Northern Hawk Owl near Owen Sound - Sat, 25 Nov 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Hi All,

My wife and I were out birding on the Bruce Peninsula and managed to find a Northern Hawk Owl 1 km south of a small town called Williamsford on Highway 6 (about 20 km south of Owen Sound). It was perched in the top of a tree right next to the roadside (Highway 6 itself).

Good Birding,

Mike and Michelle Simmons
brutus@golden.net

Bruce County - Fri, 24 Nov 2000

November 23/00

A flock of 500+ Snow Buntings was observed in Kincardine Township just north of Armow. Other smaller flocks of Snow Buntings and Horned Larks were seen in Saugeen and Bruce Townships. Several Red-tail Hawks, Kestrels, Harriers and Northern Shrikes were around the area.

Along the lake there were hundreds of Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, and Canada Geese. Miramachi Bay, Horseshoe Bay and Baie du Dore are all frozen over. A single Bonaparte's Gull was at Port Elgin harbour with the Ring-bills and Herring Gulls.

A Short-eared Owl was sitting on a fence post on the 4th of Saugeen about 3 km west of County Rd.3 It ignored the traffic passing close by but became very alert when a pair of duelling Red-tails went past about 1/4 mile away.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Bruce Pen. - Wed, 22 Nov 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Drove 600 kms. today as far north as Tobermory in driving snow from Shelburne to Owen Sound, almost destroyed by icy roads and numerous trucks thundering past at 120 kph. As my wife says, I'm insane !! However, did see juv. Hudsonian Godwit and 2 Brant at Kelso Beach, Owen Sound. But could not find Gyrfalcon nor Hawk Owl on the upper pen. Other birds included Glaucous Gull, Hooded Merganser, 3 N. Shrikes, 2 Rough-legged Hawks, 25 Snow Buntings, 1 Horned Lark, G. C. Kinglets, etc. Kelso Beach is on the west side of Owen Sound ( north of Mount Forrest on #6 or n.w. of Shelburne on #10 ), just across the river from the grain elevator. Take the 2nd traffic lights on Second Ave. West, north of Tenth Street. Park just inside the gates to the beach area.

Dave Milsom
milsomdave@hotmail.com

Bohemian Waxwings Tobermory Nov. 22 - Wed, 22 Nov 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

14 Bohemian Waxwings flew past my office this morning in the snowy town of Tobermory.

No luck with the N Hawk Owl (or Gyrfalcon & Sabine's Gull), since the original sighting on the weekend.

Happy Birding!

Ethan Meleg
Tobermory
ethan_meleg@pch.gc.ca

Hudsonian Godwit Owen Sound - Sun, 19 Nov 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Hudsonian Godwit and 2 Brant. Kelso Beach, Owen Sound. Sunday, November 
19,at 1425 hours.
Peter Middleton, Anton Van Dijk, Dave Tannahill. The Godwit is likely a 
First Year Bird. See Sibley page  177.
Kelso Beach is on the West side of Owen Sound ( the body of water). North 
of the Grain Elevator. Entrance is the second traffic lights on Second 
Avenue West, North of Tenth Street.

Dave Tannahill
R.R. 2 Kemble, ON, N0H 1S0
519-371-1143
d.tanhil@bmts.com

Sabine's Gull, N Hawk Owl, Gyrfalcon !!!!! Bruce Peninsula Nov 19 - Mon, 20 Nov 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Ethan Meleg and Mark Wiercinski

Spent the afternoon avoiding responsibilities and enjoying a cancelled important
bird areas meeting. Despite bad weather, this turned out to be an incredible day
of birding. We found the following(directions follow):

The big three:
Sabine's Gull (1 juv) - Tobermory
Northern Hawk Owl (1) Tobermory
Gyrfalcon (1 white phase) - Spry (near Ferndale)

Other notables:
Bald Eagle (1 ad) Tobermory
Common Loon (20+) Tobermory
Merlin (1 - 20 mins south of Tobermory -along highway 6)
Tundra Swan (12) Stokes Bay
Ring-necked Duck (9 - Stokes Bay, 6 - Wiarton Sewage Ponds)
Hooded Merganser (5) Stokes Bay
Great Blue Heron (1) Stokes Bay
Am. Black Duck (1) Stokes Bay
Northern Shoveler (2) Wiarton Sewage Ponds
Redhead (2) Wiarton Sewage Ponds
Greater Scaup (4) Wiarton Sewage Ponds
Lesser Scaup (8) Wiarton Sewage Ponds
Ruddy Duck (1) Tobermory Sewage Ponds - seen by Don & Margie Wilkes

Directions to the big three:
Sabine's Gull - Take Hwy 6 to the end at Tobermory until you can go no further.
The bird flew by very closely (<15m) at the 'gap' at the end of Hwy 6.

Northern Hawk Owl - Travelling north on Hwy 6 toward Tobermory, turn left (west)
on to Cape Hurd Road (just south of Tobermory). The bird was approx 1.5km along
the right side of this road, opposite the entrance to Happy Hearts trailer park.
We'll be checking on this bird regularly and will update.

Gyrfalcon - Heading north on Highway 6 on flats just south of Ferndale, pass
'Country Church' and take next left (west) onto Spry road. Proceed to second
intersection (the 'crossroads' of Spry, with an Emu farm). The bird was
terrorizing Mourning Doves around this intersection.

Certainly a memorable day!
Good birding,

Ethan Meleg and Mark Wiercinski
Tobermory
ethan_meleg@pch.gc.ca

Note to Ted Cheskey: A big thanks for cancelling the meeting!!!! It was an
Importand Bird Day for us.

Ethan_Meleg@pch.gc.ca

Birding Report - Tue, 21 Nov 2000

I would like to submit a birding report for the Bruce/Grey County area.

 
Sunday, Nov 19, 2000
 
At Kelso Beach in Owen Sound, I saw the following:
 
1 Hudsonian Godwit (rare)
11-12 Hooded Mergansers (5 males?)
2 Common Goldeneyes (males)
Several female Commom Mergansers
A lot of Canada Geese
2 Greater Black-backed Gulls
 
Mon Nov 20, 2000
 
At Owen Sound Harbour and Kelso Beach, I saw the following:
 
I Lesser Scaup (male)
2 Bufflehead (fems)
1 Hudsonian Godwit (rare)
7 Hooded Mergansers (1 male, 6 fems)
Probably a flock of 15+ Hooded Mergansers (male & fem)
Many Canada Geese
Greater Black-backed Gull 
 
Tues Nov 2, 2000
 
At Kelso Beach, I saw the following:
 
1 Hudsonian Godwit (rare)
3 Buffleheads (1 male, 2 fems)
2 Common Goldeneyes?
Hooded Mergansers (fems)
A lot of Canada Geese
2 Greater Black-backed Gulls
American Tree Sparrow

Angela Nicholson
angn4@hotmail.com

Bruce County - Mon, 20 Nov 2000

Sorry, the Greater White-fronted Goose was a mistake according to a local expert. It is an escapee probably from a local park or farm.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Bruce County/Owen Sound - Mon, 20 Nov 2000

At 12:15 today we found a Greater White-fronted Goose at Kelso Beach, Owen Sound. Sorry I couldn't post earlier. I tried to post from the library in Owen Sound but their mail program refused to send the message.

The Hudsonian Godwit and Brant Geese were still present. Kelso Beach is on the west side of the harbour, off 2nd Ave.W.

I have an insane Meadowlark trying to fly around my property (Dunblane) in the heavy, wet snow and icy cold wind. It can't make headway against the wind so it keeps dropping into the 8-10 inches of snow in the field.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Colpoy's bay - Tue, 14 Nov 2000

Took a drive from kemble to Oxeden on sun. a northern shrike & redtail hawk were seen on the way, just north of gleason's brook there is a large exposed area due to the water level. At this spot were 12-bonaparte gulls ,4 common goldeneye, 18 buffleheads, 1 male red breasted mer. 5 loon's + com. mer., canada geese, common gull's. While observing these a flock of approx. 30 snow buntings landed in front of us. Still seeing grebes passing through in front of our place on o/s bay.

J. Fay
jfay@sympatico.ca

Great Grey Owl roadkill: Tobermory, Bruce Peninsula Nov. 1 - Fri, 3 Nov 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Fellow birders...

A Great Grey Owl was road-killed on Nov. 1 just south of the town of Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula. I hope this is a sign of more northern owls to come (but not of more road-kills)!

Happy owling,

Ethan Meleg
Tobermory
ethan_meleg@pch.gc.ca

Shorebirds: Stokes Bay, Bruce Peninsula Oct. 29 - Mon, 30 Oct 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Howdy birders,

There were a pile of shorebirds at Stokes Bay, Bruce Peninsula yesterday:

Black-bellied Plover (47)
Sanderling (30)
Pectoral Sandpiper (6)
Dunlin (2)
additional shorebirds out of ID range  (approx 50)

Nothing cosmic, but shorebirds are tough up here on the peninsula, especially this late.

Happy birding,

Ethan Meleg
Tobermory
ethan_meleg@pch.gc.ca

directions to Stokes Bay:
Take Hwy 6 north on the Bruce Peninsula. Pass through the town of Ferndale. Turn left (shortly thereafter) at the signs for Stokes Bay. Follow into the village and foot of the bay. Follow the road around the right side of the bay. The birds were distant, but visible from the government dock. A scope is needed.

Kemble Shoreline - Wed, 25 Oct 2000

Sighted today - 31 loons [1 flock], 4 - horned & 2- redthroated grebes, plus the usual common mergansers, mallards, 1- gb. heron & 1- lonely canada goose.

J. Fay

Bruce County - Thu, 19 Oct 2000

October 19/00

The club travelled to Isaac Lake, Singing Sands, Cabot Head Light, Crane
Lake and Brinkman's Road and observed 40 species.  Highlights were;
- 6 American Golden Plovers at Singing Sands
- 2 Sandhill Cranes, a Northern Shrike and a Rusty Blackbird on Brinkman's
Road
- Horned and Red-necked Grebes near Dyer's Bay
- Oldsquaw off Cabot Head

Cindy Cartwright
Bruce County Birdfinding Club
pom@bmts.com

Bruce County - Wed, 18 Oct 2000

Along with the usual fall migrants, the following birds were banded at Cabot Head Nature Reserve in the past few days: MERLIN, INDIGO BUNTING, EASTERN TOWHEE. Numerous Cardinals and Pine Siskins are arriving. 50 Saw-whet Owls and 2 Boreal Owls have been banded up to this morning.

The Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory can be reached at bpbo@hotmail.com

Cabot Head Nature Reserve is on the northeast tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Follow the paved road north through Dyer's Bay. Turn right onto the gravel road marked "Wingfield Basin and Cabot Head Lighthouse". Travel 8 kms. to the Cabot Head Lighthouse. The Nature Reserve is on the northwest side of Wingfield Basin. There is no public vehicle access to the site. Please do not interfere with the banding taking place on site.

Cindy Cartwright
pom@bmts.com

North Bruce Peninsula - Fri, 13 Oct 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Evening Birders,

It's Friday evening and a NORTHERN SAW-WHET owl is calling in a stand of trees next to our house. Last night we heard a EASTERN SCREECH OWL also on the property.

Teresa O'Reilly
672 East Rd.
North of Cape Chin
Bruce Peninsula

Collingwood Oct. 9, 2000 - Tue, 10 Oct 2000

Seen at the weekend while walking along the shores in Collingwood. I thought
some of them noteworthy enough to mention.
1 semiplamated plover
12 semiplamted sandpiper
12 common merganser
4 green winged teal
4 greater blacked back gulls
6 American widgeons
2 gadwall
1 northern harrier
12 white throated sparrows
Cranberry Shores is on 26 west (10 minutes east of Blue mountain.)
Thanks
Victor Bell

Bruce County - Tue, 10 Oct 2000

October 10/00

Yesterday 2 Black-backed Woodpeckers and 2 Northern Shrikes were observed at the Cabot Head Nature Reserve during watch. Large numbers of Common Loons are rafting offshore, along with Red-necked and Horned Grebes.

9 Northern Saw-whet Owls were banded last night. A Northern Goshawk and another Yellow-billed Cuckoo were banded a couple of days ago. Golden-crowned Kinglets, Chickadees, White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows are the most common birds being banded. Juncos and American Tree Sparrows are arriving.

The Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory can be contacted at bpbo@hotmail.com

Cabot Head Nature Reserve is on the northeast tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Follow the paved road north through Dyer's Bay. Turn right onto the gravel road marked "Wingfield Basin and Cabot Head Lighthouse". Travel 8 kms. to the Cabot Head Lighthouse. The Nature Reserve is on the northwest side of Wingfield Basin. There is no public vehicle access to the site. Please do not disturb the banding taking place on site.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Yellow Rail - North of Wiarton - Mon, 09 Oct 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Monday October 9/2000

At approx 9:00 am this morning , Mark Cranston (hope I've spelled your name right) called to say he had flushed a Yellow Rail about 20 minutes earlier near Isaac Lake. Barbara and I arrived at Isaac Lake near 10:am and after walking through the tall grasses and sedges for approx 20 minutes we flushed a juvenile Yellow Rail. The bird was very dark on the back but had the distinctive large white patches on the tailing edge of the wings.

Directions: Take Hwy 6 North from the traffic lights in Wiarton for 9.5km. Turn left (west) on Isaac Lake Rd for 1.2km. When last seen the bird was between 200 - 300 feet south of the road.

Dave Fidler
RR 5, Owen Sound
519-371-2919

Colpoy's Bay - Bruce County - Mon, 9 Oct 2000

This has turned out to be a decent weekend for waterfowl on Colpoys Bay. About 50 common loons were on the bay Friday evening, providing some close looks of every plumage from breeding through winter.

Handfuls of horned and red-necked grebes were also seen.

The numbers had dropped to about 20 loons Sunday evening. No grebes were seen, but four great black-backed gulls were on the bay, along with about a dozen Bonaparte's - mostly adults.

Shawn Giilck
South Bruce Peninsula
s.giilck@bmts.com

Bruce County - Sun, 1 Oct 2000

October 1/00

Today (5 a.m.) I banded a Boreal Owl at Cabot Head Nature Reserve. Yesterday, we banded a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Northern Saw-whet Owls are also starting to come through.

As I left, 2 Black-backed Woodpeckers flew across the road in front of me,
bringing the total sightings to 9 birds as follows:
Sept.   18 - one HY male banded
            22 - one HY male and one HY female banded
            25 - one male (unbanded) observed
            26 - one female (unbanded) observed
            28 - one female (unbanded) observed
            30 - one female (unbanded) observed
Oct.     1 - two observed in flight - unable to determine sex or if bands
present

All the sightings occurred on sunny days. The speed and direction of the wind varied. Most only stayed a few minutes, with none staying longer than one hour. All seem to be different individuals, with a minimum of 6 different birds. Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers have been observed on some of the days that Black-backs were seen, but not on any other dates so far.

Unfortunately, we have no idea where these birds are coming from, or where they are going. There is no particularly "good" habitat nearby, but there is lots of acceptable habitat throughout the Bruce Peninsula.

Cabot Head Nature Reserve is on the northeast tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Follow the paved road north through Dyer's Bay. Turn right onto the gravel road marked "Wingfield Basin and Cabot Head Lighthouse". Travel 8 kms. to the Cabot Head Lighthouse. The Nature Reserve is on the northwest side of Wingfield Basin. There is no public vehicle access to the site. Please do not interfere with the banding taking place on site.

Flocks of Robins, Bluebirds (21), Mourning Doves (45), Blue Jays and Chickadees are moving. Two Sandhill Cranes were observed flying overhead at the junction of Highway 6 and Lindsay Rd. 30.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Grebes & Loons - Wed, 27 Sep 2000

Kemble on the water, Just saw the first pair of grebes [ horned ? ] sept. 26. Today the 27 there is a small group of loons [10] The move is on.

Jamie Fay.
jfay@sympatico.ca

Golden Plovers Howdenvale - Mon, 25 Sep 2000

Hi Birders,

There were about a dozen Golden Plovers on the sands at Howdenvale, Bruce Peninsula to-day, Monday September 25, 2000.

They were a grand sight - very vocal and easily approached.

Richard Bentham
bentham@bmts.com

LeConte's Sparrow-Cabot Head, Bruce Peninsula - Fri, 22 Sep 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

I am sending this on behalf of Audrey Heagy. This morning Friday 22nd a Le Conte's Sparrow and two Black-backed Woodpeckers were banded at Cabot Head Provincial Nature Reserve by Audrey Heagy and Dave Okines. The birds were not seen after being released.

Directions to Cabot Head Provincial Nature Reserve:
Take Hwy 6 north on the Bruce Peninsula. Turn right (east) on Dyer's Bay Rd (about 20 minutes south of Tobermory). Go to the T junction at the end and turn right Follow the paved road as it bends left and down into the hamlet of Dyers Bay. Continue on this road past many cottages (along the shoreline), staying right until coming to a gravel road on the right with a small sign for the Cabot Head (if you miss the road, you'll hit a dead end shortly thereafter). Follow the gravel road which winds along the shore of Georgian Bay. After about 10 minutes it will end at a small parking lot, just short of the Cabot Head Lighthouse. A short trail from here takes you to the mouth of Wingfield Basin. The birds were banded on the other side of the basin and released. Please do not disturb the banding operations taking place near the cottages on the other side of the bay. There is no public vehicle access to the banding site.

Dave Fidler
RR 5, Owen Sound
(519)371-2919
fidlersgreen@sympatico.ca

Black-backed Woodpecker - Cabot Head, Bruce Peninsula Sept 18 - Mon, 18 Sep 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Greetings Birders,

A Black-backed Woodpecker was banded this morning at Cabot Head Provincial Nature Reserve by Audrey Heagy and Dave Okines. I photographed the bird prior to its release. It has not been seen since the release.

Ethan Meleg
Tobermory
ethan_meleg@pch.gc.ca

Directions to Cabot Head Provincial Nature Reserve:

Take Hwy 6 north on the Bruce Peninsula. Turn right(east) on Dyer's Bay Rd (about 20 minutes south of Tobermory). Go to the T junction at the end and turn right. Follow the paved road as it bends left and down into the hamlet of Dyers Bay. Continue on this road past many cottages (along the shoreline), staying right until coming to a gravel road on the right with a small sign for the Cabot Head (if you miss the road, you'll hit a dead end shortly thereafter). Follow the gravel road which winds along the shore of Georgian Bay. After about 10 minutes it will end at a small parking lot, just short of the Cabot Head lighthouse. A short trail from here takes you to the mouth of Wingfield Basin.The bird was banded on the other side of the basin and released. Please do not disturb the banding operations taking place near the cottages on the other side of the bay. There is no public vehicle access to the banding site.

Re: Whip-poor-will singing -
upper Bruce Peninsula - Tuesday Sept. 12 - Thu, 14 Sep 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Hi Ethan and anyone else interested!

I just returned from 4 nights in the Kawarthas and heard Whip-poor-will singing on 3 of these nights. The weather was unusually warm and muggy for the whole trip and on Sunday we had a heavy intermittent rain for 8-9 hours during which one bird sang loudly on and off for 2-3 hours on Copper Lake. On the Saturday there were 2 birds singing very close to our campsite on North Rathbun Lake. Friday we heard just a short song on Mountain Lake(across Hwy 507 from Mississagi Lake).

I've taken a canoe trip with high school students, the first week of September, for at least 18 years, about the last 10 in the Kawarthas and do not recall ever hearing Whip-poor-will "singing in the rain in the fall".

Maris Apse OFO SALES
511 Chamberlain Lane
Oakville, ON L6J 6A2
(905) 338-0318

Whip-poor-will singing - upper Bruce Peninsula - Tuesday Sept. 12 - Thu, 14 Sep 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

On Tuesday evening, I heard a Whip-poor-will sing briefly in the southern portion of Bruce Peninsula National Park, south of Tobermory. I presume it is uncommon to hear one singing in the fall.

Ethan Meleg
Tobermory
ethan_meleg@pch.gc.ca

Directions:
Take Highway 6 north up the Bruce Peninsula. Turn right (east) onto Dyers Bay Rd. Take the second left (Crane Lake Road) and drive about 8 km until the road ends at a gate.

Tobermory Sightings: ducks, shorebirds and passerines - Tue, 5 Sep 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

A few birds seen around Tobermory last night by myself, Don Wilkes and Margie Wilkes (directions follow):

Tobermory Sewage Ponds:

Redhead (1)
Wood Duck (25)
Green-winged Teal (30)
Blue-winged Teal (5)
Am Black Duck (7)
Mallard (25)
Hooded Merganser (1)

Singing Sands, Dorcas Bay (Bruce Peninsula Nat. Park):

Semipalmated Plover (8)
Semipalmated Sandpiper (10)
Least Sandpiper (3)

Miscellaneous Observations:

-In response to Alan Wormington's recent posting about the absense of warblers and thrushes at Pelee... There have been large numbers of passerines during the past 10 days on the upper Bruce Peninsula(including Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Swainson's Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo, etc...).
-big groups of Common Grackles all over upper peninsula
- Broad-winged Hawks have been kettling in small numbers over town and the larger nearby islands
-there are lots of Merlins around

Good Birding,

Ethan Meleg
Tobermory
ethan_meleg@pch.gc.ca

Directions:
Take Hwy 6 north up the Bruce Peninsula. To get to Singing Sands, turn left at the national park signs, 10 km south of the town of Tobermory. To get to the Tobermory Sewage Ponds (posted no trespassing), turn left on the first gravel lane north of the Petro Canada station on your way into Tobermory.

