Hi Gord,

Here is the update for the Border Birder Hotline with the Christmas Bird count results.

The Christmas Bird Count results are in with a few interesting birds remaining around the Sault area. There was a grand total of 9308 birds with 52 species recorded by the Sault birders. 1 American Kestrel, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 4 Glaucous Gulls, 1 Peregrine Falcon and 1 Northern Mockingbird highlight the count.

A feeder count was also conducted for December 19th, with 20 species recorded. Most notable were, 1 Common Grackle, 16 Purple Finch, 14 American Tree Sparrow, 2 American Robin and 75 Bohemian Waxwing.

The results of the complete count will be posted on the Ontario Birding Home Page and the Sault Naturalist's newsletter, The Wake Robin.

Elsewhere in the surrounding area, 80 Bohemian Waxwings were seen in Brimley, Michigan on December 15th, 2 Rough-legged Hawks at Lake George Rd. and Government Rd., and 1 Rough-legged Hawk at Reid's Rd. and Government Rd. on the 20th.

Although the Harlequin Ducks could not be found on count day, 1 Harlequin Duck was found on December 21st, at the Headrace.

The rarest find was 1 Carolina Wren seen in an east end backyard, on December 15th.

Following is the entire Species List for both the Christmas count and the feeder count.

SPECIES TOTAL                   SPECIES TOTAL
Duck Mallard         595        Redpoll Common          6
Duck Black            43        Goldfinch American      140
Duck Goldeneye       121        Grosbeak Evening        4
Duck Merganser, Com. 128        
Gull Herring        2041                                
Grouse Ruffed          2        "B" LIST                
Dove Rock            966        Common Loon             1
Dove Mourning         60        Canada Goose            194
Woodpecker Downy      16        Duck Bufflehead         2
Woodpecker Hairy      11        Duck Merganser R-B      5
Woodpecker Pileated    6        Duck Merganser Hooded   34
Jay Blue              31        Gull Ring-billed        7
Crow American        235        Gull Glaucous           6
Raven Common         533        Eagle Bald              6
Chickadee B. C.      369        Grouse Sharp-tailed     44
Nuthatch Red-brstd.   23        Robin American          2
Nuthatch White-brstd.  1        Shrike Northern         7
Waxwing Bohemian     744        Siskin Pine             12
Starling European   2334                                
Sparrow House        184        "C" LIST                
Sparrow Tree           8        American Wigeon          2
Junco Dark-eyed        2        Gr. Bl.Backed Gull       2
Bunting Snow         326        Northern Harrier         9
Grosbeak Pine          2        Northern Goshawk         2
                                Hawk Rough-legged       39

"A" List are birds expected     American Kestrel         1
"B" List are Birds not          Falcon Peregrine         1
expected but reported           Mockingbird Northern     1
"C" List are new birds for                      
the count                               
                    Grand Total             9308 

Feeder Count

Rock Dove               15
Mourning Dove           49
Downy Woodpecker         6
Hairy Woodpecker         4
Pileated Woodpecker      1
Blue Jay                10
American Crow            8
Common Raven             2
Black-capped Ckickadee  51
Red-breasted Nuthatch    2
White-breasted Nuthatch  5
European Starling       14
American Tree Sparrow   14
Dark-eyed Junco         19
Common Grackle           1
Purple Finch            16
American Goldfinch     124
American Robin           2
Herring Gull             1
Bohemian Waxwing        75

Hi Gord,
Following, is the update for the Birder Border Hotline. The weather has been exceptionally warm for December, with most nights hovering around the freezing mark and daytime temperatures rising to 5 degress C. This should give us an interesting Christmas Bird Count this year.

With the Christmas Bird Count for the Sault area, taking place on December 19th, birding activities are heating up. Remember, that birds seen this week can be included for the area's week count.

On December 8th, the Peregrine Falcon was still frequenting the international bridge and rapids area. That same day, an observer from Brimley, Michigan, counted 22 Rough-legged Hawks, 2 Northern Harriers and 1 American Kestrel in the agricultural area of the Upper Peninsula. He also had a very late Yellow-rumped Warbler at his feeder in Brimley, on December 9th.

At Bell's Point, on the 8th, there were, Mallards, 60 Scaup, 1 Adult Bald Eagle and 1 Common Loon. On December 11th, Mallards, Black Ducks and Common Goldeneyes were seen at the East Sewage Treatment Plant and just east of there at the foot of Dacey Rd., there were 60 Canada Geese, American Wigeon, Hooded Mergansers, 1 Northern Shrike and 300 Common Redpolls.

Waterfowl are still surprisingly plentiful and spread out in the Algoma area because most water bodies are not yet frozen over. On December 12th, 70 Tundra Swans and a flock of possibly hundreds of Snow Geese with some blue phase were seen in Lake George, off of Pumpkin Point.

The Northern Mockingbird still remains at Calabogie Rd. and Lakeview Rd., probably dodging the hunting efforts of a light phased Rough-legged Hawk in the same area. Some finches are beginning to show up at local feeders, with American Goldfinch and Common Redpolls in the White Pines High School area.

Hi gord,
Following, is the update for the Sault Ste. Marie Border Birder Hotline.

The long awaited news of owls turning up for the winter has begun with 1 Northern Hawk Owl reported west of Bruce Mines on November 26th and one Barred Owl was seen in the Peoples Road area, on December 1st.

On November 28th, 1 Gray Catbird and 1 Red-winged Blackbird, visited a feeder in Serpent River.

This past week has produced several flocks of Bohemian Waxwings with one flock of 50 at White Pines High School, 1 flock of 100 in the town of Espanola and 1 flock of 150 in the Penokian Hills Sanctuary.

Other late lingering birds reported were; 1 immature Bald Eagle in Spanish, 1 Northern Harrier on Hwy # 17 east of Spanish, 1 Red-necked Grebe in Mississauga Provincial Park, and both Red-necked Grebes and Horned Grebes in Harmony Bay.

On December 1st, at the St. Mary's River rapids, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Northern Shrike and 1 Glaucous Gull were observed. Another Glaucous Gull was reported on the 3rd in Elliott Lake and a regular pair of Pileated woodpeckers has been observed in the Peoples Rd. area.

November 27, 1998
The warm weather we have been experiencing is keeping many birds in the north and still feeding on natural foods.

On November 14th, 2 Gray Jays , 6 Buffleheads and 6 Common Goldeneyes were seen at Sand Bay.

On the 16th, 1 Belted Kingfisher and 1 Killdeer were at Lake George North. The Harlequin Ducks are back. On the 20th, 2 were reported in the headrace in front of Algoma Steel, with 6 Common Goldeneye.

There are still as many as 12 Tundra Swans lingering in Lake George along with 10 Ring-necked Duck and 2 Northern Shoveler. An occasional immature Bald Eagle can be seen there, also. 1 Northern Mockingbird was still at Lakeview Rd. on November 22nd. That same day had many reports of raptors in our area. 1 Golden Eagle was seen on Barrie Island, 1 immature Bald Eagle at Spanish and 1 immature Bald Eagle at Little Current. 1 American Kestrel, 1 Red-tailed Hawk and 1 Rough-legged Hawk along Hwy# 551, another at Laird Hill North, and 2 Rough-legged Hawk at Government Rd. and Echo Bay.

