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8 Feb Northern Pintail Duck in Port Credit [Chris Kinkartz ] 08 Feb Northern Flicker at Little River, Windsor [David McNorton ] 8 Feb Hamilton - Niagara Feb 7th ["Geoff - Birds" ] 7 Feb Iceland Gull, Carolina Wren, Etobicoke [Mark ] 7 Feb Gulls at Ashbridge's Bay (Toronto) ["Alvo Family" ] 7 Feb Red Crossbill in Algonquin Park, Snowy Owl and Hawk Owls near Cobden [Jeff Skevington ] 7 Feb Iceland Gull, Etobicoke [Mark ] 7 Feb Bald eagles galore nr. Clinton - Saturday 06/02/10 [Maris Apse ] 7 Feb Kingfisher [Hendrik Hart ] 7 Feb Horned Larks, etc. - York Region [RON FLEMING ] 7 Feb Curious "George" Hybrid Goose at 40 Mile Creek [] 7 Feb The Curious "George" Hybrid Goose at 40 Mile Creek in Grimsby [] 7 Feb Hamiton to Grimsby Harbour Feb 5 [Iain Wilkes] [] 07 Feb Re: Migrating Horned Larks at Lindsay [Jean Iron ] 7 Feb Re: Snowy Owls- Holland Marsh Area [RON FLEMING ] 06 Feb Snowy Owls- Holland Marsh Area [Siegmar Bodach ] 6 Feb Migrating Horner Larks at Lindsay ["Robert Hartley" ] 6 Feb OFO Trip-Fisherville area- Feb. 6 [dave milsom ] 6 Feb Owl still there [Hendrik Hart ] 6 Feb Ottawa - Waxwings, Robins [Patrick Blake ] 6 Feb Snowy Owl northeast of Metz, Southeast of Arthur [Sean Geddes ] 6 Feb Hawk Owl (Perth area near Cobden) additional info ["Ott User" ] 6 Feb Hawk Owl (Perth area near Cobden) ["Ott User" ] 5 Feb Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, February 5th, 2010 ["Cheryl Edgecombe" ] 5 Feb Varied Thrush still at Cold Creek ["Geoff Simpson" ] 5 Feb Kingston area birds to Feb. 5, 2010 [] 04 Feb Algonquin Park Birding Update: 4 February 2010 [Ron Tozer ] 04 Feb Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending February 4, 2010. [Fred Helleiner ] 4 Feb Peregrine Falcon, Ottawa [Donald Wigle ] 4 Feb 2010 Grassland Bird Survey - Volunteers needed! ["Grasslands Bird Survey" ] 3 Feb Northern Shrike and Crow Roost - Ottawa [] 2 Feb Whitby Gulls - Feb 2/10 ["Geoff - Birds" ] 1 Feb creeper in Ingleside ["Hans van der Zweep" ] 1 Feb Varied Thrush at Cold Creek- still there Sunday [] 31 Jan Spring is near [Richard Obbema ] 31 Jan Presqu'ile - King Eider, Barrow's Goldeneye [Lev Frid ] 31 Jan RE: King Eiders, Wood Duck [dave milsom ] 31 Jan P.S. Re: Turkeys, etc. Bradford/Keswick [RON FLEMING ] 31 Jan Turkeys, Shrikes & Snowies - Bradford/Keswick [RON FLEMING ] 31 Jan Carolina Wren - Kortright Centre, Vaughan - York Region [Lev Frid ] 31 Jan Bohemian Waxwings & Northern Hawk Owl - Manitoulin Island [Brenda & Keith ] 31 Jan RE: Transmitter -Bald Eagle Hillman Marsh [Dean Ware ] 30 Jan Lone Bald Eagle [Georgia siambis ] 30 Jan Bald Eagles x 2 -Port Bruce area ["Sue Suess" ] 30 Jan Snowy Owls very end of Bathurst [Hendrik Hart ] 30 Jan Evening Grosbeaks and Snowy Owls ["Norman Murr" ] 29 Jan Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, January 29th, 2010 ["Cheryl Edgecombe" ] 29 Jan Snow Geese at Jack Miner's ["Todd Pepper" ] 29 Jan Kingston area birds to Jan. 29, 2009 [] 29 Jan Bald Eagles, Hamilton Harbour, Burlington ["Barrett,Glenn [Burlington]" ] 29 Jan Algonquin Park Birding Update: ADDENDUM ["Peter, Justin (MNR)" ] 29 Jan Algonquin Park Birding Update: 28 January 2010 [Ron Tozer ] 28 Jan Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending January 28, 2010. [Fred Helleiner ] 27 Jan Varied Thrush still at Cold Creek ["Geoff Simpson" ] 28 Jan re RTHA report [] 27 Jan Clarification on Directions for Ring-necked Pheasant [Peeter Musta ] 27 Jan 2 Ringnecked Pheasants - East Zorra Tavistock/Innerkip [Peeter Musta ] 27 Jan RTHA courting.... [] 26 Jan HMANA conference, Duluth, MN, April 15-18, 2010 [Audrey Heagy ] 26 Jan Re: Transmitter on Bald Eagle - Hillman Marsh: Bird Identified [Donald Davis ] 25 Jan Hawk Owl [mark gawn ] 25 Jan KUMLIEN'S GULL in SARNIA AREA. [Alf Rider ] 25 Jan Kingston: Wolfe Island and Elevator Bay/Dupont Plant ["Bruce Di Labio" ] 25 Jan Waterloo - White-winged Gulls [Peeter Musta ] 24 Jan Evening Grosbeaks, Red Crossbills, Bohemian Waxwings [dave milsom ] 25 Jan White-winged gulls at Lafleche Dump near Casselman [mark gawn ] 24 Jan Snowy Owls (Casselman area) ["Ott User" ] 24 Jan Ottawa - Gray Partridges [Patrick Blake ] 24 Jan Northern Hawk Owl near Cobden [Chris ] 24 Jan York Region Sightings [RON FLEMING ] 24 Jan Bohemian Waxwing - McGregor P.P. etc. [Maris Apse ] 23 Jan Snowy Owl - Holland Marsh Area - Highway 400 & 9 [Brenda & Keith ] 24 Jan Transmitter on Bald Eagle -Hillman Marsh [Dean Ware ] 23 Jan Snowy Owl Metz, killed mystery hawk [carol parafenko ] 23 Jan SNOWY OWL - BRUCE COUNTY ["Dennis Lewington" ] 24 Jan Amherst Island birding Jan.23,2010 [] Subject: Northern Pintail Duck in Port Credit From: Chris Kinkartz <cataniac AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 23:25:59 +0000 Hey fellow birders, Today I scoured the western shores of lake ontario from Grimsby to Etobicoke and would have to say that the highlight of my day (aside from meeting a lovely fellow birder at Colonel Samuel Smith Park) was finding a single male Northern Pintail Duck in Ben Machree Park, Port Credit- Missisauga. He was dabbling along side a small group of Mallards (5-6 birds total) very close to the rocky shoreline and allowed me to view him from as close as 15 feet... He really liked to stay close to the rocky shore so it may be a bit tricky to find him at first. Directions are as follows: *Take Mississauga Rd Southbound all the way into JC Saddington Park (Park your vehicle here) *Head to the path along the water and walk westbound until you come into Ben Machree Park (about a 5-10 minute walk). Happy birding, Chris Kinkartz _________________________________________________________________ Check your Hotmail from your phone. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9708121_______________________________________________ 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: Northern Flicker at Little River, Windsor From: David McNorton <mcnorton AT iprimus.ca> Date: Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:57:40 -0500 At 1 pm today (Feb. 8), I heard, then saw a Northern Flicker patrolling the oxbow at Little River. It's definitely a nice bird to add if you're keeping a winter list. Little River woodlot is best accessed from the parking lot past the bridge at the eastern end of Little River Road. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Hamilton - Niagara Feb 7th From: "Geoff - Birds" <avocet AT rogers.com> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 09:09:10 -0500 Dying to see "George" the non-Barnacle Goose at Grimsby (yes I know there was a real one!), Dave McDonald (visiting birder from Texas) and I did the cold trek to Hamilton and Niagara yesterday. First - yes we did see George but not the real Barnacle Goose Lift Bridge - Burlington - one Peregrine eating breakfast Fruitland Rd.- 3 female King Eiders and White-winged and Surf Scoters McNeilly Rd - 1 King Eider and all three scoters (including 6 Blacks) Burlington Canal - too windy to walk out to mouth and part by lift bridge was closed due to construction Redhill Creek- usual suspects but no Wood Duck or Night-herons Niagara - breakwall above the falls - 1 glaucous (first winter), 1 Iceland (subadult) and two Kumlien's (adult and subadult) and one Thayer's (first winter) Adam Beck - two Kumliens (adult and subadult) and 4-5 Icelands (various ages) Queenston - the only Bonies of the day, one first winter Glaucous and one adult Little Gull then we went inland looking for land birds but didn't find much worth reporting. 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: Iceland Gull, Carolina Wren, Etobicoke From: Mark <scarbropengyou AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 19:19:10 -0800 (PST) I spotted a first-winter Iceland Gull from the hill at Resources Road Ravine in Etobicoke at about 1:30 P.M. this afternoon. In 30 years of birding this area, this is only my second record, as there is nothing to attract them to the area and one must simply hope, as today, for a lucky fly-by. � Nearby, at feeders on�104 Hadrian Dr., a Carolina Wren late in the day made its first appearance in well over a month, and a Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to visit a suet log sporadically (last seen yesterday). � Resources Rd. Ravine is reached by taking Resources Rd., which branches off the the ramp for eastbound 401 from Islington Ave., and parking at one of the Ministry buildings. Formerly there was a large Labatt's brewery here, which has been demolished. In springtime, the rubble and semi-permanent ponds that have formed�on the demolition site�attract swallows and some waterfowl. A medium-sized hill overlooks the wooded area and the Weston Golf Course, and offers a panoramic view of a good part of the city. � Mark Kubisz Toronto, ON __________________________________________________________________ The new Internet Explorer� 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Gulls at Ashbridge's Bay (Toronto) From: "Alvo Family" <alvo AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 21:34:20 -0500 In perfect winter birding weather and perfect lighting around 12:30 today, saw one Glaucous and two Iceland Gulls among the many Ring-Billed's and a few Herrings. A handful of ducks were present, including one Common Goldeneye. At nearby Leslie Street Spit, from the yacht club road at the bridge (about a km. west of main entrance), a number of ducks were in the open water including two female Hooded Mergansers. Directions to Ashbridge's Bay: >From Coxwell and Lakeshore, drive south to main parking lot and view the gulls in the bay to the west. _______________________________________________ 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 Crossbill in Algonquin Park, Snowy Owl and Hawk Owls near Cobden From: Jeff Skevington <jeff_skevington AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 18:03:34 -0800 (PST) Hello Ontbirders, Today a group of 43 of us went to the Barron River Canyon for some mid-winter exploration. Algonquin was not very birdy (as expected given the paucity of food) but the entire group had superb views of a pair of Red Crossbills on the road just before the park gate (Sand Lake Gate on the Barron Canyon Road). These are the first that I am aware of in Algonquin this year and follow a couple in Peterborough area a week or two ago. Some may be drifting back into the area, despite the lack of pine seeds. Our Algonquin day list was 4 species (6 Black-capped Chickadees - all singletons, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 4 Common Ravens and the 2 crossbills - woodland birding is tough this winter!). Outside of the park, our bird highlights were the Hawk Owl and a Snowy Owl on our way back to Ottawa. Both were at the site described by Chris Michener: on the Snake River Line which runs parallel with Hwy 17 and west of Hwy 17. The Hawk Owl was quite far back from the road at house number 1261 Snake River Line. The Snowy Owl was visible from the same place (just to the west and on the north side of the road). From Hwy 17 in Cobden, go west through downtown and at the outskirts of town turn right on the Snake River Line going north. Good birding, Jeff Jeff Skevington, Research Scientist Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada K.W. Neatby Building, C.E.F., 960 Carling Ave. Ottawa, ON, K1A 0C6, Canada Work: 613-759-1647. Home: 613-832-1970 e-mail: jeff_skevington AT yahoo.ca alternative e-mail: jeffrey.skevington AT agr.gc.ca __________________________________________________________________ Make your browsing faster, safer, and easier with the new Internet Explorer� 8. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Iceland Gull, Etobicoke From: Mark <scarbropengyou AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 16:37:13 -0800 (PST) I spotted a first-winter Iceland Gull from the hill at Resources Road Ravine in Etobicoke at about 1:30 P.M. this afternoon. In 30 years of birding this area, this is only my second record, as there is nothing to attract them to the area and one must simply hope, as today, for a lucky fly-by. � Resources Rd. Ravine is reached by taking Resources Rd., which branches off the the ramp for eastbound 401 from Islington Ave., and parking at one of the Ministry buildings. Formerly there was a large Labatt's brewery here, which has been demolished. In springtime, the rubble and semi-permanent ponds that have formed�on the demolition site�attract swallows and some waterfowl. A medium-sized hill overlooks the wooded area and the Weston Golf Course, and offers a panoramic view of a good part of the city. � Mark Kubisz Toronto, ON __________________________________________________________________ Connect with friends from any web browser - no download required. Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger for the Web BETA at http://ca.messenger.yahoo.com/webmessengerpromo.php _______________________________________________ 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: Bald eagles galore nr. Clinton - Saturday 06/02/10 From: Maris Apse <apsemaris AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 17:31:20 -0500 Hi all, Whilst cruising the area north-east of Bayfield we saw an adult Bald Eagle perched at the edge of the Maitland River from Stone School Line, north of Lobb Rd. Probably this bird would be visible from School Line C.R.#8, north of Summerhill. At #40114 Winthrop Rd. east of Hwy #4 we counted 11 Bald Eagles, 8 of which were adults. This seems to be a poultry processing property with lots of crows, 3 Herring Gull and a Rough-legged Hawk also present. At Hullet Wildlife Area( Baldoon Line and Summerhill Rd we saw our 13th Bald Eagle - another adult perched on a tree in the frozen pond to the south. Sorry for the delayed posting but I thought his would be of interest to anyone travelling on Hwy #4 or in this area. I'll add my two bits regarding wee Wiarton Wilie's prognostications to the contrary - on Wed 03/02 we saw 2 Great Blue Heron in Pinery P.P. south of the causeway in atiny bit of open water and a male and female Red-winged Blackbird perched close together at "L" lake on Outer Drive, Port Franks. Along Klondyke Rd we saw an American Robin, having not seen any of these in this area since early/mid Dec - I'm saying 'spring is on the way!' Cheers! Maris Maris Apse 10094 Red Pine Road, Box 22, RR #2 Grand Bend ON N0M 1T0 (519) 238 - 8415 _________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ 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: Kingfisher From: Hendrik Hart <hhart AT ca.inter.net> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 16:19:28 -0500 Shortly after lunchtime today (Sunday February 7) a male Belted Kingfisher was still looking for some lunch at the corner of Queensville Sideroad and Hwy 48, perched on the wires above the creek that flows right behind the coffee place. One hour later he had moved on. Hendrik Hart. _______________________________________________ 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: Horned Larks, etc. - York Region From: RON FLEMING <flemingron AT rogers.com> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 08:48:47 -0800 (PST) Despite the prognostications of�famous groundhogs, there are�some encouraging signs of spring out there.� The Hartleys' post about Horned Larks near Lindsay�prompted me to look for some in the Holland Marsh this morning.� Sure enough, along Strawberry Lane west of Keele, two�of them�were making their tinkly calls from the field on the north side of the road. This is the earliest record I have of Horned Larks in York region. � Also encouraging lately has been the sound of Black-capped Chickadees�making their spring calls.� A�winter flock that was doing this at the Cawthra Mulock reserve today suddenly changed vocalizations while I was standing by the homestead ruins.� I checked the commotion in�time to see an immature Northern Shrike half-hopping, half-flying�downward through a bush in pursuit of one of the chickadees.� His efforts were unsuccessful so he flew to the top of a nearby tree and glared down at the chickadees while they chattered back at him. � A West Humber Naturalists' hike�yesterday started off�slowly in�Kleinburg.��We dipped on�a Swamp Sparrow and a�Red-bellied Woodpecker that have been spending the winter in and around�Joan Love's�property�along a still rural section of Major Mackenzie Drive but when we�travelled north of Kleinburg�we�got good looks at an�American Kestrel west of Hwy. 27, near the end of King-Vaughan Line.� � At Cold Creek CA�northwest of Bolton we had�great looks at the visiting Varied Thrush; it was a life bird for two of the group.� After lunching in Schomberg we�had two Snowy Owls in the Holland Marsh before the last of�few�field trip participants�headed home.� � I decided to carry on�solo for a bit longer and ended up finding�six more Snowies between 2:30-4:30 p.m.�One was at the very northern end of Bathurst Street across from the little marina there (Holland Landing area); four were on the north side of Ravenshoe Road�(south Keswick) and the last was on the east side of Yonge Street (also south Keswick).� Of the eight�only two were close to the roadside; the others were pretty far away - "scope birds".� � Many thanks to Joan Love for hosting�yesterday morning's trail hike, to the WHN�members who came out for�the�field trip, to the�birders I met along Ravenshoe Road yesterday (Sue, Charles, and Sigi) and to Chris Dunn (Keith's nephew) for�his tips about Snowies. � Ron Fleming, Newmarket � York Region is north of Toronto and south of Barrie.� For more specific directions e-mail me privately.���� _______________________________________________ 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: Curious "George" Hybrid Goose at 40 Mile Creek From: robinlawson AT rogers.com Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 08:24:42 -0800 (PST) After last Sunday’s successful survey of King Eiders, ferreted out by Dave Milsom’s amazing sleuthing on the West Humber Club’s annual “Magical Mystery Tour”, I invited lifelong friend, Iain Wilkes of Carleton Place to forego a day of February work on Friday in an attempt to bag a lifer for him. Another target was the elusive Barnacle Goose at Grimsby which Dave told me looked “very good” and Lev Frid appeared to agree at Xmas time. Dave cited historical encounters with this species wintering in the Port Credit area and I also found them listed on records of the Lake Ontario Waterfowl Survey for 2007,8 so I was optimistic. What I was not apprised of, was the anomaly of "George" the hybrid, who also frequents the 40 Mile Creek area in Grimsby .    Over 5 decades of birding in Southern Ontario, Iain and I have grown to see a lot of changes, a major one being the plentiful zebra mussels now that allow some interesting species to winter in the Burlington Shipping Canal area. Friday started as a very calm grey morning with a bit of fog. With males in full breeding plumage and pumped with hormones, we saw frisky displays of courting from varied species particularly the calling Goldeneyes and Red Breasted Mergs on the Hamilton Bay side, when not flushed by the resident flyby immature Sea Eagle (Baldy). More exotic was the incredible consorting of all 3 Scoter species at the eastern end of the Channel, that saw a parading pair of Black Scoters putting on a fine show. Dave, with his worldwide experience of birding, points out this is a rare opportunity to see the usually distant flying and bobbing Scoters up close and personal, with males in delightful plumage. But scope as we might, all the way down to Grimsby , we could not buy a King. 3 immature Night Herons hunkered down at Red Creek without their GPS’ calibrated yet to chase warmer climes and better food sources further south. A female Wood Duck was found with the Hoodeds there to complement the beautiful male Wood Duck of last week. One has to wonder at the toxicity intake of all the wintering Fowl at Windermere, not so windy this day like last Sunday’s frigid conditions blasting in off Hamilton Bay . But the plentiful Ruddies et al live to reproduce another year, so it works for them. One Glaucous Gull was seen on the Bay on the ice.    We were surprised on arriving at the top of the hill to the 40 Mile Creek area by a flying flock of geese led by a Barnacle faced individual. Our initial hopes, buoyed by this easy find, subdued when "George" led his flock of Canadas back to the harbour ice. His large size, brown colour and orange bill/legs belied his Greylag origins. Oddly, George looks more barnyard blotchy on his right side but his left face pattern is very suggestive of a Barnacle x Greylag pedigree rather than the Canada x Greylag I have seen attributed to him since. Disappointed with the lack of a real Barnacle Goose, we took compensation in the 3rd year Lesser Black-backed atop the ice splash in the harbour. We had an adult LBB flying by further up as well as a light phased Roughie hovering atop a vole field at the North end of Grimsby . Now that the east wind picked up, all the waterfowl retreated from the Lake’s chop, even hardy ocean birds like the Scoters, Long tailed ducks, Scaup etc - so our efforts for the King Eider ended in vain, alas.  But as Iain says – any day birding is a good day, and we discovered the sagacity of Dave M’s observation that the Hamilton area is as good as it gets for varied birding in Ontario winter. Some truly nice wintering birds.  George can be seen here    http://www.flickr.com/photos/ralfnowak/4231918649/ His left side compares well with this ‘cross the Pond’ presumed Barnacle x Greylag:   http://www.gobirding.eu/Images/Geese/Hybrids/Greylag%20x%20Barnacle%20Goose%20QN,%20Holkham%20Park,%2022-Nov-04%20%28A2%29%20L.JPG   Robin Lawson - Newmarket   _______________________________________________ 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: The Curious "George" Hybrid Goose at 40 Mile Creek in Grimsby From: robinlawson AT rogers.com Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 07:27:25 -0800 (PST) After last Sunday’s successful survey of King Eiders, ferreted out by Dave Milsom’s amazing sleuthing on the West Humber Club’s annual “Magical Mystery Tour”, I invited lifelong friend, Iain Wilkes of Carleton Place to forego a day of February work on Friday in an attempt to bag a lifer for him. Another target was the elusive Barnacle Goose at Grimsby which Dave told me looked “very good” and Lev Frid appeared to agree at Xmas time. Dave cited historical encounters with this species wintering in the Port Credit area and I also found them listed on records of the Lake Ontario Waterfowl Survey for 2007,8 so I was optimistic. What I was not apprised of, was the anomaly of "George" the hybrid, who also frequents the 40 Mile Creek area in Grimsby .    Over 5 decades of birding in Southern Ontario, Iain and I have grown to see a lot of changes, a major one being the plentiful zebra mussels now that allow some interesting species to winter in the Burlington Shipping Canal area. Friday started as a very calm grey morning with a bit of fog. With males in full breeding plumage and pumped with hormones, we saw frisky displays of courting from varied species particularly the calling Goldeneyes and Red Breasted Mergs on the Hamilton Bay side, when not flushed by the resident flyby immature Sea Eagle (Baldy). More exotic was the incredible consorting of all 3 Scoter species at the eastern end of the Channel, that saw a parading pair of Black Scoters putting on a fine show. Dave, with his worldwide experience of birding, points out this is a rare opportunity to see the usually distant flying and bobbing Scoters up close and personal, with males in delightful plumage. But scope as we might, all the way down to Grimsby , we could not buy a King. 3 immature Night Herons hunkered down at Red Creek without their GPS’ calibrated yet to chase warmer climes and better food sources further south. A female Wood Duck was found with the Hoodeds there to complement the beautiful male Wood Duck of last week. One has to wonder at the toxicity intake of all the wintering Fowl at Windermere, not so windy this day like last Sunday’s frigid conditions blasting in off Hamilton Bay . But the plentiful Ruddies et al live to reproduce another year, so it works for them. One Glaucous Gull was seen on the Bay on the ice.    We were surprised on arriving at the top of the hill to the 40 Mile Creek area by a flying flock of geese led by a Barnacle faced individual. Our initial hopes, buoyed by this easy find, subdued when "George" led his flock of Canadas back to the harbour ice. His large size, brown colour and orange bill/legs belied his Greylag origins. Oddly, George looks more barnyard blotchy on his right side but his left face pattern is very suggestive of a Barnacle x Greylag pedigree rather than the Canada x Greylag I have seen attributed to him since. Disappointed with the lack of a real Barnacle Goose, we took compensation in the 3rd year Lesser Black-backed atop the ice splash in the harbour. We had an adult LBB flying by further up as well as a light phased Roughie hovering atop a vole field at the North end of Grimsby . Now that the east wind picked up, all the waterfowl retreated from the Lake’s chop, even hardy ocean birds like the Scoters, Long tailed ducks, Scaup etc - so our efforts for the King Eider ended in vain, alas.  But as Iain says – any day birding is a good day, and we discovered the sagacity of Dave M’s observation that the Hamilton area is as good as it gets for varied birding in Ontario winter. Some truly nice wintering birds.  