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

A flock of 50+ Bohemium Waxwings were feeding on juniper berries in the field just before the Cabot Head light house northern Bruce Peninsula. Also along Dyers Bay Road and the Georgian Bay lake shore were 7 rough legged hawks flying and perched, and one immature Goshawk also 5 common loons, 2 red necked grebes, a few red necked merganzer.

To reach the Cabot Head light house go north on highway 6 from Wiarton. Turn east on Dyers Bay Rd. Continue down to the lake. Go North along the shore approximatly 12 km.

Pat Thomas and Diane Salter ... pthomas@netcom.ca

The waterfowl on Colpoys Bay is beginning to pick up somewhat.

About 20 common loons were on the bay this morning, along with five horned grebes - the first of the season - 8 red-necked grebes, and lots of common and red-breasted mergansers.

Yesterday, five or six oldsquaw flew up the bay. A male hooded merganser has also been hanging around, along with small numbers of common goldeneye and buffleheads.

A large flock of common redpolls flew by while I was watching the waterfowl, while a large flock of siskins visited my feeders yesterday.

Shawn Giilck ....... s.giilck@bmts.com

There is an adult Little Gull in Owen Sound. It ranges from the harbour north about 10 km. It is most often seen with Bonaparte's Gulls a long the East side of the sound from the city limits to Leith. Owen Sound is an arm of Georgian Bay. The City of Owen Sound is at its southern end. Third Avenue East is the road along the east side of the sound.

Dave Tannahill
R.R. 2
Kemble, On, N0H 1S0
519-371-1143 (H)
519-376-3710 (W)

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

November 11, 1999
Hawks at Port Bruce

There was a good flight of Red-tailed Hawks at Port Bruce today on brisk northeast winds. By far, the majority of the hawks that passed by were right at the shoreline or over Lake Erie.

Count period: 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 3.5 hours

Turkey Vulture                        1   

Northern Harrier                     3

Sharp-shinned Hawk             3

Cooper's Hawk                       4

Red-shouldered Hawk           3

Red-tailed Hawk                 214

Rough-legged Hawk              3 



Total                                     231

Port Bruce is south of Aylmer on Lake Erie.

Dave Martin
dave.martin@odyssey.on.ca

Tuesday, Nov. 9

This morning there was a large flock (approximately 110) of Bohemian Waxwings flying around the town of Tobermory. There continues to be large numbers of winter finches about, as well, including Evening Grosbeaks(hundreds), Pine Siskins(hundreds), Common Redpolls (a few), and White-winged Crossbills(a few).

Ethan Meleg
ethanmeleg@hotmail.com

Friday November 5, 1999

There have been large numbers of Evening Grosbeaks moving through the upper Bruce Peninsula today. In only a few minutes outside, several flocks (totalling nearly 200 birds) flew over Tobermory.

Just before dark tonight, there were approximately 25 common loons on Colpoys Bay. One red-necked grebe was amongst them, while dozens of Bonaparte's gulls swarmed around them.

A single snow bunting was seen just north of Colpoys Village this afternoon, along with one ruffed grouse.

Most of the finch migration seems to be bypassing the area. The first siskins of the season appeared at my feeders this morning, while purple finches are frequenting the Bruce Beckons antique shop.

(Ethan Meleg and Don Wilkes)

Tobermory

• Fox Sparrow (1)
• Pectoral Sandpiper (3)
• American Pipit(3)
• Bufflehead(3)
• Am Wigeon(4)

Dyer's Bay/Cabot Head

• White-winged Scoter(20)
• Red-necked Grebe(30+)
• Common Loon(30+)
• Horned Grebe(20+)
• Red-headed Woodpecker(1 juv)

Location: Singing Sands(Dorcas Bay), Bruce Peninsula National Park

• Snow Bunting (21)
• Lapland Longspur (1)
• Pine Siskin (3)
• Black-bellied Plover (1)
• Am. Tree Sparrow (18+)
• Merlin (1)

Wild turkeys are turning out to be one of the big stories of the summer and fall so far in northern Grey and Bruce Counties.

Friday night, a female of the wild race was seen near Annan with a dozen or so fluffy young. It was impossible to determine whether these were legitimate wild birds or semi-domesticated, but such a young brood seems unusual to me.

Turkey sightings have been cropping up in other areas as well. Wiarton residents are frequently seeing birds strolling through their yards, while a flock of 50 or so birds was seen in recent weeks near Bruce's Caves east of town.

The migration seems to be moving fairly slowly. There are relatively few ducks and waterbirds on Colpoys Bay as yet. Large numbers of white-crowned sparrows, and some white-throated sparrows are hanging around my feeders, along with a family of six red-breasted nuthatches.

A beautifully-plumaged female rusty blackbird has been visiting my feeders as well.

Gord

On Sunday, Sept. 26th, the Owen Sound Field Naturalists had a day outing to the Cabot Head area. A total of 53 species of birds were observed.

The highlights of the weekend include:

• 1 - winter plumage Common Loon at Cabot Head
• 2 - Merlin -- one at Ferndale and one of the Cabot Head Road
• 1 -Peregrine Falcon -- at Ferndale and dove at a Northern Harrier
• 4 - Sandhill Cranes -- in the fields along the Dyer's Bay Road
• 1 - Red-headed Woodpecker along the Dyer's Bay Road
• 100+ - Horned Larks -- in small flocks in the fields in the Ferndale area
• 200+ - American Pipit -- in flcoks in the grasslands along the Dyer's Bay Road
• 300+ - White-crowned Sparrow -- in flocks along the edge of the Dyer's Bay Road
• 4 - Brewer's Blackbirds -- south of Ferndale
• 100 - Rusty Blackbirds (1 flock)= in the Miller Lake area

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

Observed during a kayaking trip on the long weekend on both sides of the Bruce peninsula were a fair number of Common Mergansers, including a large flock west of the Fishing Islands in Lake Huron (just west of Oliphant, which is west of Wiarton). They were also seen on the Georgian Bay side, in Colpoy's Bay, east of Wiarton. An interesting feature was that they were unable to fly (though some flapped their wings vigorously but were unable to lift off the water); they simply swam vigorously to get away from any approaching boats.

Twenty-nine OFO members and friends congregated at the entrance of Spirit Rock Consevation Area along highway No. 6 just north of the Town of Wiarton at 8:00 am for what became a low flying trip up and down the Bruce Penninsula. While waiting for everyone to arrive several species of warblers were seen or heard on territory along with Cedar Waxwings and several other species.

Our first stop was just off the highway on the way into Issac Lake. Here a pair of Eastern Bluebirds flitted back and forth on one side of the road while on the other side there was a co-operative Eastern Phoebe. The bluebirds were just the beginning of the many bluebirds we were to encounter for the rest of the day. Just down the road a Red-eyed Vireo called constantly in the tops of the trees lining the road.

At the beginning of the Issac Lake marsh meadow we stopped. Here a Common Snipe buzzed the group when not high in the sky winnowing. Two Black Terns working the small ponds flew within 20 feet of the group on several occasions. Using a lure tape a Virginia Rail came within five feet of the group and completely out in the open. In the background a Willow Flycatcher called constantly.

At the bend in the road by the goose pens a female Northern Harrier was spotted sitting on a fence post across the meadow. The winnowing snipe could be heard constantly. Amongst the numerous swallows a couple of Cliff Swallows were spotted.

At the Issac Lake boat launching ramp a Common Loon was on the water. Several male Bobolinks were on the hillside on the north side of the parking lot. A green heron was spotted flying by while from the back of the outhouse an Osprey was sitting on a nest platform.

Along the road to Red Bay west of Marr we stopped to inspect the drumlin field. At Sky Lake a Pied-billed Grebe was in a small bay. Numerous Marsh Wrens were calling. Some members spotted an American Bittern. Approaching the West Road a Black-crowned Night Heron was seen heading south.

We stopped at the Petrel Point Reserve to admire the the display of flowering plants including several native orchids which were slightly ahead of season. Here a Yellow-rumped Warbler was heard and seen. While waiting on the road for one member, who was busy photographing the flowers on the boardwalk, a Pileated Woodpecker flew low over the group.

Proceeding along the shoreline road we stopped at Sucker Creek. Here several Wood Ducks were along the rushes in the pond. A Caspian Tern flew by. On the lake side a Common Tern was sitting on the rocks while nearly by was a Spotted Sandpiper.

Retracing our route we headed inland along the Howdenvale Road and up the West Road. At Sucker Creek good views were made of a male Indigo Bunting sitting on top of a dead branch out in good light. A Ruby-throated Humminbird was spotted sitting nearby. Also in the same immediate area a calling Alder Flycatcher kept popping up. Several Mourning Warblers were calling alone the wood edge.Just up the road stopping by a farm, numerous Cliff Swallows and Barn Swallow were observed flying into the barn. At least the Barn Swallows did while the Cliff Swallows swooped up under the eaves of the barn. Here a Red-shouldered Hawk was spotted high in the sky and also a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Proceeding north we turned east on the Pike Bay Road out onto the Ferndale flats. Here 3 Brewer's Balckbirds were quickly spotted along the road side on the fences and the hydro lines. In the distance Ravens could be heard calling. We did a quick sortee out onto Highway No. 6 and then back onto the backroads winding our way through the flats with all sorts of Bobolinks and Savannah Sparrows flying off the fences back to the West Road.

Our next stop was at Black Creek Provincial Park. Here we walked back an old road through the middle of old beaver ponds. A Red-breasted Nuthatch was heard and seen high up in a dead tree. An American Woodcock flushed from along the trail. Walking into a beaver pond a female Hooded Merganser was seen. Here an Eastern Kingbird nest was spotted on top of a stump standing 4 feet out of the water in the pond. On the way out a Broad-winged Hawk flew over.

Back at the cars we took a few minutes and had lunch. Here several members peeled off the group and perhaps will regrete the decision to leave so soon as once we got underway the next stop just a couple of miles up the road produced perhaps our best bird of the trip. As we were proceeding past an old beaver meadow a dark cap on an angle was noticed on top of a dead tall tree stump. Closer examination revealed it to be dark grayish feathers with bright yellow eyes, a Great Gray Owl!

This bird was very co-operative allowing the group to observed it and for some to take photos. It flew once 10-15 feet to another dead tree. Just before we left our only Red-tailed Hawk for the day past over. Some locals stated the owl had been there for some time. It still was sitting in the dead trees when we proceed north for a quick look at Ira Lake.

On the side road east of the Miller Lake general store as we were getting back into the cars after looking at some Male Fern a Cooper's hawk was spotted high in the sky that disappeared into the woods after performing a spectacular stoop.

We walked around on the alvar at the Dyer's Bay junction examining the vegetation existing on the dry exposed limestone including the Green and Maidenhair Spleenworts. Our only Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was heard here. On an outcropping along the highway on the way to the Crane River Picnic grounds the group was shown a small group of Purple -stemed Cliffbreak. At the Crane River Picnic grounds we took five and then examined the "fern" wall with its several species including Slender Cliffbreak. A few Nodding Trilliums were found nearby. Proceeding towards the sparrow fields west of Lark Whistle we stopped to see the Wal Rue Fern.

A couple of stops before the sparrow fields produced Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a Downy Woodpecker. One wood lot had several examples of the small under growth scrub known as "Rubber Tree" with it flexible branches. Here also were good views of butterflies including White Admirals and Tiger Swallowtails.

At the sparow fields an Indigo Bunting was chasing a couple of Purple Finches around. Field Sparrow were heard calling and in the distance the "buzz" of Clay-colored Sparrows. We walked the fields and some members got a glimpse of the Clay-coloreds. On our way back to the cars a Yellow-billed Cuckoo was heard calling.

