier This e-mail originates from the City of Ottawa e-mail system. Any distribution, use or copying of this e-mail or the information it contains by other than the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify me at the telephone number shown above or by return e-mail and delete this communication and any copy immediately. Thank you. Le présent courriel a été expédié par le système de courriels de la Ville d'Ottawa. Toute distribution, utilisation ou reproduction du courriel ou des renseignements qui s'y trouvent par une personne autre que son destinataire prévu est interdite. Si vous avez reçu le message par erreur, veuillez m'en aviser par téléphone (au numéro précité) ou par courriel, puis supprimer sans délai la version originale de la communication ainsi que toutes ses copies. Je vous remercie de votre collaboration. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Any further sign of the Cannington Screech Owl? From: "Rocchi, Ann" <Ann.Rocchi AT JacquesWhitford.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:14:10 -0400 We took our kids to try and see it on Saturday, but the owl was not visible at noon. Has anyone else seen it since it was reported? We may try again at dusk tonight. With thx, Ann Rocchi *********************************************************************** This e-mail message, including attachments, is confidential and may be privileged. Unauthorized disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Disclosure or distribution to anyone other than the intended recipient does not constitute waiver of privilege. If you have received this e- mail in error, please notify the sender (address above) and delete it and any attachments from your computer system and any other electronic or printed record. Ce message electronique, incluant les pieces jointes, est confidentiel et peut etre sujet a un privilege. Sa divulgation ou sa transmission non autorisee est interdite. La divulgation ou la transmission de ce message a quiconque n'en est pas le destinataire ne constitue pas une renonciation du privilege. Si vous avez recu ce message electronique par erreur, veuillez aviser l'envoyeur (a l'adresse ci-haut) et effacer le message et ses pieces jointes de votre ordinateur ainsi que toute autre version electronique ou papier. *********************************************************************** _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Re: Phainopepla some hints on seeing this bird From: "Craig McL." <csam AT sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:38:15 -0600 I have had a number of emails on this sighting and it wood seem that not every one knows wear to look , from what I could gather yesterday the best area is from # 8 Aberdeen up and down the street on both sides And the best time is after 11:am to 1:pm once the day has wormed up and then around 3pm to 4pm .. going on a sunny day is a must it is a fly catcher after all .. Craig ----- Original Message ----- From: "Craig McL." To: Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 1:41 PM Subject: [Ontbirds] Phainopepla update monday 16 2009 YES Phainopepla update yes the bird was seen at 11:16 am and 12:11 bouth on Aberdeen at # 8 and 40 but it wood seem that #8 is the best area to see this bird . five good birders got great looks at this bird and know bushes wear harmed !! Directions (Courtesy of Frank Pinilla): >From the intersection of Dixie Road & Steeles Avenue in Brampton, go north on Dixie to Birchbank Rd, turn right here to the stop sign where you turn left on Avondale Blvd, Addington Crescent is the 4th street on the right, turn here and park either here or on Ascot Ave or Aberdeen Cres Craig McLauchlan _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Holiday Beach (16 Nov 2009) 47 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 16 Nov 2009 23:11:21 -0400 Holiday Beach Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 16, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 0 815 43822 Osprey 0 0 94 Bald Eagle 0 15 164 Northern Harrier 7 93 682 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 163 9683 Cooper's Hawk 2 116 926 Northern Goshawk 1 7 25 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 320 1078 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 18292 Red-tailed Hawk 28 1922 5980 Rough-legged Hawk 1 21 26 Golden Eagle 1 46 91 American Kestrel 0 8 1741 Merlin 0 2 122 Peregrine Falcon 1 6 105 Unknown Accipiter 0 1 8 Unknown Buteo 0 6 17 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 2 Total: 47 3541 82860 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours Official Counter: Justin Bosler Observers: Chuck Sharbaugh, Jim McCoy, Larry Ludwiki Visitors: Jim McCoy, Larry Ludwiki (Troy, MI), and Chuck Sharbaugh(Holly, MI) helped spot for a couple to several hours (thanks, Chuck). Chuck spotted the only Golden Eagle of the day, which surprisingly, was way off to the north despite the strongish Northeast wind. Weather: Overcast skies with a light spritzing in the first half hour. North-northeast to Northeast winds at 5 to 15 mph, with some gusts as high as 20 mph. About a 1 degree rise in temp. all day: 6 to 7.2 C. Visibility was fair to good. Raptor Observations: Another low density flight, but slightly better than the weekend flights. First and last raptor of the day was a Northern Harrier. It is possible that the early afternoon Peregrine Falcon is a lingering individual as opposed to a "new" migrant; age could not be ascertained. Non-raptor Observations: 17 species of waterfowl, including 42 Tundra Swans and 10 Hooded Mergansers. Bald Eagle- 2 (resident pair), Killdeer- 1, Horned Lark- 6, Am. Crow- 15, Am. Robin- 10, Yellow-rumped Warbler- 2, Lapland Longspur- 5+, Snow Bunting- 7+, Purple Finch- 5, Pine Siskin- 2, Am. Goldfinch- 640. Predictions: Mostly sunny skies with East-northeast winds at 15 to 20 mph. High of 10C. Expect a better flight tomorrow with plenty of sun. The wind could counter any flight if it gets as high as forecast. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Justin Bosler (justin.bosler AT gmail.com) Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at: http://hbmo.org/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Fifty Point Barn Owl in rehab From: "Mark Cranford \[Ontbirds\]" <ontbirds_coord AT rogers.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:43:58 -0500 Posting for Jim Thomson. Inquiries probably should be made to the Owl Foundation at owlmail AT sympatico.ca In regards to Cheryl Edgecombe’s report last Friday of the female Barn Owl at Fifty Point Conservation Area: We had photographed the owl on the previous Sunday and went back three days later, but had no luck with a second sighting. Following Cheryl’s report, and a conflicting report we received from Bird Studies Canada (to whom we reported the Nov. 8 sighting), we emailed the Owl Foundation and received the following update from Owl Foundation zoologist Annick Gionet Rollick: The owl is indeed at The Owl Foundation (it was rescued by TOF staff Friday morning) and will need to be examined by a veterinarian ophthalmologist. The initial "report" was an on-site assessment on her condition. Upon retrieval it was noted that she had no broken bones and was in fair body condition with no other serious signs of trauma. However once she was fully examined at our facility she was showing signs of neurological damage and possible eye trauma. Wild owls will often do their best when threatened to appear healthy so as to deter any thoughts of predation. Once they feel they are alone in a quiet area away from danger they will show their true "colours". The barn owl is having difficulties with her coordination and her eyes are not responding properly to light conditions. This is often a sign of head trauma. Her prognosis at this time cannot be determined. If you would like further updates feel free to contact us again. Also, if possible could you please post an update on Bird Studies Canada? There has been lots of interest in this particular owl which has generated many phone calls and emails. -- Jim Thomson Director of Photography Toronto Sun 333 King St. E. Toronto ON M5A 3X5 -- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranford AT ofo.ca 905 279 9576 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (16 Nov 2009) 14 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 16 Nov 2009 19:11:23 -0400 DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 16, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 1 713 54860 Osprey 0 0 46 Bald Eagle 0 12 109 Northern Harrier 1 16 162 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 47 3251 Cooper's Hawk 0 45 325 Northern Goshawk 0 6 22 Red-shouldered Hawk 6 247 599 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 20016 Red-tailed Hawk 6 882 2370 Rough-legged Hawk 0 8 13 Golden Eagle 0 46 109 American Kestrel 0 1 439 Merlin 0 0 39 Peregrine Falcon 0 2 34 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 12 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Mississippi Kite 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 4 Total: 14 2026 82412 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 14:15:00 Total observation time: 4.25 hours Official Counter: Seth Cutright Observers: Rodney Laura Visitors: I think only three people came by all day...two from Ohio were nice of them to come all the way up. Weather: Just about 100% cloudy all day long. 10-15mph wind from the Northeast all day. Visibility was clear. It was a slow day with not much going on. Raptor Observations: Only 14 raptors were counted. 