In the Manitoulin Island area, 2 Red-necked Grebes and 1 Great Black-backed Gull were at the South Bay Mouth. At Providence Bay, 2 Oldsquaw and 3 White-winged Scoter and 1 late Bonaparte's Gull at West Bay were observed.

At the Penokian Hills Sanctuary, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 12 Canada Geese, 1 Belted Kingfisher and 1 Northern Shrike remain.

The Northern Cardinal in Serpent River is still there, while another is now coming to a feeder on Fairview Ave. in the Sault. Also, while north of the Sault, Common Redpolls, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch, Pine Siskin, Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak and White-winged Crossbills can be seen in the conifer plantations.

Hi Gord,

Here are the most recent reports from the Algoma West area.

Bob Knudsen
jknuds@soonet,ca

October 23rd

The majority of songbirds have left for the south with some of the more northerly birds moving through now. Horned Larks and Water Pipits are beginning to dwindle in numbers with Snow Buntings now beginning to appear. There were several flocks seen on the Chapleau Highway on the 21st while 1 was seen at the rapids that same day.

American Robins are building in numbers with dozens of flocks being sighted feeding on Mountain Ash berries and 1 flock of twelve observed using a birdbath on Tuckett St.

On October 20th, a flock of 10 Soras were observed migrating across the St. Mary's River to Sugar Island, while 1 late Pine Warbler searched for food in the pines on the Ontario shore.

At Whitefish Point, 1 Great Black-backed Gull was seen on the 17th and 18th. Also on the 18th, 1 King Eider flew past the point. On the 20th, 1 Black-legged Kittiwake was seen and the next day 1 Harlequin Duck flew by. Let's hope the Harlequin turns up at the rapids this fall.

Out at Phin's Bay road an immature Red-headed Woodpecker turned up on the 21st. This may be the same bird reported last week at Airport Rd.

Finally, today one lucky birder photographed 20 Bald Eagles at Garden River.

November 1, 1998

There are still a number of migrants traveling through the area as well as some early winter birds.

On October 22nd, 4 Thayer's Gulls were seen at the rapids. One was a second year bird while three were first years. On the same day, 5 Tundra Swans were seen at Lake George.

In Serpent River, 1 Northern Cardinal was reported.

A White-winged Dove visited Whitefish Point on the 23rd through to the 28th, while lots of Scoters, Oldsquaws, Common Goldeneyes and Buffleheads flew past. Also at Whitefish, a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was seen for one hour on the 24th and 1 Black-legged Kittiwake and a Northern Shrike were observed on the 25th. On the 26th 1 Hoary Redpoll and 1 Clay-coloured Sparrow were coming to the feeders. On the 27th and 28th 1 unidentified Jaeger, 1 Pomerine Jaeger, 1 Black-backed Woodpecker and 1 Pine Grosbeak were reported.

This week on Tuckett St., Common Crows were seen feeding on mountain ash. They are probably trying to beat the starlings and the recently arriving grosbeaks to these berries.

Finally, from the Gordon Lake area, 2 Red-tailed Hawks, Wood Ducks, Common Goldeneyes, 2 late small flocks of Sandhill Cranes and 14 Tree Sparrows were reported. Some of the Tree Sparrows were singing, probably due to the mild fall weather we've been experiencing.

So that everyone is kept up to date, there have been no further reports of Whooping Cranes in the east. The small flocks seen on the 12th of October must have slipped by unnoticed.

November 11, 1998

Migration is beginning to wind down now with some good birds reported passing through with some still lingering.

On October 28th, 3 American Woodcock were seen at the Penokian Hills Sanctuary and the Spanish Lagoons were full of Scaup, Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads and 1 American Coot.

On November 1st, at the Echo Bay Marsh, 1 immature Bald Eagle flew over Hooded Mergansers and Common Goldeneyes. The same day, Pumpkin Point produced many Black Ducks, Mallards, Buffleheads, Common Goldeneyes, 1 American Coot, 1 Ring-necked Duck, 1 Pied-billed Grebe and a flock of Snow Buntings. At Lake George North there were 30 Tundra Swans, 3 Horned Grebes, 12 Common Loons, Herring Gulls, Common Goldeneyes, and Common Mergansers.

At Whitefish Point on the 29th, 1 Northern Cardinal, 1 Glaucous Gull and 1 unidentified Jaeger were seen. On the 30th, 1 Clay-coloured Sparrow still came to the feeder. On the 1st of November, 1 Greater Yellowlegs was seen. On the 2nd, 1 Glaucous Gull was reported and 1 Great Black-backed Gull and 1 Thayer's Gull were seen on the 2nd and 3rd respectively.

On Highway # 540 on Manitoulin Island, 6 Rough-legged Hawks were counted and at Barry's Island, 8 Lesser Golden Plovers were seen on November 4th. 1 immature Peregrine was at Little Current on the same day while during a Sault Naturalist outing at the Sault Locks on the 7th, 1 adult Peregrine flew over the international bridge. That outing was poor for gulls, but 1 first year Thayer's Gull was identified amongst 80 Herring Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls. 2 Oldsquaws were in front of the compensating gates and 1 Northern Shrike hunted by the visitor's centre.

At Lake George North as many as 46 Tundra Swans have accumulated with 12 Horned Grebes. Echo Bay Marsh had as many as 24 Hooded Mergansers on the 8th, and 1 Bald Eagle was seen on the same day at Pumpkin Point.

Finally, today at Bell's Point, 4 Tundra Swans, 2 Common Snipe, 5 Killdeer, 7 Ruddy Turnstones, 2 Lesser Yellowlegs and 4 Bald Eagles were reported amongst Hooded Mergansers and Mallards.

November 19, 1998.

An update on some missed bird reports goes back to October 25th, when an immature Red-headed Woodpecker fed at a feeder for two days in Blind River and the first Hoary Redpoll was seen at the feeder at Whitefish Point.

There have been reports of small flocks of Bohemian Waxwings moving into the Algoma area, with 31 at White Pines, 39 at St. Joseph's Island and 2 small flocks in Elliott Lake, during the last two weeks. Another very unusual report had two flocks of Sharp-tailed Grouse at two locations north of Elliott Lake. At Algoma Mills, on the 11th, 1 first year Kumlien's form of the Iceland Gull was reported.

On the 14th, one Black-backed Woodpecker was seen at the Hall's on Maple Leaf Road. On the 15th, at the east sewage treatment plant, there were; 2 Common Loon, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 43 Hooded Merganser, 2 Bufflehead, 2 Gadwall, 2 Redheads, 10 Black Ducks, 2 Ring-necked Duck and 4 Killdeer.

At Whitefish Point, on the 11th, 7 Franklin's Gulls, on the 12th and 15th, 1 Black-legged Kittiwake, on the 12th and 14th, 1 King Eider and 4 Franklin's Gulls at the mouth of the Tequemenon River. Also at their feeders are 1 late Savannah Sparrow, 1 late Vesper Sparrow and 1 late Chipping Sparrow.

In the Sault, on the 14th , 1 first year Glaucous Gull and 1 adult Thayer's Gull were on the rapids. On the 15th 1 Peregrine Falcon fed on a pigeon at the Steel Worker's Union. On the 17th 2 Peregrine Falcons 1 adult and 1 immature, were observed roosting under the international bridge above the rapids.