Proceeding through the hamlet of Dyer's Bay some keen eared members picked out the calls of a Northern Parula. Along the shoreline on the way out to Cabot's Head besides the spectacular scenery a female Common Merganser was sitting on the rocks while a couple of Common Loons were further off shore. A little further along the road a female Oldsquaw in breeding plumage was a surprise swimming close to shore while overhead an expected N. Rough-winged Swallow flew by.

After a walk around the lighthouse we proceeded back and along the Dyer's Bay Road to the East Road (known locally as the 40 Hills Road) and headed south. The lead car heard a Sora call from one of the road side marshes and also had a Black-billed Cuckoo fly by. Stopping in Lion's Head for a bit of supper Chimney Swifts were noticed cruising over the village. Emerging from the restaurant we picke d up our 108th species for the day, House Sparrow!!.

Our last stop was at the waterfront at Colpoys Bay. Here were several Common Mergansers including one female, with 8 ducklings, that kept driving away two other females from her brood. As we were heading back to the cars in the gathering dusk to go our separate ways a Northern Cardinal was heard calling from behind the houses, our 110th species for the day.

The first weekend of the Huron Fringe Birding Fesitval was a great success with ober 500 different persons registering for the various events and activities of the festival.

During the course of the weekend over 130 species of birds were observed by the varous participants in the events.

Some of the highlights include:

MacGregor Point Provincial Park

1. DU Pond and Trail

Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were present in good numbers and an active nest was observed with the adult ont he nest. The park is at the northern limits of its range in Ontario. Blackpoll Warbler, a species that migrates late, was observed singing. A variety of other warbers were observed including Cerulean, Northern Waterthrush singing from a tree top, Mourning Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow Warbler, and the American Redstart. Baltimore Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were in good numbers. Flycatchers included Least, Olive-sided, and Eastern Wood Peewee. The pond had a Great Egret and calling Pied-billed Grebes.

In the evening Whip-poor-wills were calling in the woodlands around the pond.

2. Along South Boundary of Park

Along the southern boundary of the park, west of the Lake Range Road there were both Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warblers sinigng. They could be observed in the tops of the ash tress. Alder Flycatchers were present in good numbers as well.

3. in area of park's Visitor Centre

A Magnolia Warbler was prsent and singing all weekend. On Sunday morning a Conneticut Warbler sang for a brief time at the entrance to the parking lot. Blackpoll Warbler was also present in the area.

Sites Outside MacGregor Point Provincial Park

Horseshoe Bay

On Saturday afternoon the male Harlequin Duck was relocated. This bird was first found with a female on Thursday am by Elizabeth Squires of Southampton. It was presnet for a while on Saturday afternoon and observed by a number of festival participants. Several species species of late migrating shorebirds were observed on the shoreline between Horseshoe Bay and Southampton inlcuding Black-Bellied Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper and Dunlin.

8th Concession of Bruce Township

The Black-billed Magpie was observed several times during the weekend feeding in the yards of the houses along the road. The Brewer's Blackbird colonly was active with adults oberved carrying food to nestlings. In the area participants also found Upland Sandpiper and some very late Rough-legged Hawks. Kincardine Sewage Lagoon

The festival tour to the Kincardine Sewage Lagoons on Sunday morning heard a singing Connecticut Warbler and then a short time later a Mourning Warbler, so comparision of the songs was possible. The waterfowl observed on the lagoons included Ruddy Duck, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, Mallard, Wood Duck and Canada Goose. A 2nd year Bald Eagle provided a spectular fly-by.

Bird Sightings - May 24 - Northern Bruce Peninsula (near Dyer's Bay)

• Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1) - Crane Lake Rd (just north of Dyer's Bay Road.
• Blackpoll Warbler (3) "
• Alder Flycatcher (1) "
• Blue-winged Warbler (1) - near Crane Lake Rd.
• Clay-coloured Sparrow (2) "
• Upland Sandpiper(several nesting) - along Dyer's Bay Rd.
• Brewer's Blackbird (2) - Dyer's Bay Rd. (many) - Hwy 6 around Ferndale

Hello Gord,

RE: BLACKBILLED MAGPIE

We are the homeowners at fire number 1375 and are providing an update to your excellent bulletin board.

The magpies have completed their nest in the hawthornes by the creek in our backyard -it is about 18 in. diameter and 24 in. high,the entrance is on the side -the nest is made up of twigs and hawthorne branches.They have been sitting on the nest for the past two weeks.

One afternoon we observed a raccoon approaching the nest.He had climbed the tree adjacent to the nest presumably after the eggs.My husband took care of the raccoon and then for a few days we didn't see either magpie-we were afraid they had moved on but they are again seen around our back yard in the fruit trees and at the bird feeder they appear to be feeding young-May 14th,1999

Please Note: Anyone wanting to view these birds please check at our house first and be very mindful of any gates as the cows are now in our pastures.

Finally Gord, this message comes through the homeowners son and his email account at dfraser2@home.net and I would be more than happy to pass any further information back and forth,

Thank you and Regards

The migration continues however with the lack of rain and storms there is noting to slow the birds down. The wetland areas are starting to show low water levels.

It is now possible to observe 100 species during the course of a day, definately during the weekend.

Some of the highlight from the weekend include:

Horseshoe Bay (between Port Elgin and Southampton)
On Sunday afternoon there were 2 Gadwall and one late female Common Merganser. Shorebirds include Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, Semiplamated Plover and Killdeer. Off shore there were Common Terns, Bonapate's Gull and one Great Black-backed Gull.

MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Warbler are moving throuth the park in good numbers with over 15 species reported during the weekend. At the southeast corner of the park the Golden-winged Warblers are sinigng in their traditioanl nesting area. A Blue-winged Warbler was located by Doug Martin of K-W. Pine Warblers are singing in the pines around the park's Visitor Centre. The American Redstart can be easily observed and is the logo bird for the Huron Fringe Biridng Festival. There are lots of Least Flycatches and Great Crested Flycatchers calling from the woodlands.

On Sunday morning in the DU Pond area of the park there were many Scarlet Tanagers and Baltimore Orioles. The orioles are starting to nest build and one nest can be easily observed from the viewing tower. The Blue-gray Gnatcatchers can be easily heard and seen in the area of the DU Tower.

A Peregrine Falcon is still being observed on an irregular basis along the Lake Range Road between the park entrance and Port Elgin.

I had White-crowned Sparrows show up in my yard in Ripley on Tues. May 4. The White-throated Sparrows have been around for over a week now. I saw a Towee on Mon. May 3 also in my yard. I had my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak arrive yesterday at my feeder and a Baltimore Oriole this morning.

Joe Johnson of Wiarton reported two Wilson's Phalaropes at the town's sewage lagoons Tuesday. One bird was still present Wednesday morning, but could not be relocated in the late afternoon.

Two of the lagoons have been drawn down, and are attracting a large number of shorebirds. For anyone planning on visiting the site, please remember the agreement with the town to limit "visiting hours" to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Let's not give the politicians an excuse to revisit the issue.

Other birds are continuing to trickle into the area. The first rose breasted grosbeaks arrived yesterday, along with hummingbirds. For some strange reason, the two always arrive within hours of each other on the same day.

Black-throated green, black and white warblers and redstarts have also arrived. Pockets of orioles are easy enough to find. There are lots of chipping sparrows about, but no white-crowns have yet been seen.

The yellow rails reported last Friday have not been heard from since, but the Isaac Lake marsh is still a good spot to check for them.

A late flock of 10 tundra swans flew over the marsh on the weekend near sunset.

Yesterday, during a short hike, I observed the following: Chimney Swift (P. Stanley), Trail: Pair of Pileated Woodpeckers, Rusty Blackbirds, E. Bluebirds, Tufted Titmice (investigating a hole in a tree). FYI

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

On Saturday, May 1 three Brewer's Blackbirds were seen between the intersection of Cemetary (sic) Road and the town of Ferndale along Hwy 6 on the Bruce Peninsula. There were seen either on the highway shoulder or in short grassy fields adjacent to the highway. This is a reliable location for them.

Also on the same day, between 4:30 and 4:40 p.m. one Black-billed Magpie was seen behind house #1375, in a small valley. This is on the south side of Conc. 8, west of Hwy. 21, between Port Elgin and Tiverton, near the village of Underwood. The single bird appeared to be gathering nesting material. Its presumed mate was not seen.

Good Birding!

1500 Grazia Ct.
Suite 703
Mississauga, ON
L4W 4Z9
(905) 238 5166

The migration is starting to pick-up with more species arriving daily. Some of the recent highlights from Bruce County during the first weekend in May inlcude:

Issac Lake Wildlife Area
(off hwy 6 south of Mar)
On Saturday evening Virginia Rail and Sora were calling from the wetlands. Sandhill Cranes were heard calling and the an American Coot was present on Issac Lake. Several American Bitterns were heard and observed calling from the wetland area. A Black-crowned Heron did an evening fly-by

Muskrats were abundant and were observed chasing each other thorugh the marshlands.

Boat Lake/Ranking River at Oliphant Road
On Saturday evening there was 1 adult Bald Eagle sititng in the trees south of the bridge.

MacGregor Point Provincial Park
(home of the Huron Fringe Birding Festival)
Six Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and several Yellow-rumped Warblers were present Saturday afternoon along the trail to the west of the Ducks Unlimited Pond in the south end of the park. The Ruby-crowned Kinglets were singing and there was a small flock of Goldencroned Kinglets. Present on the pond were 1 American Coot, and a female Hooded Merganser.

A Solitary Sandpiper was present in the drainage ditch in the southeast corner of the park.

Port Elgin Harbour
The Purple Martins have returned to the nesting box on the east side of the harbour during the weekend.

Horseshoe Bay and MacNabb Point
(along lake about 1/2 way between Port Elgin and Southampton) In the evening there werer 12 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Semipalmated Sandpiper and 8 Caspian Terns on the sand flats of the former bay (due to low water). 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler and 1 Brown Thrasher were in the cottage area on MacNabb Point.

Chesley Area
Esat of Chesley in a small wetland area there were 3 singing Northern Waterthrush -- 1 on one side of the rod and 2 on the other side of the road. 1 Evening Grosbeak was heard in the Kinghurst area east of Chesley.

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

Two yellow rails were at the Isaac Lake waterfowl sanctuary north of Wiarton on the Bruce Peninsula tonight.

The first bird was found by Ernie and Fidele Johns of Owen Sound this morning about 11 a.m. just east of the boat launch at the lake proper.

That bird was still calling tonight at approximately 9 p.m. from the same location.

The second rail was heard near the duck ponds along the Isaac Lake marsh about half a mile to the east of the lake in the same spot where rails have been frequently found the last five or six years.

Isaac Lake can be reached by taking Highway 6 north of Wiarton about four miles and turning left (west) onto the marked side road. The lake is approximately 1.5 miles from the turnoff point, and is reached by driving through the marsh and sanctuary.

Hi Gord.....

On Sunday 25th April about 4:30 pm we saw eight Whistling Swans in the bay close to the Oliphant Fen.

Hi Gord

Wanted to let you know we have been watching up to a dozen Whistler Swans for the past two weeks . They are in a field from which corn was taken off last fall. Just east of Number 9 Highway between Walkerton & Mildmay. There is a bit of a swale nearby.

Turaco Nature Inc. held their annual late April birding outing on the Bruce Peninsula on April 23rd to 25th, lead by Kathy and Martin Parker. A total of 86 species were observed the participants during the weekend.