Bruce County - Wed, 23 Aug 2000

August 17/00

Migration is underway in Bruce County. The club travelled north along the Huron shoreline to Stokes Bay looking for shorebirds. Then east to Monument Corners and south along highway 6 to Wiarton sewage lagoons. We returned along county road 13.

60 species were observed. 8 shorebird (Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Upland, Solitary, Spotted , and Pectoral Sandpipers), 3 gull and 3 tern species were located on the trip. 6 species of hawk/falcon were identified including a Peregrine Falcon. The Osprey were at the nest at Rankin River bridge but no nestlings were observed. Many family groups were located, and over 1000 Starlings in large flocks.

Cindy Cartwright for
the Bruce County Birdfinding Club
pom@bmts.com

August 22/00

2 visitors from Alberta and I birded the Dyers Bay and Crane Lake road and observed 49 species in 3 hours. The trees were full of warblers and flycatchers. Sparrows were abundant along the road edges. They were thrilled to see a family of Eastern Bluebirds, Brown Creeper Green Heron and several other life birds. It was a great morning!

Cindy Cartwright

Bruce County - Fri, 4 Aug 2000

August 3/00

The club travelled south of Port Elgin along the shore to Baie du Dore, then inland looking for sparrows and other field species. Large flocks of robins, starlings, rough-winged swallows, bobolinks, and goldfinch were observed. A tiny wet patch (about 10 ft across) in a field yielded 5 common snipe, 2 solitary sandpipers and a killdeer. Over 50 species were observed.

Next outing is August 17th. Contact me if you need more information. I'm also looking for a copy of the Breeding Bird Atlas of Ontario (F.O.N.) for the club. If anyone has one they would be willing to sell, please contact me privately. Thanks.

Cindy Cartwright for
the Bruce County Birdfinding Club
pom@bmts.com

Bruce Peninsula - Thu, 27 Jul 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Hello Birders,
Not much to report but wanted to say we have several Black-throated Green Warblers foraging in the trees at the front of our property. Purple Finches and Am. Goldfinches are back to the feeders as well as some Jays and Hummers, who have their kids with them!

Hope all are having a good summer,

Teresa O'Reilly
672 East Rd
Lions Head

Black Vulture / Bruce County - Mon, 17 Jul 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Black Vulture: Bird moulting flight feathers. Bird seen July 17 at 10:01. Flock of approx. 25 Vultures (all but 1 TVs)on the ground at dump face. All flushed and by 10:10 were totally out of sight. A search turned up no vultures flying. Seen by John Leimey (sorry John if I have misspelled your name) and Dave Tannahill

Directions: Hwy #6 North from Wiarton to Spry Road (Spry Road is 2KM South of Ferndale). Go West on Spry Road for 4KM to West Road. Go South on West Road for approx 6/10KM. Dump hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Entry at other times is trespassing.(As we were told this morning.)

Dave Tannahill
RR2 Kemble
519-371-1143

Black Vulture seen again - Fri, 14 Jul 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Today, Friday July 14th, at 5:30PM, the Black Vulture was seen by Bob Currie and Glenda Slessor at the Eastnor dump on the Bruce Peninsula. Directions: Hwy #6 North from Wiarton to Spry Road (Spry Road is 2KM South of Ferndale). Go West on Spry Road for 4KM to West Road. Go South on West Road for approx 6/10KM. Dump hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Dave Fidler - 519-371-2919

Birding on the Bruce Peninsula - Tue, 4 Jul 2000

At the intersection of Lindsay Road 5 and Cherry Hill Road (north of Ferndale on the east side of Highway 6), I saw a mockingbird yesterday morning. Other species of interest in the area were Brewer's blackbirds and savannah sparrows. I also got a glimpse of a pileated woodpecker just south of Lindsay Road 5 on the east side of Highway 6.

Cathy McCrae
cathy.mccrae@odyssey.on.ca

Black Vulture--Bruce Peninsula - Tue, 04 Jul 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Ontbirds:

At 10:30 a.m., July 4th, Dennis and Gwen Lewington, my wife, Sharon and I spotted a BLACK VULTURE on the Bruce Peninsula. The vulture was seen with 3 or 4 Turkey Vultures near #1283 West Road. This is near where West Road meets Spry Road. I believe this would not be far from the Village of Oliphant which is on the west side of the peninsula, north of Sauble Beach.

The Black Vulture was flying northwards when we saw it. There is a dump near where we first located it and it may be that it has been feeding at this dump. This is very far north for a Black Vulture to be found and, in fact may be the first record for Bruce Peninsula.

I would be interested to know if other people are able to relocate it.

DENYS GARDINER
Brantford, Ontario
shardenmerlin@mailcity.com

Palm Warbler in south Bruce Co. - Sat, 24 Jun 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Hello Ontbirders,
Yesterday (June 23) travelling back from Algonquin Park I took some back roads on my way to MacGregor Point P. P.

I took Grey Rd. 40 from west of Collingwood, and just after crossing into Bruce Co., I came across a Palm Warbler (palmarum subspecies). Knowing that Palms nest quite farther north, I was rather surprised. I don't know the status of Palms this far south this time of year, so I wouldn't mind some feedback. It was located in a swampy area that had lots of dead cedar and spruce trees, so this was drier habitat at one time. I recall seeing a sign of Crown Land near here, although this spot was posted as no trespassing. (You would need hip waders anyway). Road 40 has many excellent pastures and also wet areas, so it is great for birding just along the road. And very little traffic!

LOCATION: along Rd. 40, just a few hundred metres west of Grey-Bruce Line (south side). This is southwest of Owen Sound, and Grey-Bruce Line can be found just west of the village of Alvanley on highway 21. Follow it south to Rd 40 about eight concessions.

Good birding!

Blake A. Mann,
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email: boatmann@kent.net

OFO Trip to Bruce Peninsula - Mon, 19 Jun 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Hello Ontbirders,

The two-day OFO trip lead by John Miles on 17 and 18 June to the Bruce Peninsula attracted about 40 birders. We started at Spirit Rock just north of Wiarton on Saturday, going north primarily on the west side of Highway 6, ending in the evening at Singing Sands in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Some stayed overnight in Tobermory. On Sunday we proceeded south mostly on the east side of Highway 6, ending at Bruce's Caves, east of Wiarton.

The group saw a total of 115 species of birds. Highlights included:

1.Several pairs of Brewer's Blackbirds on Limberlost Road.

2. A multitude of grassland birds such as Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Eastern Bluebirds and Savannah Sparrows, also good views of Upland Sandpipers and Vesper Sparrows. On the way to Crane Lake we saw Clay-colored Sparrow, Sandhill Crane and a young Hairy Woodpecker sticking its head out of nest hole.

3. 16 species of breeding warblers.

4. A young Pileated Woodpecker sticking its head out of nest hole, Olive-sided Flycatcher and Mourning Warbler at Black Creek Provincial Park.

5. Virginia Rail, Black Tern, Osprey, Northern Harrier, American Bittern, Sedge Wren, Willow Flycatcher on Isaac Lake Road.

6. We also saw 21 species of ferns including the rare Robert's Fern, Wall Rue, Purple Stemmed Cliffbreak and Hart's Tongue Fern.

7. Wildflowers abounded on the Bruce Alvar. Among six orchid species seen was a late blooming Ram's Head Lady's-Slipper. The Bruce is a naturalist's dream.

Many thanks to John Miles for leading this successful OFO trip.

Good birding,

Jean Iron
President, Ontario Field Ornithologists
9 Lichen Place
Toronto, Ontario M3A 1X3
Canada
Phone: 416-445-9297
jeaniron@globedirect.com
Web Page: www.interlog.com/~ofo

Bruce County - Fri, 16 Jun 2000

June 15/00

The group travelled south through Paisley, toured the Greenock Swamp area and then returned along the lake. Over 60 species were observed including a Spotted Sandpiper with a large black lump on the left side of its' belly, just in front of the leg, which did not seem to interfere with its' walking or flight. Most species were easier to hear than to observe.

Participants noted there has been a decrease in the number of hawks seen this spring, and Upland Sandpipers have not been visible in the usual spots.

The group will not meet during July since the leaders and most of the participants will be away or busy. I will be going north. If anyone could help me with contact names or birding spots near the Soo, Kenora, or Lake of the Woods, please respond privately. Thanks.

Cindy Cartwright for
the Bruce County Birdfinding Club
pom@bmts.com

Hawks at Tobermory - Wed, 7 Jun 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Hawks at Tobermory
June 6, 2000

Yesterday, we crossed from South Baymouth, Manitoulin, to Tobermory and noted several kettles of Turkey Vultures over even very small islands stretching south from Fitzwilliam Island and the islands north from Tobermory. We wondered whether the vultures had island hopped from Manitoulin south or crossed the great expanse of water north from Tobermory.

As the ferry arrived at Tobermory we could see dozens of vultures and hawks piling up at the waterfront. And so, after we got off the ferry we sat at one of the patio bars along the harbourfront and watched the spectacle for an hour or so.

Hawks and vultures approached land's end and either peeled off to the west or east or kettled and drifted back south. Apparently some must have tried to cross at a higher altitude than we could detect them but gave up and came back onto land at barely tree top level. Even with four of us watching we had a hard time keeping track of how many hawks there were and where they were coming from and whether there was some sort of pattern that would emerge. The spectacle reminded us of Pelee in May on a north wind when small numbers of hawks drift down to the tip off and on all day long.

From Tobermory Harbour we estimated the following numbers.

Broad-winged Hawk       150+ of which only 3 or so were in adult plumage
Red-shouldered Hawk     3 to 5, all in subadult plumage
Red-tailed Hawk                20 to 30, mostly subadults
GOLDEN EAGLE             1 subadult
Northern Harrier                2 
Turkey Vulture                  50+

Wanting to move on, we drove down the peninsula but could not find any other vantage point on Hwy 6 where we could detect this spectacle.