George can be seen here    http://www.flickr.com/photos/ralfnowak/4231918649/ His left side compares well with this ‘cross the Pond’ presumed Barnacle x Greylag:   http://www.gobirding.eu/Images/Geese/Hybrids/Greylag%20x%20Barnacle%20Goose%20QN,%20Holkham%20Park,%2022-Nov-04%20%28A2%29%20L.JPG   Robin Lawson - Newmarket _______________________________________________ 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: Hamiton to Grimsby Harbour Feb 5 [Iain Wilkes] From: <iain.wilkes AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 15:56:17 +0000 I travelled down from Carleton Place to hook up with my buddy Robin in Newmarket and then off to Hamilton at 6:30 am for my target lifer the King Eider. hell it was a slam dunk with 7 spotted the week before. We might even pick up that elusive Barnacle (Bill as he is affectionately known). We had near perfect weather in the AM except no sun as we did the Seaway, and with a neat bit of luck got to the other side of the construction for a short while. We also did the local pond and river and then onto various stops all the way til Grimsby harbour. We picked up 42 species, if you count "George " but more of him later. Twenty odd ducks, highlights being all of the scoters, mergansers, redhead, pintails, wood duck and Gadwall. The scoters were particular active providing full courtship displays all seen at a close distance. Made the day. We also picked up the 3 nightherons tucked by the rivers edge trying to stay warm. On the gull front there were the usual suspects plus several lesser BBs. Now back to George. As we pulled up by the water near grimsby harbour we caught sight of what we were sure was barnacle Bill and proceeded to high five. Minutes later he landed on the ice and we had a long look, except something was wrong. Bill was huge, orange bill and legs, no sharp colour change on chest, body colour wrong etc etc. We quickly concluded this was some kind of hybrid but only the genes will tell. Next the wind picked up and our calm lovely day turned into a bone chilling exercise in returning along the coast to the seaway one stop at a time but with out ever seeing a single eider. Back at the seaway the white caps resulted in spray right across the end of the pier where we huddled in one last frantic attempt to find my goal but no luck. Did end the day by seeing the peregrine at his usual. It was a wonderful day of birding, as we never get this many water fowl on a Feb 5 in the Ottawa area. I even stopped at Presqu'ile PP on the way home on Sat but no luck there eider. Iain CO and Robin N1B 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: Re: Migrating Horned Larks at Lindsay From: Jean Iron <jeaniron AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 07 Feb 2010 07:53:58 -0500 Hi Bob and Mary, Nice to see your report of migrating Horned Larks. I thought you'd be interested in this article about identifying the subspecies of Horned Lark in Ontario. You can print a copy. http://www.jeaniron.ca/2010/hornedlark.pdf Good birding, Ron Pittaway Minden/Toronto ON At 09:07 PM 2/6/2010, Robert Hartley wrote: >On Fri Feb 5th my wife and I saw 6 Horned Larks at the north east corner of >Peace Rd and Esker Rd in the City of Kawartha Lakes near Lindsay. They are >the first migrating larks of the year in the are that we know about. It was >about 10:15 a.m. the morning after the arrival of a low pressure movement. >They were in a location we pass very regularly. > >Directions. Take #115 north to the Cavan turn off. Continue north on the >Emily Park Rd past #7 to Emily Park. Just past the park entrance turn left >(west) onto Peace Rd. Continue west until you are almost at Esker Rd. >Look north. > >Bob and Mary Hartley > >_______________________________________________ >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: Re: Snowy Owls- Holland Marsh Area From: RON FLEMING <flemingron AT rogers.com> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 04:37:52 -0800 (PST) A quick note of clarification regarding owls in the Bradford area.�I observed�only two in the�vegetable fields east of Hwy. 400; a 3rd was at Bathurst north and the others were along Ravenshoe. � Ron --- On Sat, 2/6/10, Siegmar Bodach wrote: From: Siegmar Bodach Subject: [Ontbirds] Snowy Owls- Holland Marsh Area To: ontbirds AT hwcn.org Date: Saturday, February 6, 2010, 11:24 PM Went to take a survey of Snowy Owls today in the Holland Marsh Area from Keswik� to Hwy. 400 and north of Hwy.9 and came across a total of 6 different birds. Saw 3 in the keswik-Ravenshoe Rd. area. 1 was on� the north end of old Bathurst St. 2 others were in the Holland Marsh vegetable fields on the west side of Hwy.11. Ron Fleming counted a total of 8 Snowy owls just on the east side of Hwy.11 and in the Bradford area this afternoon. Good birding, Sigi Bodach Aurora, 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/ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snowy Owls- Holland Marsh Area From: Siegmar Bodach <sigipatti AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:24:01 -0500 Went to take a survey of Snowy Owls today in the Holland Marsh Area from Keswik to Hwy. 400 and north of Hwy.9 and came across a total of 6 different birds. Saw 3 in the keswik-Ravenshoe Rd. area. 1 was on the north end of old Bathurst St. 2 others were in the Holland Marsh vegetable fields on the west side of Hwy.11. Ron Fleming counted a total of 8 Snowy owls just on the east side of Hwy.11 and in the Bradford area this afternoon. Good birding, Sigi Bodach Aurora, 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: Migrating Horner Larks at Lindsay From: "Robert Hartley" <bob.mary.hartley AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 21:07:29 -0500 On Fri Feb 5th my wife and I saw 6 Horned Larks at the north east corner of Peace Rd and Esker Rd in the City of Kawartha Lakes near Lindsay. They are the first migrating larks of the year in the are that we know about. It was about 10:15 a.m. the morning after the arrival of a low pressure movement. They were in a location we pass very regularly. Directions. Take #115 north to the Cavan turn off. Continue north on the Emily Park Rd past #7 to Emily Park. Just past the park entrance turn left (west) onto Peace Rd. Continue west until you are almost at Esker Rd. Look north. Bob and Mary Hartley _______________________________________________ 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-Fisherville area- Feb. 6 From: dave milsom <milsomdave AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 20:28:30 -0500 The day started with a strong cold east wind and flurries but ended with sunshine and a decreasing wind. There were 46 birders and 26 cars on the outing. By day's end there were still 20 cars at 5.30 pm ! Our first stop at Ruthven Park produced 6 Eastern Bluebirds in the valley. On River Road near Cayuga we found several Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Tufted Titmouse, Chipping and White-throated sparrows. At a feeder near the lake south of Selkirk were Red-winged Blackbird and Song Sparrow. Altogether we saw 9 species of raptor: Cooper's and Sharp-shinned hawks, Red-tailed Hawk, both colour morphs of Rough-legged Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, at least 6 Northern Harriers, 3 bald Eagles at Nanticoke, and opposite Hagersville dump were 4 Short-eared Owls. We also tallied several ducks including both Scaup and all 3 mergansers. At dusk there were over 1000 American Crows just west of Clanbrassil. A total of 50 species was recorded. 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: Owl still there From: Hendrik Hart <hhart AT ca.inter.net> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 20:10:57 -0500 At the very end of Bathurst street (north of Queensville sideroad) a Snowy Owl was very easily visible. Drive till a gate prevents any further driving. Last week and this week the owl is in the field to your right at that point (Saturday February 6 mid afternoon). There also were two Snowy Owls north of Ravenshoe rd and well west of Leslie in south Keswick. A powerful scope needed for those two. The snow cover is down, so the birds stick out against the black soil. Hendrik Hart. _______________________________________________ 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 - Waxwings, Robins From: Patrick Blake <pjblake22 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 14:33:12 -0500 Hi ONTBirders: At the feeders on Hilda Road this afternoon (12:30pm), a flock of 56 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was present for a few minutes before dispersing to the north and west. We also made a brief stop at Britannia Conservation Area, where we found five CEDAR WAXWINGS feeding on berries on the east side of the ridge. Also feeding on the berries were ten AMERICAN ROBINS which have been overwintering in the area for some time. Good birding! Pat DIRECTIONS: From Carling Avenue W., turn onto Rifle Road at the Connaught Rifle Range. At the end of Rifle Road, turn right onto Lois Avenue, then right again onto Hilda Road. The feeders are at the top of the hill. To get to Britannia, return to Carling Avenue W. and make a left and follow for several kilometers. Turn left onto Richmond Road, then left again onto Poulin Avenue. Poulin becomes Howe, and at the stop sign turn right onto Britannia and follow to the end. Turn right onto Cassels Street and park half a kilometer down the road. _________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snowy Owl northeast of Metz, Southeast of Arthur From: Sean Geddes <seangeddes AT savanta.ca> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 14:11:11 -0500 The Snowy Owl sited in an earlier report is still in the area northeast of Metz. I saw it at dusk on February 4. Turning north from the Sideroad 25 / Fifth Line intersection, proceed up the road approximately 500 metres and there is a set of barns and farm buildings on the left (west of Fifth Line). I believe this compound was a bullfighting ring at one time. The Snowy was observed perched on top of a wooden facade at the south end of the buildings. I believe it has also been seen perched on half-buried round bales just a few metres north of Sideroad 25, west of Fifth Line, based on previous reports. To get to Sideroad 25, you can take Highway 9 east of Highway 6 - Arthur is on Highway 6. Heading east, you will come to County Road 16, which is a major north-south paved road. Turn south on Cty Rd 16 and approximately 2 km down you should encounter Sideroad 25. Turn left on Sideroad 25 and continue east until you reach Fifth Line - it will be the first intersection you come to. Sean Geddes _______________________________________________ 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: Hawk Owl (Perth area near Cobden) additional info From: "Ott User" <willott123 AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 02:25:03 -0500 >From Chris' previous report. "It is almost always seen at the top of a deciduous tree within 100 metres of civic address 1261 Snake River Line, but across the road." ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ott User" To: "Ontbirds" Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 2:19 AM Subject: Hawk Owl (Perth area near Cobden) > Hi Ontbirders: > > Took a drive out to the Perth area on friday, January 5th to see the > Northern Hawk Owl first reported by Chris Michener. The owl was where > Chris had reported it and was sitting on top of a pole when I saw it. The > owl then flew to some trees. Looks like someone else may have refound the > one reported last Sunday east of the Casselman area (I haven't seen it > yet). On the subject of Hawk Owls, I believe there have been well over a > dozen reported so far this winter in Quebec. Happy birding. > > > Northern Hawk Owl > http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/121712279/original > > > > > > W. Hum > www.pbase.com/golfpic > > Directions courtesy Chris: > From Hwy 17 in Cobden, go west through downtown and at the outskirts of > town turn right on the Snake River Line going north. >> >> Chris Michener >> Golden Lake, 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: Hawk Owl (Perth area near Cobden) From: "Ott User" <willott123 AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 02:19:51 -0500 Hi Ontbirders: Took a drive out to the Perth area on friday, January 5th to see the Northern Hawk Owl first reported by Chris Michener. The owl was where Chris had reported it and was sitting on top of a pole when I saw it. The owl then flew to some trees. Looks like someone else may have refound the one reported last Sunday east of the Casselman area (I haven't seen it yet). On the subject of Hawk Owls, I believe there have been well over a dozen reported so far this winter in Quebec. Happy birding. Northern Hawk Owl http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/121712279/original W. Hum www.pbase.com/golfpic Directions courtesy Chris: >From Hwy 17 in Cobden, go west through downtown and at the outskirts of town turn right on the Snake River Line going north. > > Chris Michener > Golden Lake, 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: Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Report - Friday, February 5th, 2010 From: "Cheryl Edgecombe" <cheryle29 AT cogeco.ca> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 21:14:31 -0500 On Friday, February 5th, 2010 this is the HNC Birding Report: WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL Wood Duck King Eider Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Hooded Merganser Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Merlin Peregrine Falcon Glaucous Gull Pileated Woodpecker Common Raven Tufted Titmouse Brown Creeper Ruby-crowned Kinglet American Tree Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Brown-headed Cowbird It's been a fairly quiet week here in the Hamilton Study Area. The most unusual bird of the week was a female WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL which showed up at a bird bath on Linwood Crescent in Burlington. On Sunday the bird was spotted at the end of the crescent where there is a feeder out front. It's worth checking the many evergreens in this area. It seems to be associating with a group of House Finches. Also present here is a Tufted Titmouse and a Brown Creeper. After last year's Crossbill invasion this seems to be one of a very few in the area. An OFO Field Trip last weekend recorded Wood Duck and Hooded Merganser in the Red Hill Creek Outlet. A few King Eiders were seen on the outing, one at the beach canal/lift bridge and more females and first year males at McNeilly Road. All three scoters were seen as well. Any of these access points along the western edge of Lake Ontario are worth checking. On the bay a Bald Eagle was harassing the gulls and two Glaucous Gulls were seen. At the sewage treatment plant accessed at the end of Hixon in Oakville, a Pileated Woodpecker and a hardy Ruby-crowned Kinglet were seen last weekend. A field trip by the HNC for winter flora at the Arboretum turned up another Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Out in Flamborough, Turkey Vultures continue to be seen at the roost on 4th Concession west, west of Woodhill Road on the south side. A Common Raven was seen at the quarry at 4th Concession West and Brock Road. A group of 5 Cowbirds was seen at a feeder in Greensville on Kirby Ave and these birds were relocated on Brock Road today mixed in with a number of starlings. In the odds and sods, the peregrines from the lift bridge have been spending a great deal of time on the roof at Canada Centre for Inland Waters. A White-throated Sparrow was seen at Christie Conservation Area today. A Merlin was seen yesterday at LaSalle Park near the top parking lot and another one seen flying over Walker's Line and New Street. That's the news for this week. I'm sure the weeks to come will start getting busier. Please don't be shy and send me your sightings! Cheers, Cheryl Edgecombe HNC Hotline 905-381-0329 _______________________________________________ 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: Varied Thrush still at Cold Creek From: "Geoff Simpson" <birds AT e-confidence.net> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 12:02:18 -0500 (EST) The Varied Thrush is still resident at Cold Creek Conservation Area in King Township. He�s a little skittish, but does come our regularly to feed on the �corn on the logs�. (image link & directions: http://e-confidence.net/vathccca/ ) As an aside, the Cold Creek Stewardship would like to thank all visitors during the first week who contributed to our donation jar. With your help, we raised $136. This money will help us print our upcoming Trail Guide on 100% recycled paper. - Thanks! Cold Creek Conservation Area is located on the 11th Concession, between the 15th and 16th Sideroads. From the South, take HWY #27 North to King Road (Nobleton). Turn left on King Road and drive for 4 km to the 11th Concession (look for the sign for YMCA Cedar Glen Camp) and turn right (North). Cold Creek Conservation Area is about 3.5 km on the right, with a large sign out front. Park on the side of the road into Cold Creek. The first (and only) driveway on the right is to my house. Walk down the driveway, and try to keep back from where it splits. Happy Birding. Geoff Simpson _______________________________________________ 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 Feb. 5, 2010 From: <goodcompany AT sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:30:58 -0500 I haven't had any news from Amherst Island this week nor the Dupont lagoon but suspect that things probably haven't changed all that much. There were a few interesting birds north of the city including a Belted Kingfisher at Chaffey's Lock and a Red-bellied Woodpecker visiting a feeder near the Helen Quilliam Sanctuary north of Sydenham. These woodpeckers are quite unusual away from Lake Ontario. The Bedford Mills feeder continues to attract a couple of Pine Siskins and on Tuesday had 160 Am. Goldfinches. Sharp-shinned Hawks were at Bedford Mills and Camden East this week and Bald Eagles were seen near Collin's Creek in the west end of the city, at Upper Brewer's Mills and Millhaven. The Tufted Titmouse and White-throated Sparrow continue to patronize the Wilstead feeder east of Gananoque. Trumpeter Swans are making the rounds of the small patches of open water in the Rideau Lakes north of Kingston. Last Sunday there were 6 at the outlet of Devil Lake at Bedford Mills and 9 at Lower Brewer's Mills along with 3 Mute Swans. It could be wishful thinking but cardinals have become more vocal and the chickadees have started their three-note whistle. The vernal equinox is only six weeks away. 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: Algonquin Park Birding Update: 4 February 2010 From: Ron Tozer <rtozer AT vianet.ca> Date: Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:23:02 -0500 Again this week, there was little change in the birds observed. The white-striped White-throated Sparrow continues to come to the Visitor Centre feeders. Boreal Species: Spruce Grouse: try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: possible in black spruce areas along the highway and along Opeongo Road. Gray Jay: there were up to seven this week at the Visitor Centre feeders; also present on Opeongo Road and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: no reports this week. Winter Finches: Pine Grosbeak: the lone female is still coming to the Visitor Centre feeders. American Goldfinch: from 70 to 100 daily at the Visitor Centre feeders. Evening Grosbeak: some are likely still coming to feeders in Whitney on Highway 60 east of Algonquin Park. Mammals: Pine martens continue to come to the Visitor Centre feeders daily, but at no predictable time. Moose are being observed regularly along Highway 60. A road-killed deer from outside the Park that was placed in the Sunday Creek bog, visible from the Visitor Centre viewing deck, had been largely consumed by up to three wolves, eleven ravens and a fox as of last Tuesday. Another road-killed deer has been placed there now, and ravens have started on it. We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON Directions: Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on Highway 400. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. The Visitor Centre at km 43 has details on recent sightings, feeders, and information. It is open to the public this weekend from 10 am to 5 pm. Birder access to the building through the service entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on weekdays. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the restaurant this winter on weekends, but not full meal service. Algonquin Park birding updates and information are available at: www.algonquinpark.on.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: Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending February 4, 2010. From: Fred Helleiner <fhelleiner AT trentu.ca> Date: Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:25:35 -0500 At Presqu'ile Provincial Park, as at most other places in southern Ontario, birding in early February is marked by consistency. That is, almost every bird, whether a land bird or a water bird, remains in the same general location day after day. This, of course, makes it easier to follow up on sightings made previously by others. Perhaps because of the unusual amount of open water this winter, the gathering of MUTE SWANS in Presqu'ile Bay has been smaller this year than in recent winters but still numbering well over one hundred birds. Among them this week have been a single TRUMPETER SWAN and two TUNDRA SWANS. After a flock of five CANVASBACKS flew by last Friday, not one has been seen since then. More should be arriving any day now. A report of a KING EIDER earlier this week has brought a number of birders in search of it, but to my knowledge none has been successful. That species has become very rare at Presqu'ile, the last previous record, I believe, being about five years ago. Both male and female WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS can usually be found in small numbers off the lighthouse. A male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE has been there for nine of the last ten days. An immature BALD EAGLE was at the lighthouse on Sunday and today. On three days this week a WILD TURKEY has been on the road near the Atkins Lane/Paxton Drive junction, often acting remarkably tame and even causing a minor traffic jam. ICELAND and GLAUCOUS GULLS are the only uncommon larids seen in the past week. A SNOWY OWL has become a "regular" on the ice off the calf pasture, and BARRED OWLS are still regular in several parts of the Park. Single NORTHERN SHRIKES have appeared in two widely separated places in the Park. Two BROWN CREEPERS in the lighthouse area have appeared together on two recent occasions. A small flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS seen on January 29 would be a common sighting in most winters but is one of only very few in southern Ontario this winter and the only record since November at Presqu'ile. A RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD continues to be seen near the Langton Avenue/Bayshore Road junction. 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. The narrow channel between Owen Point and Gull Island is normally ice-covered at this time of year, but the ice, while appearing to be thick, might not support the weight of a human. However, the water beneath the crust is only ankle-deep. The surrounding shoreline can be very slippery. Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird sightings board provided near the campground office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed there. -- -- Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road, Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0 VOICE: (613) 475 5309 If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Peregrine Falcon, Ottawa From: Donald Wigle <don.wigle AT sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 18:50:33 -0500 We saw a Peregrine Falcon perched near the top of a very high microwave tower on Carlington hill in Ottawa late yesterday. It was very large and appears to be an adult female (see last 2 pictures at link below). Don and Beth Wigle Ottawa Location: From Baseline and Clyde - head north on Clyde and stay in the right lane and exit where Clyde splits to the right and the left lanes become Maitland Ave; continue north to end of Clyde where there is limited parking on the right side of the road. Carlington hill is a short walk....the microwave tower provides a reference point. The slopes of the hilltop are steep and icy. http://sites.google.com/site/donwiglebirdsontario/Home/galleries/falcons _______________________________________________ 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: 2010 Grassland Bird Survey - Volunteers needed! From: "Grasslands Bird Survey" <gbs AT wildlifepreservation.ca> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 08:46:42 -0500 Dear birders, Thanks to the involvement of many ONTbird members last year, our pilot Grassland bird Survey (GBS) was a success! Through the joint effort of Wildlife Preservation Canada, Bird Studies Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Services, we intend to continue the Grassland Bird Survey in 2010, and are again looking to enlist keen birders to volunteer. The main goal of the project is to locate Loggerhead Shrike and incidentally, a suite of grassland bird species in Ontario where habitat has been previously identified through associated recovery activities. The information gathered will provide a greater understanding of bird species composition and linkages in Ontario's remaining short-grasslands. The GBS will focus on grassland habitats in the key breeding areas of the Loggerhead Shrike which include the Carden, Napanee and Smiths Falls limestone plains, the area around Pembroke/Renfrew, Grey and Bruce Counties in the Bruce Peninsula and on Manitoulin Island. Depending upon interest and skill level, participants can choose to complete a survey of ALL grassland bird species or a SUBSET of species that are of special interest to the project and readily identifiable. If you are interested in participating in this project and would like more information, please feel free to contact me at Wildlife Preservation Canada by phone at 519-836-9314 or 1-800-956-6608 (toll free) or through email at gbs AT wildlifepreservation.ca. Also, if you know of any naturalist/birding groups whose members might be interested, please let us know so that we can get in touch with the group. Thank you in advance for your support! Sincerely, Katherine Robbins Acting-Grassland Bird Survey Coordinator Wildlife Preservation Canada RR #5, 5420 Highway 6 North Guelph, Ontario N1H 6J2 Tel: 519-836-8840 gbs AT wildlifepreservation.