Highlights included:

Common Loons, Red-necked Grebes and Horned Grebes were present in small numbers on Georgian Bay between Dyer's Bay and Cabot Head. The number were lower than traditionally observed at this time fo the year. Common Loons were not calling on Otter Lake until Saturday evening.

Nine species of raptors were observed with the highlights being a Red-shouldered Hawk at Cabot Head on Saturday, numerous Rough-legged Hawks at various locations (all of which appeared to be moving northwards), Osprey at Stokes Bay on Sunday, and a Merlin at Cape Chin on Saturday afternoon. The north winds slowed the hawk migration.

Sandhill Cranes were observed at Crane Lake, where three soared over the group, and 1 at Otter Lake.

Greater Yellowlegs were observed at several locations.

Yellow-belled Sapsuckers were observed on both Saturday and Sunday at a number of locations. Woodpeckers of many species were druming throughout the woodland areas. During the weekend there was a good northwards flight of Northern Flickers.

Cliff and Barn Swallows were observed on Saturday at Cape Chin and Stokes Bay. Only Tree Swallows were around on Saturday.

Brown Creepers were numerous with a good movement thorugh the upper Bruce during the weekend.

Golden-crowned Kingets were numerous both days. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were singing along the trials in the Black Creek Prov. Park Reserve on Sunday.

Eastern Bluebirds were observed in most areas with open fields. At one location they were fighting with Tree Swallows for one of three available nesting boxes

Hermit Thushes were common there were flocks of American Robins moving thorugh. One Brown Thrasher was observed on Sunday in the Otter Lake area.

There were low number of sparrows except for Dark-eyed Junco which were present on the upper Bruce in good numbers on Satuday. One Chipping Sparow was observed Saturday and lots were observed on Sunday. Swamp Sparrows were singing in the Otter Lake wetlands on Sunday morning but were not heard on Saturday (morning and evening).

At Cape Chin there were about 4 Purple Finch during the weekend and 1 Evening Grosbeak on Sunday.

A Western Meadowlark was heard singing on Sunday about 1 1/2 km due west of Fernade on Sunday morning. Brewer's Blackbirds were present in several locations in the Ferndale Flats area.

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

Hello All,

Today at about 12 noon, Dan Burton and I saw 2 Harlequin Ducks in the harbour at Collingwood. A female and a male, not yet in mature plumage. The harbour to which I refer is off Hwy 26 in the town of Collingwood, on the right side of the road on the way to the boat ramp and before the terminal buildings. A male and female Red-breasted Merganser were also present.

We were sucessful in seeing the Black-billed Magpies along Concession 8, Bruce County off Hwy 21 south of Port Elgin. The property owners were very helpful.

Sandhill Crane at McNabb Lake
On Saturday evening, April 17th Sandhill Cranes were head calling in the McNabb Lake area, a nesting location for the species in recent years.

Black-billed Magpie
Still present along the the 8th Concession of Bruce Township west of Highway 21. The birds have been observed collecting twigs and carrying them into the steam valley. Please observe these birds from the roadway.

Brewer's Blackbird
Six birds, 5 males and 1 female, were present in the traditonal nesting area south of Port Elgin at the intersection of Hwy 21 and the 10th Concession of Bruce Township.

Woodpecker's Dumming
Lots of woodpeckers, four species -- Downy, Pileated, Flicker and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, were drumming Sunday afternoon at the DU Pond at the southern end of MacGregor Point Provincial Park.

The Friends of MacGregor Point Park now have a website live on the web! They have posted extensive information on the Huron Fringe Birding Festival on their website located at : http://www.friendsofmacgregor.org/festival.htm

Check out their website, and try to make it to the festival. It promisses to be an exciting series of events, with something for everyone!

BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE

The Black-billed Magpie that was first reported on Good Friday on the 8th Concession of Bruce Township was still around this weekend. On Saturday April 10th a large number of birders located the birds at various times during the day. There were two observed together feeding in a cattle pasture in the afternoon by Peter Middleton and Bill Pace. One observer reported that one bird was observed flying off with a twig. Birder are requested to refrain from visiting the steam valley were the birds are sometimes observed.

The best location to observe the birds is along the 8th Concession of Bruce Township, west of Highway 21. (the 8th Concession is between Port Elgin and Tiverton). The first house on the south side has 911 number 1315. The birds can be seen along the roadway in front of the house westward to the house with the number 1375. At the later house the owners have observed the bird on the fence around the pool and feeding on berries around the house. A great yard bird. The birds can also be obseved in the pastures on the north side of the road. One observer reported that they walk along the fence lines.

CABOT HEAD

Kathy and Martin Parker visited Cabot Head on Sunday April 11th. The waves on Georgian Bay were about 6 feet in height. Several Red-necked Grebes were observed. 12 Double-crested Cormorants were present in Wingfield Basin. About 30 Turkey Vultures were observed soaring southwards along the bluffs of the Niagara Escaprment. There were lots of Golden-crowned Kinglets and 1 Winter Wren.

SKY LAKE

Sky Lake north of Wiarton has 1 almost adult Bald Eagle. Waterbirds on the lake consisted on Pied-billed Grebes, Ring-necked Ducks and 1 Hooded Merganser.

STOKES BAY

On the waters of Stokes Bay, as viewed from the Blue Heron Campground there several rafts of ducks with the highlights being 3 Gadwall (an uncommon species in Bruce), 16 American Wigeon, 2 Hooded Mergansers and 10 Redhead along with Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Greater and Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye and Common Merganser.

DROUGHT

The continuing drought, which started last spring, and lack of winter snows in Bruce County has resulted in a lack of fooded steam valleys and pools in fields. Some traditonal waterfowl concentation areas are dry. Locating puddle ducks and early shorebirds is difficult.

HURON FRINGE BIRDING FESTIVAL

Please check out this festival at the website created by Gord.
www.friendsofmacgregor.org

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

The Black-billed Magpie in Bruce Townhip was observed on Saturday morning April 10th by a group of birders including Martin and Kathy Parker, Dave and Barb Fidler, Judith Kings, and Al McTavish.

The bird was in the trees along the creek that flows south of the 8th Concession of Bruce Township between the house with the 911 number of '1315' and the house with the 911 number '1375'. The residents of these two houses have been observing the bird regularly. At 1375 8th Concession the bird has been sitting on the fence around the pool on the east side of the house.

The stream is bordered by a thick band of hawthorns and other trees and the bird is moving through the trees. It comes up periodically.

In the message sent earlier today a house reference number of 1513 was given and this should be corrected to 1315.

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

The Black-billed Magpies that were reported on Good Friday have been relocated. They have actually been around for 8 days.

Directions: take hwy 21 south from Port Elgin or north from Kincardine -- at the 8th Concession of Bruce Township turn west towards the lake. The first house on the south has the 911 number of '1315' with the name Brown on the mailbox. The birds come to the roadside and the barn in the field to the northeast of the house.

Mr. Brown states they come up from the valley to the area of the barn and roadside. Mr. Brown states that from 6 to 7 each evening they come out to feed along the roadway.

It should be possible to observe the birds from the car.

We are heading out shortly to look for the birds. Will provide an update if they are found.

A tour of the backroads around Shallow Lake this evening turned up two sandhill cranes near Shouldice, rusty blackbirds and a pied-billed grebe at Shallow Lake, two rough-legged hawks, ring-necks, buffleheads, lots of tree swallows, and one red-tail.

The courtship flights of snipe and woodcock continue, with the frog chorus providing an interesting background accompaniment.

A male ruffed grouse continues to lurk around my backyard, drumming early in the morning from a log hidden in some spruce trees.

A fox sparrow spent a couple of days at my feeders, but has since left. The wave of juncos and tree sparrows of the last few days is starting to taper off. Ruby-crowned kinglets continue to work on their singing - apparently their vocal chords haven't loosened up yet.

The sapsuckers have begun trickling in. The first few arrived this morning. A flock of siskins hung around my home for a while yesterday, but didn't come to the feeders.

A large group of juncos is present today, along with tree and song sparrows. Two fox sparrows were seen last week, but have since vanished.

Late last week, the Wiarton sewage lagoons had shovelers, blue and green-winged teal, ring-necks, and lesser scaup. The scaup and ring-necks are also scattered throughout the area.

The harriers began to arrive in numbers over the weekend. Snipe and woodcock are busy with their courtship flights.

Hi Gord,

This past weekend was great for birding. At our cottage near Chesley we saw 45 different species. There were at least 2 pairs of Eastern Bluebirds, Wild Turkeys, Tree swallows and Common Nighthwaks. We also saw a pair of Hooded Mergansers and up to 8 Wood Ducks on our pond. The first Least Flycatchers were seen as well.

On another note we saw a pair of huge snapping turtles mating in the shallow water of our pond, something i've never seen before.

More news soon!

Driving near Inverhuron after a birding expedition we saw a black-billed magpie walking on Highway 21. We had a very good look at it before it flew away.

Kathy Parker observed a Peregrine Falcon hunting in the area near the entrance to MacGregor Point Provincial Park on Wednesday March 31st.

Earlier in the day she also observed a Cooper's Hawk was also observed near Allenford, east of Owen Sound.

George Eagles of Southampton reported that there were five Tundra Swans on a pond near the Inverhuron Sewage Lagoons during the last week of March.

The winter wrens arrived in numbers starting late yesterday afternoon, and more have poured in on last night's warm winds.

By dark Wednesday evening, the bush was ringing with the sound of birds singing. A very early flock of eight cormorants passed over Colpoys Bay heading west. Handfuls of purple finches are also beginning the first stages of courtship. Robins are everywhere, and finally began singing yesterday.

This morning, I saw my first flicker for the year, along with tree swallows. Winter wrens were heard everywhere, along with cowbirds, grackles, and red-winged blackbirds.

Two early hermit thrushes were heard early this morning along Colpoys Bay. A winter wren has also been singing half-heartedly in the area.

The turkey vultures are continuing to trickle in. Two are in the area of my home, and occasional birds are being seen elsewhere.

A woodcock is also hanging around my backyard, as is an amorous male ruffed grouse.

Four Great Blue Herons were seen at Isaac Lake Sunday.

A few purple finches are lurking about as well, and the snowshoe hares are well into their color change.

The spring migration moved forward with the warm southern weather.

At MacGregor Point Prov. Park there the new migrants include 1 Wood Duck

At Horseshoe Bay between Port Elgin and Southampton on Saturday March 27th Kathy Parker and Liz Squires had a pair of Northern Pintail. On Sunday at the same location there were 5 Geen-winged Teal.

The waters between Chantry Island and Southampton had rafts of Redhead, Greater Scaup, American Wigeoan, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted and Common Merganser

On Chantry Island the Great Blue Herons were standing on the nests.

At Baie du Dore on Sunday March 28th there was a flock of about 100 Ring-necked Ducks. No Bald Eagles were present. One Red-shouldered Hawk was observed migrating northwards.

At the Inverhuron Sewage Lagoon there was 1 Blue-winged Teal, 1 Gadwall and 2 Lesser Scaup along with Bufflehead, Canada Geese and Ring-necked Ducks. Turkey Vultures were also in the area

In the area of Saugeen Trails east of Port Elgin a Red-tailed Hawk was siting tight on a nest.

Cedar Waxwings showed up in Port Elgin on Sunday March 28th.

Song Sparrows first showed up on Saturday March 27th and by Sunday could be found in numerous locations.

Eastern Meadowlarks were observed in a number of location druing the weekend in the farmlands around Port Elgin.

I saw 23 rough-legged hawks along a 10-kilometer stretch of the Grey-Bruce County line this morning.

