Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Ontario Birding > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Thursday, September 2 at 10:52 AM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Tody,©BirdQuest

2 Sep BBWhistling duck status ["Thornton, Rick" ] 2 Sep Luther marsh Sept 1 2010 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Great Egrets, and Bobolinks ["Tyler Hoar" ] 2 Sep Eastern Ontario: Baird's Sandpipers & Ruddy Ducks ["Bruce Di Labio" ] 01 Sep HSR: Holiday Beach Conservation Area (01 Sep 2010) 7 Raptors [] 1 Sep Cranberry Hawk Watch - Sept. 1st ["Geoff - Birds" ] 01 Sep Golden Plover directions [Peggy Hurst ] 1 Sep Shorebirds (Ottawa) and Black Chipmunk ["Ott User" ] 01 Sep Plovers east of Leamington: correction [Peggy Hurst ] 31 Aug Golden Plovers near Leamington [Peggy Hurst ] 31 Aug Common Nighthawks over North Toronto ["Marg and Ian Sturdee" ] 31 Aug American White Pelican Gowganda On... Temiskaming Dist. North ["Paul & Gert Trudel" ] 31 Aug Buff-breasted Sandpiper 10th Line, New Tecumseth [] 31 Aug Ottawa area: Baird's Sandpipers ["Bruce Di Labio" ] 31 Aug Shorebirds, Frenchman's Bay, Pickering ["Geoff - Birds" ] 31 Aug Ottawa - Baird's Sandpipers [Patrick Blake ] 31 Aug Juvenile Western Sandpiper at Presqu'ile [Ian Shanahan ] 30 Aug Red-necked Phalarope's in Grimsby [Cody Law ] 30 Aug Glossy Ibis = yes; Scissor-tailed Flycatcher = yes ["Barb Youmans" ] 30 Aug Ravenshoe Road flooded field [] 30 Aug Connecticut Warblers on the Toronto Islands ["Murr, Norman" ] 30 Aug Reesor Pond Shorebirds [Stan Long ] 30 Aug Tufted Titmouse - Stratford [Steve Thorpe ] 30 Aug Shorebirds & others @ Presqu'ile [Lev Frid ] 30 Aug Glossy Ibis - Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area ["Dave & Tracey Brown" ] 29 Aug Too much water at Port Perry lagoons [Ronald Reid ] 29 Aug Night Hawks [Marg ] 29 Aug OFO Trip - Sunday - Palgrave, Beeton, Schomberg [dave milsom ] 29 Aug Buff-breasted Sandpipers at Blenheim S. L. ["Blake A. Mann" ] 29 Aug red necked pharlopes &B.B. plovers at Pt Stanley lagoons [JEFF ATKINSON ] 29 Aug .conditions not good, BUT hawks moving through Cranberry--Aug.29 [Doug Lockrey ] 28 Aug Western Wood-Pewee and probable Whistling-Ducks at Long Point [Mike Burrell ] 28 Aug Results of OFO outing to Toronto Islands today, Aug 28, 2010. ["Ian Cannell" ] 28 Aug Mitchell wetlands: ruddy turnstone, red-necked phalarope [PV ] 28 Aug Whimbrels at Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke [] 27 Aug Blenheim Shorebirds - buff-breasted, phalarope, etc [Josh Vandermeulen ] 27 Aug American White Pelican- Oshawa ["Rayfield Pye" ] 27 Aug Western or White-rumped Sandpiper? - James Bay Photos ["Jean Iron" ] 27 Aug Birding sites near I-81 [Joan Kelbrick ] 27 Aug NW winds, rising barometric pressure, good thermals=lakefront migrating hawks [Doug Lockrey ] 27 Aug Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, August 27th, 2010 ["Cheryl Edgecombe" ] 27 Aug Whimbrel, Red Knot @ Presqu'ile ["bill gilmour" ] 27 Aug Kingston area birds to Aug. 27, 2010 [] 26 Aug Ibis Species at Hullett Wildlife Area (NW of Seaforth) ["Dave & Tracey Brown" ] 26 Aug Quinte Area Bird Report ["Terry Sprague" ] 26 Aug Presqu'ile Weekly Report ["bill gilmour" ] 26 Aug LWL : Wend, Frieda.XLS ["Michael Agueci" ] 26 Aug Nighthawks over Carleton Place [iain] [Iain Wilkes ] 25 Aug Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch 2010 is underway [Doug Lockrey ] 25 Aug Large flock of Blackbirds-Brantford,ON [Cody Law ] 25 Aug nighthawks Timiskaming ["The Murphy's" ] 25 Aug Luther Marsh Great Egret and Bobolink Roost August 24 2010 ["Tyler Hoar" ] 24 Aug Banded Great Egret Hillman Marsh Conservation Area updates ["Pelee Wings" ] 24 Aug Brighton Constructed Wetlands Celebration and invitation to all ["Keith Lee" ] 24 Aug Ottawa: Common Nighthawks Deschenes Rapids on the Ottawa River [Richard Waters ] 24 Aug Mitchell Wetlands [Kim Toews ] 23 Aug Toronto Islands - OFO outing scheduled for Saturday Aug 28, 2010 ["Ian Cannell" ] 23 Aug James Bay Shorebirds, Ontario #6 - Photos ["Jean Iron" ] 23 Aug Second Marsh [michael ferguson ] 23 Aug Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - late Sunday ["Steve McAllister" ] 23 Aug Glossy Ibis at Prince Edward Point BO and Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Milford [] 23 Aug Ottawa: Red-necked Phalaropes ["Bruce Di Labio" ] 23 Aug Durham and Carden Alvar - Aug 22 ["Geoff - Birds" ] 23 Aug Godwits, Red-necked Phalarope at Mitchell Wetlands ["Dave & Tracey Brown" ] 22 Aug Red-necked Grebe & shorebirds at Rattray Marsh, Mississauga [] 22 Aug Long-tailed Jaeger at Van Wagners Beach ["Rob Dobos" ] 22 Aug Ottawa: Red Crossbill & Snow Goose ["Bruce Di Labio" ] 22 Aug Buff-breasted Sandpipers at Beeton [Mark Ansell ] 22 Aug Snow Goose? - Ottawa ["Marc St. Onge" ] 22 Aug Grand Bend Sewage Lagoons - Hudsonian Godwit [Peeter Musta ] 21 Aug Lanner Falcon Missing ["Charles Linton" ] 21 Aug Mitchell Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits, and Luther Marsh Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Saturday Aug 21 [Carol Horner ] 21 Aug Buff Breasted & Baird's Sandpipers- Sod Farm east of Sault Ste. Marie [Kirk Zufelt ] 21 Aug Hudsonian Godwit - Grand Bend SL [Peeter Musta ] 21 Aug This past week on the Toronto Islands ["Murr, Norman" ] 21 Aug East Luther Grand Valley: Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher [Paul Riss Home ] 21 Aug Southbound shorebirds at Beeton and Mitchell [Stan Long ] Subject: BBWhistling duck status From: "Thornton, Rick" <Rick.Thornton AT Dashwood.com> Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 10:52:00 -0500 Can anyone confirm the current status of the Whistling duck from near Brighton? Thanks Rick Thornton Exeter _______________________________________________ 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: Luther marsh Sept 1 2010 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Great Egrets, and Bobolinks From: "Tyler Hoar" <thoar AT rogers.com> Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 10:52:38 -0400 CWS Great Egret roost survey Great Egrets 190 (1/2 the birds arrived between 7:20-7:40pm) 5 wing tagged egrets (2 from Chantry Island and 1 from Nottawasaga island) Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Funny things happen when you do not look for the rarity. It eventually finds you. At 7:15 while looking at a wing tagged bird I had the flycatcher land near the roosting egrets and stay in place till 8pm when it went further down into the bushes to sleep. This is the furthest into the Luther Marsh Conservation Area I have seen this bird. Best seen from the nw corner of the berm, it is 8-10min walk in from the parking lot. The Great Egrets roost is located in the south cell of the Monticello wetland complex near the Great Blue Heron rookery. Bobolink roost Numbers greatly reduced with only 137 birds observed. Sandhill Cranes 5 arrived in the north cell at 7:56. Other Species: Waterfowl 200+ birds( 10 species) observed including both teals, Northern Pintails, Lesser Scaup, Trumpeter Swans and a very leucistic Canada Goose. Raptors, Merlin 1, Coopers Hawk 1, Northern Harrier 2, Osprey 2 (both young birds screaming for food from adults which appeared to have left the area) Shorebirds Lesser Yellowlegs, Killdeer and Wilson's Snipe Pied-billed Grebes 14 Belted Kingfisher 7 Eastern Kingbird 3 Indigo Bunting 1 Directions: From Grand Valley, go north on Hwy 25 to Concession 8-9, turn left (west), go to Sideroad 21-22 where the Concession Road makes a T, go right (north), go past the Main Entrance to Luther Marsh and then over a small concrete bridge. The first left after this is a small parking lot for the Marsh area. From here walk about 600m to the SW. You'll see a pond with dead trees and heron nests...this is where the egrets roost. A day use permit is required if you choose to use the laneway and walk out to the blind (obtainable at the main Luther Marsh Conservation Area entrance, 1 km or less south of this laneway). Tyler Hoar _______________________________________________ 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: Eastern Ontario: Baird's Sandpipers & Ruddy Ducks From: "Bruce Di Labio" <bruce.dilabio AT sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 09:06:13 -0400 Hello Ontbirders Despite the hot, humid weather yesterday, (40+ humidex) spent a few hours checking various sewage lagoons east of Ottawa. Overall, very little exposed mud or shoreline except for the Casselman lagoons which are under construction and the west cell has very little water. There continues to be an impressive number of juv. Baird's Sandpipers passing through the region with 7 at Cassleman, 4 at St. Albert and 3 at Embrun. Other shorebirds of note included 1 juv. Stilt Sandpiper and 1 adult Black-bellied Plover at Casselman and 1 juv. Ruddy Turnstone at Embrun. The Alfred Sewage Lagoons have a excellent variety of waterfowl including 97 Ruddy Duck ( 2 females with 5 downy young), 7 Redhead, 24 Common Moorhen, and 1 Bufflehead. Raptors were active at all lagoons with 1 Merlin, 4 Northern Harrier and 1 American Kestrel. If you require additional information, please email me privately. Good Birding, Bruce DIRECTIONS: From the town of Alfred go east on Highway 17, then turn south on Peat Moss Road and drive for 2 km. The lagoons are on your left (east side of road). The birds are best observed from the viewing tower. Access to the viewing tower is free and no permit is needed. Entrance to the lagoons is prohibited unless in the possession of a valid ANNUAL PERMIT. The permit can be purchased for $20.00 on week days from the town hall in Plantagenet. The telephone number is 613 673 4797 ex 244.. Di Labio Birding Website Courses and Field Trips http://www.dilabiobirding.ca http://www.brucedilabio.blogspot.com Bruce Di Labio 400 Donald B. Munro Drive P.O. Box 538 Carp, Ontario K0A 1L0 Office 613-839-4395 Mobile 613-715-2571 _______________________________________________ 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 Conservation Area (01 Sep 2010) 7 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 01 Sep 2010 17:09:14 -0400 Holiday Beach Conservation Area Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 01, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 0 0 0 Osprey 1 1 1 Bald Eagle 2 2 2 Northern Harrier 1 1 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 0 Cooper's Hawk 0 0 0 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 1 1 1 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 2 2 2 Merlin 0 0 0 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 7 7 7 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 13:45:00 Total observation time: 7.75 hours Official Counter: Jim Pawlicki Observers: Visitors: A few, including Bob Pettit, Claude Radley, Caroline Staddon, 2 bird-banding students from Dr. Dan Mennill's class at University of Windsor, and Jim McCoy, all briefly. Weather: Nice in the morning, turning to hot mid-day. Winds light from the SW switching to S through the day. Raptor Observations: Slow first day as expected for the south winds, but with a few raptors moving, including 4th and 1st-year Bald Eagles, single Osprey, N. Harrier, juv. Red-tail, and 2 Kestrels. Also observed were local ad. and juv. Bald Eagles fishing the shoreline and marsh, along with a perched Osprey. Non-raptor Observations: Good movement of Purple Martins in the morning with 1,382 tallied. Fair numbers of Am. Goldfinch (199), and Cedar Waxwing (80) moving in the morning as well. 7 sp. of Warblers (Yellowthroat, Blackburnian, Wilson's, Black-and-white, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, and N. Waterthrush), and 3 sp. of Flycatchers were around the tower highlighted by an Acadian Flycatcher that was observed and heard calling. Predictions: Cloudy with a 40% chance of thunderstorms. High 30C with winds S to SE 5-10 km/h. Not many raptors expected. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Pawlicki (Jmpawli88 AT aol.com) Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at: http://hbmo.org/ Site Description: Holiday Beach Conservation Area was formerly a Provincial Park, but is now administered by the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA). It is strategically located at the extreme southwestern tip of southern Ontario. The park is on the eastern end of a large freshwater estuary known as Big Creek. (Specifically the site is 1.1 miles south of the junction Highway 20 (old 18) and Essex Road 50, Town of Amherstburg). Southwestern Ontario has a funneling effect on migrating raptors due to the geography of the nearby lakes and the reluctance of most raptors to cross large bodies of water. Birds gain altitude over the flat farmland to the north and east, rising easily with the thermals that such areas provide in abundance. As the birds head south they meet Lake Erie and, reluctant to cross it , turn west. With appropriate wind and weather conditions, birds pile up along the lake shore and move west until they reach the narrow crossing at the Detroit River (or island hop within the river mouth). Directions to site: Entering Canada from Detroit at the Ambassador Bridge: After Canadian Customs, stay left 50 yards, passing over the railroad tracks. You are now on Huron Church Road leading to Highway 401 and Highway 3. Continue east 3.8 miles to the intersection with Todd and Cabana roads. Go through the intersection, staying to the right. In less than 100 yards the main road splits; 401 and 3 continue to the left as the main road and Huron Church narrows and angles to the right. Follow Huron Church right for 0.5 miles to Disputed Road. After angling a right turn onto Disputed Road, travel south. PLEASE OBEY SPEED LIMITS, they aer usually monitored. At 4 miles Disputed Road intersects with Townline Road, and the name changes to Concession 5. Continue south 5 miles and Concession 5 "T"'s with South Townline Road. Turn left and travel east 0.2 miles, turning right (south) onto Concession 6. Continue south for 3.4 miles to the intersection with Highway 20 at Malden Centre in the town of Amherstburg. There is a restaurant/convenience/gas store on the southeast corner of the intersection. Go through the intersection south onto Route 50 for 1.3 miles. The entrance to the Holiday Beach Conservation Area is on the right. Pay entry fee and continue to the Hawk Tower at the south end of the park. Park vehicle and walk to the tower. West bound on Routes 401 and 3 Howard Avenue, Route 9, intersects Routes 401 and 3 east of Windsor. Take Howard Avenue south to Highway 20 ("T"'s) and turn right (west) traveling (about 2 miles) to Malden Centre in the town of Amherstburg. A restaurant/convenience/gas store is on the left. Turn left (south) on to Route 50 for 1.3 miles; the entrance to HBCA is on the right. _______________________________________________ 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: Cranberry Hawk Watch - Sept. 1st From: "Geoff - Birds" <avocet AT rogers.com> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 13:04:52 -0400 I spent two hours today at the Cranberry Hawk Watch but loneliness, the high humidity and 32C temperatures drove me to the comfort of home. I only saw one migrating raptor (an adult Bald Eagle), but did see hunting Cooper's Hawk, American Kestrel and a Northern Harrier - all were locals who have staked out territories for awhile at Cranberry, so are not recorded as migrants. What does one do at a hawkatch when it's that hot and the hawks aren't flying? well ... one observes: 42 species of birds, 3 butterflies and 3 dragonflies amused me. Best birds were: Virginia Rail, Marsh Wren, 21 Bobolinks, Solitary Sandpiper, Blackpoll Warbler and Blue-grey Gnatcatcher. The following species were in full song: Northern Cardinal, Swamp Sparrow, Virginia Rail, Mourning Dove, Marsh Wren and Song Sparrow - not as rare as one would think, but this was a very good mix of songsters! Interactions between species is common, especially during migration as many birds compete for food and cover. This is a partial list of what I observed: a Green Darner (a dragonfly for those who don't study these creatures) aggressively chased a Ruby-throated Hummingbird away from the jewelweed that the dragonfly had been hunting; a cardinal confronted a mourning dove that was hogging a feeder - the cardinal made a sound best described as a grunt -never heard one do this before - it did this repeatedly but the dove never gave up its seat! one hummingbird chased everything in sight - it undertook a very aggressive display against a Nashville Warbler - the interaction was really interesting as the hummer would repeatedly fly sideways and up and down (sort of like a pendulum) in front of the warbler. The latter was clearly disturbed by the repeated challenges by the hummer over a 2-3 minute period. After a few minutes, the hummer was distracted by two other hummers and went on a chaotic chase after them. In the absence of the hummer, the warbler snuck off to a more peaceful place! and you thought nothing happens on hot days! and a reminder - Doug Lockrey has served the hawkwatch admirably for many years and of late is not as mobile as he would like. Pls remember to enter the data you see on one of the recording sheets available at the site. I know that people were there yesterday, but no data was recorded - remember if you see something of interest and no one is writing it down, then the data is lost forever - pls do your part! Cranberry Marsh can be reached by exiting 401 at Salem Rd in Ajax going south to Bayly St and then east to Hall's Road and then south to the south platform trail. Geoff Carpentier www.avocetnatureservices.