Christmas Count - December 27, 1998

Species (57)                    1   2   3   4   5 TOTAL 

GREBE, HORNED.................  2                     2 
GOOSE, CANADA.................300     595  14   4   913 
AM. BLACK DUCK................102       3  60  18   183 
MALLARD.......................585      73   7   2   667 
N. PINTAIL.................... 15                    15 
GADWALL....................... 20                    20 
REDHEAD.......................  7                     7 
SCAUP, GREATER................ 15                    15 
OLDSQUAW...................... 85             190   275 
SCOTER, WHITE-WINGED..........              9         9 
GOLDENEYE, COMMON.............250     140  66  50   506 
BUFFLEHEAD....................175          17 125   317 
MERGANSER, COMMON.............          2       4     6 
MERGANSER, RED-BREASTED.......  1           2   7    10 
NORTHERN HARRIER..............  3   1   1   1   4    10 
HAWK, RED-TAILED..............  8   1  10  15   5    39 
HAWK, ROUGH-LEGGED............  8   1  10   9   6    34 
Buteo, sp.                                  1         1 
AMERICAN KESTREL..............  1       3   2   3     9 
RING-NECKED PHEASANT..........  1   2           1     4 
GULL, BONAPARTE'S.............  6               4    10 
GULL, RING-BILLED.............  1           8  25    34 
GULL, HERRING................. 40      12   3   4    59 
GULL, GLAUCOUS................  1                     1 
GULL, GREATER BLACK-BACKED.... 20       9   5   7    41 
gull, sp.                                   5         5 
DOVE, ROCK....................         22   3  20    45 
DOVE, MOURNING................160  15  20  11  20   226 
OWL, GREAT HORNED.............  3   2           1     6 
OWL, LONG-EARED...............      3   8            11 
OWL, SHORT-EARED..............  5                     5 
OWL, NORTHERN SAW-WHET........      2                 2 
WOODPECKER, RED-HEADED........              1         1 
WOODPECKER, RED-BELLIED.......              1         1 
WOODPECKER, DOWNEY............  3   2   2   2   6    15 
WOODPECKER, HAIRY.............  1       1       2     4 
NORTHERN FLICKER..............          2   2         4 
JAY, BLUE..................... 10  17  16  14  12    69 
AMERICAN CROW.................  3   3   6   5  12    29 
CHICKADEE, BLACK-CAPPED....... 20  24  39  14  15   112 
NUTHATCH, WHITE-BREASTED......      3   2   2   4    11 
BROWN CREEPER.................                  2     2 
WREN, MARSH...................  1                     1 
AMERICAN ROBIN................  1       2   6         9 
WAXWING, CEDAR................         12            12 
SHRIKE, NORTHERN..............              1         1 
EUROPEAN STARLING.............425 100  76  25  50   676 
WARBLER, YELLOW-RUMPED........          8   3        11 
NORTHERN CARDINAL.............  1   2       3   4    10 
SPARROW, AMERICAN TREE........ 25  50  22  18  70   185 
SPARROW, SONG................. 20               1    21 
SPARROW, SWAMP................  3               1     4 
DARK-EYED JUNCO...............  2   1  11   1        15 
LONGSPUR, LAPLAND.............  3                     3 
SNOW BUNTING..................240      60  32   2   334 
FINCH, PURPLE.................              3         3 
FINCH, HOUSE..................     50      50       100 
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH............      3      35        38 
HOUSE SPARROW.................105   1  45  50  20   221     5379 

Hours on foot                   3   6   3   3   3    18 
Miles on foot                   6  10   7   3   3    29 

Hours by car                    3       3   3   3    12 
Miles by car                   30      18  13  18    79 

Hours by boat                 0.5                   0.5 
Miles by boat                   3                     3 

FROM THE OWL WOODS

October saw the heaviest flight of SAW-WHET OWLS in the past 5 years. Things have quietened down since then. Currently there are still 2 or 3 to be found daily in the Owl Woods. There are at least 6 or 7 LONG-EARED OWLS regularly too. After a productive summer, most of the SHORT-EARED OWLS seem to have departed for other sites and are being seen only rarely at present.

SNOWY OWLS have not yet made their appearance here although at least one was reported in the Ottawa area. The food supply here is excellent here this year but there seems little incentive for the northern owls to move this winter. Still, there should be more than last year's very small numbers. The outlook for BOREAL OWL is also clouded this year again with little if any evidence of movement yet. Any sightings locally will probably be extemely fortuitious and brief.

FROM THE GRAVEL BAR

A few very late migrants still linger on this vastly increased habitat caused by the lowest lake levels in the past 35 years. For the past week there have been 3 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, 2 AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS, both at record late dates here, and several KILLDEER. As well as 3 DUNLIN, a record late RUDDY TURNSTONE has also been regular. A single PURPLE SANDPIPER was also present on November 25 and 26th. A GREATER YELLOWLEGS was also reported in nearby Kingston.

ELSEWHERE ON THE ISLAND

ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS continue to take advantage of the high vole population. At least 30 and up to 50 can be spotted any day recently, and outnumber the RED-TAILED HAWKS about 5:1 There are still a few NORTHERN HARRIERS and AMERICAN KESTRELS to be found as well.

On a personal note, Janet and I finally became grandparents when Sandy, who first got us interested in owls through the Junior program, and his wife Debbie presented us with Rachel Erin on November 26th.

Amherst got its first white egret of the year in the form of a CATTLE EGRET just south of the village of Stella. Songbird migration continues to be fairly active with about 12 species of warblers every day. There are fewer songs now as the females begin to pass through, but for the past 2 days one nice change was to see them lower down in the trees and bushes where they were much easier to see.

Things continue to be active too on the shorebird front with BLACK- BELLIED, SEMI-PALMATED and KILLDEER PLOVER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, DUNLIN, RUDDY TURNSTONE, WILSON'S PHALAROPE, SNIPE and UPLAND, SPOTTED, LEAST, SEMIPALMATED and WHITE RUMPED SANDPIPER all regular on the KFN lands at the east end of the Island. RED KNOT was added today too. CASPIAN, COMMON and BLACK TERNS are regular there too as are the gulls including BONAPARTE'S GULL.

