Bruce Peninsula BIG DAY - 162 species (May19) - May 20, 2002

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

Hello Ontbirders,
Mark Wiercinski and I just completed an exciting big day in Bruce and Grey counties (mostly on Bruce Peninsula) - cowboy style (no scouting and no planned route). Despite cold weather (low -2, high of 7) and snow (no kidding), we set a new record for this area at 162 species. Several large factors that helped us were: 1) the spectacular fallout of warblers on the northern Bruce Peninsula remains stalled due to the north winds/cold temps, 2) there were many lingering ducks, 3) good luck with shorebirds and 4) a 'healthy' supply of pepperoni sticks, ju-jubes, cookies and coca-cola.

Here are some of the details:
-162 species
-4am to 10pm
-approx 500km driving
-all birds recorded by both of us

Highlight Birds:
24 warblers including:
Northern Parula (5)
Wilsons (7)
Blackpoll (3)
Cape May (3)
Blue-winged (1)
Golden-winged (2)
Tennessee (1)
Orange-crowned (2)

Red-necked Grebe (6)
Least Bittern (1)
Tundra Swan (2)
Gadwall (1)
both Scaup
Surf Scoter(5)
White-winged Scoter (20)
Long-tailed Duck(13)
Bald Eagle (3)
N Goshawk (on nest)
Virginia Rail (4)
Sora (4)
Sandhill Crane (10+)
Semipalmated Plover (11)
Least Sandpiper (2)
Pectoral Sandpiper (1)
Bonapartes Gull (2)
Black-billed Cuckoo (1)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1)
all 6 Swallow species
Blue-grey Gnatcatcher (2)
American Pipit (6+)
Philadelphia Vireo (2)
Eastern Towhee (2)
Clay-coloured Sparrow (2)
Lincoln's Sparrow (8)
Brewer's Blackbird (1)
Pine Siskin (1)

All in all it was a fantastic day!
Please accept my apologies for not posting directions, but there 
are too many birds, too many places and I'm way too tired!
Happy birding,

Ethan Meleg (Tobermory)
Bird & Nature Photography
web: www.ethanmeleg.com
email: info@ethanmeleg.com

MacGregor Point and Saugeen Shores - May 18, 2002

A cold day with the occasional flurry greeted people at MacGregor Point
today.  Very few bird calls.  Fortunately the sun late in the day
glistened off a pair of cardinals at my feeder, a beautiful treat.

Some of the birds of the day were Swainson's thrush, Connecticut
warbler, Wilson's warbler, Nashville warbler, Mourning warbler and Black
and White warbler.  Redstarts are in abundance.  A pair of green herons
is frequently being seen at Turtle Pond.

Norah Toth
519-376-2918

The Huron Fringe Birding Festival will be held from May 24 to June 2,
2002.  The Headquarters are the MacGregor Point Provincial Park Visitor
Centre.   Please check the Friends website for further information.

Lark Bunting - Bruce Peninsula - May 18, 2002

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

An adult female LARK BUNTING was seen at Crane Lake on the Bruce Peninsula.
The bird was observed at approximately 7:30 am on Friday, May 17 by the
following observers: Mike Cadman, Ted Cheskey, Bryan Wyatt, Mike Lepage and
Paul Grant.  We watched the bird for about 3-4 minutes as it foraged on the
ground and then perched in a short shrub where we were able to observe the
bird through our scopes for about 2 minutes at a distance of approximately
20 meters.

The Lark Bunting was a great addition to our Baillie Birdathon list!
Birding was fantastic yesterday up on the Bruce.  From 6:30 am to 9:00 pm we
observed 146 species on our "Big Day"; including 23 warbler and 7 woodpecker
species!

DIRECTIONS: About 3 km north of Miller Lake on Highway 6, turn right on Dyer
's Bay Road.  About 6 km along Dyer's Bay Road (2 km past the hamlet of
Brinkman Corners) turn left on the concession road and travel about 4 km to
the eastern end of Crane Lake.  On the upper part of the concession road,
there are two bends, the second bend occurring in a maple woodlot.  Continue
into an open area which slopes towards the northeastern end of Crane Lake.
 The bird was first seen in the open near the edge of Crane Lake.  It then
moved away from  the lake to about one half the way between the marshy area
and the woodlot mentioned above.  These routing and habitat features can be
seen easily on the 41H/3 DYER BAY topographical map.