Dave Martin, Linda Wladarski, Ross Snider, Terry Ricker
Harrietsville, ON
dave.martin@odyessey.on.ca

Huron Fringe Birding Festival - June 3, 2000 - June 5, 2000

Hi everyone, on Saturday June 3rd, 2000 I made the long trip from the east side of Scarborough to MacGregor Point Park on the shores of Lake Huron. It took over three hours of driving to make it up there ... and it was worth it! Below is an account of what was observed during the trip.

I left at 5:10am on Saturday morning and took the 401 from Neilson Rd. to HW 400, highway 400 north to highwway 89, highway 89 west to highway 10, highway 10 northwest to just past Chatsworth which is on #6/#10. I then took the concession road west and ended up on #40 which took me to the north side of the park just south of Port Elgin at just after 8:00am.

Now down to my sightings:

On Concession road 40 just east of the park I saw several UPLAND SANDPIPERS, EASTERN MEADOWLARKS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, MOURNING DOVES, a possible SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and NORTHERN HARRIER, AMERICAN CROWS, and SAVANNAH SPARROWS. I am sure I would have seen a lot more along the roadsides if I had not been racing to get to the park on time to meet up with the group of birders on the organized hike through the park.

As I entered the MacGregor Point Park boundary I was surprized to see an Opossum about to walk out in front of me, and then scurry back to cover on the left side of the road. I did know that they had made their way this far north on Ontario. As I was driving through the park to find the birding group, I heard several GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHERS, OVENBIRDS, and AMERICAN REDSTARTS.

I met the group at the entrance to the Ducks Unlimited Trail (Tower Trail) where Doug Martin was leading the group and explaining the habitat of the trail we about to enter. At the start of the trail, the first bird we were able to identify was an AMERICAN REDSTART, which we found to be the most abundant warbler in the area. Because the trees were out in full leaf, it was difficult to located many of the birds in the area. This is why learning their calls is so important. We were able to occasionally view the Redstart and noted that there was a mixture of adult males and first year males singing, as well as females flittering about through the trees. In that area we also heard BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER but were unable to locate it visually even with about twenty sets of eyes and about 15 minutes of looking.

We proceeded through the DU Trail and observed the following species:

PIED-BILLED GREBE (heard only)
GREAT BLUE HERON (in marsh viewed from tower)
TURKEY VULTURE (flying over park)
RUFFED GROUSE (heard drumming often)
MOURNING DOVE (heard only)
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (great looks at male seen from viewing tower)
NORTHERN FLICKER (heard and seen from trail near a clearing and wet area)
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (heard only)
WILLOW FLYCATCHER (heard only)
LEAST FLYCATCHER (heard then seen briefly)
EASTERN PHOEBE (heard and seen well at tower)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (heard and seen well at one of the ponds)
EASTERN KINGBIRD (heard and seen at tower)
RED-EYED VIREO (seen several in a few locations)
WARBLING VIREO (heard and seen)
BLUE JAY (only seen a few)
AMERICAN CROW (only a few)
TREE SWALLOWS (seen and heard near tower)
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE (only a few seen or heard)
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (heard a couple of times)
BROWN CREEPER (a few seen chasing each other - not creeping)
VEERY (heard only)
WOOD THRUSH (heard only by most in group)
AMERICAN ROBIN (a few near the tower)
CEDAR WAXWING (heard by a few in group)
YELLOW WARBLER (several seen and heard)
MAGNOLIA WARBLER (seen by a few)
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (heard only)
OVENBIRD (heard many)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (heard only)
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (heard often and seen well several times)
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (heard singing and great close looks)
SONG SPARROW (seen and heard near second pond)
SWAMP SPARROW (seen and heard near first and second pond)
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD (a pair seen at top of tree)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (several heard and eventually a few seen)
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (a few seen and heard)

After a delightful walk we returned to the Visitors Centre. There I met with the staff, who were very friendly and helpful. At noon there was a CHILI LUNCH sponsored by the Huron Fringe Field Naturalists. During the lunch we were treated to the resident Ruby -throated Hummingbird

At 1-pm two groups went out on separate guided trips: The WILDFLOWER HIKE lead by Joan Crowe, and the CHANTRY SHORES field trip. I decided to join the Chantry Shores group. There, Geoff Peach and Cindy Cartwright spoke about the Chantry Island and about the dunes and shoreline opposite the island. It was a very informative and interesting talk. The island is a breeding spot for the largest colony of Herring Gull in Ontario, and also breeding grounds for RING-BILLED GULL, GREAT BLUE HERON, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, CASPIAN TERN, GREAT EGRET, and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. Bushnell Canada provided scopes to enable us to view the birds on the island from the shores. We saw most of the species, but didn't get to see any Egrets. We also had a SPOTTED SANDPIPER on the shore near where we were viewing from. Geoff spoke to us about the value of the dunes and the vegetation that provides a natural means of controlling erosion.

Along the shores of Lake Huron we also saw COMMON MERGANSERS with young, CANADA GEESE, GADWALL, MALLARD, and NORTHERN SHOVELER before heading back to the park.

Afterwards, I headed off on my own and found a couple of GREAT EGRETS (one in the DU marsh, and one at the Lake Huron shores at the south edge of the park). I also found GRAY CATBIRD there as well in the scrubs. From there I headed south to Concession 8 and HW 21, where I found the BREWERS BLACKBIRD as instructed by the staff of the park. Thanks for the LIFER!

At 6-pm I joined the group at the WRAP UP SUPPER AT BOSKY RIDGE. There, Cindy Cartwright gave and excellent slide show presentation after an enjoyable meal. She also released a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird that was trapped in one of the rooms.

I returned back to the Visitors Centre where I was greeted by a COMMON NIGHTHAWK calling above the parking lot. I also finally heard a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW calling from the bush near the parking lots. At the Centre itself there was a couple of displaying AMERICAN WOODCOCKS displaying for over an hour. At 10-pm there was an OWL PROWL and STARGAZING. I joined the Owl Prowl. Down the road that runs down the south side of the park, and within the park, we had SCREECH OWL responding to tapes.

After finishing up with the owl prowl, I took a couple of quick looks through the telescopes. We certainly don't get to see a night sky like that in the Toronto area!

After a full day at MacGregor Point Park I headed home and got some rest. Thank you all at MacGregor Point Park for an excellent day! Your friendly informative staff really made the difference and provided everyone with personal attention which resulted in a great day!

Gord Gallant
gord@web-nat.com

Huron Fringe Birding Festival - Wed, 31 May 2000

May 31/00

The second weekend of the HURON FRINGE BIRDING FESTIVAL starts Friday June 2nd and runs to Sunday June 4th. Check the link at www.friendsofmacgregor.com or www.web-nat.com or call 389-6231 for details.

Species observed the first weekend were:

- common loon, pied-billed grebe, double-crested cormorant
- great blue heron, great egret, green heron, black-crowned night heron
- canada goose, green and blue winged teal, mallard, northern shoveller,
gadwall, american wigeon, redhead, wood, ruddy and ring-necked ducks, common
and red-breasted merganser,
- turkey vulture, osprey, bald eagle, northern harrier, sharp-shinned hawk,
red-tailed hawk, cooper's hawk, american kestrel
- ruffed grouse, wild turkey
- virginia rail, sora
- semipalmated plover, killdeer, greater yellowlegs, ruddy turnstone,
semipalmated sandpiper, least sandpiper, dunlin, spotted sandpiper, common
snipe, woodcock
- bonaparte's gull, ring-billed, herring, and great black-backed gulls,
caspian tern
- rock dove, mourning dove, black-billed cuckoo
- screech owl, great horned owl
- common nighthawk, whip-poor-will
- chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, belted kingfisher
- yellow-bellied sapsucker, red-bellied, downy, hairy and pileated
woodpeckers, flicker
- least and great-crested flycatchers,eastern wood-pewee, eastern phoebe,
eastern kingbird
- horned lark, purple martin, tree, rough-winged, bank, cliff and barn
swallows
- blue jay, crow, black-capped chickadee, red and white-breasted nuthatches,
brown creeper
- house, winter and marsh wren
- ruby-crowned kinglet, blue-gray gnatcatcher, eastern bluebird, veery,
robin, brown thrasher, gray-cheeked, swainson's and wood thrush
- cedar waxwing, starling
- blue-headed, yellow-throated, warbling, philadelphia and red-eyed vireos
- blue-winged, golden-winged, tennessee, nashville, yellow, chestnut-sided,
magnolia, pine, black-throated blue, yellow-rumped, black-throated green,
blackburnian, bay-breasted, blackpoll, black and white, mourning, wilson's,
and canada warblers, american redstart, ovenbird, northern waterthrush,
common yellowthroat, northern parula
- scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, eastern
towhee, junco
- chipping, field, vesper,savannah, song, swamp, white-throated,
white-crowned sparrows
- bobolink, red-winged blackbird, eastern meadowlark, brewer's blackbird,
common grackle, brown-headed cowbird, baltimore oriole
- purple finch, house finch, pine siskin, american goldfinch, house sparrow

Observed in Bruce County this week:

- piping plover, solitary sandpiper, whimbrel, american and least bittern,
golden eagle, broad-winged hawk, sandhill crane, northern saw-whet owl,
red-headed woodpecker, yellow-bellied, alder and willow flycatchers,
northern mockingbird, prairie and hooded warblers, lincoln's sparrow

Cindy Cartwright for the
Huron Fringe Birding Festival

MacGregor Point Weekend Birds - Tue, 23 May 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

I wasn't able to post this last night but thought ONTbirders who were heading to MacGregor for the Huron Fringe Birding Festival next weekend might want a lead up report.
We camped at McG Pt on the Vic. weekend in the Grouse Landing campground. The campground is VERY wet from recent rains, with many campsites surrounded by water. This made for interesting birding!

