| DURHAM REGION | Archived Birding Reports 2002 |
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, December 39, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Ajax: Rossland Road- 1/2 km west of Audley Road (Sunday) Brown-headed Cowbird- 80+, Red-winged Blackbird- few, and Rusty Blackbird- 1 report from D Worthington Frenchman's Bay: (Sunday) Trumpeter Swan- 12 report from D Worthington I hope that everyone had a great year. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, December 22, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa Christmas Bird Count: (Sunday) Species counted- 85 (plus Trumpter Swan) Individual birds counted- 43,698 Counters- 40+ new for the count- Lesser Black-backed Gull- 1 Highlights: Red-throated Loon- 1 Pied-billed Grebe- 1 Great Blue Heron- 3 Snow Goose- 2 (Blue) Canada Goose- 13,001 Mallard- 5924 Redhead- 479 Northern Pintail- 1 Green-winged Teal- 1 Greater Scaup- 3075 Lesser Scaup- 8 Surf Scoter- 2 Wild Turkey- 23 Iceland Gull-6 Dunlin- 1 Wilson Snipe- 1 Eastern Screech Owl- 7 White-breasted Nuthatch- 17 (low) American Robin- 1081 Northern Mockingbird- 5 Starling- 8766 American Pipit- 1 White-winged Crossbill- 7 Have a wonderful Christmas Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, December 21, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Bond Head: (Tue) Red-bellied Woodpecker- 1, Belted Kingfisher - 1, and Barred Owl- 1 report from M Lise (Bond Head is in between the Oshawa CBC circle and the Port Hope CBC circle) Whitby Harbour: (Tue) Ring-necked Duck- 1, Northern Pintail- 3, Hooded Merganser- 1, Iceland Gull- 1, and Glaucous Gull- 2 report from D Shirley Peterborough CBC- 56 species Presqu'ile CBC- 73 species Kingston CBC- 109 species (no Red-breasted Nuthatch) Oshawa CBC Sunday, December 22 Toronto CBC Sunday, December 22 Rayfield Pye raypye@interlinks.net Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, December 15, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Long Sault Conservation Area: (Sun) Northern Flicker- 2, Hairy Woodpecker- 2, a mix flock of Black-capped Chickadee's and Gold-crowned Kinglets- 20 report from B Steel and S Morgan Liberty Street: Common Raven- 1 This bird return to its home in Orono every night. report from D Berry Pickering CBC: (Sun) I will have results on Friday's update. I did the Frenchman's Bay area- Mallard Duck- 1350+, Hooded Merganser- 2, Swamp Sparrow- 2, Winter Wren- 1, Glaucous Gull- 1, and inside the Pickering Nuclear Plant- Hooded Merganser- 4, Ring-necked Duck- 3 and Gadwall- 7 report from R Pye 36th Minden CBC: (Sat) 47 species which ties the previous high. New for count- Greater Scaup, and Yellow-rumped Warbler. report from R Tozer 48th Oshawa Christmas Bird Count Sunday, December 22, 2002 Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Dec 13, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, December 13, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist Newcastle- Concession 8, lot 33 near Mosport: (Sat) Bald Eagle- 1 feeding on a dead Deer report from B Niklaus Lynde Shores Woodlot: (Thur) Catbird- 1 The feeders were empty. report from D Lockrey Halls Road: (Thur) Northern Shrike- 1, Hairy Woodpecker- 1 report from D Lockrey Cannington: (Wed) Northern Mockingbird- 1, Wild Turkey- 9 report from J Kamstra Short-eared Owl- correction The Short-eared Owl reported last weekend was west of Thickson's Road, near Lake Ontario. Pickering Christmas Bird Count Sunday, December 15 area covered: Lynde Shores Conservation Area to Rouge River Oshawa Christmas Bird Count Sunday, December 22 Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Dec 8 Durham Rare Bird Line - December 8, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, December 8, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa: (Fri) Snowy Owl- 1 Oshawa Creek Valley near Thomas Street, north of Lakeview Park. Doug Lockrey looked for it on Sunday and did not find it. Oshawa: (Sun) Wentworth and Thornton- Short-eared Owl- 1 report from D Lockrey Whitby: (Sat) Coopers Hawk caught a Song Sparrow in front of D Lockrey's apartment building. report from D Lockrey Pickering CBC, Sunday, December 15 Oshawa CBC, Sunday, December 22 Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Dec 6, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, December 6, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist Bowmanville: (Fri) Turkey Vulture- 1 flying across the 401 at Wilmot Creek. report from M Bain Lynde Shores Woodlot: Chipping Sparrow- 1 report from the TOC Toronto Star Hotline Pontypool-Telcom Road: (Sat) American Robin- 2 flocks of 40 and 51, Wild Turkey- 47 and Northern Goshawk- 1 report from S Williams Corbet Creek/ Thickson's Woods: (Thur) Great-blue Heron- 1 feeding in a small amount of open water report from L Sayler Oshawa: (Thur) Coopers Hawk- 1 visiting a back yard feeder report from L Sayler Pickering Christmas Bird Count Sunday, December 15 to take part contact- Alan Woods Oshawa Christmas Bird Count Sunday, December 22 to take part contact- Rayfield Pye (905) 436-7998 Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Dec 1, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, December 1, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. The winter bird listing season started today, so there are a lot of reports. Frenchman's Bay:(Sun) Winter Wren, Northern Shrike report from B Henshaw Sandy Beach Road: (Sun) Northern Mockingbird- 3 report from J Fairchild Pickering Nuclear Plant: (Sun) Northern Gannet- 1 third hand report north Pickering: (Sun) Wild Turkey- 2 flocks of 6 and 20 report from B Henshaw Halls Road: (Sun) Snow Goose- 2 (White), Richardson Goose- 1 report from J Fairchild Whitby Harbour: (Sun) Northern Pintail, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup and Greater Scaup reports from B Henshaw and J Fairchild Thickson's Woods: (Sun) Pine Warbler- 1 found at a feeder west of D Barrys by Jerry Jackson report from J Fairchild Oshawa Creek Valley: (Sun) Carolina Wren- 1, Winter Wren- 1 and Pileated Woodpecker- 1 report from B Henshaw Westside Marsh: (Sun) Peregrine Falcon- 1 report from B Henshaw Minden Christmas Bird Count- Saturday, December 14 Pickering Christmas Bird Count- Sunday, December 15 Oshawa Christmas Bird Count- Sunday, December 22 Toronto Christmas Bird Count- Sunday, December 22 Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - November 29, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, November 29, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Whitby Harbour: (Mon) Northern Gannet- 1 It was at the mouth of the harbour in the morning and then it flew of westward. report from D Lockrey Hwy 35/ Mosport Road: (Thur- Nov 21) Black Vulture- 1 It flew across the road low about 4 PM in the afternoon. report from S Williams Bond Head: (Mon) Great Horned Owl- 1 calling on territory report from M Lise Cranberry Marsh: (Mon) 4 migrating hawks (Tue) 33 migrating hawks- highlights- Red-tailed hawk- 22, Rough-legged Hawk- 1, Merlin- 1, Turkey Vulture- 2, and Golden Eagle- 1 (Wed) 19 migrating hawks- highlights- Red-tailed Hawk- 9, Northern Goshawk- 1. There was an Bald Eagle (Adult) perched in the willows on the barrier beach on Tue and Wed. other birds: Snow Goose- 2 (White), White-throated Sparrow- 2, White-crowned Sparrow- 1, and Northern Shrike- 1 report from D Lockrey Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Sunday, November 24, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, November 24, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Corner Marsh/ Lake Ontario: (Sun) Northern Gannet- 1 found on Lake Ontario west of Frisco Road, Pickering at 9:00 AM by K Jennewein. At 2:15 PM it was feeding with a flock of Herring Gulls and Greater Black-backed Gulls near the Pickering Nuclear Station outflow. reports from D Lockrey and G Carpentier Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Sat) migrating hawks- 27 highlights- Red-tailed Hawk- 18, Rough-legged Hawk- 3, Merlin- 1, and Bald Eagle- 1 (Sun) migrating hawks- 2, Red-tailed Hawk- 1, and Merlin- 1 other birds- Snow Buntings- 2 flocks, Rusty Blackbirds- 16, Northern Shrike- 1, Snow Goose- 2 (White), and Red-throated Loon- 1 reports from R Pye and D Lockrey Durham Region Field Naturalist- November meeting Monday, November 25- 7:30 PM Whales by Earl Keatley (program includes our annual bucket raffle) North Oshawa Library north west corner of Beatrice St. and Ritson Road Oshawa Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Nov 22, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, November 22, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: Hawk migration is almost over. (Tue) migrating hawks- 4 Rough-legged Hawk- 2, Sharp-shinned Hawk- 2 (Thur) migrating hawks- 1 Peregrine Falcon- 1. A adult Bald Eagle spent several hours setting in a willow on the barrier beach. Other birds: Northern Shrike- 1, Eastern Bluebird- 1, Fox Sparrow- 1 and the "Kriders" Red-tailed Hawk. report from D Lockrey Durham Region Field Naturalist/ Pickering Naturalist field trip Niagara River- Gulls Sunday, November 24 meet: 8:00 AM at the south-west corner of the Pickering GO Station. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Nov 17, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, November 17, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Sat) winds from north- very cold migrating hawks- 104, highlights: Northern Goshawk- 1, Red-shouldered Hawk- 1, Bald Eagle- 1 (Adult), Rough-legged Hawk- 5, and Red-tailed Hawk- 80 other birds- Northern Shrike- 1, Dunlin- 6, lots of Song Sparrows. The Fox Sparrows and the White-crowned Sparrow were not seen. We did not see any Snow Geese. report from R Pye Cranberry Marsh: (Fri) Snow Geese- 28 (White- 20, Blue- 8) and Ross's Goose- 1 report from J McKnight PN/DRFN field trip- Niagara River- Sunday, November 24, 8:00 AM south-west corner of Pickering GO Station Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Nov 15, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, November 15, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh: (Mon) Dickcissel- 1 was present from 9 AM to 1:15 PM. It has not been seen since. Other birds seen- Pine Warbler- 1, and Yellow-rumped Warbler- 2 (Tue) migrating hawks- Northern Harrier- 2, Rough-legged Hawk- 2, and Red-tailed Hawk- 2. other birds- Northern Shrike- 2, Snow Goose- 2, Fox Sparrow- 1 and the resident Red-shouldered Hawk report from D Lockrey Cranberry Marsh: (Thurs) A Forester's Tern in winter plumage flew westward over the south platform at noon. report from L Sayler Oshawa Second Marsh: (Thurs) Northern Mockingbird- 1,and Rough-legged Hawk- 1 report from D Ruch Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Nov 10, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, November 10, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Lake Scugog: (Sun) Snow Goose- 22 (White- 13, Blue- 5, juvenile- 4) Several flocks of up to 250 Common Mergansers, Bonapart's Gull- 125 in 1 flock report from B Aikins Oshawa Second Marsh: (Sun) American Coot- 7, Double-crested Cormorant- 2, lots of Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Green-wing Teal, and Scaup. report from R Pye Cranberry Marsh: (Sat) winds from south- migrating hawks- 0 (Sun) rained out. other birds- Fox Sparrow- 2, White-crowned Sparrow- 2, White-throat Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, American Pipits, and a few Dunlin report from D Lockrey Butterflies- Cranberry Marsh: (Sat) Common Sulphur, Pearl Crescent report from R Pye Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - November 8, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, November 8, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa Second Marsh: (Fri) Purple Sandpiper- 1, Canvasback- 3 report from T Hoar Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Tue) migrating hawks- 16 highlights Northern Goshawk- 1, Turkey Vulture- 1, Rough-legged Hawk- 1 (Wed) 18 migrating hawks- Northern Goshawk- 2 (Thur) 74 migrating hawks- Northern Goshawk- 1, Red-shouldered Hawk- 2, Rough-legged Hawk- 5, and Red-tailed Hawk- 65 other birds- Snow Goose- 2, Fox Sparrow- 3, Wilson Snipe- 1, Rusty Blackbirds, and Snow Buntings report from D Lockrey Harlequin Duck- no report this week on the Harlequin Duck seen last weekend on Lake Ontario off Cranberry Marsh. Oshawa Christmas Bird Count- Sunday, December 22, 2002 Pickering Christmas Bird Count- Sunday, December 15, 2002 Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Sunday, November 3, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, November 3, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh: (Sat) migrating hawks- 6 (Sun) migrating hawks- 66, highlights Red-tailed Hawk- 47 Rough-legged Hawk- 3, Osprey- 1, Northern Goshawk- 1, and Golden Eagle- 4 other birds- Fox Sparrow- 3, White-crowned Sparrow- 1, Northern Shrike- 1, Greater Yellowlegs- 1, Dunlin- 30 and Wilson's Snipe. report from D Lockrey Lake Ontario/ Halls Road: (Sun afternoon) Harlequin Duck- 2 report from S Long Ajax/Pickering: (Sat) Kinsale and Hwy 7- Fox Sparrow and Eastern Towhee, Ashburn Road- Snow Goose- 2 (Blue and White) Salem Road and Taunton- Richardson race of Canada Goose report from D Shirley Whitby Harbour: (Sun) Mute Swan- 85, Dunlin- 6 report from R Pye Garden Hill: (Sat/Sun) Greater White-fronted Goose- 2 report from M Bain directions: exit from 401 at Welcome (exit 461), go north on county road #10 about 10 km. Go west on Ganeraska Road to Mill St. Go north on Mill St. Rayfield Pye raypye@interlinks.net Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Friday, Nov 1, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, November 1, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa Second Marsh: (Thur) Brant- 1, Greater Yellowlegs- 1, American Coot- 7, Double-crested Cormorant- 7, Green-wing Teal- 10, Northern Shoveler- 70, Northern Pintail- 80, and American Wigeon- 500 report from J Kamstra Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Mon) migrating hawks- 80 highlights Red-tailed Hawk- 52, Northern Goshawk- 2, Merlin- 1, and Golden Eagle- 1 (Wed) migrating hawks- 137, highlights Red-tailed Hawk- 121, Rough-legged Hawk- 2, Turkey Vulture- 3, and Golden Eagle- 1 other birds: Red-necked Grebe, Wood Duck, and Hooded Merganser report from D Lockrey Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - October 27, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, October 27, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh: (Sat) winds from north but the cloud cover was 100%, just a few migrating hawks. (Sun) Cloud cover 100%. migrating hawks- 8 highlights Northern Goshawk- 1, Peregrine Falcon- 1, Rough-legged Hawk- 1 other birds- American Pipits- 160, Dunlin- 80, White-rumped Sandpiper- 4, Lesser Yellowlegs- 2, Yellow-rumped Warbler- 4, White-crowned Sparrow- 5, White-throated Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and Tree Sparrows have arrived for the winter report from R Pye Whitby Harbour: (Sat) Mute Swan- 74, Dunlin- 18 report from R Pye (Sun) Golden Eagle- 2 (1st year birds) circled over the harbour and flew eastward report from A Rabb Oshawa Second Marsh: (Sun) Brant- 1 report from D Worthington Durham Region Field Naturalist- October meeting East Africa- animal lover's paradise by Otto Peter Monday, October 28 North Oshawa Library north-west corner of