Large numbers of grackles and red-winged blackbirds are also present, along with scattered groups of brown-headed cowbirds and killdeers.

The common loons are starting to arrive on Colpoys Bay. Earlier this week, I saw a group of about 20 birds fishing the north shore.

There is also a very strange-looking apparent hybrid duck on the bay. My best guess is a cross between a red-breasted merganser and common goldeneye.

The turkey vultures are also arriving. One was seen on Tuesday in Keppel Township, while another was soaring over Mallory Beach yesterday.

This weekend there were quite a few migrants sighted.

Red winged blackbirds, Ameracan robins, Killdeer, Common loon, Brown headed cowbirds, common grackles and purple finches.

Two Canada geese have staked out their territory on our pond even though it was frozen.

The next wave of spring migrants arrived in the Port Elgin area on Wednesday March 17th with the arrival of Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and 1 Killdeer.

House Finches are singing all around Town.

The declining temperatures on Thursday has slowed the migration.

It looks as if the eagles on the Bruce Peninsula could be starting to move. Earlier today, I had three immature bald eagles over my home simultaneously, while the ravens and crows in the area were going berserk.

One common loon is on the bay, along with small numbers of common goldeneyes, buffleheads, common mergansers, mallards, and four Canada geese.

Winter finches remain elusive. I heard two white-winged crossbills earlier this week while hiking at a conservation area near Wiarton.

Eagles at Baie du Dore, Bruce County

On the Owen Sound Field Naturalist outing lead today, Sunday January 24th, by Kathy and Martin Parker, a total of 20 Bald Eagles were observed.

16 were observed in a winter roost on in the woods on both side of Side Road E/F of Bruce Township. About half were adult birds. The eagles were on the side road north of the 4th Concession of Bruce Township, northwest of Tiverton. (due north of the BNPD information centre and wind mill).

3 birds were observed from the eagle viewing tower on Baie du Dore, at the lake south of the 8th Concesson of Bruce Township (road that heads west towards the lake from the hamlet of Underwood). Take the 8th Concession to the lake and just before reaching the lake take the road that is signed to the Boat Launching area. The tower is located there.

1 Bald Eagle was also observed south of Port Elgin.

On Baie du Dore, from the eagle tower, there was also 1 Glaucous Gull, about 20 Great Black-backed Gull and about 60 Greater Scaup plus Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead and Common Merganser. Also lots of Herring Gulls.

According to MNR district ecologist Bob Gray, a Carolina wren has been a constant visitor to a Sauble Beach residence on 15 Rankin Ave.. I stopped by on Friday to have a look for it, but without success.

A tufted titmouse has been frequenting a feeder at Mallory Beach for at least a month. The homeowners have not given permission for general visitation to see the bird, so I am withholding the address.

A northern shrike and a robin have been stopping by my feeders every day or two. Last week, the shrike put on an interesting performance, as it hovered over a feeder like an overgrown hummingbird.

A red-tailed hawk also was hunting for a meal at the feeders, which is most unusual for the winter.

A flock of 50+ Bohemian waxwings were seen in Tobermory last week, while two rough-legged hawks, two kestrels and an unidentified large grey falcon were seen just south of Chesley today.

A female ring-necked pheasant was seen on Bruce Road 9 near Colpoys Village last Monday. Several trips into the Ferndale Flats last week failed to turn up a snowy owl.

A large number of goldfinches, and a handful of purple finches are coming to my feeders daily. There is still no sign of any other northern finches in this area.

Bill Pace of Kincardine reported today finding a flock of 25 Bohemian Waxwings near the western end of Concession 6 of Huron Township, south of Kincardine. He was unable to locate the Townsend's Solitaire but the American Robins were still present in the area.

Directions: Take hwy 21 south from Kincardine to Concession 6 of Huron Township. South of the hamlet of Pine River. Take the road to the west, towards Lake Huron. You will come the shoreline bluff of glacial Lake Algonquin which you will decend. At the bottom of the hill is a tennis court. The waxwings were feeding in this area.

Now that the snow has finally stopped falling and the warm weather has returned it was posible to get out into the field to locate some birds. Highlights from Sunday January 17th include:

12 Bald Eagles at Baie du Dore (at the western end of Concession 8 of Bruce Township to the north of the Bruce Nuclear Power Development)

60 Greater Scaup in the waters of Baie du Dore along with some Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, and Common Merganser

Three flocks of dabblers feeding in the corn fields west of Tiverton which consisted of approx. 60 Mallards and 3 American Black Duck. There was 1 Black Duck with each flock of Mallars.

5 American Robins feeding in a bare section of a field nw of Tiverton.

The Kincardine CBC was held on Saturday January 2nd -- the weather cooperated until abut 4 p.m. when the winter storm hit.

A total of 46 species have been reported at this time and one more party has to report ther results. A full summary will be posted tomorrow.

The highlight of the count this year was the finding of 1 Townsend's Solitaire along the lake south of Kincardine by Martin Parker. It was in the same gneral area as one that was found on this count in 1995.

Directions
Take highway 21 south from Kincardine or north from the intersection with fomer highway 86 at Amberley to Concession 4 of Huron Township. Take Concession 4 west towards Lake Huron. At the top of the bluff before the road decends to the lake plain turn right (north) onto the Lake Range Road. At the next intersecion turn left onto Bell Drive. Take the first right on to Blairs Trail. There is no sign at this intersection. Follow Blairs Trail north until you come to the stop sign at a T intersection, turn right onto Emmerton Place (is signed). The drive curves to the left and ends at a gray brick house. The Solitaire was in the tangles on the semi-open dunes behind the house.

A Hermit Thrush and a large flcok of American Robins were also in this area.

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

Count held Dec. 19 Dave Fidler, Comp.

59 Species

Best Birds:

• Northern Mockingbird (new)
• White-winged Scoter (new)
• DC Cormorant 2
• Belter Kingfisher 2
• Am. Robin (129) old record 9
• Pine Grosbeak and Purple finch the only winter finches(less then 12 total)

The Wiarton CBC was held on Sunday October 20th -- a total of 56 species were observed which is about average for this decade.

Highlights include

• 2 Canvasback and 2 Lesser Scuap on Sky Lake
• 5 Ring-necked Ducks on Issac Lake
• 165 Hooded Mergansers including one mass group of 150 on the Rankin River where it is crossed by Bruce County Road 13 between Wiarton and Oliphant.
• 9 Bald Eagles at various locations, and 1 Golden Eagle northeast of Wiarton
• 1 GRAY CATBIRD at 33 Marina Drive in Sauble Beach -- this road is along the Sauble River. The bird was in a cedar hedge and there were no apparent feeders in the area.

There were record numbers of Canada Geese, Mallard, Bonaparte's Gulls, Ring-billed Gulls, American Crows, and American Robins, an indication of the warm fall and late arrival of winter.

Were a record number of Rough-legged Hawks observed and some appeared to be migraitng south through the count area.

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

The 23rd Annual Hanover-Walkerton CBC in southern Bruce County, which includes the Towns of Walkerton, Hanover, and Chesley was held on Sat. Dec. 19th. A total of 50 species were recorded, a new count high.

Highlights included:

• 1024 Canada Goose -- an all-time record
• 7 Northern Harrier in open country between Walkerton and Chesley -- an all-time high. The fields were all open with no snow
• 1 Broad-winged Hawk on 8th Concession of Brant Twp about 1 mile east of the Saugeen River
• 1 Merlin at farm feedlot on 14th Concession of Brant Twp about 1 mile east of the Saugeen River
• 4 Belted Kingfishers at various location on the Saugeen River north of Walkerton
• 605 American Crows another all time high
• 38 Brown Creepers in the Saugeen River valley north of Walkerton
• only winter finches were 12 White-winged Crossbills east of Chesley

Bob Gray, the compiler of the Wiarton CBC, tells me
volunteers are urgently needed for this weekend's count.

The count is Sunday, Dec. 20, and is held around the Wiarton-Colpoys Bay area. In past years, the count has averaged about 50 - 55 species.

Anyone interested in participating can reach Bob at 519-371-9128.

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

There was an apparent lesser black-backed gull in the village of Lion's Head in Bruce County Saturday afternoon.

I glassed the bird thoroughly, and all features matched lesser black-backed. However, I did not have a scope with me to study it in more detail.

Lion's Head is about two kilometres off of Highway 6 north of Wiarton on the Bruce Peninsula.

The bird was seen at the harbor, which can be reached by driving to the centre of the village and turning east on any of several streets.

To reach Lion's Head, travel north from Wiarton on Highway Six, turn east onto Bruce Road 9 at the hamlet of Ferndale, travel about two kilometres, and turn north at the Welcome to Lion's Head sign.

The bird in question was with a flock of 500 - 600 herring and ring-billed gulls.

Along with the two little gulls at Bluewater Park, an interesting assortment of birds has been seen this week, although the numbers are disappointing.

I briefly observed a female red-bellied woodpecker earlier this week east of Wiarton. Pileated woodpeckers remain fairly active near my home, along with decent numbers of hairy woodpeckers, and some downies. A robin was calling today, while small numbers of purple finches have also appeared.

Late last week, I heard two white-winged crossbills, while a small flock of pine siskins was around over the weekend.

A female hooded merganser can be seen near Wiarton on Colpoys Bay, along with increasing numbers of red-breasted and common mergansers. There are still rather small numbers of common loons, red-necked grebes, and horned grebes about as well.

An immature bald eagle flew past my yard in the last few days. An unusually rufous great horned owl has been seen on the Mallory Beach Road north-east of Wiarton. A few ruffed grouse, juncos, and tree sparrows are around as well.

Large flocks of goldfinches are in the area, but are not coming to the feeders to any extent.

About a dozen Bonaparte's gulls are on the bay as well, along with good numbers of ring-billed gulls and three great black-backs. The number of herring gulls is rather low.

Large numbers of buffleheads and goldeneyes are on the bay as well. A ruddy duck was on the Wiarton sewage lagoons Monday. One common snipe can still be found at the Wiarton harbor.

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

Two Little Gulls were seen this afternoon about 2:00 p.m. at Wiarton's Bluewater Park by myself and Joe Johnson of Wiarton.

One is an adult in good winter plumage. The second is an immature bird.

From the intersection of William and Berford Streets (Berford is Highway 6) in Wiarton turn east at the traffic lights. Continue east on William past the local liquor and grocery stores to Coal Shed Willie's Restaurant. Turn left at the Boat Launch sign and drive out to the government dock.

The Little Gulls are "hanging out" with a mixed group of Bonaparte's, Ring-billed and Herring gulls.

The adult was first found by Don Fletcher of Colpoys Bay Village two days ago at the Wiarton Sewage Lagoons during a heavy snowfall.

The lagoons are located just east of Wiarton on Elm Street not far from the local hospital and beside the Wiarton cemetery. They are accessible only with a permit weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, please call Joe Johnson at 519-534-2736.

A field outing for the Saugeen Field Naturalists lead by Martin Parker visited Inverhuron Provincial Park, Baie du Dore and Kincardine and recorded 32 species of birds, despite the 'Winds of November'. Highlights were

3 Horned Grebes and 1 Common Loon on Inverhuron Bay

At the Kincardine Sewage Lagoon there were 2 Green-winged Teal, 9 Northern Shoveler, and 1 Ruddy Duck along with the Mallards, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, and 1 Goldeneye. There were also 1 Little Gull and 2 Bonaparte's Gulls feeding in the aeration pond as well.