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: Golden Plover directions From: Peggy Hurst <pjhurst AT gosfieldtel.com> Date: Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:21:34 -0500 Sorry for all the confusion. The birds were at the SW corner of Mersea Rd. 12 and the 2nd concession (Oak Street) east out of Leamington, on the recently opened soccer fields. Road 12 crosses Talbot (old Hwy.3) at Williams nursery. _______________________________________________ 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: Shorebirds (Ottawa) and Black Chipmunk From: "Ott User" <willott123 AT sympatico.ca> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 08:01:54 -0400 Hi Ontbirders: Several Baird's Sandpipers have been seen in the Andrew Haydon Park area for several days now (seen off and on). Late last week about 6 Sanderling were in the same area for a couple of days (seen off and on). On a particularly windy day last week, I saw 10 Semi-Palmated Plovers grouped together and a flock of 24 shorebirds later in the afternoon the same day (mix of semi-palmated plover and sandpipers, least....). Yesterday I walked up to 5 semi-palmated plovers at the same location. They were not moving so I assumed a raptor may have been spotted just before I got there. The day before while observing some shorebirds, they all took off suddenly. I turned around just in time to see a large hawk flying away (not a Merlin). An Osprey was seen fishing in the Ottawa River just off the same location. At the Hilda Road feeders I have seen White-Throated Sparrows for the past month or so (upwards of 6). Also seen are Brown Thrasher, Black and White warbler, Redstart, Pewee, Bluejays, Merlin and Coopers Hawk (found it perched right in the middle of the tree the feeders hang on). However, the most famous resident there is not a bird but a very rare Black Chipmunk. From talking to people there, it's likely been seen at the location since very early the year. One person mentioned there may be 2 although I dismissed it initially given how rare it is. Besides, I have never seen 2 at the same time. The black chipmunk seldom comes out to the feedrs but can be found about 10 to 20 yards further down the road on the left side. Place some peanuts there next to the grass in the opening and that will usually bring it out. So, if the feeders are on your right, the black chipmunk is on the left about 15 yards down. Enjoy. Story on the Black Chipmunk can be read on the OttawaCitizen website in the link below: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/black+chipmunk+once+lifetime+find/3431171/story.html W. Hum. Directions: Andrew Haydon Park can be reached by heading west on Carling (look for the entrance signs to the park...there are 2 entrances). Construction in the area so drive slowly. To go to the Hilda Road feeders, go past Andrew Haydon Park on Carling and keep heading west. After Moodie Drive, Carling will narrow to one lane. Turn right on Rifle Road. Head down toward the river and turn right on Lois. Turn left on Hilda to the feeders. _______________________________________________ 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: Plovers east of Leamington: correction From: Peggy Hurst <pjhurst AT gosfieldtel.com> Date: Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:38:12 -0500 Sorry, the Soccer Complex is east of Leamington. Tom Hurst _______________________________________________ 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: Golden Plovers near Leamington From: Peggy Hurst <pjhurst AT gosfieldtel.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:39:30 -0500 Greetings: Today between 6:15 and 6:54 PM at the "Leamington Soccer Complex" , there were 37 A. Golden Plovers, two Buff-breasted sandpipers, 11 Killdeer and a 120 Starlings. Last Sunday during the same time period, there was also 30+ Golden Plovers and a few Buff-breasted on this large expanse of grass. Truly, Tom Hurst The "Soccer Complex" is west of Leamington, Ontario on the corner of Road 20 and the 12th Sideroad ( formerly Mersea Township) _______________________________________________ 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: Common Nighthawks over North Toronto From: "Marg and Ian Sturdee" <imsturdee AT rogers.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:12:41 -0400 Although numbers are small compared to Glenn Coady's 628 observed on Aug 30, 2008 between 5:45 and 8:30, 117 migrating Common Nighthawks were observed from 7:40 to 8:30 PM tonight, Tuesday Aug 31, 2010. They were flying south to south-west and were observed from the balcony of my 6th floor condo which faces north-east near Lawrence and Avenue road in North Toronto. 7:40 to 7:50 64 7:50 to 8:00 9 8:00 to 8:10 35 8:10 to 8:20 9 8:20 to 8:30 0 Two additional Common Nighthawks were observed and did not appear to be migrating (they moved north-east). Rock Pigeons and European Starlings flew through during this time period- nighthawks were separated from these and other birds because of their erratic flight pattern and their shape. ---Ian Sturdee Lawrence Avenue and Avenue Road in Toronto is about 1 km south of the intersection of highway 401 and Avenue Road. Aven ue Road is the next major intersection west of Yonge Street. _______________________________________________ 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: American White Pelican Gowganda On... Temiskaming Dist. North From: "Paul & Gert Trudel" <ptrudel AT ontera.net> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:31:55 -0400 Hi All, Hope your summer has been great. We have a White Pelican on Gowganda Lake. I received a call from my friend Dana around 6 PM telling me that a big bird was swimming on the lake. My brother Ed and I hit the road running but couldn't find him. Another friend called soon after and it was in her Bay. Took some pictures... This is the second white pelican to come to Gowganda...the first was about 6 years ago. Cheers, Gert Gowganda On ptrudel AT ontera.net Gowganda is 7 hours North of Toronto via Hwy 11N _______________________________________________ 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: Buff-breasted Sandpiper 10th Line, New Tecumseth From: kevin.shackleton AT rogers.com Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:45:19 -0700 (PDT) 6:30 p.m. August 31 There were no shorebirds, not even Killdeer, at the spot so productive last week on the 11th Line of New Tecumseth, east of Highway 10.  On the strength of a comment by Dave Milsom, I checked the 10th Line and on the fields to the west and north of the house at 5670 10th Line, I found one Buff-breasted, 10 Black-bellied Plovers and many Killdeer.   Exit Hwy 400 north bound at Highway 88 and go west to Hwy 27.  Go north to 10th Line and then west until you have gone about 1 Km west of 15 Sideroad New Tecumseth. Kevin Shackleton _______________________________________________ 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 area: Baird's Sandpipers From: "Bruce Di Labio" <bruce.dilabio AT sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:16:42 -0400 Hi Ontbirders The number of Baird's Sandpiper continue to rise along the Ottawa River. This afternoon at Shirley's Bay I counted 17 individuals feeding out on the exposed mudflats. This the the highest number I've ever counted at one location in the Ottawa area. Earlier in the morning we observed the 6 that were reported by Pat Blake at AHP for a grand total of 23! Also at Shirley's Bay were 5 juv. Stilt Sandpiper, 2 juv. Pectoral Sandpiper (first of the fall) 1 juv. Bald Eagle, 7 Great Egret, and 2 Caspian Tern. Good Birding, Bruce Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke. **** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding. Di Labio Birding Website Courses and Field Trips http://www.dilabiobirding.ca http://www.brucedilabio.blogspot.com Bruce Di Labio 400 Donald B. Munro Drive P.O. Box 538 Carp, Ontario K0A 1L0 Office 613-839-4395 Mobile 613-715-2571 _______________________________________________ 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: Shorebirds, Frenchman's Bay, Pickering From: "Geoff - Birds" <avocet AT rogers.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:02:45 -0400 Peter Hogenbirk and I waded through the knee deep mud and water to view the shorebirds at Frenchman's Bay today at 11 - not as bad as it sounds but the water definitely is high so be prepared to get wet! But it was worth it : 2 Red Knots 2 Semi-palmated Plover 2 Killdeer 3 Baird's Sandpipers 6 Stilt Sandpipers 9 Semi-palmated Sandpipers 7 Least Sandpipers 1 Solitary Sandpiper 3 Lesser Yellowlegs 1 Spotted Sandpiper Aging was difficult as most of the birds were backlit ... Directions: Exit 401 at White's Road and go south to Bayly then east until you see the Gingerbread Centre (a low brown building all by itself in a large parking lot) on your right... park in their parking lot and walk east from the SE edge of the parking lot and follow the trail to the marsh then along the creek (you're wading in water now) to the mud flats where the creek meets Frenchman's Bay. The birds are very accommodating. Lots of dragonflies for the Odonaters (??) out there! Geoff Carpentier www.avocetnatureservices.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: Ottawa - Baird's Sandpipers From: Patrick Blake <pjblake22 AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:50:14 -0400 This morning between 8:30-9:30am, six juvenile BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS were feeding on the exposed riverbed just east of Andrew Haydon Park. Among them were three LEAST SANDPIPERS and a lone SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. Good birding! Pat DIRECTIONS: Andrew Haydon Park is on Carling Avenue; the entrance is at Carling and Holly Acres. Be aware of the construction on Carling Avenue near the 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: Juvenile Western Sandpiper at Presqu'ile From: Ian Shanahan <r.ian.shanahan AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:31:17 -0700 Greetings Ontbirders, This morning at 8am, my father Don Shanahan and myself spotted a juvenile Western Sandpiper in with many peeps (including several Baird's) and other shorebirds at Lookout 5 of the Owen Point Trail near Owen Point. The flock was buzzed several times, but the birds consistently returned to the same area of shore. 2 Red Knots continue to feed at Owen Point. Presqu'ile is well signed south of 401 exit 509. Good birding, Ian Shanahan _______________________________________________ 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: Red-necked Phalarope's in Grimsby From: Cody Law <cody.law AT live.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:03:17 -0400 This evening while on a walk at Murray Street park in Grimsby I saw 3 Red-necked Phalarope's flying very close to shore. The first two were flying together, and the other was flying alone. The birds were flying West towards Fifty Point. Not much else was around except for a Great Blue Heron that came very close to shore. A Mudflat that was here earlier in the month has now dried up. Murray Street park can be accessed by exiting the QEW at Christie Street in Grimsby. Make a left and go down Christie Street until the road ends. When the road ends turn left on to Lakeside Drive and continue straight on that road for approximately 0.3KM; and that will lead you straight to the park. Cody _______________________________________________ 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: Glossy Ibis = yes; Scissor-tailed Flycatcher = yes From: "Barb Youmans" <barbyoumans AT rogers.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:30:43 -0400 Hi all, Just got home from a long hot day of birding but worth every minute. Started this morning at Hullet Marsh where I was able to find the Glossy Ibis with no trouble. It took flight a couple of times when the heavy equipment trundled down the dyke but came back to the same spot each time. About 50 yards beyond the gate, look left to a point or island of grass with a fallen tree. It was feeding in the water on the dyke side of this area. Still very far away. Also, 6 sandhill cranes flew over, calling, and landed in the marsh a long way back. Left there at noon and headed for Luther Marsh (air-conditioned car, thank goodness). Didn't see the scissor-tailed flycatcher when I arrived so continued walking along the path into the marsh. Saw kingbirds, bobolink, great egret, trumpeter swan family, osprey, kingfisher, pied-billed grebe. Some clouds here so not so hot. Heading back to the car, I found the flycatcher sitting on the top of a no-hunting sign, just before the cairn. It let me get quite close before flying off to the row of trees between the fields. As I was leaving, my day was capped off by a beautiful indigo bunting posing on top of a weed about 15 feet away. Directions to Hullett are: Drive about a half hour west of Mitchell on Hwy#8 to Kinburn Line (aka county rd. 15). Turn right (North ) and go to Summerhill Rd. Turn left (West) and go to Burns Line. Turn left (South) and travel down the gravel road to Parking lot 81001. Just past there on the left side is an entrance to the boat launch and dyke. Go out the dusty dyke road about 100 yds. to where it's gated off. Directions to Luther Marsh: >From Arthur, take Rd. 109 (formerly Hwy.9) east; Turn north on Cty. Rd. 16 In the hamlet of Monk, turn right and continue about 7 km to the hamlet of Monticello, Turn right and look for the blind on the right hand side, set back from the road but easily visible; turn right into the next lane and park in the spots indicated. Follow the track past the gate to a stone cairn. Both times I've been, the bird has been in the vicinity of the cairn and/or the row of trees and shrubs just beyond. Barb Peeren Waterloo _______________________________________________ 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: Ravenshoe Road flooded field From: kevin.shackleton AT rogers.com Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:41:28 -0700 (PDT) The flooded field on the north side of Ravenshoe Road between Woodbine Ave. and Kennedy Road is gradually losing its water and this is concentrating the shorebirds in the reduced puddles.  