Happy Birdwatching!

Paul Grant
Wild Birds Unlimited, Guelph
wildbirds@sprint.ca

3 new birds aroud our feeders (Kincardine) - May 17, 2002

During the last week we have seen 3 new birds around our feeders. One male and two female Red Breasted Grosbeaks, One Brown Thrasher and one Indigo Bunting.

Jon Shaw
Kincardine
jlshaw@bmts.com

MacGregor Point and Saugeen Shores - May 16, 2002

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

It has been windy and cool along this part of the Lake Huron coast.
This has not affected birding opportunities.

Below is a short list of the species reported to be seen over the past
two days.

American Restart, Northern Parula, Blackburnian Warbler, Nashville
Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Yellow Warbler,
Yellow-throared Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird, Swainson's
Thrust, Wood Thrush, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Veery, Spotted Sandpiper,
Green Heron, Brown Thrasher. Harrier (pair), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker,
Sora Rail. Northern Oriole, Least Flycatcher, Red-tailed Hawk, Turkey
Vulture

Dwarf Lake Iris are in full bloom, as are Fringed Polygala (Gaywings).
Yellow Lady's Slippers are not yet flowering.


Norah Toth
519-376-2918

The Huron Fringe Birding Festival will be held from May 24 to June 2, 2002. The Headquarters are the MacGregor Point Provincial Park Visitor Centre. Please check the Friends website for further information.

Bruce Peninsula - migrant fallout (Hooded Warbler, etc) - May 16, 2002

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

Howdy Ontbirders,
There was an impressive migrant fallout on the northern Bruce Peninsula today, and a few good birds
are around. Directions follow.

Hooded Warbler (1 female):
Cabot Head;  this bird was banded two days ago at the same location, then recaptured again today;
this is a rare bird up here [report by Daniel Derbyshire]

Red-bellied Woodpecker (1 + 2):
1 found by Robin Bloom at Cabot Head lighthouse; (2) in Tobermory visiting feeders in Maple Golf
subdivision

Red-headed Woodpecker (1):
Cabot Head lighthouse; seen moments after the RB Woodpecker

N. Parula (1):
Cabot Head lighthouse

Common Loon (many): good numbers flying past Cabot Head today (20+ seen casually)

Tundra Swans (2): in field along Dyers Bay Road; one is thought to be injured, which may account for
the late date

In my yard tonight on Hay Bay, Tobermory:
Warblers: Cape May, Blackburnian, Nashville, Bl-thr. Green, Orange-crowned, Ovenbird; Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager [seen by Julia Thomas]

Evening Grosbeakes: being reported at feeders around Tobermory

Good birding,

Ethan Meleg (Tobermory)
Bird & Nature Photography
web: www.ethanmeleg.com
email: info@ethanmeleg.com

Directions:
Cabot Head
From Highway 6 north up the Bruce Peninsula, turn right (east) onto Dyers Bay Road. Proceed to
T-junction at end and turn right. Follow paved road as it bends left and down into the shoreline
community of Dyers Bay. Follow the shoreline road along the shoreline north towards Cabot Head, near
the end of the cottages, there is a right fork onto a gravel road which continues to the Cabot Head
lighthouse area.

Tobermory
Take Highway 6 north up the Bruce Peninsula. Tobermory is at the end of the road.

Bald Eagle, Trumpeter Swan, Black Terns - May 15, 2002

Hi Gord, 

While birding between MacGregor Point Provincial Park and Mar in Bruce
County today, Mike Pickup and I saw 79 species of birds.  Here are a few
great birds we saw today.

While birding today, we saw a mature Bald Eagle Soaring over Spry Lake. Spry
lake is close to Oliphant (on lake Huron) on County Road 13.  County Road 13
joins Oliphant to Wairton.

A single remaining Trumpeter Swan (yellow tag number -  582) is on the ponds
found just before you get to Isaac Lake.   Isaac Lake is on the well marked
Isaac lake Road found off Hwy 6,  5 to 10 minutes north of Wiarton.