1 Peregrine Falcon flew over at Tiverton.

Franklin's Gulls in Owen Sound

Dispite an earlier report on Sunday the Franklin's Gull were still present in Owen Sound on Sunday November 15th and observed by a number of active birders from the Owen Sound area.

The five Franklins reported by Peter Middleton Saturday are proving to be elusive - so far, he's the only able to find them. He is recommending interested parties look for them early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

I understand he saw an undetermined number again this morning.

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

Peter Middleton found 5 (five) Franklins at Kelso Beach on the westside of Owen Sound Harbour at 1600hrs. Today Nov.14.

Several Horned Grebes were prseent in the waters between Southampton and Chantry Island. In the mid-afternoon of November 8th a flock of about 50 Redhead arrived and settles in the same waters.

Bufflehead numbers have increased dramatically during along the shoreline between Port Elgin and Southampton during the week with large numbers present on the weekend.

Three Black-bellied Plovers and one Common Snipe were still present on the mudflats at Horseshoe Bay.

Major movement of 'northern' Robins with their white eyebrow passed through from mid-week in with lots prsent in Port Elgin on November 7th.

The waterfowl migration on Colpoys Bay remains well below normal, but an interesting variety of species have been seen over the last few days on the east shore.

More than 25 common loons can be found with little effort, along with similar numbers of red-necked grebes. Handfuls of horned grebes are about as well, along with buffleheads, goldeneyes, common and red-breasted mergansers, oldsquaw, mallards, black ducks, and surf scoters.

A large flock of Bonaparte's Gulls are hanging around the bay as well, along with one or two black-backed gulls.

Three snipe were at the harbor recently.

There still seems to be little movement of northern finches. Goldfinches are present in decent numbers, but are not frequenting feeders on any regular basis. Juncos, white-throated sparrows, kinglets, creepers, yellow-rumped warblers, and red-breasted nuthatches are also present, along with good numbers of robins.

Snow buntings are also on the move, with several flocks seen in the past few days. Red-tailed hawks are heading south as well.

Bill Pace, Kincardine area birder reported the following observations in the Kincardine area for the weekend of October 31st and November 1std.

Bill Pace observed one Tundra Swan at Kincardine, 3 Hooded Mergansers near Allenford. About October 28th had on Baie du Dore a Coot and Greater Yellowlegs. On October 27th in one 50-acre field there were 8 Rough-legged Hawks, a high number of this early in the fall migration.

Al MacTavish reported to Bill Pace that there were 8 Brant on the Kincardine waterfront.

Winds of November field trip of the Owen Sound Field Naturalists, lead by Martin and Kathy Parker covered the Lake Huron Shoreline betweeen Port Elgin and Inverhuron Provincial Park. A total of 28 species of birds were observed with the highlights being:

• 4 Black Ducks in Inverhuron Provincial Park, and 2 at Horseshoe Bay
• 40 Bufflehead in the Horseshoe Bay area north of Port Elgin
• 1 Rough-legged Hawk, dark phase south of Port Elgin
• 5 Common Snipe at Horseshoe Bay
• Black-bellied Plovers at two locations with 2 at Horseshoe Bay and 3 at the west end of the 4th Conc. of Saugeen Township.
• 2 - Nothern Shrike in the pasture lands south of Port Elgin
• flocks of Snow Buntings working the shoreline at Baie du Dore and Inverhuron Provincial Park and the mudflats of the DU Pond at MacGregor Point Provincial Park

Fall Birding on the Bruce Peninsula

A Turaco Nature Tour, lead by Martin and Kathy Parker spent the weekend of October 24th leading a fall birding tour on the Bruce Peninsula. A total of 67 species were observed. Highlights are as follows;

On Georgian Bay between Dyer's Bay and Cabot Head lighthouse there were about 35 Common Loon and 50+ Red-necked Grebes. At Cabot Head small flights of White-winged Scoters, Black Scoters and Oldsqaw flew around the headland.

On Sunday afternoon the main concentation of waterfowl was at the Wiarton Sewage Lagoon with 1 Wood Duck 3 Gadwall, 1 Green-winged Teal and 60 Bufflehead and 1 blue phase Snow Goose in the small pond area south of the lagoons.

At Stokes Bay on Sunday there was 1 Golden Eagles, and 2 Rough-legged Hawks. Rough-legged Hawks were seen at several other locations.

American Coots were present on Stokes Bay (5) and Sky Lake (14) on Sunday.

Bonaparte's Gulls were present on the Wiarton Waterfront on Sunday.

Red-headed Woodpeckers were observed on both days.

Common Ravens were frequently seen and American Crows were only seen on Sunday on the lower peninsula.

Red-breasted Nuthatches were frequently observed in all the woodland areas with a good mix of conifors.

1 Carolina Wren was heard on Saturday at Cabot Head. It has been around for a while.

Eastern Bluebirds were observed on Saturday at St. Margaret's Chapel at Cape Chin.

1 Northern Shrike in the Miller Lake area.

Warbles found on Saturday included Yellow-rumped, Blackpoll, and Pine at Cape Chin and Cabot Head.

American Tree Sparrows were found frequently on both days with only 1 White-throated and 1 White-crowned Sparrow during the weekend. Were also a few Chipping Sparrows left.

October 23

On Oct 21 I spoke to Audrey Heagy who has set up a bird monitoring station at Cabot Head at the northeast corner of the Bruce Peninsula.

She reported that the banding group has caught 94 Saw-whet Owls so far including one night with 28 and another night with 21 saw-whets. In addition 1 E.Screech-Owl was banded.

Cedar Waxwings cleared out last week to be replace by Bohemians this week.

Likewise White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows were replaced by Tree Sparrows in larger numbers in the last week but no Fox Sparrows were reported yet (despite reports of Fox Sparrow coming in from Middlesex County since Oct 21).

In the past week 8 Red-headed, 15 Hairy and 15 Downy Woodpeckers were banded indicating a movement of woodpeckers, mostly juveniles, and at least 20 Red-headed Woodpeckers were counted last week during the daily migration count. Speculation was that the Red-headed Woodpeckers were from Manitoulin Island where the population is still strong.. Hawk watchers at Hawk Cliff and other Elgin County migration watch sites rarely report more than a couple of this vulnerable species on a good day. Last night at the McIwraith Field Naturalist meeting Jon McCracken, who spoke on endangered species speculated that Red-headed Woodpeckers are returning to historic population levels, having increased greatly in the 1930s and 1940s due to the massive die-off of American Elm.

Two very late Blue-gray Gnatcatchers have been banded since Thanksgiving weekend.

As for winter finches only a few Pine Siskins and Purple Finches are being seen.

Oct 21 was the first large waterfowl migration day at Cabot Head with the highlight being 1300+ Oldsquaw. Compared to late September when 3 to 5 Red-necked Grebes were seen daily, recent counts are recording 40+ per day. There has not been any large Common Loon movements since mid-September.

Oct. 21

The waterfowl migration on Colpoys Bay is beginning to pick up. More than 50 common loons were on the east side of the bay Monday, while about 15 red-necked grebes were also present. One of the female-plumaged surf scoters also remains on the bay.

The other day, two late-moving Swainson's thrushes provided a treat as they squabbled near dark. Waves of robins continue to press through. Lingering blackbirds are also welcome guests. A flock of cowbirds flew over last night, while a grackle visited my feeders yesterday.

The warm weather and south winds have slowed the migration.

On Sunday October 18th there was a large flock of waterfowl resting on the shore at MacNabb Point (between Port Eling and Southampton consisting of 300 Canada Geese, 400 Mallards, and 20 American Black Ducks. A impressive fall concentration of waterfowl. There was also one Greater Yellowlegs and 8 American Pipits.

A Great Blue Heron was still fishing the in the returning waters of the DU Pond at the southern end of MacGregor Point Provincial Park. There were also two late departing Yellow-rumped Warblers, and two Painted Turtles sunning themselves on the logs. Several Spring Peepers called as well.

A Cabbage White butterfly was observed flying around Port Elgin on Friday October 16th.

Stu and Kathy Boyd, London, reported the finding of two Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows at Dorcas Bay (near Tobermory) on Thanksgiving Monday.

Migration in the Colpoys Bay area remains steady, if a little unspectacular.

Four female-plumaged surf scoters were seen on the bay over the weekend. Small numbers of greater scaup and common mergansers have also been around, along with small numbers of loons, but the main waterbird movement on the bay seems to be lagging.

A late-calling veery was a welcome sound last week, while swarms of white-crowned and white-throated sparrows continue to pass through. Kinglets - both golden and ruby-crowned - are present in good numbers. Robins are also moving in steady streams, but a large push doesn't seem to have occurred yet.

There must be something about the cool, sunny weather we've been having. The white-throats, ruby-crowns, and some winter wrens are all singing to some extent.

Large numbers of turkey vultures continue to stream south, as do kestrels and red-tails. I have had very active pileated woodpeckers around my property, as well as screech owls.

MacGregor Point Provincial Park -- Port Elgin

At noon on Sunday there was a kettle of raptors that passed thorugh the park heading southwards consisting of 2 Northern Harrier, 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Turkey Vulture and 1 Red-shouldered Hawk. Greater Yellowlegs were still present in the DU Pond at the south end of the park.

Cabot Head
Dave Martin reported on the highlights at Cabot Head where they were visiting the banding stations operated by Audrey Heagy.

They were observing 1 or 2 Lapland Longspurs daily. There were lots of Horned Larks and Am. Pipits inthe open areas on the upper Bruce Peninsula.

2 or 3 Merlins were observed each day. They were perched on wires like American Kestrels.

When they left on Oct. 4th there were 1,000's of White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and both species of Kinglets. The feeder the Cabot Head Lightstations had 2 Clay-coloured Sparrows. A Carolina Wren was banded last week and on September 27th 8 Saw-whet Owls were banded.

The Owen Sound Field Naturalists outing to Oliphant, Sky Lake, Issac Lake and the Wiarton Lagoon, which was lead by Martin and Kathy Parker, recorded 36 species of birds. The highlights were as follows:

Lesser Black-backed Gull -- 1 bird south of the main dock at Oliphant. Was observed by group and latter observed by Dave Fidler.

Turkey Vulture -- steady movement southwards all day

Greater Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpipers & Black-bellied Plovers at various locations along the Oliphant shoreline.

6 Eastern Phoebe, 3 Yellow-rumped Warblers and 6 Palm Warblers at the old barn on the Issac Lake Rod (at former OMNR fire station)

100 Rusty Blackbirds in the wooded swamp on the Issac Lake Road.

The dates for the 2nd Annual Huron Fringe Birding Festival, which is based in MacGregor Point Provincial Park, Port Elgin is Friday May 28th to Sunday June 6th 1999. Details have not been developed yet, when they are, they will be posted here.

Inquires can be forwarded to Kathy at mkparker@bmts.com

Gord

The migration is starting to pick-up again, and on Sunday Sept. 20th there was a flock of about 30 White-crowned Sparrow at the entrance to the Wiarton Sewage Lagoon and 15 American Pipits in the small pond to the south of the lagoon. At the Tara Sewage Lagoon there were about 30 Killdeer and a few Lesser Yellowlegs and Semipalmated Plover. There was also a feeding flock of 15 Tree Swallow at the Tara Lagoon. At the Tara Lagoon note that the field around the lagoon has two bulls with the herd of cattle.

On Saturday Sept 19th there was a movement of Turkey Vultures southwards along the Lake Huron shoreline between Port Elgin and the Bruce Nuclear Power Development.