Around the campground there were lots of:

American Redstart (never seen this many in 1 place)
Ovenbird (many on territory in the campground)
N. Waterthrush (2 -3 on territory around our campsite)
BT Green
Veery
WT Sparrow

and 1 Scarlet tanager
a drumming Ruffed Grouse

Am. Woodcock performed nightly at dusk around the shower house septic bed

On the shore trail:

RE Vireo
N Parula
Chestnut Sided Warbler
Magnolia
YR Warbler
Blackburnian
Pine and Ruby Th. Hummingbird (around Visitor's Centre)
B&W Warbler
Canada Warbler
BT Blue Warbler

Tower Trail:

Baltimore Oriole
Catbird
Least Flycatcher
E Phoebe
Common Yellowthroat

Along the Beaches:

E Kingbirds
DC Cormorants
Semipalmated Plover
Killdeer
1 unidentified Sandpiper

Other:

Wood Thrush
hermit Thrush
GC Flycatcher
W Crowned Sparrow

Rod Murray                         Dolphin Senior Public School
89 Russell Drive                   18 Brookside Drive
Oakville, Ontario                  Streetsville, Ontario
L6H 1L4  905-338-919               L5M 1H3 (905)826-4247 826-9931(fax)
rodmurr@total.net                  Rod.Murray@peelsb.com

Loggerhead Shrike&Piping Plover Bruce County - Tue, 23 May 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Yesterday we did our Baillie Birdathon and had a total of 125 species, well below our 9 year average of 140. However we had 2 outstanding birds for the day. A Loggerhead Shrike at Baie du Dore which is approx 6km west of Underwood on Hwy 21.Later in the morning we had a Piping Plover at Horseshoe Bay. The Piping Plover was with 7 Semipalmated Plover and 4 Least Sandpipers. Horseshoe Bay is just south of Southampton on the road nearest the lake. Take Huron St south in Southampton and this becomes Lorraine Drive and Horseshoe Bay is approx 1km south of Southampton.

Dave Fidler
RR 5 Owen Sound
Ph 519-371-2919

Yellow-Breasted Chat - Mon, 22 May 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

This sighting is being reported on behalf of Jackie Goldstein who is still on the trail:

Yellow-breasted chat seen on the Bruce Trail about noon, Monday May 22.

Location about mile 60 of the Bruce Trail (page 4, in the Niagara Club section), near Moyer Road and 4th Street.. Access the Trail via 4th Street (Cherry Avenue) or where it crosses the laneway to Boteek Farms, then proceed East toward Vineland, down the escarpment, and just before the new bridge (the first one, in fact), look in the bush to the North (towards the lake).

Jacqueline Goldstein
puregold@sentex.net

Owen Sound Birds - Fri, 19 May 2000

i went out the last couuple days touring around town. 
i went to various locations which include: Hibou, Kelso beach, 
harrison park, the bay.i also went over to Mcgregor park.

    i seen over 70 species. noteable include.

  kelso beach:
        -Dundlin (7)
        -least sandpiper(1)
        - semipalmated plover(a dozen)
        - great black backked gull
        - cliff swallows
        - blue& green wing teal
   the bay:
         - ruddy duck
         - lesser scaup
         - merganzers
         - caspian tern
   mcgregor park:
         -warblers(bay breasted, blue/green throated,
pine, palm, bw, am. redstart, magnolia, tennessee.)   
         - ruby hummers
    harrion park:
            -green heron 
            -wood duck
            -oriole
            -pied billed grebe
            -warblers 

                                  justin duncan

Kemble Sightings - Tue, 16 May 2000

May 15 /00. After six days at point pelee, back home to kemble 10mi. n. of owen sound. A northern mockingbird, towee, indigo bunting, male widgeon, redstart. Not many warblers here yet.

Jamie Fay
jfay@sympatico.ca

BIRDS ON THE UPPER BRUCE PENINSULA - Mon, 15 May 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Birds Seen at and around cottage feeder at 124 Dyer’s Bay Road, Upper Bruce Peninsula between 6.30 a.m. and 8.00 a.m. Monday, May 15/2000

Purple Finch—15-20, M & F

Goldfinch—10-12, M & F

Pine Siskin—2 F

Evening Grosbeak—1 M, 1 F

Rose Breasted Grosbeak—1M, 1F

Indigo Bunting—2 M, 1 F

Chipping Sparrow—7-9 

Song Sparrow—2 M

Tree Sparrow—1 M, 1F

White Crowned Sparrow—1 M

Blue Jay—5

Eastern Phoebe—2 (M & F)

Ruby Throated Hummingbird—2

Robin—2

Downy Woodpecker—2 M, 1 F

Cowbird—3M, 2F

Baltimore Oriole—1 M, 2F  (at hanging orange halves)

Black capped Chickadee—5-6

Red Eyed Vireo—1

Heard calling from field on neighbouring property: Sandhill Cranes; Upland Sandpipers, Common Snipe.

1 M, 1 F Blue Winged Teal have returned for another year to pond at front of property, 124 Dyers Bay Road.

Ken Teasdale
steasdale@idirect.com

Grey-Bruce Sightings - Sun, 14 May 2000

Hi Birders,

My wife and I added three new sighting to our list this spring.
Along the shore at Howdenvale on April 30, we confirmed a Merlin (Pigeon Hawk) sitting atop a dead blue ash. All the shore birds were deathly still. It was unconcerned by our presence until we got within about 50 feet when it took off flying low and complaining loudly. At first from a distance it looked like it was a Kestrel - but closer examination proved it to be unmistakably a Merlin.

On May 14, also at Howdenvale, a Yellow-Headed Blackbird. Again, unmistakable. Finally, on May 12 at our niger seed feeder near Flesherton, an Indigo Bunting turned up. What a great sighting. We had heard that there were a few around Flesherton, but it was a first for us. No doubt it was just passing through.

All the best,

Richard and Lorraine Bentham,
Howdenvale and Flesherton.
bentham@bmts.com

Bobolinks on the Bruce - Fri, 12 May 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Hello again Birders,
Just wanted to report seeing quite a few Bobolinks on Lindsay Rd/East Rd. in Cape Chin and Concession #4 and Barrows Bay road, a Great Blue Heron was seen there as well. In Lion's Head was a Northern Cardinal. All roads are on the right, off Highway 6 North.

At home, 4 Hummers are now buzzing around, they seem to like the Oriole feeder better, at least now they've left the porch lights alone!

Good Birding

Teresa O'Reilly
672 East Road
R.R. #4
Lion's Head, Ontario
N0H 1W0
http://www.bbcanada.com/spirit.html

grey/bruce - Bognor marsh - Thu, 11 May 2000

sorry for the late posting. the virus thing.

three of us started out a 5 a.m. Sunday may 7 to catch early singers (and maybe owls).

we heard more birds than we seen over the morning.
we did though manage to get some warblers, I presume early ones.

    - golden-winged      - black and white  -Y-R
    - blackburnian       - ovenbird         - BTG
    - common yellow throat   - yellow

a few sandhill cranes flew over and landed in the marsh. this was pretty neat. swamp sparrows were present as well, along with song, chipping. catbird, robins,sharp shinned hawk, grouse, swallows,great horned owl, etc were also observed.

justin duncan
owen sound
justin_duncan@go.com

Orchard Oriole on the Bruce - Wed, 10 May 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Hello Birders,
I have a Orchard Oriole up here on the Bruce. He came to my bedroom window where I have feeders up, checked what I had then flew into the forest. I haven't been able to ID his song yet with all the racket from the other birds!

The male Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks(3) now have females to vie for their attention. These birds are new finds for us and they are the most attractive birds we've seen so far.

While out at Cyprus Lake P.P., we spotted Black and White Warblers, 1 male Eastern Kingbird and Ruby crowned Kinglets, all in the same area on the road into the park..off Highway 6 north.

Good birding!

Teresa O'Reilly
672 East Road

Bruce Birding May 5 to 7 - Mon, 8 May 2000

Two friends and I identified over 110 species on the Bruce this weekend. Here are some of the highlights from the most productive areas.

Cape Chin North Connection area - American woodcock, sandhill cranes, Lincoln's sparrow, rose-breasted grosbeak, common snipe
Dorcas Bay/Singing Sands - warblers (Nashville, black-and-white, black-throated green)
Cabot Head Lighthouse area - broadwinged hawks (kettles of 50+ Saturday morning), same warblers as above and orange-crowned, pileated woodpecker, horned and red-necked grebe
Black Creek P.P. - same warblers and American redstart
Little Cove - magnolia warbler and sandhill cranes

Good birding!

From cathy.mccrae@odyssey.on.ca

Ruby Hummer on the Bruce Peninsula - Sat, 06 May 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Hello Birders,

Even though I'm still housebound, I have seen three new arrivals. The first was a male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak at my bedroom window yesterday morning and he is still here today. John saw a White-Crowned Sparrow at the Lion's Head harbour, there are now a few here with the White-Breasted Sparrows.

The third arrival is the Ruby-Throated Hummer. He found the feeder quickly and even checked out the porch lights for food. Journey North has tracked these birds way north and the latest reports have come from the Lake Ontario area. Finding one here a day later shows how fast these little guys travel.

Good Birding,

Teresa O'Reilly
spirit@bmts.com

Bruce County - Thu, 4 May 2000

May 4/00

The group spent time at MacGregor Point and Inverhuron Provincial Parks, Kincardine Sewage Lagoons and the Kincardine Cemetary. 80 species were observed including:

- Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, Snipe and Short-billed Dowitcher
- Eastern Kingbird, Purple Martin, Barn and Northern Rough-winged Swallow
- House Wren, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Towhee, Bobolink, and Baltimore Oriole
- Swamp Sparrow, White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows
- Pine, Palm, Yellow-rumped, Black and White, and Black-throated Green Warblers
- Warbler Sp. - blue above, white or light gray below, light eye-ring, black
bill, one small white
    wingbar - no green, yellow or black anywhere - ?female Cerulean or
Black-throated Blue?
    Not Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Please respond privately if you can help with
I.D. of this warbler.

Cindy Cartwright for
Bruce County Birdfinding Club
pom@bmts.com

Possible Black Rail in Bruce County - Wed, 3 May 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

I flushed what appeared to be a black rail at the Isaac Lake marsh north of Wiarton on the Bruce Peninsula about 8:35 p.m. tonight.

The brief look I had at it looked right for the species, but I was unable to spot the bird again in the dense vegetation. No vocalizations were heard.

The marsh is located about four miles north of Wiarton. Take Highway 6 from Wiarton to the Isaac Lake Road, turn west (left) and head down to the marsh and waterfowl sanctuary about 1.5 kilometers. The bird was midway between the foot of the hill leading to the marsh, and the west bend in the road which would take you past the duck ponds. Check the west side of the road.

Shawn Giilck
South Bruce Peninsula

Beaver Valley, a wonderful end to April - Mon, 1 May 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

This weekend near Ravenna (Beaver Valley, Kalopore trail, S.E.of Meaford) a beautiful hiking trail in a woods full of Pileated Woodpeckers, Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers, Hairy Woodpeckers and with echoing songs high in the canopy of yellow rumped warblers. A wonderful prelude to Pelee Is. - if we can still get there!

An update on our bluebirds.. They have hatched.. and we are thankful for the tip and have smeared a "u" post with axle grease.