Black Terns are flying over Sky lake.  To find Sky Lake,   Drive north of
Wiarton on Hwy 6, to Mar.  Turn left on the cross road at the gas station in
Mar and that road will take you to Sky Lake.


Fred Jazvac
Southampton 
jazvacfb@log.on.ca

Huron Fringe Birding Festival - MacGregor opens - May 14, 2002

MacGregor Point Provincial park will be up and running on May 17 and
therefore, the OPSEU strike will not have an effect on the Huron Fringe
Birding Festival.  

The 5th Annual  HURON FRINGE BIRDING FESTIVAL begins on May 24 and runs
until June 2, 2002 at MacGregor Point Provincial Park.  The Festival is both
a celebration of birding and nature.

The  migratory corridor that runs along the Huron Shores through MacGregor
Point Provincial Park provides a unique setting for studying birds and
nature.  Enjoy birds, wild flowers, butterflies, wood carving, fossils,
trees, reptiles and amphibians in day hikes; or come in the evening  and
prowl for owls, hear about tundra swan research, learn about feeding birds,
or see how raptors reflect the health of the ecosystem.

Enjoy this  tribute to nature.  Choose from 39 events over 8 days.  Be
entertained by many expert naturalists. Visit the festival for one day, one
weekend or stay for the entire 8 day festival.  Lunches and dinner are
provided at reasonable cost on weekends.

FESTIVAL FEES

Family - one event- $15,  one weekend (Friday to Sunday) - $30,   two
weekends -$50 

Single - one event - $7, one weekend (Friday to Sunday) - $15,   two
weekends $25

Festival Fees include free admittance to MacGregor Point Provincial Park.

Events on Wed., May 30 and Thurs., May 31 are free to campers and  2 week
end festival purchasers.  Others will have to pay a park day pass fee of
$8.00 per car. 

Come and enjoy. 

Fred Jazvac
Southampton
jazvacfb@log.on.ca

Mockingbird - Bruce County - May 10, 2002

A mockingbird is on the house side of Miramichi Bay. I saw  it today at
about 12:30 PM. 

Miramichi Bay is located on the waterfront road connecting Southampton and
Port Elgin.


Fred Jazvac 
jazvacfb@log.on.ca

Grey County Birding - May 8, 2002

Hi from chilly Dundalk (Grey county),

Well its been a very busy two weeks here in our backyard. Between warm 
and cold temperatures, I have had to keep my feeders full. Sunday saw 
the arrival of my male Hummingbird, thank goodness I keep track over the 
years so I had my feeder out already. The Baltimore Orioles have shown 
up and are eagerly eating the oranges and apples as well as the oriole 
liquid feeder. The rose breasted grosbeak arrived a day earlier than the 
orioles usually they arrive together. They have been eating at my suet 
cage which is a first for me. The warblers that have arrived over the 
past two weeks are the Yellow Rumped Warbler, the Yellow Warbler and the 
Black and White warbler. Their songs are always enjoyed by me. Purple 
finches House finches and Gold finches abound! I cant remember seeing so 
many of them, thats a good sign. Healthy birds are plentiful birds. I 
have two sets of nesting tree Swallows, a pair of nesting Flickers, a 
pair of nesting Cardinals (they stayed all winter this year), nesting 
pairs of Mourning doves and three sets of nesting Robins. I also have 
this really strange Blue Jay who makes the most musical sounds, I have 
never heard a Blue Jay make such music before. I thought it was a bird 
I'd never seen until I saw her. (definitely a female) The Kingfishers 
arrived two weeks ago and are very busy preparing their nest on the side 
of a bank. Chipping sparrows, White throated sparrows, White crowned 
sparrows and Tree sparrows are all busily eating at my feeders. The 
bobolinks, meadow larks, kildeer are all in the fields out back. Its 
just great to have them all return each year. Hopefully I will be able 
to see a few new ones. There was no return yet of the Towhee (which was 
a first last year). Dont forget feed those birds, they had a far way to 
travel!

Rina (foxlocks@on.aibn.com)

Warblers At MacGregor Point Provincial Park - May 7, 2002

Mike Pickup reports that on Monday May 6, he spent most of his birding time
in MacGregor Point Provincial Park and he saw 73 species.