For those with internet service and are interested in participating in the 2nd Annual Great Backyard Bird Count, this event will take place between February 19th and February 22nd. This event involves volunteers across the continent, who record every bird seen at their feeders over this weekend and then report their daily counts via the internet. Results of this study, along with species maps, can be tracked instantly across North America.

This has been a very busy week with many excellent birds reported. At Whitefish Point there has been and probably still is 1 immature Sabine's Gull for over a week. There have been many unidentified Jaegers seen there as well as up to 68 Bohemian Waxwings, 1 Northern shrike, 2 Black-backed Woodpecker and a Short-eared Owl on the 11th. The best bird there was seen on the8th when an immature Black-legged Kittiwake flew by.

Eastern Bluebirds are trickling by with 1 seen at Kinsmen Park on the 13th and 2 on the 12th at Gordon Lake Rd.

Mines Sewage Lagoons are productive with many species of ducks including 2 Bufflehead and 7 Northern Shovelers. At Bruce Mines Point red-necked grebe and Horned Grebe were reported on the 12th.

On the 14th, 1 immature Red-headed Woodpecker was reported at 1388 Airport Rd. in the Sault.

On the 12th, the most significant sighting of the year was reported. 10 Whooping Cranes were seen by 1 very lucky retired biologist in Iron Bridge. These birds were flying from west to east at mid day, heading towards Blind River. If anyone spots these birds please call the Canadian Wildlife Service Whooping Crane Hotline at 306 975 5595.

Fall migration is well under way with many good migrates showing up. The first of White-winged Crossbills for the season turned up in Elliott Lake on September 19th. One lone Black-throated Green Warbler lingered there as well.

Hundreds of American Water Pipits with some Horned Larks and a few Lapland Longspurs have been reported from Pancake Bay to Iron Bridge, between September 22nd and October 4th.

Every fall there is always a few species of wildlife that are tricked into thinking it is spring with the shortening of the day lengths. On September 27th 1 Barred Owl and 2 Spring Peepers calling and on the 3rd of October, 2 Song Sparrows and 1 White-throated Sparrow were singing at the Sault Locks.

A Sault Naturalist Outing at Birch Point on the 27th , yielded; 195 Double-crested Cormorants, 185 Lesser and Greater Scaup, 42 Common Loon, 24 Canada Geese with 2 of those being the smaller Richardson,s Goose, 53 White-winged Scoters and 14 Surf Scoters were also seen. Best of all for this outing was the sighting of 2 Peregrine Falcons and 1 Bald Eagle.

On September 27th a visit to the Bruce Mines Sewage Lagoons produced many species of ducks with Blue-winged Teal being the most numerous.

At Whitefish Point an immature female Northern Wheatear was observed for 3 hours on September 18th. On the 19th 1 Dicksissel, 19 Bohemian Waxwings 1 Leconte's Sparrow and 1 Connecticut Warbler were seen. On the 20th 2 immature Sabine's Gulls flew past while 1 Leconte's Sparrow visited the feeder. The Leconte's Sparrow remained for the following day and 1 adult Sabine's Gull was observed. 11 Saw-whet owls and 1 Barred Owl were the first to be banded on the 29th. And, on the 30th of September 16 Bohemian Waxwings, 1 Black-backed Woodpecker and 1 Pomerine Jaeger were identified.

There are many good birds moving southwards through our area, now. On September 8th, mixed kettles of hawks were seen migrating along the North Shore, including, American Kestrel, Merlin, Sharp-shinned, Northern Harrier, Broad-winged Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks.

A wave of Orange-crowned Warblers traveled through the area on the 10th because at Leigh's Bay and at Pancake Bay Provincial Park 2 were seen at both locations. As well, at Leigh's Bay there were Red-necked Grebes and Cedar Waxwings.

Hundreds of American Water Pipits and Horned Larks are migrating along the highways from Wawa to the North Shore. Look for Bald Eagles along the rivers as the runs of salmon get underway. 2 were seen at the Mississauga River near Blind River.

From Whitefish Point on the 10th, 1 Black-backed Woodpecker and 1 Bohemian Waxwing were seen. On the 11th, 1 Smith's Longspur, 2 Bohemian Waxwings and 1 Parasitic Jaeger. On the 12th, 1 Black-backed Woodpecker and 2 Bohemian Waxwings. On the 14th, 1 Long-tailed Jaeger, 1 Parasitic Jaeger, 2 Unidentified Jaegers and 4 Bohemian Waxwings.

Flocks of Rusty Blackbirds and Brewer's Blackbirds can be seen gathering east of the Sault on the mainland and on St. Joseph's Island. In the fields many Northern Harriers can be seen flying low, hunting.

Once again, sewage lagoons are attracting many good species of waterfowl with 13 species of ducks sighted at Wawa, including, 35 American Coots, 1 Pintail, 1 Horned Grebe and 50 Canvasbacks and 2 Redheads at the Bruce Mines Sewage Lagoons.

Sandhill Cranes are gathering in their usual staging fields in Massey and east of Sault Ste. Marie. On Sept. 8th there were 300 at Massey and on Sept. 19th, for the Sault Naturalist outing, there were 1148 tallied between Calabogie Rd. and Bruce Mines. The highlight of this outing was finding 1 immature Yellow-headed Blackbird at Lapish Rd. and Lake George Rd., in Bar River.

Good birds are moving every day with many being reported. The highlight reported last night is an American White Pelican at the MNR complex on Ranger Lake. When these birds are reported in fall they usually will remain for a day or two, so try and make the trip.

From Whitefish Point, on August 21st through Aug. 24th, Connecticut Warbler, Dicksissel, 2 unidentified Jaegers, Leconte's Sparrow, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Bohemian Waxwing and 3300 red-necked Grebes were reported.

There were many shorebirds and ducks seen at Bruce Mines Sewage Lagoons. No individual species reported but this location can always be good during fall migration.

In Elliott Lake, 1 Common Nighthawk still remained on August 26th, while on Sept. 4th 15 were seen above the mouth of the Carp River.

On the 27th, 2 Red-shouldered Hawks were observed over the downtown area of the Ontario Sault, while 3 Northern Mockingbirds were found at Calabogie Rd. and Lakeshore Rd. on Sept. 3rd.

On the 6th, 5 Gray Jays and 1 Clay-coloured Sparrow were seen at Pancake Bay Provincial Park.

Finally, the 2 Black Crowned-night Herons can still be seen at the Sault Canal tailrace. These birds can be observed at 6:30am or 8:30pm each day.

Birds have been gathering in family groups throughout the month with more unusual sightings occurring each day. with mixed Vireos and Warblers being seen on the Voyageur Trail, along with Eastern Wood Pewee and Gray Catbird on the 3rd.

A first for the Echo Lake area was a family of American Wigeon observed this past July.

On August 9th, an early small kettle of 5 Broad-winged Hawks were seen flying over Walls Rd.

The Northern Mockingbird was seen still lingering at Calabogie Rd. on August 19th.

Mixed Vireos and Warblers were seen migrating through the Elliott Lake area while Common Nighthawks are gathering in numbers. Tree Swallows have virtually left the Algoma District while local populations of American Robins have left only to be replaced with more northerly individuals.

Many birds can be heard migrating at night these days. Thrushes have been moving in large numbers since August 19th.

On August 21st, there were 2 Bonaparte's Gulls seen patrolling the beach at Pancake Bay Provincial Park.