Shelagh Sully.
pmcdougall@odyssey.on.ca

Le Conte's Sparrow - Fri, 28 Apr 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

A mature Le Conte's sparrow was observed in Kincardine today by myself at mid morning and was confirmed later this afternoon. This sparrow was located at the east end of the Kincardine Cemetery by the drainage ditch near the piles of fill.

It was very easy to view, considering it is known to be secretive. To observe this bird, if it stays with us for awhile, proceed west on Bruce Ave. from Highway #21 past the town dump to the most easterly road and south into the cemetery. The drainage ditch runs north/south and the sparrow was sighted opposite the dirt piles at the ditch.

R. Knowles
Kincardine, ON
knowlesr@hurontel.on.ca

Red-necked Grebe Surveys, Cabot Head - Thu, 27 Apr 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

A survey of Red-necked Grebes is currently underway as part of an effort to gather base line data for the Cabot Head IBA. Volunteer surveyors make observations twice per week, usually Wednesdays and Saturdays (weather permitting), beginning April 1 and continuing to mid-May. The survey route involves five shoreline viewing stations spread between the government dock in the village of Dyers Bay and the light station at Cabot Head.

Additional sightings from this surveyor include: April 1 - 19 RNGR, April 15 - 145 RNGR, 60 HOGR (a large #), April 20 - 124 RNGR, 22 HOGR, 288 OLDS.

Additional data for the IBA will be obtained from migration monitoring of passerines and raptor movements in a planned future hawk watch. Persons interested in future participation may wish to contact Ethan Meleg at Bruce National Park (ethan_meleg@pch.gc.ca) when he returns from Texas in early May.

To reach the Dyers Bay / Cabot Head area, drive north up the Bruce Peninsula on Highway #6 to the Dyers Bay Road (about 40 minutes from Wiarton). Turn right (east) on the paved road and follow it to the shoreline in Dyers Bay. The government dock is at the bottom of the hill going into the village. To reach the light house, drive north through Dyers Bay and take the sign-posted gravel road along the shoreline. Waterfowl are readily viewed from any of several pull-offs along this very scenic road. Parking and toilets are available at the Cabot Head light house area (which is also a super area for a picnic lunch).

Rod Steinacher
Kitchener, ON
1-519-745-6215
rstein@golden.net

Rough-Legged Hawks in Bruce and Grey Counties - Thu, 27 Apr 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

April 27, 2000
Rough-legged Hawks etc. in Bruce and Grey Counties

Ross Snider and I just got back from an intensive 3 day trip through Bruce and Grey Counties between Port Elgin, Owen Sound, Wiarton and north to Ferndale looking at Loggerhead Shrike habitat.

We were very impressed with the very conspicuous and large numbers (compared to down south) of E. MEADOWLARKS (100s per day) , E. PHOEBES (10 to 20 per day) , E. BLUEBIRDS (20 to 30 per day), N. FLICKERS (20 to 30 per day), and COMMON SNIPE (10 to 20 per day).

Most astonishing (to us) were the 24 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS encountered at such a late date. On Monday April 24th, there was a fairly strong migration of Rough-legs in the mid to late afternoon. Accompanying the Rough legs were 2 equally remarkable and very late, subadult GOLDEN EAGLES. As well, we encountered Rough legs all three days hunting most anywhere there was pasture or hayfields. In contrast we only saw about 10 N. HARRIERS over the 3 days and most of these were males.

Despite visiting most of the known BREWER'S BLACKBIRD sites and many other sites with suitable habitat no Brewers were found. Even the UPLAND SANDPIPERS were scarce with 4 birds in 3 days. Perhaps it is still too early for these species.

We did see 2 shrikes. The first was a well-studied NORTHERN SHRIKE and the second disappeared before we could get a good look although our first impression was Northern Shrike. This confirms Ron Pittaway's cautionary note to Ontbirds some time ago that shrikes in April could be either species of shrike despite the wide held belief that any shrike in April, especially mid to late April, is likely a Loggerhead Shrike.

Although we were excited about the "rarities" we saw on this intensive trip we were most impressed by the large numbers of species such as the EASTERN MEADOWLARK, a species which is becoming few and far between in our home base, the barren and intensively cultivated croplands of southwestern Ontario

Dave Martin
dave.martin@odyssey.on.ca
519-269-3262

Red-necked Grebe Surveys - Thu, 27 Apr 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Red-necked Grebe Surveys - Dyers Bay to Cabot (Bruce Peninsula) - Grebe surveys are being done this spring to determine how many R.n.Grebes are using this as a staging or stop over area. April 6 - 5 RNGR, April 13 - 47 RNGR, April 19 - 103 RNGR and April 26 401 RNGR as well as 18 HOGR,& 84 unidentified Grebes. As well on April 26th a highlight of the afternoon was 410 Oldsquaw.

Dave&Barbara Fidler
Owen Sound, Ont. Ph 519-371-2919
fidlersgreen@sympatico.ca

Birding Report - Grey/Bruce Counties - Wed, 26 Apr 2000

Greetings Everyone,

There have been a number of new species observed at Isaac Lake this week. Today I saw a Caspian Tern on the lake. I also heard an American Bittern calling at the north end of the lake, and another in the marsh beside the road . The Osprey was on the nesting platform yersterday, but I did not see it today. I also saw a Red Tailed Hawk, Harrier, and a number of Cormorants in the area of the lake. There were a large number of Common ( Yellow Shafted) Flickers in the marsh and along the road leading in the Isaac Lake. I also saw an Eastern Kingbird gathering nesting material near the barn, as well as several Juncos, and some Song Sparrows. There were about 20 or so American Widgeons in the fenced in pond, as well as about the same number of Ring Necked Ducks. A male and female Shoveller Duck were in the same area yesterday. Other species observed were a Great Blue Heron, Mallard Ducks, Bufflehead Ducks,Pied Billed Grebes, Canada Goose, Ring Billed Gull, Herring Gull, Tree Swallows, Red Winged Blackbirds, Common Snipe, Turkey Vulture , Rusty Blackbird, Common Grackles, Starlings, Robins, Black Capped Chicadee, Rough Legged Hawk Blue Winged Teal, Hooded Merganser, Mourning Dove, and what appeared to be a Bobolink. A pair of Eastern Bluebirds apear to have taken up residence in the second nesting box north of Isaac Lake Road on the west side of Highway # 6.

Get out and enjoy nature!

Wayne Stevens
topcop@bmts.com

Birding at Hibou Conservation Area - Tue, 25 Apr 2000

It was a great day to go out yesterday, so i went down along the shore and into Hibou conservation area. i was surprised only to see 35 species (two unknowns) species seen include:

              D.C Cormorants - lots on the bay
              greater&lesser scaup - a raft of 300+
              Red-breasted & common merganser

within Hibou wood duck, woodpeckers (hairy, downy, pileated, flick),sparrows, robins, etc. one unknown was a possible winter wren.

                          -the area was a wet thicket
                            with some trees
                           - its tail was sticking 
                             straight up ,and a eyebrow
                             that stuck out.
                           - the song was long (30sec)    
                            with trills and whistles.

if any one has an opinion please let me know.

At my feeder a white-throated sparrow is hanging around along with a tree and chipping sparrow.

justin duncan
owen sound
justin_duncan@go.com

Bruce County - Sat, 22 Apr 2000

April 20/00

It was drive-by birding for the day but in spite of the rain and cold, 58 species were observed including:

- Caspian terns at Wiarton harbour and Oliphant docks
- Common Snipe calling from a fence in Arran twp.
- yellowlegs sp. (it flew away before it could be ID'd)
- Great Egret at Southampton
- Trumpeter Swan at Rankin River Bridge
- Osprey (2) on the nest on Boat Lake
- Chipping Sparrows

Many fields are flooded and creeks are overflowing. Ducks are everywhere.

Cindy Cartwright for
Bruce County Birdfinding Club
pom@bmts.com

Bruce Peninsula - Fri, 21 Apr 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

G'day Birders,
Birds seen at our home, including those in the last posting:

White Throated Sparrows
E. Phoebes
Golden Kinglets
many more Purple Finches and the A. Goldfinches are back. Both species in various degrees of summer plumage.

Cape Chin Rd N. has Kestrels in the tree copses. Lesser Yellowlegs, Meadowlarks and Robins along the roadway.
Cabot Head Rd. has Y.S. Flickers, Golden Kinglets.
Crested Cormorant in marsh off East Rd.
Email me if you want directions. All roads are off Highway 6 North, turning right.

Hoping the weather improves for the holiday weekend!

Teresa O'Reilly
672 East Road
R.R. #4
Lion's Head, Ontario
www.bbcanada.com/spirit.html

Birding Report - Bruce / Grey County - Wed, 19 Apr 2000

Greetings Everyone,

It was good day to go birding today, not much wind and temperatures a little warmer. There were a large number of Yellow Rumped Warblers ( Myrtle Warbler) at Isaac Lake. I stood in the trees on the way to the lake while a flock of about a dozen flew all around me exploring the trees for food . They sure are colourful. I saw another flock of about 20 to 25 flying along the road as I got close to the highway. There were also a large number of Song Sparrows in the same area. The Common Snipe were performing their aerial antics above the marsh, and the Yellow Shafted Flickers were also making a lot of racket to get attention. I saw a Rough Legged Hawk and a Red Tailed Hawk looking for lunch. There was a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers in the woods near the barn, and I also saw and heard a Hairy Woodpecker and several Black Capped Chicadees.. There were some American Widgeon, Ring Necked Ducks, Greater Scaup, Blue Winged Teal, and Mallard Ducks in the marsh and the ponds. I saw a Common Loon, Pied Billed grebes, Bufflehead Ducks, Red Breasted Mergansers, Cormorant,and a Turkey Vulture in the area of the lake. No sign of the Osprey there today.

Other species observed were Canada Goose, Robins, Crows, Ring Billed Gulls, and Starlings.

The spring peepers and Leopard Frogs were singing, and a bonus was the sight of a deer on the road in the marsh. All in all, a great day to be outside birding.

Wayne Stevens
topcop@bmts.com

Bruce Peninsula - Tue, 18 Apr 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

G'day Birders,
The temperature hasn't gone much past freezing these last few days but here at home some new birds have showed up.

1 Pileated Woodpecker
1 Northern Mockingbird
1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
1 Chipping Sparrow

Other residents are

Pine Siskins
Song Sparrows
2 pairs Purple Finches 
1 Robin
Numerous Juncos, Tree Sparrows 
BC Chickadees-they are now eating Niger seeds instead of sunflower
2 pair WB Nuthatches 
2 Hoary Redpolls
2 C.Grackles
2 Ruffed Grouse
8 pairs of Evening Grosbeaks in full breeding plumage

Can anyone tell me where I can get breeding info on E. Grosbeaks?