They are moving out so that they are not obstructed by the cattail growth near the field's southern fence. 1 Short-billed Dowitcher 3 Stilt Sandpipers 3 Pectoral Sandpipers 1 Semi-palmated Sandpiper 20 plus Least Sandpipers 1 Semi-palmated Plover 7 plus Killdeers 9 plus Great Yellowlegs 50 plus Lesser Yellowlegs No ducks in the shallow water remaining.   >From Toronto take the 404 north to the end at Green Lane.  Go east on Green Lane to Woodbine and the north on Woodbine to Ravenshoe Road.  Turn east on Ravenshoe and go about 1 km and the flooded section of the field is on your left. Kevin Shackleton _______________________________________________ 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: Connecticut Warblers on the Toronto Islands From: "Murr, Norman" <normurr AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:41:00 -0400 Good afternoon Today around noonish and within 5 minutes I found 2 Connecticut Warblers on Wards Island near the Island Church and off the end of the aerial cars. 1 adult male and 1 first year bird. As far as I know these are the first reported this season in the GTA. These were among 11 warbler species seen on Wards this morning. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS ( Ward's Island to Hanlan's Point - without side trips is 5 km ) Now on the Summer Schedule. If you are on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south on Bay Street ( on the east side of the station ) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen's Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks ( well signed ) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the Union GO Station on the TTC. You may transfer to either the # 6 or #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen's Quay. When running there is a street car ( #509 Harbourfront ) that goes from the Union Station to Queen's Quay ( no transfer required ). For those that choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #320 Yonge St. Blue Night bus. This bus will let you off right across the street from the ferry docks entrance. This bus is the night time 97B Yonge St. bus. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen's Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks.There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site. http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/summerschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks.The 1st boat to Ward's Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:00 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward's is at 8:00 am )The 1st boat to Hanlan's Point is 9:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:30 am Monday to Friday.The 1st is at 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:45 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just outside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and / or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machines do not make change but will accept credit cards ( BE SURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY ). But - There is a change machine ($5, $10 and $20 dollar bills) there if you want to chance it ( NOT WORKING AT THIS TIME ).There is coffee shop ( Treat's Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn't rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. A new Second Cup Coffee Shop has opened in the southeast area of Bay St. and Lakeshore Blvd and opens at 7 am 7 days per week. Also just a little east on Queen's Quay ( less than a block ) there is the "Kitchen Table" and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. Food and beverages on The Islands when open are very expensive i.e. soft drinks $3.25 plus. There are drinking fountains and washrooms through out. PS - There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side and a small brochure is now available at the ticket booth and in the schedule containers that also contains a map of the islands. Norm _______________________________________________ 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: Reesor Pond Shorebirds From: Stan Long <stan.long AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:58:45 -0400 30.08.10 - 7 am : 1 Baird's Sandpiper + 4 White-rumped Sandpipers that eventually left - 3 pm : Baird's Sandpiper still there + 1st Dunlin - a non-breeding adult Reesor Pond lies just north of hwy 407 on Reesor Road in Markham _______________________________________________ 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: Tufted Titmouse - Stratford From: Steve Thorpe <sthorpe3 AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:57:01 +0000 This morning I saw 3 Tufted Titmouse within a mixed flock of chickadees, nuthatches and warblers in the TJ Dolan Area of Stratford. The birds were moving along the river about 100 m west of the main entrance on John St. It seems likely, based on the number of sightings throughout the year, that titmice are now breeding in the Stratford area. However no one has found a nest ! Migrants with them were Wilson's Warbler , Cape May Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black throated Green Warbler, Black and White Warbler, American Redstart, and Red-eyed Vireos. Steve Thorpe Stratford The TJ Dolan Area is in SW Stratford along the Avon River. There is a parking lot and map board at John Street and Centre Street. _______________________________________________ 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: Shorebirds & others @ Presqu'ile From: Lev Frid <lev.frid AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:56:37 -0400 Hello Birders, Yesterday (Aug 29th), I had a great day looking for shorebirds at Presqu'ile. The weather was sunny and warm, and species diversity was great at Owen Point - 2 RED KNOT 4 RUDDY TURNSTONE at least 3 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS Several BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS Also, in order of abundance, several - SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER SEMIPALMATED PLOVER LEAST SANDPIPER SANDERLING PECTORAL SANDPIPER BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER A MERLIN buzzed the shorebirds once as I was watching, but came out unsuccessful. At the Lighthouse, a small mixed flock was circulating, containing mainly resident RED-EYED VIREO and AMERICAN REDSTART with young, but also BLACKBURNIAN, MAGNOLIA, NASHVILLE, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS and several "TRAILL'S" FLYCATCHERS and EASTERN WOOD-PEWEES. Also a single young BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. A great day, all in all, and today should be good also for those of you headed out later for some excellent shorebird action! Directions: To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton. Most of the birds were right at Owen Point at the end of the Owen Point Trail. Good Birding! Lev Frid _______________________________________________ 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: Glossy Ibis - Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area From: "Dave & Tracey Brown" <thebrowns AT ezlink.ca> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:48:48 -0400 Hi All, Just a quick followup for those who might want to go looking for this IBIS originally discovered by Norm Holden. My wife and I along with Matt Oswald from Stratford headed up to the Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area yesterday afternoon (Staurday) to look for the ibis We spotted it within a few minutes feeding 150-200 yds away right out in the open. After observing the bird for at least an hour and making some field notes and sketches we decided it was a Glossy Ibis and had to agree with Norm's assessment that it appeared to be an adult. We left the Hullett Marsh around 3:00 pm (Saturday). I haven't seen anyone else reporting the bird for today but there's a good chance it'll stick around...it certainly was actively feeding, preening and sleeping during the time we watched it. NOTE: There is heavy equipment currently working in this area as volunteers replace old culverts and work on new wheelchair access for this site. You may have to watch where you park. Good birding! Dave Directions are: Drive about a half hour west of Mitchell on Hwy#8 to Kinburn Line (aka county rd. 15). Turn right (North ) and go to Summerhill Rd. Turn left (West) and go to Burns Line. Turn left (South) and travel down the gravel road to Parking lot 81001. Just past there on the left side is an entrance to the boat launch and dyke. Go out the dusty dyke road about 100 yds. to where it's gated off. Scope the shallow waters where there are stumps and logs galore. _______________________________________________ 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: Too much water at Port Perry lagoons From: Ronald Reid <bobolink.reid AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:08:19 -0400 Late this afternoon we checked out the Port Perry lagoons - water levels are high in all of the cells, so very few shorebirds - a flock of Yellowlegs flew over but little else. Lots of Bonaparte's Gulls and a swirl of Black Terns; 13 Flickers in one group on the grass. Scattered puddle ducks, especially in the last 2 cells, including Shoveler. _______________________________________________ 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: Night Hawks From: Marg <margc AT xcelco.on.ca> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:38:34 -0400 At around 7pm this evening I was lucky to observe 5-8 night hawks (common) overhead playing in between a group of gulls. This was over the West Ipperwash Rd,in Lambton Shores. Just 2 roads up from the Lake Huron shores. Margrit Catton _______________________________________________ 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: OFO Trip - Sunday - Palgrave, Beeton, Schomberg From: dave milsom <milsomdave AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:23:21 -0400 Over 40 birders enjoyed today's very warm weather and some good birds, particularly in the afternoon. The morning at Palgrave Conservation Area was slow. Only 7 species of warbler were seen, best being Golden-winged, Canada and Tennessee. Pileated Woodpecker was seen well flying over the pond. Also, Northern Harrier, Eastern Wood Pewee, Wild Turkey, White-throated and Swamp sparrows were found. The afternoon was productive for shorebirds and 11 species were seen. Best find was a juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper seen very well by all the group at Zander Sod Farms on the 10th Concession near Beeton. Also there were 14 Baird's Sandpipers and Black-bellied Plover. At Schomberg Lagoons were both Yellowlegs, Solitary, Semipalmated and Least sandpipers, Wilson's Snipe, Killdeer and Spotted Sandpiper. A total of 75 species were found throughout the day. Dave Milsom milsomdave AT hotmail.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: Buff-breasted Sandpipers at Blenheim S. L. From: "Blake A. Mann" <boatmann AT kent.net> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:47:17 -0400 This afternoon (Sunday) there were three (3) Buff-breasted Sandpipers in cell 1. They were difficult to see in the bright sun on the mud! Several other shorebirds were present, but no Red-necked Phalarope. Lagoon Directions: Exit 401 at #90 (Communications Rd.) and head into Blenheim. At the main stoplight turn right (west) onto Rd. 3. Travel about 1.5 km and turn right (north) onto Lagoon Rd. at the carwash, and continue north about 1 km to gate. You must have an annual permit to enter. Available at the Municipal Service Centre, 35 Talbot St. in Blenheim, during business hours, fax (519) 676-0244. Good birding, Blake A. Mann Wallaceburg Chatham-Kent, Ontario boatmannATkentDOTnet Blog: http://burgbirder.blogspot.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: red necked pharlopes &B.B. plovers at Pt Stanley lagoons From: JEFF ATKINSON <akyatkinson AT rogers.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:24:43 -0700 (PDT) Today at 1 PM me and my friend doug campbell spotted two pharlopes in the second cell close to the viewing stands there were lots of shorebirds around amongst the usual ones were a few BB plovers. The lagoons are located a couple of kms west of pt stanley. as you come into pt on the main rd take first right at bottom of hill ,warren st., then follow this road out of town up hill, take first right scotch line the lagoons are just down the road.         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: .conditions not good, BUT hawks moving through Cranberry--Aug.29 From: Doug Lockrey <lockrey33 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 13:48:13 -0400 As the season progresses I do hope observers will arrive at the Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch. Alan Woods picked me up today, and, in spite of hot cloudless morning with no thermals we decided to go to CMRW, where we stayed for only 40 minutes. Two others phoned results before and after. I can not get there very often--I ASK YOU TO MAKE CERTAIN THE CUPBOARD DOOR IS OPEN (you know where the key is)-- blank daily pages are on a clipboard--please, please complete as much of it as you can, including your name. Before you leave ensure that whomever is continuing will leave the page in the cupboard. and will lock up. Sunday, Aug.29-- 3 hrs.-- 1 TV, 5OS, 2 BE, 11 BW, 1 RT, 1 UF, 4 UR Non-raptors for yesterday and today--flycatchers---least, great crested, willow, yellow-bellied, warblers---redstart, Wilson's, bay-breasted, yellow, black-throated green eastern pewee, red-eyed vireo, blue-gray gnatcatcher, several r-t hummingbirds, VIRGINIA RAIL >From 401, south on Lakeridge to Victoria, 1 block to Hall's Rd., south toward the lake, parking in the second roadside parking area. Doug Lockrey, coordinator CMRW _______________________________________________ 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 Wood-Pewee and probable Whistling-Ducks at Long Point From: Mike Burrell <michofski AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:11:44 -0400 Hello birders, It has been a great few days birding at Long Point! First: Yesterday (August 27) Ross Wood heard and observed a Western Wood-Pewee at one of our remote field stations. He was able to study the bird closely along with several of our volunteers (Erika Hentsch, Ryan Rea, Avery Nagy-MacArthur). Other than the distinctive call that was heard throughout the day visual features supporting the ID were noted including an almost completely dark lower mandible and slightly brighter lower wing bar. The bird responded aggressively to a taped Western Wood-Pewee call and did not react to taped Eastern Wood-Pewee calls. Ron Ridout, Brendan Toews, and myself were also able to observe the bird well for about an hour and a half as it called a few different times. Brendan Toews obtained some great photos of the bird: http://btoewsphotos.zenfolio.com/p939163745/h20486ceaToday (August 28) at 8:15pm Brendan Toews and I were counting birds as they went to roost in the marsh off of the Old Cut field station when we saw a flock of 9 ducks flying towards us from the south (headed north). The ducks were up very high and I initially though they were probably Mallards based on overall shape. As they got closer I began to realize they were definitly not Mallards as their feet clearly extended past their tail. I commented on this feature to Brendan and we were both unsure what they were. After they were out of sight we discussed them a bit thinking they had an overall impression of a merganser (which may have been due to their rather long necks for a duck). When we got back to the field station and discussed the birds with my brother, Ken and checked through some bird books we were convinced they must have been Whistling-Ducks. We are well aware of the large scale invasion of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks this summer and would guess that this is the most likely species, although we obviously cannot rule out Fulvous. Besides these two great species the point has been hopping with birds. The Long Point sightings board should be updated tomorrow morning and you can read all about this fall's migration to date: http://www.bsc-eoc.org/longpoint/index.jsp?targetpg=lpbosight Long Point Bird Observatory's Old Cut Field Station is open to the public daily with bird banding demonstrations until about noon each day. To get there take Hwy 59 onto Long Point and turn left onto Old Cut Blvd. The field station is on the right and is marked with a sign. Please park in the large visitor lot across the road. Good birding, Mike Burrell michofski AT hotmail.