Beatrice St. and Ritson Road Oshawa Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - October 25, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, October 25, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Iroquois Shoreline Hawk Watch: (Mon) total migrants- 333 highlights Red-tailed Hawk- 195, Red-shouldered Hawk- 78, Turkey Vulture- 40, Northern Goshawk- 1, Golden Eagle- 1 and Sandhill Crane- 1 report from M Bense Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Mon) total migrants- 277 highlights Turkey Vulture- 203, Red-tailed Hawk- 42, Red-shouldered Hawk- 3, Rough-legged Hawk- 2, and Golden Eagle- 2 (Wed) total migrants- 415 highlights Red-tailed Hawk- 171 Red-shouldered Hawk- 12, Rough-legged Hawk- 15, Northern Goshawk- 2, and Golden Eagle- 1 (Thur) total migrants- 141 highlights Red-tailed Hawk- 104 Rough-legged Hawk- 1 and Golden Eagle- 1 reports from D Lockrey Cardin Plain- (Fri) Eastern Bluebird flock- 20 report from K Carmichael Durham Region Field Naturalist East Africa- Animals Lover's Paradise by Otto and Diane Peter Monday, October 28, 7:30 PM North Oshawa Library north west corner of Beatrice St. and Ritson Road Oshawa Rayfield Pye raypye@interlinks.net Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - October 20, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, October 20, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist Cranberry Marsh: (Sat) migrating hawks- 36 highlights Northern Goshawk- 1, Red-shouldered Hawk- 2, Turkey Vulture- 20 (Sun) migrating hawks- 99 highlights Sharp-shinned Hawk- 89, Coopers Hawk- 2, Turkey Vulture- 3 other birds- Dunlin- 15, Common Snipe- 3, report from D Lockrey Darlington Nuclear Wetland: (Sat) Bufflehead- 2, Green-wing Teal- lots, there were lots of White-crowned Sparrows and White-throat Sparrows feeding on wild grape vines. report from D Docherty Solina: (Sun) Red-bellied Woodpecker- 1 report from N Miller Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Oct 18, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, October 18, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Thur) total migrants- 44, highlights Turkey Vulture- 19, Sharp-shinned Hawk- 15, Red-shouldered Hawk- 1 (Fri) total migrants- 7 other birds- Hermit Thrush, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and Eastern Bluebirds. report from D Lockrey Frenchman's Bay: (Fri) Pectoral Sandpiper- 81, Dunlin- 4, Greater Yellowlegs- 1, Least Sandpiper- 1, and Semi-palmated Sandpiper- 1 report from G Carpentier Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Wed) Hudsonian Godwit- 1, and several Long-billed Dowitchers report from the TOC Toronto Star Hotline Pumphouse Marsh: (Fri) Hooded Merganser- 1, Mallard- 3, and Gadwall- 3 report from R Pye for some unknown reason migrating waterfowl have abandoned this marsh. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Oct 15, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Tuesday, October 15, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. I just spent the weekend in Oshawa General Hospital with asthma problems, so this report is a couple of days late. Nonquon Sewage Lagoon- Canadian Wildlife Service Shorebird Survey: (Monday) Pectoral Sandpiper- 80, Killdeer- 1, Long-billed Dowitcher- 6, Hudsonian Godwit- 1, Dunlin- 15, Lesser Yellowlegs- 10, Greater Yellowlegs- 1, Common Snipe- 1 waterfowl highlights- Northern Shoveler- 93, American Wigeon- 54, Lesser Scaup- 41, Northern Pintail- 20, Ring-necked Duck- 10, Bufflehead- 7, Ruddy Duck- 7, and Common Goldeneye- 3. There were 15 American Pipits report from B Henshaw Oshawa Second Marsh: (Monday) Osprey- 2, Great Egret- 1, Lincoln's Sparrow- 1, American Wigeon- 60+ report from D Ruch Oshawa: (Wed) Screech Owl- 1 report from G Steward Hawk Migration- Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Mon) Total 513 highlights- Turkey Vulture- 407, Red-tailed Hawk- 54, and unidentified Eagle- 1 report from D Lockrey Iroquois Shoreline Hawk Watch: (Mon) Total 497 highlights- Turkey Vulture- 300+, Red-shouldered Hawk- 36, Red-tailed Hawk- 82, Golden Eagle- 2 report from M Bense Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - October 6, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, October 6, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa Second Marsh: (Sat) Great Egret- 4, Snow Goose- 1 (blue), American Wigeon- 50+, Long-billed Dowitcher- 1, Greater Yellowlegs- 15, Lesser Yellowlegs- 10, Northern Mockingbird- 1, and lots of Winter Wrens report from M Bain Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Sun) Long-billed Dowitcher- 5 report from B Henshaw Thickson's Woods: (Sat) Yellow-throated Vireo- 1 report from B Henshaw Whitby Harbour: (Sat) shorebirds- 38, Pectoral Sandpiper- 17 (most common) report from R Pye Halls Road: (Sun) Red-headed Woodpecker- 1 (juvenile) report from M Lise Oshawa: (Sat) Turkey Vulture- 53 roosted for the night in the ravine south of Harmony Valley Conservation Area report from O Peter Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Sat) - wind north- migrating hawks- 180, highlights- Turkey Vulture- 120, Sharp-shinned Hawk- 34, Osprey- 2, Merlin- 1, and Bald Eagle- 1 (Sun) wind south- migrating hawks- 8 highlights- Osprey- 2, Merlin- 2, Bald Eagle- 1, and Peregrine Falcon- 1 there were small flocks of migrating Rusty Blackbirds. report from R Pye and J Walsh Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - October 4, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, October 4, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Hawk migration was slow along the lakeshore and a bit better inland. Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Tue) Bald Eagle- 2 (Wed) Northern Goshawk- 2, Osprey- 1, and Northern Harrier 7 (Thur) 5 hrs- 56 migrating hawks- Bald Eagle- 4, Red-shouldered Hawk- 1, and Northern Harrier- 7 report from D Lockrey Iroquois Shoreline Hawk Watch: (Thur) 2 hrs- 354 migrating hawks, Turkey Vulture- 268, Osprey- 3, Bald Eagle- 2, and Sharp-shinned Hawk- 41 report from M Bense Cranberry Marsh- (Wed) songbirds- Fox Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Brown Creeper, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Nashville, and Magnolia report from D Lockrey Bond Head: (Fri) back yard report- Scarlet Tanager, American Redstart, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Palm Warbler report from M Lise Corner Marsh: Lesser Black-backed Gull- 1 report from the TOC Toronto Star Hotline Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: Several birders looked for the Willet on Monday and could not find it. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - September 29, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, September 29, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Sun- 9 AM) Long-billed Dowitcher- 4, Lesser Yellowlegs- 47, Greater Yellowlegs- 11, Pectoral Sandpiper- 32, Dunlin- 3, Least Sandpiper- 2, Hooded Merganser- 6, Yellow-rumped warbler- 100+, Palm warbler- 20, and lots of migrating tree swallows. report from M Bain Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Sun- 5 PM) Willet- 1, Stilt Sandpiper- 1, the Long-billed Dowitchers were not seen. report from O Peter Port Perry- causeway: (Thur) Snow Goose- 4 (White) report from J Kamstra Whitby Harbor: (Sat) Pectoral Sandpiper- 17, Common Snipe- 1 report from R Pye Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Sat) Wind north- migrating hawks- 465 Highlights: Turkey Vulture- 177, Sharp-shinned Hawk- 158, American Kestral- 78, Northern Harrier- 16, Broad-winged Hawk- 13, Osprey- 6, and Red-shouldered Hawk- 1 (Sun) wind south- migrating hawks- 13 including Osprey- 3 report from R Pye Mammal: There was a family of 5 Otters feeding on shellfish at the Nonquon Sewage Lagoon on Sunday. report from M Bain Durham Region Field Naturalist- new season River of Hawks The spectacular migration of hawks westward across Durham Region and Toronto. by Rayfield Pye Monday, September 30 7:30 PM North Oshawa Library Beatrice Street and Ritson Road (northwest corner) Oshawa Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - September 27, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, September 27, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Hawk Migration: Iroquois Shoreline Hawk Watch- Heber Down Conservation Area: (Mon) migrating hawks- 346, highlights- Broad-wing Hawk- 308, Bald Eagle- 1, Northern Harrier- 5, and Sharp-shinned Hawk- 27 (Wed) migrating hawks- 170, highlights- Broad-winged Hawk- 78, Turkey Vulture- 35, Northern Harrier- 7, Sharp-shinned Hawk- 41, Red-shouldered Hawk- 2, and Peregrine Falcon- 1 report from M Bense Samuel Wilmot Nature Reserve- Newcastle (Mon) lots of migrating songbirds- highlights: 8 species of warblers including Palm, Wilson, and Bay-breasted Warbler. (Tue) same location was very quiet with only a few songbirds report from E Allin Cranberry Marsh-(Thur) Nashville Warbler and Lincoln's Sparrow were among several songbirds seen. report from D Ruch Frenchman's Bay- (wed) 6 species of shorebirds and there was shorebird habitat at Corner Marsh. report from the TOC Toronto Star Rare Bird Hotline Butterfly report: (Mon) Heber Down Conservation area- Wild Indigo Duskywing- 1 report from D Barry Durham Region Field Naturalist- new season River of Hawks The spectacular migration of hawks westward across Durham Region by Rayfield Pye Monday, September 30 7:30 PM North Oshawa Library Beatrice Street and Ritson Road (northwest corner) Oshawa Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Sept 22, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, September 22, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh: (Sun) Winds were from the south, a very slow hawk migration day. Total- 26 highlights- Sharp-shinned Hawk- 19, Osprey- 1, American Kestrel- 2, and Northern Harrier- 1 Because of the heavy fog it was very good for migrating songbirds along the lakeshore in the early morning. Highlights- American Redstart, Palm Warbler, Nashville, Black-throated Blue, Wilson's Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Lincon Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, and Indigo Bunting. Report from R Pye, and J Walsh Frenchman's Bay (Sun) American Golden Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, and Semi-palmated Plover. There were no Dowitchers. report from D Docherty Thickson's Woods Fall Festival- Thank-you to every-one who attended the festival. It was an excellent day. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Sept 20, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, Sept 20, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa Second Marsh: (Thur) Great Egret- 4, Red-necked Grebe- 1, Wood Duck- 27, Ruddy Duck- 15, Northern Pintail- 15, American Wigeon- 39, and Bufflehead- 3 report from T Hoar Bond Head: (Thur) Red-bellied Woodpecker- 1 report from M Lise Darlington Provincial Park: (Thur) Sanderling- 18 report from T Hoar Frenchman's Bay: (Fri) Long-billed Dowitcher- 1 report from TOC Hotline Oshawa Center: (Fri) Common Nighthawk- 1 report from D Ruch Nonquon Lagoon: (Sun) Otter- 5, Lesser Yellowlegs- 74, Greater Yellowlegs- 14, Pectoral Sandpiper- 19, Black-bellied Plover- 2, Hooded Merganser- 9, Northern Shoveler- 14, Little Gull- 2, and Bonopart's Gull- 400 report from M Bain Hawk Migration: Broad-winged Hawk migration took place this week, but it was missed by the lakeshore watches. If you were at the Iroquois Shoreline Hawk Watch (Heber Down Conservation Area) on Monday you saw 1849 Broad-winged Hawks, along with 5 Bald Eagles, 59 Sharp-shinned Hawks, and 1 Red-shouldered Hawk. report from M Bense Bragg Road- Clairington: Red-headed Woodpecker report. One woodpecker was hit and killed by a car. A second woodpecker was hit by a car and it flew into a nearby corn field. report from B Allin Thickson's Woods- Birds, Beavers, and Butterflies Saturday, September 21 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Lots of events including, bird banding, Monarch Butterfly tagging, pond dipping, dried flower arrangement, plant identfication, nature art, wood carving, guided nature walks, ect There will be a live Bald Eagle, beaver, and other wildlife. Bring your family and friends. exit from the 401 at Thickson's Road and go south. Follow the signs. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Sept 15, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, September 15, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Sat) migrating hawks- 62 highlights: Sharp-shinned Hawk- 41, American Kestrel- 12, Osprey- 8 and Northern Goshawk- 1 (Sun) migrating hawks- 100 highlights: Sharp-shinned Hawk- 40, Osprey- 18, Northern Harrier- 17, American Kestrel- 13, Broad-winged Hawk- 6, Bald Eagle- 2, and Merlin- 1 other birds: Greater Yellowlegs- 4, Lesser Yellowlegs- 35, Short-billed Dowitcher- 6, Common Snipe- 2, Wood Duck- 4, Ruby-throated Hummingbird- 12, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blackburnian Warbler, and Black and White Warbler report from J Walsh, and R Pye Amos Pond- Pickering: (Sun) Great Egret- 2 report from E Beagan Whitby Harbour: (Sat) White-rumped Sandpiper- 1, report from R Pye Oshawa Second Marsh: no report this weekend. I don't know if the Willet report on Friday was seen on Saturday or Sunday. Hawk Migration- On Monday, with north winds there should be a very large Broad-wing Hawk migration. Thickson's Woods Fall Festival: Birds, Beavers and Butterflies Saturday, September 21, 9 AM to 4 PM Thickson's Woods- Whitby There will be a live Bald Eagle, bird banding, hawk migration workshop, dried flower arrangement, plant ID, pond dipping, build your own birdhouse, arts and crafts, bake sale, silent auction and lots more. Bring your friends, kids, or grandchildren. Rayfield Pye raypye@interlinks.net Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Friday, Sept 13, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, September 13, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa Second Marsh: (Fri) Willet- 1, Black-bellied Plover- 1, Stilt Sandpiper- 2, Bufflehead- 3, Ruddy Duck- 17, Northern Pintail- 2, and Great Egret- 4 report from T Hoar Darlington Prov. Park: (Fri) Sanderling- 5 report from T Hoar Irouqois Shoreline Hawk Watch- Heber Down Conservation Area: (Mon) migrating hawks- 63, highlights: Broad-winged Hawk- 25, Sharp-shinned Hawk- 32, Osprey- 4, and Bald Eagle- 1 report from M Bense Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Wed) migrating hawks- 880, Highlights: Broad-winged Hawk- 215, American Kestrel- 411, Sharp-shinned Hawk- 235, Osprey- 7, Northern Harrier- 2, and Bald Eagle- 1 High Park Hawk Watch- Toronto: (Wed) migrating hawks- 2022 Highlights: Broad-winged Hawk- 1589, American Kestrel- 134, Sharp-shinned Hawk- 263, Osprey- 1, Northern Harrier- 12, and Bald Eagle- 4 Hawk Cliff- London: Broad-winged Hawk- 437 Holiday Beach- Windsor: Broad-winged Hawk- 97 Look for the main Broad-winged Hawk migration after the next cold front. Butterfly report- Utica: (Sun) American Copper- 18, Tawny-edge Skipper- 1, and Great-spangled Fritillary- 1 report from J Kamstra Turtle report- Second Marsh: (Fri) Blanding Turtle- 1 report from T Hoar Rayfield Pye raypye@interlinks.net Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Sept 8. 