He saw many warblers at the North Boundary close to Merganser Bay.  Included
in his warbler sightings were Blackburnian, Yellow , Cape May, Palm, Black
and White, Common Yellow Throat, Black-throated Blue, Oven Bird and Yellow
Rumped Warblers.

Other high lights reported were,  2 green Herons  (One at Merganser Bay and
the other at the DU Pond),  White Crowned Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, Least
Flycatcher and Rose Breasted Gross Beak

For more information on MacGregor Point Provincial Park and the Huron Fringe
Birding Festival, check the web site at http://www.friendsofmacgregor.org


Fred Jazvac 
jazvacfb@log.on.ca

Hummingbird in Southampton - May 4, 2002

Hi Gord,

I saw my first Ruby-throated hummingbird of the season in Southampton.  I
guess it is time to put the hummingbird feeders out.

Fred Jazvac,
Southampton, Ont. 
jazvacfb@log.on.ca

Bruce & Gray - May 3, 2002

May 03 provided a flock of myrtle warblers & a number of white throated sparrows & a house wren at my home on Gray Rd. 26 Keppel. At Isaac lake, 1 whistling swan / 1 blackcrowned night heron, a pie billed grebe & numerous shovelers, green & blue teal, widgeons, ringnecks & lesser scaup.

Jamie Fay
jfay@sympatico.ca

Bruce County Birding - May 2, 2002

I birded the area between Southampton and Kincardine today and saw 63
species.  Some of the highlights are as follows:

I enjoyed looking across the channel at Chantry Island Bird Sanctuary in
Southampton, to look at the nesting Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons
sitting high in the trees on their nests.  A scope is needed to best see
this view.

On Horseshoe Bay,  off Miramichi Bay Road that runs between Southampton and
Port Elgin were located about 12 Greater Yellowlegs and a pair of Common
Mergansers.  There were also 5 Common Goldeneyes farther down the shore
line.

There were 21 Purple Martins, all sitting on  the Martin House just North of
the Port Elgin Beach Parking lot.  They probably arrived in the last few
days.  An unusual sight perhaps provided by the light rain.

On the road which is on the southern boundary of MacGregor Point Provincial
Park were 2 Eastern Bluebirds, an American Kestrel and some white throated
sparrows.  The resident cliff swallows who usually live by the barn were not
present yet.  Farther up this road where it crosses HWY 21, were Savannah
Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks, and my first White Crowned Sparrow of the
year.

In the park,  the tower provided another excellent moment by showing a pair
of Wood Ducks, 2  Brown Thrashers,  a pair of Great Egrets and a Hermit
Thrush.  Off in the distance a Pileated Woodpecker was calling and the usual
Eastern Phoebe returned  to the tower area.

On Kin-Huron Road which leads into the Kincardine Sewage Lagoons were a
flock of about 30 Cedar Waxwings, a ruby Crowned Kinglet and waves of White
Throated Sparrows.  In the lagoons were Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, a
pair of American Widgeons, many Northern Shovelers and a flotilla of
Bufflehead.

In the outlet to Kincardine Harbour were Northern Rough-winged Swallows, a
Common Tern and in the lake nearby, a pair of Common Loons.

The unusual sight of the day was seeing many Turkey Vultures sitting in
trees, perhaps weather related as well.

Fred Jazvac,
Southampton. 
jazvacfb@log.on.ca

Black & White Warbler and Brown Thrasher - Bruce County - April 29, 2002

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

A black and white warbler was seen near the Kincardine Sewage lagoons.  The
warbler was on Kin-Huron Road leading into the lagoons in  the brush just
past the fields.  Kin Huron Road is just south of Kincardine on Hwy 21.
There were 4 Bonaparte's Gulls in the lagoons.

The Brown Thrasher was seen on County Road 17, one mile East of Port Elgin.

There were 4 Purple Martin's investigating the Martin House at the
waterfront in Port Elgin in the AM just north of the beach paring lot.
There was no sign of them in the afternoon.

Fred Jazvac 
Fred & Beth Jazvac 
jazvacfb@log.on.ca

Birding Report for Bruce & Grey County - April 26, 2002

On the morning of Thursday, April 25, 2002, I saw a rare bird, a Willet, at Kelso Beach. I saw it in flight and foraging along the shore, and wading in the water along the edge. I saw its distinctive black and white wing pattern, and knew immediately what it was.