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: Results of OFO outing to Toronto Islands today, Aug 28, 2010. From: "Ian Cannell" <cannell AT rogers.com> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:36:23 -0400 The beautiful sunny day we enjoyed on the Islands today was matched only by the nice group of birders who made it a pleasure to lead this outing. As has been usual for the past three years a large group of birders showed up to practise their skills at identifying those "confusing fall warblers" and practise they had, in full. After 2 or 3 hours we had progressed no further than a few hundred metres from the Ward's Island ferry dock as wave after wave of warblers, vireos, flycatchers and other species flew into a few willows in front of us. A beautifully plumaged male Canada Warbler was a big favourite as was a cooperative male Black-throated Blue Warbler. Philadelphia Vireos and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were other popular sightings. When we finally left the Ward's cottage area and headed west, we enjoyed seeing an Olive-sided Flycatcher from Snake Island, at the very top of the highest bare snag, as is typical for this species. Snake Island is a good place to find this species at this time of year. If you have an opportunity to get over to the Islands in the next few weeks, particularly after northerly winds overnight you can be pretty sure of a great day of birding. Two things: Be sure you have the correct ferry schedule; it's the summer schedule now, but will change to the fall schedule on Sept. 7th. New ferry ticket machines are now in place, just outside the entrance to the ferry dock. The good news is that they will now accept credit cards. The bad news is that they are far from intuitive to use. To use them: Use the two buttons at the left to scroll up or down to choose the kind of ticket you want (Adult, or Seniors, etc.). Then select the number of people for whom you want tickets on the number pad below. Then push the green "Print" button. The screen will then display the amount it expects from you. Either enter the correct change in the yellow slot below ($6.50 adult or $4.00 Seniors) or enter your credit card. Then push the green "Print" button again. Finally remove the ticket when it drops down into the slot at bottom right (note that multiple tickets will be printed if you paid for more than one person). I provide these details because I had to help most people to figure out how to use these new machines. Ian. _______________________________________________ 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: Mitchell wetlands: ruddy turnstone, red-necked phalarope From: PV <ciulamenvot AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 15:02:06 -0400 Arrived at Mitchell wetlands at 8, this Saturday morning, stayed until 10. First thing, a juv. Ruddy Turnstone was seen briefly. The bird took off with a circling panicked flock and could not be found again. In the midst of the usual assortment of shorebirds, 2 juv. Short-billed Dowitchers, feeding and always coming back to the same spot after the numerous flights. There was an accipiter darting in and out of the trees and flushing the shorebirds many times, with some not returning. As well, in the n-e corner of that same cell, one juv. Red-Necked Phalarope. Usual assortment: Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover, Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Semipalmated, Least, and Baird's Sandpipers, Spotted Sandpiper. Also saw several Bobolinks. Directions to Mitchell (West Perth) Wetlands: >From the East (Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, GTA) - take Hwy 8 thru Stratford heading west to first lights in Mitchell (Wellington St) and turn left (south) and continue till you hit the "T" intersection at the ball diamond. Lagoon cells are straight back behind the ball diamond and soccer fields and the sewage treatment plant. You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. >From the London area....take Hwy 23 into Mitchell from the south and just after you pass the "Welcome to Mitchell" sign...watch for Frank St...go right on Frank St and head down over the bridge till you get to the ball diamond (will be on your right). Again...the cells are behind the ball diamond and soccer fields. You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. >From Southampton area....take Hwy 21, to Goderich and then Hwy 8 to Clinton and down to Mitchell, turn south on Hwy 23 to Frank St. and turn left on Frank St. and head over the bridge to the ball diamonds (which will be on your right). You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. Paolo Viola _______________________________________________ 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: Whimbrels at Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke From: waynerenaud1951 AT aol.com Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:51:36 -0400 I birded the two peninsulas of the park this morning from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm during a fairly strong easterly wind. At 11:45 am I heard Whimbrels calling and located a flock of 5 (+ two birds higher up, in all probably also Whimbels) flying ese about 1200-1500 ft altitude at great speed. Bruce Wilkinson missed them by about 10 minutes. These are first Whimbel I have seen in fall migration on Ontario. I searched all the rocky headlands and beaches for Whimbrel and other shorebirds but not see a single shorebird of any species. There were 9 Red-necked Grebes in the area, one Great Egret (no legs and wing markers), one Great Blue Heron, two Hooded Mergansers and two American Widgeon. The place was swarming with American Goldfinches. Directions: The park is located south of Humber Campus which is located at the intersection of Lakeshore Boulevard and Kipling. The only free parking lot is located at the south end of Col. Samuel Smith Park Drive which runs of the south end of Kipling where it interfaces Lakeshore. Wayne Renaud (cell: 1-289-828-0043) _______________________________________________ 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: Blenheim Shorebirds - buff-breasted, phalarope, etc From: Josh Vandermeulen <josh_v_17 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:51:24 -0400 I stopped at the Blenheim lagoons on the way home from work today. Ran into a couple other birders - Dan Wilkie, and Christian (I did not get your last name). The water levels in lagoon one is far down but there was still a decent variety with 12 species of shorebirds seen. Highlights: 1 juv. Buff-breasted Sandpiper (picked out by Christian) hanging out at the south end of Lagoon 1 1 Red-necked Phalarope frolicking with the mallards in Lagoon #3 1 juv. Stilt Sandpiper and 1 ad. Ruddy Turnstone in Lagoon 1 Blenheim Lagoons is on Lagoon Road, just north of HWY 3 (Talbot Trail) and west of the town of Blenheim. From the 401, take exit 90 Communication Road south to Blenheim. At Talbot Street, turn right and go through town. Lagoon Road will be just past the carwash. Turn right on Lagoon Road and the sewage lagoons will be on your right after 1 km. Permits are available from the Municipal Office in Blenheim. Good birding, Josh Vandermeulen _______________________________________________ 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: American White Pelican- Oshawa From: "Rayfield Pye" <raypye AT interlinks.net> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:44:13 -0400 Ameican White Pelican- 1 Friday, August 27 at 6 PM Oshawa Second Marsh (day 63 for this long staying visitor) The Pelican was sleeping is his usual location. Straight west from the viewing platform. Directions:Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd (exit # 419) Go south on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to the GM Canada Headquarters. Park in the lot on the west side of the building and walk west to the viewing platform. Rayfield Pye Oshawa _______________________________________________ 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 or White-rumped Sandpiper? - James Bay Photos From: "Jean Iron" <jeaniron AT sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:40:26 -0400 There is now full agreement by experts on the ID-Frontiers listserv that the unidentified sandpiper mentioned in James Bay Shorebirds report #6 on 23 August 2010 is a White-rumped Sandpiper. Here are photos showing variation in White-rumped Sandpipers from James Bay. See details in captions. http://www.jeaniron.ca/2010/JamesBay2010/whiterumpedvariation.htm Original two photos of bird under discussion. http://www.jeaniron.ca/2010/JamesBay2010/longridge2.htm Jean Iron & Ron Pittaway Toronto & Minden, 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: Birding sites near I-81 From: Joan Kelbrick <jkelbrick AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:47:18 -0400 Good evening everyone: I will be in New York State for a couple of days and was wondering if anyone could suggest some good birding sites along the I-81 corridor? Thanking everyone in advance. Joan _______________________________________________ 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: NW winds, rising barometric pressure, good thermals=lakefront migrating hawks From: Doug Lockrey <lockrey33 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:38:13 -0400 Steve Wood, a great guy who "knows his weather stuff", motored down Hall's Rd. in southwest Whitby on Wednesday to enjoy migrating raptors from the Cranberry Marsh viewing platform. He and 2 or 3 others, convinced that the aforementioned conditions would bring a good flight would carry overhead hawks were happy to see 9 different species-- 1 Turkey Vulture, 6 Osprey, 2 Bald Eagle, 1 Northern Harrier, 6 Sharp-shinned, 2 Cooper`s, 8 BROAD-WINGED, 6 American Kestrel and 2 Merlin. I thank those who go to identify, count and record hawks at CMRW. Please remember that I can not get there very often, unless someone arranges to pick me up. Data will be reported only when I receive or am able to pick up the info left in the locked box. Within the box is lots of helpful info. Hall`s Rd. is 1 short block east of Lakeridge Rd. Go south toward the lakefront, parking in the southern parking area. Doug Lockrey, coordinator CMRW, Whitby _______________________________________________ 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, August 27th, 2010 From: "Cheryl Edgecombe" <cheryle29 AT cogeco.ca> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:32:07 -0400 On Friday August 27, 2010, this is the HNC Birding Report: PARASITIC JAEGER LONG-TAILED JAEGER Green Winged Teal White-winged Scoter Red-throated Loon Common Loon Osprey Peregrine Falcon Semipalmated Plover Spotted Sandpiper Solitary Sandpiper Lesser Yellowlegs Ruddy Turnstone Sanderling Semipalmated Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Baird's Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Buff-breasted Sandpiper Short-billed Dowitcher Red-necked Phalarope Bonaparte's Gull Black Tern Common Tern Common Nighthawk Red-headed Woodpecker Eastern Wood Pewee Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Great Crested Flycatcher Warbling Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Tennessee Warbler Nashville Warbler Northern Parula Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Palm Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Black-and-white Warbler American Redstart Wilson's Warbler Canada Warbler Baltimore Oriole It's been a very active week here in the Hamilton Study Area with the start of VanWagner's Beach season in earnest last weekend. Yearly the west end of Lake Ontario is key for birders to chalk up their lists with birds seen here. Both LONG-TAILED and PARASITIC JAEGERS made their appearance on east winds last weekend and early in the week. Other birds seen here were Green-winged Teal, White-winged Scoter, Red-throated and Common Loon, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Semipalmated Plover, Sanderling , quite a few Red-necked Phalaropes (difficult to see in choppy waters!), Black and Common Terns. This is just the beginning of a couple of months of excellent birding here in the right conditions. Another good place just around the corner was Red Hill Stormwater Pond where last Friday, Baird's, Semipalmated and Least Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs were seen. At the Windermere Basin located off Eastport Drive, Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted, Semipalmated and Least Sandpipers were present on the floating algae near the booms. A partially leucistic Semipalmated Sandpiper gave some shorebird enthusiasts a good study last weekend. On North Island located off Eastport Drive on the bay, Semipalmated Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least and Semipalmated Sandpiper were birds seen crawling among the Caspian Terns sitting here. It is always best to view this location with a scope as the shorebirds seem to do an excellent job of hiding in and amongst the Terns. The mushroom farm up on Guelph Line north of Derry Road was a good spot for Solitary, Least and Semipalmated Sandpiper and Lesser Yellowlegs. Finally to wrap up shorebirds in a nice way, our annual visit of Buff-breasted Sandpipers started at Highway 6 and Unity Road last Saturday where three individuals were seen. Earlier in the week Baird's Sandpipers were present on a sod farm in this area. Passerines were active this week with the northwest winds giving them incentive to move south. Woodland Cemetery seemed to be a good place to view migrants with Eastern Wood Pewee, Yellow-bellied, Least, Great Crested Flycatcher, Warbling, Philadelphia, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Tennessee, Nashville, Northern Parula, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Palm (second earliest fall record), Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Wilson's Warbler and Baltimore Oriole. At Waterdown Wetlands, also known as Joe Sam's Park in Waterdown, Red-eyed and Philadelphia Vireo, Tennessee, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Green, Magnolia, Bay-breasted, Black-and-white and Canada Warbler were all spotted in the week. Common Nighthawks continue to be reported on migration through the Oakville, Burlington and Hamilton Area. From last week, a Red-headed Woodpecker was spotted on Millborough Town Line up in the Flamborough/Halton area. This coming few weeks will be key for warbler and flycatcher migration. Be sure to get out there and scour, you never know what will turn up at this time of the year. Please report your sightings! 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: Whimbrel, Red Knot @ Presqu'ile From: "bill gilmour" <bill.gilmour AT sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:13:45 -0400 Greetings Ontbirders Today Maureen Riggs and I birded the Owen Point area of the park. A single WHIMBREL and RED KNOT were seen from the tip of Owen Point. 