| DURHAM REGION |
Archived Birding Reports - 1999 |
December 21--2 Turkey Vultures were spotted on a carefree ride southbound over Weston Rd., just north of Finch Ave. in northwest Toronto at noonhour. The extreme cold recently has still brought birders from "afar" to have a look at the Spotted Towhee; I have seen it 2 times in the brush along the south side of the Lynde Shores woodlot in south Whitby, and most recently (Dec.20 at 9AM) in the extreme northwest corner of the woods. 2 asides: Corner Marsh in east Pickering is frozen over, BUT at least 4 Great Blue Herons are doggedly staying put (Dec.22); if a Shelduck interests anyone I spotted it near the Pringle Creek bridge near the base of Brock St. in Whitby on Dec.21.Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON
Jim Fairchild and I went to see if the Spotted Towhee was still at Lynde Shores Conservation Area today. We got there around 1:30 - 1:45 and we found it around the north west corner of the feeder trail around 2:00. It hangs out with a White-throated Sparrow and Cardinals.Other than the usual feeder birds, and this Spotted Towhee it was relatively quiet. I did get a fairly good look at the Towhee and personally believe that it is a female, based upon all of the reference books that I have. I would still like to get a better look in good light, and possibly get a photo. Jim still believes that this bird is a female, which I also tend to believe, after getting a good look at it today in diffused light in the middle of the afternoon. It appears to be blackish, but not nearly as dark as one would expect the male to be. I have seen a male Spotted Towhee before and this bird did not look like it! It was too light to be male, blackish, but not jet black like the male. I am sure that if a male was to show up next to it, the female would then appear to be dark gray. If anyone already has a photo of this bird, or a genuine photo of a Western/Spotted Towhee female, I would love to post it here on the site. Please e-mail me if you do. Thanks!
Gord Gallant .... gord@web-nat.com
I tried to find the Townsend Solitaire today with know luck this is the one at the Kortright Centre north of Toronto I looked for 2and a have hours . Than Stan Bagerne and I went out to Lynde Shores Conservation area in Whitby ont. to see if we could see the Spotted Towhee(dracaenas can be found on page 195 of a bird finding guide to Ontario) and after 3 hours and living 3 times we re found it ( with help from a another birder) at the north end of the park near all the bird feeders this is one hard bird to find. .for any one that cares I think that this is a mail bird from the arcticus races and goes with the call note it make which is described as a up slurred questioning queee also the tall paterin is the only one that seems to fit .Their wear 3 Richardsons race Canada Goose there and 1 snow goose also.
Craig
Csam@sympatico.caPlease Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding.
Craig
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Hello Ontbirders,
Jim Fairchild saw the Spotted Towhee in Lynde Shores Conservation Area at 2:30 p.m. today. He found the bird by walking in the field along the south edge of the woodlot south of the parking lot. The bird was in tangles at the southwest corner. He heard it calling softly "drank" before he spotted it. Compared to Eastern Towhees, female Spotted Towhees are a very dark greyish brown or greyish black (almost blackish) instead of the more cinnamon brown of female Easterns. Jim thinks this bird may be a female.
To reach Lynde Shores, take Brock Street in Whitby south to Victoria Street, turn right (west) and go about 3 km to Lynde Shores parking lot on left.
Good birding,
Jean
Jean Iron
President, Ontario Field Ornithologists
9 Lichen Place
Toronto, Ontario M3A 1X3
Canada
jeaniron@globedirect.com
Web Page: www.interlog.com/~ofo
- Sun, 05 Dec 1999 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Hi,
I gave everyone a bad rap for Dec. 1st. The towhee at Lynde Shores C. A. feeder trail (south side of Victoria St., Whitby) was one of those new fangled Spotted things.This I know because it had obvious white covert spotting, but my brain refused to file and collate...until today when on the shores of Lake Simcoe and gazing out onto an empty Lake the penny finally dropped...
I went back today and found only 2 Winter Wrens and 3 White-throateds. If I see it, or the "other" towhee (as the two bird theory surreptitiously creeps in) I will post, if I can remember...
Lots of Bonaparte's on Lake Simcoe but little else of note.
Eating spotted crow,
Brian Henshaw
bhenshaw@home.com
Monday, Nov.29, was COLD as I stood a lonely vigil at the Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch platform. I decided to "forsake" the watch at 10AM, in favour of strolling up and down Hall's Rd.(S.Whitby)with a voracious band of Chickadees keeping me company. I had several wonderful close-up views of 15 Common Redpolls feeding on the cones of the Birches which line the road. In the stubble-field to the west was a "colony" of 20 very actively-flying Horned Larks and a few Snow Buntings. As I walked down the pathway leading to Cranberry Marsh's north platform I witnessed a Northern Shrike, along with a Marsh Wren which has been noted there over the past week or so.Doug Lockrey,
lockrey33@home.com
Whitby,ON
On behalf of King Baker I report an adult Golden Eagle flying westerly about 15-stories high in the Morningside-Lawrence area of Scarborough at 12 noon on Nov.25. It seemed to be "dragging" one leg--I use the term given to me in a phone message. It had not been picked up at the Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch.Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON
CMRW in south Whitby, ON, is about to complete its 10th year of a 3-month viewing, identifying and recording of migrating raptors. As of Nov.24 people have stationed themselves on the southwest platform of the marsh for 421 hours, having been a part of a team of 70 volunteers who have sighted and recorded 13,861 hawks moving westward.The low numbers of Broad-wingeds in September make this year only the 4th largest in the 10; BUT, RECORD NUMBERS HAVE BEEN NOTED FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING: Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks. It has been a pleasure to have worked with a great crew. However, I need help with the overall co-ordination of the watch next year; please contact me by email or phone(905-666-3897). I also ask any who read this to help me locate individuals who might volunteer to help out on some weekdays. I HAVE A LIMITED SUPPLY OF '99 CMRW and ISRW DATA-BOOKLETS -come to the watch on Friday/Saturday/Sunday, the latter likely to be the last official count day.
Doug Lockrey
Whitby,ON
MONDAY, NOV.15 to SUNDAY, NOV.21
CRANBERRY MARSH RAPTOR WATCH
-- north shore of Lake Ontario, Whitby, ONIROQUOIS SHORELINE RAPTOR WATCH
-- 10 km. north of CMRW atop a ridgeCMRW CO-ORDINATOR -Doug Lockrey; Counters -Doug L.,John Keys
ISRW CO-ORDINATOR -Martin Bence; Counters -Martin B.,Mike Williamson
CMRW TOTALS ISRW TOTALS Nov.15-Nov.21 Aug.18-Nov.21 Nov.15-Nov.21 Sep.1-Nov.21 TV 0 2167 0 904 OS 0 106 0 30 BE 0 13 0 9 NH 5 347 0 77 SS 7 4493 3 547 CH 8 151 2 100 NG 2 19 0 1 RS 5 205 1 123 BW 0 2945 0 3839 RT 89 2208 9 758 RL 22 122 1 43 SW 0 1 0 0 GE 0 9 1 32 AK 0 836 0 57 ML 1 31 0 2 PG 0 28 0 3 GY 0 1 0 0 UA 1 19 0 4 UB 4 94 0 43 UE 0 1 0 0 UF 0 7 0 2 UR 2 48 0 12 Total 146 13,851 17 6,586 Hours 25 415 5 196Most of the hawks at Cranberry this week came through during 3 bitterly cold, northwesterly-wind days on M,Tu and W. The season is winding down and I draw your attention to 5 species' records over 10 years at CMRW, they being RT,NH,TV,SS and RS. I wish to sincerely thank a team of 70 who contributed to the '99 count.Doug Lockrey, Whitby, Ontario
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).There were two juvenile Hudsonian Godwits seen at Corner Marsh (Ajax) Nov 11, 2:00 pm. They were at the north end of the marsh just in front of at least two dozen Great Blue Herons.
Exit 401 at Brock Rd (Pickering) and go south to first traffic lights then east (left) to Squires Beach Road. Follow it to the end. Turn Left on McKay (east) and follwo it around the sewage plant to a three way stop sign. Turn left and park in the dirt parking lot on the left where the road takes a sharp right. The mudflats are on your left (north). Best viewing area is on the left of the parking lot through the trees and bushes.
On Nov 11, 1:30 pm one female red crossbill was watched at close range for several minutes at Cranberry Marsh (south path) in the trees to the south of the path.
Cranberry Marsh is on Hall's road in Whitby? Ajax? just east of Lakeridge road. Take Harwood South exit from 401, go left on Bayly (east bound), turn right on Hall's road 400 meters past Lakeridge road.
Otto Peter
petero@idirect.com
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Last night (Nov 8) just before dusk I saw a juvenile Hudsonian Godwit at Corner Marsh in Ajax.
Exit 401 at Brock Rd (Pickering) and go south to first traffic lights then east (left) to next lights and then south (right) to a T-intersection. Turn east (left) here and follow it around a long curve to a stop sign where you go east (right) to where the road does a sharp 90 degree turn south. On your left is a small dirt parking area. Park here and the mudflats are on your left (north). this is the same spot the Avocet was at earlier in the fall.
Geoff Carpentier
Ajax, Ont.
carpenge@ene.gov.on.ca
Sunday, Nov.7, was a superb day for birders at the Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch in south Whitby. The cold northwesterly and rising Bar.Pr. invited 643 raptors to fly over in a period of 6 hours. At 10:40 a 2-yr.Golden Eagle glided along the lakefront, to be followed at 10:42 by a marvellous dark GYRFALCON; all eyes fixed on this bird as he gave us a 2-minute viewing. As if that were'nt enough we ended the day with THREE(3) very low-flying NORTHERN GOSHAWKS (09:20,09:30 and 14:20). Seven of 13 Rough-legged Hawks were dark phase. Thirteen(13) Red-shouldereds and 567 Red-tailed Hawks kept us alert.Ron Pittaway found 2 White-winged Crossbills and several Common Redpolls during the very few lulls in the "hawk fly-past". The raptor count after 77 days at CMRW is 13593.
Doug Lockrey
Whitby, ON
lockrey33@home.com
CRANBERRY MARSH RAPTOR WATCH
-- north shore of Lake Ontario, Whitby, ONIROQUOIS SHORELINE RAPTOR WATCH
-- 10 km.north of CMRW atop a ridgePLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGIES IF THIS REPORT IS JUMBLED.