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, September 8, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Sat) migrating hawks- 26: highlights Sharp-shinned Hawk- 20, and Cooper's Hawk- 2 (Sun) migrating hawks- 27: highlights Sharp-shinned Hawk- 21, and American Kestrel- 4 non migrating hawks- Northern Harrier- 5, Osprey- 1, Coopers Hawk- 1,and the very light Red-tailed Hawk. report from R Pye, and J Walsh Iroquois Shoreline Hawk Watch- Heber Down Conservation Area: (Sun) migrating hawks- 39, highlights Turkey Vulture- 14, Sharp-shinned Hawk- 14, Broad-winged Hawk- 5, and Osprey- 2 report from M Bense Toronto Ornithological Club- Fall Field Day: (Sun) 133 species of were found in Durham Region, which is below average. There were 15 species of warblers. Magnolia and Common Yellowthroat were most common at 14. The major rarities was a Hooded Warbler near Port Perry. Tennessee, Bay-breasted, Northern Waterthrush, and Canada Warbler were at 1. There were 3 Vireos- Warbling, Red-eyed, and Philadelphia. Baltimore Oriole- 1,and Scarlet Tanager- 1. Waterfowl included Pintail- 2, Ring-necked Duck- 4, Hooded Merganser- 5, and Ruddy Duck. There were 15 species of shorebirds. report from R Pye Hawk Migration: There maybe a cold front passing through on Tuesday. The wind behind the front will be from the north. Look for a large Broad-winged Hawk migration on Wednesday and maybe Thursday. Rayfield Pye raypye@interlinks.net Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Sept 6, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, September 6, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Wed) 30 migrant hawks- highlights: Sharp-shinned Hawk- 15, American Kestrel- 8, Red-tailed Hawk- 5, Coopers Hawk- 1 and a Peregrine Falcon hunting shorebirds over the marsh. (Thur) 34 migrant hawks- highlights: American Kestrel- 18, Sharp-shinned Hawk- 12, Osprey- 2, and Broad-winged Hawk- 1. Report from D Lockrey Ajax: (Wed) Peregrine Falcon- 1 (juvenile) flying west over Squires Beach Road. report from M Bense Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: no report this week. They were very good last weekend. Butterfly report- Cranberry Marsh: (Fri) 12 species of butterflies- highlights: Fiery Skipper- 1, Black Swallowtail- 1 and Great Spangled Fritillary- 1 report from C McLauchlan The Toronto Ornithological Club will be holding its 69th annual Fall Field Day in Durham Region on Sunday. Rayfield Pye raypye@interlinks.net Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Sept 2, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Monday, September 2, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Sat) Long-billed Dowitcher- 1, Short-billed Dowitcher- 3, Stilt Sandpiper- 2, and Wilson's Phalarope- 1 report from D Worthington (Sun) CWS- Shorebird Survey: Greater Yellowlegs- 23, Lesser Yellowlegs- 68, Stilt Sandpiper- 3, White-rumped Sandpiper- 2, Least Sandpiper- 40, Semipalmated Sandpiper- 21, Solitary Sandpiper- 1, Short-billed Dowitcher- 5, Long-billed Dowitcher- 1, Semipalmated Plover- 12, Wilson Phalarope- 1, Common Snipe- 1, Killdeer and Spotted Sandpiper other birds included: Wood Duck- 3, Hooded Merganser- 8, Ring-necked Duck- 2, Ruddy Duck- 7, Pied-billed Grebe- 2, Black Tern- 11, and Bonaparte's Gull- 400 report from M Bain Hydro Marsh- Pickering: (Mon) Sora Rail- 2, Virginia Rail- 1, and Solitary Sandpiper- 5 report from D Worthington Frenchman's Bay: (Mon) Stilt Sandpiper- 1 report from D Worthington Corner Marsh- Ajax: (Mon) Great Egret- 1, no shorebird habitat report from D Worthington Whitby Harbour- Pringle Creek: (Mon) 40 shorebirds including Short-billed Dowitcher- 1 report from R Pye Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: (Sat) 25 migrating hawks including Osprey- 5 (Sun) 16 migrating hawks including Osprey- 1 (Mon) 1 migrating hawk a Peregrine Falcon. Non migrating hawks- Northern Harrier- 3, Osprey- 2, Merlin- 1 and a very weird Red-tailed Hawk. It has a white head and is very small. report from R Pye Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Fri, Aug 30, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, August 30, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh: (Tue) Bald Eagle- 1 (1st year), and Osprey- 2 (resident) (Fri) Northern Goshawk- 1 (immature), and lots of songbirds- Black and white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Magnolia, Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue, Eastern-wood Pewee, and Olive-sided Flycatcher Report from D Lockrey Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Sun) Western Sandpiper- 1 (west lagoon) report from M Apse Pringle Creek- Whitby Harbour: (Fri) Short-billed Dowitchers, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Semi-palmated Plover, and sandpipers report from D Lockrey Common Nighhawk migration: 10 over the meadow at Thickson's Woods- Monday, and 8 over central Oshawa on Friday. Look for Common Nighthawks after 7:30 PM. report from R Pye Peregrine Falcon: 3 Peregrine Falcons, from a nest in Montreal that was in the middle of a bridge construction site, are now in a hack box on the roof of the Ontario Power Generation building at Wesleyville. The site is 10 km west of Port Hope and just east of the Durham border. They are not yet able to fly. When they do, you should see them in the marshes in east Durham Region. report from R Pye Rayfield Pye raypye@interlinks.net
Durham Rare Bird Line - Sunday, Aug 25, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, August 25, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh: (Sun) migrating hawks- Turkey Vulture- 1, Osprey- 5, Sharp-shinned Hawk- 6, Broad-winged Hawk- 3, Red-tailed Hawk- 7, and American Kestrel- 5, non-migrating hawks- Northern Harrier- 3, Osprey- 2 and Cooper's Hawk. other birds seen Great Egret- 2, Wood Duck, American Coot, lots of migrating hummingbirds. report from R Pye because of the marsh regeneration, if you want to see the waterfowl you will need to visit the platform on the east side of the marsh. Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Sat) Red-necked Phalarope- 2, Common Snipe- 2, Short-billed Dowitcher- 8, plus the more common migrating shorebirds. report from C McLauchlan Whitby Harbour- Pringle Creek: (Sat) Bairds Sandpiper- 2, Short-billed Dowitcher- 3, and Sanderling. report from C McLauchlan Butterflies: Small numbers of Monarchs were migrating. There lots more along with Viceroy's feeding on the Purple Loosestrife. The most common butterflies were- least skipper, Orange Sulphur, Common Sulphur, Cabbage White,and Ringlet, there was a single Black Swallowtail and C McLauchlan had a White Admiral at Thickson's Woods. Dragonflies: There were small numbers of Black Saddlebags and Green Darners migrating. Rayfield Pye raypye@interlinks.net Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - August 23, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, August 23, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Bond Head: (Tue) Baird's Sandpiper- 4, Lesser Yellowlegs- several, Green Heron- 1,and Osprey- 1 report from M Bain pool is located west of the Port of Newcastle marina Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Fri) The broken lock has been replaced. 13 species of shorebirds. highlights- Red-necked Phalarope- 1, Short-billed Dowitcher- 3, White-rumped Sandpiper- 1, and Dunlin- 1, other birds included Ruddy Duck- 4, Pied-billed Grebe- 3, and Hooded Merganser- 2 report from T Dobko (via Ontbirds) Suscog Line 8/ Nonquon River: (Fri) Least Bittern- 1 report from S Eadie Presquile Prov Park: (Fri) There were 577 shorebirds of 16 species. highlights- Black-bellied Plover- 13, Sanderling- 17, Baird's Sandpiper- 20, Red Knot- 1, and Red-necked Phalarope- 1 D McRae (via Ontbirds) Common Nighthawk migration- I have been watching for Common Nighthawk all week at dusk. I have not seen any. Breeding Bird Atlas- The deadline for submitting your data is the end of August. If you have not sent yours in yet, please do so. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - August 18, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, August 18, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Nonquion Sewage Lagoon: (Sun) CWS Shorebird Survey- Lesser Yellowlegs- 65, Greater Yellowlegs- 16, White-rumped Sandpiper- 4, Bairds Sandpiper- 1, Least Sandpiper- 47, Semi-palmated Sandpiper- 15, Stilt Sandpiper- 5, Short-billed Dowitcher- 3, Killdeer- 9, Spotted Sandpiper- 5, Solitary Sandpiper- 2, Pectoral Sandpiper- 1, Semi-palmated Plover- 4, Wilson's Phalarope- 1, and Common Snipe-1. other birds included Bonaparte's Gull- 450, Black Tern- 50+, Ruddy Duck- 10, Hooded Merganser- 3, Lesser Scaup- 1 (eclipse male), American Coot- 1, and Pied-billed Grebe- 1 Report from M Bain Cranberry Marsh- east lookout: (Sun) American Coot- 40+, Ruddy Duck- several families, Wood Duck- 15+, Pied-billed Grebe- 1, and a migrating Sharp-shinned Hawk. There was a aerial battle between a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk and a juvenile Northern Harrier. Report from R Pye Hydro Marsh- Pickering: (Sun) The water levels are finally starting to drop and mudflats are starting to form. There were 30 shorebirds of 4 species. Report from R Pye Oshawa Second Marsh: (Fri) Great Egret- 1, Mute Swan- 31, Bufflehead- 3, and Pintail- 1, Report from T Hoar (Sun) Great Egret- 2 report from R Pye Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - August 18, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, August 18, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Nonquion Sewage Lagoon: (Sun) CWS Shorebird Survey- Lesser Yellowlegs- 65, Greater Yellowlegs- 16, White-rumped Sandpiper- 4, Bairds Sandpiper- 1, Least Sandpiper- 47, Semi-palmated Sandpiper- 15, Stilt Sandpiper- 5, Short-billed Dowitcher- 3, Killdeer- 9, Spotted Sandpiper- 5, Solitary Sandpiper- 2, Pectoral Sandpiper- 1, Semi-palmated Plover- 4, Wilson's Phalarope- 1, and Common Snipe-1. other birds included Bonaparte's Gull- 450, Black Tern- 50+, Ruddy Duck- 10, Hooded Merganser- 3, Lesser Scaup- 1 (eclipse male), American Coot- 1, and Pied-billed Grebe- 1 Report from M Bain Cranberry Marsh- east lookout: (Sun) American Coot- 40+, Ruddy Duck- several families, Wood Duck- 15+, Pied-billed Grebe- 1, and a migrating Sharp-shinned Hawk. There was a aerial battle between a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk and a juvenile Northern Harrier. Report from R Pye Hydro Marsh- Pickering: (Sun) The water levels are finally starting to drop and mudflats are starting to form. There were 30 shorebirds of 4 species. Report from R Pye Oshawa Second Marsh: (Fri) Great Egret- 1, Mute Swan- 31, Bufflehead- 3, and Pintail- 1, Report from T Hoar (Sun) Great Egret- 2 report from R Pye Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Nonquon Axcess - Aug 17 - August 17, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Saturday, August 17, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Nonquion Sewage Lagoon: I stopped and checked the gate on my way south through Port Perry about 4 PM on Saturday afternoon. The new lock has not been installed yet. Someone had removed the chain and padlock so that you could walk in through the gate. You need a permit to enter the lagoons. The permits cost 5.00 dollars per year. You can get yours from the waste transfer station on Reach Street in Port Perry, Tuesday to Saturday, during regular hours. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Aug 16, Durham Rare Bird Line - August 16, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, August 16, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Bond Head: (Sun) Black-bellied Plover- 2, Common Snipe-1, Baird's Sandpiper- 1, Least Sandpiper-1, Lesser Yellowlegs- 4, Greater Yellowlegs- 2, Spotted Sandpiper, and Killdeer Report from M Bain (pool is located just west of the Port of Newcastle Marina) Darlington Nuclear Wetland: (Fri) Redhead Duck- 1 (Female) along with other common waterfowl. Report from T Hoar Nonquion Sewage Lagoon: The new lock should have been installed this week. There have been no reports. I don't know if there is access. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Sunday, August 11, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, August 11, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa Second Marsh: (Sat) Great Egret- 3, Trumpeter Swan- 4, Ruddy Duck- female with young, Hooded Merganser- female with young,Common Moorhen- 3, American Coot- 2, Bufflehead- 3, Common Goldeneye- 1, Bonaparte's Gull- 8, Little Gull- 1, and a small number of both Yellowlegs. report from T Hoar Cranberry Marsh: (Sat) Ruddy Duck- 3 families, American Coot- a number of the families had joined together. One group had 20 young. Great Egret- 1, Lesser Yellowlegs- 18, Black-bellied Plover- 1, Coopers Hawk- 1, Osprey- 1, Migrant songbirds were mostly Yellow Warblers with a few Chestnut-sided Warblers and a Nashville. (seen from the east platform) report from R Pye Amos Pond- Pickering: (Sun) Osprey- 1, Green Heron- 1, Greater Yellowlegs- 1, Lesser Yellowlegs- 1, and Bairds Sandpiper- 2 report from M Williamson Lynde Shores Conservation Area- Butterfly report: (Sat) Monarch- 8, Black Swallowtail- 2, and White Admiral- 1 report from R Pye Nonquon Sewage Lagoon- The new lock will be installed on August 14. If anyone is visiting the location on Thursday, or Friday, please let me know if you can get in. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - August 9, 2002 -