NEW ARRIVALS

CATTLE EGRET, RED KNOT and WILSON'S WARBLER on May 27th.

BIG BIRD DAY ON AMHERST

What turned out to be a big bird day on Amherst Island began at first light when a large, very long billed shorebird turned up on one of the islands just north of the gravel bar at the east end. The bird appeared to be a MARBLED GODWIT although at such a long distance it was hard to be sure. Once it flew however there was no doubt as it showed the typical cinnamon brown under wings and plain brown tail. It spent the rest of the day feeding and resting on the bar and surrounding shoreline.

At just about 4:30 in the afternoon a cloud front moved in and it appeared to be blowing up for rain. The GODWIT took off for parts unknown and was replaced almost immediately by a single WHIMBREL on the bar. It was followed by a dozen BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER which stayed for 10 or 15 minutes and then went on their way. Then at least 4 RUDDY TURNSTONE and 1 SANDERLING arrived and did likewise. Shortly after that the WHIMBREL was joined by a second, and by dusk there were 3 on the gravel bar.

While spring migration will continue for a while yet - the end of June in fact for shorebirds - that about does it for new species here. While there's still a handful yet to come, most are not that common or are more difficult to locate, and we'll probably spend the next 7 months trying to add another dozen species. In any event, attention now shifts to the shorebirds and that will be the focus from here on in.

NEW ARRIVALS

MARBLED GODWIT, WHIMBREL, RUDDY TURNSTONE and SANDERLING on May 25th.

What a difference a week makes. Last Friday migration activity reached a peak here, probably for the season, as birds, especially warblers, were so thick here it was almost confusing. Did you look for this bird or for that one over there? More frustrating than too much choice was the fact that everything was staying high up in the very thick canopy. Today however, a week later, they're just staying away. Activity is currently pretty much confined to local resident species.

There's more to come but probably we've seen the peak of the songbird migration, and conditions don't look favourable during the weekend for a final wave.. Attention here now shifts to the shorebirds which are beginning to build in numbers and species.

NEW ARRIVALS

SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, TENNESSEE WARBLER and large flocks of BRANT from May 15th.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, WHIP-POOR-WILL and GRASSHOPPER SPARROW from May 16th.

BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, YELLOW-BELLIED and WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, and HENSLOW'S SPARROW on May 17th.

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO and MOURNING WARBLER on May 18th.

SURF SCOTER and CERULEAN WARBLER on May 19th.

BLACKPOLL WARBLER on May 20th and STILT SANDPIPER on May 21st.

HIGHLIGHTS

The past week was active with at least 5 species of VIREO and 22 species of WARBLER recorded as well as both BLACK- and YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. There was a heavy flight of BRANT on May 16th and 17th. May 19th and 20th saw a major duck exodus as large flocks of OLDSQUAW and WHITE WINGED SCOTER were seen leaving the area at dusk. At least 9 SURF SCOTER were identified with the WHITE-WINGED SCOTER flocks.

Even with things slowing down its still easy to find 105 to 110 species any day. The Island count now stands at 200 for 1998.

There seems little point in preparing any further reports at the moment as everything else in the province grinds to a halt during the annual Point Pelee mania and things are already 5 or 6 days behind.

Several people have asked to have these reports sent directly to them. If you would like that to avoid the inevitable delays please contact me at the address below. Thanks for your interest.

Gord Gallant
gallantg@interlog.com

Migration activity continued to pick up moderately here on Thursday. While birds weren't exactly hanging from the trees, the activity was steady from early morning to late afternoon making one think there may have been a lot more going on than was easily visible. Unfortunately a lot of the activity is high up in this years heavy canopy making sightings difficult at best.

NEW ARRIVALS

Five more species were added today including OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH, INDIGO BUNTING, NORTHERN PARULA and BAY-BREASTED WARBLER.

HIGHLIGHTS

Warbler activity was moderate but steady from early morning to late afternoon with most species singing but high up making sightings difficult. There were 17 species of warbler and 3 of vireo identified. YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER were by far and away the most common and probably accounted for about 90% of the volume. Best sightings of the day included several BLUE WINGED WARBLER, at least 1 GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER, and 2 BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. There were good numbers of COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, YELLOW WARBLER and BLACK-AND- WHITE WARBLER, smaller numbers of NORTHERN PARULA, CHESTNUT-SIDED, MAGNOLIA, BLACK-THROATED BLUE, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, and a few AMERICAN REDSTART, OVENBIRD, NASHVILLE, BLACKBURNIAN, and PALM WARBLER. SOLITARY, WARBLING and RED-EYED VIREO were also seen.

Shorebird activity remained subdued with the only visible changes a few more DUNLIN.

While conditions favour a continuation of this kind of activity for the next few days, they don't seem to be conducive to either a major move or to great viewing conditions.

Light southerly winds and clear skies made for very thin birding here today. Still, migration plodded on with 5 new species being added before days end bringing the total to 177 for the year. However, the thin conditions are making it difficult to tally much more than 100 species per day at present.

NEW ARRIVALS

Species found today for the first time this year included LEAST BITTERN, MARSH WREN, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS and PHILADELPHIA VIREO.

HIGHLIGHTS

Other highlights today included a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER at Long Point. Warblers were very thin but 12 species were identified including NASHVILLE, YELLOW, CHESTNUT-SIDED, MAGNOLIA, BLACK-THROATED BLUE, YELLOW-RUMPED, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, BLACKBURNIAN, BLACK-AND- WHITE, AMERICAN REDSTART, OVENBIRD and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT.