MONDAY, NOV.1 to SUNDAY, NOV.7
CMRW STATION CO-ORDINATOR: Doug Lockrey
Counters: John Keys, Doug Lockrey,Rayfield Pye,Mike BoudreauISRW STATION CO-ORDINATOR: Martin Bence
Counters: Mike Williamson,Martin Bence,John Keys,Graham Nord
CMRW TOTALS ISRW TOTALS Nov.1-Nov.7 / Aug.18-Nov.7 Nov.1-Nov.7 / Sep.1-Nov.7 2 2167 -TURKEY VULTURE- 0 904 0 106 -OSPREY- 0 30 1 13 -BALD EAGLE- 0 9 6 336 -NORTHERN HARRIER- 1 77 19 4473 -SHARP-SHINNED HAWK- 5 537 6 142 -COOPER'S HAWK- 2 97 5 15 -NORTHERN GOSHAWK- 0 1 18 197 -RED-SHOULDERED HAWK- 3 114 0 2945 -BROAD-WINGED HAWK- 1 3839 587 2049 -RED-TAILED HAWK- 157 671 28 89 -ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK- 20 41 0 1 -SWAINSON'S HAWK- 0 0 2 8 -GOLDEN EAGLE- 5 31 13 835 -AMERICAN KESTREL- 2 56 1 30 -MERLIN- 0 2 3 28 -PEREGRINE- 0 3 1 1 -GYRFALCON- 0 0 4 17 -UNIDENTIFIED ACCIPITER- 0 4 8 87 - " BUTEO- 12 43 0 1 - " EAGLE- 0 0 0 7 - " FALCON- 0 2 0 46 - " RAPTOR- 0 12 703 13,593 -TOTAL- 205 6,473 22 362 -Hours- 23 178We welcomed the clock fallback, but we certainly had problems with what early November brought us weatherwise; Nov.1 --a complete "fog-out" along the north shore, BUT clear skies to the north allowed the viewing of 2 GE at ISRW; Nov.2 --non-stop rain; Nov.3 --all-day mist and snow flurries. Then northwesterly winds and rising bar.pr. resulted in the arrival of 643 hawks at CMRW on Nov.7; highlights were 1 dark GYRFALCON, 3 low-flying Northern Goshawks, 1 Golden Eagle, 18 Red-shouldered, 13 Rough-legged and 567 Red-tailed Hawks.Doug Lockrey, Whitby, Ontario
lockrey33@home.com
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Doug LockreyNorthwesterly winds and rising Bar.Pr. should have brought more birders to view the magnificence of both light and dark phase Rough-legged Hawks to the east of Metro Toronto.
The Iroquois Shoreline Raptor Watch counters had 98 hawks over 6 hours, including 83 Red-tailed,9 Rough-legged (1 dark) and 1 imm. Golden Eagle(at 1425); 7 Evening Grosbeaks were an added treat.
At the Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch, among the 36 hawks seen over 6 hours were 11 Rough-leggeds (3 dark), 2 Northern Goshawks, 1 Golden Eagle (adult at 1120) and 3 Peregrines, 2 coming in from the lake.
After 80 days the raptor count at CMRW is 12950, while 10 km. to the north ISRW's total is 6374. We intend to continue to the end of November.
G'day Gents.Just wanted to share with you today's find from Wilderness Park. I must have found no less than 4 or 5 bird kill sites (nothing but feathers), but only one had any obvious signs of identification (obvious to me, at any rate ;-). See the attached photo.
I suspect it is (or was) a Downy Woodpecker, but I bow to the Master Birder... correct me if I'm wrong. They are slightly less dark on the underside (more grey than black), and do have a particularly soft (downy) feel to them... particularly the cluster of 4 feathers on the right in the photo.
I wish I had as much luck finding *live* birds... but then, today's expedition was not intended to be for birding, just a walk... so I had not brought my binocs or book, much less my camera.
There was actually a stretch of bushes that were just loaded with berries of some sort. They looked very much like the "chokecherries" I love... medium-bright red with small grey flecks, and a single large seed. But these ones were larger, more clustered, and the seed was proportionally smaller (i.e., there was much more pulp & juice in these). I crushed one & it smelled like my chokecherries, but it had very little taste to it (I just licked a tiny bit of juice... I'm not that
). Probably not coincidentally, there was also a large flock of robins hanging around the area. I also found a dead fish in the creek... it must have been a good 24 inches long, but unfortunately I don't know much about fish except that they stink even when they're alive. This one was submerged, and on his back, exposing a really bright yellow underside from snout to tail. (I don't mean just "yellow-ish", I mean solid canary yellow!) I could barely reach this one with a stick, and when I turned it over I could see splotches of the same yellow (and some dark green) all over his sides, and it looked like it might just have been due to decay, but perhaps not. All in all, just not something I see every day.
--
Larry Menard
Defender of Geese and of All Things Natural
larry.menard@home.com
http://members.home.net/larry.menard
CRANBERRY MARSH RAPTOR WATCH
-- north shore of Lake Ontario, Whitby, ONIROQUOIS SHORELINE RAPTOR WATCH
-- 10 km.north of CMRW atop a ridge
MONDAY, OCT.25 to SUNDAY, OCT.31 CMRW Station co-ordinator: Doug Lockrey
Counters:John Keys,Doug Lockrey,Gord Gallant,Jean Iron,Rayfield PyeISRW Station Co-ordinator: Martin Bence
Counters:Mike Williamson,Martin Bence,John Keys
CMRW TOTALS ISRW TOTALS Oct.25-Oct.31 / Aug.18-Oct.31 Oct.25-Oct.31 / Sep.1-Oct.31 34 2165 -TURKEY VULTURE- 8 904 0 106 -OSPREY- 0 30 1 13 -BALD EAGLE- 0 9 15 330 -NORTHERN HARRIER- 1 76 78 4454 -SHARP-SHINNED HAWK- 6 531 13 136 -COOPER'S HAWK- 8 95 5 10 -NORTHERN GOSHAWK- 0 1 20 179 -RED-SHOULDERED HAWK- 26 111 0 2945 -BROAD-WINGED HAWK- 1 3839 399 1462 -RED-TAILED HAWK- 80 514 34 61 -ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK- 10 21 0 1 -SWAINSON'S HAWK- 0 0 5 6 -GOLDEN EAGLE- 8 26 13 822 -AMERICAN KESTREL- 2 56 0 29 -MERLIN- 0 2 1 25 -PEREGRINE- 1 3 2 13 -UNIDENTIFIED ACCIPITER- 0 4 2 79 - " BUTEO- 5 31 0 1 - " EAGLE- 0 0 0 7 - " FALCON- 0 2 3 46 - " RAPTOR- 0 12 625 12,890 -TOTAL- 156 6,267 37.5 339 -Hours- 22 160.5This has been a good week for Golden Eagles at both sites. Wednesday's northerly winds and rising B.P. accounted for 461 hawks at CMRW; TV-23, RS-15,RL-15,RT-337,GE-3 and BE-1 kept the observers busy. Up at ISRW on that day: RS-24 and GE-4 were among 81 raptors. On Friday, of CMRW's 47 we had RL-6 and NG-4;2 GEs came through ISRW on both Friday and Sunday. Non-raptors at Cranberry included 65 Redpolls on Sunday and a county record 150 Ruddy Ducks all week, along with a wide variety of waterfowl.Doug Lockrey, Whitby, Ontario
Redpolls, Redheads and Red-Shouldereds AND GOSHAWKSDoug Lockrey
on Oct.29, 1999The Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch (Whitby, ON) had several real bonuses today (Friday, Oct.29). Eleven (11) Common Redpolls alighted into the tree behind our platform, remaining until four of us had a great view. In spite of east winds we counted 47 migrating hawks over 6 hours, being treated to 4 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, 6 Rough-legged Hawks (1 dark morph),each taking the time to put on a hovering display before moving on, 3 Red- shouldered Hawks and 21 Red-tailed Hawks. The marsh still is home to over 120 Ruddy Ducks. A "DIDUKNOW"--Ruddies do not spook; yesterday I witnessed a staff canoe working its way towards a raft of ducks--many Redheads and Lesser Scaups jumped off the marsh and headed for the adjacent lake, while every Ruddy remained to greet the canoeists.
A superb welcoming cold northerly wind and rising Bar.Pr. allowed the counters at Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch in south Whitby to observe 461 migrating raptors over a period of 6.5 hours. I thank Jean Iron, John Keys, Brian Henshaw, Joyce Collier-Brown, Florence Jerome and Les Sayer for the 3 or more hrs. each helping to spot, identify and marvel at the incoming birds. 3 Golden Eagles (1 sub-adult,2 juvenile at 1145 & 1255 EST respectively, 1 juvenile Bald Eagle(1330 EST), 23 Turkey Vultures, 1 N.Goshawk,15 Red-shouldereds and 337 Red-tailed Hawks kept us alert. In addition we managed to recognize many Pine Siskins, Snow Bunting and Cedar Waxwings, along with 1 EVENING GROSBEAK, 1 N.Shrike; and on the marsh were at least 12 species of ducks, including Canvasback.Doug Lockrey
After 6 hours of watching in variable skies, here are the results for the day.
Also seen at Cranberry Marsh was a Doe and Fawn just north of platform, 1 Monarch, 2 Mourning Cloaks, Green Garner Dragonfly, 3 immature White-crowned Sparrows, 2 White-throated Sparrows, 2 American Tree Sparrows, 2 Common Snipe, 1 Snow Goose, and the usual species of waterfowl in good numbers.
- Turkey Vulture - 10
- Northern Harrier - 5 (two of which were males, in addition to at least three locals that were present throughout the day)
- Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
- Coopers' Hawk - 1
- Red-shouldered Hawk - 1
- Red-tailed Hawk - 24
- Golden Eagle - 2 immature (1 at 9:30 which three of us watched for about ten minutes, and another possible GE which I sighted at around 14:15 at the NW corner of the marsh, which was then tracked by car going north by Mike Williamson until positive ID was made at Brock and Tauton RD at 14:30 EST)
Gord Gallant .... gord@web-nat.com
CRANBERRY MARSH RAPTOR WATCHDoug Lockrey, Whitby, Ontario
-- north shore of Lake Ontario, Whitby, ONIROQUOIS SHORELINE RAPTOR WATCH
-- 10 km.north of CMRW atop a ridge
MONDAY, OCT.18 to SUNDAY, OCT.24 CMRW Station Co-ordinator: Doug Lockrey
Counters:Doug Lockrey,John Keys,Jean Iron,Gord Gallant,Les Sayer, King Baker,Mike Boudreau,Rayfield PyeISRW Station Co-ordinator: Martin Bence
Counters: Mike Williamson,John Keys,Martin Bence
CMRW TOTALS ISRW TOTALS Oct.18-Oct.24 / Aug.18-Oct.24 Oct.18-Oct.24 / Sep.1-Oct.24 3430 2131 -TURKEY VULTURE- 44 896 0 106 -OSPREY- 0 30 1 12 -BALD EAGLE- 0 9 17 315 -NORTHERN HARRIER- 3 75 342 4376 -SHARP-SHINNED HAWK- 19 525 40 123 -COOPER'S HAWK- 9 87 2 5 -NORTHERN GOSHAWK- 0 1 121 159 -RED-SHOULDERED HAWK- 7 85 0 2945 -BROAD-WINGED HAWK- 0 3838 690 1063 -RED-TAILED HAWK- 210 434 24 27 -ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK- 8 11 0 1 -SWAINSON'S HAWK- 0 0 0 1 -GOLDEN EAGLE- 16 17 28 809 -AMERICAN KESTREL- 1 54 2 29 -MERLIN- 0 2 2 24 -PEREGRINE- 0 2 3 11 -UNIDENTIFIED ACCIPITER- 0 4 39 77 - " BUTEO- 8 26 0 1 - " EAGLE- 0 0 0 7 - " FALCON- 0 2 5 43 - " RAPTOR- 0 12 1659 12265 -TOTAL- 325 6111 35 301.5 -Hours- 13.5 138.5Monday,Oct.18 was a cold day with NW winds and rising B.P.;over 7 hrs. the observers were treated to 1297 raptors,incl.one of the best-ever RS counts(116),312 TV,279 SS,83 CH,526 RT(incl.a very dark morph)& 7 RL. On Sunday,Oct.24 the cold NW winds brought 12 GOLDEN EAGLES & 142 RT to ISRW, and 1111 RT, 7 RL and 1 NG to CMRW.Highlight non-raptors: at ISRW- 2 Sandhill Cranes on Oct.19; at CMRW- 150 Ruddy Ducks on Oct.20, 1 Short-eared Owl on Oct.23, 2 Tundra Swans and 1 Great Horned Owl on Oct.24.