Finally, 2 Black Crowned-night Herons and 2 Lesser Yellowlegs were seen at the Sault Canal tailrace on August 22nd. These birds can be observed at 6:30am or 9:00 pm each day.

The past month bird activity has slowed down so much that there were very few sitings to report. However, on July 13th the first migrating Common Loon was observed flying southeast at Garden River. A family of 4 Bald Eagles resided near the St. Joseph Island bridge that same day.

1 Northern Mockingbird in reported Blind River gives us the 5th mockingbird reported in the Algoma District this summer, while Leconte's Sparrow and Black-billed Cuckoo were seen and heard at Echo River and Echo Lake Rd. on the 28th.

Gord,

One species which I forgot to mention in my report was a pair of Mute Swans on Crocker Lake northwest of White River. I did not see these birds but they were reported to me by the owner of H&C Lodge where we stay. I thought this was a little north of their usual range.

I just return from a yearly fishing trip to the Hammer Lake area south of White River. I was there from July 9 through July 18. We were mainly in the Hammer Lake area. I was with non-birders so birding time was limited.

Birds Observed:

        Common Loon - nesting birds with egg to half grown young

        Double-crested Cormorant - along Lake Superior in Lake Superior

                                   Provincial Park- 1 bird

        Great Blue Heron

        Canada Goose - Wawa Sewage Ponds

        American Black Duck

        Gadwall - Wawa Sewage Ponds

        Green-winged Teal - Wawa Sewage Ponds

        American Wigeon - Wawa Sewage Ponds

        Ring-necked Duck - Wawa Sewage Ponds

        Canvasback - adult male at Wawa Sewage Ponds - July 9

        Lesser Scaup - Wawa Sewage Ponds

        Common Goldeneye

        Bufflehead - Wawa Sewage Ponds

        Hooded Merganser - several w/young Lake McQuown

        Common Merganser

        Red-breasted Merganser

        Northern Goshawk - south of Dubreuilville - July 14

        Broad-winged Hawk

        Bald Eagle

        Osprey

        Merlin

        American Kestrel

        Spruce Grouse

        Ruffed Grouse

        Killdeer

        Solitary Sandpiper

        Spotted Sandpiper

        American Woodcock

        Herring Gull

        Ring-billed Gull

        Bonaparte's Gull - 2 at Wawa Sewage Ponds - July 18

        Mourning Dove - 1 north of Sault Ste. Marie - July 18

        Ruby-throated Hummingbird

        Belted Kingfisher

        Northern Flicker

        Pileated Woodpecker

        Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

        Hairy Woodpecker

        Downy Woodpecker

        Black-backed Woodpecker - several locations in the area

        Eastern Kingbird

        Alder Flycatcher

        Least Flycatcher

        Olive-sided Flycatcher

        Barn Swallow

        Cliff Swallow - colony of 6+ nests at H & C Lodge on Hammer Lake

        Gray Jay - very common this year

        Blue Jay

        Common Raven

        American Crow

        Black-capped Chickadee

        Boreal Chickadee

        White-breasted Nuthatch - 1 bird Lake McQuown

        Red-breasted Nuthatch

        Brown Creeper

        Winter Wren

        Gray Catbird - Wawa Sewage Ponds - July 9

        American Robin

        Hermit Thrush

        Swainson's Thrush

        Veery

        Eastern Bluebird - along Hwy 17 at Pancake Bay PP - July 18

        Golden-crowned Kinglet

        Ruby-crowned Kinglet

        Cedar Waxwing

        European Starling

        Solitary Vireo

        Red-eyed Vireo

        Black-and-white Warbler

        Nashville Warbler

        Northern Parula

        Yellow Warbler

        Magnolia Warbler

        Cape May Warbler

        Black-throated Blue Warbler

        Yellow-rumped Warbler

        Black-throated Green Warbler

        Blackburnian Warbler

        Chestnut-sided Warbler

        Bay-breasted Warbler

        Pine Warbler

        Ovenbird

        Northern Waterthrush

        Common Yellowthroat

        Wilson's Warbler

        Canada Warbler

        American Redstart

        House Sparrow

        Red-winged Blackbird

        Brewer's Blackbird - burn area in Upper Lola Lake area

        Common Grackle

        Scarlet Tanager

        Rose-breasted Grosbeak

        Evening Grosbeak

        Purple Finch

        Pine Siskin

        Savannah Sparrow

        Dark-eyed Junco

        Chipping Sparrow

        White-throated Sparrow

        Lincoln's Sparrow

        Swamp Sparrow

        Song Sparrow

This list is using the Stony White Sighting Records card so the order is not correct. Please contact me for any further details.

Results of Forest Bird Monitoring plots in the Ranger Lake Road area are showing that Broad-winged Hawk, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Swainson's Thrush, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Mourning Warbler and American Redstart are quite abundant. Eastern Wood Pewee, Wood Thrush and Rose-breasted Grosbeak are alarmingly low in numbers.

The two Northern Mockingbirds at Calabogie Rd. and Lakeview Dr. appear to be nesting there.

In the Gordon Lake area, Sandhill Crane, Upland Sandpiper, Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, Magnolia Warbler and American Redstart have all successfully raised their families. Osprey, Bald Eagle, Wood Duck, Black-billed Cuckoo and Warbling Vireo have been observed there also.

Hi Gord,

This past week has shown that many of the breeding birds are finishing up with raising their families. Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, and Wood Duck have raised their first broods and can be seen travelling in their family groups. On the Ranger Lake Rd. families of both species of Crossbills can be seen pecking for grit and then feeding in the conifers nearby.

West of the Ontario Sault, Wood Thrush, Veery and Hermit Thrush are singing on Walls Rd., while Wood Thrush, Veery, Hermit Thrush and Swainson's Thrush can be heard on the Ranger Lake Rd.

On June 28th, 2 Marsh wrens were heard singing from the cattails at the Pumpkin Point viewing shelter. Also on the 28th, 1 Leconte's Sparrow was heard singing on territory at Echo River and Echo Lake Rd.

For those travelling in the Wawa area, there has been an American White Pelican reported feeding at the mouth of the Michipicoten River and Fine Sand Creek, for the last month. While in Wawa, check the sewage lagoons west of town. These lagoons harbour a wide variety of nesting ducks including Eurasian Wigeon.

This month of June is beginning to display the usual characteristics of most Junes. The birds are settling down to raising their families, defending territories and warding off predators.

Baltimore Orioles are showing up for close views in the residential areas of the east end of the Sault. The 2 Northern Mockingbirds are still at Maple Leaf Rd. For details and instructions call the Halls at 248-1834.

On June 21st, there was a family of Wood Ducks and a family of Northern Shovelers observed at the Bruce Mines Sewage Lagoons. Sewage Lagoons may not be the most scenic and aromatic landscape to visit but at this time of the year can be quite productive birdwise.Also on the same day another Northern Mockingbird lingered at Calabogie Rd. and Lakeview Rd. One American Woodcock was flushed at the west end of Calabogie Rd.

Thanks go out to those who participated in the first annual Sault Naturalists Spring Warbler Count. Even if you made one visit to your selected woodlot, your data is important. Please submit to me by email at jknuds@soonet.ca or snail mail to my address.

After working through the boreal forest these past two weeks I am finally back so this hotline can be updated.