A word of cautions in regards to the the Kincardine Sewage Lagoon, which is a good location for birding. The lagoons have been open to birder for many years and a blind was constucted to aid in viewing. Recently a bird watcher was asked to leave the lagoon area as this person would not comply with previous requests not to drive around the dikes in his car. This same behaviour by the same individual almost resulted in the closure of the Wiarton Lagoon for birders. Please park you car and walk around the lagoon when you visit the location.

Hi there, We just spent a wonderful four days (4th Sept. to 7th Sept.) on the Bruce Penninsula and saw an abundance of wildlife including some of our fine feathered friends. Everyday as we toured around the different beauty spots on the Georgian Bay side of the penninsula we saw many turkey vultures and red tailed hawks. Our prize spotting was on Monday the 7th at Inglis Falls - we first heard a very loud chawing sound and then saw what we thought was a blue jay fly across the small lake at the falls. The bird landed on the very top of a tree and when we took a look with our binoculars we saw a most beautiful bird - bluey-grey body with white chest, white collar and bluey-grey head with a short crest - he also had a very long pointed beak. We thought he looked like a kingfisher but were not sure. Anyway after research we discovered that in fact he was a belted kingfisher - which I read is quite rare to see. I seem to think that at the Inglis Falls there would be great bird watching - on the lake there was also a pair of commorants. Great place to visit!!!!

A red-necked phalarope was found by Joe Johnson around noon today at the Wiarton Sewage Lagoons. The bird, in winter plumage, was extremely cooperative, and came very close to observers.

Over the last week, three buff-breasted sandpipers and two stilt sandpipers were present at the lagoons as well.

Please Note: Anyone entering the lagoons over the weekend or after 4 p.m. should be cautious. The town has declared the lagoons off-limits during those hours, and violations of that policy could jeopardize convenient access. Also, visitors to the lagoons should apply for a permit, available at the town hall during business hours.

These restrictions have been in effect for three or four years, after several local birders, including Dave Fidler, met with Wiarton officials.

Birding on the peninsula has picked up slightly in the last month. A juvenile peregrine falcon was seen in the Ferndale area last month, while an immature male merlin was at one of my neighbours' feeders waiting for lunch to come by.

I have had large numbers of juncos around my home all summer - apparently several pairs must have bred, since many are immature plumaged. Many of the finches have been strangely absent or in reduced numbers - including goldfinches. The high numbers of rose-breasted grosbeaks present earlier have also tumbled.

And now to a little business. Since the collapse of the Grey-Bruce Bird Records Committee earlier this summer, there is no longer any organization to keep an archive of sightings around the area. After discussions with Joe Johnson of Wiarton, I have decided to try to start an archive of bird records from the peninsula north of Wiarton.

I would appreciate any sightings people would like to send to this e-mail account, or to my address at RR5 Wiarton, postal code N0H 2T0.

I intend to simply file the records into a database for safekeeping, rather than evaluating and judging them a la the OBRC. The information will be made available upon request to interested parties.

Thanks in advance....

I'm not a bird watcher, but an unusual siting has me puzzled. Over the past 7 -10 days, my husband and children have seen from a distance - a very large bird that sounded almost like a turkey. Our first thought was "wild turkey". Not so! We live in a rural area in Grey County (about 5 miles east of Owen Sound) and my husband was putting an addition on the barn that is nestled at the end of a bush. All day today, this large bird wonderered around about 5-10 feet away while he worked. It wasn't the least bit upset or bothered by our family taking pictures of it, tossing it apples to eat, or the by the loud sound of the air nailer. Upon closer inspection, it looks like a peacock. It has a tuff of small feathers with circle shapes on the top of its head, green blue neck feathers, brown colored back and wing feathers with faint circle shapes on them and a mainly white breast with a few brown spots. Weight of approximately 30 1bs. I've called all the local parks and the animal control and no one has lost a peacock. Any thoughts on this matter, we're very puzzled. Also, any suggestions of what we should do. The bird isn't bothering anything and we don't care if it stays, but if it does, we'd like to be sure that it has the proper food, shelter etc. that it needs for the up coming fall/winter season.

Thanks

In response to your inquiry on the Ontario Birding Home Page the last invasion of Great Gray Owls on the Bruce Peninsula was in the winter of 1995-96 with most of the birds arriving in the early part of 1996. It was estimated that approimately 72 owls were present on the Bruce that winter. These birds stayed on after the winter and have been present every since although the numbers have been decreasing yearly. Many have become victums to cars. During the summer of 1996 some of the birds changed from brown-gray to gray as they were becoming mature birds.

This summer there has been a few sightings of Great Gray Owls although probably less than 1/2 dozen left on the Bruce.

Mr. Gallant,

I have not been able to get to the Bruce this year, though I have done so for the better part of the last 20 years. Last June I was blown away seeing a Great Grey Owl at Cabot Head. Until I phoned the FON afterward, I hadn't realized that they were in the Bruce.

I enjoy your site, and would be glad to read any updates from anyone seeing them. Does anyone have any idea of the current population in the Bruce?

Thanks,

On Monday July 6th Stu Boyd and Cathy Stocker of London observed a Loggerhead Shrike at the intersection of Hwy 21 and Bruce County Road #14, just west of the village of Allenford. Allenford is about 1/2 way between Port Elgin/Southampton and Owen Sound. The bird was still present on the evening of Wednesday July 15th when we saw it. It was on the wires on the north side of the highway and dove a few time into the fields. Based on the habitat of the area we do not expect that it is breeding in the area.

Hi Gord..thanks for replying..just wanted to let you know that after I sent you that email I looked out and one of the owl parents had shown up. She had the babies on the ground and they were pouncing on things ..carrying on..so comical. They stayed here all day and evening and are still close by as I can here the crows going crazy in the bush. A family of woodcocks have been wandering around the back as well..I think they had better watch out!

Take care...

Good morning...am currently looking at two baby great horned owls sitting just outside my bedroom window! I have been waiting for mom or dad to show but so far they are left alone..I'm sure the parents are close by.They are already HUGE! I spotted the first one on the ground..thought he was a snowy at first and had caught something but quickly realized that he was a baby when he flew up into the tree. Was looking at him through my binoculars when another one flew in beside him....it's so great to see them. How long will the parents feed them and watch out for them? Even though they are big it's clear that they are still quite young...big fluff balls!! Just thought I'd let you know the latest happenings here in Oliphant. Thanks...

Cypress Lake, B.P.N.P., June 9/98

Hi Gord, a sample of what I remember seeing and hearing up the Bruce:

Black-throated green, Black and White, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Waterthrush, Blackburnian, Ovenbird, Yellow-rumped, and Nashville warblers, and the ubiquitous American Redstarts.; Red-eyed Vireos; Veery; E. Phoebe, Great-crested Flycatchers; Caspian terns, D.c.Cormorants, C.Loons, C. Mergansers, Ring-billed Gulls, Spotted Sandpipers, etc.

Plus, lots of Yellow Lady's slipper, Ram's-head, and Striped Coral-root rochids; Wood Lily; Balsam Ragwort; Blue Flag; Fringed Polygala; Bastard Toadflax; Blue-eyed Grass; Shrubby Cinquefoil and Silverweed; Bunchberry; Twinflower; Hairy Honeysuckle, etc.

Gord

The Yellow-headed Blackbird that was first found on May 26th and seen during the Huron Fringe Briding Festival was still present at Ken Gowanlock's (on Concession 8E, Saugeen Township, between Port Elgin and Burgoyne) was still present on Monday June 8th.

On Saturday at Black Creek Prov Park on the north side of Myles Bay there were lots of calling Winter Wrens, easily observed Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher singing, 2 Golden-crowned Kinglets on territory and numerous warblers including Magnoila and Nashville on territory.

Brewer's Blackbirds were easy to locate in the open pasture lands around Ferndale and further north in the Monument Corner's area of Lindsay Township.

Eastern Bluebirds were easy to observe at various locations in the open pasturelands throughout the central peninsula.

The 1st Annual Huron Fringefest was very successful this weekend. The 'Birder's Challenge' ran from 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday evening -- four teams took part in the challenge and during the day about 50 people joined the teams at various times to see the birds of the park and surrounding Saugeen and Bruce Townships. A total of 118 species were found during the 24 hour blitz. The team consisting of Martin Parker observed 108 species and the team of Doug and B.J. Martin has 105 speices.

The highlights of the day were Willet -- first found by Doug and Hilda Gilpin of Peterborough, who was in the park for the festival. They were birding the beach in front of the Visitor Centre in the mid-afternoon and the bird flew in. They quickly informed the festival headquarters and over 100 people saw the bird. This is the first Willet recorded in the park. This is the 4th time the species has been seen in Bruce and Grey Counties in the past ten years.

Yellow-headed Blackbird -- Ken Gowanlock of Saugeen Township reported on Friday evening that a male Yellow-headed Blackbird was present in the pasture beside his residence. He welcomed birders to come and see the bird, which many did. This is the fifth time this speices has been recorded in Bruce and Grey Counties in the past 10 years. Ken Gowanlock phoned on Sunday evenign and the bird was still present. To see the bird go east of the Gowanlock Road (now Concession 8E) off Bruce County Road 17 past the Burgoyne Bridge. Look for the sign for Gowanlock Bed and Breakfast -- the bird is in the pature to the east of the house.

Other noteworthy birds include
Horned Grebe -- a late migration bird was present in the DU Pond in the park.

McNabb Point has a mixture of water birds including Gadwall, Shoveler, Common Goldeneye (late), Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Bonaparte's Gull (late) and Common Terns.

Along the southern end of the park on Friday evening there was a chorus of Whip-poor-wills, courtship flights of American Woodcocks and 4 Eastern Screech-Owls calling.

Fourteen species of warblers were recorded with the majority of species being ones that nest in the park. The migrant warblers still passing through were the Tenessee Warbler, and Blackpoll Warbler.

A Satuday morning an Eastern Towhee was calling in the dunes north of the Visitor Centre. This is a species that is disappearing along the Huron Fringe and elsewhere is eastern North America.

Hi Gord,

On the morning of May 14, while taking a look from a respectful distance at the Great Blue Heron rookery on Geghetto Island (about 4 miles west of Howdenvale) I noticed what appeared to be a pure white Great Blue Heron right in the rookery. The bird book suggested it could be a Great Blue Heron morph, but the range is the southern US and Cuba. That left an American Egret as the only possible alternative - I didn't want to disturb the nesting birds so did not go close enough to identify dark legs and feet - apparently a sure fire marking. Every time I find something I think may be unusual, I discover that it is actually getting to be quite common up here (e.g.. red bellied woodpecker).

So, is this Egret (if that is what it is) unusual up on the Bruce? Why would the Herons tolerate it in the middle of their nesting site?

Also, on nearby Cavalier Island, there must be a thousand double crested cormorants nesting under very crowded conditions. The aroma is breathtaking. You can't help thinking that these crowded condition will result in some disease to wipe them out again. Incidentally, Cavalier used to be exclusively a Gull nesting area, and there are still few hanging on, but most have left. You wonder why the cormorants would tolerate such skilled nest robbers as the Gulls right in their nesting area?

Hi Gord, This is the first time I have sent you a message. I find the Ontario Birding Website an excellent source of information and very interesting.

I just came back from Isaac Lake north of Wiarton,and observed several Caspian Terns, an Osprey, Blue Winged Teal, a Bobolink, Woodcock,Greater Yellowlegs, Common Merganser. I also saw an American Bittern . It was about 50 feet away and it was making its' distinctive 'oonk a choonk' call. It was in plain view and I watched it for about 15 minutes. Of course, I didn't have my 35mm or video camera with me. I have had a number of American Goldfinches in my feeder in Wiarton, along with a cardinal and some purple finches. The Redpolls and the Juncos seem to have moved on. There is still the odd Evening Grosbeak also still in town.