MIGRATION ALERT

Just the earliest indication tonight of a possible change in trend from the recent net outflow of birds here. At about 6:30 Tuesday, the moderate east-northeasterly winds which have dominated the weather picture here for the past few days finally died out and were replaced by light south- southwesterlies. Almost immediately large flocks of OLDSQUAW forming off the south shore of Amherst began to set up a racket and several hundreds began to move north away from the lake. There was also a large flock of 3-400 BRANT seen coming in off the lake.

This could be an indication that conditions are becoming favourable for the next major wave of migration to occur in the next few days. If so, activity should begin to pick up on Wednesday and could build to a peak sometime from Thursday to Saturday.

Things are so slow here today that even the resident birds seem to have taken a day off. In fact, things are so bad that the days highlights are an EASTERN TOWHEE giving its call note, and an AMERICAN ROBIN scolding when its nest was approached too closely. Its the kind of day that leads to mindless musings - the kind of day that must have affected even members of the AOU not long ago.

A lot of birders have expressed the opinion recently that the AOU's decision to change the name of vireo solitarius from SOLITARY VIREO (in part) to BLUE-HEADED VIREO is in fact one of the silliest, unnecessary and unimaginative changes made yet (BALTIMORE ORIOLE to NORTHERN ORIOLE and back to BALTIMORE ORIOLE so fast you may have missed it, notwithstanding).

Since there seems little else to talk about today, we are presenting the results of a recent pole of 1397 birders from eastern North America who were asked the following question.

"What do you consider was the most important factor in the AOU's decision to change the name from SOLITARY VIREO to BLUE-HEADED VIREO?

(a) They had nothing better to do?

(b) They're color-blind?

(c) They are totally ignorant of the scientific names?

(d) Most birders can't handle more than 3 syllable words?

(e) They have a vested interest in selling Field Guides so make changes as often as possible to sell more?

The survey's findings and some of the reasons given are listed below.

87 or 6.2% thought it was because they had nothing better to do. Surprised by the low response the pollsters pursued the question further. It seems that while many considered this a plausible reason, no-one could ever recall meeting any of these people in the field and so they didn't feel qualified to comment further on the state of their busyness.

Only 139 or 9.9% thought it had anything to do with selling more Field Guides. In fact, the consensus was that these individuals likely had only a passing acquaintance with them if they were aware of them at all.

273 or 19.5% thought it was a necessary change because birders had difficulty with words over 3 syllables (like sol-i-tar-y). In fact, one source close to the AOU said that at one point the committee had been on the point of recommending a name change from SOLITARY SANDPIPER to BROWN-BACKED SANDPIPER WITH SPOTS AND A WHITE EYE RING which would have fulfilled the syllable criteria but which was rejected because they were afraid birders could never remember such a long name.

291 or 20.8% thought color-blindness must have something to do with it as none of them could ever recall seeing blue as something they had noticed on a SOLITARY VIREO - steel grey-blue perhaps, but then that gave rise to the ominous thought that these same people might be considering changing PEREGRINE FALCON to BLUE-BACKED FALCON.

The most popular answer was that they must be totally unaware of the meaning of, or even the existence of, the scientific names thinking either that the names either have no significance or that they made a mistake naming it that in the first place. 607 or 43.5% thought this was the most plausible reason.

Perhaps we should consider ourselves lucky however. A source close to the inside revealed that a move to rename all species every year to give the AOU an ongoing reason for their existence was narrowly defeated by a single vote.

(By the way, if you find that the figures don't quite add up to 100% perhaps its because the AOU isn't all there either.)

There was a slight pickup in activity today, probably as much the result of improved viewing conditions as anything. Birds were still fairly thin though with only 8 species of warbler seen and no vireos.

NEW ARRIVALS

Only 1 new species recorded for the day. A single MAGNOLIA WARBLER was seen in the Owl Woods.

HIGHLIGHTS

Other warbler species included were YELLOW, YELLOW-RUMPED, BLACK-AND-WHITE and CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLERS, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, AMERICAN REDSTART and OVENBIRD.

Shorebirds continued much unchanged with a slight increase in the number of LEAST SANDPIPERS. At one point there appeared to be a long-winged calidrid present but it disappeared into the long grass before it could be identified if indeed it was there at all.

It doesn't look like any kind of a major move in the making although there could be some increase in activity by Thursday or Friday.

Windy conditions and cooler temperatures brought a whimpering end to the latest wave of migration on Amherst Island as migrating species continued to fan out from here without being replaced by others willing to come north. By early Sunday most of the activity was confined to resident species and migrants had either vanished or diminished to the point of being difficult to locate.

Still, even today, it was not difficult to find to find over 90 species without a lot of effort. 112 species were identified over the weekend period. Island count now stands at 172 for the year.

HIGHLIGHTS

There were 4 species of VIREO seen on the weekend, SOLITARY, YELLOW-THROATED, WARBLING and RED-EYED. Warblers included NASHVILLE, YELLOW, CHESTNUT-SIDED, BLACK- THROATED BLUE, YELLOW-RUMPED, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, BLACKBURNIAN, PALM, BLACK-AND-WHITE, AMERICAN REDSTART, OVENBIRD and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. There was also a small fight of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH.

The shorebird population remains much unchanged. There are a few SEMIPALMATED PLOVER along with the occasional BLACK- BELLIED PLOVER and GREATER YELLOWLEGS and increasing numbers of DUNLIN and LEAST SANDPIPER. SPOTTED and UPLAND SANDPIPERS are numerous as are COMMON SNIPE and WILSON'S PHALAROPE.

NEW ARRIVALS

The only new arrival during the period was a male SCARLET TANAGER in the Owl Woods on Saturday, May 9th.

With Outlooks for the Weekend (May 9-10)

Birding on Amherst continued to be active today with at least 109 species identified by 3:00 PM including two new species for the year, EASTERN WOOD-PEEWEE and YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. So far on the day there have been 4 species of vireo, 9 species of warbler and 5 species of flycatcher.