10 other species were also seen. 2 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, 35+SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS,1 KILLDEER, 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE, 7 SANDERLINGS, 38 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS, and 18 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS. Bill Gilmour > 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. Access to the offshore > islands is > restricted at this time of year to prevent disturbance to > the colonial > nesting birds there. 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 _______________________________________________ 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: Kingston area birds to Aug. 27, 2010 From: <goodcompany AT sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:50:34 -0400 There has been some good warbler movement this week with 11 species tallied at Bedford Mills last Sunday, along with three vireo species, and a good variety on Garden Island on Tuesday. Unusual species included a Wilson's in Barriefield, a Golden-winged on Garden Island and a Connecticut near Camden East. Nighthawks are being recorded in large numbers. Four flocks totalling almost 80 birds were seen in the Morton/Crosby area and another flock of 15 was near Elginburg on Wednesday. It has been a great week for shorebirds as well. A trip to the cormorant breeding islands between Kingston and Amherst Island on Tuesday found Greater Yellowlegs, and Spotted, Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers as well as 2 Baird's Sandpipers on Snake Island. (Almost all the young cormorants have left the nest.) There were a couple of Black-crowned Night-Herons on the Brothers Islands. There was another Baird's and a Stilt in the Wilton Creek near Morven and two more Stilt Sandpipers at the lagoons, all found on Tuesday. There continues to be very large numbers of Lesser Yellowlegs on the algae mats in the Cataraqui River. On Amherst there were 3 Whimbrel and 3 Black-bellied Plovers on Wednesday. Best shorebird of the week was a Ruff at the sod farm on the Mud Lake Road on Tuesday. A few noteworthy raptors included a pair of Great Horned Owls near Newburgh on Sunday and a Merlin on Amherst on Wednesday. That same afternoon a pair of Bald Eagles (one a dark young bird, the other an almost adult-white but not immaculate white head and tail) roosted in a dead tree off The Bar on Amherst. It appears that the Glossy Ibis that put in a brief appearance at Prince Edward Point on Monday has made its way to Amherst Island. The bird was probing along the west shore of the pond behind the dike on the KFN property on Wednesday. Cheers, Peter Good Kingston Field Naturalists 613 378-6605 _______________________________________________ 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: Ibis Species at Hullett Wildlife Area (NW of Seaforth) From: "Dave & Tracey Brown" <thebrowns AT ezlink.ca> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:30:08 -0400 Posted on behalf of Norm Holden.... Norm observed an IBIS at the Hullett Wildlife Area this afternoon. The bird was feeding several hundred yds away. He notes that it was an adult but from that distance he couldn't tell for certain if it was Glossy or White-faced. He left the Hullett Marsh around 3:00 pm today (Thursday) after reporting his find of the Ibis to the Marsh's office. Directions are: Drive about a half hour west of Mitchell on Hwy#8 to Kinburn Line (aka county rd. 15). Turn right (North ) and go to Summerhill Rd. Turn left (West) and go to Burns Line. Turn left (South) and travel down the gravel road to Parking lot 81001. Just past there on the left side is an entrance to the boat launch and dyke. Go out the dusty dyke road about 100 yds. to where it's gated off. Scope the shallow waters where there are stumps and logs galore. _______________________________________________ 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: Quinte Area Bird Report From: "Terry Sprague" <tsprague AT kos.net> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:12:59 -0400 This is the August 26th report from the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, submitted by Station Manager David Okines. Things have really picked up at the Observatory since last week. COMMON LOONS were seen moving on the 23rd and 25th, 4 GREAT BLUE HERONS were seen in the harbour on the 25th. 4 BLACK-CROWNED HERONS that flew into the harbour at dusk on the 25th were only the 4th fall record. CANADA GEESE have been increasing and numbered 177 in the harbour on the 25th. Up to 220 MALLARDS are being seen daily and 2-4 BLUE-WINGED TEALS can usually be seen amongst them. An OSPREY went over on the 25th and BALD EAGLES are being seen regularly, 11 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS flew over on the 26th and a female MERLIN is being seen daily. 6 LESSER YELLOWLEGS flew down the harbour on the 23rd, SPOTTED SANDPIPERS are being seen daily and 3 LEAST SANDPIPERS were found on the 26th. 8 BONAPARTE'S GULLS were seen offshore on the 24th and a COMMON TERN flew over on the 21st calling noisily. BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO'S are still present and a recently fledged young bird was trapped on the 24th along with its mum. Late August is also the time for COMMON NIGHTHAWKS to move and 11 were seen on the 24th and 63 passed over in three flocks on the 25th. 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS were seen on the 24th and the first EASTERN WOOD PEWEE was noted on the 21st. A small influx of flycatchers on the 26th included 15 YELLOW-BELLIED and 6 LEAST. The first PHILADELPHIA VIREO of the fall was trapped on the 24th and at least 20 RED-EYED VIREOS were seen on the 26th. A few BLUE JAYS, numbering at least 25 were seen on the 25th and start the fall migration of that species. On the 24th a movement of swallows included 100 TREE SWALLOWS, 25 PURPLE MARTINS, 40 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS, 80 BANKS SWALLOWS, 40 CLIFF SWALLOWS and at least 300 BARN SWALLOWS, a CHIMNEY SWIFT that blundered into a net was banded and is new to the all time fall banding list. CEDAR WAXWING numbers are increasing and 120 were seen on the 25th. Firsts for the fall were BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS, BLACKPOLL WARBLERS and OVENBIRDS on the 24th. BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS first started really moving on the 24th when 15 were noted with at least 10 seen the following day. An arrival on the 26th saw the first thrushes of the fall with 5 VEERY and 4 SWAINSON'S being trapped. Also seen were 18 species of warbler, including 7 TENNESSEE, 11 NASHVILLE, 15 CHESTNUT-SIDED, 60 MAGNOLIAS, 15 BLACK-THROATED BLUES, 20 BLACKPOLLS, 15 BLACK-AND-WHITES, 40 AMERICAN REDSTARTS, 12 WILSON'S and 7 CANADA'S. After a quiet, wet and windy start to the week BOBOLINKS moved in earnest on the 24th and 25th when 96 and 131 were trapped, estimates for those two days were 200 and 250 seen. 10 BALTIMORE ORIOLES were seen on the 21st and PURPLE FINCHES have been seen twice this week. Bird of the week was a GLOSSY IBIS that was seen on the 23rd for about 5 minutes among the loafing MALLARDS on a shingle spit at the entrance to the harbour, it was preening itself and it did not stay long, disappearing when the MALLARDS were flushed by something. For a summary of birds seen elsewhere in the Quinte area, look under BIRDING from the Main Menu of the NatureStuff website at www.naturestuff.net . Updates made daily. Terry Sprague Prince Edward County tsprague AT kos.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: Presqu'ile Weekly Report From: "bill gilmour" <bill.gilmour AT sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:56:07 -0400 Greetings Ontbirders HIGHLIGHTS TUNDRA SWAN PEREGRINE FALCON WHIMBREL BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER The week started with good numbers and variety of shorebirds. Numbers dropped off as the week went on only to begin to pick up again on the afternoon of August 26. Songbird migration has been steady with a high of 21 species of warblers seen by a keen birder from Algonquin on August 24. A TUNDRA SWAN was spotted amongst the many MUTE SWANS rafting in Popham Bay on August 24. A RUFFED GROUSE was flushed from the Newcastle Trail on August 20. Good numbers of PIED-BILLED GREBES can be seen from Coot's lookout all week with at least 30 individuals. For birders new to the park taking a trip down Bayshore road can be quite rewarding. Best areas to view from are Coot's lookout, both sides of the road as you approach the overpass at calf pasture for migrant flycatchers and raptors and Salt Point for shorebirds in low water years, also there are a number of cottages and homes with feeders and a good songbird migration along the road. A GREEN HERON continues to be seen at the calf pasture as late as August 26. TURKEY VULTURE on August 26, OSPREY with a high of four birds on August 24 at the calf pasture, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK August 25 and 26, COOPER'S HAWK, and a RED-TAILED HAWK August 26 were seen in the park the past week. A PEREGRINE FALCON has been terrorizing the shorebirds for most of the past week in the Owen Point area and was last reported on August 24 . MERLIN sightings have increased the past week with birds seen at various locations, interesting in that the numbers of Green Darners and other large dragonflies in general have increased as well. Fifteen species of shorebirds were reported in the park the past week mostly between lookout #1 and Owen Point. High counts include six BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS on August 21, two WHIMBREL standing at the tip of Owen Point on August 24, two juvenile RED KNOTS on August 20, twelve SANDERLING on August 20, two BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS (last seen August 21), and six SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS on August 20. CHIMNEY SWIFTS put in an appearance this week with totals of three on August 21 and a single bird on August 24 at the lighthouse. A total of six Tyrant Flycatchers were reported in the park the past week. A high count of four OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS were seen in the calf pasture on August 24, the lighthouse has been the best place for EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE all week with at least four birds present on August 26, LEAST FLYCATCHER seen in various places, EASTERN PHOEBE at the calf pasture August 24, GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER various locations as well as EASTERN KINGBIRDS mostly seen in the vicinity of the calf pasture. A CAROLINA WREN continues to be seen and heard from 83 Bayshore this week, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was reported last on August 22, and one breeding WOOD THRUSH on August 20 and two migrant thrushes, VEERY and SWAINSON'S were seen on the Newcastle Trail on August 26. Twenty one species of warblers were reported in the park the past week. The best day for warblers was on August 24 seen in a number of locations in the park such as the lighthouse, Paxton, calf pasture, Jobes Woods and the fingers trail. TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE, NORTHERN PARULA, YELLOW WARBLER, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, a surprising number of CAPE MAY WARBLERS, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, PINE WARBLER, BAY-BREASTED WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART, OVENBIRD, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, MOURNING WARBLER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, WILSON'S WARBLER and CANADA WARBLER were all reported on this date and during the past week. A SCARLET TANAGER was reported from 83 Bayshore on August 21. A bit odd of a sighting was an ORCHARD ORIOLE feeding on the algae flats with the shorebirds at Owen Point on August 24. Bill Gilmour 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. Access to the offshore islands is restricted at this time of year to prevent disturbance to the colonial nesting birds there. 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 _______________________________________________ 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: LWL : Wend, Frieda.XLS From: "Michael Agueci" <magueci AT shoppershomehealthcare.ca> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:40:36 -0400 Eta pls_______________________________________________ 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: Nighthawks over Carleton Place [iain] From: Iain Wilkes <iain.wilkes AT sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:10:25 +0000 Between 5:30 and 6:30 this evening, Susan and I watched as roughly 30 Nighhawks flew over our backyard and along the Mississippi River just to the south of us. They were flying back and forth parallel to the river feeding. cheers Iain and Susan DSBC (NC) _______________________________________________ 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: Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch 2010 is underway From: Doug Lockrey <lockrey33 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:31:41 -0400 Just a brief note to tell you that the Raptor Watch at Cranberry Marsh in southwest Whitby, ON officially started on Monday, August 23, and will continue through to November 30. E-mail reports from me will be made only when I receive the data. I will be unable to get there very often. I ask daily counters to send reports if a significant number of birds come through. Here is an unofficial report for Aug.23: observers-Les Sayer, Jim McKnight; 4 hrs.; 2 Osprey, 1 Bald Eagle, 1Broad-winged Hawk from Victoria St. south down Hall`s Rd. toward the lake, parking at the southern pathway; walk eastward toward the platform. I DO ASK THAT IF YOU ARRIVE PLEASE ENSURE THAT SOMEONE IS RECORDING DATA, Doug Lockrey, CMRW coordinator _______________________________________________ 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: Large flock of Blackbirds-Brantford,ON From: Cody Law <cody.law AT live.com> Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:49:26 -0400 While on my way home from the Windsor Airshow Sunday night, I saw a large flock of approximately 2000 Blackbirds with some Swallows mixed in. They appeared to be mostly Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds. This was on the 403 1KM South of the big white Brantford City Tower in a Farmers field. Cody _______________________________________________ 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: nighthawks Timiskaming From: "The Murphy's" <birdboy AT ntl.sympatico.ca> Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:16:12 -0400 Had 20 night hawks at gillies lake 6 km from cobalt Ontario last night Bruce Murphy Hilliardton Marsh Ontario we are located approximately 6 hours North of Toronto just North of Lake Timiskaming and are situated in the southern limit of the beautiful boreal forest For more information about the marsh please visit www.themarsh.ca and for more information about birds in our area visit www.timbirds.info Bird is the 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: Luther Marsh Great Egret and Bobolink Roost August 24 2010 From: "Tyler Hoar" <thoar AT rogers.com> Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:54:20 -0400 First off We did NOT look for the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. We did not see it on the way to our study site but it could easily still be present. Dave Andrew and myself were doing the CWS Great Egret roost survey tonight. We had a total of 209 Great Egrets ( 9 wing tagged birds). The birds arrived late and were still arriving under the light of the full moon at 8:30pm Other herons seen included 52 Black-crowned Night Herons, 2 Great Blue Herons 1 Green Heron and 2 American Bitterns. For the last 2 years while doing the egret roost survey I have noticed up to 300 