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, August 9, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: The lock on the gate has been vandalized and the gate is padlocked until the lock can be replaced. The staff hope to have the new lock in place by August 14. The lagoons are closed to birders until then. report from G Carpentier Oshawa Second Marsh: (Fri) Great Egret- 2, Wood Duck- 8, Bufflehead- 2, American Coot- 2, and shorebirds- 0. report from R Pye Bond Head: (Thur) 20 shorebirds of 6 species including 2 Black-bellied Plovers. (pool west of Port of Newcastle marina) report from M Lise Cranberry Marsh: (Wed) Coopers Hawk- 1, Northern Harrier- 2, Virginia Rail- 1, and Lesser Yellowlegs- 2 report from J Walsh Thickson's Woods- Meadow: (Thur?) migrating hawks- Osprey- 1, Merlin- 1, Northern Harrier- 2, and Sharp-shinned Hawk- 2 report from M Bain Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas: Please send in your data before the end of August. Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch: start date September 1- Doug Lockrey will be absent for most of September and early October. Volunteers are need, especially during the week. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Nonquon Sewage Lagoon - axcess - August 7, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist Wednesday, August 7 Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Wed) The combination lock on the east gate is not working. Tonight a birder found that a chain and a padlock had been placed around the gate. He was not able to get into the lagoons. report from J Dickinson Hopefully the lock will be replaced before the weekend. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - August 5, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Monday, August 5, 2002 sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa Second Marsh: (Sun) Great Egret- 2, Bufflehead- 1, Lesser Scaup- 1, Hooded Merganser- 1, Wood Duck- 1, Osprey- 1, and 6 species of shorebirds with the highlight being 11 Solitary Sandpipers. report from T Hoar (Mon) Great Egret- 2, and Osprey- 1 report from D Ruch Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Sun) 12 species of shorebirds- Lesser Yellowlegs- 109, Greater Yellowlegs- 16, Solitary Sandpiper- 3, Pectoral Sandpiper- 5, Stilt Sandpiper- 1 (juv), Short-billed Dowitcher- 1, Least Sandpiper- 25, Semi-palmated sandpiper- 7, Semi-palmated Plover- 1, Common Snipe- 1, Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer other birds included Sora Rail- 1, Virginia Rail- calling, Green Heron- 1, Ruddy Duck- 10, Northern Pintail- 2, Hooded Merganser- 1, Black Tern- 30+, Bonaparte Gull- 20+, and Caspian Terns 8 report from M Bain Great Egrets from 2 Ontario colonies have been marked with color bands. If you see any of these please report them Osprey: While most are still on their nesting grounds a few have moved south to the marshes along Lake Ontario. Please report all Osprey that you see along the shoreline of Lake Ontario during the month of August. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Aug 2, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, August 2, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa Second Marsh: (Thurs) Great Egret- 2 report from T Hoar Blackstock/ Shirley Road: The Red-headed Woodpecker nest tree was found and the remaining parent is still feeding the family. Hopefully they will survive. report from J Kamstra Darlington Provincal Park: (Wed) Spotted Sandpiper- 6, other shorebirds- 0, Bonaparte's Gull- 32, and Little Gull- 1. report from R Pye Thickson's Woods:(Thurs) The Beaver dam has been opened and the area is mostly mudflats with a few pools. There were a few shorebirds using the mudflats. Lesser Yellowlegs- 2, semi-palmated sandipiper- 1, and spotted sandpipers. A Muskrat was swimming around in one of the pools. Its home may have been drained but it is not ready to leave yet. report from R Pye Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: no report this week. Great Egrets- if you see any, please check them for color bands. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Sunday, July 28, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, July 28, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh: (Sat/Sun) The first southbound migrant songbird was a Northern Waterthrush. nesting birds- Ruddy duck- female with 5 young, Wood Duck- female with 5 young, Virginia Rail- 2 Adults with 4 young, Mallard- 6 families, and American Coot- 9 families. Among the summering ducks were 12 male Wood Ducks. Shorebirds- Lesser Yellowlegs- 6. There was Coopers hawk hunting the marsh on Sunday. The best location to view the wildlife is the lookout on the east side,and not the new platform. Report from R Pye Bowmanville- Bragg Road/ Hwy 2: Red-headed Woodpecker- 1, Northern Mockingbird- 2 Report from D Mudd,and D Docherty Oshawa Second Marsh: (Sun) Mute Swan- 42 Report from R Pye Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Sat) shorebirds- 100+ Stilt Sandpiper- 2, plus the regular migrants. Butterfly report: Nonquon Sewage Lagoon- (Wed) Black Swallowtail-3, Monarch- 1 Second Marsh- (Sun) Red Admiral- 1, Black Swallowtail- 1, Monarch- 2, and Viceroy- 1 The most common butterflies are Cabbage White, Common Sulphur and Orange Sulphur. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Friday, July 26, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, July 26, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Wed) 132 shorebirds of 7 species. Lesser Yellowlegs- 100+, Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, Semi-palmated Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, and Killdeer. Other birds included: Ruddy Duck- 11, Hooded Merganser- 2, Black Tern - 16, Caspian Tern- 3, and Bank Swallow- 150. The best shorebird habitat was in lagoon # 2. Report from S LaForest. Bond Head: (Tue) 52 shorebirds of 4 species. Short-billed Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper, Semi-palmated Sandpiper, and Yellowlegs. Report from M Lise Oshawa Second Marsh: (Sat) Mute Swan- female with 5 young Report from S LaForest While most birds have finished nesting and are starting to molt, before migrating. E Allin found a Northern Mockingbird that was nesting for the second time. Durham Region Field Naturalist/ Pickering Naturalist- field trip Cranberry Marsh Regeneration meeting location: Halls Road- entrance to north walkway Sunday, July 28, 8:00 AM trip leader- Rayfield Pye Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line- July 21 - July 21, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, July 21, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Sat) 280 shorebirds of 9 species. Lesser Yellowlegs- 144, Greater Yellowlegs- 6, Least Sandpiper- 22, Semi-palmated Sandpiper- 9, Solitary Sandpiper- 3, Pectoral Sandpiper- 1, Common Snipe- 1, Spotted Sandpiper, and Killdeer. Other birds included- Northern Harrier- 1, Black Tern- 8, Caspian Tern- 7, Ruddy Duck- 11, Hooded Merganser- 4, Redhead Duck- 1, Pied-billed Grebe- 1, Marsh Wren- 10, Common Moorhen, and Virginia Rail Report from M Bain Cranberry Marsh: (Sun) Greater Yellowlegs- 1 Report from D Lockrey Bowmanville: (Sat) Red-headed Woodpecker- 1 On Bragg Road 0.5 km north of Hwy 2 Report from M Lise Blackstock/ Shirley Road: James Kamstra checked on a pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers. He watched them carrying food into the woodlot. He went searching for the nest tree, which he did not find. When he returned to the road one of the adult Red-headed Woodpeckers was lying dead on the road. Hopefully the other parent will be able to finish raising the family on their own. Report from J Kamstra Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - July 19, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, July 19, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa Second Marsh: (Wed) Ruddy Duck- 6, Lesser Scaup- 1, Mute Swan- 30, Trumpeter Swan- 2, Caspian Tern, and Common Tern. The only shorebirds were 2 Lesser Yellowlegs. The water levels are very high. Report from R Pye Bowmanville/ Bragg Road: (Thur) Red-bellied Woodpecker- 1 Report from B Allin Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: no report this week. Last weekend there were over 200 shorebirds of 10 species. A permit is required to enter the lagoons. It cost 5.00 per year. You may pick it up at the Waste Transfer Station on Reach Street in Port Perry.They are open Tuesday to Saturday and closed on Sunday and Monday. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - July 14, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, July 14, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Camp X/Whitby- White-winged Scoter- 1, Common Loon- 1 Report from D Lockrey Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Sun) 240 shorebirds of 10 species. Wilson's Phalarope- 1, Short-billed Dowitcher- 1, Common Snipe- 2, Semipalmated Sandpiper- 2, Greater Yellowlegs- 8, Lesser Yellowlegs- 90, Soltary Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer. Other birds included Ruddy Duck- 10, Pied-billed Grebe- 1, Black Tern- lots, Common Tern, and Caspian Tern. Report from R Pye Minden/Haliburton Butterfly Count: 9680 butterflies of 50 species. Most common were European Skipper- 7708, Northern Eyed Brown- 483, Clouded Sulphur- 274 and Long-dash Skipper- 107. highlights included Two-spotted Skipper- 18, Mulberry Wing Skipper- 61, Pink-edged Sulphur- 8, Bog Copper- 2, Green Comma- 1, and Monarch- 49. There were no Red Admirals. Report from R Pye Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - July 12, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, July 12, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa Second Marsh: (Wed) Bufflehead- 3, Lesser Scaup- 3, Ruddy Duck- 10, Mute Swan- 38, Virginia Rail- 1, and 7 families of ducks. Mallards- 2, Gadwal- 1 and the other 4 families were to far away to identify. Report from R Pye Bowmanville: (Thur) Mockingbird- 3 They were on Bragg Road .5 km north of Hwy 2. Report from E Allin Darlington Nuclear Wetland: (July 5) Peregrine Falcon- 1 Report from E Kellogg Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Fri) new migrants- Wilson Phalarope and Solitary Sandpiper. The second and third lagoon are best for shorebirds. Report from the TOC Toronto Star Hotline Nonquon Sewage Lagoon A 5.00 dollar season permit is required. You may get your permit from the Waste Transfer Station on Reach Street in Port Perry. Tuesday to Saturday, during regular business hours. Durham Region Field Naturalist/ Pickering Naturalist field trip Butterfly Workshop Leader- Rayfield Pye Meeting Location: Durham Board of Education office at 400 Taunton Road, Whitby. Time: 9:00 AM We will be visiting several locations on the old railroad near Blackwater. Bring a lunch and lots of water. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - Sunday, July 7, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, July 7, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Nonquon Sewage Lagoons- Port Perry: (Sat) Lagoon # 1- high water, Blue-winged teal- 24, Green-winged teal- 8 and Black Tern- 5 Lagoon # 2- high water with shorebird habitat at the south end. Lesser Yellowleg- 5, Black Tern- 37, and a family of Mallards Lagoon # 3- low water with shorebird habitat at the north and south end. Lesser Yellowleg- 1, Least Sandpiper- 8, Spotted Sandpiper- 6, Killdeer- 20, American Wigeon- 2, and Canada Goose- 454 Lagoon # 4- very high water. Ruddy Duck- 13, and Ring-necked Duck- 1. Lagoon # 5- north half new sewage treatment plant. Trumpeter Swan- 2, and Killdeer- 4. South Lagoon- high water, very little wildlife except for a few Black Terns. York- Durham border west of Udora: (Sun) Common Raven- 2 with young. The young Ravens were on the York side of the border. found by D Berry on the Sunderland butterfly count. Sunderland Butterfly Count: (Sun) 50 species of butterflies were found. Most common were European Skipper- 11,363, Northern Eyed Brown- 469, Northern Crescent- 312, Long-dash Skipper- 289, Cabbage White- 222 and Baltimore Checkerspot- 184. New for the count were Mulberry Wing Skipper, and Little Glassy Wing. On the negative side, there were very few migrant butterflies. Monarch- 25, American Lady- 1, Red Admiral- 0 and Painted Lady- 0. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line- Fri, July 5 - July 5, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, July 5, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa Second Marsh: Canvasback (female) with family, (maybe the first nesting record for Durham Region), other summering ducks include Northern Pintail, and Northern Shoveler. Report from T Hoar. Uxbridge: (breeding bird atlas) Grasshopper Sparrow- 4, Ring-necked Pheasant- 1, and Peacock- 1 Report from F Pinilla Darlington Nuclear Wetland: (Mon) Pied-billed Grebe, Common Moorhen, and a family of Mallards Report from R Pye Southbound shorebird migration will be starting in the next couple of weeks. You need a permit to enter Nonquon Lagoons. 5.00 per year. You can get your permit from the Waste Transfer Station on Reach Street in Port Perry. They are open Tuesday to Saturday and closed on Sunday, and Monday. Sunderland Butterfly Count Sunday, July 7 If you would like to take part contact James Kamstra at jkamstra@sympatico.ca Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com
Durham Rare Bird Line - July 1 - 07/21/02
Durham Rare Bird Line Monday, July 1, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Blue Bird Trail- Westney Rd: (Mon) Eastern Bluebird, Vesper Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Black-billed Cuckoo, Blue-winged Warbler,and Golden-winged Warbler Report from B Steel and S Morgan. Nonquon Sewage Lagoon- Port Perry: (Mon) Lesser Yellowleg- 1, Ruddy Duck- 8, Ring-necked Duck- 1, American Coot, Caspian Tern, Black Tern, and Purple Martin. Report from D Docherty Pontypool: (Mon) bird nest found this weekend- Turkey Vulture (2 chicks), Cedar Waxwing, Kingbird, and Mourning Warbler Report from S Williams Cranberry Marsh/Lake Ontario:(Mon) Common Goldeneye- 1 (flightless), Horned Grebe- 1, Common Loon- 2, and in the marsh: Common Snipe- 1 and Ruddy Duck- 1. Report from R Pye Oshawa Butterfly Count: highlites- 39 species which is the second lowest. most common butterflies- European skipper- 1675, Inornate Ringlet- 598, Northern Crescent- 361, and Little Wood Satyr- 183. The most common large butterfly was White Admiral at 97. There were very few migrant butterflies; Monarch- 8, Red Admiral- 1,and American Lady- 0. Other common butterflies with low numbers- Cabbage White-14,and Common Sulphur- 4. Report from R Pye Sunderland Butterfly Count Sunday, July 7 To help- contact James Kamstra at jkamstra@sympatico.ca Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - June 28, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, June 28, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Pontypool: (Mon) Hooded Warbler- 1 (male) It made a very brief visit to the home of S Williams. Breeding bird atlas- Turkey Vulture nest (Victoria County), several Blue-winged Warblers, Blue-headed Vireo, and Golden-crowned Kinglets. Report from S Williams Brooklin: (Tue) Black-billed Cuckoo was picked up dead on Ashburn Road. Report from B Steel Oshawa Butterfly Count Saturday, June 29 Contact James Kamstra if you want to help. jkamstra@sympatico.ca Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - June 23, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, June 23, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh: (Sat)- Marsh Monitoring Program- Sora Rail- 1, Virginia Rail- 3, American Coot- 14 including 2 families, Marsh Wren- 4,and Black-crowned Night-Heron- 4, Report from R Pye Kirby to Kendal- (Sun) Upland Sandpiper- 4 Report from R Pye Ganaraska Forest: (Sat/Sun) Breeding Bird Atlas: common nesting birds- Chipping Sparrow, Ovenbird, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Least Flycatcher, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. rare nesting birds- Golden-crowned Kinglet, Blue-headed Vireo,and Blue-winged Warbler Report from R Pye Mammals: While I was watching a Blue-headed Vireo, I heard a noise behind me and turn around to find a Black Bear watching me. He was about 40 meters away. Butterfly: Ganaraska Forest- Hobomok Skipper and Little Wood Satyr were the most common. There were smaller numbers of White Admiral, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Silver-spotted Skipper, Dreamy Duskwing, and Summer Azure. Oshawa Butterfly Count: 10th annual Saturday, June 29 To take part contact James Kamstra at jkamstra@sympatico.ca Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - June 21 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, June 21, 2002 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh: (Tue/Wed) Ruddy Duck- 1, Green-winged Teal-1, Redhead Duck- 2, Blue-winged Teal- 2 pairs, Northern Shoveler- 4, Wood Duck- 5, American Coot- 2 families, Green Heron- 2, Black-crowned Night-Heron- 2, and Great Blue Heron- 10 Reports from D Lockrey and J Walsh Oshawa Second Marsh: (Tue) a possible juvenile Glaucous Gull report from D Berry Darlington Nuclear Wetland: (Thur) Common Moorhen- 3, Pied-billed Grebe- female with 3 young, Mallard- 3 families, interesting behavior: a flock of 45 blackbirds chasing a male Northern Harrier and the female Pied-billed Grebe attacked a family of Mallards that was feeding near her. Report from R Pye Oshawa Butterfly Count- 10th annual Saturday, June 29, 2002 To take part contact James Kamstra at jkamstra@sympatico.ca Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - June 16, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Sunday, June 16 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Cranberry Marsh: (Sun) Coopers Hawk- 1, Wood Duck- 1 (F), Mute Swan- family with 2 young, Mallard- 2 families, and Coot- family of 7. Report from J Walsh Second Marsh: (Sun) American Wigeon- 1, Caspian Tern- 1, and Mute Swan- 28 Report from R Pye Whitby Harbour: (Sun) Caspian Tern- 12, Mute Swan- 19, and a few Bonaparte's Gulls. Report from R Pye Corner Marsh: (Sun) Northern Harrier- 1 (M) Report from R Pye Oshawa Butterfly Count Saturday, June 29 Contact James Kamstra at jkamstra@sympatico.ca if you would like to take part. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - June 14, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, June 11 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Nonquon Education Center: (Wed/June 5) Black-billed Cuckoo- 1, Sora Rail- 1, Alder Flycatcher- lots. Report from D Mudd Bond Head: (Fri/June 7) Red-bellied Woodpecker- 2 (M/F), Rose-breasted Grosbeak- 2, Baltimore Oriole- 15, Report from M Lise Cranberry Marsh: (Tue/June11) Coot- family of 7, Wood Duck- 5, Ruddy Duck- 1, and Hooded Merganser- 1, Report from D Lockrey Brooklin: (Fri/June 14) Hairy Woodpecker and a family of Red-breasted Nuthatches. Report from S Morgan Durham Region Field Naturalist- field trip to Cardin Alvar, Saturday, June 15 at 3:00 PM. meeting location- Argyle Bakery in the village of Argyle Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Rare Bird Line - June 2, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line- June 2 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. The next report will be on Friday, June 14, after I return from my holidays. Cranberry Marsh: (Sat) Virginia Rail- 1, Sora- 1, Green Heron- 1, American Coot- 5, Northern Shoveler- several pairs, Mallard- 1 family, Marsh Wren- 2, and Northern Harrier- 1 Report from R Pye (Sun) Great Egret- 1, Black-crowned Night- Heron- 1, American Wigeon- pair and several Wood Ducks Report from J Walsh Uxbridge: (Sat) Peregrine Falcon- 1, and Northern Goshawk- 1 Report from G Carpentier Whitby Mental Health Center: (Sun) Northern Mockingbird- 2 pairs and 3 young Killdeer Report from M Lise Thickson's Woods: (Fri) Green Heron- 2 Report from D Docherty Pumphouse Marsh: (Sat) Trumpeter Swan- 2 (R39) Report from D Lockrey Ganaraska Forest: (Sun) most common nesting birds were Chipping Sparrow, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, and Eastern Wood-Pewee, Other birds included Rose-breasted Grosbeak- 6, Scarlet Tanager- 4, and a family of Hairy Woodpeckers. Report from R Pye Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: no report Butterflys: Ganaraska Forest (Sun) American Lady- 2, Juvenal's Duskywing- 1, Mustard White- 1,and Spring Azure- 1 Report from R Pye Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Durham Report - June 2, 2002
Heber Down Conservation Area, Whitby (Lyndebrook Road access point) Devil's Den Trail 1 Common Nighthawk (sleeping on branch across from observation tower) 1 Pileated Woodpecker 4 Cedar Waxwings Nobue & Travis B. nekotora@nexusisp.com
Durham Rare Bird Line - May 31
Durham Rare Bird Line- Friday, May 31 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Thickson's Woods: (Mon) Yellow Warbler- 15, Magnolia Warbler- 12, Blackpoll Warbler- 8, Mourning Warbler- 1, and Pine Warbler- 1 (Wed) Green Heron- 1 Report from the Thickson's Woods Record Book Oshawa Second Marsh: (Wed) Canvasback- 1, Scaup- 3, Wood Duck- 2, Mallard- 1 family, Virginia Rail- 2, and Orchard Oriole- 1 Report from R Pye (Thur) Orchard Oriole- 1, Blackpoll Warbler- 3, Bay-breasted Warbler- 1, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher- 1, Willow Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher, and an Osprey flying in off the lake. Report from D Ruch Nonquon Education Center: (Thur) Least Bittern- 1 Report from D Mudd Nonquon Sewage Lagoon: (Mon) Wilson Phalarope- 3, Short-billed Dowitcher- 1, Semipalmated Plover- 84, White-rumped Sandpiper- 10, Least Sandpiper- 95, Dunlin- 145, Redhead- 2, and Ruddy Duck- 7 Report from M Bain (Wed) Wilson Phalarope- 0, and shorebird numbers were lower Report from the TOC Toronto Star Hotline. A permit is required to visit Nonquon Sewage Lagoon. Permits are obtainable for 5.00 at the Waste Transfer Station at 1623 Reach Street, Port Perry. Sunday, Monday- closed. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday- 8 to 4, Thursday- 8 to 6. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
May 29 Thickson report-- est migration complet?!! - May 29, 2002
After a 1-week respite in the Bruce I returned on this warm May 29 to a leaf-enshrouded Thickson's Woods to stroll about for one hour-- 9 Warbler species, Red-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Baltimore Oriole, House Wren, Virginia Rail and the Great Horned Owl family. Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON lockrey33@rogers.com
Durham Birds - May 26, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line- Sunday, May 26 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Ninquion Sewage Lagoon: legal axcess- permit system cost 5.00 dollars per person You can get your permit from the Waste Transfer Station at 1623 Reach Street in Port Perry. Reach Street runs east/west just south of the lagoons. hours of operation: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday- 8 AM to 4 PM. Thursday- 8 AM to 6 PM, and closed on Sunday and Monday. Use the east gate. A special thank-you to Geoff Carpentier for all of the work that he has done over the past year. Ninquion Sewage Lagoon: (Sat) 500+ shorebirds. highlights included Ruff- 1 (female), Wilson Phalarope- 4, Report from A Dale Darlington Prov Park: (Fri) Hooded warbler- 1 Report from F Jerome Thicksons Woods: (Sat) Mourning warbler- 1 (Sun) 17 species of warblers in small numbers. Highlights included Blackpoll Warbler, Gold-wing Warbler, Mourning Warbler, and 8 Canada Warblers. Report from the Thickson's Woods Record Book Whitby Harbour: (Fri) Sanderling- 2, Ruddy Turnstone- 1 Report from B Henshaw Whitby- north of Victoria, west of Gordon- flooded area Dunlin- 195, Short-billed Dowitcher- 2 Report from M Lise Second Marsh: (Sun) Whimbrel- 12 Report from M Bense Ajax: (Sun) Carruthers Creek at Bayly St- White-rumped Sandpiper- 1 with a few Dunlin Report from D Leadbeater Durham Region Big Day: Friday, May 24 Brian Henshaw's team- 161 species Durham Region Field Naturalist- May meeting Man and Nature: The Good, The Bad,and The Ugly by James Kamstra and Rayfield Pye our annual mystery slide night. North Oshawa Library north-west corner of Beatrice St. and Ritson Road Oshawa 7:30 PM, Monday, May 27 Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Markham - Dowitchers - May 24, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
At Coyote Pond this am - 11 Short-billed dowitchers - 40 Dunlin + Least sandpipers & Semi-palmated plovers Coyote Pond lies on the North side of Highway 7, 1km East of the Ninth Line in Markham cheers - Stan Long stan.long@sympatico.ca
May 23- Durham Rare Bird Line - May 23, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line- Thur, May 23 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Darlington Prov Park- (Tue) Kentucky warbler- 1, Connecticut warbler- 1, among 21 species of warblers. Other highlights: Red-headed Woodpecker, Coopers Hawk, and lots of Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Oriole, and Indigo Buntings (Thur) 6 flocks of Whimbrel flying westward over Lake Ontario. Report from T Hoar Thickson's Woods- (Tue) Connecticut Warbler- 1 (Wed) 19 species of warblers including a Connecticut Warbler. Magnolia was most common at 20. A pair of Virginia Rails were observed mating. (Thur) large numbers of migrants. American Redstart was the most common warbler at 25. other highlights- Hooded Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, and Black-billed Cuckoo- 2 Report from Thicksons Woods Record Book Udora/ North Durham- Ruff- 1 last reported on Tuesday. directions: from Hwy 7/12 at Blackwater go west on Road 13 to Leaskdale. Go north on Durham Region Road # 1, past Zephyr Road to # 13900. The shorebirds are in a flooded field on the west side of the road. The farmer request that you stay on the main road. Report from M Bain Durham Region Field Naturalist- May meeting Monday, May 27 at 7:30 PM North Oshawa Library north-west corner of Beatrice Street and Ritson Road Oshawa Mystery slide night- members night with James Kamstra and Rayfield Pye Title: Man and Nature- The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Shorebird morning at Oshawa Second Marsh and Darlington Provincial Park. - May 23, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
There was a push of shorebirds into the Oshawa Area this morning. Several flocks of birds (mostly Whimbrel) flew west along the shoreline. Some smaller flocks Landed on the Beach at Darlington P.P. and into the Oshawa second Marsh. Between 6am and 7:30am 388 Whimbrel flew west in 6 flocks Flocks of Primarily Dunlin and Semi-palmated Plovers landed at the beach at Darlington. With small numbers of Least and Semi-palmated Sandpipers mixed in. 9am At Oshawa Second Marsh on the muddy spit directly across from the east platform were: 14 Whimbrel, 18 Dunlin, 2 Short-billed Dowitchers and Little Gull ( imm) Other birds seen this morning Flock of 35 White-winged Scoters flying westward. 1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher in Darlington in picnic area 3 ( The one just east of the beach) Several Scarlet Tanagers and Indigo Buntings and 10 species of warbler in the center to west side of the park Orchard Oriole and Sedge Wren In the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve Quick question (please answer privately) In the Second Marsh-Darlington P.P. area Great Crested Flycatchers are a common migrant and fairly common breeding species. But this year I have only encountered one bird in the area. Has anyone else noticed a significantly lower amount in other areas this spring? Directions To the main gate (east side, campground, creek valley) of Darlington P.P. Take the Courtice Rd exit on the 401 and go south to Darlington Park Rd. The park do not official open up till this Friday. To Oshawa Second marsh/ McLaughlin reserve and West side of Darlington P.P Directions: Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit in Oshawa. Go south to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to the parking lot at the GM. Headquarters. Park in the nw parking lot closet to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario waterbirds and shorebirds on the beach proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the lakeshore than east to the western side of Darlington Provincial park. or park at the park's west gate which is just east of the GM Office. The trail adjacent to McLaughlin Bay is either flooded or muddy and should be avoided. Tyler Hoar thoar@rogers.com
Connecticut Warbler in the Meadow at Thickson Woods, Whitby - May 22, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Hello Birders Today's wind shift to the south and warm temperatures brought lots of new migrants into Thickson Woods. The highlight of the day for Mary Shuster and me was the CONNECTICUT WARBLER we found at the east edge of the newly aquired meadow, adjacent to the beaver pond. After hearing it had been seen, we spent most of the afternoon birding the area, and were just going to give up on finding it when it walked out of the grass into view. We were able to see all it's field marks well, yellow belly, olive back, full gray hood, bold white eyering, heavy bill with yellowish lower mandible and bright pink legs, as it characteristically walked silently through the grass and brush. Other highlights out of the 18 warbler species reported in the sightings book by many observers, were MOURNING WARBLER, BLACKPOLL and NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH. There were many MAGNOLIAS, WILSON'S, and BLACK AND WHITES. Also of interest, 4 vireo species, (including a Philadelphia seen by others but not us), 4 Thrush species, SCARLET TANAGERS, VIRGINIA RAILS and SORA. Thickson Woods is located at the foot of Thickson Road in Whitby. From the 401 exit at Thickson Road and go south, past Wentworth St. Turn left on the waterfront trail, turn around and park on the north side of the road. The entrance to the woods is on the south side of the road, the entrance to the meadow on the north side. Carol Horner Toronto, Ontario chorner@sympatico.ca
Whimbrel and Ruff in Durham Region - May 21, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Hello Birders Today at about 1:30 pm I obeserved 12 WHIMBREL, 7 DUNLIN and 1 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER on the rocks at Whitby Harbour. I had ideal viewing of the Whimbrel as they rested, and occasionaly took flight as a group. What a beautiful sight. Then later at about 5:00 pm Mary Schuster and I located the RUFF in the flooded farm field north of Leaskdale. In addition to the birds mentioned by Mark Cranford, we also found SOLITARY SANDPIPER, and GREATER YELLOWLEGS. We were fortunate that the Ruff was feeding at the near edge of the wet area, and we were able to get good looks at this beauriful bird, but a good scope is required. Directions: To Whitby Harbour: From the 401 take Brock Street south to the lake. Follow it as it curves around then turn right into the parking lot of the park. The breakwater is directly across from the parking lot, and the whimbrel were on the rocks at the end (opposite the light house). To the Ruff, as posted by Mark Cranford: North on Hwy.7/12 from Whitby to Blackwater, west on Regional Road 13 to Leaskdale, north on Regional Road 1 to #13900, which is on the west side past Zephyr Road, before Fowlers Road. There are flooded areas on both sides of the farm road, with the shorebirds in the larger more northerly patch of water. Please stay on the main road as requested by the farmer yesterday. Carol Horner Toronto, Ontario chorner@sympatico.ca
Ruff in north Durham - May 21, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