The cold northwesterlies brought many raptors along several fronts on Sunday, Oct.24, to the east of Metro Toronto. Those who braved the ele- ments at the Iroquois Shoreline Raptor Watch in Heber Down C.A. saw 12 GOLDEN EAGLES along with 142 Red-tailed Hawks. Meanwhile at the watch at Cranberry Marsh in south Whitby we observed 2 TUNDRA SWANS fly along the willows before alighting in the lake at 2PM EST. Along with a GREAT HORNED OWL, highlights of the 192 migrating hawks were 111 Red-taileds, 7 Rough-leggeds and 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK. THE TOTAL OF RAPTORS TO DATE AT CMRW is 12,266, while at ISRW 6,111 have been counted.Doug Lockrey
Saturday, Oct.23, started off slowly raptor-wise at the Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch in south Whitby. BUT, in the early afternoon 12 people were treated to a low-flying SHORT-EARED OWL which arose in the southeast corner of the marsh before deciding to disappear. 3 Canvasbacks and 70 Ruddy Ducks were amongst the usual waterfowl. Snow Buntings and Pine Siskins flew by the hawk watchers. Over 6.5 hrs. 84 migrating raptors were counted, incl.35 Red-tailed, 2 Red-shouldereds and 9 Rough-leggeds. The total raptor count at CMRW to date is 12,073. Meanwhile 3 immature GOLDEN EAGLES were sighted at the Iroquois Shoreline Raptor Watch in Heber Down C.A.Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON
The northwest winds, 6C temp.and rising bar.pr.on Monday, Oct.18, meant a large raptor flight along the north shore of Lake Ontario. Who would have expected 1297 hawks to fly over Cranberry Marsh over 7 hours? I am indebted to Jean Iron,John Keys,Jenny Turner,Jim Fairchild,Les Sayer and Barry Robinson for their time in spotting, identifying and counting the streams of hawks. Highlights were 312 Turkey Vultures,1 juv.Bald Eagle, 279 Sharp-shinneds,33 Cooper's,1 Northern Goshawk,116 Red-shouldereds, 526 Red-taileds (incl. a very dark morph)and 7 Rough-leggeds. After 60 days of counting the TOTAL at the Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch is 11903.Doug Lockrey
CRANBERRY MARSH RAPTOR WATCHDoug Lockrey, Whitby, Ontario
-- north shore of Lake Ontario, Whitby, ONIROQUOIS SHORELINE RAPTOR WATCH
-- 10 km.north of CMRW atop a ridge
SUNDAY, OCT.10 to SUNDAY, OCT.17 CMRW Station Co-ordinator: Doug Lockrey
Counters: Mike Boudreau,Doug Lockrey,Gord Gallant,Martin Bence,Ivy Yandt,Jenny Turner,John BarkerISRW Station Co-ordinator: Martin Bence
Counters: Mike Williamson,John Keys,Martin Bence,Rayfield Pye
CMRW TOTALS ISRW TOTALS Oct.10-Oct.17 / Aug.18-Oct.17 Oct.8-Oct.17 / Sep.1-Oct.17 761 1788 -TURKEY VULTURE- 408 852 0 106 -OSPREY- 1 30 1 11 -BALD EAGLE- 0 9 39 298 -NORTHERN HARRIER- 4 72 782 4034 -SHARP-SHINNED HAWK- 97 506 25 83 -COOPER'S HAWK- 33 78 1 3 -NORTHERN GOSHAWK- 1 1 22 38 -RED-SHOULDERED HAWK- 39 78 0 2945 -BROAD-WINGED HAWK- 0 3838 101 373 -RED-TAILED HAWK- 81 224 3 3 -ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK- 3 3 0 1 -SWAINSON'S HAWK- 0 0 0 ** 1 -GOLDEN EAGLE- 1 2 168 780 -AMERICAN KESTREL- 4 53 3 27 -MERLIN- 0 2 5 22 -PEREGRINE- 0 2 4 8 -UNIDENTIFIED ACCIPITER- 3 4 8 38 - " BUTEO- 1 18 0 1 - " EAGLE- 0 0 1 7 - " FALCON- 0 2 10 38 - " RAPTOR- 3 12 1936 10606 -TOTAL- 681 5786 32.5 266.5 -Hours- 24 125** On Oct.16 at 1610,1620 & 1635 EST 3 juvenile GEs were seen over a house in west Pickering,ON,the locale being 10 km.west of our 2 watches. Two days of N/NW winds and rising B.P.(Oct.11 and 14) brought 1756 hawks to CMRW;only 161 took the inland route to the north thru ISRW. "Rouge", a PG fitted with a satellite-tracking wire was noted at CMRW on Oct.11. With a shift in the wind to SE on Oct.15 only 14 raptors passed over CMRW, whereas 346 "chose" the ISRW path. The continuing S winds along with 15-17C kept the numbers low on Oct.16(13,55 at CMRW & ISRW resp.). On Oct.17 103 SSs came through, mostly singly;also 1 of 2 PGs swooped in AND TOOK A GREEN-WINGED TEAL.Cranberry Marsh has become a staging ground for great numbers of at least 14 species of Ducks. A white Snow Goose arrived on Oct.16.
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Doug LockreyOn Saturday, Oct.16/99, Mike Williamson, who had put in several hours at the Iroquois Shoreline Raptor Watch in north Whitby, had a birder's dream as he witnessed THREE(3) juvenile GOLDEN EAGLES float over west Pickering,ON, just to the north of Dundas St.(highway 2) at 1620 EST, 1620 EST and 1635 EST. I hope to be able to talk with Mike regarding the actual flight-paths of these marvellous birds ASAP.
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Marcel GahbauerAround 10 am today, Corner Marsh was dotted with shorebirds from end to end. I counted a total of 143 Pectoral Sandpiper, 6 Dunlin, 3 Black-bellied Plover, 4 White-rumped Sandpiper, and a few very active Yellowlegs, including at least one Greater and one lesser - the others I never had a chance to pin down. All of these were seen from the shoreline just north of the little parking lot; doubtless there were additional birds hidden from view in the far corners of the marsh.
There were also many ducks, although not much variety. 168 Gadwall and 147 Green-winged Teal were the dominant species, while there were a handful of Mallards, Black Ducks, and Shovelers scattered about. Also of note were 21 Great Blue Herons standing virtually side by side at the north end of the marsh.
A Merlin, a Sharp-shin, and a Harrier all flew west overhead while I was scanning the flats, and three flocks of Pipits totalling 16 birds also passed by heading west.
To get to Corner Marsh, exit Hwy 401 at Brock Road in Pickering, go south to Bayly and turn left. Continue east on Bayly to Squires Beach Road; turn right. Turn left at McKay and follow the road around the bend to Montgomery Park. Turn left again, and then stop at the small parking lot just after the right-angle turn.
Over a period of 6 hours on a 5C day with brisk NW winds and rising bar. pr. we totalled 998 migrating raptors, including 611 Turkey Vultures, 262 Sharp-shinneds,17 Red-shouldereds and 2 Rough-leggeds (1 light and 1 beautiful dark morph sailing directly overhead). The conditions were superb for a big flight, and my only qualm is that I wish there had been more observers both to help with the count and to take in the grandeur of these birds. My thanks go out to Jean Iron,Arlene Brazeau,John Keys and Alan Horner for putting in 6/3/4/2 hours resp. and to 5 others whose eyes and persistence were appreciated. There was not much time to ob- serve the waterfowl, but occasional peaks revealed 12 different species of ducks, incl. Ruddy, Redhead, Pintail, Ring-necked and Hooded Mergs.Doug LockreyThe CMRW total to date, after over 50 days, is 10450 hawks.
Meanwhile Mike Williamson has been doing yeoman's service at our Iro- quois satellite--he had 109 hawks today, incl. a 2-yr. Golden Eagle. The count to date at ISRW is 5167.
DURHAM REGION,DAVE MUDD.
ORONO BACKYARD REPORT
OCT. 14/ 1999.
All the best,
- 15+ Pine Siskins (on niger feeders)
- 1 Fox Sparrow (red and white proso millet, back fence)
- 4 White-throated Sparrows (white and tan morph)
- 3 White-crowned Sparrows (1 adult, 2 juveniles)
- 4 Chipping Sparrows (winter adults)
- 60+ Dark-eyed Juncos (adult male, female. and 1st winter females)
- 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches (male and female)
- 2 White-breasted Nuthatches (male and female)
- 7 American Goldfinches
- 3 House Finches (females)
- 4 Blue Jays
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Hello Ontbirders,
The shorebirds at Corner Marsh in Ajax on Sunday afternoon were:
From Hwy 401 exit at Brock Road (Pickering) south to Bayly, left on Bayly to Squires Beach Road and turn right. Continue south to McKay, turn left. Continue to Montgomery Park and turn left. There is a parking lot where road makes a sharp right turn.