Bobolinks arriving into the fields adjacent to the Egret roost each evening. This evening however the Bobolinks came into roost (the field immediate east of the egret roost) in large numbers. Flock after flock of Bobolinks arrived in the field. By the time the sun set I can counted at least 1350 Bobolinks had arrived in the roost location. Waterfowl Within the last week the waterfowl numbers have increased dramatically. Most of the flocks were leaving the Luther lake area in the evening and heading to the north east to feed. We counted 3200+ Mallards, 135 Black Ducks, 100+ Gadwalls, 63 Green-winged Teals, 48 Blue-winged Teals, 23 Wood Ducks, and 9 Hooded Mergansers. The Monticello cell Trumpeter pair have 6 Cygnets this year. Shorebirds Wilson's Snipe 12, Lesser Yellowlegs 9, Semi-palmated Sandpipers 8, Pectoral Sandpiper 2, and 1 Spotted Sandpiper Swallow roost is greatly reduced (<100 birds) species present near dusk included Barn, Tree, Cliff and Northern Rough-winged Other Species seen Osprey 3, Merlin 1, Sandhill Crane 9, Common Nighthawk 1, 4 Bonaparte's Gulls ( among 100s of Ring-billed Gulls which roost on the lake), Pied-billed Grebe 6, Sora 1, Common Moorhen 2 Directions: From Grand Valley, go north on Hwy 25 to Concession 8-9, turn left (west), go to Sideroad 21-22 where the Concession Road makes a T, go right (north), go past the Main Entrance to Luther Marsh and then over a small concrete bridge. The first left after this is a small parking lot for the Marsh area. From here walk about 200-300m to the SW. You'll see a pond with dead trees and heron nests...this is where the egrets roost. A day use permit is required if you choose to use the laneway and walk out to the blind (obtainable at the main Luther Marsh Conservation Area entrance, 1 km or less south of this laneway). _______________________________________________ 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: Banded Great Egret Hillman Marsh Conservation Area updates From: "Pelee Wings" <pwnsca AT peleewings.ca> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:37:40 -0400 Hello Birders - While cycling the main Hillman Marsh Wetland Cell last evening Aug. 23 I observed 41Great Egrets, mostly north and south of the bridge at County Rd 37. One sported 2 bright orange wing tags, # 10E on each wing. Chip W has informed me that it's one of the egrets tagged from the Nottawasaga area colonies on June 24 / 10. Black-billed Cuckoo, 5 Black-crowned Night Herons and 2 Green Herons were observed, as well flocks of Am. Goldfinch were actively feeding. A variety of Duck species were common. The main Hillman Creek channel has ~ 1 meter of mudflat on each side and quite shallow water which is attracting some shorebirds such as Greater Yellowlegs and Least Sandpipers. Other species are present but I didn't have my scope on the bike. The Shorebird Cell is dry, currently planted to buckwheat, and will be flooded later this fall. Note that the Shorebird Cell is managed for shorebird habitat only in the spring; in the fall the new summer vegetation is flooded to provide duck habitat. The main Wetland Cell dykes are being graded now making for much easier walking or biking for 4.5 km around the unit; the water pump on the cell's north side is actively filling the cell; some of the dykes have recently been seeded to grasses. During the hunting season the area is available to birders and hikers after 2:00pm, and all day Sundays. Kudos to Ducks Unlimited for spending more than $340,000. (3/4's from the Federal Infrastructure Program) this year on maintenance and improvements to this very productive wetland. Hillman Marsh Conservation Area managed by the Essex Region Conservation Authority is on the Point Pelee peninsula, adjacent Lake Erie, 4 km NE of Point Pelee National Park. Good birding - Michael Malone Pelee Wings Nature Store discount binoculars & scopes www.peleewings.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: Brighton Constructed Wetlands Celebration and invitation to all From: "Keith Lee" <keith.lee AT sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:32:43 -0400 On September 23, 2010 you are all invited to the Tenth Anniversary of the operation of the Brighton Wetlands, from 9 to 10 Am there will be a workshop about the wetlands and conception by John Pries who was involved in the construction and design, from 11Am to 12 Pm there will be the the dedication/celebration . Any one wishing to talk about their visits would be more than welcome, please call me if you wish to share any of your experiences. The Wetland is located at #11 - County Road 64* exactly 7.2 kilometers south on highway 30 at exit 509 - Brighton. To get a hold of me for more information please call my cell at 613-849-8920 or email me at keith.lee(at)sympatico.ca Keith Tiny Lee _______________________________________________ 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: Common Nighthawks Deschenes Rapids on the Ottawa River From: Richard Waters <rcwaters2001 AT yahoo.co.uk> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:13:04 +0000 (GMT) At dusk yesterday, 7.45pm -8pm, there were at least twenty Common Nighthawks, they moved south across the river and were then seen hawking over mud lake and the Deschenes Rapids on the Ottawa River.   This morning there were at least three immature Black-crowned Night Herons on the island, one Great White Egret and one juvenile Peregrine on the cut. Also present were 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler (imm.) and a one Cape May Warbler(imm.) on the ridge. Directions courtesy Larry Neily ( http://www.neilyworld.com/ ): Directions to this Site: 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 right 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. The Britannia Yacht Club is directly in front of you. Park along Cassels Street. You will have to proceed on foot through the Yacht Club gate, walk 200 metres east past the barrier and 150 metres north to the Deschênes Rapids - Ontario. To view the area below the rapids proceed east along Cassels to the Y junction and bear left to go behind the filtration plant. Britannia Point and a good view of the swirling flock can be had here. Richard Waters 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/ _______________________________________________ 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: Mitchell Wetlands From: Kim Toews <fa446 AT ncf.ca> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:38:18 -0400 Hi Ontbirders, My Parents and I birded the West Perth Wetlands in Mitchell yesterday from 10:30-11:30am. We were able to locate both Godwit species. We also found: Least, Semipalmated, Baird's, Solitary, Stilt (2) and Pectoral Sandpipers; Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs; Semipalmated Plovers; Killdeer and Vesper Sparrows (3). Photos of the Godwits can be viewed at: [1]http://btoewsphotos.zenfolio.com/p939163745 Good Birding, Brendan Toews Directions: (Thanks to Dave Brown) From the East (Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, GTA) - take Hwy 8 thru Stratford heading west to first lights in Mitchell (Wellington St) and turn left (south) and continue till you hit the "T" intersection at the ball diamond. Lagoon cells are straight back behind the ball diamond and soccer fields and the sewage treatment plant. You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. From the London area - take Hwy 23 into Mitchell from the south and just after you pass the "Welcome to Mitchell" sign...watch for Frank St...go right on Frank St and head down over the bridge till you get to the ball diamond (will be on your right). Again...the cells are behind the ball diamond and soccer fields. You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. From Southampton area - take Hwy 21, to Goderich and then Hwy 8 to Clinton and down to Mitchell, turn south on Hwy 23 to Frank St. and turn left on Frank St. and head over the bridge to the ball diamonds (which will be on your right). You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. References 1. http://btoewsphotos.zenfolio.com/p939163745 _______________________________________________ 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: Toronto Islands - OFO outing scheduled for Saturday Aug 28, 2010 From: "Ian Cannell" <cannell AT rogers.com> Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:39:54 -0400 This year's OFO outing to the Toronto Islands will take place on SATURDAY AUGUST 28. Please note two changes to the original information provided: 1. We will catch the 7:30am ferry to Ward's Island (not 7:15). The ferry ride takes only about 10 minutes. 2. The ferry prices are now $6:50 for an adult and $4:00 for seniors and students. All fares are return fares. You will need these amounts in CHANGE. You obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate, so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and/or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no reliable place to get change and the machine does not make change. We will bird around Ward's Island and then gradually wend our way over to Hanlan's Point, from where we will take the ferry back to Toronto. We can expect to see a good cross-section of warblers and other migrants. This could take all day, if the birding is good, but anybody who wishes to leave at any time during the day can take return ferries from Ward's, Centre Island or Hanlan's Point. For a detailed ferry schedule check the following web site. (The SUMMER schedule will still be in effect). http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/summerschedule.htm Directions: The Toronto Ferry Docks are located at the foot of Bay Street in Toronto. Bay Street is on the east side of Union Station and from there it takes Only about 10 minutes to walk south on Bay to the ferry docks. The entrance to the ferry docks is on the south side of Queen's Quay, just west of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. Parking ($15, I believe) is available 1 block north of the docks on the west side of Bay, at Lakeshore. or, 1 block west of Bay, on the north side of Queens Quay. or, 1 block east of Bay, on the south side of Queen's Quay, opposite the Toronto Star building and adjacent to Captain John's Restaurant. There are washrooms on the islands as well as at the city side at the ferry docks. There are water fountains throughout, should you want to refill your water bottles. The Kitchen Table store opens at 6am and sells coffee and food. It is located across from the ferry docks, on the north side of Queen's Quay, about 100 metres east of Bay. Food and beverages on The Islands are very expensive, e.g. soft drinks $3.00 and up, so I recommend that you bring beverages and food adequate for the time that you expect to stay on the Islands. After a couple of hours birding Ward's Island, we will take a short break at the picnic tables beside the Fire Station. Washrooms are available here. If you have any questions, you can reach me at home: 905-660-4533, or on my cell phone: 416-722-0433, or, of course, via email at Cannell AT rogers.com Ian Cannell, Trip Leader for this outing. _______________________________________________ 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: James Bay Shorebirds, Ontario #6 - Photos From: "Jean Iron" <jeaniron AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:02:46 -0400 This is my sixth and final report for the period 14-17 August 2010 at Longridge Point on southern James Bay. The crew returned home on 18 August. I was a volunteer surveying the endangered rufa subspecies of the Red Knot and other shorebirds under the direction of Mark Peck of the Royal Ontario Museum. Other crew members were Don Sutherland, Mike McMurtry, Doug McRae, Lisa Pollock, Christian Friis and Ray Ford. Click link at bottom for 6 pages of photos and observations from this year's survey. SHOREBIRD OBSERVATIONS: For most species only the high count day is given in checklist order. Black-bellied Plover: 71 on 15 August - all adults molting from alternate to basic plumage. We did not see juveniles, which normally begin arriving in James Bay in late August and early September. American Golden-Plover: 2 on 14 August - all adults molting from alternate to basic plumage. Juveniles normally start arriving in James Bay in late August and early September. Semipalmated Plover: 176 on 15 August - 1/2 juveniles. Killdeer: 17 on 15 August - 1/2 juveniles Spotted Sandpiper: 17 on 15 August - 2 adults in full alternate plumage, 15 juveniles. Greater Yellowlegs: 214 on 16 August - more than 1/2 juveniles. Adults were molting from alternate to basic plumage. Many adults were in wing molt suggesting that a good number of adults undergo a complete prebasic molt in James Bay before continuing south. Of those adult shorebird species that molt during migration, most molt only body feathers and delay wing molt until reaching the wintering grounds. Lesser Yellowlegs: 454 on 16 August - mostly juveniles. Whimbrel: 14 unaged birds on 16 August. Hudsonian Godwit: 556 molting adults on 13 August and 448 on 15 August. No juveniles as of the 16th. They should arrive soon. Most adults depart James Bay by early September whereas the juveniles remain well into September. Marbled Godwit: 5 juveniles on 12 August were the last sightings. Ruddy Turnstone: 994 on 16 August. Mostly adults with only a few juveniles. RED KNOT: 705 on 14 August, 1989 on 15th and 994 on 16th. Most were adults with about 8-10% juveniles. Many adults were bright red suggesting that they were recently arrived males from the breeding grounds. On 15th at high tide, knots flew in late evening to the tip of Longridge to roost for the night. Sanderling: 153 molting adults on 15 August. First juvenile on 16 August. Semipalmated Sandpiper: 4300 mostly juveniles on 16 August. WESTERN SANDPIPER? Doug McRae photographed a possible adult on 10 August. See 2 photos on page 2 of website via link below. We sent the photos out for opinions. One reviewer said, "White-rumped is a reasonable conclusion. I don't see anything obviously wrong. The rufous bird in the second photo has the same bulk and same outline as the White-rumped to its left." Readers are invited to comment. There is one previous report of Western Sandpiper from James Bay. Least Sandpiper: 222 on 15 August. Most were juveniles except for a few adults. White-rumped Sandpiper: This is most common shorebird at Longridge. 6650 molting adults on 16 August. Some recent arrivals (males?) were still in worn alternate plumage. The west coast of James Bay is a critical stopover site for White-rumps to fatten and molt before migrating to the wintering grounds in southern South America. The first juveniles begin arriving in late August. Pectoral Sandpiper: 252 on 15 August. Pectorals are not on the tidal mudflats. They prefer short and medium height grassy areas. Dunlin: 141 adults on 16 August. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER: 1 adult on 15 August, 2 adults and 4 (first) juveniles on 16th. Short-billed Dowitcher: 5 juveniles on 15 August Wilson's Snipe: 35 on 16 August. Wilson's Phalarope: 1 molting juvenile on 15 and 16 August. Red-necked Phalarope: 3 juveniles on 16 August. OTHER BIRDS: Little Gull, 3 molting adults and 1 molting into second basic plumage on 16 August. Black Tern, 1 adult on 16 August. Common and Arctic Terns, 18 adults and juveniles on 16 August. After checking many small terns, we conclude that Common Terns are more frequent than previously believed. Great Horned Owl, 2 duetting on 15 and 16 August. Common Nighthawk, 1 on 14 August. Eastern Kingbird, 3 on 16 August and 1 on 17 August. Tree Swallow, 152 on 15 August and 321 on 16 August. Bank Swallow. 