Some migration should continue on the weekend, albeit at a much slower pace than during the past week when 38 new species were recorded for this season. New species will be harder to come by and populations of most species will probably shrink with more birds leaving than arriving for the next few days. Still there should be lots to see as the resident bird population continues to build.

Unfortunately, the weather may play havoc with viewing as rain may be heavy at times, unlike the gentle showers of last weekend, and high winds will make the viewing of waterfowl, shorebirds and small warblers difficult at best.

Here is a partial list of species you should see if you decide to brave the elements.

COMMON LOON and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT are common in the lake, but HORNED GREBE seem to have departed and RED-NECKED GREBE, although seen through yesterday, are at the time of their normal departure and may not be found. PIED-BILLED GREBE are common in the marshes.

GREAT BLUE HERON and AMERICAN BITTERN are plentiful and found easily. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON are due back but have not been seen yet here. GREAT EGRET, SNOWY EGRET and TRICOLORED HERON are remote possibilities.

All common duck species can still be easily found including MALLARD, PINTAIL, GADWALL, BLUE-WINGED and GREEN- WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, GREATER and LESSER SCAUP, OLDSQUAW and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, but BLACK DUCK, AMERICAN WIGEON, HOODED and COMMON MERGANSER, and RING-NECKED DUCK may take a bit more effort and luck. There are still a few small flocks of COMMON GOLDENEYE and BUFFLEHEAD to be found as well. Watch for CANADA GEESE with their young now. Look too for early BRANT due about now.

VIRGINIA RAIL and SORA are common in most marshes. So too is MOORHEN. Look for AMERICAN COOT still present in the ponds at the KFN property but getting difficult to find now in the thicker vegetation.

NORTHERN HARRIER and RED-TAILED HAWK are abundant and there are good numbers of AMERICAN KESTREL too. There are still a few ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS every day, and ACCIPITERS are usually about. Watch for MERLIN and PEREGRINE FALCON as well.

Shore birds are beginning to accumulate. SEMI-PALMATED and KILLDEER PLOVER are common. BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER has been several times but is still irregular so far. Expect to find GREATER YELLOWLEGS, SPOTTED, UPLAND and LEAST SANDPIPERS, DUNLIN, WILSON'S PHALAROPE and COMMON SNIPE. PECTORAL SANDPIPER has been seen but is now near the end of its window. SOLITARY SANDPIPER has also been seen but is uncommon here. LESSER YELLOWLEGS has not been reported but is past due. Look too for an early SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER or even a RUDDY TURNSTONE or SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER.

SHORT-EARED OWLS are frequent especially at the east end of the Island. There is still 1 NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL in the Owl Woods. Be sure to look for the GREAT HORNED OWL nest in the trees on the islands at the north end of the gravel bar.

Flycatchers are returning in numbers. You can now find EASTERN PHOEBE, WOOD-PEEWEE and KINGBIRD as well as GREAT CRESTED and LEAST FLYCATCHERS with more on the way.

In the woods, HOUSE WREN are singing everywhere as are RUBY- CROWNED KINGLET, GRAY CATBIRD, BROWN THRASHER, NORTHERN CARDINAL, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, EASTERN TOWHEE and WOOD THRUSH. Other thrushes such as VEERY and HERMIT THRUSH can also be found with a little patience.

Sparrows are also abundant including CHIPPING, FIELD, SAVANNAH, SONG, SWAMP, WHITE-THROATED and WHITE- CROWNED SPARROW. JUNCOS are still about but getting scarce.

SOLITARY, WARBLING and RED-EYED VIREO are common now, and YELLOW-THROATED has also been found and PHILADELPHIA VIREO is due now too.

And of course the warblers. Expect to find YELLOW-RUMPED, YELLOW, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, BLACK-THROATED BLUE, BLACK-AND-WHITE, NASHVILLE, CHESTNUT-SIDED, and AMERICAN REDSTART. BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER and OVENBIRD are a bit less regular yet. BLUE-WINGED and GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER have also been reported. Watch too for new arrivals, some more likely than others, but now anything is possible.

Migration activity here finally slowed today, but not before dumping at least 5 new species on the Island. By late morning most of the activity was confined to local species with only a smattering of warblers to be seen or heard. Still, things were interesting with 9 warbler and 3 vireo species being seen as well as a few more flycatchers.

New arrivals today included LEAST FLYCATCHER, RED-EYED VIREO, and BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT.

There was nothing new on the shorebird scene today.

The current tidal wave of migration continued for a fifth straight day as Amherst Island recorded 11 more new species for the year bringing the total to 31 new arrivals since Saturday. It looks as if the system responsible for this wave may continue to affect us for another 12 hours so it may have enough oomph left to provide a bit more action tomorrow morning before settling back to a more sedate pattern into the weekend.

Today's new arrivals included COOPER'S HAWK, SEMI-PALMATED PLOVER, GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER, VEERY, WHITE- CROWNED SPARROW, EVENING GROSBEAK and 5 species of WARBLER, BLUE-WINGED, GOLDEN-WINGED, YELLOW, AMERICAN REDSTART and OVENBIRD.

Other highlights today included at least 9 species of warbler seen, and 11 species of shorebird. Daily count reached 104 today surpassing the 100 mark for the first time this season.

Light winds and warmer temperatures combined with overcast skies that threatened rain continued to force down passing migrants at Amherst Island this morning as scores of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS accompanied by good numbers of BLACK-AND-WHITE and BLACK- THROATED GREEN WARBLERS, SOLITARY VIREOS and other migrants descended into the tree tops.

As well, the low pressure system currently dominating our weather is sweeping warm, moist air into our area, and with it many new species are arriving from the south. Today's newcomers included WOOD THRUSH, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, WARBLING VIREO, CHESTNUT-SIDED and NASHVILLE WARBLERS, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER.

Tomorrow could produce more of the same as well as some unusual findings as this interesting weather system seems to be sweeping in from both the mid-west and the east coast of the United States.