6 Red-tailed Hawks and 6 Red-shouldered Hawks made up most of the count. Then 1 Northern Harrier and 1 Turkey Vulture were the other 2 that were counted. Non-raptor Observations: A number of Tundra Swans went by, and one adult Great Black-backed Gull could be seen some times. Predictions: More East-North-East winds for Tuesday. Might be kind of slow, but also sunny, so some movement might happen. Count start time is about 10:00am now...Or any time between 9:30-10:00am. Then ending time is kind of between 2:00-4:00pm. Just depends on the birds and weather. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Seth Cutright (seth.cutright AT gmail.com) SMRR- Lake Erie Metropark information may be found at: http://www.smrr.net/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Holiday Beach (15 Nov 2009) 9 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 16 Nov 2009 18:11:38 -0400 Holiday Beach Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 15, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 0 815 43822 Osprey 0 0 94 Bald Eagle 0 15 164 Northern Harrier 0 86 675 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 162 9682 Cooper's Hawk 0 114 924 Northern Goshawk 0 6 24 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 315 1073 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 18292 Red-tailed Hawk 4 1894 5952 Rough-legged Hawk 0 20 25 Golden Eagle 3 45 90 American Kestrel 0 8 1741 Merlin 0 2 122 Peregrine Falcon 1 5 104 Unknown Accipiter 0 1 8 Unknown Buteo 0 6 17 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 2 Total: 9 3494 82813 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Dan Lumm Observers: Bob Pettit, Claude Radley, Jim McCoy, Justin Bosler, Larry Ludwiki, Paul Pratt Visitors: Bob Pettit, Justin Bosler, Jim McCoy, Claude Radley, Larry Ludwicki, John Craft, and Paul Pratt along with 6 members of the Essex County Field Naturalists' Club. A few other park visitors stopped by throughout the day. Weather: Mostly cloudy to overcast skies with West to Northwest winds at 1 to 10 mph. Temps. ranged from 12.2 to a high of 14.2 C. Visibility was reduced by haze for the better part of the day, with some improvement throughout the PM. Raptor Observations: Simply stating that we averaged about one raptor per hour would aptly sum up the day. Three Golden Eagles passed in quick succession between 1135 and 1141 EST. Non-raptor Observations: Tundra Swans- 59, Bald Eagle- 2 (resident pair), Am. Goldfinch- 115. Predictions: Overcast to mostly cloudy skies with a chance of an AM sprinkle. Northeast winds at 10 to 15 mph with gusts exceeding 20 mph. High of 15C. Chance of rain around 30%. Favorable winds and a little sun should get the raptors moving again. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Justin Bosler (justin.bosler AT gmail.com) Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at: http://hbmo.org/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Greater Black-backed Gull, Ottawa From: "Don Wigle" <don.wigle AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:17:01 -0500 We saw a Greater Black-backed Gull and about 12 Hooded Mergansers at Dow's Lake in Ottawa yesterday. They were near the east end of the lake close to the canal. Don Wigle Ottawa Dow's Lake: http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=dow''s+lake,+otta wa,+on&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=46.767175,56.777344&ie=UTF8&hq=dow''s+la ke,&hnear=Ottawa,+ON&ll=45.394563,-75.705371&spn=0.024712,0.027723&z=15 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Greater Black-backed Gull, Ottawa From: "Don Wigle" <don.wigle AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:56:00 -0500 We saw a Greater Black-backed Gull and about 12 Hooded Mergansers at Dow's Lake in Ottawa yesterday. They were near the east end of the lake close to the canal. Don Wigle Ottawa _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Greater Black-backed Gull, Ottawa From: "Don Wigle" <don.wigle AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:53:24 -0500 We saw a Greater Black-backed Gull and about 12 Hooded Mergansers at Dow's Lake in Ottawa yesterday. They were near the east end of the lake close to the canal. Don Wigle Ottawa _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: 25 migrating raptors, snow buntings at CRANBERRY in SW Whitby, ON--Nov.16/09 From: "Doug Lockrey" <lockrey33 AT rogers.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:50:30 -0500 Alas, we had medium NW winds and rising BP, BUT there were no thermals. over 4.5 hrs. 14 Red-taileds came through. > Among non-raptors were: 100 SNOW BUNTINGS, a Brown Creeper, Hairy Woodpecker, House Finch. On the wetland's water--1 Red-necked Grebe. > ----SEE TABLE BELOW for the raptors. Cranberry Marsh, sw Whitby, ON--south roadside parking area on Hall's Rd. MONDAY, Nov.16/09 Observation time--0900-1300, 1400-1500 > Official counters- Doug Lockrey, Jim McKnight Observers- Karl Jennewein, Jim Skene, Ron Stephenson, Charlie Adey, Gerry Ball, Alan Woods, Dan Kaczynski From the 401 eastbound, exit at Salem Rd. in Ajax, south to Bayly, then east through LakeRidge Rd. to the first street beyond---Hall's Rd.--south toward the lake to the second roadside parking area. Raptor species----------------Day Total-----Month Total------Season Total ---------------------------------Nov16 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Black Vulture--------------------0---------------0----------------------0 Turkey Vulture------------------0----------------21------------------3964 Osprey--------------------------0---------------1-------------------- 137 Bald Eagle-----------------------0---------------3-------------------- 55 Northern Harrier---------------1-----------------12------------------ 105 Sharp-shinned Hawk----------6----------------56-------------------1490 Cooper's Hawk--------------- 4----------------25 -------------------117 Northern Goshawk------------ 0---------------8---------------------- 22 Red-shouldered Hawk---------0 --------------- 6 ---------------------45 Broad-winged Hawk---------- 0 ---------------0 --------------------416 Red-tailed Hawk---------------14--------------331-------------------1298 Rough-legged Hawk------------0 ---------------13--------------------18 Golden Eagle------------------ 0 ---------------- 2 ---------------------3 American Kestrel------------- 0 -----------------5 ------------------ 482 Merlin------------------------- 0 --------------0 ---------------------34 Peregrine Falcon--------------0 ---------------- 6--------------------- 47 Unidentified Accipiter---------0 ---------------- 1 ---------------------12 Undentified Buteo------------0 -----------------5-----------------------30 Unidentified Falcon----------- 0 ----------------- 1 ----------------------3 Unidentified Eagle-------------0------------------ 0--------------------- 1 Unidentified Raptor -----------0----------------3----------------- -----37 TOTALS--------------------25---------------499--------------------8316 HOURS----------------------5---------------63.5----------------370 Doug Lockrey-- coordinator CMRW, Whitby, ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas - Save 35% From: Jean Iron <jeaniron AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:40:23 -0500 The price of the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is now greatly reduced just in time for Christmas. The Atlas was rigorously peer reviewed making it the most authoritative reference to the breeding birds of Ontario. Its 728 pages include detailed range maps in colour, distribution and population status, breeding biology, nesting habitat photos, and relative abundance maps. The Ontario Atlas has been called the finest atlas ever published. Save 35%. Special price $60 Canadian plus $3 GST includes shipping in Canada and United States. To ensure Christmas delivery order by 4 December. Call Ontario Nature 1-800-440-2366 in Canada or from Toronto and outside Canada 416-444-8419 ext. 271 or order online http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/orderbook.jsp?lang=en The Ontario Field Ornithologists is a partner in the Atlas with Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ontario Nature. Jean Iron and Ron Pittaway Toronto ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Cave Swallows - Point Pelee National Park From: Sarah.Rupert AT pc.gc.ca Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:12:22 -0500 Hello All! I had some birders come into the Visitor Centre who sent me on a mission to check out some strange looking birds at the Tip with the gulls (turned out to be Bonaparte's and Little Gull), but while I was down investigating, I was pleasantly surprised to come across at least three Cave Swallows. The birds were actively flying up and down the west side of the Point (the more sheltered part). I saw them between the parking area at the Tip and saw them as far south at the shipwreck display on the west side. They were coming in very low, so I had some great views. There are still lots of last seasons barn swallow nests in the Tip display area, which may become a good roosting location this evening. A nice way to brighten up a gloomy November Monday. Good birding everyone! Sarah Point Pelee National Park is located 5 km southeast of the community of Leamington Ontario. The park's visitor centre is currently open 10 am -5 pm on weekends. The shuttle to the Tip is shut down for the season and visitors are allowed to drive and park their cars in the Tip parking lot. Sarah Rupert Sr. Park Interpreter, Interpretive Program Coordinator Interprète de parc principale, Coordinatrice du programme d'interprétation Point Pelee National Park/Parc national de la Pointe-Pelée Parks Canada/Parcs Canada 519.322.5700 ext/poste 13 519.322.1678 (fax/téléc) sarah.rupert AT pc.gc.ca www.pc.gc.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Phainopepla update monday 16 2009 YES From: "Craig McL." <csam AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:41:02 -0600 Phainopepla update yes the bird was seen at 11:16 am and 12:11 bouth on Abdderne at # 8 and 40 but it wood seem that #8 is the best area to see this bird . Directions (Courtesy of Frank Pinilla): >From the intersection of Dixie Road & Steeles Avenue in Brampton, go north on Dixie to Birchbank Rd, turn right here to the stop sign where you turn left on Avondale Blvd, Addington Crescent is the 4th street on the right, turn here and park either here or on Ascot Ave or Aberdeen Cres five good birders got great looks at this bird and know bushes wear harmed !! Craig McLauchlan _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Eared Grebe - Port Burwell From: Yousif Attia <ysattia AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:45:00 -0500 An unsuccessful effort this morning for the Black-tailed Gull at Port Burwell. There were very few gulls at the East Beach and even fewer at the Day Use beach. We observed the small flocks of gulls exhibiting a similar behavior as Garth Riley mentioned in his previous post, heading north up the river. It may be worth a try later in the day before they roost. Alan Wormington, Stu Mackenzie and I did however turn up an Eared Grebe with some Horneds about 300m off the Day Use beach. Yousif Attia, Long Point Directions: From Hwy 401 take exit 218 on to county road 19, follow it south through Tillsonburg and keep going to the end. Port Burwell and the beach are located at the end of this road. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snowy Owl in Vaughan From: "Smith family" <smiths AT muskoka.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:11:24 -0500 Yesterday evening, at approx. 9:30pm, while driving north along the 400 I saw a beautiful adult male snowy owl perched on an exit sign along the 400, just south of the Major Mackenzie exit. (sorry for the late posting). Doug Smith Bracebridge _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Single Snow Bunting - Ottawa From: "Poirier, Alain" <Alain.Poirier AT ottawa.ca> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:33:25 -0500 A single snow bunting was on the ground in front of our house at 8:30 am today. A first for me at this location in 20 years. I live on Ida Rocheleau Place in Vanier/Ottawa. Best use Google Maps to find this dead end street near St-Laurent Blvd. and Montréal Road. Alain Poirier This e-mail originates from the City of Ottawa e-mail system. Any distribution, use or copying of this e-mail or the information it contains by other than the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify me at the telephone number shown above or by return e-mail and delete this communication and any copy immediately. Thank you. Le présent courriel a été expédié par le système de courriels de la Ville d'Ottawa. Toute distribution, utilisation ou reproduction du courriel ou des renseignements qui s'y trouvent par une personne autre que son destinataire prévu est interdite. Si vous avez reçu le message par erreur, veuillez m'en aviser par téléphone (au numéro précité) ou par courriel, puis supprimer sans délai la version originale de la communication ainsi que toutes ses copies. Je vous remercie de votre collaboration. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Phainopepla update From: Glenn Coady <glenn_coady AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:38:53 -0500 Ontbirds subscribers, The Phainopepla in Brampton has now stayed for seven days and given a very large segment of Ontario's birders a truly fine memory to look back upon when remembering the fall of 2009. That is most satisfying, to be sure. Likewise, the vast majority of those who went to see this bird have been very respectful of the property owners in this subdivision, and have gone out of their way to engage the local people, and to point out the bird to them. Many of the homeowners I talked to were mostly amused by the deluge of people Saturday morning. The story has been featured in the local Brampton newspaper. The finder of this bird, my friend Dian Bogie, has been a truly impeccable host, having alerted all the neighbours of the impending crowds, and providing a stand in her front yard with free coffee and cookies and a logbook to update when and where the bird was being seen. She helped countless birders find this Phainopepla over the weekend. It should not go unnoticed that, without the efforts of Dian, not one person this week would have seen this Phainopepla - thanks for a very nice job Dian. Congratulations to everyone who saw the Phainopepla, and the vast majority of visitors, who acted as excellent ambassadors for the pursuit of birding. I thank you all for being considerate and patient. Unfortunately, one particularly boorish birder left a very bad taste in the mouths of several local homeowners. This very well-known Mississauga birder, birding group leader, and long-time Toronto Ornithological Club member, displayed a positively breathtaking lack of both patience and sound judgement. On Saturday afternoon, this birder, also a friend of mine, and well-known for wearing a Greek fisherman-style hat while birding, blatantly trespassed down the driveway of an Aberdeen Crescent home to peer into a backyard without obtaining any prior permission. Worse still, when the Phainopepla was subsequently located, and dove into a yew bush, where it remained for some time, this person trespassed yet again onto another front yard and actually went over and DELIBERATELY FLUSHED THE BIRD BY SHAKING THE BUSH (!!!!!) to force the Phainopepla out and into view. Those who observed this were dumbfounded, and the homeowner involved, and his neighbour to the east, who both witnessed this flagrant abuse, told me they were very disappointed in such behaviour. Given my request for people to behave well when I first posted this bird to ONTBIRDS, I concur that I am tremendously disappointed in this individual as well. Many birders witnessed these incidents in utter disbelief. Here is a posting made to the Hamilton listserve (and I believe possibly suppressed earlier from ONTBIRDS as well). I STRONGLY believe it merits posting here, so that any additional visitors will make absolutely sure to keep their impatience in check, and to ensure not to venture even a millimetre off of the public roads and sidewalks: I will not post this complainant's name, but I think this bespeaks the total frustration of many of us toward the indifference or total obliviousness of this birder and his tresspassing ways: Some people may not like the idea of using this board as a way of getting a message out, but this has to get out to everyone on this board. Today I decided to go have a look for the rare Phainopepla that has been in Brampton all week. I drove all the way from the city, as I was in Humber Bay photographing ducks this morning. On arrival, I saw approximately twenty people on Aberdeen Avenue huddled on the sidewalks and looking with bins or cameras at the front of number 17 Aberdeen. I approached and asked if the bird had been seen, as it looked as if everyone was viewing it. A lady told me that it had flown into a yew in front of the house, and they believed it was still there. There was one birder in general that stood out from the crowd, he wore a small leather cap, and wore a small moustache. I photographed him in front of the yew, and house number. Not sure if I should post his photo... But I think I will. If anyone from the OFO