Good Birding..soon!!!

Teresa O'Reilly
672 East Road
R.R. #4
Lion's Head, Ontario
www.bbcanada.com/spirit.html

bird report - Wed, 12 Apr 2000

During my spare and over lunch I walked to a low-lying (wet) area about 1-2 km east of the school (OSCVI). Just by the old railroad tracks.

The species seen include the following:

- N. Harrier (1)
-Common Snipe (1)
- brown-headed cowbird (3)
- Am. tree sparrow (flock)
- the usual assortment of RWB, BCC, Starlings,etc.

Justin Duncan
Owen sound
justin_duncan@go.com

Bruce Grey Birds - Wed, 12 Apr 2000

1. In Sullivan Township in Grey County there is a nesting pair of Ravens in an unused barn. A large stick nest has been constructed on a high beam at the top of one of the ladders. The birds fly in and out where several boards blew off the end of the barn in recent wind storms. According to the Breeding Bird Atlas this is a more southernly nesting record than any recorded when the atlas was doen. I believe that George Peck is checking the Ontario nest records to see if there has ever been a record of Ravens nesting inside a building.

2. I saw a Snowy Owl at the intersection of Bruce County Rd. # 10 and Elderslie Toenship concession Rd. # 8 on April 11. This seems to be notable since it is so late in the season and because so few were seen in the area during the past winter.

Clarke Birchard
80 Second Street S. E.,
P.O. Box 490,
Chesley, Ontario
N0G 1L0         (519) 363-2719

Bruce County - Sun, 9 Apr 2000

April 9/00

A long time ago a farmer told me that the robins have to be snowed on, and the spring peepers have to be silenced by the cold three times before spring is truly here. If he's right, then spring must be just around the corner because both have happened with this last snowstorm.

A Great Egret was in Miramichi Bay (north of Port Elgin) on Friday. A Rusty Blackbird was singing at Rankin River Bridge (county rd.13 east of Oliphant) today. We were so close we could see the white of his eyes. (sorry for the pun - spring fever I guess).

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Bird Report - Fri, 7 Apr 2000

It's been a dull day but lots of birds around. At Isaac Lake the Osprey is back, I saw one in a tree near the nesting site. Also observed a Common Loon, Pied Billed Grebes, Ring Necked Ducks, Bufflehead Ducks, American Widgeon, Green Winged Teal, Hooded Mergansers, Red Breasted Mergansers, Mallard Ducks, Canada Geese , Black Capped Chicadees, Tree Swallows, Rough Legged Hawk, Harrier. American Kestrel,American Robin, and Red Winged Blackbird. At Sky Lake there were a large number of Ring Necked Ducks and a pair of Common Mergansers. A large flock of Boat Tailed Grackles was at the north end of Spry Lake. The Tundra Swan is still at the Pike River Bridge west of Wiarton. Had lots of Common Redpolls in my feeder,as well as a Red Breasted Nuthatch and some Mourning Doves. Can still hear some Cardinals singing in my neighbourhood.

Wayne Stevens
topcop@bmts.com

Bruce County birds - Thu, 6 Apr 2000

April 6/00

The group travelled south along the lake to Boiler Beach and returned along highway 21, stopping at the Kincardine sewage lagoons before ending at Port Elgin. 63 species were observed including:

Common Loon, Red-throated Loon, Pie-billed Grebe, Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck, Coot, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Gold- crowned Kinglet, Oregon Junco, Savannah and White-throated Sparrow.

Cindy Cartwright for
the Bruce County Birdfinding Club
pom@bmts.com

Recent Sightings - Wed, 5 Apr 2000

Dear Gord:

We have a farm some 15 kilometers northwest of Durham in Grey County.

At our feeder yesterday we were visited by a Rufous Sided Towhee and on a walk in our area spotted two Kildeers.

We are bird lovers but in no sense could we be called birders. We just love to have them visit us.

We do not know if this spotting is of any interest to you, but we thought that we would give it a try.

Russell & Maureen O'Hearn
R.R. No. 3
ELMWOOD, Ont. N0G 1S0
[519] 369-5368
russmoe@bmts.com

Birding Report - Wed, 5 Apr 2000

The sun came out this afternoon and melted the snow, so it was time to go birding. A lone immature Golden Eagle was checking out the marsh and fields at Isaac Lake. A large number of Canada Geese are nesting in the area of the fenced in ponds there. Also seen in the ponds was a pair of Common Pintail, and a lone Ruddy Duck. There were several Great Blue Herons in the marsh beside the road as well as several Mallard Ducks. On the Lake I saw a pair of Pied Billed Grebes, Ring Necked Ducks, Bufflehead Ducks, as well as a lone Double Crested Cormorant, and a lone Herring Gull. A large flock of American Robins and a flock of Crows was also seen.

Wayne Stevens
topcop@bmts.com

Snowy Owl - Tue, 4 Apr 2000

We took these pictures on Bruce county road 10 Ont. on Thursday Mar.23/00.

We carry a camera with us and on this day we were looking for eagles so this was a pleasent surprise. One Pic was taken by myself Krissy and the other by Joe. I hope you can use them. (There are more if you would like them)

Krissy & Joe
usguys@dsisp.net

Bruce Penninsula Birds - Sun, 02 Apr 2000

Hello,

Stayed at friend's cottage last week at Miller Lake for a brief holiday. Here are the sightings.

At the cottage many junco's and tree sparrows at a feeder. A chickadee, cowbird, mourning dove and house finch and then late in the week a song sparrow. At one point a flash of yellow-orange (a kestrel?) seemed to attack the little guys at the feeder and then disappeared. Saw two red-shafted flicker's doing a mating dance on the front lawn. Heard clearly on the property, but couldn't identify in the near dark an American woodcock.

Later in the Miller Lake area saw a huge flock of grackles with a few red winged blackbirds mixed in.

Drove by and stopped at Teresa O'Reilly's on East Road (sorry no one was home) and saw the redpolls, the evening grosbeak and the purple finch (very nice). From there headed down East road and in a pond saw ring necked duck and common merganser and a bufflehead.

Further on, out to Cape Chin saw a great blue heron and then a flock of Eastern Meadowlarks.

Heading out to Dyer's Bay on Friday saw two kestrels, possibly a merlin, killdeer and Eastern meadowlarks. Also huge flocks of redwinged blackbirds and bunches of robins in adjoining trees. Also a lone loon and bufflehead on the road out to Wingfield Basin.

Finally a couple golden-crowned Kinglet's on the trail off the parking lot (Emmet Lake road) down to Half-way Dump.

Enjoyed the visit and the birding.

Harry Kits
Toronto
harrykits@hotmail.com

SOUTH BRUCE SNIPERS - Point Clark outing highlights - Sat 1 April 2000

Saturday morning, the club birded the best spot in Bruce County. A few RED-THROATED LOONS were scoped from near the lighthouse.

White-winged gulls were still holding their positions, with a first-winter GLAUCOUS GULL and a first-winter ICELAND GULL.

A SNOW GOOSE (blue-phase) flew over in file with a flock of Canadas. Awesome views at point-blank range were made of the nesting CAROLINA WRENS, first located by the club on March 21.

Al Mc Tavish for the
SOUTH BRUCE SNIPERS
endemics@wightman.net

Central Bruce Peninsula - Sat, 01 Apr 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

G'day Birders,

Birds at the feeders this week.

1 Northern "Yellow Shafted" Flicker came in just after the snowfall Tuesday night. 
Haven't seen a Woodpecker feed on the ground before!
2 male Purple Finches
5 prs.Evening Grosbeaks..the beaks are turning lime green and it looks like a 
family unit. I do hope they nest here!
1 Robin
numerous Juncos
   "     Am. Tree Sparrows
   "     Black-capped Chickadees
2 Ruffed Grouse
Common and Hoary Redpolls..a reasonable number now
1 Bluejay
looks like a mated pair of Grackles, only ones here.
1 pr. Ruffed Grouse
2 pr Nuthatches

I need an ID for Sparrow-like bird: head, back, wings brown, even streaking on breast except for a small white patch running horizontally down belly; no wing bars; short, notched tail; yellow beak. Could be female Purple Finch or Savanna Sparrow.

On our trip to Lion's Head we saw our first Killdeer on Cherry Hill Road. We ended up seeing 10 in different locations. Came upon a flock of Can. Geese with some wearing orange bands on their necks, looked like 4 numbers on the bands. Hope to get closer look to report numbers.

A lone Snow Bunting was camoflaged in the leaves at the Lion's Head harbour. Also Buffleheads, Common Mergansers, more Can. Geese and a couple of unknown duck species were in the harbour waterways. For now, ducks are ducks! I have enough to do studying Hawks.

I am looking to get a 300 zoom lens for my Canon AE1 to get some close up shots, any suggestions?

Good Birding this weekend,

Teresa O'Reilly
spirit@bmts.com

'just North of Cape Chin on East Road

Hi all! It's been a busy couple of days with that snowstorm! - Wed, 29 Mar 2000

Dundalk March 29, the day after 8 inches of snow fell the feeders were a mob scene. There were Song sparrows American tree sparrows Juncos Chickadees, House finches, Goldfinches, Common redpolls and sparrows, Grackles and cowbirds and redwinged blackbirds, Blue jays and woodpeckers and robins and crows. I couldnt fill the feeders fast enough I threw raisins and bread and nuts for the Robins and Crows. Mouring doves and pigeons showed up it was absolutely a sight. There were more than one hundred birds here for the day on mad frenzy feeding. That snowstorm sure put a damper on their nesting habits of late. It really was music to my ears!

Rina Fox
foxlocks@on.aibn.com

Birding Report - South Bruce Peninsula - Wed, 29 Mar 2000

I saw a number of species at Isaac Lake on the Bruce Peninsula today. Of note were Pied Billed Grebes in the Lake and a Loggerhead Shrike beside the road near the fenced in ponds. I have seen both a light phase and a dark phase Rough Legged Hawk in the same area for the last week. Ring Neck Ducks, Greater Scaup, Ruddy Ducks, Blue Winged Teal, Common Mergansers, Red Breasted Mergansers, Kestrels, BuffleHeads, Mallards, Black Ducks, and a Great Blue Heron were also observed today. A flock of about 20 Common Snipe were seen this morning at Purple Valley Corner, as well as a large number of American Robins.

Wayne Stevens
topcop@bmts.com

Bruce Peninsula - Mon, 27 Mar 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

G'day Birders,

Yes, I'm back.