The fine weather, which had brought migration to a virtual standstill here on Amherst, came to a sudden end at about 10:30 Saturday morning as a light rain began to fall, joining forces with warm temperatures and light winds to ground birds formerly passing overhead. Suddenly the tree tops were full of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS along with a few BLACK-AND-WHITE and BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS. Later in the day BOBOLINKS were found to have arrived at several places as well.

Conditions continued much unchanged into Sunday and by morning half a dozen HOUSE WRENS were announcing their arrival in the Owl Woods, along with a couple of BALTIMORE ORIOLES and a female RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. BLACK TERNS returned to the KFN property on the east end of the Island although they had been reported several days earlier on the mainland.

Migration activity continued unabated into Monday as PALM WARBLERS and a lone GRAY CATBIRD were seen in the Owl Woods. At the KFN property a LEAST SANDPIPER and a lone SOLITARY SANDPIPER arrived to join other shorebirds already present such as DUNLIN, PECTORAL SANDPIPER and WILSON'S PHALAROPE. Overhead, several COMMON TERNS joined CASPIAN and BLACK TERNS and the four common species of gulls. Elsewhere the first few EASTERN KINGBIRDS appeared.

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlight of the weekend was a 6 woodpecker species day, an uncommon event on Amherst Island. The RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER and the recently located PILEATED WOODPECKER joined forces with the resident HAIRY and DOWNEY WOODPECKERS, NORTHERN FLICKERS and a passing YELLOW- BELLIED SAPSUCKER to record the six species. Only the Red-headed Woodpecker failed to show.

Another highlight was being able to watch and study the SOLITARY SANDPIPER for as long as desired as it fed leisurely along the sides of the ponds on the KFN land.

At least one SAW-WHET OWL remains in the Owl Woods leading to speculation that perhaps it has taken up residence here. SHORT- EARED OWLS continue to be seen frequently.

The first CANADA GOOSE goslings were seen on Monday, May 4th even as migrating geese continue to fly overhead. There were at least 12 in 4 family groups.

NEW ARRIVALS

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER and BOBOLINK on May 2nd.
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, HOUSE WREN and BALTIMORE ORIOLE on May 3rd.
BLACK TERN on May 3rd. (Previously seen on April 30 at Amherstview Lagoons.
GRAY CATBIRD, PALM WARBLER, EASTERN KINGBIRD, LEAST SANDPIPER, SOLITARY SANDPIPER and COMMON TERN on May 4th.

POSSIBLE DEPARTURES

EURASIAN WIGEON - not seen since April 28.
RUSTY BLACKBIRD - not seen since April 30.

At least 105 species were recorded over the period. Daily counts now range from 90 to 95 species per day, and the Amherst Island count now stands at 145 species for the year.

In general, the outlook for this weekend is very favourable. The weather system responsible for slowing migration to a crawl here is beginning to dissipate. Look for increased numbers in species already present, such as HERMIT THRUSH, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, WHITE- THROATED SPARROW and others, from the current low numbers to moderately high ones, and for a good number of new species to arrive over the period.

WATERFOWL - VERY GOOD

Expect to see all the common species of ducks this weekend. WHITE- WINGED SCOTER are fairly regular off the Island now as well. Look for additional scoters like SURF SCOTER and BLACK SCOTER especially in the deep waters off the south and western shores. Wind conditions appear favourable for this kind of observation this weekend.

The flock of GREATER and LESSER SCAUP is still forming at the north- east corner of the Island and it frequently contains other species such as REDHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE or RING-NECKED DUCK.

Expect to see PIED-BILLED GREBE in the marshes and HORNED and RED-NECKED GREBE in the lake. COMMON MOORHEN and AMERICAN COOT are to be found in all the marshes as well as VIRGINIA RAIL and SORA.

Unfortunately the last TUNDRA SWAN appears to have departed the area and the EURASIAN WIGEON has not been seen for the past 2 days.

GREAT BLUE HERON and AMERICAN BITTERN are now regular and widespread. Watch now for the arrival of BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. SNOWY EGRET joins GREAT EGRET as a long shot here.

SHOREBIRDS - FAIRLY GOOD

Expect to see KILLDEER, SNIPE, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, DUNLIN, SPOTTED and UPLAND SANDPIPER and WILSON'S PHALAROPE, all regular now, around the ponds on the KFN land at the east end of the Island. Look too for PECTORAL SANDPIPER, already reported, and for the arrival of LESSER YELLOWLEGS. Less likely but still possible are BLACK- BELLIED PLOVER and LEAST SANDPIPER.

A REEVE found on April 27-28 appears to have departed the area.

RAPTORS - FAIRLY GOOD

There are good numbers of RED-TAILED HAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER and AMERICAN KESTREL about. ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK can still be found every day but numbers are sharply lower now and they are more difficult to locate. Watch for SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER'S HAWK as they accompany migration. MERLIN are present too, and PEREGRINE FALCON is usually to be found over the next few weeks. At least 2 OSPREY are easily found on the east end on the KFN lands.

OWLS - FAIR

Currently there are still 2 SAW-WHET OWLS regular in the Owl Woods. SHORT-EARED OWLS are still around too, especially at the east end of the Island, but are much harder to find now as they are in their nesting phase. LONG-EARED are very difficult but still present.

IN THE WOODS

Expect to find RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, HERMIT THRUSH, BROWN THRASHER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, EASTERN TOWHEE, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, DARK-EYED JUNCO and RUSTY BLACKBIRD, all present in good numbers. A bit more difficult to find are RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, BROWN CREEPER, WINTER WREN, CHIPPING and FIELD SPARROW. SAVANNAH SPARROW is plentiful in the fields around the woods.

Look too for HOUSE WREN, GRAY CATBIRD, NASHVILLE, BLACK- THROATED GREEN, PALM and BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS, OVENBIRD, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW and BOBOLINK to make their first appearances. Less likely are RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, EASTERN KINGBIRD, WOOD THRUSH, WARBLING VIREO, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

Elsewhere BONAPARTE'S GULL is present off shore in large numbers. Watch them closely for rarities. Look too for BLACK TERN and COMMON TERN due about now. FORSTER'S TERN is a long shot.