31 on 15 August and 62 on 16 August. Cliff Swallow, 18 on 15 August and 80 on 16 August. Barn Swallow, 1 on 15 and 16 August. SWIFT, one was seen on 16 August by Doug McRae and Don Sutherland during a major swallow migration. It had a distinct whitish throat and contrasting pale rump strongly suggesting a Vaux's Swift (no Ontario records) from western North America. The observers are confident that it was not a Chimney Swift, which breeds farther south in Ontario. They will file reports with the Ontario Bird Records Committee. HAWK FLIGHTS: Two significant flights were observed along the coast during southwest winds on 15 and 16 August. Hawks were moving south along Longridge Point. Northern Harrier, 12 adults and juveniles on 15 August and 11 on 16th. Sharp-shinned Hawk, 2 juveniles on 15 August and 1 juvenile on 16th. Northern Goshawk, 1 adult and 3 juveniles on 15 August. Broad-winged Hawk, 1 adult and 6 juveniles on 15 August; 15 on 16th, over half the birds seen well enough to age were juveniles. Red-tailed Hawk, 1 adult, 2 juveniles and 1 unaged bird on 16 August. Merlin, 13 on 16 August. Peregrine Falcon, 3 juveniles and 1 unaged bird on 16 August. BUTTERFLIES: One new species since last report is Hoary Comma on 15 August. DRAGONFLIES: Two new species since last report are Taiga Bluet and White-faced Meadowhawk on 15 August. ONTARIO SHOREBIRD CONSERVATION PLAN. www.on.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/plans/pdf/plans-shorebird-e.pdf SNOW AND ICE COVER MAP shows James Bay reaching deep into central Canada. www.natice.noaa.gov/pub/ims/ims_gif/DATA/cursnow_usa.gif MAP OF SOUTHERN JAMES BAY. Yellow pointer shows location of Longridge Point. Ontario borders the west coast of James Bay and Quebec borders the east coast. Provincial boundaries extend to the low water mark on James Bay. Offshore islands extending to the low water mark are in Nunavut Territory. The waters and seabed of James Bay are internal parts of Canada under exclusive federal jurisdiction and not part of Ontario, Quebec or Nunavut. www.jeaniron.ca/2009/James-Bay-2009-REKN.jpg PHOTOS OF SHOREBIRDS AND SURVEYORS. www.jeaniron.ca/2010/JamesBay2010/index.htm Jean Iron and Ron Pittaway Toronto, 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: Second Marsh From: michael ferguson <fergmich AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:43:40 -0400 Sunday evening at Second Marsh: Two fall warblers, Cape May along the marsh trail, Chestnut-Sided in the open woods on the high ground between the marsh trail and the bay trail (resident catbirds, flycatchers, waxwings, including numerous juveniles, and kingbirds all busy at this spot as the setting sun broke out of the clouds). The marsh viewing platform by the GM parking lot was especially interesting between 7:30 and 8:00pm, the pelican on its usual perch across from the platform, for the most part with its head under its wing (apparently not here for the sightseeing), two egrets, two trumpeters, etc. At least 7 Black-Crowned Night-Herons put in appearances, 4 (singly, one pair) flew out of sight to the south east, 3 perched in the willows at the south end of the marsh eventually came one at a time up the marsh to settle out of sight at various spots. Several times one or other night-heron flew past the viewing platform quite close providing excellent views. Some small shorebirds on distant lily pads but no scope... At 7:45pm twelve Common Nighthawks appeared over the platform and hunted insects for 10 or 15 minutes before disappearing again. Directions: Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd (exit # 419). South on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. East on Colonel Sam Drive to the GM Canada Headquarters. Park in southwest corner of lot. _______________________________________________ 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: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - late Sunday From: "Steve McAllister" <steve.mcallister AT rogers.com> Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:51:21 -0400 After spending the last 2 weeks in Algonquin, my son and I thought we were going to miss our chance at the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher near Monticello so yesterday we made the drive out in steady rain. We immediately met up with a birder from Caledonia (sorry didn't get your name) who said that the Scissor-tailed had been recently spotted flying past. The three of us walked well out past the rock cairn into the fields but the best we could find were Eastern Kingbirds, Cedar Waxwings, etc.. The other birder left and my son and I returned to the van to get our scope, thought we would at least get a good look at the waterfowl in the marsh. We stood on the slight rise in the path offshoot (just past the rock cairn to the left) and scanned the marsh while watching for the flycatcher for another 45 minutes or so. We then took one last walk on the path west and just as we were walking through the small tree line, the Scissor-tailed flew directly past us! It perched right in the open for a good 5-10 minutes, then flew further east, back close to the rise in the path. We had great looks, saw it catch and eat a very large dragonfly. Steve McAllister SWIFT Birding Software www.swiftbirder.com Great directions (for those like us, coming from the east) from Ron Fleming's post are below: > From Orangeville, take Dufferin County Rd. 109 west to County Rd. 25, turn right/north through Grand Valley and continue north to County Rd. 15, turn left and go through the hamlet of Colbeck to the next hamlet (Monticello; about 5 km west of County Rd. 25). The wooden blind and laneway are about 300 m south of the intersection of County Rd. 15 and East Luther Sideroad 21/22, on the west side of this road. The blind is clearly visible from the road, and the laneway is just south of this. Follow the main path WSW past the gate until you get to the plaque (it is mounted on a sort of cairn), then walk west past the No Hunting signs to the north-south line of trees and bushes. _______________________________________________ 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: Glossy Ibis at Prince Edward Point BO and Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Milford From: DOKINES1 AT aol.com Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:27:06 EDT Hi All, this morning at 06:55, I found a Glossy Ibis sitting amongst the Mallards on the edge of the beach at the entrance to the harbour, one of my volunteers, Vicky Clowater also got to see the bird. The bird was contentedly preening itself among the mallards. It was present for at least five minutes but was not there 10 minutes later when I returned with a scope and camera. The ducks had all been flushed into the water and the Ibis had presumably gone off somewhere to feed. I checked all the local habitat but could not re find it. This is the 3rd record for PEPTBO and the first in fall, (previous records were May 1971 and May 1976, there was also a Plegadis Sp in Apr 2002) The Black-bellied Whistling Duck still continues to show itself daily at the ponds south of Milford. I doubt in this wind it will have gone far. I'll repost if the Glossy Ibis turns up again. Dave >From the west end of Picton at the traffic lights take Lake Street from the LCBO and follow south (Lake Street becomes County Road 10) to Cherry Valley. At the Stop sign in Cherry Valley, turn left and follow C.R. 10 for another 6 km to Milford. Upon reaching Milford, turn left at the Stop sign, then right again at the post office in Milford, and continue on C.R. 10 go past the Black-bellied Whistling Duck ponds to the end of the road and turn right on C.R. 13 and follow the road to the end. David Okines Station Manager Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory PO Box 20055 Picton Ontario K0K 3V0 613-476-5801 www.peptbo.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: Ottawa: Red-necked Phalaropes From: "Bruce Di Labio" <bruce.dilabio AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:18:46 -0400 Hi Ontbirders At 7:00a.m. this morning there were 3 juv. Red-necked Phalaropes feeding in a flock of 11 Least Sandpiper, 4 Greater Yellowlegs and 9 Lesser Yellowlegs on the mudflat at Shirley's Bay. Good Birding, Bruce Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke. **** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding. Di Labio Birding Website Courses and Field Trips http://www.dilabiobirding.ca http://www.brucedilabio.blogspot.com Bruce Di Labio 400 Donald B. Munro Drive P.O. Box 538 Carp, Ontario K0A 1L0 Office 613-839-4395 Mobile 613-715-2571 _______________________________________________ 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: Durham and Carden Alvar - Aug 22 From: "Geoff - Birds" <avocet AT rogers.com> Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 06:49:47 -0400 I birded the Durham shore, Port Perry and Cannington lagoons and Wylie Rd on the Carden Alvar yesterday, showcasing our birds to a visiting Ozzie birder, Bruce Wedderburn. We found just over 100 species despite the early morning heavy rains and scattered showers throughout the day. Highlights included: An amazing 8 Green Herons at Cannington lagoons and two more at Jim's Pond, Second Marsh Two Great Egrets at Second Marsh + two more at Duffin's Creek in Ajax Greater (1) and Lesser (5) Yellowlegs and 2 Solitary Sandpipers at Jim's Pond 12+ Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Least Sandpiper and 1 Juvenile Stilt Sandpiper at Port Perry lagoons 15+ Black Terns at Port Perry 5 Merlins (2 at Port Perry, 2 at Cannington and one on Alvar rd, Carden) 2 Sedge Wrens at Sedge Wren Marsh (where else?) on Wylie Rd., Carden 1 Marsh Wren at Port Perry lagoons small numbers of warblers and vireos scattered along lakeshore and at Cannington, including one Philadelphia Vireo at Cranberry Marsh and Blackpoll Warbler at Sleepy Hollow, Second Marsh The ever present White Pelican and young male orchard Oriole at Second Marsh viewing platform 2 Moorhens at Cranberry Marsh and two more at Cannington 2 Common Terns at Duffn's Creek 1 Grasshopper Sparrow on Wylie Rd. 1 Indigo Bunting and several Bobolinks at Jim's Pond Pewee, Least, Great-crested and Alder Flycatcher at Sleepy Hollow Northern Mockingbird at Whitby harbour 2 Purple Finches at Cannington lagoons Since we visited so many places, pls email me privately for directions ... Cannington lagoons are located just east of the town of Cannington on the main road. Exit NE on the "Rail Trail" and drive about 100 meters and the laneway to the lagoons which are straight ahead through the gate. Note that gates are almost always closed so access may be difficult. Port Perry requires that you have a valid permit. Geoff Carpentier www.avocetnatureservices.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: Godwits, Red-necked Phalarope at Mitchell Wetlands From: "Dave & Tracey Brown" <thebrowns AT ezlink.ca> Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:04:40 -0400 Hi All, Just got home from a wedding (been away for 4 days) and managed to sneak out to the wetlands here in Mitchell just before it got too dark.. Initially, I couldn't find the godwits but did see a couple of nice Baird's Sandpipers and a Red-necked Phalarope (different I think than the one from last week). These birds were in the cell right behind the parking area and garden and to the east a bit. As I was leaving, a number of shorebirds took to the air (not sure what spooked them) and they circled the wetland area. I then heard a distinct godwit flight call and looked up to see two similar sized godwit looking birds. It was dusk and I couldn\t get colour on them but based on the lower raspy flight call I'm thinking it was the Marbled Godwits that've been around this past week. I watched till they dropped into the cell on the east side in behind the hog processing plant. I'm hoping they'll remain overnight as it's been raining on and off this evening. I also noticed that while I was gone, quite a bit of the water in the shorebird cell has evapourated. I'm hoping to get some water pumped back into the cell to keep it optimal for the shorebirds for the next couple of weeks. Of course, we have to try and balance this with some dryer areas that will keep the plovers happy. :) Good birding! Dave Directions to Mitchell (West Perth) Wetlands: >From the East (Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, GTA) - take Hwy 8 thru Stratford heading west to first lights in Mitchell (Wellington St) and turn left (south) and continue till you hit the "T" intersection at the ball diamond. Lagoon cells are straight back behind the ball diamond and soccer fields and the sewage treatment plant. You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. >From the London area....take Hwy 23 into Mitchell from the south and just after you pass the "Welcome to Mitchell" sign...watch for Frank St...go right on Frank St and head down over the bridge till you get to the ball diamond (will be on your right). Again...the cells are behind the ball diamond and soccer fields. You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. >From Southampton area....take Hwy 21, to Goderich and then Hwy 8 to Clinton and down to Mitchell, turn south on Hwy 23 to Frank St. and turn left on Frank St. and head over the bridge to the ball diamonds (which will be on your right). You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. _______________________________________________ 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: Red-necked Grebe & shorebirds at Rattray Marsh, Mississauga From: waynerenaud1951 AT aol.com Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:40:05 -0400 I birded Rattray Marsh & adjacent Lake Ontario from 4:30 to 6:15 pm during intermittent rain. There were at least 110 Red-necked Grebes feeding well off-shore mostly south of the marsh outlet. There were some major roller coming off the fetch of the lake. In spite of limited habitat there was a good variety of shorebirds: Greater Yellowlegs: 1: Lesser Yellowlegs: 2; Solitary Sandpiper: 2; Spotted Sandpiper: 7; Least Sandpiper: 4; Semipalmated Sandpiper: 2; Wilson's Snipe: 1; Pectoral Sandpiper: 7; Stilt Sandpiper: 1. A flock of 8 Sandlings was flying east about 100 m offshore at 6:00 pm. There were two adult Great Egrets on the marsh, neither with markings or leg bands. Directions: Rattray Marsh is located along the shoreline of Lake Ontario just se of Clarkson, Mississauga. The best access to the marsh is via Bexhill runs south off Lakeshore Boulevard between Mississauga Road and Erin Mills Park (closer to EMP). Park at the south end of Bexhill. The entrance to marsh is well marked and I suggest using both observations towers and also the view of marsh from outlet into Lake Ontario to get the best coverage of the narrow mudflats and sandbars in the marsh. It took me about two hours to scower all the various views because the great height of this year's crop of cattails. Wayne Renaud _______________________________________________ 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: Long-tailed Jaeger at Van Wagners Beach From: "Rob Dobos" <rdobos AT cogeco.ca> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 19:40:49 -0400 This afternoon at 5:20 pm in NE winds, Barry Cherriere and I had a juvenile Long-tailed Jaeger off Hamilton's Van Wagners Beach. The bird was a fair distance out but was in view for about half an hour as it lazily flew back and forth in its unique foraging flight, doing frequent stalls and landing on the water briefly. Directions to Van Wagners Beach: Take the Centennial Parkway (Hwy.20) exit from the QEW in east Hamilton and proceed north to the North Service Rd., turn left and continue west as it turns into Van Wagners Beach Road. Continue to the parking lots at either Hutch's Restaurant or the Lakeland Centre viewing tower and view the lake anywhere near here. 