A preliminary report from the Vermillion Bay banding station has shown that American Redstart and Magnolia Warblers were the most abundant species banded this spring. The overall numbers of birds banded were down, leading to speculation that the calm weather during migration caused most of the birds to fly over without stopping.

On June 6th 1 Northern Mockingbird was seen on Maple Leaf Rd., east of Echo Bay. And on the 7th two Northern Mockingbirds were confirmed by several birders.

An update from Blind River had 19 Black-bellied Plover with one Golden Plover still remaining on the 7th .

Black Terns returned to Ottertail Lake and Gordon Lake on the 10th and 1 Red-shouldered Hawk was seen on Diamond Lake Rd. east of Diamond Lake that same day.

On June 14th both Northern Mockingbirds were still on Maple Leaf Rd., while one more Northern Mockingbird was seen at Calabogie Rd. and Lakeview Dr.

With the fear that Wood Thrush has been recently declining it is good to receive a report of one male singing on Walls Rd. and several males singing on Ranger Lake Rd. this past two weeks.

Thank you for calling the Sault Ste. Marie Border Birder Hotline.

Sponsored by the Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan. This update brought to you on June 18, 1998, by Bob Knudsen.

After working through the boreal forest these past two weeks I am finally back so this hotline can be updated.

A preliminary report from the Vermillion Bay banding station has shown that American Redstart and Magnolia Warblers were the most abundant species banded this spring. The overall numbers of birds banded were down, leading to speculation that the calm weather during migration caused most of the birds to fly over without stopping.

On June 6th 1 Northern Mockingbird was seen on Maple Leaf Rd., east of Echo Bay. And on the 7th two Northern Mockingbirds were confirmed by several birders.

An update from Blind River had 19 Black-bellied Plover with one Golden Plover still remaining on the 7th.

Black Terns returned to Ottertail Lake and Gordon Lake on the 10th and 1 Red-shouldered Hawk were seen on Diamond Lake Rd. east of Diamond Lake that same day.

On June 14th both Northern Mockingbirds were still on Maple Leaf Rd., while one more Northern Mockingbird was seen at Calabogie Rd. and Lakeview Dr.

With the fear that Wood Thrush has been recently declining it is good to receive a report of one male singing on Walls Rd. and several males singing on Ranger Lake Rd. this past two weeks.

The dramatic turn in our weather this past few days has brought on the later migrants. Many shorebirds are being reported from the Sault to Blind River. On May 31st, at Echo Bay there were 21 Dunlin and 5 Sanderlings. The same day, the Blind River area had 108 Black-bellied Plover, 27 Dunlin, Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Ruddy Turnstones. Also at Blind River there was a rare Western Kingbird visiting.

On the Third Line and Black Road on May 31st were 19 Black-bellied Plover and at the Second Line Extension 1 Black-bellied Plover, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 1 Semipalmated Plover and 4Dunlin were seen.

As always, please leave news of any of your bird observations. Remember to include your name and phone #, date and location of your observations after the beep. Until June 17th , or earlier, Great Birding in the Border Area.

Hi Gord,

Here is the update for the Border Birder Hotline for the past week.May 27, 1998

Thank you for calling the Sault Ste. Marie Border Birder Hotline.

Sponsored by the Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan. This update brought to you on May 27, by Bob Knudsen.

This past two weeks seems to have brought us an early summer. Most of the migrants have arrived, with some of the rarities beginning to show up.

On the 18th 1 male Black-chinned Hummingbird was reported coming to a feeder and gardens on St. Joseph's Island. It remained through the week and was last reported on Saturday May 23rd.

2 Parasitic Jaegers flew by the point at Whitefish Point on May 19th. Several sightings of other Jaegers have occurred through the week. Other sightings at Whitefish Point included 1 Red Knot, 1 Pacific Loon, 12 Mute Swans and 1 Eider on the 22nd. And today, 2 more Jaegers and 1 Western Kingbird were seen.

At Gordon Lake the Upland Sandpipers have returned on the 17th along with the usual Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Gray Catbirds Great Crested Flycatchers and Eastern Kingbirds.

At Echo Bay, there were some waders seen on the 24th and 25th. 1 Black-bellied Plover, 3 Dunlin, 2 Sanderling, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, and 1 Killdeer. Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal and 2 Northern Shovelers can still be seen on Lake George.

On the 24th of May 1 Red-necked Grebe was seen at Maimanse Harbour and the first Common Nighthawk flew over White Pines Collegiate today May 27th.

Hi Gord,

Helen Fischer saw the Black-chinned Hummingbird this morning, Saturday May 23,1998. Last reported at 9:30 am.

The fire route address is 1252 "U" Line on St. Joseph's Island. I have been out there once and only saw Ruby-throateds. To this point in time, Helen and her family are the only people to see the Black-chinned. They are trying to obtain photos and are in receipt of a rare bird report.

Hi Gord,
I just received a report of a Black-chinned Hummingbird male at a feeder and flowers on St. Joseph's Island. It is located on the north side of "U" Line about 1 km west of the Baseline on the southeast quadrant of the island. The name of the landowner is Mrs. Helen Fischer. I am not certain if the name appears on a mail box or not, however, everybody knows the Fischers on the island.

Hi Gord,
ITs been busy this past week, so here is the update. Not mentioned on the hotline was a siting of 2 Parasitic Jargers at Whitefish Point last evening, May18th.
Bob K.May 18, 1998

Thank you for calling the Sault Ste. Marie Border Birder Hotline.

Sponsored by the Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan.
This update brought to you on May 18, by Bob Knudsen.

Spring migration is now well under way in the border area. The first long awaited Ruby-throated Hummingbird arrived at a feeder on Drummond Island, on May 9th and a Northern Parula was seen at Sand Bay.

On the 10th 1 Magnolia Warbler was seen on Whitefish Island, a pair of Northern Cardinals were coming to a feeder on Danby Rd. and 1 Prairie Warbler was at Whitefish Point.
Also, at Calabogie Rd. and Lakeview Rd. 1 Grasshopper Sparrow and 1 Clay-coloured Sparrow were seen.

Another Northern Cardinal was seen on 4th Line on the 11th.

On the 13th, a strong migration occurred at Gros cap with American Redstarts, Black-throated Greens, Blackpolls, Palms, Magnolias, Black & Whites, Chestnut-sideds, Blackburnians, Nashvilles, Yellow Warblers, Northern Waterthrush, and 150 Common Loons arriving. In the late evening a flight of Oldsquaws passed over the Sault Ontario downtown area.

On the 14th, the first Canada Goose goslings were reported at Pumpkin Point Marsh.

On the 16th another Ruby-throated Hummingbird made his first appearance and on the 17th, 1 Baltimore Oriole was reported at Wayne Court.

And finally, from Whitefish Point, 1 Mississippi Kite was seen, (probably the same bird), on the 15th and 16th. On the 16th and 17th 1 Piping Plover was at the point and there are still Great Gray Owl and many Boreal Chickadees remaining.

Hi Gord;
Here is the update for the week of May 7.

Thank you for calling the Sault Ste. Marie Border Birder Hotline.

Sponsored by the Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan. This update brought to you on May 7, by Bob Knudsen.

This week, migration is well under way with the advance of the weak low pressure area yesterday. For May 7th,amazingly the leaves are almost fully out on the majority of tree species in the Sault.