Friday afternoon one light phase Rough-Legged flew over our house. An Adult Bald Eagle, Adult Golden Eagle, 2 light and 1 dark phase Rough-legged Hawks were seen out hunting Saturday evening. Up here you can follow them along on the road and see them catch food. Apparently if you go into a ditch up here, you drive along in the field until you find an opening and get back onto the road.. The Hawks in Flight book has really come in handy.

Saturday we saw our first Warbler. ID'd by shape..and quickly too, it was only ten feet above John's head but moved too fast for further study. This is also our first attempt at 'type' of warbler: Mainly unstreaked, bright yellow, dark bluish-grey wings with white bars. About 4".

Also, first Song Sparrows. Rummaging around in the grasses with a few Am. Tree Sparrows. Very tame.

Possible nestings nearby:

In wetland/ponds on East Rd. 1 pr.Bufflehead, 1 pr. Mallard. And Red-Winged Blackbirds, wonderful displays of five males threatening each other, wings all puffed out, bright red and yellow. Calling as loud as they could then landing on each other in battle. American Kestrels in pasture/tree area of Cape Chin North.

Around property: 1 male Am. Robin , even louder than all the Redwings. Evening Grosbeaks, 1 pr. possibly 3 prs. They are the only ones who have stayed. The other regulars have gone. The Redpolls are almost gone. It seemed as if they come from all points south, increasing in size as they picked up the locals before moving north. Still a few around. A Dark-eyed Junco showed up Sunday.

Good birding to all!

Teresa
672 East Rd
Bruce Pen.

Southern Bruce Peninsula update - Mon, 27 Mar 2000

Winter wrens have returned to the Wiarton area, as have common loons.

A large flock of American Wigeons was at Shallow Lake in the last few days, along with the first tree swallows of the year. Another large flock of greater scaup and ring-necked ducks were at Sky Lake recently, along with calling pied-billed grebes. Rusty blackbirds have been at Purple Valley. Large numbers of tree sparrows and juncos are about as well. Finches remain common, especially redpolls, and I have seen several hoary redpolls in the last week. A small flock of evening grosbeaks were by over the weekend.

Shawn Giilck
South Bruce Peninsula

Bruce County - Sun, 26 Mar 2000

March 26/00

The Trumpeter Swan is still at the Rankin Bridge (east of Oliphant) The tag is #394 - this female swan was released in June 1998 at RBG in Hamilton, and remained in the Hamilton/Dundas area until January this year.

A pair of Red-necked Grebes were off the Dyer's Bay dock yesterday and today. Sandhill Cranes were observed in the fields south of Dyer's Bay road. Pie-billed Grebes were sighted in the water off Cabot Head road.

Mary Rapati reported a Short-billed Dowitcher in Miramichi Bay area.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Bruce County birds - Thu, 23 Mar 2000

March 23/00

A Trumpeter Swan was observed at the Rankin Bridge on the county road between Wiarton and Oliphant. It was feeding in the mouth of the river on the south side of the road. The tag on it's left wing was #394.

Shovellers, Green-wing Teals, Turkey Vultures and Snipe are back.

Dave Fidler reported Sandhill Cranes flying over his property near Owen Sound this afternoon.

Wood frogs, peepers and Leopard frogs are calling at Carson Lake in Sauble Beach.

Cindy Cartwright and Mary Rapati
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Bluebird in Redwing - Thu, 23 Mar 2000

Sunday March 22, 2000

A male Bluebird checking out a nest box near Red Wing, (south of Thornbury) in Grey County. He inspected two or three nest sights, the disappeared. Lots of activity at the feeder, Crackles, Tree Sparrow, Red Wing Blackbirds, Cowbird.

Dennis Ouellette
Scarborough Ontario
dennis.ouellette@sympatico.ca

Redpolls on the move:Visions of Psycho - Thu, 23 Mar 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

G'day birders,

I have just spent the last little while clearing the house of three Common Redpolls that got in the door as I came in. I am over-run in 'Polls!

I have five feeding areas and they couldn't be seen for redpolls. I moved the feeders because the birds were hitting the house, each other, there was loud squabblings(wish I could have recorded it) and they kept on showing up. I could see quiet a few Hoarys in the chaos as well. I would hesitate to say they numbered 1,000 but 700-800 can't be far off, there were that many birds.

This is the 3rd day and is increasing, if you want a place to see lots of birds this weekend, drive by at around 11:00 am. Its not hard to find. Highway 6 North, Right on Lindsay Rd #5 left on East Road, head north about 10 km, we're on your right. Park in drive.

Teresa O'Reilly
Bruce Peninsula
spirit@bmts.com

Redpolls on the move - Wed, 22 Mar 2000

g'day birders,
Its interesting to read how the Redpoll populations are getting smaller as the birds head north. For the last day or so, there has been scores of them here, having a last feed before heading up. Over a hundred this morning.

First Common Grackle showed up too.

Teresa O'Reilly
Bruce Peninsula
spirit@bmts.com

SOUTH BRUCE SNIPERS - Point Clark outing highlights - Tues. 21 Mar 2000

The club spent the morning at the best birding spot in Bruce County. Hundreds of TUNDRA SWANS were plastered along the Lake Huron shoreline from the Huron County boundary to the lighthouse.

A participant had requested CAROLINA WREN as a target species to add to his Bruce County list. After 20 minutes of searching and listening, luckily, the vociferous ringing song of a CAROLINA was detected amongst the clamor of several cardinals. We hit the bull's-eye with crippling looks at a pair building a nest.

Four RED-THROATED LOONS were scoped off the point. This sighting was by far the earliest Spring-arrival date for Bruce County, beating previous records by at least two weeks.

Al Mc Tavish for the
SOUTH BRUCE SNIPERS
endemics@wightman.net

Grey County Great Blue Herons - Tue, 21 Mar 2000

Great Blue Herons are beginning to return to their nests at the Copper Kettle colony north of Owen Sound on Grey Road 17.

Shawn Giilck
South Bruce Peninsula
s.giilck@bmts.com

Bruce Peninsula Hawks - Tue, 21 Mar 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

G'day Birders,

This was quite a weekend on the road. Sunday, Cape Chin Road North had a pair of American Kestrels that were mating in the highest tree. The male flew from the fence to the female, mated then flew off to a copse of trees. We will be keeping an eye out and see where their nest is. Identification was made by the rufous back and small size.

Monday, again off Cape Chin Road, on Vickers Rd. were what I believe to be a pair of Merlins..further ID is required. They were different from the Kestrels, slightly larger, the wings in a V shape in flight like a swallow, direct flight, swooping to the ground then into the sky at a fast speed. Tail narrow, body sleek. The call was a kir'ree kir'ree. In the Peterson Hawk book, there is a picture of a 'Northern Hobby' p.p. 158, the birds looked like that in flight. Could it be a Northern Hobby?

I noticed a few birders stop and watch the birds at our home. If you are by again, just park in our drive and walk around from there.. I am getting a couple of road signs made up to warn drivers there are birders ahead!

We kept a record of birds seen on the Bruce over the fall and winter. The total is 29 with 19 of them seen at our home. Not bad for our first winter here and the spring promises even more sightings.

Good birding!

Teresa O'Reilly

672 East Road,
Lion's Head, Ontario
Bruce Peninsula

     ~Spirit of the Bruce~
http://www.bbcanada.com/3885.html

Bruce County - Mon, 20 Mar 2000

March 20/00

Great Blue Herons are back. Barbara Martin saw two at her farm on the Saugeen River, and one flew over my house heading for Snake Creek. The Bruce County Birdfinding Club found Shovellers, Gadwell, American Wigeon and Turkey Vultures on their outing Thursday as well as the previously reported spring arrivals and winter birds.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Bruce County - Mon, 20 Mar 2000

March 19/00

Over 250 Tundra Swans are staging at Baie du Dore. One adult Bald Eagle was present.

25 Wild Turkeys were observed in the fields north of the 8th of Bruce, including 8 males displaying. Many Killdeer, Meadowlarks, Redwinged Blackbirds and Bluebirds are around. More ducks are arriving. Snowy Owls and Roughlegged Hawks are hanging on.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Tunda Swans - Thu, 16 Mar 2000

On March 14th, 2000 about 2 pm. I sighted a flock of about 40 Tundra Swans just north off highway 9 west of Grand Valley. They were in that rather large wetland area that the highway divides. They were a long way north from the road so it was difficult to get an accurate count, but there were two groups of about 20 birds each. Enjoy your site.

John Fraser
jafraser@neptunenet.com

Purple Finch..Bruce Peninsula - Wed, 15 Mar 2000

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

G'day Birders,
Yesterday we saw the first male Purple Finch at the feeders and the American Tree sparrows are back. Both species of Redpolls are still here along with the Evening Grosbeaks.

Gulls are being attracted to the fields now being plowed. Yesterday we threw peanuts on the roadside as we drove along, resulting in a swarm of Herring Gulls hovering over our truck..other drivers just shook their heads, it was quite a sight!

Good Birding!

Teresa O'Reilly
672 East Road,
'just north of Cape Chin
Bruce Peninsula
spirit@bmts.com

     ~Spirit of the Bruce~
http://www.bbcanada.com/3885.html

Bruce County BirdsMarch 10, 2000

March 9/00

Snowy Owls are still around - there is one seen regularly on the 4th of Saugeen just west of County rd.3, and one in the Chesley area. Meadowlarks have returned. We saw a sub-adult Golden Eagle on Dyer's Bay road east of Highway 6. Dave Fidler reported 2 Golden Eagles one concession south of Arkwright (County rd.17, east of Tara)

Cindy Cartwright and Marion Mosolf
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Little Gull at Wiarton - Sat, 1 Jan 2000

The adult-plumaged Little Gull turned up again this morning at Wiarton's Bluewater Park near the municipal dock.

The park is located off of William Street in Wiarton. Turn east at the lights on Berford Street and follow William Street to Coal Shed Willie's Restaurant. Turn east at the restaurant and head into the park's parking lot.

There is usually a good number of gulls lurking about on the shore.

About a dozen Bonaparte's were present as well, which is unusual for this time of year.

Shawn Giilck
South Bruce Peninsula
s.giilck@bmts.com

---

Please send comments, corrections, or reports to myself,
Gord Gallant at Websites - Naturally

---

Return to the following internal sites:

| Archived Birding Reports | Recent Birding Reports |
| Ontario Birding Home Page | Birding in Canada |

---

This page was created: Thursday, January 23, 1997
Last Updated: April 10, 2002 10:15:38 AM