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: Ottawa: Red Crossbill & Snow Goose From: "Bruce Di Labio" <bruce.dilabio AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:31:57 -0400 Hell Ontbirders Spent the morning birding between Shirley's Bay and Britannia. Overall it was somewhat quiet with few shorebirds. At Shirley's Bay an adult Peregrine was harassing the few shorebirds along with a Northern Harrier. Still a good number of Great Egrets 10+ and 2 Caspian Tern. At Britannia/Mud Lake I had 2 Red Crossbills in the White Pines and an adult Snow Goose (white morph) off Britannia Point. There was a good movement of Bobolinks overhead this morning. You could hear them calling as them flew over in small groups. Also, observed 100+ Bobolink along Murphy Side Road just east of Second Line Rd. Yesterday morning, Aug. 21st, there was 1 juv. Stilt sandpiper at Shirley's Bay. Good Birding, Bruce Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke. **** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding. Di Labio Birding Website Courses and Field Trips http://www.dilabiobirding.ca http://www.brucedilabio.blogspot.com Bruce Di Labio 400 Donald B. Munro Drive P.O. Box 538 Carp, Ontario K0A 1L0 Office 613-839-4395 Mobile 613-715-2571 _______________________________________________ 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: Buff-breasted Sandpipers at Beeton From: Mark Ansell <loonaddict AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 12:27:41 -0400 This morning there were 9 Buf-breasted Sandpipers at the sod fields near Beeton. As well there were 30 Baird's Sandpipers, 1 Golden Plover and many Black-belleid Plovers. On adjacent sideroads were 3 Kestrels. Most all the plovers ans sandpipers were seen along the 10th line, west of the 15th Sideroad. Take HWY400 north to Hwy 88 west, then north on Hwy27 the 10 th line. Mark Ansell 87 Marilake Drive Scarborough,Ontario M1S 1V8 loonaddict AT hotmail.com 416-298-4652 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snow Goose? - Ottawa From: "Marc St. Onge" <stongey AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 10:45:04 -0400 Hi all: This morning at 10am I had a flock of Canada Geese fly low overhead at Ottawa Beach (near Andrew Haydon Park in west Ottawa). One of the geese was all white with black on the trailing edge of the wings. I did not get my binos up in time to get a look before the flock disappeared behind the trees heading south. Pretty sure it was a Snow Goose. Anyone else see it? Marc _______________________________________________ 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: Grand Bend Sewage Lagoons - Hudsonian Godwit From: Peeter Musta <mustape AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 02:41:32 +0000 Further to the previous post, here are the details of my trip: Thanks to Alf Rider's post about the YH Blackbird, made the trip today to take a look. Was not successful in a brief search for the blackbird; however, the trip was not in vain. Conditions were good for shorebirds. The following were observed from 2-245pm in the first cell. I do not have a scope, so i did not attempt to count or ID all the birds (below are the highlights observed with binoculars and a lens). This spot would certainly benefit from further study if the rains don't flood it. 1 HUDSONIAN GODWIT 4 black-bellied plovers 8 dowitcher sp, in various stages of molt including one still showing breeding colours. I am no expert, but i suspect at least 1 of these is a long-billed dowitcher. 1 solitary sandpiper 6 spotted sandpiper several pectoral sandpipers several baird's sandpipers many least sandpiper many semi-palmated sandpiper many lesser yellowlegs, and at least a few greater many many Killdeer 2 northern shovelers dozens of blue-winged and green-winged teals (and very few mallards). 12 Young bobolink in various stages of molt. 1 least flycatcher 1 black-billed cuckoo (calling, at eye level....10 ft away!) 1 great blue heron 1 Osprey which circled and put the shorebirds up. 1 red-winged blackbird if you want to judge the plovers, peeps and dowitchers for yourself...some shots posted here: http://mustap.smugmug.com/gallery/13435933_3JKnH#977741242_JSF98 Location: Lagoons off Mollard Drive just outside of Grand Bend. Happy Birding, Peeter Musta _______________________________________________ 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: Lanner Falcon Missing From: "Charles Linton" <talonsfalconry AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 20:57:05 -0400 Hello, I am a falconer who performs work for the government . In June ,I lost a Lanner falcon at the Ottawa Airport. At one of my educational shows, a kind gentleman referred me to this website and mentioned that a similar falcon was seen in the Gatineaus' and that there were reports from Christina Lewis and Bruce DiAbalo. Emma, 5 year old Lanner Falcon,wearing jesses, gold coloured leg band ALS 519 and Marshall RT Plus transmitter at 216.085 mhz. Last seen Sunday,Hanger 11, Uplands Airforce Base. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance, Charles Linton Peregrine International 307476 County Road 7 (Hockley Road) RR1 Orangeville,Ontario L9W 2Y8 888.343.2526 Toll Free 519.942.8999 Office 416.400.7745 Cell 519.942.8779 Facsimile _______________________________________________ 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: Mitchell Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits, and Luther Marsh Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Saturday Aug 21 From: Carol Horner <icterus AT rogers.com> Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 21:02:17 -0400 Hello Ontbirders Today a group of us birded the West Perth Wetlands at Mitchell. There were many shorebirds there, and great viewing conditions. We had excellent views of the 2 Marbled and 1 Hudsonian Godwit previously reported. Other shorebirds included: Pectoral Sandpiper Black-bellied Plover American Golden-Plover Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Least Sandpiper Baird's Sandpiper Semipalmated Plover Semipalmated Sandpiper Killdeer After speaking with some birders who had just arrived from Luther Marsh we decided to give the Scissor-tailed another try. We followed the directions from previous posts, We followed the trail out past the plaque and around to the south where is meets the second trail. We spent about 90 minutes looking for the bird. As thunder rumbled and we decided to head back to the car, We found the bird in the top of the apple tree right next to the plaque. We were able to view it well for a few minutes before it flew off to the south.There are lots of other birds there to see while you are waiting for the flycatcher to show itself, including: Osprey Merlin Northern Harrier Sandhill Crane (at least 7 in total) Great Egrets (one orange wing-tagged) Trumpeter Swan Green Heron Pied-billed Grebe Belted Kingfisher Directions to Mitchell (West Perth) Wetlands (Courtesy Dave Brown): > From the East (Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, GTA) - take Hwy 8 thru Stratford heading west to first lights in Mitchell (Wellington St) and turn left (south) and continue till you hit the "T" intersection at the ball diamond. Lagoon cells are straight back behind the ball diamond and soccer fields and the sewage treatment plant. You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. > From the London area....take Hwy 23 into Mitchell from the south and just after you pass the "Welcome to Mitchell" sign...watch for Frank St...go right on Frank St and head down over the bridge till you get to the ball diamond (will be on your right). Again...the cells are behind the ball diamond and soccer fields. You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. > From Southampton area....take Hwy 21, to Goderich and then Hwy 8 to Clinton and down to Mitchell, turn south on Hwy 23 to Frank St. and turn left on Frank St. and head over the bridge to the ball diamonds (which will be on your right). You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm Directions to the Scissor-tailed (Courtesy Geoff Carpentier) Monticello flycatcher - > Luther Marsh/Lake is located north of Rd 109 approx. half way between Arthur and Orangeville. From the only intersection in Monticello, go south until you see a bird blind on the west side of the road. Go a short distance past this and park in the small marked parking area on the west side. (Fees apply, you have to pay at the lot a little further south on the same road). Walk to the west/northwest until you see a plaque on a stone cairn (This is where we saw the bird. Others have found it further southwest, follow the trail west then south from the plaque. ) Good birding Carol Horner _______________________________________________ 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: Buff Breasted & Baird's Sandpipers- Sod Farm east of Sault Ste. Marie From: Kirk Zufelt <zufelt_k AT shaw.ca> Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 17:35:50 -0400 Folks This afternoon at the sod farm on the north-east corner of Highway 17 and Lake St. George Rd. about 35 km east of Sault Ste. Marie: 7 juv. Buff-breasted 3-5 juv. Baird's 4-5 juv. Semipalmated 10 Least 1 molting adult Am. Golden Plover 30 Kildeer A nice collection for these parts. Kirk Zufelt_______________________________________________ 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: Hudsonian Godwit - Grand Bend SL From: Peeter Musta <mustape AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 20:42:54 +0000 I'll post a more detailed report later, but just wanted to get the word out on a HUDSONIAN GODWIT observed from 2-2:45pm at Grand Bend Sewage Lagoons. Habitat conditions were very good, and there was a large number and variety of shorebirds present. Peeter Musta Kitchener, 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: This past week on the Toronto Islands From: "Murr, Norman" <normurr AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:59:59 -0400 Good day This past week has seen a steady increase in the number of species and individuals seen down there, most of them migrants. Among the 79 species seen by myself, Margaret Liubavicius and Peter McParland were Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Black-crowned night-Herons, Trumpeter Swan signets, Canvasbacks, N. Harrier, Cooper's Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Black-billed Cuckoo, R-T Hummingbirds, Olive-sided, Yellow-bellied, Willow, Least and Great Crested Flycatchers, E. Wood-Pewees, E. Kingbirds, (all the Flycatcher species except Olive-sided were in large numbers), 4 Swallow species, Chimney Swifts, Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrasher, Veerys, Swainson's Thrush, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, both Nuthatches, Warbling, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 16 Warbler species including Tennessees, Cape May, Blackburnians, Bay-breasteds, Blackpolls, N. Waterthrushes, and many Wilson's and Canadas, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting and many Baltimore Orioles and only 2 other birders (yesterday). Directions TORONTO ISLANDS ( Ward's Island to Hanlan's Point - without side trips is 5 km ) Now on the Summer Schedule. If you are on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south on Bay Street ( on the east side of the station ) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen's Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks ( well signed ) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the Union GO Station on the TTC. You may transfer to either the # 6 or #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen's Quay. When running there is a street car ( #509 Harbourfront ) that goes from the Union Station to Queen's Quay ( no transfer required ). For those that choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #320 Yonge St. Blue Night bus. This bus will let you off right across the street from the ferry docks entrance. This bus is the night time 97B Yonge St. bus. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen's Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks.There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site. http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/summerschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks.The 1st boat to Ward's Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:00 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward's is at 8:00 am )The 1st boat to Hanlan's Point is 9:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:30 am Monday to Friday.The 1st is at 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:45 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and / or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machine does not make change. But - There is a change machine ($5, $10 and $20 dollar bills) there if you want to chance it. There is coffee shop ( Treat's Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn't rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. A new Second Cup Coffee Shop has opened in the southeast area of Bay St. and Lakeshore Blvd and opens at 7 am 7 days per week. Also just a little east on Queen's Quay ( less than a block ) there is the "Kitchen Table" and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. Food and beverages on The Islands when open are very expensive i.e. soft drinks $3.25 plus. There are drinking fountains and washrooms through out. PS - There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side and a small brochure is now available at the ticket booth and in the schedule containers that also contains a map of the islands. Norm _______________________________________________ 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: East Luther Grand Valley: Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher From: Paul Riss Home <priss AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 09:39:11 -0400 Found the Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher right where Ron did a few days ago. Park in the marked lot, walk past gate, left at the plaque, past the row of trees running north/south and it was in the field west of those trees. It hunted and I even got to see it grab something big. It slapped it a few times on a branch and swallowed it. Then went off hunting again. A guy with a dog showed up and the bird took off. Too bad. Well worth the drive from downtown Toronto. Location paulr_______________________________________________ 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: Southbound shorebirds at Beeton and Mitchell From: Stan Long <stan.long AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 10:35:11 -0400 Yesterday the Beeton sod farms yielded 4 Buff-breasted Sandpipers, 20 Baird's Sandpipers and 30 Black-belied Plovers. On to the Mitchell Lagoons, we found 1 Hudsonian Godwit and 2 Marbled Godwits. Among the slew of shorebirds we found Semi-palmated Sandpipers, Semi-palmated Plovers, Bairds Sandpipers, Lesser and Greater Yellow- legs and Black-bellied Plovers. We saw 1 White-rumped Sandpiper and missed the Stilt Sandpiper. All in all it was worth the distance travelled. Directions to Buff-breasted Sandpipers etc (Courtesy John Schmelefske) : To get there go north from Hwy 9 or south from Hwy 89 on the Tottenham Road. Count the concession roads until you get to the 11th concession and turn east. Go about 700 metres and look to the north on a large de-sodded field. Directions to Mitchell (West Perth) Wetlands (Courtesy Dave Brown): >From the East (Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, GTA) - take Hwy 8 thru Stratford heading west to first lights in Mitchell (Wellington St) and turn left (south) and continue till you hit the "T" intersection at the ball diamond. Lagoon cells are straight back behind the ball diamond and soccer fields and the sewage treatment plant. You can go straight ahead on the gravel and park next to the berm. _______________________________________________ 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/