I also saw 7 Northern Shovelers, 4 male and 3 female; 1 male Blue-winged Teal; 1 male Gadwall; 2 male American Wigeons; 3 American Coots; lots of Double-crested Cormorants; a few Caspian Terns; 2 Common Terns (my first of the year); some Common Mergansers; one female Bufflehead; a Barn Swallow; a Killdeer, and an American Tree Sparrow.

Angela Nicholson
skatefan@hotmail.com

Apr 24 - RN Grebes - Dyers Bay, Bruce Peninsula - April 24, 2002

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

Hello Ontbirders,

Red-necked Grebes (306) - tallied this evening at Dyers Bay/Cabot Head, Bruce Peninsula as part of a
volunteer grebe survey for the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory. I was able to complete only part of
the survey due to the rough conditions which made it tough to see the rafts of grebes. I believe I
was missing a large percentage of birds. If conditions are calm tomorrow (and the birds haven't
left) it could be a spectacular grebe day! Be sure to take a scope if you go.

Other highlights include:
Horned Grebes (12) - during grebe survey
White-winged Scoter (2) - during grebe survey
Surf Scoter (3) - during grebe survey

Golden Eagle (1) over Tobemory this afternoon
Broad-winged Hawks - groups kettling over Tobermory today

Cheers,
Ethan-

Ethan Meleg (Tobermory)
Bird & Nature Photography
web: www.ethanmeleg.com
email: info@ethanmeleg.com

Directions to Dyers Bay/Cabot Head:
From Highway 6 north up the Bruce Peninsula, turn right (east) onto Dyers Bay Road. Proceed to
T-junction at end and turn right. Follow paved road as it bends left and down into the shoreline
community of Dyers Bay. The dock (on the right) is a good place to start birding the bay; from here
you can follow the road along the shoreline north towards Cabot Head.

Bruce County - April 24, 2002

Caspian terns are back and they can easily fly 40 mph for miles.  About 25
Bonaparte's gulls in breeding plumage at Miramichi Bay (south of
Southampton) today.  Yellowlegs have been around for a week.  Pine and Palm
warblers are moving through.  Bitterns, sandhill cranes, woodcock, and
snipe.  Confirmed breeding evidence for the BBA is being reported - great
horned owl, phoebe, robin, killdeer, herons, egrets, etc, etc.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Huron Fringe Birding Festival - April 23, 2002

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

The 5th Annual  HURON FRINGE BIRDING FESTIVAL is just a month away beginning
on May 24 to June 2, 2002 at MacGregor Point Provincial Park.  It is both a
celebration of birding and nature with the festival running for 9 days.
There will be birding sessions in the morning and nature sessions in the
afternoon and evening.

The  migratory corridor that runs along the Huron shores through MacGregor
Point Provincial Park provides a unique setting for studying birds and
nature.  Enjoy birds, wild flowers, butterflies, wood carving, fossils,
trees, reptiles and amphibians in day hikes or come in the evening  and
prowl for owls, hear about tundra swan research, take in a night hike, learn
about feeding birds, or see how raptors reflect the health of the ecosytem.

Enjoy this  tribute to nature.  Choose from 39 events over 9 days.  Be
entertained by many expert naturalists. Visit the festival for one day, one
weekend or stay for the entire 9 day festival.  Lunches and dinner are
provided at reasonable cost.

FESTIVAL FEES

Family, one event- $15, one week or weekend- $30, two weeks or weekends -$50

Single, one event - $7, one week or weekend-,$15, two weeks or weekends $25

Check our web site at www.friendsofmacgregor.org for the full program.

Fred & Beth Jazvac 
jazvacfb@log.on.ca

Bruce Pen. Merlin Pair, cranes, wildflowers, etc. - April 23, 2002

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

Hello all,

I'm up on the Bruce, birding for the remainder of this
week and fondeling over all other nature including
some early blooming wildflowers.

Today at Petrel Point (situated between Red Bay and
Pike Bay) on the lower Bruce I encountered a Pair of
MERLINS on what seemed to be their territory.  I had
been trying to photograph a Canada Goose nest with 3
eggs when I heard what sounded to be either an awkward
killdeer or kestrel.  It turned out to be neither, but
instead was a beautiful adult MERLIN perched not far
away.  It was sooned joined by its mate and they
allowed for decent photographs, not moving far from
their stationed perches.  If I get the chance to look
later in the breeding season, I'm sure that a nest
will turn up.