from Margaret Bain May 21, 2002 The black Ruff was seen again this morning just after 11am in the same location as yesterday - the flooded field north of Leaskdale on Durham Regional Road 1. It's a long scope view from the road, and it took some time to find the Ruff as the shorebirds in the wet field are feeding in stubble taller than they are. With the Ruff were 2 Lesser Yellowlegs, 2 Semipal Plovers, and several Dunlin, all at the muddy edges of the standing water. Directions: North on Hwy.7/12 from Whitby to Blackwater, west on Regional Road 13 to Leaskdale, north on Regional Road 1 to #13900, which is on the west side past Zephyr Road, before Fowlers Road. There are flooded areas on both sides of the farm road, with the shorebirds in the larger more northerly patch of water. Please stay on the main road as requested by the farmer yesterday. Also in Durham this afternoon was an unusually highly visible male Connecticut Warbler bathing in shallow puddles at the southeast corner of Thickson's Woods. Low numbers of several common warbler species were also present but only the Ovenbirds were singing. To reach Thickson's Woods, go south on Thickson Road (Exit 412 from Hwy.401) and park on the sidestreet going east just north of the pinewoods. Nearby, there were up to 14 Whimbrel on the rocks at Whitby Harbour, which can be accessed by going west on Victoria Street, two traffic lights north of the Woods, or from Brock Street south (Exit 410 from Hwy.401). Margaret Bain, Cobourg, Ontario mjcbain@sympatico.ca --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ontario Mark.Cranford@ofo.ca
Kentucky, Connecticut, and 21 other species of warblers In Darlington Prov. Park. - May 21, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Darlington P.P./McLaughlin Bay reserve/Oshawa Second Marsh Lots of species diversity (113 species), but most in small numbers. Kentucky Warbler singing and foraging In the Robinson creek Valley. It was located at 8am approx 150 feet north of the number 2 pole on the east side of the creek Just east of the trail. A dog walker flushed it and it flew further into the underbrush but then started singing again within 5 mins. Other highlights Connecticut Warbler in creek valley west side 1/2 way between bridges Mourning Warbler-2 Lower end of the valley Northern Parula 5 scattered in creek Valley Cape May Warbler in the spruces in the nw side of the campground White-winged Crossbill (female) feeding in European larch in campground near lake. Red-headed Woodpecker just south of park Store Cooper's Hawk flew over creek valley Whip-poor-will in creek valley Several yellow warblers carrying nesting material. Lots of the neon three ( Baltimore oriole, Scarlet Tanager, and Indigo Bunting) in the park The warblers in the park this morning were primarily in the creek valley, the nw corner of the campground, and the south central area of the campground. Little Gulls 1 adult 1 imm in second marsh Canvasback drake in second marsh NO whimbrels this morning. actually very few shorebirds around. Sedge and marsh wrens singing in the Mclaughlin bay reserve. Directions To the main gate (east side, campground, creek valley) of Darlington P.P. Take the Courtice Rd exit on the 401 and go south to Darlington Park Rd. The park do not official open up till this Friday. To Oshawa Second marsh/ McLaughlin reserve and West side of Darlington P.P Directions: Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit in Oshawa. Go south to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to the parking lot at the GM. Headquarters. Park in the nw parking lot closet to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario waterbirds and shorebirds on the beach proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the lakeshore than east to the western side of Darlington Provincial park. or park at the park's west gate which is just east of the GM Office. The trail adjacent to Mclaughlin Bay is either flooded or muddy and should be avoided. Tyler Hoar thoar@rogers.com
Durham Rare Bird Line- May 20 - May 20, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Monday, May 20 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Udora: (Mon) Ruff- 1 (black) in a flooded farm field. directions- from Udora go south on Durham Road # 1, go 200 meters past Fowlers Road to house # 13900. The Ruff is in a flooded field on the west side of the road with a few other shorebirds. The farmer ask that you park on the road and do not enter the field. Report from B Henshaw and J VanderGaast Thickson's Woods: (Sat) Hooded Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler among 18 species of warblers, other highlites- Great Egret, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, and Clay-colored Sparrow (Sun) Yellow-throated Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler,and Mourning warbler among 18 species of warblers (Mon) very quiet with only 14 species of warblers Report from Thickson's Woods Record Book, G Carpentier, M Bain, D Berry, D Lockrey, and C Horner Second Marsh: (Sat) Virginia Rail, Sora, Clay-colored Sparrow, Sedge Wren, and Black Tern (Mon) Brant- 22, and a family of Mallards Report from F Pinilla, and R Pye Whitby Harbour: (Sat) Brant- 50 Report from M Luzon Cranberry Marsh: (Sat) Great Egret- 1, Brant- 28 Report from G Carpentier Ninquion Education Center: (Mon) Golden Eagle- 1 (A) Report from B Henshaw Whimbrel reports- none Rayfield Pye Oshawa raypye@oix.com
Ruff- Durham Region/Udora - May 20, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Ruff- 1 (black) Udora: north Durham Region Monday, May 20 Directions: From Blackwater on Hwy 7/12 go west on Region Road 13 to Region Road 1. Go north on Region Road 1 past Zephyr Road to #13900 (200 meters south of Fowlers Road) There is a large structure on the east side of the road that looks like a spaceship docking port. The Ruff is in a flooded field on the west side of the road with a couple of other shorebirds. The farmer says to park on the main road and view the shorebirds from the road. Report from Brian Henshaw and Jay VanderGaast Rayfield Pye Durham Rare Bird Line raypye@oix.com Oshawa
May 20 AM at Thickson's c-c-cold,overcast
- only 14 Warbler spp. incl. MOURNING, N.PARULA - May 20, 2002
The Great Horned Owl family supplied the most entertainment this May 20 AM in Thickson's Woods. Needless to say, the weather did not sit well with the many hopeful birders. Except for the Carolinian Wren and SORA the avians were not in a mood to sing. Among the non-warblers some highlights were E.TOWHEE, 3 WREN spp., RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, RED-EYED VIREO, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, E.WOOD PEWEE, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, VEERY, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH and VIRGINIA RAIL. A GREEN HERON was observed east of the lakefront road. There was a report of hearing a YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER, but, this bird, which was a delight yesterday, could not be detected up to 12 noon. Among the 14 Warbler spp. was a male MOURNING W., male and female N.PARULA, TENNESSEE and 3 OVENBIRDS. I shall be in the Bruce Pen. until May 28; I trust others will report Thickson's birds in the interim. Thickson's Woods is in southeast Whitby, near the base of Thickson Rd. which is accessed from the 401. Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON lockrey33@rogers.com
Brant - May 19, 2002
Sunday p.m. May 19, 2002 8 Brants were feeding at Rotary Park Ajax. Maureen maureenfarmer@rogers.com
Yellow-Throated Warbler at Thickson's Woods - Update - May 19, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Apparently the demise of the Yellow-throated Warbler was greatly exagerated. It was relocated at 11:00 a.m. and seen as recently as 2:45 p.m. along the road along Lake Ontario on the south side of Thickson's Woods. To reach Thickson's Woods exit from 401 to Thickson Road South in Whitby. Proceed south past Wentworth Street to the Waterfront Trail. Turn left, turn around and park on the north side of the road. Enter the woods on a path from the south side, about 200 metres east of Thickson Road. Follow the trails through the woods, some of which access the Lake Ontario shore. To view the beaver pond and Corbett Creek Marsh continue east about 100 metres past the entrance to the woods. The meadow is across the Waterfront Trail immediately north of the woods. The entrance is directly across the waterfront trail from the entrance to the woods. To view a map, visit the Thickson's Woods website at http://www.thicksonswoods.com Dennis Barry & Margaret Carney Thickson's Point, R.R. 2 Whitby, ON L1N 5R5 (905) 725-2116 dbarry@interlinks.net
Yellow-throated Warbler at Thickson Woods Whitby refound - May 19, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Hello Birders
The YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was refound at around noon today and was seen by many observers. It has been seen in the south end of the woods and along the roadway at the south end of the woods. It was among 18 species of warbler reported on the sightings board. Also of note were MOURNING WARBLER, NORTHERN PARULA, ORANGE-CROWNED, and HOODED WARBLER.
Also reported today were SCARLET TANAGER, HERMIT, GRAY-CHEEKED and SWAINSON'S THRUSH, EASTERN TOWHEE, VIRGINIA RAIL, and SORA.
Observers included D. Lockrey, M. Bain, and B. Henshaw, as well as myself, and many others, whose names I didn't catch. Thickson Woods is found at the south end of Thickson Road in Whitby. Access is from the waterfront trail, on the east side of Thickson Road.
Good Birding Carol Horner Toronto, Ontario chorner@sympatico.ca
Yellow-throated warbler at Thickson's Woods, 8:00 a.m. - May 19, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
A singing male Yellow-throated Warbler was found this morning high in a white pine at Thickson's Woods. It was seen by a number of observers before an American Kestrel dove into the treetop where it was feeding and flew off with a bird. The Yellow-throated Warbler has not been seen since. Observers present at the time suggest that it is probable the bird captured by the Kestrel was the Yellow-throated Warbler. However, it is possible that it is simply staying out of sight after the Kestrel attack. To reach Thickson's Woods exit from 401 to Thickson Road South in Whitby. Proceed south past Wentworth Street to the Waterfront Trail. Turn left, turn around and park on the north side of the road. Enter the woods on a path from the south side, about 200 metres east of Thickson Road. Follow the trails through the woods, some of which access the Lake Ontario shore. To view the beaver pond and Corbett Creek Marsh continue east about 100 metres past the entrance to the woods. The meadow is across the Waterfront Trail immediately north of the woods. The entrance is directly across the waterfront trail from the entrance to the woods. To view a map, visit the Thickson's Woods website at http://www.thicksonswoods.com Dennis Barry & Margaret Carney Thickson's Point, R.R. 2 Whitby, ON L1N 5R5 (905) 725-2116 dbarry@interlinks.net mcarney@interlinks.net
Great Egret/Brant in Durham - May 19, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
yesterday evening we had two Great Egrets - one at Corbett Creek just northeast of Thickson's Woods and the other at Cranberry Marsh in Whitby. We also had 68 Brant in the sports field just north of Whitby harbour and 28 in the fields west of Cranberry marsh. Directions: Thickson's Woods - exit 401 at Thickson's Road and proceed south to the lake - the woods are on your right behind the houses. The creek is at the end of the access road to the sewage treatment plant north east of the woods. Cranberry Marsh - from Thickson's Road, go west along Bayly, past a large cattail marsh and then south on Hall's Road. The marsh will be on your right and is accessed via two visible trails. Geoff Carpentier Ajax, Ont. geoffcarpentier@rogers.com
Hooded Warbler at Thickson's Woods - May 18, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Posting for Margaret Bain Saturday, May 18th Further to Doug Lockrey's posting, the Hooded Warbler remained in Thickson's Woods for most of the day after it was first found by Andrea Kingsley and Tony Brown about 10am. The cold north winds kept all the small passerines penned into the centre of the woods where they did slow feeding circuits, so if you were warmly enough dressed to stand in one place for some time everything would eventually go by! The bird appeared to be a young male, or perhaps a heavily hooded adult female, with extensive black on the head and hindneck but no black on the throat. (See Jon Dunn's "Warblers") There was almost no song from any of the warblers present, even breeding-plumaged males of other species, and this bird didn't sing although it gave occasional sharp chip notes. It was very secretive in heavy undergrowth at first but later fed and moved about rapidly higher in the trees, always flashing a lot of white in the tail, and was enjoyed by many birders. Other highlights were a singing Clay-colored Sparrow in the sheltered trees and bushes on the south edge of the woods, again present most of the day, a Yellow-throated Vireo, a calling Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, and a bright Orange-crowned Warbler, as well as at least 18 other warbler species. To reach Thickson's Woods, exit Hwy.401 at Thickson Road in Whitby (Exit 412) and go south towards the lake, turning left to park on the small sideroad just north of the woods. Margaret Bain mjcbain@sympatico.ca (905)373-1202 --- Mark Cranford ONTBIRDS Coordinator Mississauga, Ontario
Ghost Rd Woods, Oshawa - Clay-colored Sparrow, Sedge Wren - Sat May 18
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Hi All, I headed to Second Marsh / Ghost Road Woods in search of a Summer Tanager (which was reported on the Durham Bird Line), but I could not find it, but as soon as I stepped out of my car at 6:30am I heard the familiar song of a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, second day in a row for this species & I, the bird was singing on the north side of Colonel Sam Drive at the start of the Marshland Trail. The woods were very quiet as I headed to the lookout tower at the Beaver Pond, I heard both Virginia Rail & Sora here and in the woods I had 12 species of warbler including a Canada (very few were singing and they were all very low in the understory, even a Blackburnian on the ground) also seen/heard were Wilson's, Ovenbird, Black-throated Blue, and more. Over 2nd Marsh I had 2 Black Terns and at least 20 Common Loons migrating north, I also had 2 Bobolink flying over the woods. At the meeting of the Marshland Trail & the trail to the Beaver Pond I had a singing Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and also at this spot there was a Lincoln's Sparrow. I walked out along the Marshland Trail about 2/3 of the way to the viewing platform (the one that is closest to the GM building) and had a singing Sedge Wren between the trail and the marsh. These birds were all seen between 6:30am & 9:30am. On the drive out there I had a Pileated Woodpecker fly over the 401 at the Rouge River and on the way back I had an adult Cooper's Hawk (female based on it's large size) at Hwy 404 just south of Hwy 407. On Friday night I had a Lincoln's Sparrow on my parents front lawn in an area that is almost entirely residential (Victoria Park & Ellesmere area in Don Mills). Regards & good birding, Frank Pinilla Richmond Hill, ON fpinilla@sympatico.ca DIRECTIONS: Ghost Road Woods/Second Marsh can be found by taking the Harmony Rd/Bloor St exit off Hwy 401 in Oshawa, drive south along Farewell Drive to Colonel Sam Drive and turn left/east, the spot where the Clay-colored was is where Colonel Sam bends right and the woods on your right/south turn to open fields (this is where the start of the Marshland Trail is, right near a small pumphouse or hydro building, this is also the area where the Summer Tanager was seen on Friday, based on the Durham Hotline).