On April 30th at Calabogie Rd.a very early Bobolink was reported. The first of May brought the first Brown Thrasher singing on territory at White Pines High School, while 2 Northern Shovelers were found at the foot of the St. Mary's Rapids.

On May 2nd, at Echo Bay 2 Gadwall and 2 American Coot were reported along with 1 Eastern Bluebird and 1 Yellow Warbler at Calabogie Rd. and Lakeshore Dr.

May 1st begins the Spring Warbler Surveys across Ontario yet despite the early spring, warblers other than Yellow-rumped have been scarce in the Sault.

On May 3rd,amongst many Yellow-rumped Warblers on Thornloe Cres. 1 Olive-sided Flycatcher was spotted with 1 Chimney Swift flying overhead. That same day produced the first Caspian Tern of the area seen at Desbarats and a patient birder counted 82 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on St. Joseph's Island, along with a Grasshopper Sparrow at "P" Line and the 10th Sideroad.

On May 4th, from Whitefish Point, a Marbled Godwit flew by the point and on the 5th 2 Swainson's Hawks migrated over the sand dunes.

May 6th was the big migration day for the week, with 50 Water Pipits, 1 Nashville Warbler and 3 Palm Warblers reported at the Sault Airport, 2 Black-throated Green Warblers, 2 Red-eyed Vireos, and 1 Spotted Sandpipers at Red Rock Rd. At the Sault Locks, the 2 Harlequin Ducks were seen and after the fog lifted a flight of 5 kettles of Broad-winged Hawks totaling 250 flew north along with a flight of Common Loons with 1 Red-throated Loon tallied.

Finally, from Whitefish Point many warblers, Bonaparte's Gulls, large kettles of Broad-winged Hawks and big numbers of Boreal Chickadees were reported.

As always, please leave news of any of your bird observations. Remember to include your name and phone #, date and location of your observations after the beep. Until May 15th, or earlier, Great Birding in the Border Area.

Hi Gord,
This is the update for the Border Birder Hotline.

Thank you for calling the Sault Ste. Marie Border Birder Hotline.

Sponsored by the Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan.
This update brought to you on April 30, by Bob Knudsen.

Spring is quickly advancing in the border area. With the recent warm weather the trembling aspen are flushing out in leaf as the wood frogs are tapering off their night time chorus. Leopard frogs and spring peepers can be heard calling now. Trout lilies, spring beauty and Canada anemones are out in flower.

On the 24th of April 4 greater yellowlegs, 3 killdeer and 1 broad-winged hawk were seen at Jones Landing and Highway 17, while many waves of evening grosbeak flew overhead.

On the same day many purple finch, dark-eyed junco and american goldfinch were reported coming to a feeder on Sugar Island.

From the FON Northern Conference on April 25th a trip to Robertson Lake Cliffs and the headrace at the Sault Locks yielded 1 bald eagle and the 2 male harlequin ducks, respectively.

Also on the 25th, 6 osprey were back on nests in the Echo Bay area. A barn swallow at Lakeshore Dr., 1 eastern bluebird on Watson's Rd. and 15 savannah sparrow on Echo Lake Rd. were observed.

The most notable, yet to be confirmed, were 2 american white pelicans reported on Wednesday April 29th at Pumpkin Point Bay.

The raptor migration at Whitefish Point is well under way with 2 bald eagle, 3 northern harrier, 60 sharp-shinned hawk, 2 northern goshawk, 1 red-shouldered hawk, 170 broad-winged hawk, 25 red-tailed hawk, 6 rough-legged hawk, 1 american kestrel, 4 merlin and 1 peregrine counted on April 30, 1998.

Common loons were migrating in large numbers with 200 counted at Calabogie Rd. and Lakeview Dr.. At Pumpkin Point, 5 american bittern and 1 virginia rail were calling. 2000 mostly lesser and some greater scaup were counted in Lake George.

As always, please leave news of any of your bird observations. Remember to include your name and phone #, date and location of your observations after the beep. Until May 8th, or earlier, Great Birding in the Border Area.

Thank you for calling the Sault Ste. Marie Border Birder Hotline.

Sponsored by the Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan. This update brought to you on the 24th of April, by Bob Knudsen.

Recent warm weather had birders expecting to find many new migrants in the twin Saults. However over the past week there has been a trickling of birds each day.

On April 18th there was 1 Glaucous Gull and 1 Great Black-backed Gull found amongst 5000 Herring Gulls at the 5th line dump.

2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets were singing near 1 Hermit Thrush behind White Pines High School on the 19th.

A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and a Black and White Warbler were observed at the Sault Locks also on the 19th.

An American Bittern, 1 Winter Wren and a Turkey Vulture were at Island Lake on the 19th.

At Pumpkin Point 24 Tundra Swans remained on April 20th.

On the 21st the first Lesser Yellowlegs was seen at the Sault Canal and the same day a Pine Warbler was heard singing at Fournier and Queen St.

On the 22nd a small wave of sparrows came into the Sault. 1 Vesper Sparrow, 2 Chipping Sparrow and 1 White-throated Sparrow were at a feeder at Terry Fox Place along with 20 Dark-eyed Juncos and 2 Tree Sparrows.

Finally, on April 24th, a wave of Evening Grosbeaks have returned with many seen and heard across the Ontario Sault.

As always, please leave news of any of your bird observations. Remember to include your name and phone #, date and location of your observations after the beep. Until the first of May, or earlier, Great Birding in the Border Area.

Thank you for calling the Sault Ste. Marie Border Birder Hotline.

Sponsored by the Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan. This update brought to you on the 16th of April, by Bob Knudsen.

A trip to Whitefish Point on the 11th produced Fox Sparrow, Winter Wren, Purple Finch, Red-shouldered Hawk, Golden Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, and Sharp-shinned hawk, for two birders.

Many other migrants have been reported this past week.

On the 12th, 2 Vesper Sparrows were reported on Walls Rd.

Also on the 12th a trip out east of the Sault yielded two birders 65 species. 1 American Bittern, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 Golden Eagle, 1 Common Snipe, 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and 1 Brewer's Blackbird were the highlights.

Trembling Aspen and Red Maples are beginning to flower today with the welcomed rains we are receiving. These rains are bringing the first wave of warblers north to the Sault.
6 Yellow-rumped warblers were seen at the Sault canals in between showers. 2 more were seen at White Pines High School in the east end.

As always, please leave news of any of your bird observations. Remember to include your name and phone #, date and location of your observations after the beep. Until April 24th, or earlier, Great Birding in the Border Area.

Thank you for calling the Sault Ste. Marie Border Birder Hotline. Sponsored by the Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan. This update brought to you on the 10th of April, by Bob Knudsen.

Taking over Ed’s Hotline will be a hard act to follow. I hope that with your patience I will become as good at it as Ed was. On the 3rd and 4th of April on St. Joseph’s Island many American Woodcock were courting along with Barred Owls, Northern Saw-Whet Owls, Northern Harriers, and Killdeer. On the 5th of April one observant birder found the first Tree Swallow of the year at Echo Bay.

With early open water in the Lake George and Echo Bay areas many waterfowl are returning. 33 Tundra Swans, 50 Ring-necked Ducks, Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons and a Wood Duck were seen. On the Huron Line on St. Joseph’s Island, 2 Pintails were seen foraging in the fields with Canada Geese and Mallards on April 5th and 6th. As well, 16 Sharp-tailed Grouse were lekking on Calabogie Rd. To observe this interesting behavior be sure to arrive early in the mornings.