Also, on Saturday nite there were 2 SANDHILL CRANES in
a nearby field en route to Pike Bay along Daddy Weir
Road.  And an adult BALD EAGLE flew over the cottage 2
days ago in late afternoon.  2 Dragonflies in a boggy
area were quite a surprize so early in the season!

Other birds in full song in the area returning from
beyond include:

Winter Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Myrtle Warbler
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow (only a very select few
though!)
Eastern Phoebe
D-B. Cormorants (although not in full song!)
Common Loon
Ruffed Grouse
American Woodcock
Pileated Woodpecker



Wildflowers:

In bloom:

Coltsfoot, Marsh Marigold, Dwarf Canadian
Primrose-(correct me if I'm wrong)


Leafing/budding:

White Trillium, Trout Lily, Picture Plant

Directions:

This area is located in the lower western portion of
the Bruce Peninsula, adjacent to L. Huron, just west
of Mar (NW of Wiarton).  Take sunset drive north from
Howdenvale about 2 km. and St. Jean's Point is on your
left!

* Lake Levels are INSANELY LOW this year!!!

Andrew Keaveney (Birdman)
UofGtwitcher
andrew_keaveney@yahoo.com

Eurasian Wigeon - Kincardine Lagoons - April 12, 2002

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

Save yourself the drive. The Eurasian Wigeon that was reported
Thur Apr 11 was not seen today Apr 12. Several local birders
looked to no avail.
          Al Mc Tavish - endemics@wightman.ca

Euarasian Wigeon Kincardine Lagoons - April 11, 2002

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

Today, Thursday, April 11, I found a male Eurasian Wigeon at
the Kincardine Lagoons. A short time later, Barb abd Dave
Fidler happened along and I pointed it out to them. They were
elated. Here follows precise directions:
         Go to Queen St and turn left (South). This is the town's
main street. Queen ends at a T at the cemetery gates. Turn
left here on Bruce St. and go 0.8 Km.  to the landfill entrance.
The lagoons are behind and to the west of the dump.
          Although overdue, I believe this is the first record of
this species for Bruce County. If anyone knows of any previous
records, please email me privately.
         Al Mc Tavish
         email -endemics@wightman.ca

Bruce County - April 11, 2002

Migrants are flooding into the area.  Tree swallows and bluebirds are
checking out nest boxes.  Merlins, kestrels and Red-tails are on
territories.  There are about 20 Tundra swans in the fields off Bruce Road 3
and the first concession south of Burgoyne on the west side of the road.
The first Phoebes and Purple Martins have returned.  Woodcock and Common
Snipe are arriving.  The Osprey is back on its nest at Boat Lake.  2 Great
Egrets were on Chantry yesterday and the harbour between shore and the
island was full of ducks.  Red-necked Grebes, Horned Grebe, Loons,
Long-tailed ducks, Bufflehead, Goldeneye, and all 3 mergansers were observed
during the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory Grebe survey that I did
yesterday afternoon.  There are still a few winter birds holding on - a
Snowy Owl off County road 3 just north of Paisley, Rough-legged hawks and
Snow Buntings.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Bruce County - Thu, 28 Mar 2002

   
The first cormorants of the year have shown up in Southampton harbour along
with a pied-billed grebe.  There were also 2 pied-billed grebes at Boat Lake
along with many hooded mergansers.   The first turkey vultures of the year
were soaring near Ferndale.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Bruce County - Sun, 24 Mar 2002

   
Bald eagles are on the move.  Today I observed 4 immatures soaring over the
water along Lake Huron at Horseshoe Bay (south of Southampton).  They put on
quite a show.  The pair of adults are still on Chantry Island.