May 18 = 18 Warblers at Thickson's on cool cloudy AM-notably
HOODED, MOURNING, PARULA - May 18, 2002
The cloudy AM of May 18 at Thickson's Woods greatly diminished singing by birds. The "best" of the 18 Warblers were glimpses of HOODED (seen by Margaret Bain et al), a MOURNING, 2 N.PARULAS and very many of each of C.Yellowthroat, Chestnut-sided and Am.Redstart. The periodic yodel-song of a SORA was enjoyed by many. Overall bird numbers were low. Some highlights ---CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW, 4 THRUSH spp., 4 VIREO spp., SCARLET TANAGER, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, HOUSE WREN, CAROLINA WREN, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, several Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and both 9-week-old and both parent GREAT HORNED OWLS. The lake was relatively vacant, but 13 BRANTS were seen in mid-AM. Thickson's Woods, in southeast Whitby, is accessed from the 401 via Thickson Rd.--south through a few traffic signals; after passing a long building on the right and a meadow on the left turn left to park on a roadside. Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON lockrey33@rogers.com
Durham Rare Bird Line- May 17 - May 17, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line- May 17 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Oshawa Second Marsh: (Thur) American White Pelican- 3 They circled the marsh several times but did not land. Report from D Ruch (Fri) Summer Tanager- 1 north east corner near the pumphouse on Colonel Sam Drive. Report from T Hoar other highlites: Orange-crowned Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Canvasback. There were lots of Scarlet Tanagers. Report from T Hoar, and J VanderGaast Darlington Prov Park: (Fri) Blue-winged Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher Report from T Hoar Thickson's Woods: (Wed) Harlequin Duck- 1 (Fri) 18 species of warblers,Yellow Warbler was the most common at 25. highlites- Blue-winged warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, and American Bittern. Report from the Thickson's Woods Record Book. Bond Head: (Thur) Evening Grosbeak- 1 (Fri) Orchard Oriole- 6, Rose-breasted Grosbeak- 6, Indigo Bunting- 3 and lots of Baltimore Orioles and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. These were all at the many feeders of M Lise on Mill St. Oshawa airport (Fri) Lawrence Warbler- 1 Report from K Ridge Durham Region Field Naturalist- field trip Introduction to Bird Songs 7:30 AM, Monday, May 20 Darlington Prov Park- west entrance (end Colonel Sam Drive- past the GM headquarters) Leader- Rayfield Pye Rayfield Pye Oshawa raypye@oix.com
May 17 at Thickson's features Yellow-bellied Fly.,17 Warblers
(incl. Tennessee, Blue-winged),4 Vireos, Virginia Rail - May 17, 2002
Two successive days of great birding -will it be followed by a "super Saturday"? at Thickson's Woods in Whitby. This May 17 AM and noonhour were highlighted by a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Margaret Bain), Virginia Rail, 4 Vireos (Philadelphia, many Red-eyed, Warbling & Blue-headed), LINCOLN'S SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, SCARLET TANAGER, BROWN THRASHER, and great numbers of warblers representing 17 species, including TENNESSEE, WILSON'S, BLUE-WINGED, N.PARULA, C.YELLOWTHROAT, OVENBIRD, and many other bird species. KEEP IN MIND THE THICKSON'S WOODS LAND TRUST FUND, ALL MONIES GOING TO THE COMPLETION OF THE PURCHASE OF THE LARGE MEADOW ON THE NORTH BORDER. ALSO, CONSIDER BUYING ONE OR MORE RAFFLE TICKETS ($5 ea. or 3 for $10); a draw for a large quilt, named "A Walk in the Woods" will be made on Sep.20. Thickson's Woods is at the south end of Thickson Rd. in southeast Whitby, accessible from the 401. Doug Lockrey, Whitby,ON lockrey33@rogers.com
May 16 at Thickson's-excellent views of many warblers,
PINE SISKIN, RED-EYED VIREO,LINCOLN'S SPARROW et al - May 16, 2002
Alas, Thickson's Woods was teeming with birds during the AM showers and noon-hour respite from the rains. Among the 18 warblers were at least 3 of each of CANADA, OVENBIRD, BAY-BREASTED, BLACKBURNIAN, MAGNOLIA, WILSON'S, N.PARULA, CHESTNUT-SIDED. Other "good" birds were PINE SISKIN, 7 BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERs, CHIMNEY SWIFT, VIRGINIA RAIL, SORA, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, RED-EYED VIREO, ORCHARD ORIOLE, SCARLET TANAGER, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, WOOD THRUSH, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, WOOD-PEWEE, AND ---many others. On the lake were 23 RED-THROATED LOONS, 10 COMMON LOONS and a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER. Reports from Denis Barry, Brian Henshaw, Al Horner & Doug Lockrey Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON lockrey33@rogers.com
sunny day = many birders, few woodland species, waterfront warblers incl.
Cape May at Thickson's May 15 AM; also RAIL, SORA and CLAY-COLOURED - May 15, 2002
"Wood it were" that warblers had greeted the many May 15 enthusiasts within the treed area of Thickson's!! After several damp days this welcoming warm sunlit morn was accompanied by over 50 avian species, but only the Yellow-rumped was in great numbers. Among the 14 Warbler species the "best" would be CAPE MAY (along the waterfront) and CANADA. A VIRGINIA RAIL was observed on the floor of the woods near the eastern marsh, and a SORA was heard in the southeast corner. Al Horner reported a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW in the Meadow. Lately 2 WOOD THRUSH are being heard and seen in the woods. Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON lockrey33@rogers.com
Mourning Warbler - Thickson, Evening Grosbeak - Concord (just north of Toronto), - May 15, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Prior to departing for a visit to Thickson Woods this morning, I had a cornucopia of colourful spring visitors in my small garden in Concord: Indigo Bunting and Hummingbird (daily since May 10th), two Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, several Baltimore Orioles - all of the preceding males - and a late Junco, in addition to all the regulars (22 species in all). However, the best visitor was a fine male Evening Grosbeak. This was the first visit by this species to my backyard. He was visiting the feeders again when I returned home this evening. Safflower seeds seemed to suit his palate best. At Thickson, in addition to the significant species already reported by others today, was a male Mourning Warbler, in the same area that I saw him on Saturday, i.e. along the path on the far side of the bridge by the marsh. He was skulking low down close to the water and took some finding. Also, on the lake, close in, were four Common Loons. To reach Thickson's Woods exit from 401 to Thickson Road South in Whitby. Proceed south past Wentworth Street to the Waterfront Trail. Turn left, turn around and park on the north side of the road. Enter the woods on a path from the south side, about 200 metres east of Thickson Road. My house in Concord backs onto Marita Payne park, which is on the west side of Dufferin Street, at the first lights north of Steeles Avenue in Toronto. IAN CANNELL, CONCORD, ONTARIO Cannell@rogers.com
Male Harlequin duck in bay at Thickson's Woods, Whitby - May 15, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
At about 3:00 p.m., May 15 Margaret spotted a male Harlequin in full breeding plumage perhaps 200 m offshore in the bay in front of Thickson's Woods. It was accompanied by a male common goldeneye. Both birds were drifting fairly rapidly eastward due to the brisk soutwesterly wind. To reach Thickson's Woods exit from 401 to Thickson Road South in Whitby. Proceed south past Wentworth Street to the Waterfront Trail. Turn left, turn around and park on the north side of the road. Enter the woods on a path from the south side, about 200 metres east of Thickson Road. Follow the trails through the woods, some of which access the Lake Ontario shore. To view the beaver pond and Corbett Creek Marsh continue east about 100 metres past the entrance to the woods. The meadow is across the Waterfront Trail immediately north of the woods. The entrance is directly across the waterfront trail from the entrance to the woods. To view a map, visit the Thickson's Woods website at http://www.thicksonswoods.com Dennis Barry & Margaret Carney Thickson's Point, R.R. 2 Whitby, ON L1N 5R5 (905) 725-2116 dbarry@interlinks.net mcarney@interlinks.net
Durham Rare Bird Line - May 12
Durham Rare Bird Line- May 12 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Thicksons Woods: (Sat) Cerulean Warbler and White-eyed Vireo were seen by a few birders, other highlites included Northern Parula, Cape May Warbler, Blackburnian, Scarlet Tanager, and Orchard Oriole Report from D Lockery and the Thicksons Woods Record Book Bond Head: (Sun) Baltimore Oriole- 12, Orchard Oriole- 2, Scarlet Tanager- 1, Indigo Bunting- 1, Evening Grosbeak- 1, and lots of hummingbirds. Report from M Lise Whitby Mental Health Center: (Sun) Northern Mockingbirds were chasing Bobolinks out of their territory. Report from M Lise Darlington Prov Park: (Sat) small flocks of warblers scattered arround the campground. The highlite was 3 Blackburnians in one tree. Report from R Pye Lynde Shores Conservation Area: (Sun) White-crowned Sparrow- 12, only a few warblers. Report from R Pye Darlington Prov Park is closed until Friday, May 24. You will have to park outside the gate and walk in. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
May 12 Thickson's- RUFFED GROUSE, small numbers of 18 warblers - May 12, 2002
Let me start off by submitting my apology re. not appending observer names to the following warblers reported on May 11 in Thickson's Woods (indeed, I was not given their names, nor did they submit their finds in the record book): Prairie, Cerulean and Kentucky/ also, I am not aware of who first noted a White-eyed Vireo. PLEASE LET ME USE THIS FORUM TO BEG PEOPLE TO RECORD THEIR FINDS IN THE RECORDS BOOK; do not assume someone else will do so (NOONE ENTERED INFO IN THE BOOK ON MAY 11!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Today, Sunday May 12, brought few birders in the AM--in spite of drizzling rain and east winds the following were reported: RUFFED GROUSE (B.Henshaw)-- out the east spit; Wood Thrush, B-g Gnatcatcher, Indigo Bunting, 4 "late" Hermit Thrush, House Wren and 18 Warblers--highlights being Canada, Bay-breasted, Blackburnian, BLACKPOLL, CAPE MAY, Ovenbird, N.Waterthrush and many Palms. Thickson's Woods is near the base of Thickson Rd., accessed from the 401 in southeast Whitby.. Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON lockrey33@rogers.com
19 Warblers at Thickson-May 11, incl.KENTUCKY,CERULEAN,MOURNING,TENNESSEE - May 11, 2002
The wish to donate to the Thickson's Woods Land Trust Fund and the feeling that Saturday, May 11, may be great for birds brought many enthusiasists. The result---19 different Warblers, several in big numbers, and SCARLET TANAGER, INDIGO BUNTING,BLUE-GREY GNATCATCHER,SWAINSON'S THRUSH,LINCOLN SPARROW,VEERY,ORCHARD ORIOLE, BALTIMORE ORIOLE,ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK,WARBLING VIREO, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, FIELD SPARROW, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, WHITE-EYED VIREO,HOUSE WREN, CAROLINA WREN and SORA. Now then, the Warblers--- BLACKBURNIAN,CAPE MAY,CHESTNUT-SIDED, PALM,CERULEAN,TENNESSEE, N.PARULA,YELLOWTHROAT,PRAIRIE,CANADA,BLACK-THROATED BLUE, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, YELLOW-RUMPED, YELLOW,AM. REDSTART, KENTUCKY, OVENBIRD, MAGNOLIA, NASHVILLE and BLACK-&-WHITE. The above were AM and early afternoon highlights--there were many other species. Thickson's Woods is near the foot of Thickson Rd., with a turn to the left before reaching the house area. Thickson is accessed from the 401 in southeast Whitby. Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON lockrey33@rogers.com
Durham Rare Bird Line- May 10 - May 10, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line Friday, May 10 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Thicksons Woods: There were 10 to 12 species of warblers per day. Yellow-rump Warbler is still the most common. highlites: (Mon) Prairie Warbler, Blue-wing Warbler, Wilson Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Indigo Bunting, and Great Crested Flycatcher, (Thur) Cape May Warbler and Blackburnian (Fri) Canada Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and Baltimore Oriole Reports from Thicksons Woods Record Book, D Berry, and D Lockrey Bond Head: (Thur) Baltimore Oriole- 10, Ruby-throated Hummingbird- 6, Red-bellied Woodpecker- 2, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak- 3. Report from M Lise Pontypool/Telecom Road: (Wed) Red-headed Woodpecker- 1 Report from S Williams Whitby Mental Health Centre: (Fri) Greater Yellowlegs- 2, Lesser Yellowlegs- 4 Report from M Lise Oshawa: (Thur) Chimney Swift- 3 Report from R Pye Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
10 warbler spp., Indigo Bunting, Scarlet Tanager, Orchard Oriole
et al in various "hot" spots in Thickson's May 10 - May 10, 2002
Cold north winds did not deter many birders from venturing down to Thickson's Woods on Friday May 10, where over the AM hours they found a number of wonderful areas to stand and enjoy some good birding. Highlights would be-- Virginia Rail singing, House Wren and Carolina Wren singing, 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Swainson's Thrush, GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH, SCARLET TANAGER, 3 INDIGO BUNTINGS, Warbling Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, ORCHARD ORIOLE, several Baltimore Orioles, BROWN THRASHER, CHIMNEY SWIFT, and the following WARBLERS--CAPE MAY, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Magnolia, Chestnut-sided, Nashville, Ovenbird, Black-&-White, many PALMs, Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue and CANADA. At one point both adults and the 2 8-week-old Great Horned Owls were in the same interior deciduous tree; later they were located high in the tops of an Eastern White Pine tree-- there are still rabbits to be observed!!! Thickson's is near the foot of Thickson's Rd., accessed from the 401, in southeast Whitby. Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON lockrey33@rogers.com