El Nino Spring ???

As expected, numbers of individual birds remained low over the weekend. Migration of species, however, continued unabated with 4 new species arriving on Sunday. At least 97 species were recorded from April 25 - 26. Daily counts remained high at more than 90 species per day. Amherst Island count now stands at 133 species for the year.

What was not expected was the arrival of three very uncommon species between April 21 and 27. During that seven day period the Island recorded a SMITH'S LONGSPUR, an EURASIAN WIGEON, and a REEVE. More El Nino effects?

NEW ARRIVALS

One RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was seen on Saturday, April 25 in the Owl Woods. The following day, April 26, saw the addition of 4 more species including one SPOTTED SANDPIPER, one female WILSON'S PHALAROPE, one YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, all on the KFN property at the east end of the Island, and several BANK SWALLOWS.

Monday, April 27 saw two more additions with the arrival of VIRGINIA RAIL and the REEVE.

POSSIBLE DEPARTURES

The TUNDRA SWAN has not been seen since April 23 and FOX SPARROW has not been recorded since April 18.

HIGHLIGHTS

A REEVE was discovered this evening on the KFN property just southwest of the ponds in the same location as the recent SMITH'S LONGSPUR which unfortunately seems to have departed the area after a two day stay. The EURASIAN WIGEON continues to be a regular sighting in the marsh just to the south of the 2nd Concession at the west end of the Island.

Also at KFN, there is a GREAT HORNED OWL nest, containing at least one young owl, in one of the cormorant nests on the islands just off the tip of the gravel bar, and the female OSPREY has begun to incubate as of Sunday meaning the first hatch should occur about June the 1st.

AMERICAN COOT, often difficult to find at this time of year, are now regular at the KFN ponds, the 2nd Concession Marsh, and Eve's Marsh on the south shore. BONAPARTE'S GULL continues to be seen in the hundreds in the waters surrounding the Island.

Hawk migration, at a standstill on the weekend, saw more activity today on the northwest winds with a good movement of ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and several MERLIN.

A lone SAW-WHET OWL continues to be present in the OWL WOODS. It was joined by a second one on Sunday indicating that there may be some migration of this species still occurring. RUSTY BLACKBIRDS are still around in large numbers at several locations.

A new GREAT BLUE HERONry seems to be developing on Nut Island just south of the beach on the 3rd Concession. Several nests are in use and a few more are under construction.

A PILEATED WOODPECKER, the first in many years here, was finally located just north of the swamp on the Emerald 40 foot. There was an unconfirmed report of a sighting near there in early April. Now there is a new unconfirmed report of a WILD TURKEY being seen in the same area.

Expect a lull in the action on Amherst Island this weekend, many of the recent migrants having departed for other areas accompanying some wintering species which have also left, while new arrivals have failed to materialize and there is little likelihood of them doing so over the next 48 hours.

This may be bad news for listers, but for those who enjoy just being out and observing wildlife there is still be lots to see. While daily counts may drop by 5 or 6 species temporarily from the recent highs of 90-95 per day there are lots of good birds to track down.

WATERFOWL - FAIRLY GOOD

All the common ducks are still around but some like BLACK DUCK, WOOD DUCK, PINTAIL and HOODED MERGANSER are getting harder to find as they go to their nesting areas. On the other hand WHITE WINGED SCOTER are now regular in the deep water areas south and west of the Island, as are DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, HORNED and RED-NECKED GREBE. Moderately high winds on Saturday may make this kind of viewing difficult however.

There is a mixed flock of GREATER and LESSER SCAUP forming just off the north-east corner of the Island, a good chance to practise identification of these two similar species. Be sure and look for the TUNDRA SWAN and the EURASIAN WIGEON in the marsh just south of the 2nd Concession west of the road to Emerald. While there look too for COMMON MOORHEN, COOT and SORA RAIL also present in that area.

Also in the marshes expect to find normal numbers of GREAT BLUE HERON and AMERICAN BITTERN. GREAT EGRET is a still a long shot but not unusual at this time of year..

SHOREBIRDS - FAIR AND IMPROVING

Expect to find GREATER YELLOWLEGS, UPLAND and PECTORAL SANDPIPER, DUNLIN and COMMON SNIPE as well as KILLDEER on the KFN lands at the east end of the Island. Look too for WILSON'S PHALAROPE, due to return this week, and perhaps an early SPOTTED or LESSER YELLOWLEGS.

RAPTORS - FAIR to GOOD

There are good numbers of RED-TAILED HAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER and AMERICAN KESTREL about. ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK can still be found every day but numbers are sharply lower now and they are more difficult to locate. Watch for SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER'S HAWK. MERLIN are present too, and PEREGRINE FALCON is usually to be found over the next few weeks. At least 2 OSPREY are easily found on the east end on the KFN lands.

OWLS - POOR

SHORT-EARED OWLS are still present but much harder to find now as they too are in their nesting phase. LONG-EARED are very difficult to find and SAW-WHET OWLS have left for the most part.

IN THE WOODS

Expect to find large numbers of RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, RUSTY BLACKBIRD and EASTERN TOWHEE. BROWN THRASHER is also regular now along with smaller numbers of WHITE-THROATED, CHIPPING and FIELD SPARROW. There are a few HERMIT THRUSH to be found but FOX SPARROW has left the area. YELLOW-RUMPED and BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and HOUSE WREN are possible but remote possibilities this weekend.

Elsewhere BONAPARTE'S GULL is present off shore in large numbers. Watch then closely for rarities. FORSTER'S TERN is a long shot. Look too for BANK SWALLOW, the only swallow not reported here yet.

This weeks challenge - find the PILEATED WOODPECKER on Amherst Island.