- 1 juvenile Hudsonian Godwit
- 1 juvenile Long-billed Dowitcher
- 1 juvenile American Golden-Plover
- 6 juvenile Black-bellied Plovers
- 180 Pectoral Sandpipers, mostly juveniles
- 12 Greater Yellowlegs, mostly juveniles
Jean Iron and Ron Pittaway
Jean Iron President, Ontario Field Ornithologists 9 Lichen Place Toronto, Ontario M3A 1X3 Canada jeaniron@globedirect.com Web Page: www.interlog.com/~ofo
Our visitor at CMRW and Corner on Oct.11 was NOT Eco--he is in Miami!!! Marcel suggests it may be ROUGE, which "returned home" to Richmond Hill recently. He will be at work today to hopefully verify. Meanwhile, Lincoln, the rehab, is to be released on Oct.18, MNR will decide where. Marcel will keep me informed.Doug
CRANBERRY MARSH RAPTOR WATCH
-- north shore of Lake Ontario, Whitby, ONIROQUOIS SHORELINE RAPTOR WATCH
-- 10 km.north of CMRW atop a ridge
SUNDAY, OCT.3 to SATURDAY, OCT.9 for CMRW / to OCT.7 for ISRW CMRW Station co-ordinator: Mike Boudreau
Counters:Mike Boudreau,Martin Bence,John Keys,Joyce Collier-Brown,King Baker,Gord Gallant,Steve Yandt,Dave ShannonISRW Station Co-ordinator: Martin Bence
Counters: Mike Williamson,Martin Bence,Graham Nord
CMRW TOTALS ISRW TOTALS Oct.3-Oct.9 Aug.18-Oct.9 Oct.3-Oct.7 Sep.1-Oct.7 TV- 884 1027 TV- 364 444 OS- 3 106 OS- 29 BE- 2 10 BE- 9 NH- 35 259 NH- 5 68 SS- 217 3252 SS- 58 407 CH- 14 58 CH- 12 45 NG- 1 2 NG- RS- 16 16 RS- 14 39 BW- 2 2945 BW- 6 3838 RT- 188 271 RT- 66 143 SW- 1 1 GE- 1 1 GE- 1 AK- 85 612 AK- 7 49 ML- 2 24 ML- 2 PG- 5 17 PG- 2 UA- 4 UA- 1 UB- 24 30 UB- 17 UE- 1 1 UE- UF- 6 UF- UR- 1 28 UR- 1 9 TOTAL-664 8670 TOTAL-479 5185 Hours- 24 234.5 Hours- 9.5 101I have no report for Oct.10 at CMRW and Oct.8 and 9 at ISRW. Our big day was Oct.3 at CMRW--819 raptors incl.491 TV and a juv.light morph SW. Doug Lockrey, Whitby, Ontario
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Margaret Bain,A Sandhill Crane flying westward low overhead at Thickson's Point in Whitby at midday today, Friday October 8th, was little consolation for hearing that the Common Crane had left Barraute.
We all owe a vote of thanks to Samuel Denault for keeping us posted so promptly over the last few days.
Perhaps the Sandhill will turn up in Durham or Toronto later today. Also thanks to Bruce Di Labio and others for all the postings on the Lewis's Woodpecker which I was lucky enough to see.
Durham RegionDave Mudd.
Corner Marsh, Pickering
Oct. 8/ 1999
- 1 Hudsonian Godwit (juvenile)
Durham RegionDAVE MUDD.
Orono Backyard
Oct. 8/ 1999
- 20 + Pine Siskins (flocking to my niger feeders, yellow on the primaries and outer tail feathers was clearly evident)
- 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches
- 8 Dark-eyed Juncos
It was cold and bitter with a strong north wind, but the sun came out and made it seem a little warmer. The weather was actually ideal for a raptor watch! While assisting in the raptor count at Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch today, we were treated to a good movement of the usual Turkey Vultures, American Kestrals, Red-tailed Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Coopers' Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Northern Harriers. In addition to the birds mentioned above, we also observered an immature Bald Eagle (a possible 2nd year bird) and and adult Bald Eagle.Gord Gallant ..... gord@web-nat.comThe true highlight of the day was a NORTHERN GOSHAWK flying right towards us at eye level. Jean Irons first spotted the bird low above the trees directly across the marsh. It was large and different from anything else we have seen recently - she alerted us all to watch it. Most of us were fixed on the other raptors just above its location. Then we realized she was on a lower bird - then we all saw it! At first it appeared to fly like a Short-eared Owl. Then, as it quickly got closer (within 30 yards directly in front of us) I called out Goshawk! There was no doubt as to the identity of this robust accipiter. It was the best look that any of us have ever had at one. It then veered off to our left and momentarily perched on a bare tree branch in clear view ... we all scrambled to out scopes to get a close view ... but I think that the mad rush on the viewing platform made it feel uneasy and it scattered of into the woods just north and west of us. We never did see it again, but I am sure that the image of it approaching head on, less than thirty meters away, will be etched on our retinas forever. Everything else we saw for the next hour or so seemed anticlamatic compared to the N. Goshawk.
Hi Dave, I saw the Hudsonian Godwit today at Corner Marsh, you were right it was a juvenile. Thanks a million for your report on ONTBIRDS. It was a lifer for me.DAVE MUDD.Corner Marsh List for the day:
All the Best,
- 6 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (adult male, and juveniles)
- 12 White-crowned sparrows (adult, and many juveniles)
- 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglets
- 4 Brown Creepers
- 2 Black-bellied Plovers
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Dave WorthingtonThis morning (Sunday) at 9 am there was a Hudsonian Godwit at Corner Marsh in Pickering/Ajax. It was at the north end of the marsh. There were very few other shorebirds there, only a couple of Black-bellied Plover, a few L. Yellowlegs & Killdeer.There were lots of ducks (nothing uncommon), 7 Black-crowned Nightherons and 20+ Great Blue Herons.
Directions: Take 401 east to Brock Rd in Pickering, go south to Bayly Rd and turn east. Go to Squires Beach Rd and go south on it to the end. Turn east and go to Jodrel Rd , take it to Montgomery Park Rd. and go east until it take a curve going south. There is a small parking lot here and the enterance to the marsh is through the trees to the north.
With NW winds for most of the day, we were treated to a wide variety of raptors!!! At 12:05 EST . A Juvenile Light Morph Swainsons Hawk was sighted overhead (Seen by: Dave Gascoigne,Michael Boudreau,Colleen Boudreau,Martin Bence & Dave Shannon)Michael Boudreau
(A Rare Bird Report will be submitted to the OBRC)After 8 Hrs. The Daily totals were as follows:
- TV - 491
- OS - 3
- BE - 1 (Adult)
- NH - 14
- SS - 136
- CH - 4
- RS - 14
- BW- 1
- RT - 122
- GE - 1 (Juvenile)
- AK - 25
- ML - 1
- PG - 3
- SW - 1 (Juvenile Light Morph)
- UR - 3
- TOTAL 819
CRANBERRY MARSH RAPTOR WATCHDoug Lockrey, Whitby, Ontario
-- north shore of Lake Ontario, Whitby, ON
IROQUOIS SHORELINE RAPTOR WATCH
-- 10 km.north of CMRW atop a ridgeMONDAY, SEP.27 to SATURDAY, OCT.2 (OCT.3 will be in the next posting)
CMRW Station co-ordinator: Doug Lockrey
Counters: Doug Lockrey,John Keys,Steve Yandt,Ivy Yandt,Arlene Brazeau, Joyce Collier-Brown,Les Sayer,Rayfield PyeISRW Station Co-ordinator: Martin Bence
Counters: Mike Williamson
CMRW TOTALS ISRW TOTALS Sep.27-Oct.2 Aug.18-Oct.2 Sep.27-Oct.2 Sep.1-Oct.2 TV- 63 143 TV- 13 80 OS- 8 103 OS- 29 BE- 1 8 BE- 9 NH- 13 224 * NH- 8 63 SS- 85 3035 * SS- 16 349 CH- 4 44 CH- 5 33 NG- 1 1 NG- RS- RS- 25 BW- 2943 BW- 3832 RT- 8 83 RT- 13 77 RL- RL- GE- GE- 1 AK- 31 527 * AK- 3 42 ML- 3 22 ML- 2 PG- 6 11 PG- 2 UA- 4 UA- 1 UB- 6 UB- 17 UE- UE- UF- 3 6 UF- 2 UR- 1 26 UR- 8 TOTAL-229 7186 TOTAL- 58 4652 Hours- 25 202 Hours- 10.5 85.5* ~last week's posted numbers here were incorrect. There was no significant flight until Thursdays's rising B.P.and NW winds brought 31 to CMRW, incl.a 2yr.BE(which came in to take a fish), AND an imm.PG equipped with a satellite-tracking antenna (Can.Peregrine Found'n. verified the bird's name as Eco). Friday's similar conditions brought 135 to CMRW, incl.our first NG(an adult) and 50 TVs. Saturday was "falcon-day"-3 PG,10 AK among the 35 raptors. Few hawks chose the inland ISRW route all week.
Hi Gord,Thanks,Directions given by Gahbauer for access to Osh. Second Marsh (while accurate) are disturbing. By accessing the main trail off Farewell, walking east to the curve, then taking a trail to the right.........puts you on lands owned by the Oshawa Harbour Commission. There is (or was) a No Trespassing sign in place. Anyway, once you pass the fence, you are on private property. In exchange for access for marsh monitoring (an agreement between Osh. Harbour Commission and Friends of Second Marsh) we are asked to remind people that no trespassing is allowed. I would hate to see birders facing conviction, and I would hate to see our monitoring projects suffer due to access being closed to Friends. Please correct me if I have interpreted the directions wrongly, and if so, I appologize to Marcel.
Thank you Jim for bringing this up. A month or two ago I went birding at Oshawa Second Marsh and was with friends to do some birding and butterfly watching. We eventually ended up at the sign you pointed out in your message. Other members of our group wanted to follow the path and proceed past the No Trespassing sign and fence to find shorebirds. I pointed out to them that it is our job and responsibily to observe and obey these signs especially when it involves protecting a significant natural habitat. They agreed not to proceed past the fence, and we continued north along the main paved path to the road. Along the path we were rewarded with sightings of Green Heron, several dragonfly species, Mouring Cloak, Red Admiral, Least Skippers, Tawney Edged Skippers, and Black Swallowtail butterflies.Take care, and tread carefully and thoughfully.
Gord Gallant ....... gord@web-nat.com
It is possible that the peregrine observed this morning is one of the 4 Ontario birds to which lightweight satellite transmitters were applied this summer. The transmitters are attached to the birds like backpacks, so there is a small box (similar to a small lighter) centred on the back which contains the battery, and a greyish antenna roughly 10-15 cm long extending out the back/bottom end of the box.Marcel GahbauerI should point out, however, that all four of the birds with transmitters are juveniles. If it was definitely an adult that was seen, then the object seen on the bird's back was almost certainly not a transmitter (to my knowledge there are presently only 4 other peregrines in North America wearing transmitters; 2 have already made it down to Mexico for the winter, while the other two remain in Alberta as of yesterday).
Two of the monitored Ontario birds were still in Richmond Hill last night, where they were released in late June, while a third (originally released in Guelph) was rehabilitating at the Mountsberg Wildlife Centre in Campbellville after accidentally becoming trapped inside a south Mississauga warehouse over the weekend. However, the fourth bird, named "Eco" could be the one seen at Cranberry Marsh. He (also from Richmond Hill originally) is the one who was reported on Ontbirds recently at Long Point, and subsequently flew back northeast to the Presqu'ile area on or before Sept 22. We hope to get another satellite transmission from this bird in the next day or two, which may help confirm whether or not he is the one seen at Cranberry. As Bill Edmunds kindly pointed out, the movements of all four of these Ontario birds are being documented at
http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/programs/trackem/track.html (please bear with me as I try to finish off the construction of this page over the next couple of weeks!). Please contact me privately if you have any questions or comments on this project.