Robertson Lake Cliffs saw the return of a Peregrine Falcon on the 8th of April. Also on the 8th 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 60 Lesser Scaup and 1 Adult Bald Eagle were at Pumpkin Point and the first Common Flicker was singing at White Pines.

On Livingston Rd. in Thessalon, 2 Eastern Phoebes were singing with 4 American Kestrels and 1 immature Bald Eagle nearby on the 9th of April. Also on the 9th, a Fox Sparrow was singing his cheery song at White Pines.

Many of our songsters are now returning to greet us with a chorus of morning song. It is the time of year to get out your tapes and review the recordings to brush up on the many songs.

As always, please leave news of any of your bird observations. Remember to include your name and phone #, date and location of your observations after the beep. Until April 17th, or earlier, Great Birding in the Border Area.

Hi Gord,

It is funny how things go. I've been running the Border Birder Hotline here in Sault Ste. Marie since February 1992, until March 30th 1998 when I handed the job over to Bob Knudsen. it so happens that the same day is when I finally got an email address. So I'm sure Bob will keep the Ontario Birding Home Page updated as to what information is available from the Bird Hotline, but here are some sightings that I have for the past few days.

Spring arrived all at once in the border area on Saturday March 29th.

Observations for March 30th include:
2 - Harlequin Ducks drakes at the GLPH headrace
1 - Greylag Goose probably an escapee at GLPH headrace
3,000 - Herring Gulls at Base of St. MArys River Rapids
5 - Glaucous Gulls at Base of St. MArys River Rapids
50 - Canada Geese
American Robins all over
Common Grackle same

Observations for March 31st:
200 Mallard and Black Duck - Lake George Road
6 Green-winged Teal - Lake George Road
2 Gadwall - Lake George Road
4 Bald Eagle - Echo Bay Marsh
1 Osprey - Echo Bay Marsh
Several hundred Hooded and Common Mergansers
1 - Eastern Meadowlark - Lake George Road
1 - Northern Shrike - Lake George Road
3 - Northern Harriers - Watson Road

Thats about it for today, will keep everyone posted as spring progresses

I am sure Bob will do an excellent job as well

Gord Gallant
gallantg@interlog.com

Spring is definiately showing it's face around Sault Ste. Marie!

Heard woodcocks and winter wrens Friday March.27

Trip to Gros Cap on Sunday March 29 revealed 4 Red-tailed Hawks,
1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Bald Eagel, 1 Sandhill Crane.

Hi, Gord,

I feel a little foolish writing to you - I'm just getting into internet correspondence, and I am only a casual birdwatching. I really enjoy your website, and have spent lots of time trying to find out what is unusual for this area and what is not. (for example, I quickly learned not to get too excited at my sighting of 50 or so Bohemian waxwings, though they certainly gave me a thrill!!)

My question is simply this - is a cardinal in Sault Ste. Marie an unusual sight or not? We had a flying visit (pun intentional!!) from male and female in Nov. 96, a possible sighting Nov. 97, and this morning (March 1, 98) a glorious serenade from one definite male cardinal, and a possible female lurking in a sunny tree. I'm excited whether it's unusual or not - but I'm curious. My friends in southern Ontario have nuisance cardinals - those who chase off the little songbirds. It seems hard to believe that only 5 hours north, they could be so rare a sighting.

That's all. Thanks for all your work on the website - it's much appreciated!!

I hope your pair mate successfully.

Sincerely,
Gord Gallant
gallantg@interlog.com

Hi Gord,
Joanne and I were shopping for our supply of niger seed at White Rose on Black Road on Tuesday Feb.3/98. We past the tropical plant display and saw 1 Song Sparrow skulking amongst the plants. We learned from the assistant manager that this bird has been indoors since October. This is an unusual bird for over-wintering in the Sault, but with the aid of feeder seed 2 aisles away and the warm temps. inside this song sparrow will probably survive this winter.

Hi Gord,
This is the final tally for the Sault Ste. Marie Christmas Bird Count provided to me by Don Wiltshire, our Christmas Bird Count coordinator.
Many thanks to Don and all of our volunteers.

Bob Knudsen
jknuds@soonet.ca

Kathy Beardsley and I birded the Sault Ste. Marie area with some success. The Gyrfalcon was not visible from the Soo Edison Power Plant. However, it was seen from the railroad bridge next to the International Bridge. This is accessible from West Pier Rd. off of Portage Ave. (Thanks to Jim Grandlund for this tip).

Virtually no owls were seen, except for one SNOWY OWL at Seymour and 5 Mile.

Two NORTHERN SHRIKES were found, one behind the USA Mini-Mart at I-75 and Easterday, near the Welcome Center. The other at 6 Mile Rd and Piche. 6 SHARP-TAILED GROUSE were found at M-129 at 11 Mile= Rd. PINE GROSBEAKS were found throughout.

3 HOARY REDPOLLS were seen at the feeders at Whitefish Pt Observatory building at the Point parking lot (the feeder did not look stocked, but the Redpolls were still there_.

1 GRAY JAY was seen along M-123 at a feeder near a one-room cabin marked H-67, about 7 miles north of Newberry (No pine martin was seen)

ON the Canadian Soo side, 2 male HARLEQUIN DUCKS were spotted at the head race of the St. Mary's. Among the 100 or so Mallards was a female GREEN-WINGED TEAL there. From the river access near the mall parking lot, we saw 2 GLAUCOUS GULLS on the ice.

South of the Mackinac Bridge in Cheboygen County, we spotted an AMERICAN KESTREL about 10 miles south of the bridge, which is far north for this time of year for this species.

Hi! I am bird watcher. I've only been at it for a short time and I was wondering if you can tell me what type of birds I should be looking for? So far I've only spotted house sparrows, chick-a-dees-bluejays, starlings, woodpeckers (downey and hairy), red breasted nuthatch, pigons (these I would like to get rid of), crows, common red polls and one dark eyed junco.

Thank-you

Karl Overman reports the following regarding an extended weekend trip to the Soo. I saw the Gyrfalcon roosting on the Soo Edison building in the American Soo on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 2 & 3. On Friday I arrived at the Soo Edison building at 4:20 p.m. and the Gyr was on the cupola of the building. At 5:45 it flipped into a window well in the middle of the building out of sight. Then five minutes later it flew off and landed in the window well at the extreme east end of the plant and presumably spent the night there. On Saturday, we arrived at 4:35 p.m. at the plant. It was cold and very windy and they Gyr was already roosting but this time in the corner window well facing the parking area in the adjacent park.