Dear Gord,

I enjoy browsing the bird reports.
Alex Scott showed us a Smiths longspur on Amherst Is April 22 as well as a Eurasian wigeon. Adult little gull seen at Reeds Bay, Wolfe Island Apr 23.

Recent arrivals at Amherst Island during the past several days include:

EURASIAN WIDGEON and WHITE-WINGED SCOTER from April 21.

RED-NECKED GREBE and COMMON MOORHEN from April 22.

A SMITH'S LONGSPUR, probably a female, was seen on April 21 and 22. Bird was not seen on April 23. This is only the 2nd record of this species in the Kingston area. The last one was September 24, 1973 found by Ron Weir at the Amherstview Sewage Lagoons.

At least 94 species were recorded on the weekend of April 17 - 19 bringing this years total to 118. Daily counts are now 85-90 species per day.

NEW ARRIVALS

PINE WARBLERS became the first warblers of the spring season here, arriving before the expected YELLOW-RUMPS. The real surprise though was a SOLITARY VIREO on April 17 and 18, earliest on Kingston records by at least two days.

Both NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED and CLIFF SWALLOWS appeared on April 19, joining the PURPLE MARTINS, TREE and BARN SWALLOWS already present for some time.

An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen flying along the north shore of the Island on April 19, and on the same day, on the KFN lands, a single PECTORAL SANDPIPER joined 6 DUNLIN, 3 or 4 GREATER YELLOWLEGS and several UPLAND SANDPIPERS already there.

HIGHLIGHTS

Other weekend highlights included a TUNDRA SWAN in the marsh off of the 2nd concession, and an AMERICAN COOT at Eve's Marsh toward Long Point on the south shore.

Hundreds of BONAPARTE'S GULLS have been regular off the south- west corner of the Island, and a large mixed flock of GREATER and LESSER SCAUP is forming off the northeast corner near the gravel bar. CASPIAN TERNS are increasing to normal numbers now too.

At least one SAW-WHET OWL was present in the Owl Woods over the period, and SHORT-EARED OWLS are present in good numbers and are presumably nesting.

Last weekend went much as expected with fine weather making for enjoyable outdoor activity but keeping bird numbers at low to moderate levels. Nevertheless migration continued steadily and many new species were recorded for the year. At least 88 species were seen on the weekend bringing this years total to 111. Daily counts are now 80-85 per day.

This weekend the weather promises to be a little more unsettled. There appears to be little to hinder migration, but not a lot to drive it either although a developing system to the south may provide a bit of a push later in the weekend.

WATERFOWL - EXCELLENT

All of the species of ducks common to the area at this time of year as listed in last week's report, except Redhead and Canvasback, were seen on the weekend. This condition should continue for the next few days although some of the species will become a bit harder to locate as they move off to nesting areas. Look too for WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and BLACK SCOTER. SURF SCOTER tend to be a bit later and are often not seen here in Spring.

Expect to see COMMON LOON, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, PIED-BILLED and HORNED GREBE all of which are now present in good numbers. Look too for RED-NECKED GREBE also due about now.

CANADA GEESE continue to migrate overhead even as the locals are well along with their nesting. Last weekend one lone SNOW GOOSE was seen migrating high overhead with a flock of CANADA GEESE. At least one TUNDRA SWAN continues to be present in the Big Marsh at the west end of the Island.

In the marshes expect to find normal numbers of GREAT BLUE HERON. Look for AMERICAN BITTERN and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON now as well as COMMON MOORHEN. GREEN HERON is less likely. GREAT EGRET is a long shot.

SHOREBIRDS - FAIR AND IMPROVING

In addition to the large numbers of KILLDEER, SNIPE and WOODCOCK present, GREATER YELLOWLEGS was also seen on the weekend. Since then DUNLIN and UPLAND SANDPIPER have also made their appearance. PECTORAL, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, WILSON'S PHALAROPE and AMERICAN PIPIT are remote possibilities over the next week.

RAPTORS - FAIR to GOOD

Large numbers of NORTHERN HARRIER and migrating ROUGH- LEGGED HAWK were seen. There are also good numbers of RED-TAIL HAWK and KESTREL. Since then the number of ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS has decreased considerably. Look for RED-SHOULDERED HAWK as well as ACCIPITERS as they accompany migration. Other falcons such as MERLIN and PEREGRINE are now more likely and one MERLIN was in fact seen last weekend. BROAD-WINGED HAWK should be beginning about now but because of a number of factors are rarely seen here on the Island.

The two nesting OSPREY have returned to their nesting site at the east end of the Island on the KFN land. Please stay at least several hundred yards away. If the birds are lifting off the nest at your approach you're too close.

SHRIKES are few in number currently but be careful with your identification if you see one. Both species, NORTHERN and LOGGERHEAD could be found at this time of year.

HINT: If strong northwest winds develop along with sunny weather, consider a trip to Prince Edward Point for HAWK MIGRATION there, or if southeast winds occur try Derby Hill in New York. These conditions could produce large numbers of migrating hawks especially at Derby Hill. Look for large numbers of RED-TAILS, RED-SHOULDERS, ACCIPITERS and TURKEY VULTURES there as well as some FALCONS and the occasional EAGLE of either species. BROAD-WINGED HAWK is likely any time now.

OWLS - POOR

SHORT-EARED OWLS are still present in good numbers, especially at the east end of the Island. Best place to look is in the KFN land and surrounding area. No SAW-WHET OWLS were located during the weekend. There is still the occasional LONG-EARED OWL but little else except of course the resident GREAT HORNED OWLS.

IN THE WOODS

Last weekend provided good action in this habitat with new arrivals such as RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, HERMIT THRUSH, EASTERN TOWHEE, and WHITE THROATED, FIELD and CHIPPING SPARROWS joining birds already present in good numbers such as FOX SPARROW, GOLDEN CROWNED KINGLET, BROWN CREEPER and RUSTY BLACKBIRD. These should all be present this weekend although FOX SPARROW and GOLDEN CROWNED KINGLET are beginning to thin out. BROWN THRASHER has also joined this group now. Look now for new arrivals such as YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. HOUSE WREN, BLACK-AND-WHITE and PINE WARBLER are also possible but less likely.