There were 20 Tundra Swans on the Saugeen River outside of Port Elgin.  Take
River Road south from County Road 17.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Hello from Snowy Dundalk! - Sun, 24 Mar 2002

   
We had a snowstorm that lasted from Thursday night to Saturday night and 
what turned out to be a beautiful spring turned into a snowy wonderland 
with more than 2 feet of snow! I filled the feeders every fifteen 
minutes, threw bread out cleared as much space for the flocks and flocks 
of red wing blackbirds, purple finches, house finches, american tree 
sparrows, song sparrows, redpolls, grackles, starlings, mourning doves, 
red breasted nuthatches, white breasted nuthatches, robins, cowbirds, 
hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, blue jays, cardinals and a merlin! 
The crows were around too. The visibility was nill but boy oh boy did 
they feed! I felt so bad for them travelling all those miles to come to 
their nesting grounds and being stuck with no food, so I made sure that 
their accommodations here in Dundalk were met. Today is a sunny day and 
its warming up, hopefully all that snow will melt and soon. Im out of 
raisins for the robins! 

Rina Fox 
foxlocks@on.aibn.com
Dundalk , Grey County. 

Bruce County - Wed, 20 Mar 2002

   
Great day birding today in spite of the snow!  3 Snowy Owls started the day,
followed by a flock of over 1,000 snow buntings, several harriers and
rough-legged hawks.  Hundreds of tundra swans were spotted in the fields in
south Bruce - the most northerly were in fields outside Port Elgin.  Lots of
ducks back - many ring-necked, scaup, redheads, wood ducks, pintail, and 2
shovellers.  Killdeer have also returned.  We had a nice view of a Cooper's
trying to catch a rock dove lunch, and approx.20 wild turkeys near
Inverhuron.
Ended the day with another snowy owl outside of Paisley.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores

Bruce County - Tue, 19 Mar 2002

   
The heronry on Chantry Island is full of Great Blues - over 25 on nests
today.  The Bald Eagles are also sitting on a nest.  Bluebirds, red-winged
blackbirds, grackles, and robins are all back.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Cooper's Hawk - Dundalk (Grey County) - Tue, 12 Feb 2002

   
Hi Fellow Birders,

This winter has brought a few new species to our property. The Cooper's 
Hawk has been a frequent backyard intruder! I have 12 Mourning Doves 
that feed everyday here and several pigeons. Im pretty sure thats what 
has aroused this predators interest! He is absolutely beautiful, he has 
chased away the falcon and made our Maple tree his perch and observation 
tower. I have had a terrible time with the redpolls. I have lost 7 to 
that dreaded salmonella disease. The flock arrived in November and the 
count then was over 50. Its absolutely heartbreaking to see this 
wonderful birds die. If anyone else is having this problem, please 
notify Natural Resources in Owen Sound their number is (519)376-3860 to 
let them know. In November for two weeks I had over a dozen Red 
Crossbills, they were so tame that we were able to have them on our 
finger to feed! The chickadees and house finches dont seem to be 
affected by this disease so far. I have cleaned the feeders but still 
the redpolls are affected. I am anxiously awaiting for Spring, to hear 
the Robins and Song Sparrows and just the beginning of new life again. 
Again hello from Dundalk (yes its snow country here!) and very very very 
colllllld! BRRRR 

Tata for now. 

Rina Fox
foxlocks@on.aibn.com

Bruce County regional report - Fri, 1 Feb 2002

   
Yesterday before the storms hit, I saw 2 horned larks in the fields south of
Port Elgin.

There have been 4 rough-legged hawks working the field behind my house
today.  Three are stunning dark-phase rough-legs - so dark that you can't
make out the black wrist patches.  There is a sharp contrast between the
white underside of the flight feathers and the dark underwing coverts and
trailing edges of the wings.  One of the birds has 3 narrow white bands on
the tail.  The others show the more typical tail colour.  The light-phase
hawk looks larger than the other three.  We're under a winter storm
advisory, the schools are all closed, and it's snowing horizontally, yet
these hawks look effortless as they glide up and down the field.  Amazing
birds!

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

Eagle show in Bruce County - Tue, 22 Jan 2002

   
Today was a good day for raptors.  There were 7 bald eagles - 2 adult, 5
immature - at Baie du Dore near Tiverton, 1 immature at Port Elgin harbour,
and 1 adult on Chantry Island at Southampton.  Many rough-legged and
red-tailed hawks were around.  One kestrel and one shrike.

Cindy Cartwright
Saugeen Shores
pom@bmts.com

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