That's all for now!

Gord Gallant
gallantg@interlog.com

Birds in the Wiarton/Bruce Peninsula area have provided slim pickings for the last couple of weeks, but some interesting sightings have still been recorded.

Don Fletcher of Colpoys Bay Village reports some exceptional early warblers, including Canada and Magnolia, along with a report of an extremely early olive-sided flycatcher from his brother.

A tundra swan was on the Wiarton sewage lagoons Wednesday and Thursday, along with a male gadwall. Three northern shovelers were on the lagoons Monday, but have since disappeared. At one time, shovellers bred in the area of the lagoons, but have not been present for the past two or three years.

Greater and lesser yellowlegs are also starting to reappear, but the shorebirds are lagging behind schedule in their return.

Tree swallows have finally arrived in numbers, along with a few purple martins. Still missing are the remaining swallows, but some warm weather should help with that.

A clay-colored sparrow was at my feeders this afternoon, along with a handful of white-throats. The numbers of chipping sparrows remains well below normal.

Decent numbers of evening grosbeaks are still present in the area, particularly Wiarton, along with pine siskins and very small numbers of purple finches. The redpolls seem to have moved on, except for the odd straggler, but goldfinches remain hard to find.

A few broad-winged hawks are in the area as well, along with the odd rough-leg passing through. A hermit thrush was singing in my back yard about two weeks ago, but has not been heard since.

A very large roving black bear in the area is helping to keep my attention occupied until more birds turn up.

Hi Gord.
Today 2 May on Sideroad 10 west of Concession 12 in St. Vincent Township, Meaford Area, Ont, on a tributary to the Bighead River, South side of road, west side of river, an Egyptian Goose was spotted by myself, my wife and a friend. It is probably an escapee etc. The bird was unbanded.

Dear Gord,
I don't know who I should contact with birds seen specifically on the Bruce. We have recently bought a cottage on the Bruce Peninsula just inside the Fathom 5 boundry on the west. On the weedend we had Fox, Song, Chipping, Tree and White throated sparrows, Red winged, Rusty blackbirds, and grackles, Golden crowned kinglets, Downy, Hairy, and Flickers, etc.

Spring is definetly here.

All these are lifers for the property.

Who should I be notifying of my sightings?

Pat.

I too have seen what appears to be an immature golden eagle. The solid band of white was very distinct. Spotted it near Grey County road #10, in the Hepworth area. Sounds like the same one.

There is a good movement in the migration up here on the north end of the Peninsula. Feeders are full of finches, juncos, blackbirds and more. Hawks are going through including; Red-shouldered, Rough-legged, Red-tailed, Sharp shins, Coopers, Merlins, Golden Eagles. There are Cranes passing through. A great Grey can still be found in a couple of locations as well. Robins are moving en masse. Still winter finches to be found as well. Yellow-rumped warblers are around to hint at better weather or dare it to stay warm. Blue birds are checking out nest holes. Ravens are nesting.

On Monday April 13 at 5:45pm Sand Hill Crane observed feeding bout 10 minutes, in Amabel Township, four km north of Hiway 21 last seen flying towards Southampton. How rare is this bird?

Thank you for your time

Gord Gallant
gallantg@interlog.com

The first Tree Swallows arrived at the end of the week and a Fox Sparrow was visiting our feeder today in Port Elgin.

In the area of the Park Office of MacGregor Point Provincial Park a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers is regularly seen by Nora Toth and other park staff.

Waterfowl numbers are still good with open ponds hosting a variety of dabbler species including Wood Ducks, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Black Duck, Pintail, etc.

A further note concerning the eagle at Oliphant. I suspect the eagle was a sub-adult Bald Eagle. This ist he time of the year when the eagles are leaving the Baie du Dore area and it appears they move northwards along the shoreline of the Bruce Peninsula. Golden Eagles on the Bruce are more associated with tdhe endland areas vs the shoreline.

Good afternoon Mr. Gallant...just wanted to tell you that I had a surprise this morning when backing out of my garage, I looked up and there was a snowy owl perched on top of the roof of my house. He wasn't disturbed by the noise of my garage door opening or by my vehicle. I sat and watched him for awhile and I left before he did. I have many many bird species at my feeders so I guess it was breakfast time for him.

I have also been seeing alot of bald eagles here at Oliphant, an immature one flew very low over my house last week..had a good look. I have been seeing a particular bird around though that I cannot identify. I think it is an eagle of some type...that size anyway but is very dark with large white wing patches underneath..not particularly striped..quite solid white...any idea with this vague discription?? I saw a man out of his car on the Sauble road watching it with binoculars..should have stopped and asked him. Thanks for reading....

Gord Gallant
gallantg@interlog.com

The spring migration continues to build for everything except waterfowl. One great blue heron was at Isaac Lake Saturday, along with wood ducks, hooded mergansers and ring-necked ducks. More great blues were at a heronry in Keppel Township Monday. A red-shouldered hawk was seen near Wiarton, while a rusty-sounding ruby-crowned kinglet was singing near Boat Lake.

Large numbers of tree swallows were skimming over Shallow Lake, while a mixed flock of ring-necks and scaup were on the lake. Four green-winged teal were in flooded fields along Grey Road 1.

A flicker was along Mallory Beach Sunday, along with increasing numbers of phoebes. Three turkey vultures were seen Sunday, while I had four soaring over my home late this afternoon. A pair of harriers was at Coveny's Hill Sunday. Four tundra swans were seen at Purple Valley, while a large flock of rusty blackbirds were in a swamp near Wright's Crescent. Three eastern meadowlarks were at the Gilbert Riding Stables.

At least 20 red-necked grebes were on Colpoys Bay Sunday, along with 20+ greater scaup. A flock of hooded mergansers was in a nearby beaver pond.

Don Fletcher of Colpoys Bay saw tree swallows at Isaac Lake Sunday. The first spring peepers are also out and calling, and the turtles and snakes are also rousing from hibernation.

Noticeably absent are shovelers, wigeons, pintails, and teals and wood ducks in any numbers. The raptor migration also appears to be a little slow, considering the weather.

The migration is moving ahead at full tilt in Southern Bruce County.

Highlights are:

1 White-fronted Goose with Canada's and 57 Tundra Swans in flooded field 1 1/2 miles south of Bervie which is east of Kincardine on Highway 9. Was found by Bill Pace of Kincardine.

7 Ruddy Ducks at Kincardine Sewage Lagoon

Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Pintails, Shovelers, Wood Ducks, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Ducks, Hooded Merganser and Pied-billed Grebe at a number of location in the Port Elgin to Kincardine area

1 Eastern Bluebird and 2 Eastern Phoebes in the Inverhuron Provincial Park area (near the BNPD0)

1 lingering Northern Shrike off Hwy 21 at the south end of Kincardine

No eagles today at Baie du Dore

Turkey Vultures at several locations between Kincardine and Port Elgin including three on an old foundation at Inverhuron

Song Sparrows calling, Killdeers everywhere, several Eastern Meadowlarks

Great Blue Herons over Chantry Island with some standing on the nest platforms (preparing for the breeding season)

American Woodcock at MacGregor Point Prov. Park and reported by others at other locations between Port Elgin and Kincardine

Seven species of waterfowl were on the Wiarton sewage lagoons this morning.

Noteworthy among them were two wigeons and 10 green-winged teals. Also present were cowbirds and large numbers of grackles.

Ask and ye shall receive....

It was quickly apparent this morning that a major movement of migrants had pushed into the Colpoys Bay area overnight. A singing winter wren was the first bird of the morning, soon followed by tree sparrows, song sparrows, and a large flock of evening grosbeaks.

Huge numbers of robins, grackles, killdeers and red-winged blackbirds have arrived, and seem to be everywhere. One common snipe was heard winnowing this morning at Purple Valley north of Wiarton. Two eastern bluebirds were seen on Bruce Road 9. Large numbers of mallards, black ducks, Canada geese, and herring and ring-billed gulls are present in the flooded areas of the valley. One merlin was also seen.

Don Fletcher of Colpoys Bay village reports two bluebirds at his home yesterday, along with an eastern phoebe.

The spring migration picked up on Wednesday and Thurdsday March 25th and 26th with lots of birds arriving. Highlights include

- 3 Tundra Swans in field east of Port Elgin
- lots of ducks at the field at Saugeen Trails (east of Port Elgin) inlcuding 100 Black Duck, 1 American Wigeon, 3 Hooded Mergansers, and 6 Ring-necked Ducks
- Killdeers flying around Port Elgin on Thursday afternoon
- lots of grackles, redwings, cowbirds
- Robins are singing thorughout the town

After a month-long hiatus, it looks like spring is finally starting to spring. Large numbers of blackbirds - red-wings and grackles - have reappeared in the Wiarton-Owen Sound area. The numbers of robins are also starting to build, and the killdeers are back as well.

The numbers of waterfowl on the bay have dropped to the lowest levels yet this year. Only handfuls of Goldeneyes and buffleheads remain on the bay, along with about four red-necked grebes and one horned. No loons have been seen this month.

A meadowlark was at Cape Chin a few days ago. I was unable to determine whether it was an eastern of western. A male merlin was seen this week along the north shore of the bay, and at least one of the immature bald eagles remains in the vicinity as well.

Noticeably absent so far are any of the sparrows and winter wrens. Finch numbers have plummeted, with only a few common redpolls around my feeders. Grosbeaks and siskins have disappeared in the last week.

Gord, I have seen Harlequins at and near Pt. Clark in the past, Al McTavish gets them there regularly.

Gord Gallant
gallantg@interlog.com

An adult male harlequin duck was seen this morning at Point Clark. I watched it swimming and diving from the lighthouse parking lot.

Gord Gallant
gallantg@interlog.com

The snows of last week have slowed down the migration. The ice has now built up from the shore out into the lake and the best waterfowl viewing on March 15th was on the Saugeen River east of Port Elgin.

At Baie du Dore at the boat launching area there were two Horned Grebes and two Oldsqauw. A few ealges are present in the Baie du Dore and Port Elgin area.

Waiting for the next warm spell and waves of migrants

What started out as a promising week for spring migrants largely turned into a dud as cool weather closed in. However, two immature bald eagles today livened up the morning briefly as they sparred with each other across the skies.

Five tundra swans were in the Lucknow area earlier this week. There were also large numbers of Canada Geese moving around.

I had some tree sparrows at my feeders briefly last week, while the redpolls, siskins and pine and evening grosbeaks are still fluctuating in numbers.

Very large numbers of goldeneyes remain on the bay, along with buffleheads. The red-necked grebe numbers continue to hold at about five or six, while the loons seem to have disappeared.

Small numbers of red-winged blackbirds are toughing out the conditions so far, but the main movement seems to be some time away yet.

Gord, I spent the weekend on the upper Bruce. On the way up we had 6 Red-necked Grebes of Copoys Bay. The Am Crows and E. Starlings have returned returned in numbers. Canada Geese are also back on the upper peninsula.

An immature Glaucous Gull was seen both Friday and Saturday on the dock at Dyers

Bay. An immature Bald Eagle was sitting in a tree on the East Rd. at the junction of the road into Miller's Lake.

A Pileated Woodpecker was seen along the Dyers Bay Rd. and another was see along the Johnson's Harbour Rd.

A Red-tailed Hawk was along the Cape Chin North Rd. At the Biships' feeder just north of Cyprus Lake were hundreds of Redpolls and at least one Hoary.