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: Northern Shrike and Crow Roost - Ottawa From: <edticknor AT sympatico.ca> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 01:16:14 +0000 This afternoon there was a Northern Shrike on the Nortel property, along Carling Rd. It was west of Moodie Dr, north of the 417, closer to the soccer fields.This evening I watched thousands of American Crows in a roost on Coronation St, running parallel to Industrial, which is off Riverside south of the 417. Take Neighborhood Way off Industrial, just east of Alta Vista Dr. Eve Ticknor Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator Ottawa Field Naturalists Club 38-9 Gillespie Cres Ottawa, Ontario K1V 9T5 613-859-9545 613-737-7551 The road to the future is always under construction. _______________________________________________ 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: Whitby Gulls - Feb 2/10 From: "Geoff - Birds" <avocet AT rogers.com> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 16:55:42 -0500 Today from 3:00-3:45 I studied a fairly large flock of gulls roosting in Whitby harbour. Amongst the many Herring, Ring-billed and Great Black-backed were three gulls of interest. One was a third or fourth winter California Gull - virtually identical to plate 24.24 in Peterson's "Gulls of the Americas"; one was a first winter Thayer's Gull and one was a first winter Glaucous Gull. I did not find the previously reported Lesser Black-backed Gull. Directions: Exit 401 at Brock St. in Whitby, go south to Victoria St and then west to Gordon and then south to a small parking area on your left (east) ... park your car and walk to the ice edge with a scope. The birds roost here late in the day virtually every day. 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: creeper in Ingleside From: "Hans van der Zweep" <hans.vanderzweep AT cogeco.ca> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 14:12:29 -0500 Hi birders We had a brown creeper that showed up in the back yard less than 5 min. after a visit by a Cooper`s hawk at our feeders .The hawk made at least 3 visits in the yard before noon. Hans van der Zweep Ingleside is between highway 401 and highway 2 about 30 km. west of Cornwall and 8 km east of Upper Canada Village _______________________________________________ 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: Varied Thrush at Cold Creek- still there Sunday From: robert.cumming AT rogers.com Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 06:13:49 -0800 (PST) My son and I saw the thrush feeding on the corn on Sunday at about 3 PM. He appears briefly from the spruce trees, eats quickly, and returns to his seclusion. A beautiful bird! Cold Creek Conservation Area is located on the 11th Concession, between the 15th and 16th Sideroads. From the South, take HWY #27 North to King Road (Nobleton). Turn left on King Road and drive for 4 km to the 11th Concession (look for the sign for YMCA Cedar Glen Camp) and turn right (North). Cold Creek Conservation Area is about 3.5 km on the right, with a large sign out front. Park on the side of the road into Cold Creek. The first (and only) driveway on the right is the location. Walk down the driveway a short distance, and try to keep back from where it splits. The thrush feeds on the corn kernels on the stumps. Bob Cumming � _______________________________________________ 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: Spring is near From: Richard Obbema <robbema AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:00:18 -0500 Hiking in the bush at Meadowlilly woods and spotted half a dozen robins. Not sure if these are newcomers or they have been in the area all winter. They seemed in good condition, the area they are in is very sheltered from the cold winds. Located southeast London near Commisioners and Highbury ave. _________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Presqu'ile - King Eider, Barrow's Goldeneye From: Lev Frid <lev.frid AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:48:10 -0500 Hello Birders, Late in the afternoon today, whilst birding at Presqu'ile, I had great looks at the stunning male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE near the mouth of Presqu'ile Bay at the Lighthouse. Also, there was a first-year female KING EIDER close to shore just past the Lighthouse parking lot, to the right of the blind. The bird is not as buffy as an adult female. A BALD EAGLE flew over the blind at the Lighthouse. A BARRED OWL gave good views just before the Lighthouse on the side of the road. Directions: Presqu'ile Provincial Park is located in the town of Brighton and is well-signed off of the 401. 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: RE: King Eiders, Wood Duck From: dave milsom <milsomdave AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:08:49 -0500 Today the West Humber Naturalist hardy birder group found a total of 7 King Eiders on Lake Ontario. A 1st-year male was at the entrance to the Burlington Ship Canal along with many Surf and White-winged scoters. 2 Peregrines sat on the lift bridge. At McNeilly inbetween 50 Point Road and Fruitland were all 3 scoters as well as four 1st-year male and 2 female King Eiders. In Windermere Basin, Hamilton, were several DC Cormorants, N Pintail, N Shoveler, Am. Coot, Ring-necked Duck, + many Ruddy Duck. Along Red Hill Creek off Eastport were 15 Hooded Mergansers and a male Wood Duck. On Hamilton Bay next to the Canadian Centre for Inland Waters a 1st-year Bald Eagle put up many gulls and ducks. We also saw 2 Glaucous Gulls during the day. Dave Milsom For birding tours see website: www.florafaunafieldtours.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: P.S. Re: Turkeys, etc. Bradford/Keswick From: RON FLEMING <flemingron AT rogers.com> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:09:10 -0800 (PST) Meant to add that - of local interest to York region birders - Steve McAllister has had a Red-winged Blackbird visiting his feeder in south-central Newmarket all week (Fairy Lake area) and Al Johnston still has three Wood Ducks visiting his heated pond east of Aurora (Bethesda Sdrd. near Lemonville).. � Ron Fleming, Newmarket _______________________________________________ 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: Turkeys, Shrikes & Snowies - Bradford/Keswick From: RON FLEMING <flemingron AT rogers.com> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:04:25 -0800 (PST) The lingering effects of a�flu limited my birding to�a few�hours this�weekend but there were some�good birds to be found.� On my way up�Yonge St.�north of Bradford yesterday I had a flock of 15 Wild Turkeys on the west side of�the road�approx. 2k past Scanlon Creek, then 3 more turkeys on the south side of Line 13 as I made my way to its eastern end.� Nearing the open flats of the marsh I had a Northern Shrike then an adult male Snowy Owl�at the end of the lane. � I had another shrike along McCowan Road east of Aurora around noon today, then decided to turn around and do a quick check of the Holland Marsh west of Newmarket.��I rediscovered the Snowy Owl that has been wintering north of Woodchopper's Lane and east of Jane Street near Hwy. 400 (again it was way out there in the middle of the fields), then�drove�to�the north end of Bathurst near Holland Landing to look for�two Snowies reported there Saturday.� � While looking for them in vain I chatted with a�birding couple in a pickup truck and a younger chap - also birding - in a sporty car.� We collectively resigned ourselves to�failure and talked about how important timing was when birding.� True to the quirks of irony,�only moments�after they drove away I�made one last�attempt�- this time�from a different vantage point that offered views looking north into the fields -�and found the�Snowy that so often sits on the ground west of Bathurst.��The bird�had been virtually�invisible from the main road. � Since my luck was�on�I decided to drive up to Ravenshoe Road in south Keswick despite reports of no owls being sighted there earlier in the day.� Sure enough, not half a km past Bruce Street, a Snowy Owl flew�across the first field on the north�side of the road and landed on a hydro pole beside the snowmobile trail.��I watched him through my scope for a bit, then drove to the�dead end of Ravenshoe and prepared to turn south on Yonge Street.� Another Snowy - a darkly barred female/immature type - chose that moment to�cross the road in front of me,�landing on a TV antenna�at the corner of Yonge and Ravenshoe.��Timing and dumb luck were with me, offsetting�other birding days when both were absent. � After�driving the length of Yonge (approx. 2k)�in a steadily building snowfall I�turned back onto�Ravenshoe and�lucked into my third Northern Shrike of the weekend.� I took this as a sign to head�home�since - yes, Ian Cannell - three shrikes means you're out.� On the�way back to�Newmarket I added an American Kestrel�(eating a mouse on the west side of Leslie�Street north of Queensville) and a dozen more Wild Turkeys (feeding in a cornfield on the west side of�2nd Concession just north of Doane Road in Holland Landing). � Bradford, Keswick and Holland Landing are�located directly north of Toronto, east of Hwy. 400�about halfway up to Barrie. � Ron Fleming, Newmarket _______________________________________________ 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: Carolina Wren - Kortright Centre, Vaughan - York Region From: Lev Frid <lev.frid AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:26:06 -0500 Hello Birders, For those interested, I had a CAROLINA WREN this morning at Kortright Centre for Conservation in Vaughan. The bird was near the entrance to the Marsh Boardwalk- there is a good map available at the Visitor Centre. There are a bunch of feeders there so it is probably visiting those. It gave very sporadic, but good views during the ten or so minutes of my observation. Directions: The Kortright Centre is located three kilometers west of Highway 400 and one kilometer south of Major Mackenzie Drive at 9550 Pine Valley Drive in Woodbridge. Good Birding, Lev Frid Maple, 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: Bohemian Waxwings & Northern Hawk Owl - Manitoulin Island From: Brenda & Keith <bkmasham AT personainternet.com> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:51:38 -0500 Yesterday we sighted a flock of about 50 Bohemian Waxwings on the Goat Island Road, off Highway 6, just north of the Little Current swing bridge. A second large flock was noticed flying on the Lacloche Island side of the channel. The Northern Hawk Owl is still in the Lily Lake area on the Bidwell Rd. This owl has been sighted numerous times since before Christmas. Take Highway 6 to Bidwell Road, turn right and continue along. We saw the bird sitting in a tree near an old barn on the left side of the road, with the lake on the right. Brenda Masson & Keith Hamilton Espanola _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: RE: Transmitter -Bald Eagle Hillman Marsh From: Dean Ware <peleeisbirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:30:15 +0000 Birders, I found the answer to the Young Eagle that flew over Hillman Marsh heading to Point Pelee one week ago. Dean Ware May Bird Tours Wheatley ON. peleeisbirder AT hotmail.com Hey Dean, The young eagle you observed flying over Hillman Marsh appears to be Thor - one of the birds we banded and attached a satellite transmitter to this past June. This is part of a project called Destination Eagle which has endeavored to understand the movements of southern Ontario Bald Eagles during their first few years of life. To read more about the program and to see the movements of our birds on the Eagle Tracker please visit: http://www.bsc-eoc.org/research/speciesatrisk/baea/index.jsp?targetpg=index&lang=EN Thanks for reporting this and please let me know if you have any questions. Good birding. Jody ______________________________________________________________________________________ Jody Allair Biologist and Science Educator Bird Studies Canada � �tudes d�Oiseaux Canada 115 Front St., P.O. Box 160 Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 T 519-586-3531 x117 | F 519-586-3532 1-888-448-BIRD jallair AT birdscanada.org web: www.birdscanada.org "Working together to protect and improve our outdoors" _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969_______________________________________________ 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: Lone Bald Eagle From: Georgia siambis <gsiambis AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:32:03 -0500 Good Evening, Today at approximately 3pm south of Melbourne at Melbourne Road and Gentlemen Drive we sighted a lone Bald Eagle above a wood lot soaring Southward. An Immature Bald Eagle was also soaring close by. Regards, Georgia Siambis & David Waters _______________________________________________ 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: Bald Eagles x 2 -Port Bruce area From: "Sue Suess" <ssuess AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:38:57 -0500 Jan 30, 2010 - 3PM ish - spotted 2 Bald Eagles sitting on a tree overlooking Lake Erie. A crow was sitting in same tree above - probably waiting for an opportunity to harass. They sat there for quite some time. Location: >From 401 - southbound on Highway 73 to Port Bruce turn west on Dexter Line - approximately 2 Kilometres west of Port Bruce. Dan & Sue Suess 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: Snowy Owls very end of Bathurst From: Hendrik Hart <hhart AT ca.inter.net> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:24:58 -0500 Two beautiful young Snowy Owls were at the very end (north of Queensville Sideroad) of Bathurst today (afternoon of January 30), sitting on top of hydro poles or shed roofs or just in the fields. Hendrik Hart _______________________________________________ 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: Evening Grosbeaks and Snowy Owls From: "Norman Murr" <normurr AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:04:23 -0500 Today Ian Cannell and I saw the 50+ Evening Grosbeaks at #2711 County Road 6 that Dave Milsom mentioned in an earlier post, thanks Dave. They were all over the feeders and trees in the front yard. Easy to see from the road. If stopping, park well over on the shoulder ( not much snow on the road shoulders at this writing ) and try to park on the opposite side of the road so as not to spook the birds. On the way home we found 5 Snowy Owls to round out the day. Many deer also seen in fields, woods and on front lawns. Directions County Road 6 runs East from Hwy 28 north of Lakefield in Peterborough County to Petroglyphs Prov. Park. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON "Sils mordent, mords les" _______________________________________________ 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, January 29th, 2010 From: "Cheryl Edgecombe" <cheryle29 AT cogeco.ca> Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:53:01 -0500 On Friday, January 29th, 2010, this is the HNC Birding Report: Barnacle Goose Tundra Swan Wood Duck American Wigeon Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Lesser Scaup King Eider Black Scoter Hooded Merganser Ruddy Duck Ruffed Grouse Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Black-crowned Night Heron Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Northern Harrier Rough-legged Hawk Merlin Peregrine Falcon Iceland Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Short-eared Owl Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Pileated Woodpecker Northern Shrike Common Raven Tufted Titmouse Ruby-crowned Kinglet Eastern Bluebird Fox Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Pine Siskin Winter birding has been quiet the past two weeks here in the Hamilton Study Area but there are still birds to be seen if you are able and willing to brave the cold temperatures over the past couple of days. Ducks as usual are a big part of winter birding here. The Barnacle Goose (origin unknown) has been seen down at the mouth of 40 mile Creek in Grimsby in the past two weeks. Along the lakeshore at various access points, King Eiders are still present with one being seen right in the marina at Fifty Point. Black Scoters seem to be very co-operative along this stretch with several stunning males being seen. Down at Windermere Basin, species including Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup and Ruddy Duck were recorded. In the mouth of the Red Hill Creek, four Black-crowned Night Herons and several Hooded Mergansers were seen last weekend. On the Hamilton Harbour, now that the cold has moved in and ice is present, a total of 6 Bald Eagles were seen on the ice this morning. Glaucous, Iceland and Lesser Black-backed Gulls were seen on the ice and in the water over the week. A Nelson's Gull (Herring x Glaucous) was seen on the ice between Leander Boat Club and Bayfront Park a week ago on Wednesday. Now that there is ice in various spots, it's a good time to go out and round up the winter gulls for the year list. Red-necked and Horned Grebes were seen on the bay this week with the Red-necked Grebe being seen near Canada Centre for Inland Waters and the Horned Grebe being seen between Nearre and Farre Island and off Bayshore Park. A Tundra Swan and a male Wood Duck were seen from/at LaSalle Marina. Peregrine Falcons can be seen regularly at the Lift Bridge. The south end of the study area is still productive even though numbers of Horned Larks, American Pipits and Snow Buntings have dropped off. The juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker can still be seen on Irish Line (house 797). Several Eastern Bluebirds were seen in the past week on King George Street off River Road. Northern Harriers and Rough-legged Hawks are notable raptors at various places down in this area. A Merlin is present near Cheapside Road and Concession 10 where the junk yard is. Waiting until dusk at this location will give you an excellent chance at Short-eared Owls. A good winter bird still around is a Ruby-crowned Kinglet at the Oakville Sewage Treatment Plant, accessed at the end of Hixon Road. A Pileated Woodpecker is also present here. In the odds and sods, Pine Siskins and Tufted Titmice are coming into a feeder in South Burlington near Appleby Line and Spruce. Up to 6 Tufted Titmice and a couple of White-crowned Sparrows are coming to a feeder near Caledonia. Ruffed Grouse are still present at dusk and dawn at feeders in Flamborough. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is still making a sporadic appearance on Forest Drive in Greensville. Varying numbers of Turkey Vultures have been seen over the past two weeks at what appears to be the roost, on Concession 4 West just west of Woodhill in Flamborough. Common Ravens have been spotted in a couple of locations. Two were seen East of Concession 7 and north of Gore Road near the Fletcher Creek Reserve. Another two (maybe the same) were seen at Campbellville Road and First Line Nassawagawa last weekend. A Belted Kingfisher was seen at the Desjardins Canal. American Wigeon are still present there. Another Merlin has set up territory on Plains Road in Aldershot. A Northern Shrike was seen last weekend on 10th Road East near Green Mountain Road and last but not least a Fox Sparrow was spished up north of the Bronte Creek Provincial Park Campground last Saturday (accessed from Hwy 5). Please keep me advised of your sightings. It may be the heart of winter but you never know what has been hiding and is waiting to be found. Good Birding, Cheryl Edgecombe HNC Hotline 905-381-0329 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snow Geese at Jack Miner's From: "Todd Pepper" <tandjpepper AT cogeco.ca> Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:33:23 -0500 There were 5 Snow Geese, including 2 blue phase, at Jack Miner's just before 3 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2010. They were in the south field with the over wintering flock of Canada Geese. Jack Miner's is on the 3rd Concession West just outside the Town of Kingsville. Todd Pepper Leamington, Ontario tandjpepper AT cogeco.ca "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin" William Shakespeare _______________________________________________ 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 Jan. 29, 2009 From: <goodcompany AT sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:40:57 -0500 There has been little change in the birds in the Owl Woods; a Barred, a Long-eared, up to 3 N. Saw-whets and the Boreal. However there is growing concern about the huge numbers of birders and photographers and their impact on the owls. These are nocturnal creatures and need the daytime to rest and conserve their energy. Any disturbance increases their energy consumption and stresses them, especially in this very cold weather. Please avoid any noise, especially squeakers, flash and getting too close to the birds. Still on Amherst, there are lots of hawks and up to 3 Snowy Owls. Elsewhere there were Barred Owls at Lemoine Pt. and near Battersea, Bald Eagles at Glenora, Bedford Mills and most abundantly on Wolfe Island and probably along any ice edge at this end of Lake Ontario or down through the Thousand Islands. A Sharp-shinned Hawk visited Bedford Mills on the 24th and 26th and a N. Goshawk made a brief visit to a Camden East feeder last Sunday. There were seven species of duck as well as Am. Coot at the Dupont lagoon earlier in the week, lots of swans, both Mute and Tundra, on Wolfe, and large numbers of Gadwall off the south shore of Amherst. Other uncommon winter birds included Belted Kingfishers at Collin's Bay and Chaffey's Lock, a N. Flicker and a Pileated Woodpecker at Bedford Mills, a White-throated Sparrow at Battersea and a lone Pine Siskin that showed up three times this week at Bedford Mills. 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: Bald Eagles, Hamilton Harbour, Burlington From: "Barrett,Glenn [Burlington]" <Glenn.Barrett AT ec.gc.ca> Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:02:49 -0500 > Six (6) BAEA were on the ice between North Isl and Neare Isl in the NE > corner of Hamilton Harbour this morning, viewed from Eastport Dr. > > cheers > gB > > > _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Algonquin Park Birding Update: ADDENDUM From: "Peter, Justin (MNR)" <Justin.Peter AT ontario.ca> Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:51:17 -0500 Those trying for Evening Grosbeaks should check the town of Whitney, five minutes drive east of the Park's East Gate There was a flock near the corner of Second Street and Ottawa Street (near the boat launch) this morning. Cheers, Justin Peter Park Naturalist / Interpr�te-naturaliste Visitor Centre / Centre d'accueil Algonquin Provincial Park / Parc provincial Algonquin Ontario, Canada 613-637-2828 x. 223 justin.peter AT ontario.ca www.algonquinpark.on.ca & www.sbaa.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: Algonquin Park Birding Update: 28 January 2010 From: Ron Tozer <rtozer AT vianet.ca> Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:14:12 -0500 The week saw a few reports from birders, but little change in what is being observed. New snow and colder temperatures prevailed by the end of the week following the earlier mild weather. Golden Eagle: an adult was photographed over km 8 on January 23. Northern Shrike: one was at Wolf Howl Pond on January 23. White-throated Sparrow: one is still at the Visitor Centre feeder. Boreal Species: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: a female was at Davies Bog on the Bat Lake Trail on January 24. Gray Jay: present this week at Visitor Centre feeder; on Opeongo Road at the gate and at the bridge; at Wolf Howl Pond; and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: Three were at Wolf Howl Pond on the Mizzy Lake Trail on Janaury 23. The species was noted in the middle section of the Bat Lake Trail on January 24. Winter Finches: Pine Grosbeak: female still coming to the Visitor Centre feeder. American Goldfinch: About 70 daily at the Visitor Centre feeders. Mammals: Pine martens continue to come to the Visitor Centre feeders daily. Moose are being observed regularly along Highway 60. The walking trails, closed for a couple of days this week due to slippery conditions, are open again. We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON Directions: Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on Highway 400. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders, and information. The centre is open to the public on weekends only from 10 am to 4 pm until January 31. Birder access to the building through the service entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on weekdays. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the restaurant this winter on weekends, but not full meal service. Algonquin Park birding updates and information are available at: www.algonquinpark.on.