Between 1050 and 1155 EST on Thursday,Sep.30,at the Cranberry Marsh Rap- tor Watch in south Whitby, Ontario, 4 viewers witnessed an adult Pere- grine flying back and forth over the marsh and willow barrier beach trees.Doug LockreyOF NOTE: several feathers on his back between the shoulders were upraised AND a stiff wire-like item(indeed, it glistened in the sun) emerged from these feathers, streaming upward and backward as he flew in front of us, never more than 200 m.away. He was last seen at 1155 EST, in the se corner of the marsh. Did he have a radio-transmitter devise on him? Also, at 0805 EST a low flapping/soaring 2 yr.Bald Eagle came from the east; suddenly 300 waterfowl flew up in unison as the eagle hovered momentarily above, hence to drop its feet and fall to the marsh, and without getting wet grabbed a fish in its talons. Guess what, a gull charged at him--he dropped the fish and flew on westward.
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).A two-hour visit to Second Marsh this morning produced over 50 species. Passerine migration was strong, with small flocks of Blue Jays (75 in total), Goldfinches (32), Pipits (18), and mixed Blackbirds (Red-winged - 20, Rusty - 34, Grackle - 3, Cowbird - 2) passing overhead.
Sparrows were also abundant. Surprisingly for the time of year, White-throated were the least abundant (only 4), while Swamp (27) were the most numerous. 21 Song, 8 Savannah, and 6 White-crowned were also present. There were four warbler species, including 17 Palm, 6 Yellow-rumped, 2 Yellowthroats, and a Mourning.
Shorebirds included 1 Golden Plover, 1 Black-bellied Plover, and 21 Dunlin. Both Yellowlegs were present too, as were a lone Pectoral Sandpiper and almost 30 Killdeer. Nothing spectacular among the waterfowl, but Green-winged Teal were particularly abundant - rough estimate of 280. Both Great Blue Herons and Black-crowned Night Herons were present in good numbers (10-12 of each).
The highlight of the morning was a juvenile Sora feeding out in the open just off the tip of the boardwalk on the southwest side of the marsh. Most of the birds mentioned above (plus a singing Mockingbird) were seen in/from this area. Only a handful (the White-crowned Sparrows and Palm Warblers) were more common on the east side of the marsh.
Good birding,
Marcel GahbauerDirections: Take the Harmony Road exit from Hwy 401 (exit 419). To get to the east side of the marsh, go south to the traffic lights at Col. Sam Drive, turn east, and continue until you reach the GM parking lot.
Scarborough ON
gsteve6@ibm.net
DURHAM REGIONDAVE MUDD.
Orono BackyardHi Gord, today SEPT.28/ 99 was my earliest backyard record compared to any other year for the arrival of Dark-eyed Juncos. They came even earlier despite the warm temperatures. I have never spotted them before OCT.7 any other year.
- 12+ Dark-eyed Juncos
- 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches
- 1 White-breasted Nuthatch
CRANBERRY MARSH RAPTOR WATCHDoug Lockrey, Whitby, Ontario
-- north shore of Lake Ontario, Whitby, ONIROQUOIS SHORELINE RAPTOR WATCH
-- 10 km.north of CMRW atop a ridgeMONDAY, SEP.20 to SUNDAY, SEP.26
CMRW Station co-ordinator: Doug Lockrey
Counters: Doug Lockrey,Steve Yandt,Gord Gallant,Joyce Collier-Brown, John Keys,John BarkerISRW Station Co-ordinator: Martin Bence
Counters: Mike Williamson,Martin Bence,Graham Nord,Rayfield Pye
CMRW TOTALS ISRW TOTALS Sep.20-Sep.26 Aug.18-Sep.26 Sep.20-Sep.26 Sep.1-Sep.26 TV- 61 80 TV- 44 67 OS- 14 93 OS- 6 29 BE- 5 7 BE- 2 9 NH- 55 221 NH- 19 55 SS- 696 3930 SS- 94 333 CH- 11 40 CH- 11 28 NG- NG- RS- RS- 24 25 BW- 376 2943 BW- 50 3832 RT- 55 75 RT- 43 64 RL- RL- GE- GE- 1 AK- 115 494 AK- 12 39 ML- 8 19 ML- 1 2 PG- 2 5 PG- 1 2 UA- 2 4 UA- 1 1 UB- 1 6 UB- 6 17 UE- UE- UF- 1 3 UF- 2 UR- 6 25 UR- 7 8 TOTAL-1398 6957 TOTAL-321 4594 Hours- 31.5 177 Hours- 18 75The brisk N winds,rising B.P.and temp.drop on Sep.21 brought 924 raptors to CMRW, incl.340 BWs(in small kettles); only 75 took the inland ISRW route on that day. Sep.25's mild northerlies "distributed" the birds along both fronts, BUT 23 RSs & 17 TVs went thru ISRW.
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Geoff CarpentierI had an observation that might be of interest to subscribers. Twice this fall (Ajax and Presqu'ile), I watched a /CrowMerlin/Kestrel interaction. In the first instance, a Merlin repeatedly chased [=harassed] a Crow for several minutes. It appeared to be "playing" with it as it repeatedly chased it through the trees and around them. The Merlin finally lost interest and a Kestrel showed up a few minutes later. The Crow now relentlessly chased the Kestrel until the Kestrel was finally driven off. In the second case, the Merlin was bugging a Crow in the same manner as described above, when a pair of Kestrels showed up. The Crow immediately singled out one of the Kestrels (the male) and the chase was on! Merlin chases Crow who chases Kestrel around and around. This lasted about 2 minutes until everyone but me lost interest!
Ontario Hydro Marsh, BowmanvilleDAVE MUDD.
Sept. 19/ 1999
- 10+ Rusty Blackbirds (winter males and females- nice rusty brown colour)
- 1 Trumpeter Swan
- 3 Pied-billed Grebes (immature stage, well past the zebra-stripes, but lacks the solid black throat of the adult and stripes through the bill are faded.
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Geoff CarpentierSorry for the late posting, but on Saturday morning I had the foillowing hawks at 7:05 a.m. go over my house in Ajax. These would have been missed by the Cranberry gang ....
Peregrine Falcon 2 adult
unidentified medium sized falcons - 2 (quick look but they flew more like Peregrines than Merlins) - could these and the two adults been a family group??
- Kestrel - 1 male
- Northern Harrier - 1 juv.
- Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Natalie HelfertyThe Avocet is in Corner, not Cranberry, marsh as I mistakenly posted. Cross-communication with my mother. She said she had visited another marsh nearby, but she didn't know the name. They also visited Cranberry marsh. I thought that was the marsh she was referring to when she said she saw the Avocet.
My mistake...Corner, not Cranberry for the Avocet.
The 1999 Fall Season is the 9th consecutive one for recording migrating raptors as they fly westward over our viewing platform on the southwest corner of Cranberry Marsh in south Whitby,ON, the marsh being separated from the north shore of Lake Ontario by a willow barrier beach. OUR START WAS AUG.18. Sep.17 was the first day for a "significant" flight (2379)of BWs along this route. Of note is that if the NW winds are not brisk the BWs fly inland over the ISRW(see below)ridge.Doug Lockrey, Whitby, OntarioCRANBERRY MARSH RAPTOR WATCH -Monday, Sep.13 to Sunday, Sep.19
Station co-ordinator: Doug Lockrey
Counters: Doug Lockrey,Gord Gallant,Steve Yandt,Ivy Yandt,Dave Shannon, John Barker,Joyce Collier-Brown,Rayfield PyeCMRW TOTALS for the PAST WEEK:
TV- 7 ,OS- 13 ,BE- 2 ,NH- 132 ,SS-1701 ,CH- 18 ,NG- ,RS- , BW-2548 ,RT- 7 ,RL- ,GE- ,AK- 221 ,ML- 4 ,PG- 3 ,UA- , UB- 1 ,UE- ,UF- 1 ,UR- 5TOTAL- 4663 Hours- 40CMRW SEASON to date:
TV- 19 ,OS- 79 ,BE- 2 ,NH- 156 ,SS-2264 ,CH- 29 ,NG- ,RS- , BW-2567 ,RT- 20 ,RL- ,GE- ,AK- 381 ,ML- 11 ,PG- 3 ,UA- 2, UB- 5 ,UE- ,UF- 2 ,UR- 19TOTAL- 5559 Hours-145.5Last year we established a satellite watch 10 km.to the north, at the east end of Heber Down C.A. The platform sits on a ridge, it being the shoreline of the ancient Lake Iroquois; hence the name Iroquois Shore- line Raptor Watch. We try to cover it as much as possible, partic- ularly if the flight at CMRW is low. The BW count on Sep.18 was 3262.
IROQUOIS SHORELINE RAPTOR WATCH -Monday, Sep.13 to Sunday, Sep.19
Station co-ordinator: Martin Bence
Counters: Mike Williamson,Gord GallantISRW TOTALS for the past week:
TV- 19 ,OS- 16 ,BE- 6 ,NH- 21 ,SS- 158 ,CH- 10 ,NG- ,RS- 1, BW-3676 ,RT- 16 ,RL- ,GE- 1 ,AK- 8 ,ML- 1 ,PG- 1 ,UA- , UB- 1 ,UE- ,UF- 2 ,UR- 1TOTAL- 3998 Hours- 25.5ISRW SEASON to date:
TV- 23 ,OS- 23 ,BE- 7 ,NH- 36 ,SS- 239 ,CH- 17 ,NG- ,RS- 1, BW-3782 ,RT- 21 ,RL- ,GE- 1 ,AK- 27 ,ML- 1 ,PG- 1 ,UA- , UB- 11 ,UE- ,UF- 2 ,UR- 1TOTAL- 4263 Hours- 56.5
Today was a great day to be out in the fresh air, but unfortunately it didn't bring in the large movement of Broad-winged Hawks similar to what had come though here yesterday. I was the offical counter for the day at the Iroquois Shoreline Rapter Watch, and with the help of several other birders and visitors to the tower, we observered the following list of species.Gord Gallant .... gord@web-nat.com
Blue Jays we migrating through, especially in the early part of the day at a rate of 100-200 birds per minute for a few hours.
- TV = 5
- RT = 8
- OS = 9
- BE = 3 ( 2 adults and one 2nd year bird )
- RS = 1 ( 1st for the year )
- BW = 17
- ML = 1
- SS = 46
- NH = 15
- Total for the day = 115
I did a quick count of butterflies and counted 25 Cabbage Whites, 2 Clouded Sulphurs, 2 Orange Sulphurs, 1 Viceroy, 3 Monarchs. There were only a few dragonflies, which were too far away to identify.