May 6 Birds in Thickson's Woods - May 7, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Many of yesterday's migrants had moved out but a few new arrivals proved interesting. A singing male PRAIRIE WARBLER provided excellent views in the low hedgerow along the east side of the meadow bordering the beaver pond. A singing male WILSON'S WARBLER in the same area was more difficult to spot. A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER spent the morning moving about the woods. A female ORCHARD ORIOLE was feeding along Thickson Road on the west side of the woods where a pair probably nested last year. A PIED-BILLED GREBE seems to have taken up residence in the marsh near the causeway, while the resident male CAROLINA WREN was most cooperatve singing from exposed perches high in trees in the woods and from shrubs in the meadow. As many as four AMERICAN WOODCOCKS display over the meadow each evening at dusk. Offshore, and flying inland overhead were many pairs of COMMON LOONS. At least one RED-THROATED LOON in breeding plumage was in the bay as well. To reach Thickson's Woods exit from 401 to Thickson Road South in Whitby. Proceed south past Wentworth Street to the Waterfront Trail. Turn left, turn around and park on the north side of the road. Enter the woods on a path from the south side, about 200 metres east of Thickson Road. Follow the trails through the woods, some of which access the Lake Ontario shore. To view the beaver pond and Corbett Creek Marsh continue east about 100 metres past the entrance to the woods. The meadow is across the Waterfront Trail immediately north of the woods. The entrance is directly across the waterfront trail from the entrance to the woods. To view a map, visit the Thickson's Woods website at http://www.thicksonswoods.com Dennis Barry & Margaret Carney Thickson's Point, R.R. 2 Whitby, ON L1N 5R5 (905) 725-2116 dbarry@interlinks.net mcarney@interlinks.net
AUDUBON's WARBLER intergrade among many highlights at Thickson's on May 5 - May 5, 2002
Various areas within the woods and along the roadside caught the attention of many birders during the hours of 8-10AM on May 5. On 2 occasions we were able to hear and see a totally unexpected bird -- the yellow throat and "weaker than a Myrtle" song suggested Dendroica coronata auduboni; a later gathering "worked" on it, and the decision made was that it was an offspring of a male Aububon and a female Myrtle. The bird was seen at the entry gate and to the west, in the roadside trees. Other firsts for Thickson's 2002 were the following: WARBLING VIREO, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, MAGNOLIA W., COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, NORTHERN PARULA, AMERICAN REDSTART, 2 male BALTIMORE ORIOLES, GRAY CATBIRD and a HOUSE WREN. In addition--Yellow W., Palm W., Pine W., Yellow-rumped W., Nashville W., Black-&-White, Black-throated Blue W., Black-throated Green W., Ovenbird, Blue-headed Vireo, Brown Thrasher, VEERY, Lincoln's Sparrow, Chipping Sp., Purple Finch, Towhee, Wood Thrush, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Least Flycatcher, Rusty Blackbird, several Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Hermit Thrush, very many White-throated Sparrows and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Of course the cause celebre of Thickson's for the nonce are the 2 7-week-olds(today huddled side by side) and momma Great Horned Owls, in the same tree. Finally, a VIRGINIA RAIL was seen at the marshland edge near the southeast pathway. Thickson's Woods is near the foot of Thickson Rd., accessed from the 401, in southeast Whitby. Doug Lockrey, Whitby,ON lockrey33@rogers.com
Birds in Thickson's Woods, Whitby May 5 a.m. - May 5, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
A major influx of migrants arrived overnight. Highlights include substantial numbers of: WOOD THRUSH, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, YELLOW WARBLER, MAGNOLIA W, NASHVILLE W, PALM W, YELLOW-RUMPED W, BLACK-THROATED BLUE W, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, ROSEBREASTED GROSBEAK, & RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. Also seen were one or more of GRAY CATBIRD, HOUSE WREN, CHESTNUT-SIDED W. PINE W, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, WARBLING VIREO, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, VEERY, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, VIRGINIA RAIL AND RED-THROATED LOON. To reach Thickson's Woods exit from 401 to Thickson Road South in Whitby. Proceed south past Wentworth Street to the Waterfront Trail. Turn left, turn around and park on the north side of the road. Enter the woods on a path from the south side, about 200 metres east of Thickson Road. Follow the trails through the woods, some of which access the Lake Ontario shore. To view the beaver pond and Corbett Creek Marsh continue east about 100 metres past the entrance to the woods. The meadow is across the Waterfront Trail immediately north of the woods. The entrance is directly across the waterfront trail from the entrance to the woods. To view a map, visit the Thickson's Woods website at http://www.thicksonswoods.com Dennis Barry & Margaret Carney Thickson's Point, R.R. 2 Whitby, ON L1N 5R5 (905) 725-2116 dbarry@interlinks.net mcarney@interlinks.net (by way of Mark Cranford) ontbirds@ofo.ca
Brant in Whitby - May 4, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
This afternoon there was a gaggle of about 45-50 BRANT feeding in the fields between Halls Road and Lakeridge Road. They were occassionally flying out over the lake and returning. We first noticed them flying out from shore while we were walking on the barrier between Cranberry Marsh and the lake. They circled back and were then found in the field directly opposite the south boardwalk entrance at Cranberry Marsh. After flying over the lake again they put down in the field at the south end of Lakeridge, east of the road. Dave Bailey whaler@sympatico.ca
Great Cormorant off Thickson Woods - May 4, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Hi again you all. After along day of birding at Carden, Second Marsh, etc. Stan Bajurny and I birded Thickson Woods and had an enjoyable afternoon and during this time we checked Lake Ontario off Thickson and spotted 6 C. Loons, 4 Horned Grebes and 5 Red-necked Grebes within binocular range. WE then returned to the woods for another walk around and then called it a day. It wasn't a day yet as we decided before we left to check the lake again and this time with a telescope hoping to spot some Brant flying past. We didn't see any Brant but we did see lots of Double-crested Cormorants flying east and west but mostly west over the lake. It was while scoping and using binoculars on a mixed flock of D-C Cormorants and Scaup that we spotted a larger and completely different cormorant in a small flock. This bird had the tell tale white thigh patches along with a white belly, white breast, white throat and white sides of neck. In my opinion (and you can dis me in private as I know some of you surely will) this was a P.c. maroccanus (lucidus/maroccanus), see Collins Bird Guide, page 29. If this was not the bird they used as a model for the drawings then I saw a mirage. We spotted this bird flying west at 6:24 pm and watched as it flew out of sight. The bird was no more than 300 yards off shore as it passed by. I have thought for a long time that a few Great Cormorants may migrate with the D-C Cormorants from the coast but not from this far away but birds have wings and as we have seen in the past stranger things have happened. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON NORMURR@SYMPATICO.CA DIRECTIONS THICKSON WOODS IN WHITBY If driving east from Toronto on Hwy 401 then exit at Thickson Road (Exit 412) and turn right (south). Drive along Thickson Road across Victoria Street E. and Wentworth Street W. At the next street (road) on your left past Wentworth Street turn left onto this road and you are there. Drive straight down the road and turn around, drive back and park on your right. (DO NOT BLOCK THE ROAD AND BE SURE TO LOCK YOUR AUTO). The entrance (narrow) is on the south side of the road or you can drive right down Thickson Road and park at the lake.
Most successful Thickson Festival AND OVENBIRD, CAPE MAY,
BLACKBURNIAN, ORANGE-CROWNED and many others Sat. May 4 - May 4, 2002
People started arriving before 7AM to help celebrate the THICKSON SPRING FESTIVAL --to purchase baking, tickets on silent auctions, pancake breakfast and many other things, with much of the monies going to the purchase of the large adjunct meadows. I guesstimate that 400 folks arrived by 12 noon. Let me list highlight species, mindful that it was not a great individual numbers days: N.WATERTHRUSH, OVENBIRD, CAPE MAY WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN W., YELLOW W., YELLOW-RUMPED W., BLACK-THROATED GREEN W., BLACK-THROATED BLUE W., PALM W., ORANGE-CROWNED W., NASHVILLE W., BLACK-&- WHITE W., BLUE-HEADED VIREO, BROWN THRASHER, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, WOOD THRUSH, VEERY, LeCONTE'S SPARROW, LEAST FLYCATCHER, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATHER, and wonderful views of both GREAT HORNED OWLETS in the same tree, and periodic looks at their Mom; and on the waterfornt-- PIED-BILLED GREBE, C.LOON AND RED-NECKED GREBE. What a glorious day--several of us were happy to have taken many people new to the woods on guided tours. Thickson's Woods is at the foot of Thickson Rd., accessed from the 401, in southeast Whitby. Doug Lockrey, Whitby lockrey33@rogers.com
Durham Rare Bird Line- May 3 - May 3, 2002
Durham Rare Bird Line- Friday, May 3 Sponsored by Durham Region Field Naturalist. Darlington Provincial Park: A coloured banded female Piping Plover from Michigan was found by Tyler Hoar on Wednesday and was still present on Friday evening. It is usually on the beach near the boat rental hut, but sometimes it is farther west. Due to the strike the gates to the park are locked and you have to walk in. The entrance next to the GM headquarters is closer than the main entrance. other birds in the area: Black-headed Gull- 1 (Wed), Little Gull- 82 (Wed) and 70 (Fri), Bonaparte's Gull- 4000 (Wed), Brant- 18 (Wed) and 52 (Fri), Report from T Hoar Second Marsh: Forster's Tern- 1, Canvasback- 1, Northern Pintail, and Black Tern, Report from T Hoar Cranberry Marsh: (Thurs) Great Egret- 1 Report from J Dickinson Whitby Mental Health Centre: (Fri) Great Egret- 1, Greater Yellowlegs- 1 Report from M Lise Thickson's Woods: highlites- (Tue) Black-and -White Warbler, (Wed) Rose-breasted Grosbeak, (Thurs) Lincoln's Sparrow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, (Fri) Ovenbird, Black-throated Blue Warbler Butterflies: Black Swallowtail- 1 (Fri) at Thickson's Woods Report from R Pye Thickson's Woods- Breakfast with Spring Migrants in the Meadow. Pancake breakfast- 8:00 AM to Noon Tours of the meadow and woodlot. Silent auction of wildlife artwork and field trips with will known naturalist. Bucket raffle Bake sale and more Bring your family and friends. Rayfield Pye raypye@oix.com Oshawa
Piping Plover 7am -9:30 am still at Darlington P.P.
as well as other interesting birds - May 3, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
The Piping Plover is still on the beach this morning. However she (yes it is a female, banded in Michigan and fledged 2 chicks last year) is at the western side of the beach foraging out of the wind. She seems to be much more nervous then when I located her on May 1st . So please observe this bird from a safe distance and allow it to forage. Other birds in the area this morning 52 Brant in a raft offshore. 70 Little Gulls between Second marsh and Darlington Provincial Park. Numbers should continue dropping daily. 5600 Bonaparte's gulls mostly in several large rafts 1-2 km offshore from Oshawa Harbour to the east side of the park. Canvasback-1, Lesser Scaup, Pintails among other waterfowl species in the Second Marsh Common Goldeneyes ( mostly immature males) Buffleheads, Red-breasted Mergansers, Long-tailed Ducks and Common Loons off the beach at Darlington. Directions Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit in Oshawa. Go south to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to the parking lot at the GM. Headquarters. Park in the nw parking lot closet to the second marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Piping plover proceed either along the path from the parking lot south to the lakeshore than east to the Barrier Beach in Darlington Provincial park. The bird was last seen on the far east end of the barrier beach. Or park just past the GM office beside the west gate of the park. proceed to the se corner of McLaughlin Bay to the boathouse.The trail immediately adjacent to the bay is WET this time of year. So travel the main road and follow the second right turn towards the lake. + Tyler Hoar thoar@rogers.com
Piping Plover still at Darlington (8:30 pm) - May 2, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
The Piping Plover was still present at 8:30 pm Thursday working a 50 meter stretch of beach west from the hut. DIRECTIONS: Take the Harmony Road exit from Hwy 401 in Oshawa, head south to Colonel Sam Drive and turn left (east). Pass the GM building and continue on the gravel road to the small parking area at the edge of Darlington Park. Walk in along the road - the other path is flooded. If you are prepared for ome wet terrain, follow the first road to the right and the path along the shoreline beyond it; otherwise continue on the main road to the second right turn and head down toward the lake that way. The walk in is ~20 minutes, give or take - but well worthwhile! -- Mark Cranford cranford@attcanada.ca Mississauga, Ontario cranford@attcanada.ca
Piping Plover Banding info - May 1, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
The Piping Plover at Darlington PP has 4 leg bands: Orange over Green right leg; and Orange over Silver (ie aluminum US dept Fish & Wildlife type) left leg. If anyone knows where this bird was banded it would be interesting to hear from you. Impressive number of Little Gulls present. Directions: From 401 take the Harmony Rd exit and follow Farewell to Colonel Sam Drive. Go left on Col Sam and follow it past the GM Offices to a side gate into Darlington PP. Park and walk in, staying on the main paved part of the road. Past some park buildings the road forks toward the lake ending at a beach picnic area. The bird was near the snow fence on the waters edge there when I left Dan Burton Gravenhurst. burton@csolve.net
BLACK-THROATED BLUE among the few at Thickson's Woods, Whitby on MAYDAY - May 1, 2002
The morning of May 1 was "slow" at Thickson's. However a number of us put in good time learning the treetop songs of and occasionally viewing the likes of: BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, NASHVILLE W., BLACK & WHITE W., PINE W., many YELLOW-RUMPEDs, along with Blue-headed Vireo, R-c. Kinglets, Towhee, Carolina Wren, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, White-throated Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow. A BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER was heard and momentarily