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: Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending January 28, 2010. From: Fred Helleiner <fhelleiner AT trentu.ca> Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:23:13 -0500 At least for part of the past week, conditions at Presqu'ile Provincial Park have been March-like, in terms of both weather and bird life. The open water of Presqu'ile Bay extends as far as the calf pasture, which is unusual this early in the season. When most of the swans have their heads tucked under their wings, as is often the case in cold or windy weather, it is difficult to determine which species are present among the 300 or so, but six TRUMPETER SWANS were detected on one day. CANVASBACKS and REDHEADS are both fairly easy to spot from the government dock. For the past three and a half weeks, WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS have been seen every day. A surprising sighting of a male BLACK SCOTER near the lighthouse on January 25 was one of only a few winter records in the Park. After an apparent absence of five days, the male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE in that same area re-appeared on January 26 and has been present constantly since then, seeming to favour surfing the big waves at the entrance to Presqu'ile Bay. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK paid a brief visit to the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road on January 22. RING-NECKED PHEASANT, RUFFED GROUSE, and WILD TURKEY have all been seen this week, the first near the Park entrance (not seen here alive for a long time) and the last at the Paxton Drive /Atkins Lane junction. Gulls have put on a good showing this week, including ICELAND and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS. Owls, too, have been noteworthy. A pale GREAT HORNED OWL was seen on January 24, a SNOWY OWL has been on the ice of Presqu'ile Bay, and BARRED OWLS continue to be ubiquitous. There has been little change among passerines this week. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was at 85 Bayshore Road today. I am not aware of any sightings since January 21 of the ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK that has been present all winter. The RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD frequenting the Bayshore Road/Langton Avenue area was seen at least twice in the past week. 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. The narrow channel between Owen Point and Gull Island is normally ice-covered at this time of year, but the ice, while appearing to be thick, might not support the weight of a human. However, the water beneath the crust is only ankle-deep. The surrounding shoreline can be very slippery. Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird sightings board provided near the campground office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed there. -- -- Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road, Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0 VOICE: (613) 475 5309 If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Varied Thrush still at Cold Creek From: "Geoff Simpson" <birds AT e-confidence.net> Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:17:32 -0500 (EST) The Varied Thrush is still resident at Cold Creek Conservation Area in King Township. He�s a little skittish, but does come our regularly to feed on the �corn on the logs�. (image link & directions: http://e-confidence.net/vathccca/ ) Cold Creek Conservation Area is located on the 11th Concession, between the 15th and 16th Sideroads. From the South, take HWY #27 North to King Road (Nobleton). Turn left on King Road and drive for 4 km to the 11th Concession (look for the sign for YMCA Cedar Glen Camp) and turn right (North). Cold Creek Conservation Area is about 3.5 km on the right, with a large sign out front. Park on the side of the road into Cold Creek. The first (and only) driveway on the right is to my house. Walk down the driveway, and try to keep back from where it splits. Happy Birding. Geoff Simpson _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: re RTHA report From: <edticknor AT sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:35:56 +0000 I didn't mean for this to go on and on. They are a resident pair as far as I know since I see 1 or the other often on my way to and from work. Thank you for all the replies, but please,enough, so we can save the space for what is really needed!Cheers, Eve Eve Ticknor Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator Ottawa Field Naturalists Club 38-9 Gillespie Cres Ottawa, Ontario K1V 9T5 613-859-9545 613-737-7551 The road to the future is always under construction. _______________________________________________ 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: Clarification on Directions for Ring-necked Pheasant From: Peeter Musta <mustape AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:20:02 +0000 Hello Ontbirders, Sorry for the confusion on directions. The location was described based on Garmin GPS. For Google Maps users, it would be Oxford Rd 8 (between 16th line and Oxford Rd 5) at a small bridge over a creek. http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=43.258456,-80.740457&geocode=&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=16&sll=43.2578,-80.74316&sspn=0.009501,0.022681&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=16 They were proceeding north along the creek. Peeter _________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ 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: 2 Ringnecked Pheasants - East Zorra Tavistock/Innerkip From: Peeter Musta <mustape AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:32:50 +0000 On CR-5, just east of 16th line - an absolutely stunning pair of Ring-necked Pheasants ran out in front of the car. I had to come to a complete stop to avoid hitting them, and watched in awe as they crossed the road 5 ft in front of me and continued down the embankment. They soon disappeared from view into the brush alongside a small creek. I thought it was worth reporting as I don't often see Ring-necked Pheasants mentioned, and this is certainly the most southerly sighting i have ever had in Ontario. Good Birding, Peeter Musta Kitchener, ON _________________________________________________________________ Reinvent how you stay in touch with the new Windows Live Messenger. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9706116_______________________________________________ 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: RTHA courting.... From: <edticknor AT sympatico.ca> Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:06:22 +0000 I passed by a pair of Red-tailed Hawks sitting less than a metre apart in a tree at the edge of the woodlot between Foster's Field and Bruce Pit on Cedarview, just off the 416. They were on the Foster's side. This was shortly after 8am. A bit early for courting......... Eve Ticknor Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator Ottawa Field Naturalists Club 38-9 Gillespie Cres Ottawa, Ontario K1V 9T5 613-859-9545 613-737-7551 The road to the future is always under construction. _______________________________________________ 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: HMANA conference, Duluth, MN, April 15-18, 2010 From: Audrey Heagy <aheagy AT bsc-eoc.org> Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:18:09 -0500 The 2010 Hawk Migration Association of North America conference will be hosted by Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth, Minnesota. Positioned at the southwestern tip of magnificent Lake Superior, Duluth offers a mix of great birding, picturesque scenery and a terrific spring raptor migration. April birding in Northern Minnesota offers a wide variety of *boreal species* /(Boreal Chickadee, Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay)/, *winter specialties* /(Pine Grosbeak, Hoary Redpoll)/, *northern owls* (/Great Gray, Boreal and Northern Hawk Owls) /and *spring migrants* /(you name it!) /as the convergence of three different biomes maximizes the number of different species to be seen. The 2010 conference will feature scientific presentations, informative posters, entertaining keynote speakers and fantastic northern-specialty field trips. For more information or to register, visit the conference website at http://www.hawkridge.org/events/hmana.html Posted by Audrey Heagy (with permission from ONTBIRDS Coordinator) on behalf of David Hussell _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Re: Transmitter on Bald Eagle - Hillman Marsh: Bird Identified From: Donald Davis <donald_davis AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:53:14 -0800 (PST) Dear Don: Yes, it is one of our birds tagged in 2009 in southern Ontario. His name is Thor and his movements can be seen here: http://www.bsc-eoc.org/research/speciesatrisk/baea/index.jsp?targetpg=index〈=en Thanks for the email. It's always nice when people see our eagles. Debbie Debbie Badzinski Ontario Program Manager Bird Studies Canada 115 Front Street, PO Box 160 Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 519-586-3531 (ext.123); toll-free 888-448-2473 www.bsc-eoc.org --- On Sat, 1/23/10, Dean Ware wrote: > From: Dean Ware > Subject: [Ontbirds] Transmitter on Bald Eagle -Hillman Marsh > To: "darrell parsons" > Date: Saturday, January 23, 2010, 9:40 PM > > Birders, > > Jan.23/10 > > Can someone inform me on how I can find more info about a > 2nd? year Bald Eagle I observed with a transmitter flying > over Hillman Marsh heading south to Pelee. > > thanks, > > Dean Ware > Birding Tours > Wheatley ON. > peleeisbirder AT hotmail.com > > >     >          >            >   > _________________________________________________________________ > Windows Live Hotmail: Your friends can get your Facebook > updates, right from Hotmail®. > http://www.microsoft.com/middleeast/windows/windowslive/see-it-in-action/social-network-basics.aspx?ocid=PID23461::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-xm:SI_SB_4:092009_______________________________________________ > 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: Hawk Owl From: mark gawn <gawnbirding AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:43:40 +0000 Several ontbirders have asked for details on a Hawk Owl sighting I reported. Unfortunately, and in keeping with the policy of our local club, I am unable to provide these details. This policy was put in place following the increasing harassment of owls, particularly by photographers. I regret not being able to provide more information, but I trust that my fellow birders will understand that this is to protect the welfare of the owls. Regards Mark GawnOttawa, Ontario, Canada _________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ 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: KUMLIEN'S GULL in SARNIA AREA. From: Alf Rider <arider AT xcelco.on.ca> Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:03:13 -0500 Hello Everyone. This morning there was a beautiful adult KUMLIEN'S race of ICELAND GULL at the Point Edward Lighthouse that allowed itself to be photographed, even although the heavy overcast was not helpful. The bird was first found just above the Bluewater Bridges and flew down the St. Clair River. Suggest looking downriver for the bird. Good Birding. Alf. _______________________________________________ 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: Wolfe Island and Elevator Bay/Dupont Plant From: "Bruce Di Labio" <bruce.dilabio AT sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:16:26 -0500 Hi Ontbirders Yesterday, January 24th spent part of the day birding Wolfe Island. It was quite a contrast to Amherst Island with only a few Red-tailed Hawks but 20+ Bald Eagles mainly along the south side and east end of the island. We did observe 1 Northern Shrike along Carpenters Pt. Road and over 200+ Tundra Swan and 6 Mute Swan. There was 1 American Coot and 3 adult Ring-billed Gull at the Kingston dock. The DuPont Plant lagoon/Elevator Bay had a good variety of ducks including 1 Ruddy Duck, 1 American Wigeon, 9 Ring-necked Duck, both Greater and Lesser Scaup, 7 Hooded Merganser, 2 Gadwall, and 24 American Coot. Good Birding, Bruce Wolfe Island Ferry: The Wolfe Island ferry terminal is located in downtown Kingston at the foot of Barrack Street, about 2 blocks east of City Hall. From here the ferry leaves for Wolfe Island about every hour (See schedule) and it is a 20 minute ride to Wolfe Island. Directions: DuPont Plant: From Hwy. 401 take exit 615 (Sir John A.MacDonald) and proceed south to King St. West and turn right (west). Proceed west past Portsmouth Ave. to Cataraqui (Elevator) Bay where King St. becomes Front Rd. and where the DuPont (Invista) Plant property begins. The DuPont Pond is located by turning left (south) at the traffic lights and left again onto the road through the fence. 