Elsewhere BONAPARTE'S GULL returned in numbers with a flock of about 500 off the southwest corner of the Island. They were joined by small numbers of CASPIAN TERN. A single BARN SWALLOW was also seen. These have now increased in numbers and have been joined by MARTINS. Expect all these this weekend and look for ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW and perhaps BANK SWALLOW too. FORSTER'S TERN is the long shot here.

This weeks challenge - find the early RAILS such as VIRGINIA RAIL and SORA.

Recent arrivals at Amherst Island during the past several days include:

Bonaparte's Gull, Hermit Thrush and Chipping Sparrow on April 10.

The weather promises to be fine this weekend with sun and moderate temperatures predicted throughout the period. Unfortunately, the absence of any major weather disturbance to the south or a developing warm air mass means that migration, while continuing, will probably be slow. Don't expect any large influx of either species or numbers. In fact some species may actually thin as they spread out locally or as some winter species vanish entirely.

WATERFOWL - EXCELLENT

Expect to see all the common species of ducks such as MALLARD, BLACK, PINTAIL, GADWALL, WIGEON, SHOVELER, RING-NECKED, TEAL and WOOD DUCK in the inland ponds and SCAUP, MERGANSER, BUFFLEHEAD, GOLDENEYE and OLDSQUAW in the waters around the Island. Look too for REDHEAD and CANVASBACK although these are getting scarce now. Some early SCOTER, especially WHITE-WINGED, are also possible. RUDDY DUCK is a long shot here.

While scanning for ducks, expect to see some COMMON LOON, a few CORMORANTS, PIED-BILLED and HORNED GREBE. Look too for RED-NECKED GREBE also due about now.

Overhead there could be large numbers of CANADA GEESE in migration along the north shore of the lake especially if northwest winds develop. Look for SNOW GEESE overhead too although these may not alert you to their presence as do the CANADAs with their loud honking. Several large flocks have been seen migrating up the St. Lawrence.

In the marshes expect to find normal numbers of GREAT BLUE HERON.
Look for an early AMERICAN BITTERN or two. GREAT EGRET is the long shot here.

SHOREBIRDS - POOR

There are lots of KILLDEER, SNIPE and WOODCOCK about but little else at this time. Best bet for an early bird is GREATER YELLOWLEGS, but DUNLIN has been seen this early on rare occasions. Real long shots include PECTORAL, UPLAND and SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, and WILSON'S PHALAROPE.

RAPTORS - GOOD

Expect large numbers of NORTHERN HARRIER and migrating ROUGH- LEGGED HAWK. There are also good numbers of RED-TAIL and KESTREL. Look for RED-SHOULDERED HAWK as well as ACCIPITERS as they accompany the migration. Other falcons such as MERLIN and PEREGRINE are also possible.

The two nesting OSPREY have returned to their nesting site at the east end of the Island on the KFN land.

SHRIKES are few in number currently but be careful with your identification if you see one. Both species, NORTHERN and LOGGERHEAD could be found at this time of year.

HINT: If strong northwest winds develop along with sunny weather, consider a trip to Prince Edward Point for HAWK MIGRATION there, or if southeast winds occur try Derby Hill in New York. These conditions could produce large numbers of migrating hawks especially at Derby Hill. Look for large numbers of RED-TAILS, ROUGH-LEGS, RED-SHOULDERS, ACCIPITERS and TURKEY VULTURES there as well as some FALCONS and the occasional EAGLE of either species. Early BROAD-WINGED HAWK is also possible.

OWLS - FAIR TO POOR

SHORT-EARED OWLS are still present in good numbers, especially at the east end of the Island. Best place to look is in the KFN land and surrounding area. There is still the occasional SAW-WHET OWL to be found in the Owl Woods if you like a challenge. If successful at that, try your hand at getting a look at one of the few LONG-EARED OWLS still about. The last of the SNOWY OWLS left about March 16.

IN THE WOODS.

Expect to find lots of FOX SPARROW in the Owl Woods as well as GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, BROWN CREEPER and PHOEBE. RUSTY BLACKBIRD should also be present in good numbers, especially in the wetter areas. A little harder to find will be WINTER WREN and YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. Look too for the early arrival of RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, HERMIT THRUSH, EASTERN TOWHEE, and WHITE-THROATED, FIELD and CHIPPING SPARROW. SAVANNAH SPARROW can also be found now in the open areas around the woods, and look for SWAMP SPARROW in the marshes.

Other longshots this weekend include COMMON MOORHEN, BONAPARTE'S GULL, CASPIAN TERN, BARN SWALLOW and VESPER SPARROW.

Recent arrivals at Amherst Island during the past several days include:

COMMON LOON from April 3.
OSPREY - Male returned to nesting site at east end of Island on KFN land on April 3 and female arrived on April 6.
BROWN CREEPER from April 4.
HORNED GREBE from April 5; also one early EASTERN TOWHEE on April 5.
EASTERN BLUEBIRD from April 6.
PIED-BILLED GREBE and SWAMP SPARROW from April 7.
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER from April 8.
There was also a small movement of SAW-WHET OWL during this time with at least 4 present at the current time in the Owl Woods.

Daily counts currently 75-80 species.

Species this year - 94.

Recent arrivals at Amherst Island during the past few days include:

EASTERN PHOEBE and TREE SWALLOW from March 27.
COMMON SNIPE, SAVANNAH SPARROW and RUSTY BLACKBIRD from March 28.
FOX SPARROW from March 30.
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS from March 31.
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW from April 1.

Still present are 15-20 SHORT-EARED OWLS and the occasional SAW-WHET OWL.

All common ducks can be found.

Daily counts currently average 65-70 species.