would like to see this guy let me know. He continually went up the driveway looking into the yew from a foot or two away. All the while everyone else stood back off the property focused on the bush. The people that owned the house (seniors) had what looked like their grandson stringing up the Christmas lights. The birder in question would speak loudly more than once and say, They’re coming this way with the lights that’s it! There was a posting to respect the property of others, and some fine folks who live on the street had a sign “welcome birders” and “free coffee”. This guy made it look like a three ring circus. Then he proceeded to stick his head in the yew and flush the resting bird. I was shocked, and I think others were as well. Some of us work, and cannot make it back there, and others came from afar. I questioned his ethics on the other street as we went to find the bird, and asked him is this the way a birder conducts himself? All the hoopla always about bad photographers and you flush a resting bird? And a rare one at that! I photographed this buffoon, and hope that if he is a member of the OFO that his membership is revoked. Many of us due to his total disregard for the bird itself and the others in attendance never got to see the bird. But this guy had already seen the bird, and had a video of it. I am pretty sure of his name, as I saw him every day at Riverdale Park in Mississauga last winter when the hoary redpolls where there. He said he lives in Mississauga, and not many people where this type of leather hat. This had to be my worst experience with a person that has little regard to the birds that we all love. This guy totally ruined a great day. This was clearly not the Ontario birding community's finest hour - I would implore any subsequent visitors to employ far more exemplary behaviour. Sincerely, Glenn Coady Whitby . _________________________________________________________________ Eligible CDN College & University students can upgrade to Windows 7 before Jan 3 for only $39.99. Upgrade now! http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691819_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Black-tailed Gull -Port Burwell - additional information From: Garth Riley <rileygv AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:37:32 -0800 (PST) Hello everyone,   The bird was seen on the beach east of the harbour entrance. It was about 2 metres from the water's edge and 30 metres east of the pier.   We were checking out the gulls from the car, in the parking area to the right (west) of the main road turn around. My first impression was that it was a Lesser Black-backed Gull as it was facing us and I just caught a glimpse of the dark mantle. I got out of the car to get a better angle and was still thinking it was a Lesser Black-backed Gull except that it had a large area of dark on it's bill tip. It made the bill look somewhat bulbous.   We were approached to 50 metres from the bird and took a look through the scope at 20 - 60X. We could see that it had a yellow-eye, with a red orbital ring, the legs were yellow, the bill had a large black ring near the tip, the tip was red and there was a small patch of red on the lower mandible on the face side of the black ring and as mentioned it had a dark gray mantle. It yawned a couple of times and spreads it's tail feathers so that we could see that it had a black subterminal band on it's tail. I have examined the pictures that Brandon Holden took on September 28, 2010. One notable difference was that this bird had an almost entirely white head with only a little gray smudge on the nap. I suspect that this difference was due to molt, rather than this being a different bird. All features indicated that this was an non-breeding adult bird.   I didn't have a camera with me so I was trying to take a picture through the scope with my blackberry but without success. Suddenly the bird took flight and headed north gaining height quite quickly the other gulls stayed on the beach. The black tail band was clearly visible as it flew north. It seemed to follow the river but then drifted slightly west. Approximately 10 minutes passed from the time the bird was first seen to the time it left.   We drove to Port Bruce to see if it possibly could be there but with no success. We drove back to Port Burwell and arrived about 4 pm but it wasn't refound. It was interesting to note that some of the other gulls took flight and also flew north in the same direction as the Black-tailed Gull.   Good luck, Garth Riley Etobicoke, Ontario rileygv AT yahoo.com   P.S. We tried for but didn't see the Western Kingbird ~ 1 - 2 pm.   Directions: From Hwy 401 take exit 218 on to county road 19, follow it south through Tillsonburg and keep going to the end. Port Burwell and the beach are located at the end of this road. __________________________________________________________________ The new Internet Explorer® 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Western Kingbird at Port Burwell From: Joe Stephenson <joestephenson11 AT mac.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:36:18 -0500 All, The Western Kingbird was spotted this morning and observed from 9:00 am to 10:00 am by several spotters and was still present when we left. Sorry for the late posting but this is this first chance I had. Location: Beyond the Northwest corner of the Port Burwell Provincial Park trails (Ravine Creek Trail). It was in the east-west Poplar Tree fencerow which is actually on private farm land just outside the park boundary. This requires some walking. It was catching numerous flying insects and returning frequently to the same perch. Good Birding, Joe Stephenson Directions to Port Burwell: At the southern terminus of Hwy #19 (Plank Road) on Lake Erie south of Tillsonburg and Ingersoll. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Great Horned Owl - Thickson Woods, Whitby (15 Nov 2009) From: Aaron Keating <aaron.a.keating AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:00:14 -0400 Great Horned Owl observed around 2:30pm in pines on south side of Thickson Woods. Directions: Thickson Road South off 401 at Whitby, turn left into Thickson Woods and head south on the trail which is located midway down the road. Aaron Keating Georgetown, ON _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live: Keep your friends up to date with what you do online. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691815_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Phainopepla still there at 1245 From: JEFF ATKINSON <akyatkinson AT rogers.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:44:02 -0800 (PST) The p-bird was seen for a few min. at 19 Ascot. It has been very elusive today I waited 4 hrs. too see it and not all birders got too see it. Good birding Jeff Atkinson _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Black-tailed Gull - Port Burwell Beach From: Garth Riley <rileygv AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:50:41 -0800 (PST) On east beach with Ring-billed Gulls. Seen well for about 5 minutes and then took flight going north along the river.2:45 pm Sent from my blackberry so I apologize for lack of directions. __________________________________________________________________ Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new Yahoo! Mail. Click on Options in Mail and switch to New Mail today or register for free at http://mail.yahoo.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Brown-headed Nuthatch spoof? From: Andrew Keaveney <uofgtwitcher AT msn.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:47:55 -0500 Hello Ontbirders. So a good 35 birders met up in Brantford this morning as word got round about a Brown-headed Nuthatch that had been photographed by a local resident in their front yard yesterday afternoon. I arrived in good hopes seeing as the bird had been photographed! After talking with the local couple all seemed good and the lot of us set out searching while a few others continued arriving. After about 10 min. though I went back to the house and asked the photographer if she'd show me the photo on her camera. The photo was no longer on her camera she explained but she would print it out for me. She came out with the photo about 20 min. later after I'd looked around the park across the street with other birders. I waited for the couple to leave with their dog - to a dog park. I then checked the photo up against the tree that she said the bird was photographed in. Immediately I realized that nothing matched. There was no hole, no dead wood material, a blurry green leaf (?) in the background and a small, faint twig hung across that had buds... spring buds... not the fall type on the maple out front... After we all had a good look I believe that everyone there was in agreeance with me... the photo was not taken in that tree. So... was the photo taken from another tree? I don't think so given the 'spring fieldmarks' and given the photographer said it was in THAT