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Tom FlinnToday I finally saw the american avocet at Corner Marsh in Pickering (see earlier postings for directions) on my third attempt. This was at 10AM so there may be two avocets in the area (see posting by Natalie Helferty below). I then checked out Hydro Marsh and Frenchman's Bay (both in Pickering) where there is great mud but a real shortage of shorebirds. As I was leaving to come back home I met Andrew Jano who told me I should go to Second Marsh in Oshawa so I did.
The best birds I saw were 8 golden plovers (5 adults, 3 juveniles and another 2 possible juveniles), a red knot which strolled by as I was trying to ID the juvenile plovers, 3 black-bellied plovers and american pipits. Andrew had also seen a stilt sandpiper but I didn't have time to look for it.
To reach Second Marsh exit 401 at Harmony Road. Proceed south on Farewell until you see the Second Marsh sign on the left hand side. Follow the paved pathway until it turns left. Turn right and follow a footpath on the east side of the gate through trees, grass and cattails until you finally come out on mud level.
Whither the Broad-winged Hawks along the north side of Lake Ontario? Should you go to Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch(which straddles Lake Onta- rio in Whitby,ON) or Iroquois Shoreline Raptor Watch(which is inland, 10km.north of CMRW)? If you want kettling BWs and the winds are stiff and out of the northwest go to CMRW; if the winds are mild ISRW is a better bet. Sharp-shinned Hawks and Northern Harriers favour CMRW regardless. For your consideration: SEP.17 was a very windy day--CMRW- BW 2514, SS 1110, NH 17; ISRW- BW 22, SS 27, NH 0, BUT SEP.18 was mild--CMRW- BW 9, SS 104, NH 95; ISRW- BW 3262, SS 26, NH 3.Doug LockreyFeel free to e-mail me for directions to either station.
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Natalie HelfertyHi all,
Just got a report in from the Richmond Hill Naturalists that they saw an American Avocet at Cranberry Marsh in Ajax this morning! It stayed around with other shorebirds on the mudflats for quite some time. The sighting was between 9-10am. Ron Fleming, our club trip leader and an avid birder, was jumping for joy and excited out of his mind I hear. The lucky finders from RHN were Ron Fleming, Michael White and Denise Helferty (my own mother--I couldn't make the trip--drat).
The 1999 Fall Season is the 9th consecutive one for recording migrating raptors as they fly westward over our viewing platform on the southwest corner of Cranberry Marsh in south Whitby,ON, the marsh being separated from the north shore of Lake Ontario by a willow barrier beach. OUR START WAS AUG.18; 65 raptors were counted up to Aug.28. Mild NW winds and rising BP on Sep.10 and 11 brought only 162 birds, none being BW. To date a feature has been 66 migrating OS.CRANBERRY MARSH RAPTOR WATCH
- Monday, Sep.6 to Sunday, Sep.12Station co-ordinator: Doug Lockrey
Counters: Doug Lockrey,Rayfield Pye,Gord Gallant,Dave Shirley, Martin BenceCMRW TOTALS for the PAST WEEK:
TV- 2 ,OS- 18 ,BE- ,NH- 7 ,SS-342 ,CH- 10 ,NG- ,RS- , BW- 2 ,RT- 5 ,RL- ,GE- ,AK- 68 ,ML- 2 ,PG- ,UA- 1 , UB- 2 ,UE- ,UF- ,UR- 3 TOTAL- 462 Hours-34.5CMRW Season to date:
TV- 12 ,OS- 66 ,BE- ,NH- 24 ,SS-563 ,CH- 11 ,NG- ,RS- , BW- 19 ,RT- 13 ,RL- ,GE- ,AK-160 ,ML- 7 ,PG- ,UA- 2 , UB- 4 ,UE- ,UF- 1 ,UR- 16 TOTAL-896 Hours-105.5Last year we established a satellite watch 10 km.to the north, at the east end of Heber Down C.A. The platform sits on a ridge, it being the shoreline of the ancient Lake Iroquois; hence the name Iroquois Shoreline Raptor Watch. We try to cover it as much as possible; the weather has not been conducive to cover the vigil for several days. Sep.11 and 12 brought 0 BW to CMRW, BUT 97 TOOK THE INLAND ROUTE.IROQUOIS SHORELINE RAPTOR WATCH
- Monday, Sep.6 to Sunday, Sep.12Station co-ordinator: Martin Bence
Counters: Mike Williamson,Martin Bence,Graham NordISRW TOTALS for the past week:
TV- 1 ,OS- 3 ,BE- 1 ,NH- 9 ,SS- 57 ,CH- 2 ,NG- ,RS- , BW- 97 ,RT- 3 ,RL- ,GE- ,AK- 12 ,ML- ,PG- ,UA- , UB- 7 ,UE- ,UF- ,UR- TOTAL- 192 Hours- 12ISRW Season to date:
TV- 4 ,OS- 7 ,BE- 1 ,NH- 15 ,SS- 81 ,CH- 7 ,NG- ,RS- , BW-106 ,RT- 5 ,RL- ,GE- ,AK- 19 ,ML- ,PG- ,UA- , UB- 10 ,UE- ,UF- ,UR- TOTAL- 255 Hours- 28Doug Lockrey
lockrey33@home.com
Inclement weather has grounded birds and birders at Cranberry Marsh for a few days. But on Sep.10 mild NW winds prompted many Monarchs to fly past the platform (510 were counted over a 6-hour period). 35 raptors moved westerly, bringing the season total to 523 since Aug.18. We anxiously wait for the weather system to clear out to bring in the Broad-wingeds. Along the pathway a number of Warblers have been observed over the past 3 days: Northern Parula,Canada,Am.Redstart,Wilson's, Black-and-White,Nashville,C.Yellowthroat,Palm and Blackburnian. The Hummers are moving through en masse;today a Cooper's Hawk almost caught one very near our platform. On the marsh are Scaups,Shovelers,both Teals,Wood D.,Wigeons,5 Black-bellied Plovers,Pectorals,Semi-pal. Plovers,Pied-billed Grebes among others.Doug Lockrey
The 1999 Fall Season is the 9th consecutive one for recording migrating raptors as they fly westward over our viewing platform on the southwest corner of Cranberry Marsh in south Whitby, Ontario, the marsh being sep- arated from the north shore of Lake Ontario by a willow barrier beach. WE STARTED EARLY THIS YEAR, the spark being 13 BW on Aug.18; 65 raptors were counted up to Aug.28. On any one day NW winds and rising BP gener- ally predict a good westerly flight in Sep.,BUT the ESE winds of Sep.4 brought 81 Sharpies in distant northwesterly "boils".D. LockreyCRANBERRY MARSH RAPTOR WATCH
- Monday, Aug.30 to Sunday, Sep.5Station co-ordinator: Doug Lockrey
Counters: Doug Lockrey,Dave Langford,Susan Morgan,Mike Williamson, John Martin,Rayfield Pye,John BarkerCMRW TOTALS for the PAST WEEK:
TV- 5 ,OS- 6 ,BE- ,NH- 4 ,SS-143 ,CH- ,NG- ,RS- , BW- ,RT- 1 ,RL- ,GE- ,AK- 10 ,ML- 2 ,PG- ,UA- , UB- 1 ,UE- ,UF- ,UR- 11TOTAL- 183 Hours- 35.5CMRW Season to date:
TV- 10 ,OS- 48 ,BE- ,NH- 17 ,SS-221 ,CH- 1 ,NG- ,RS- , BW- 17 ,RT- 8 ,RL- ,GE- ,AK- 92 ,ML- 5 ,PG- ,UA- 1 , UB- 2 ,UE- ,UF- 1 ,UR- 11TOTAL- 424 Hours- 69Last year we established a satellite watch 10 km.to the north, at the east end of Heber Down C.A. The platform sits on a ridge, it being the shoreline of the ancient Lake Iroquois; hence the name Iroquois Shoreline Raptor Watch. We try to cover it as much as possible.
IROQUOIS SHORELINE RAPTOR WATCH
- Monday, Aug.30 to Sunday, Sep.5Station co-ordinator: Martin Bence
Counters: Mike Williamson,Martin BenceISRW TOTALS for the past week:
TV- ,OS- 1 ,BE- ,NH- 5 ,SS- 23 ,CH- 5 ,NG- ,RS- , BW- 9 ,RT- 2 ,RL- ,GE- ,AK- 4 ,ML- ,PG- ,UA- , UB- 1 ,UE- ,UF- ,UR-TOTAL- 50 Hours- 10ISRW Season to date:
TV- 3 ,OS- 4 ,BE- ,NH- 6 ,SS- 24 ,CH- 5 ,NG- ,RS- , BW- 9 ,RT- 2 ,RL- ,GE- ,AK- 7 ,ML- ,PG- ,UA- , UB- 3 ,UE- ,UF- ,UR-TOTAL- 63 Hours- 14
DARLINGTON PROVINCIAL PARKDave Mudd.
FRIDAY SEPT.3 / 19991 Red-throated Loon (adult 70% breeding plumage, clearly visible red throat)
4 Sanderlings (juveniles)Note: the loon was 10 ft offshore, directly across from the boat rentals cabin.
Was it the heat and humidity that prompted Sharp-shinned Hawks to come across in small northwestwardly boils(!!!) with the mild east-southeast winds behind them? The hawks were very high, soaring in small kettles/boils. After re- cording 80 SSs over 4 hrs.I left Rayfield to get above 100!Doug LockreyHIGHLIGHT NON-RAPTORS --2 low-flying whistling WHIMBRELS at 0928 and 1208 EST; 4 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS and many RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS.
A curiosity in the Alder near the platform are many branches with masses of WOOLLY APHIDS. To date I have not seen any caterpillars of the Harvester Butterfly, which I understand thrive on these aphids.
Between Sunday,Aug.29 and Friday,Sep.3, we have experienced hot,sticky,"very little wind" days at the Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch, the result being only 33 hawks observed flying westward. Indeed, relatively few Dragonflies and Monarchs have gone past. Our raptor total to date is 284 over 53 hrs.,45 of which have been OSPREY. Birders have flocked to the platforms to patiently look for and enjoy the following on the marsh: Red-necked Phalarope (juv.), Baird's Sandpiper (often flying with 6-8 Leasts), Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Black-bellied Plover, Semi-pal.Plover, S-b Dowitchers(3). Although the numbers of shorebirds has been small the challenge to spend time to find the aforementioned has paid off. In addition we have had up to 3 temporarily-resident OSPREYS and 2/3 fun-to-watch Sharpies.Doug LockreyThe CMRW takes place daily from the southwest platform, accessed by way of a pathway leading in from the south end of Hall's Rd. in southwest Whitby. I try to have monitors there every day from 8AM to 1-3PM EST, but more help is surely needed.