Redwinged Blackbirds were singing on territory near Tobermory. We could not find the Great Grey Owl that has been present all winter along the Cape Chin North Road but it most likely was still in the area.

We saw a snowy owl on February 28th. It was perched on a post west of Hwy 6 and the Little Pike Bay Road and stayed there all morning.

The spring migrants are starting to return to the Port Elgin area in Bruce County with Pintails and Red-winged Blackbirds on Friday Feb. 27th at Baie du Dore and American Robins at several locations on Saturday February 29th. Common Grackles returned to our feeder in Port Elgin today.

Ring-billed Gulls are now outnumbering Herring Gulls. Herring Gulls are starting to occuply the traditional nesting areas on Chantry Island off Southampton this weekend.

One Snowy Owl was observed on March 1st on the 6th Concession of Bruce Twp west of Underwood.

Interesting comment on the greater scaup by Mr.. Parker. However, I am unclear whether he means these birds may have been scaup wintering in the Wiarton area, which there seem to be no reports of, or if they would be birds from the Kincardine area that have moved north to Colpoys Bay rather early in the season.

Canada geese seem to have returned to the Wiarton area in good numbers. About 20 were on the Crow Creek north of Wiarton on Saturday. Also on Saturday, I heard a pair of great horned owls calling in the Pike River area. Brown creepers have been singing the last few days, and more golden-crowned kinglets seem to be about. I heard a robin call briefly Saturday morning, while two or three red-winged blackbirds flew over Sunday morning.

I had another wave of redpolls at my feeders this morning, along with siskins and two male evening grosbeaks. The first chipmunks of the season are out and about as well.

In Southampton on Saturday, I heard a killdeer's calls, but it turned out to be starlings. Joe Johnson has an interesting theory on starlings' mimicking skills. He suggested these starlings might be recent migrants from further south, which had been hearing killdeer calls recently, and those sounds could be temporarily imprinted on them.

There has been a flock of 100 - 150 Bohemian Waxwings around the town of Chesley for a week or so, feeding on Mountain Ash berries, crab apples, etc. This is the largest flock of this species that I have ever seen.

The following birds were seen on a recent trip around the Sauble Beach area

2 ring-necked ducks
1 bald eagle (immature)
2 red-winged blackbirds
6 hooded mergansers
1 greater scaup - male
1 black duck

many buffleheads, Canada Geese, common goldeneyes and mallards

The next wave of spring migrants is starting to return to Bruce County as on the morning of February 27th a flock of Northern Pintails were present at Baie du Dore and 3 male Red-winged Blackbirds were present in a wetland area of Bruce Township.

The Bald Eagles at Baie du Dore were putting on a show in the morning -- chasing each other around the area. The majority of the birds were adults.

The weather on Friday afternoon turned to warm rains with winds from the south so there should be an influx of migants over the weekend.

The Greater Scaup on Colpoy's Bay may be some of the Greater Scaup that have been around the area all winter. The Baie du Dore area has had a flock all winter which is the pattern that has been observed for the past few winters.

Ernie Johns of Owen Sound took a tour of the Baie Du Dor area near Kincardine Friday and reports two little gulls hanging around. This confirms the sighting made earlier by the Parkers of Port Elgin. Word of these birds should be passing along the local hotline and the Toronto hotlines as well.

Earlier this week, I had a surprise look at two turkey vultures gliding by. This is about a month early for these birds. However, Ernie Johns also reports red-winged blackbirds moving around, so the spring migration may be very advanced this year.

He also mentioned large numbers of rough-legged hawks in the Paisley area, as well as one snowy owl. At Baie Du Dor, he said he saw lots of eagles, so many he didn't bother to count them.

Don Fletcher of Colpoys Bay reported yesterday there were at least 10 bald eagles on the ice at Red Bay, along with some miscellaneous waterfowl. He also reports several red-necked grebes on Colpoys Bay.

Finches in the area continue to move around unpredictably . In the last few days, I had a wave of at least 100 redpolls hit my feeders. Among them was one hoary redpoll, likely of the Hornemanii race. I also continue to have siskins from time to time, along with small numbers of evening and pine grosbeaks.

Spring must be on the way, since many of the birds I'm seeing seem to think love is in the air. The chickadees are starting to court, along with the downy and hairy woodpeckers, and the mourning doves are calling. The ravens are well into their courtship rituals, and many seem to have paired off.

The crows have also returned to Mallory Beach, along the north shore of Colpoys Bay, in numbers. They are beginning to set up their territories and pair off.

I have managed to locate a cooperative screech owl at its roost hole. It seems to appreciate the nicer weather as well, frequently spending several hours a day sunning itself like a lazy cat.

The red-tailed hawks getting chummy, too, with pairs frequently seen along the edge of the highway and sideroads.

A flock of nine greater scaup was on the bay over the weekend, but have not been seen since. Top Bruce birder Joe Johnson said he suspected they were birds returning north.

Two or three common loons are about as well, showing some signs of returning to breeding plumage. The male common mergansers have also reappeared in their breeding plumage.

Hi Gord,
I heard a robin in Lion's Head on the Bruce peninsula on February 21 and 22. Could this be spring already?

Bald Eagles at Baie du Dore
On Saturday Feb. 21st at Baie du Dore eight Bald Eagles were observed siting as a group on the rocks on the shore. They also chased each other in the air in a areal ballet.

Snowy Owl - a Snowy Owl was present on the road from Paisley west to North Bruce on Feb 21st

Horned Larks are now occuring in pairs as the initial flocks have broken up.

Waterbirds on Colpoy's Bay
There were large numbes of waterbirds on the north side of Colpoy's Bay (the inlet from Georgian Bay at Wiarton) . The majority of the birds could be seen from the dock at the hamlet of Colpoy's Bay -- were 10 Red-necked Grebes, 1 Horned Grebe, about 300 Common Goldeneye, and 100 Buffleheads. As the sports fishing boats moved up and down the bay the birds would move around.

Today at Baie du Dore 8+ Bald Eagles put on a show at the western end of the 6th Conc. of Bruce Township (due west of Underwood). Four adults were sitting on the rocks watching the various person who came by to view the birds.

Two Little Gulls were present and feeding with 2 Bonapart'e Gulls and 1 Ring-billed Gull were feeding at the head of the bay and then the Little Gulls flew over and around the various observers persent.

Ring-billed Gull arrived this weekend along the central Lake Huron shoreline and small numbers were present in all the flocks of Herring Gulls that were roosting along the shoreline.

Bald eagles are continuing to frequent the Wiarton area. In the last few days, one immature bird, very light-colored, was seen being harassed by a raven near Berford Lake. The eagle glided out over the bay, and headed towards Wiarton.

Between 20 and 30 red-necked grebes are still on the bay, along with a few, unusually vocal, common loons. The numbers of common goldeneyes is on the upswing again, with as many as 200 present in the last week. Numbers of buffleheads are also unusually large.

The flocks of redpolls are unpredictable. Last week, I had at least 100 at my feeders, but those numbers have dropped off. I have still have a flock of 40 or so evening grosbeaks dropping by infrequently. I also have small numbers of siskins and a roving band of goldfinches.

Yesterday, while eating supper, a sharp-shinned hawk, which also had food on its mind, narrowly missed a hairy woodpecker in my front yard while a screech owl dosed in a nearby tree.

One day last week, the owl, returning late from it rounds, was mobbed by redpolls, blue jays, and nuthatches before ducking into its roost.

A few golden-crowned kinglets turned up while I was hiking this afternoon. A few days ago, a solitary horned lark was seen in Purple Valley. A flock of Bohemian waxwings was at the Barrow Bay store a few days ago , while pine grosbeaks continue to be elusive.

Just a quick note to let you know things are alive and well in Oliphant even though it is winter. Have spotted several Bald Eagles this winter between here and town(Wiarton), the latest, flying past our house(near Gov't dock)no more than 50' up.

This latest sighting was Feb. 3 @ 3:00p.m. also about a month ago my wife spotted what she thinks was a Golden Eagle in this same area. Nice to see them all making a come back. There was a time when you would never seen even one!

Regards,

We had our first pileated woodpecker of the year this morning checking out the walnut trees. What a spectacular bird. At the feeder are many pine grosbeaks, tree sparrows, redpolls, goldfinches and purple finches. A few cardinals. Red and white breasted nuthatches are always around. Also 3 or 4 each of hairy and downy woodpeckers. A northern shrike visits occasionally and is always successful in picking off a chickadee. Modus operendi is always the same - flush the chickadees out of a nearby cedar and stay right on the tail of the victim as it flies to another nearby cedar. The shrike nails the chickadee as it tries to land in the cedar tree. We do not interfere. The shrike has its place in the overall picture.

The Owen Sound Field Naturalists held their annual winter eagle trip to Baie du Dore on Sunday Feb. 1. The highlights were at least 11 Bald Eagles -- at one time 6 were present in one view of the binoculars. At the head of Baie du Dore at the western end of the 6th Concession of Bruce Township there were 3 Bonaparte's Gull and 1 Little Gull.

The flock of Greater Scaup with three Redheads were still present.

At the southeastern corner of MacGregor Pt. Prov. Park, south of Port Elgin, there were about 50 Bohemian Waxwings.

Horned Larks have arrived back into the area with about 60 birds present in a number of flocks of 5 or more birds present feeding along the roads in Bruce Township, south of Port Elgin. Is it an early spring. What will Wiarton Willie (albino groundhog) determine on Feb. 2nd.

A Snowy Owl, probably a juvenile due to small size and speckled colouring, seen regularly near the Dobbinton Corner (where the H.. is Dobbinton?) a few kilometres north of Chesley on Bruce County Road # 10. There have been fleeting but frequent glimpses of Carolina Wrens at Watsons' in Chesley and Range's in Walkerton.

Mr. Johnson, a birder and resident at Baie du Dore observed a total of 18 Bald Eagles on the shore around the bay on Saturday morning, December 24th at one time.

The raft of Greater Scaup with 3 Redheads was still around in the afternoon. Weere small flocks of Mallards and Black Ducks near the head of the bay at the end of the 6th Concession of Bruce Twp.

4 Lapland Longspurs and 25 Common Redpolls were at a feeder at house with number 77 on the CAW Road at the south end of Port Elgin.

Two immature bald eagles put on quite a show Thursday afternoon along the north shore of Colpoys Bay.

Initially, only one eagle - probably about a three year-old was seen, soaring along the water's edge. It shortly encountered another, much lighter, immature bird, and the two began some aerobatics exercises that would have shamed most fighter pilots.

After a few minutes of these antics, the darker bird flew off to the west, followed a few minutes later by the light bird, which I followed for about three miles.

A few loons and red-necked grebes remain on Colpoys Bay, along with good numbers of buffleheads, but few goldeneyes. A common loon wailed briefly Sunday night, unusual for this time of year.

An immature snowy owl has taken up residence a barn on the Ferndale Flats just north of the Pike Bay road. A few rough-legged hawks are also in the area. A singing northern shrike was also seen not far from the snowy.

The numbers of pine grosbeaks seem to have plummeted, while evening grosbeaks are on the increase again. The numbers of redpolls have also declined, and I have not had a hoary at my feeders recently.

An Eastern Towhee showed up today at Mike Pickup's feeder at 37 Red Pine Court just north of the 8th Conc of Bruce Township at Baie du Dore. (travel to the lake and turn north just before the lake onto Zehr Street. Red Pine is second left)

On the Baie near the viewing tower was a raft of approximately 50 Greater Scaup and 2 Redheads.

A group from the Hamilton Region observed 6 Bald Eagles in one group during the early afternoon. They also observed