Other bird news from the Soo: No Hawk Owl or Great Gray seen with Neebish and Sugar Islands checked. Large numbers of Bohemian Waxwings seen on Sugar Island on Jan. 3rd. On transient flock of 300 seen crossing into Ontario and groups up to 30 seen at 4 other sites (apple trees) in the north central part of the island. On location was on the north side of 3 Mile Road on Sugar Island where Pine Grosbeaks (widespread this weekend) and a single Sharp-taileld Grouse were feeding under the tree. A single male Harlequin Duck was seen in with goldeneyes in the power canal on the Ontario side on Jan. 3rd. Seems to be a good winter for Hoary Redpolls. I saw them at two feeders on Jan. 3rd: In the Dafter area, I saw a Hoary in with other Redpolls (plus Evening Grosbeaks), Pine Grosbeaks and a Grackle) at 11813 H-63, just south of the turn to the Dafter dump. I saw another Hoary on 8 Mile Road at a feeder on the south side of the road less than a half mile west of M-129. Rod Planke told me that a birder recently saw 6 repolls at the feeder at Whitefish Point with 4 being Hoary Redpolls. I saw a Snowy Owl in the area of M-129 and 5 Mile Road on Jan 2nd and another from I-75 in the Rudyard area. On M-123 in Luce County, guessing 8 miles east of Newberry at essentially a one room cabin with the number 67 on it on the south side of the road, two Gray Jays and a Pine Martin were coming to feeders. The owner says the Pine Martin is there daily. I had 5 Gray Jays coming to a roadside deer carcass 300 yards east of this cabin. This was on Jan. 4th.

Hi Gord,
It has been an extremely mild fall in the Sault. Most of the birds are widely dispersed because there is only about 5cm of snow on the ground. This time the last two years we have had over 1m. Lake Superior, St. Mary's River and Lake George are wide open. Following is my list from the C-8 section of the Sault Ste. Marie Christmas Bird Count which took place on Dec. 20, 1997. I will try to provide you with the entire count when it is made available to me. C-8 section is located in the centre of the Canadian side. It takes in the canal area, bounded by the steel plant to the west and Church St. to the east. There was aparty of four observers; Bob Knudsen, Mark Klym, Nathan Klym and Joan Jones. Total time spent was 9.5 hours, of which 4.5 were spent on foot. A total of 57.7km were driven.

1 Common Loon
59 Mallard
2 Harlequin Duck
25 Common Goldeneye
10 Common Merganser
1 Red-breasted Merganser
1 Bald Eagle (imm)
716 Herring Gull
8 Glaucous Gull (3 adult, 5 first year)
1 Great Black-backed Gull ( first year )
166 Rock Dove
14 American Crow
4 Common Raven
18 Black-capped Chickadee
250 Bohemian Waxwing
1 Northern Shrike
153 European Starling
7 Common Redpoll
92 House Sparrow

Mammals seen; 1 Red Squirrel, 1 Beaver, 1 Mink

Weather; Mostly sunny, brisk Northwest winds, High temp. -2C, Low temp. -9C.

I thought I would take some time to update some of the Sault Ste. Marie sitings for the week of Dec. 12.

1 Common Loon              	        @ tail race of St. Mary's River

22 Common Goleneye                              

1 Red-breasted Merganser                   

5 Common Merganser                                 

1 Great Blue Heron                      @ St. Mary's Rapids Dec. 8

1 Immature Bald Eagle                        

1 Red-Tailed Hawk                       @ Sault Locks       

1 First Year Iceland Gull               @ St. Mary's Rapids

2 Adult, 1 first year Glaucous Gull     

4 Common Crow                                  

3 Common Raven                                

1 Northern Shrike                               

900+ Bohemian Waxwing                         

1 White-breasted Nuthatch               @ My feeder

1 Red-breasted Nuthatch                      

3 American Golfinch                             

5 Common Redpoll

Hi Gord, I just received the following report from Ed Czerwinski, Sault Ste Marie:

Terry Carr
tcarr@onlink.net

Recent highlights include (as of Decmber 4):

Loads of Bohemian Waxwings everywhere. High counts of 300+ at the Canadian Soo Locks, and several hundred at Goulais Bay on 30 November. Still lingering at feeders in sault Ont. are a common grackle and a catbird as of 4 December.

Bald Eagles have been seen from Neebish Island , through the waterfront - St. Mary's River to batchewana Bay - where open water exists. A snowy owl was reported at Mamainse Harbour on the 1st of December. A red-bellied Woodpecker has been at a feeder off Neebish Road December 1, 1997.

Late in the year is a report of an American Coot offshore at Richards Landing, St. Joseph Island

Finally, birding at the Canadina Sault Locks can reveal the following: 2 Glaucous gulls, a 1st winter Iceland Gull, 2 drake Harlequin ducks and a red-tailed Hawk.

Good luck Terry, I hope all is well in Elliot Lake.

This weekend a fellow birder and I birded Chippewa County. Here are our most notable sightings.

At the Sault Edison Power Plant, the Gyrfalcon was at its "favorite" perch atop the middle of the building at 1:30 PM Friday. It flew off down the river.

Also in the Sault, we had 3 Glaucous Gulls and about 70 Bohemian Waxwings. Four other competent birders reported to us an adult Thayer's Gull and a 2nd winter Iceland Gull. All of these were seen from the Canadian side, right near the main bridge (a continuation of I-75) near the bottom of the rapids, or on the opposite side of the bridge amidst hundreds of Herring and Ring-BilledGulls.

At Whitefish Pt. we had a flock of Red Crossbills, and at the harbor south of the Pt. we had 6 Pine Grosbeaks, an Oldsquaw, and a late Sanderling.

Good Birding To All-

This week's bird highlights include:

17 November -
3 - 1st Winter Iceland Gulls
1 - Adult Thayer's Gull
2 - Glaucous Gulls

21 November -
1 - 1st Winter Great Blackbacked Gull
1 - 1st Winter Thayer's Gull

23 November -
4 - Glaucous Gulls
1 - 1st Winter Great Black Backed Gull

Also at rapids - Rusty Blackbird, 300 Bohemian Wawwings at feeders. Catbird, 23-24 November, Common & Hoary Redpolls. Late - a great blue heron at rapids on the 25th of November.

Hi Gord,
I was searching Gibboney Lake for Sandhill Crane nests, yesterday. No nests but a non-banded Peregrine circled over our canoe. It had an unusual plumage. It was an adult but the tail was rufous from the tip to almost white at the rump on the dorsal side. This bird is probably so distinctive it would not require banding. Our bird migration has slowed for the last two weeks. This is a list of what we saw for the day.

3 Double-crested Cormorant

1 American Bittern              1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
1 Great Blue Heron              2 Red-breasted Nuthatch
1 Canada Goose                  2 American Robin
2 Green-winged Teal             25 Yellow-rumped Warbler
2 Blue-winged Teal              1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
2 Gadwall                       2 Tree Sparrow
6 Bufflehead                    4 Chipping Sparrow
2 Hooded Merganser              6 Savannah Sparrow
2 Common Merganser              2 Song Sparrow
2 Turkey Vulture                8 Swamp Sparrow
2 Osprey                        4 White-throated Sparrow
1 Bald Eagle                    2 White-crowned Sparrow
1 Northern Harrier              5 Boblink
2 Broad-winged Hawk             10 Red-winged Blackbird
2 American Kestrel              6 Rusty Blackbird
1 Virginia Rail                 3 Brewer's Blackbird
55 Sandhill Crane               6 Common Grackle
1 Killdeer                      4 Brown-headed Cowbird  
3 Lesser Yellowlegs             3 Purple Finch
1 Spotted Sandpiper             1 Pine Siskin
2 Caspian Tern                  4 American Goldfinch
1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird     2 Evening Grosbeak
1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker      
2 Common Flicker
2 Eastern Phoebe
1 Great Crested Flycatcher
30 Tree Swallow
1 Bank Swallow
5 Cliff Swallow
3 Barn Swallow
1 Hermit Thrush