As for Pringle Creek: for the past 5 days there have been 30 or more shorebirds on the mudflat to the west of the Brock St.(WHITBY) bridge, south of Victoria St., they being within easy distance to view. Included have been 4 Stilt Sandpipers and Pectorals.
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Yesterday, (Sunday, August 29th., 1-3 pm) I returned to Lynde Shores Cons. Area for the first time in at least 10 years.
Now, much to my dismay, this tiny Conservation Area has become almost completely surrounded by urban sprawl.
The small wood lot continues to be a welcome refuge for migrating birds, however, & my efforts were well rewarded. Although I didn't see much at all along the 'bird feeder trail', following the sunny southern edge of the woodlot proved to be more productive.
In addition to the usual suspects - dozens of cedar waxwings, chickadees, downy & hairy woodpeckers, catbirds, song sparrows, swamp sparrow, american goldfinch, northern oriole, blue jays, hummingbirds, black and white, yellow-rumped, black throated green and redstart warblers,
I was delighted to see the following: ovenbird, 1 prairie & 1 parula warbler, and a fox sparrow. Numerous kestrels were also seen hunting the open fields that border the north south road to the lake on the east side of Cranberry Marsh.
Brock May Outside Exposure Photography brock.may@utoronto.ca 164 Rusholme Rd. Toronto, Ontario M6H 2Y7 Canada Fax: 416-533-2013 Work: 416-533-1238
Early this morning I rediscovered the American Avocet (in winter plumage) in the Corner Marsh area, except I found it near the lake, north of the bridge/walkway. Instead of parking in the dirt parking lot as described in the previous message, continue on down towards the lake and park in the small lot, or along the road. Take the paved path east which takes you to bridge path over the mouth of Duffins Creek.Gord Gallant .... gallantg@interlog.comI initially checked all of the mudflats along the shore and could not find it. I decided to go back, and when I did, it had shown up on the mudflats just north of the bridge/path. I watched it there for a while (8:20 - 8:40 am), until it flew north towards Corner Marsh and fed on a large mudflat south of Corner Marsh. If you don't find in the marsh, check out the many other mudflats in that area. Once you spot it, you can't help but identify it.
Believe it or not, this was a life bird for me. A great way to start off the week!
Good luck, and good birding!
Sincerely,
Gord
- Sun, 29 Aug 1999 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).David WorthingtonThis morning (Sunday) at 9:15 I observed a winter plumaged American Avocet at Corner Marsh. It was seen at the north end of Corner Marsh in the north east corner. It was easily seen feeding along the shoreline. Also there were 3 Stilt Sandpipers and a Short-billed Dowitcher amongst the more common variety of shorebirds.
After leaving Corner Marsh I went to Cranberry Marsh ( a few Km east) where the hawk watchers told me that they had seen a Buff-breasted Sandpiper out in the grassy area of Cranberry Marsh.
Directions to Corner Marsh: Exit 401 at Westney Rd and go south to Bayly St. W (a continuation of Victoria St.) go west to Squires Beach Rd and turn south to where it ends at McKay Rd. Turn left (east) to Jodrel Rd., turn left (east) at Montgomery Park Rd. and follow this to where it turns south and becomes Frisco Rd. There is a small dirt parking lot here on the east side. Park here and follow the path through the trees to the marsh.
Directions to Cranberry Marsh; Exit the 401 at Brock St. (in Whitby). Go south to Victoria St. and turn west. Go west to Halls Road and turn south. There are 2 path leading from Halls Rd to viewing platforms at the marsh.
The 1999 Fall Season will be the 9th consecutive one for recording migrating raptors as they fly westward over our viewing platform on the southwest corner of Cranberry Marsh in south Whitby,ON, the marsh being separated from the north shore of Lake Ontario by a willow-festooned barrier beach. OUR OFFICIAL START WAS AUG.23, BUT VIEWERS ON AUG.18,21 and 22 RECORDED A TOTAL OF 48 RAPTORS (TV-2,OS-4,NH-9,SS-11,CH-1,BW-13, RT-2,AK-4,ML-2) exclusive of "our resident" 3SS,2OS,2NH,1ML and 1PG.D. LockreyCRANBERRY MARSH RAPTOR WATCH -Monday,Aug.23 to Sunday,Aug.29
Station co-ordinator: Doug Lockrey
Counters: Doug Lockrey, Stan Davies, Mike Williamson, Rayfield Pye, John BarkerCMRW TOTALS for the PAST WEEK:
TV- 3 ,OS- 38 ,BE- ,NH- 4 ,SS- 67 ,CH- ,NG- ,RS- , BW- 4 ,RT- 5 ,RL- ,GE- ,AK- 78 ,ML- 1 ,PG- ,UA- 1 , UB- 1 ,UE- ,UF- 1 ,UR-TOTAL- 203 Hours- 28CMRW Season to date (incl. 3 pre-season dates):
TV- 5 ,OS- 42 ,BE- ,NH- 13 ,SS- 78 ,CH- 1 ,NG- ,RS- , BW- 17 ,RT- 7 ,RL- ,GE- ,AK- 82 ,ML- 3 ,PG- ,UA- 1 , UB- 1 ,UE- ,UF- 1 ,UR-TOTAL- 251 Hours- 33.5Last year we established a satellite watch 10 km.to the north, at the east end of Heber Down C.A. The platform sits on a ridge, it being the shoreline of the ancient Lake Iroquois; hence the name Iroquois Shoreline Raptor Watch. We are unable to staff it regularly.
IROQUOIS SHORELINE RAPTOR WATCH -Monday, Aug.23 to Sunday, Aug.29
Station co-ordinator: Martin Bence
Counters: John Barker, Martin BenceISRW TOTALS for the past week:
TV- 3 ,OS- 3 ,BE- ,NH- 1 ,SS- 1 ,CH- ,NG- ,RS- , BW- ,RT- ,RL- ,GE- ,AK- 3 ,ML- ,PG- ,UA- , UB- 1 ,UE- ,UF- ,UR-TOTAL- 12 Hours- 3ISRW Season to date:
TV- 3 ,OS- 3 ,BE- ,NH- 1 ,SS- 1 ,CH- ,NG- ,RS- , BW- ,RT- ,RL- ,GE- ,AK- 3 ,ML- ,PG- ,UA- , UB- 2 ,UE- ,UF- ,UR-TOTAL- 13 Hours- 4
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Geoff CarpentierMornin'
In my yard in Ajax on Aug 22nd, I had Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Merlin.
At Cranberry Marsh in Whitby, I watched an Osprey at dusk flying low over the water and it twice slipped its feet in and flew, dragging them in the water for about 5 metres. This is interesting as I was just reading an article about this behaviour, but had never actually seen it until the 21st. Could it have been cleaning fish residues off its feet?
Ideas?
The northwest winds from 1115-1245 EST on Wed.Aug.18 brought 38 hawks from the east over Cranberry Marsh. These were 3 Osprey,9 Northern Harrier(incl.2 male),7 Sharp-shinned, 1 Cooper's,13 Broad-winged(1 had four tail feathers and several wing feathers missing),2 Red-tailed,1 American Kestrel and 2 Merlin. The residents are 3 immature SS,2 NH, 1 ML,2 OS and 1 Peregrine. We also had a Nighthawk.Doug LockreyOf 28 Dragonflies, there were 14 Darners,1 Wandering Glider, 2 Saddlebags and 11 Unknowns.
Our official start to the Watch is Sat.Aug.28, but counting will occur up to that date.
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Geoff CarpentierTerrie Smith and I went out last night looking for Buff-breasted near Ajax. No luck, but found about 75 Killdeer at one sod farm.
At Cranberry Marsh - Killdeer, both yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, Solitary Sandp. and Spotted Sandp., Harrier (juv.) and three BCN Herons.
In my yard in Ajax - Least Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Flyc., American Redstart and Red-eyed Vireo .... and on the 17th I had four Nighthawks over my house.
During the weekdays leading up to Saturday, Aug.28, I have a feeling that some early raptors will be on the move as they wing their ways over CRANBERRY MARSH in south Whitby. For the past number of days we have been royally entertained by a triumvirate of 3 immature Sharpies, 2 local Northern Harriers, 2 hunting Ospreys, a Red-tailed and, occasionally, a Merlin. Our watch-station is set up. Please help me locate some weekday observers who are willing to help out for any length of time, asking them to email or phone me ASAP (905-666-3897).Doug Lockrey
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Hello Ontbirders,
We again saw the two adult Long-billed Dowitchers today (Saturday) at Oshawa Second Marsh that we reported Thursday's post. They contrasted nicely with the nearby juvenile Short-billed. Also present were an adult Baird's Sandpiper, juvenile Stilt Sandpiper and a full breeding plumaged Black-bellied Plover.
There were two more Long-billed Dowitchers at Cranberry Marsh in Whitby seen from the north platform off Hall's Road. One was in worn breeding plumage while the other was much paler in molt to winter plumage.
Ron Pittaway and Jean Iron
Jean Iron President, Ontario Field Ornithologists 9 Lichen Place Toronto, Ontario M3A 1X3 Canada jeaniron@globedirect.com Web Page: www.interlog.com/~ofo
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Jean IronHello Ontbirders,
We birded Oshawa Second Marsh this afternoon, Thursday 12 August. The mudflats are still extensive with plenty of shorebirds including a few new ones from our Monday posting.
Long-billed Dowitchers: 2 adults in worn breeding plumage. They were the only adult dowitchers there, all the others were 24 juvenile Short-billed. It's unlikely many adult Short-billed will be seen after now.
We also had our first juvenile Stilt Sandpiper of the year and again saw the adult Baird's Sandpiper, probably the same one we reported in Monday's post. There were only 3 Greater Yellowlegs (2 molting adults and a juvenile) among the dozens of Lessers.
Exit 401 at Harmony Rd. in Oshawa, go south past two traffic lights to the Waterfront Trail. Walk about 400 metres east on the trail to where it turns sharply left. If you can find it, there's a narrow trail along the creek through the cattails to the mudflats. Rubber boots are recommended. Or you can go to the General Motors Offices and get more distant views from the east. A scope is essential.
Happy shorebirding,
Ron Pittaway and Jean Iron
Web Page: www.interlog.com/~ofo
I have had the opportunity to witness the marvellous "antics" of an incoming Peregrine Falcon on 2 days at Oshawa's Second Marsh: Sunday, August 8(11AM) with a group of Durham Field Naturalists, and Tuesday, August 10 (2PM), from the west mudflats and from the west Waterfront Trail, respectively. Great numbers of shorebirds sprung into the air; the raptor contentedly speared through the air eastwardly, wheeling as if to stoop, but seemingly just checking things out. On the Tuesday I managed only a glimpse as I was concentrating on getting to my car before the rains hit; he appeared from the west, bulleting toward the marsh.Doug Lockrey
WHITBY, THICKSON ROAD and KING ST./HWY 2DAVE MUDD.