tree. The other possibility is the woman saw a bird in that tree, thought it was a brown-headed nuthatch, found a photo online and used that. The couple under question are NOT birdwatchers and I do not think that it is likely they would have identified the birds correctly... there is a resident Downy Woodpecker in that tree and a pair of White-breasted Nuthatchs in the area. Google images - I have searched through this and cannot find a matching photo... In conclusion... it looks like we've been had! What is most remarkable about this situation is that the photographer actually TOLD US she took the photo. I don't understand WHY she would do this? At any rate we all left in pretty cheerful moods (surprisingly???). Cheers, Andrew Keaveney _________________________________________________________________ Eligible CDN College & University students can upgrade to Windows 7 before Jan 3 for only $39.99. Upgrade now! http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691819_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Redpoll - Algonquin Park From: "Peter, Justin (MNR)" <Justin.Peter AT ontario.ca> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:18:28 -0500 Hello Ontbirders, By no means a rarity but for your interest, the first redpoll of the season in these parts has just arrived at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre. Cheers, Justin Peter Park Naturalist Algonquin Park _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (14 Nov 2009) 7 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 14 Nov 2009 22:11:57 -0400 DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 14, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 712 54859 Osprey 0 0 46 Bald Eagle 1 12 109 Northern Harrier 0 15 161 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 47 3251 Cooper's Hawk 1 45 325 Northern Goshawk 0 6 22 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 241 593 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 20016 Red-tailed Hawk 4 876 2364 Rough-legged Hawk 0 8 13 Golden Eagle 0 46 109 American Kestrel 0 1 439 Merlin 0 0 39 Peregrine Falcon 0 2 34 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 12 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Mississippi Kite 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 4 Total: 7 2012 82398 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 6 hours Official Counter: Seth Cutright Observers: Russ Edmonds Visitors: Thanks to all who came by. Weather: It was very slow today. Winds were from the East-South-East. They were around 3-6mph. Visibility was some what clear, but with some fog and haze in the background. Raptor Observations: Only 7 birds went by. Non-raptor Observations: My first Pine Siskin of the season went over today. Predictions: Sunday should be fine, and Monday better I think. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Seth Cutright (seth.cutright AT gmail.com) SMRR- Lake Erie Metropark information may be found at: http://www.smrr.net/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: re: Lark Sparrow at Port Burwell - Vesper Sparrow instead! From: Andrew Keaveney <uofgtwitcher AT msn.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:49:30 -0500 Hey all. So I definately seem to have jumped the gun on the sparrow i.d. I rarely carry a field guide with me these days and certainly didn't expect to find anything I couldn't I.D. while looking for the kingbird. I can honestly say that I haven't seen this plumage before though. There were several folks with me that were a little baffled too. I believe some photos will be put on the OFO site. The bird was obviously a vesper after consulting the field guide but I wouldn't really say that it fits any of the plates. The facial pattern was unlike alternate birds and it even 'raised' a 'crest' up at me upon my first glances which I'd never seen a vesper do before. The lower edge of the auriculars appeared brownish-chestnut in good light (right above the black malar stripe) and a small creamy spot at the rear edge of auriculars was present - both of these marks appear less contrasty in the photos I saw. I'd love to know if this is a 1st-year bird or an ad. basic-plum. bird, as several people have put forth conflicting answers. At any rate Vespers don't seem to be encountered very often in the late fall. I learned a good lesson today! Cheers _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691816_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Phainopepla present 4 o'clock and later Saturday From: S Eadie <sandraeadie AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:17:36 -0500 Bird was seen very well by me and others after 4 pm on Addington high in a tree and also in a berry bush near 94 Addington where it stayed for several minutes eating berries. About 1/2 hour earlier it had been seen well by others on the next street (Aberdeen) at the same relative position approximately. I gather from residents I spoke with that it retires to the back gardens regularly. I also had caught a glimpse around 8:30 am earlier Saturday when I was there for a short time. (Others had better views at the time). Sandra Eadie Directions (Courtesy of Frank Pinilla): >From the intersection of Dixie Road & Steeles Avenue in Brampton, go north on Dixie to Birchbank Rd, turn right here to the stop sign where you turn left on Avondale Blvd, Addington Crescent is the 4th street on the right, turn here and park either here or on Ascot Ave or Aberdeen Cres _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Western Kingbird at Port Burwell. From: "Terry Osborne" <terryos AT sentex.net> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:16:05 -0500 The Western Kingbird was still busy flycatching at Port Burwell up until 4:30 this afternoon. It's exact location is extremely difficult to explain precisely and while all previous directions are vague, I don't know how one could improve upon them? I also had at least one juvenile Vesper Sparrow and probably 2 amongst a group of Juncos and Song Sparrows at the previously described Lark Sparrow location. That's not to say there wasn't one there, just that I didn't refind it. To say that it's a long, difficult walk to the bird, would be a huge understatement. Terry Location: Northwest corner of the Port Burwell Provincial Park trails (Ravine Creek Trail). It was in the east-west Poplar Tree fencerow which is actually on private farm land just outside the park boundary. This requires some walking. It was catching numerous flying insects and returning frequently to the same perch. Directions to Port Burwell: At the southern terminus of Hwy #19 (Plank Road) on Lake Erie south of Tillsonburg and Ingersoll. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Western Kingbird and Vesper Sparrow NOT Lark Sparrow From: Brett Fried <fried_632 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:45:18 -0500 Today Josh Vandermeulan, Erika Hentsch and I went to look for the Western Kingbird in Port Burwell P.P .The Western Kingbird was still present as of 2:30pm to about 3:00pm when we left. It was remained in the general area where it was seen yesterday, frequenting a small pond on the farmers land. It was seen fly catching around . Also the Lark Sparrow reported today was mistaken for a Juv. Vesper Sparrow. The original finder and a few other birders showed us a picture and it was concluded it was just a Vesper Sparrow. Direction of Joe Stephenson Location: Northwest corner of the Port Burwell Provincial Park trails (Ravine Creek Trail). It was in the east-west Poplar Tree fencerow which is actually on private farm land just outside the park boundary. This requires some walking. It was catching numerous flying insects and returning frequently to the same perch. Directions to Port Burwell: At the southern terminus of Hwy #19 (Plank Road) on Lake Erie south of Tillsonburg and Ingersoll. Brett Fried Ayr, Ontario _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691816_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Holiday Beach (14 Nov 2009) 15 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 14 Nov 2009 18:11:25 -0400 Holiday Beach Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 14, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 0 815 43822 Osprey 0 0 94 Bald Eagle 0 15 164 Northern Harrier 0 86 675 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 161 9681 Cooper's Hawk 0 114 924 Northern Goshawk 0 6 24 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 315 1073 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 18292 Red-tailed Hawk 12 1890 5948 Rough-legged Hawk 0 20 25 Golden Eagle 1 42 87 American Kestrel 0 8 1741 Merlin 1 2 122 Peregrine Falcon 0 4 103 Unknown Accipiter 0 1 8 Unknown Buteo 0 6 17 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 2 Total: 15 3485 82804 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Todd Pepper Observers: Karen Padbury Visitors: Over 40 visitors to the tower today, too bad I couldn't show them much. Larry Ludwicki of Troy MI stuck it out to the bitter end, Werner Hohenwald and his wife from Brampton spent a couple hours until I asked them if they had seen the Phainopepla - then they left for home to look for it. Chris Spagnuolo, a student passerine bander, came up just in time to pick up the Golden Eagle. Anne Difiori and Gabriele Pluhari and their husbands from Grosse Pointe MI; Jerry from Essex; Derrick and Cameron from Tilbury; John & Zilka Joseph from Ann Arbor, MI; 3 Toronto residents formerly from the Windsor area, and lots of area residents. Weather: Sunny, warm at 11 - 17 C, mostly calm winds out of the S or SE. Raptor Observations: Very slow day with 15 raptors. First raptor not seen until 11:10 am, and none seen after 2:00 pm. Highlight was a sub-adult Golden Eagle. Non-raptor Observations: Also very little other migration: 5 Northern Flickers; 14 European Starlings; 1 Blue Jay; flock of approximately 15 American Goldfinch. Predictions: Winds out of the NNW are predicted, which may bring in a few more birds than today. Also cloudy and a high of 13 C. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Todd Pepper (tandjpepper AT cogeco.ca) Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at: http://hbmo.org/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Holiday Beach (13 Nov 2009) 104 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 14 Nov 2009 18:11:34 -0400 Holiday Beach Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 13, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 9 815 43822 Osprey 0 0 94 Bald Eagle 0 15 164 Northern Harrier 2 86 675 Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 161 9681 Cooper's Hawk 4 114 924 Northern Goshawk 2 6 24 Red-shouldered Hawk 7 314 1072 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 18292 Red-tailed Hawk 70 1878 5936 Rough-legged Hawk 0 20 25 Golden Eagle 5 41 86 American Kestrel 0 8 1741 Merlin 0 1 121 Peregrine Falcon 1 4 103 Unknown Accipiter 0 1 8 Unknown Buteo 0 6 17 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 2 Total: 104 3470 82789 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours Official Counter: Justin Bosler Observers: Jim McCoy, Olga Klekner, Rene Kielbasa Visitors: Jim McCoy, Rene Kielbasa, and Olga Klekner came out to help spot for a little. John Craft also stopped by in the afternoon. Weather: Clear to partly cloudy skies with calm East-northeast winds early on becoming East-southeast and Southeast at 1 to 7 mph for the remainder of the day. Temps. ranged from 8.5 to a high of 12.5 C. Visibility was excellent throughout the day. Raptor Observations: A slow, but steady flight of Redtails with a smattering of the others. All 5 Golden Eagles were way off to the north as were the Turkey Vultures. One of the eagles was tailing a swift moving pack of 7 vultures. The Redtail flight was mainly over the campground and along the north edge of the marsh. The flight height was generally low, aside from a few exceptions. Non-raptor Observations: 14 species of waterfowl, including flock of 13 Tundra Swans. Bald Eagle- 2 (resident pair), Killdeer- 1, Dunlin- 1, Wilson's Snipe- 1, Bonaparte's Gull- 88, Horned Lark- 25+, Am. Crow- 90, Yellow-rumped Warbler- 3, Common Yellowthroat- 1 (possible recent arrival), Lapland Longspur- 3+, Purple Finch- 2, House Finch- 3, Pine Siskin- 2, Am. Goldfinch- 240. A few butterflies around as well, only Commas identified. Predictions: More unseasonably warm weather under mostly sunny skies. South winds at 5 to 10 mph. High of 15C. Probably fewer raptors than today, with most, if not all, passing well to the north. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Justin Bosler (justin.bosler AT gmail.com) Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at: http://hbmo.org/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Blackpoll Warbler - Ottawa From: "Ott User" <willott123 AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:18:00 -0500 Hi. The Blackpoll Warbler reported on November 7th was still at the exact same location this morning near the lighthouse at Dick Bell Park. Next door at Andrew Hatdon Park there are now 36 Lesser Scaup mostly female and least one male. There are also 3 male Green-winged Teal. Two of them were extremely cooperative for close-up viewing. Thanks. Open wing shot of the bird. http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/119371533/original W. Hum www.pbase.com/golfpic > Directions below. > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Jeff Skevington" > To: "Ontbirds" > Sent: Saturday, November 07, 2009 9:20 PM > > >>Also a pleasant surprise was a late Blackpoll Warbler at Dick Bell Park - >>in the last pine tree before the 'lighthouse'. >> >> Directions to Andrew Haydon Park: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to >> Greenbank Road exit. Turn north and follow to Carling Ave. Turn left and >> follow to Andrew Haydon Park (Holly Acres Road) >and turn right. Dick >> Bell Park is just to the west along Carling Ave. > _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Ottawa (Navan) - nearly 100 Sandhill Cranes From: "Christina Lewis" <hagenius AT primus.ca> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:14:52 -0500 Hello Ontbirds people, On Oct. 25, a record high number of 86 Sandhill Cranes was found in the Navan area east of Ottawa. Today (Nov. 14), it appears that this record has been surpassed, and is probably the highest number recorded in eastern Ontario. Between 91 - 100 cranes (nearly all adults) were seen (by Bob Backen, Bob Cermak and myself) feeding, flying and calling in the cornfields southwest of the intersection of Milton Rd. and Smith Rd.~9:30 - 10:00 am. This species breeds in small numbers in the Mer Bleue and Alfred bogs east of Ottawa, however the numbers of cranes that gather annually in the fall in the Navan area have increased every year since at least 1995, especially in the past 2 - 3 years. DIRECTIONS: >From downtown Ottawa, take Hwy 417 east to exit #96. Take Boundary Rd. (Cty Rd. 41) north to Russell Rd. East on Russell Rd. to Milton Rd. North on Milton to Smith Rd. The cranes have also been seen just east of this location, in the fields between Milton Rd. and Trim Rd. Chris Lewis Ottawa, ON hagenius AT primus.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snow Geese Winchester From: mark gawn <gawnbirding AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:52:46 +0000 There is a flock of about 5,000 Snow Geese in the fields north of Winchester, the birds are moving about a lot but are mostly in the area north of the Winchester Sewage Lagoon (which featured 500+). About 5% are blue phase. Winchester is on highway 31 south of Ottawa. Mark GawnOttawa, Ontario, Canada _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live: Friends get your Flickr, Yelp, and Digg updates when they e-mail you. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691817_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Harlequin Duck - Humber Bay, Toronto From: BP Bailey <b.p.bailey AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:35:56 -0500 An adult male Harlequin duck was seen this morning at Humber Bay Park West in Toronto. It was close to shore near the Gazebo in front of the Grand Harbour condominium. Most of the typical winter waterfowl are also present. The Harlequin was feeding by itself, near some Buffleheads, but not really associating with them. There were 3 Black-crowned Night Herons, a Greater Black-backed Gull, and a small flock of Green-winged Teal just to the east at the mouth of Mimico Creek. Two Great Blue Herons were found at Humber Bay East. The entrance to Humber Bay Park West is off Lakeshore Blvd W, just west of Parklawn Road. Park in the first lot and follow the walking trail west in front of the condominiums. Brian Bailey Etobicoke, ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Cave Swallows in Bronte Harbour From: George.W.Prieksaitis AT ca.ey.com Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:36:39 -0500 This morning at about 9:30am, I stopped quickly at Bronte Harbour to see what was around and was greeted by 4 Cave Swallows flying around the marina area. They headed east down the lake shore but seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves in the warm weather with lots of insects still out. I wondered how long that was going to last. Perhaps others will get a chance to get out and see if we are going to experience another irruption of these birds this year. Good birding, George Directions - Bronte is on the west side of Oakville along side the border with Burlington. To get to the harbour, take 403 to Bronte Road and head south straight to the lake. The birds were flying right across from the new condominium development at the base of Bronte Road. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This message (including any attachments) is CONFIDENTIAL and may be PRIVILEGED. If you are not an intended recipient you are hereby notified that any distribution, copying or use by you of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error please immediately notify the sender and delete all copies of this information from your system. // L'information contenue dans le présent courriel (y compris les pièces jointes, le cas échéant) est CONFIDENTIELLE et peut être PRIVILÉGIÉE. Si vous n’êtes pas le destinataire prévu, vous êtes par la présente avisé(e) que toute diffusion, copie ou utilisation de ladite information est strictement interdite. Si vous avez reçu cette communication par erreur, veuillez nous en aviser immédiatement en répondant à l'expéditeur et effacer de votre ordinateur toute trace de cette information. Any U.S. tax advice contained in the body of this e-mail was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by the recipient for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under United States federal, state or local tax law. // Tout conseil de fiscalité américaine contenu, le cas échéant, dans le présent courriel ne visait pas à éviter des pénalités pouvant être imposées en vertu des lois fiscales fédérales, étatiques ou locales des États-Unis, n'a pas été rédigé dans ce but et ne doit pas être utilisé à cette fin par le destinataire. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Western Kingbird still present - Port Burwell From: Josh Vandermeulen <josh_v_17 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:54:59 -0500 Was just talking to Andrew Keaveney again, and he has refound the Western Kingbird as well. It is in the area it was first reported, on the farm fence row next to a pond on the NW part of Port Burwell. He says it is best to park at the baseball diamond. Lark Sparrow still being seen at the location in the previous message. About a dozen birders are there right now looking at the birds. Good birding, Josh Vandermeulen Take the 401, exit # 218 south on Regional Road 19. Stay on 19 through Tilsonburg, at which point it will be called Plank Road. After going through Vienna, follow the signs to Port Burwell Provincial Park. _________________________________________________________________ Ready. Set. Get a great deal on Windows 7. See fantastic deals on Windows 7 now http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691818_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Phainopepla present, ~11:45am From: Garth Riley <rileygv AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:47:58 -0800 (PST) Just got a call from Nancy the bird is present in front of 6 Aberdeen as of 11:45 am.   Regards, Garth Riley Etobicoke, Ontario rileygv AT yahoo.com >From the intersection of Dixie Road & Steeles Avenue in Brampton, go north on Dixie to Birchbank Rd, turn right here to the stop sign where you turn left on Avondale Blvd, Addington Crescent is the 4th street on the right, turn here and park either here or on Ascot Ave or Aberdeen Cres __________________________________________________________________ The new Internet Explorer® 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Phainopepla still present, ~1040am From: Chris Kimber <cmkimber AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:33:26 -0500 For those working during the week and still hoping to see the popular Phainopepla, the bird was seen well by a large number of people this morning from around 10am until at least 1040am, when my parents and I departed the area. It had been absent for an hour or so prior, but patience does seem to be rewarded. The bird was moving around a little bit - it was first spotted near 94 Addington but moved down the street toward the 90 degree left-hand bend and was re-found just around that corner after the majority of the crowd had dissipated, where it afforded even better views. That stretch of Addington did not seem to get the same coverage, so it may be worth including in your walking path! Best of luck with this very attractive bird. Directions (Courtesy of Frank Pinilla): >From the intersection of Dixie Road & Steeles Avenue in Brampton, go north on Dixie to Birchbank Rd, turn right here to the stop sign where you turn left on Avondale Blvd, Addington Crescent is the 4th street on the right, turn here and park either here or on Ascot Ave or Aberdeen Cres Chris Kimber PhD Candidate Dept. of Biology Queen's University Kingston, ON 3cmk AT queensu.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Lark Sparrow - Port Burwell From: Josh Vandermeulen <josh_v_17 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:31:56 -0500 Andrew Keaveney just called me to report an adult basic-plumaged Lark Sparrow at Port Burwell Provincial Park. The bird was in the extreme NW corner of the park. Apparently you can walk along the edge of a field heading Northwest until you come to a line of large spruce trees. The bird was at the far end of the line of spruce trees. It was not associating with any other birds. He originally saw the bird at 10:00 AM, and it was still being seen when he called me at 10:20. There is a windmill complex approximately 200 m NW from where the bird was seen, which may help as a point of reference. So far he has not located the Western Kingbird. Good birding, Josh Vandermeulen Take the 401, exit # 218 south on Regional Road 19. Stay on 19 through Tilsonburg, at which point it will be called Plank Road. After going through Vienna, follow the signs to Port Burwell Provincial Park. _________________________________________________________________ Ready. Set. Get a great deal on Windows 7. See fantastic deals on Windows 7 now http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691818_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Phainopepla present today at 8:35 a.m. From: "Cheryl Edgecombe" <cheryle29 AT cogeco.ca> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:48:00 -0500 The Phainopepla was seen briefly by Rob Dobos at the top of a tree on Aberdeen on the north side across from House number #7. The bird flew down into a yard and birders are searching now. Just an FYI that the bird is around today for those travelling long distance. The neighbours are very accommodating with coffee and cookies this morning! Needless to say should be offered an OFO certificate for having birders crawl all over the place for the past few days. Directions (Courtesy of Frank Pinilla): >From the intersection of Dixie Road & Steeles Avenue in Brampton, go >north on Dixie to Birchbank Rd, turn right here to the stop sign where you turn left on Avondale Blvd, Addington Crescent is the 4th street on the right, turn here and park either here or on Ascot Ave or Aberdeen Cres. Cheryl Edgecombe _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Barrow`s Goldeneye - Ottawa From: KILLEEN <richard_k AT rogers.com> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:14:48 -0800 (PST)   Hi   This afternoon I found a female Barrow`s Goleneye at the Britannia Conservation Area. The bird could be seen from the point below the rapids near the shore on the Ontario side of the river.  It was in a small flock of Common Goldeneyes.  Also, yesterday, there was 1, possibly 2, male Barrow's Goldeneye on the Rideau River at the Tennis Club where they have been reported recently.   Richard Killeen     Direction - courtesy of Neily World Birding (neilyworld.com)   Brittania Conservation Area: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 129 (Greenbank & Pinecrest Roads). If travelling west, the 0.3 km offramp dumps you right or north onto Pinecrest Road. If driving east, a 0.3 km offramp brings you to Pinecrest/Greenbank Road, where you will turn left or north onto Pinecrest Road and in 0.4 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Pinecrest Road north 0.8 km from here to Richmond Road. Turn right or northeast onto Richmond and go 0.5 km, crossing Carling Avenue, to Poulin Avenue. Turn left or north onto Poulin and go 0.6 km to where a left only turn puts you on Howe Street. Follow Howe west 0.2 km to Britannia Road. Turn right or north onto Britannia Road and proceed 0.8 km to Cassels Street. Turn right or east onto Cassels and go 0.4 km to a small parking area on the left at the Britannia Conservation Area. Rideau River : From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 117 (Vanier Parkway). Go northwest 1.2 km to Donald Street and turn left or west onto. Proceed 0.5 km to the west end of Donald at the Rideau River. Park here for access to Riverain Park _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: Holiday Beach (12 Nov 2009) 281 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 13 Nov 2009 21:11:42 -0400 Holiday Beach Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 12, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 23 806 43813 Osprey 0 0 94 Bald Eagle 0 15 164 Northern Harrier 4 84 673 Sharp-shinned Hawk 19 157 9677 Cooper's Hawk 4 110 920 Northern Goshawk 0 4 22 Red-shouldered Hawk 43 307 1065 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 18292 Red-tailed Hawk 178 1808 5866 Rough-legged Hawk 5 20 25 Golden Eagle 5 36 81 American Kestrel 0 8 