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: Waterloo - White-winged Gulls From: Peeter Musta <mustape AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:28:27 +0000 Hello Ontbirders, Good gulling this morning from 10:30-11:00am. Observed a small roost of ~50 Herring Gulls, 12 Glaucous Gulls (4 adult), 2 Iceland Gulls, 2 Greater Black-backed Gulls. No Lesser Black-backed or Ring-bills. A couple of gulls i am not sure of ID, but suspect are simply Herring Gulls with interesting moults. Location: Northwestern Waterloo: west side of Ira Needles Rd. about 300m north of Highland Rd (development property bordering "the dump"). Also in the area are hundreds of Crows and 2 redtailed hawks. Some Reference images posted here: http://mustap.smugmug.com/Nature/Birding-in-Ontario/WaterlooDump/11045791_eaFeX#772852268_YXdE5 Good Birding, 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: Evening Grosbeaks, Red Crossbills, Bohemian Waxwings From: dave milsom <milsomdave AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:01:43 -0500 Near Petroglyphs Provincial Park today 2 Red Crossbils fed on salt along the side of Co. Rd. #6 near Nephton. At house # 2711, 50 + Evening Grosbeaks sat above the feeders. On Smith 7th Line near Lakefield, at house # 1468, 28 Bohemian Waxwings fed on buckthorn alongside the road. 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: White-winged gulls at Lafleche Dump near Casselman From: mark gawn <gawnbirding AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:12:08 +0000 While admiring Snowy Owls in the St Isidore area (3 seen) I was curious to see a small flock of gulls flying over the snowy fields, a check of Lafleche environmental Inc (fancy talk for a dump) revealed a flock of 100+ gull, mostly Great Black-backed and Herring, but among them were 16 assorted Glaucous and 1 1st winter Iceland. Most of the gulls left at around 3:30, heading due south presumably to roost on the St. Lawrence River (a distance of about 40 km). Also seen in the general area were 500+ Snow Buntings with one Longspur (assumed Lapland, but not well seen!), a Northern Shrike and a Hawk Owl. The dump is just south of the junction of highway 417 and 183, head south on 183 and turn west on Lafleche Rd which dead ends at the dump. Mark GawnOttawa, Ontario, Canada _________________________________________________________________ Say Happy New Year with Messenger for Mobile. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9706117_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snowy Owls (Casselman area) From: "Ott User" <willott123 AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:50:45 -0500 Hi Ontbirders: Another great winter for owls. Took a quick spin out to the Casselman area late today. Saw 3 Snowy Owls off exit 58 via the 417. One along Concession 20 and 2 on Concession 19. On the way back to Ottawa, a juvenile Snowy Owl was perched on a lamp post right at the exit 66 off ramp to Casselman. There has been a Barred Owl seen in downtown Ottawa for the past week, roosting at the same spot each time I've seen it. By far the best sighting for me anyways was a Northern Hawk Owl on a trip out of town. Happy birding. W. Hum www.pbase.com/golfpic Directions: >From Ottawa, go east on the 417 until exit 58. Turn left and then right onto Concession 20. _______________________________________________ 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 - Gray Partridges From: Patrick Blake <pjblake22 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:23:43 -0500 Hi ONTBirders: As per David Britton's report yesterday, three male GRAY PARTRIDGES were huddled under a coniferous tree on the front lawn of the City of Ottawa facility on Maple Grove Drive today. For those attempting to locate these birds, check under the coniferous trees carefully, as the partridges are small and can appear as rocks or dirty lumps of snow at first glance. SNOW BUNTINGS could also be heard across the street somewhere in the vacant field. Pat DIRECTIONS: From the 417, get off at the Terry Fox exit and head south. Turn right onto Maple Grove Drive, and the City facility is the next building on the right after the Bell Sensplex. _________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ 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: Northern Hawk Owl near Cobden From: Chris <cmichener AT hughes.net> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:47:07 -0500 Hi All, This Northern Hawk Owl has been reliably seen for awhile near Cobden, in Renfrew County, including today. It has been found on the Snake River Line which runs parallel with Hwy 17 and west of Hwy 17. It is almost always seen at the top of a deciduous tree within 100 metres of civic address 1261 Snake River Line, but across the road. A Bald Eagle was also seen about 2 km south, perched in a tree on the west side of Snake River Line. >From Hwy 17 in Cobden, go west through downtown and at the outskirts of town turn right on the Snake River Line going north. Chris Michener Golden Lake, 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: York Region Sightings From: RON FLEMING <flemingron AT rogers.com> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 11:31:19 -0800 (PST) The Holland Marsh has been good for raptors in this first month of the new year.��Last Saturday Mike Van den Tillaart and I had a female/imm. Merlin along Strawberry Lane but�when I looked for it yesterday I found a Northern Shrike instead.� A male American Kestrel has been present all winter,�often found along Wist Road or�Devald.� It was at the latter location yesterday, apparently eyeing up one of the two White-crowned Sparrows that are still wintering with a flock of American Tree Sparrows west of Day St.� There is also a male Northern Harrier�in this area.� � As reported by a few Ontbirds posters already, there is a�Snowy Owl wintering�in the general vicinity of Edward and Aileen Streets south of Bradford.� On Saturday morning I watched it being hassled by two crows who eventually drove it from the west side of Aileen to the east side, where it settled on the ground well out in the�fields.� This area is bounded by�Keele and Jane Streets�on the east and west, Strawberry and Woodchopper's Lanes on the north and south, respectively.� A scope is often needed to find this bird.� � Another Snowy is wintering near the north end of Bathurst Street near Holland Landing. Again, a scope is usually necessary for decent looks.�It�usually�sits out�in the fields�well away from the road, west of the last storage building.� Today while visiting�Ravenshoe�Road for the first time since Keith�Dunn's passing (this area was�his regular beat), I observed an immature/female Northern Harrier (i.e. brown) hunting in the marsh�west of Yonge Street and another Snowy, this one sitting on top of a green�combine,�also�west of Yonge.� Needless to say, owl seekers are encouraged to observe these birds from the roadside, letting�your scope or your best camera lens�cover the distance. � Ron Fleming, Newmarket _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Bohemian Waxwing - McGregor P.P. etc. From: Maris Apse <apsemaris AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:02:55 -0500 Hi all, Yesterday - Sat. Dec.23 ~ 4 pm, as we were leaving the park, Penny spotted a small flock of birds at the top of a Poplar(?) tree almost at the NE corner of Lake Range Road and Saugeen Concession #4 - we all had great looks at 11 Bohemian Waxwings with the scope for ~ 5 mins until they flew off in a NE direction. Just north of the house an adult Northern Shrike landed at roadside for a superb close view. In the park Emily had spotted 2 Bald Eagles - both adults - as we walked out to the beach at VC. Earlier she also spotted a Ruffed Grouse just outside Inverhuron PP(TG for sharp-eyed spotters - why do I bird alone so often?). After ~ 5 pm NE of Paisley I finally found 2 adult female Snowy Owls (Emi's reward as she missed these last winter, when Penny and I had seen ~10 a week or two earlier). The owls were both along Bruce Concession #8 - first bird on top of a silo at #364 and the second at the top of a tree just west of a small creek at #651 - this bird flew right past us and landed ~100M east/behind us. We also saw 2 more N.Shrike cruising these roads and 4/5 flocks of Wild Turkey numbering from 10 to over 30 for ~80 in total as we meandered north from home. Cheers! Maris Maris Apse 10094 Red Pine Road, Box 22, RR #2 Grand Bend ON N0M 1T0 (519) 238 - 8415 _________________________________________________________________ Say Happy New Year with Messenger for Mobile. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9706117_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snowy Owl - Holland Marsh Area - Highway 400 & 9 From: Brenda & Keith <bkmasham AT personainternet.com> Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:33:20 -0500 There was a Snowy Owl today in the field on the east side of Aileen Street between Edward Avenue and Strawberry Line. It was seen at about 3:15 today. While observing the owl it was swooped by a Northern Harrier. A Northern Harrier was also seen on January 21 in a field off Strawberry Line. Also a Red-tailed Hawk just off Jane Street. One was observed both today and January 21. Directions: East on Highway 9 off the 400. Take a left on Jane Street. At Woodchopper Lane take a left and then a right back onto Jane. Turn right onto Edward and left onto Aileen. Aileen ends at Strawberry Lane. Turn right. Good birding Brenda Masson Espanola, Ont. _______________________________________________ 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: Transmitter on Bald Eagle -Hillman Marsh From: Dean Ware <peleeisbirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:40:57 +0000 Birders, Jan.23/10 Can someone inform me on how I can find more info about a 2nd? year Bald Eagle I observed with a transmitter flying over Hillman Marsh heading south to Pelee. thanks, Dean Ware Birding Tours Wheatley ON. peleeisbirder AT hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live Hotmail: Your friends can get your Facebook updates, right from Hotmail�. http://www.microsoft.com/middleeast/windows/windowslive/see-it-in-action/social-network-basics.aspx?ocid=PID23461::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-xm:SI_SB_4:092009_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: Snowy Owl Metz, killed mystery hawk From: carol parafenko <cmparafenko AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:30:38 -0500 Hello birders. It was a marvelous day today for checking out the Metz area for the Snowy Owl. Sure enough, there she was sitting on a haybale off Sideroad 25 west of the 6th Line. I also came across Snow Buntings on the 3rd Line and a small flock of Horned Larks on 1st Line just south of the sugar bush farm. There was a freshly killed hawk at 6809 5th Line. Would anyone help identify it? I have photos on my blog http://www.carolparafenko.com/blog.html and also more if you care to contact me here. Thanks. Metz is north of Fergus and southeast of Arthur. Take Hwy. 6 then north of Fergus turn right onto Sideroad 21, then left on Jones Baseline, then right on Sideroad 25. Drive about 10 km and there you are. Carol Parafenko Guelph _________________________________________________________________ Say Happy New Year with Messenger for Mobile. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9706117_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ Subject: SNOWY OWL - BRUCE COUNTY From: "Dennis Lewington" <dengwen AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:21:00 -0500 SUBJECT: SNOWY OWL AT 4:30 P.M. THIS AFTERNOON, WE HAD A SNOWY OWL PERCHED ON A HYDRO POLE ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF COUNTY ROAD 10 AND CONCESSION 8 ELDERSLIE. THIS INTERSECTION IS ABOUT 7 KM. NORTH OF CHESLEY, AND ABOUT 15 KM. SOUTH OF TARA IN BRUCE COUNTY. DENNIS & GWEN LEWINGTON _______________________________________________ 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: Amherst Island birding Jan.23,2010 From: <bruce.dilabio AT sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:31:00 +0000 Hello Ontbirders It was a great day both weather wise and owling today on Amherst Island. After missing the Boreal Owl yesterday, it was out in the open today in the Jack Pine Plantation and a lifer for many birders. At least 3 Northern Saw-whet Owl and 1 Barred Owl were present in the "Owl Woods" and 2 Snowy Owls on the KFN property at the east end of the island. At dusk there were 10+ Short-eared Owls obersved at dusk just east of Stella along with 1 Snowy Owl. Good Birding, Bruce Directions: Amherst Island: Located 18 km. west of Kingston. Exit off Hwy. 401 at exit 593 (County Rd. 4, Camden East) and drive south to the very end (Millhaven). Turn right on Hwy. 33 and drive 100 metres until you see the sign for the Amherst Island ferry. The ferry (20 minute trip) leaves the mainland on the half hour and leaves the island on the hour. Cost is $8.00 Canadian round trip. There are no gas stations on the island. There are restrooms on the ferry, and at the island ferry dock. The East End K.F.N. property is at the easternmost part of the island on the east side of the Lower Forty Foot Road. Because of liability issues, visitors to the Kingston Field Naturalists' property at the east end of Amherst Island MUST be accompanied by a KFN member. For KFN contact information or how to become a member, please visit http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ." _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/