1741 Merlin 0 1 121 Peregrine Falcon 0 3 102 Unknown Accipiter 0 1 8 Unknown Buteo 0 6 17 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 2 Total: 281 3366 82685 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Justin Bosler Observers: Jim McCoy, Mike Fitzpatrick Visitors: Jim McCoy and Mike Fitzpatrick were out to help spot in the morning. Weather: Mostly clear skies with light Northeast winds at 1 to 7 mph in the AM turning around to East by noon, and then Southeast by early PM. A slight resurgence of East-northeast winds for the final 1500 to 1600 EST hour. Temps. ranged from 2 to a high of 12.2 C. Visibility was excellent throughout the day. Raptor Observations: The flight was short-lived with the raptors just starting to move after 1000 EST and petering out by noon. About 80% of the day's raptors in this one 2-hour window. This may have been the result of the abrupt wind shift around noon (NE to E). Regardless of winds, 3 Golden Eagles powered through, high up, in the afternoon; one even out over the lake (1525 EST). Five Roughlegs (2 dark)in the morning were also nice. Non-raptor Observations: Predictions: A ridge of high pressure will remain in place into the weekend. Mostly clear skies with some fair weather clouds developing throughout the day. East-southeast winds at 5 to 10 mph. High of 13C. Nice and warm conditions should be favorable for some movement. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Justin Bosler (justin.bosler AT gmail.com) Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at: http://hbmo.org/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, November 13th, 2009 From: "Cheryl Edgecombe" <cheryle29 AT cogeco.ca> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:18:24 -0500 On Friday, November 13th, 2009, this is the HNC Birding Report: BARN OWL SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER CAVE SWALLOW Cackling Goose Tundra Swan Barrows x Common Goldeneye Hybrid Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Osprey Sandhill Crane Greater Yellowlegs Dunlin Snowy Owl Short-eared Owl Northern Shrike The list is small this week but packed with power! It's been an exciting week province wide for rare birds being found. Today a female BARN OWL had to be picked up by the Owl Foundation from Fifty Point Conservation Area. The owl was actually discovered yesterday (and possibly earlier in the week) in a stand of pines near the marina and flushed. This morning a couple of birders found the bird returned to the same stand of pines but it could not fly. A call was made for pick up of the bird who appears not to be majorly injured and will probably be rereleased. Another major mega-rarity this week unfortunately followed the same path. A SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was a window casualty last Sunday at a home in the Glen Abbey Area of Oakville. The bird was taken to a rehabilitation centre but unfortunately died on Tuesday. With the southwest warm winds bringing in these rarities, a flurry of fourteen CAVE SWALLOWS were seen over Fifty Point Conservation are last Sunday. They were only seen briefly and so far none have turned up anywhere else in the Hamilton Study Area (YET!). These three birds above are an important reminder that anything can turn up anywhere at this time of year. With the Phainopepla in Brampton, Ash-throated Flycatcher at Pelee and the birds above being just a few of the birds seen this week, it should motivate us all to get out to our favourite local spots and see what else has dropped in (then call me!). The remainder of sightings this week are part of the many odds and sods. A Cackling Goose was among a flock of over 200 Geese coming in to roost at a stormwater pond in Waterdown. Our hybrid Barrow's x Common Goldeneye was seen from Green Road and again from Gray's Road this week. Tundra Swans were seen over the Dundas Marsh. A female King Eider, Common and Red-throated Loons and a Pied-billed Grebe were birds seen off Hutches and Lakeland Centre at Van Wagner's Beach during the week. Two Ospreys were seen over the Dundas Marsh this week, getting a little late for these! A flock of 30 Sandhill Cranes passed over Westover Rd., north of 8th Con. Rd. West, in Flamborough on Tuesday. A Snowy Owl was seen and photographed on Britannia Road inbetween 4th and 5th Line in Oakville last Saturday. One Greater Yellowlegs is still present at the Dundas Hydro Ponds. A flock of Dunlin were seen at Princess Point last Sunday. A Northern Shrike was reported on Thursday at the entrance of the Gates of Heaven Cemetery off Old York Road. A great forecast for the weekend should encourage birders to get out and find all these rarities. Good birding! Cheryl Edgecombe 905-381-0329 HNC Hotline _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Bohemian Waxwings - Bruce Peninsula From: ALFRED RAAB <alfredraab AT rogers.com> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:16:54 -0800 (PST) This afternoon at Isaac Lake there was a flock of 30 Bohemian Waxwings. On the Lake was a female Black Scoter, a Coot and a Pied-billed Grebe. Directions: From Wiarton go north 8km to Isaac Lake Road. The Waxwings were about 200m before the end of the road. Alfred Raab near Lion's Head Northern Bruce Peninsula _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Brampton Phainopepla From: verafg2 AT netscape.net Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:40:47 -0500 Being one of the lucky birders who saw the Phainopepla at noon today eating the berries on a low shrub in front of 92 Addington and then perched in a tree not far away, I have no doubt it will be there for tomorrows birders. It has a good food supply, and it's still fairly warm (for November). My suggestion is that birders stand across the street so this bird will come to its food supply. It's not a shy bird as a jogger ran along the sidewalk and it didn't fly. Still a horde of birders could be daunting for it. While waiting for the bird I drove around the neighbourhood, and found a Mockingbird on Argyle. It seemed a little late for a Mockingbird. The neighbours are quite bemused by all the interest but are very friendly. A la Glenn Coady, please don't do anything to change that! Thanks so much to Glenn Coady for his posting on this bird! V Fitz-Gerald Smithfield, ON Directions from Glenn Coady's post: >From the corner of Dixie Rd. and Steeles Ave. E. in Brampton, go north on Dixie Rd. Turn right (east) at the second street after going under the railway bridge, which is Birchbank Rd. Take Birchbank Rd. east to Avondale Blvd. Turn left (north) on Avondale Blvd. Continue north on Avondale Blvd. to Addington Crescent (the third right turn north of Birchbank Rd.). Turn right onto Addington Crescent. The bird was readily seen in front yards on the east-west portion of Addington Crescent. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: HSR: DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark (13 Nov 2009) 94 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 13 Nov 2009 18:11:00 -0400 DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 13, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 9 712 54859 Osprey 0 0 46 Bald Eagle 0 11 108 Northern Harrier 1 15 161 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 47 3251 Cooper's Hawk 2 44 324 Northern Goshawk 0 6 22 Red-shouldered Hawk 19 240 592 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 20016 Red-tailed Hawk 53 872 2360 Rough-legged Hawk 0 8 13 Golden Eagle 8 46 109 American Kestrel 0 1 439 Merlin 0 0 39 Peregrine Falcon 0 2 34 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 12 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Mississippi Kite 0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 4 Total: 94 2005 82391 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 6 hours Official Counter: Seth Cutright Observers: John Elliott, Rodney Laura Weather: Wind was 0-6mph and from the East all day long. Cloud cover went from 15% up to 90% late in the day. Raptor Observations: It was slow but steady for most of the day. 104 was the total for the day. 53 of those were Red-tailed Hawks, and 8 were Golden Eagles. Non-raptor Observations: Several thousand ducks went past today, almost all day long in flocks of about ~ 20-100 at a time. They were too far out to tell what kinds, but really the first good day for waterbird movements. Predictions: Should be warm again, but have light Southeast winds. I would guess that more Golden Eagles should go over. Since it is warm birds might just get up and move because of that. With Southeast winds it might either push the birds to the North or not have them fly that much. It is also that time of year when birds might just move because they need to also. As of now Sunday might be good. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Seth Cutright (seth.cutright AT gmail.com) SMRR- Lake Erie Metropark information may be found at: http://www.smrr.net/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/