AUGUST 10/991 AMERICAN CROW ( HYBRID ?? GENETIC RARITY??, Perfect white wing bars, not ALBINO)
HI GORD, I saw the most incredible American Crow today. I spotted him at the intersection of Thickson Rd. and King/Hwy 2. Whitby. I followed him to the back parking lot of TOYS R US. He was flying around the homes that back onto the parking lot. As he flew low to the ground swooping from treetop to treetop, I could see perfectly symmetrical bright white wing bars bordering the lower half of each wing. The rest of his plumage was black.
Does anyone have any possible scientific explanation ???
DARLINGTON WATERFRONT TRAILDAVE MUDD.
ONTARIO HYDRO MARSH
AUGUST 7 / 1999 6:45 pm
- 1 Virginia Rail (juvenile) came out to drink from a mudflat puddle
- 4 Lesser Yellowlegs
- 3 Solitary Sandpipers
- 4 Common Moorhens (2 adults, 2 juveniles)
- 8 Least Sandpipers
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Jean IronDear Ontbirders, We visited Oshawa Second Marsh today, Monday 9 August. What a great day to watch shorebirds in the pleasant 21C weather! On the extensive mudflats, we saw around 400 shorebirds comprising 12 species.
Other species seen included 13 Black-crowned Night-Herons, 9 Hooded Mergansers and 2 juvenile Bonaparte's Gulls (our first this year was yesterday). Interestingly the distinctive plumage of the juvenile Bonaparte's is not illustrated in any of the field guides!
- Black-bellied Plover: 3 molting adults.
- Semipalmated Plover: + 20, mostly adults.
- Greater Yellowlegs: 2 juveniles (our first this year).
- Lesser Yellowlegs: + 200, >60% juveniles.
- Solitary Sandpiper: 5 adults; later at Cranberry Marsh we saw 2 juveniles (our first this year).
- Semipalmated Sandpiper: 10-15, a few juveniles. So far this species seems much less common than usual this year.
- Least Sandpiper: + 125, mostly juveniles. When a Least turned its head sideways to look up, we did too and saw a male Northern Harrier high overhead. A juvenile harrier flying lower frequently flushed the shorebirds, but they weren't overly alarmed by it.
- Baird's Sandpiper: 1 adult
- Pectoral Sandpiper: + 40 adults
- Short-billed Dowitcher: 11 juveniles, whereas a week ago there were several adults.
- Plus Killdeer and Spotted Sandpiper.
Second Marsh is located on Lake Ontario in Oshawa near the General Motors Head Office. Take Harmony Road off Highway 401 to second traffic lights, turn left and follow to GM Office, park on west side and take the short trail to platform overlooking the marsh and mudflats. You'll need a scope with a 30X or zoom 20-60X lens.
Good birding,
Jean Iron and Ron Pittaway
Hi Gord,Marcel GahbauerA morning excursion to Second Marsh produced a total of 54 species, including several songbirds which will soon become increasingly difficult to find as the breeding season is over and the fall migration begins.
There were 10 shorebird species, but with the exception of a Solitary Sandpiper that was near the east lookout, all of the others were on the distant mudflats on the west and north ends of the marsh, and a scope was essential. The most abundant species were Least Sandpiper (~25), Killdeer (~35), and Lesser Yellowlegs (~45). Other good finds included 4 Short-billed Dowitcher, 6 Pectoral Sandpipers, and 3 Semipalmated Plovers.
I was amazed by the number of Great Blue Herons - 28 in Second Marsh alone, plus another 8 in McLaughlin Bay just to the east. Just as surprising to me, there were 2 Green Herons at each location, all conspicuously out in the open (one perched in a dead tree). The fish population must be booming, as there were also 48 Caspian Terns, 54 Common Terns, and a flock of over 250 Cormorants.
There were still 9 Yellow Warblers around today, including 3 singing males. Likewise, 3 of the 6 Common Yellowthroats I found were in full song. Other species still conspicuous today but likely to become scarce and/or difficult to find in the near future included Willow Flycatcher, Great-crested Flycatcher, Indigo Bunting, and Baltimore Oriole (a single female near the east lookout). I could only locate a single Meadowlark, and just one Savannah Sparrow, in sharp contrast to earlier in the season when both were abundant and conspicuous. Most of the Tree Swallows are also already gone.
Darlington Waterfront Trail, Ontario Hydro MarshDAVE MUDD.
August, 2, 1999Hi Gord, the water levels have dropped and all mudflats are exposed. Shorebirds are good in numbers, however, nothing unusual.
- 12 Lesser Yellowlegs
- 5 Solitary Sandpipers
- 21 Least Sandpipers
- 2 adult Common Moorhens (with 4 juveniles)
- 1 Black-crowned Night Heron (juvenile, walking across the mudflats)
- 1 Pied-billed Grebe (adult)
- 2 Spotted Sandpiper
The Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch will officially open on Sat.,Aug.28.Doug Lockrey,
Last year nearly 18000 raptors flew west over our heads during the 3-month watch, due in part to many days with ideal wind conditions.MY REASON FOR THIS MESSAGE IS
TO ASK FOR YOUR EXPERTISE IN :
If info is needed or if you know anyone(yourself included) who may be able to help please contact me by email or phone (905-666-3897).
- promoting the watch (9AM-mid afternoon) over a 90-day period;
- emphasizing the need for help in observing and counting on WEEKDAYS;
- pointing out that we need people who would volunteer to count and record specific migrating non-raptor birds, dragonflies and butterflies.
Most sincerely,
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Mark AnsellJuly 21, 1999
Today on a trip out to Cranberry Marsh in Pickering a single Whimbrel flew in at 10:00am and touched down on the shore between the two viewing platforms. After about 20 minutes in was spooked by some Killdeer and flew aroung the marsh a couple of times before heading out to the west. Also seen were large numbers of swallows over the fields (all except Purple Martin). Also good numbers of shorebirds at Second Marsh (however access is restricted) including 30+ lesser yellowlegs, 6 short-billed dowitchers and many least sandpipers.
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Doug LockreyWednesday, July 21/99 at 1130 from the northwest platform at Cranberry Marsh, I had a 5-sec. look at a Whimbrel at the north-central end of the marsh, before it took off into the cattails beyond. Other birds on the marsh included 5 Short-billed Dowitchers (there were 4 on Tuesday), many Least Sandpipers, several Solitary Sandpipers, Spotted Sandpipers, many Lesser Yellowlegs and 3 Wood Ducks. Yesterday there was a Semi-palmated Plover, and an adult OSPREY flew over westward.
Durham Region
DARLINGTON WATERFRONT TRAIL
ONTARIO HYDRO MARSH, Bowmanville/Courtice
DAVE MUDD.
- 1 Warbling Vireo
- 3 Least Flycatchers
- 4 Common Moorhens/Gallinules (adults)
- 4 Yellow Warblers
- 1 Black-crowned Night Heron
- 2 Spotted Sandpipers
- 2 Eastern Kingbirds
- 20 + Cedar Waxwings
On May 4th, I reported the discovery of a pair of mockingbirds at the back of the parking lot to the C.A.W. Local 200 building located on Philip Murray Drive and Boundary Road in Oshawa/Whitby - next to Intrepid Park.Don DavisI stopped by this area yesterday looking for monarch butterflies, and again spotted a pair of mockingbirds. I assume they have set up territory and may be nesting.
The location of a singing male INDIGO BUNTING was brought to my attention by Dr.M.Speirs on Friday, June 11/99; I found him on Tuesday, June 15 at the same spot. Traveling east on Taunton Rd.(Pickering) toward Brock Rd., the highway bends northeasterly; at that spot continue on the old Taunton straight-ahead (it deadends before reaching Brock); in the vicinity of a small factory you should be able to hear him in a nearby tree. (mid-morning)Doug Lockrey
Durham RegionDAVE MUDD.
KENDAL, CONC. RD 6 and KENDAL RD. (6:30 - 7:30 PM)
- 2 Upland Sandpipers (breeding was absent last year at this site, good to see them back)
- 1 Indigo Bunting (male)
- 10 Bobolinks
- 7 Eastern Meadowlarks
- 12 Savannah Sparrows
From June 3 to June 11/99, while doing tree survey work for Dr.M.Speirs in the 11 ha Dr.Speirs Ecological Reserve in west Pickering, I am aware of each of the following birds singing on territory:DOUG LOCKREYNORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (2), OVENBIRD, GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER and RED-EYED VIREO
The best time of day is before 9AM. To date I have heard a RUFFED GROUSE only once.
Over the past few years the numbers of the aforementioned birds singing have dropped radically. Personally I feel that the huge subdivision which backs directly onto the east and south sides of this marvelous 300m.x340m.tract has been a major factor.
Durham RegionDAVE MUDD.
DARLINGTON WATERFRONT TRAIL
ONTARIO HYDRO MARSH, Bowmanville
- 2 Pied-billed Grebes ( and 1 baby, "zebra-striped" )
- 1 Common Moorhen
- 1 American Coot
- 1 Green Heron
- 2 Black-crowned Night Herons
- 3 Eastern Kingbirds
- 2 Baltimore Orioles (in Willows)
- 7 Cedar Waxwings
- 2 Spotted Sandpipers
- 100 + Juvenile Starlings
Hi Gord, all this week we have been graced by the presence of 3 brown thrashers just outside our office. We are located on Shirley Rd. just south of Port Perry. Also a Northern Flicker has been hanging around.Heather Ray ;-)
PICKERING, FRENCHMAN'S BAY BEACH/ SANDBAR- LAKE ONTARIO SIDEDAVE MUDD.
MAY 30/ 1999
- 100 + Ruddy Turnstones (largest flock I have ever seen)
- 1 Sanderling
- 8 Dunlin
- 3 Purple Martins (flying overhead)
- 2 Gadwall
- 10 Common Terns
DURHAM REGIONDAVE MUDD.
DARLINGTON PROVINCIAL PARK (Sandspit)
JUNE 2 / 1999
- 2 Ruddy Turnstones
- 2 Sanderlings
- 1 Dunlin
- 10 Spotted Sandpipers
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Margaret Bain,May 29th
The two singing male Connecticut Warblers put on a good show at Thickson's Woods this morning, singing well and visible with patience. They started off at the northwest corner of the woods and then later in the morning worked their way along the north edge of the woods to the edge of the marsh where they continued to sing to at least 11am. Please respect private property when you are looking for them and do NOT wander onto the residents' lawns or driveways, however great the temptation.Thickson's Woods is reached from the Thickson Road exit from Hwy.401 (exit 412). Go south on Thickson Road to the small road that goes left at the north side of the woods (part of the Waterfront Trail) and park there or on Thickson Road itself.
The Hudsonian Godwit was not seen at Cobourg Harbour today, but there was still a huge number of shorebirds in the harbour and on the beach west of the harbour, including at least 500 Dunlin.
The red-throated Loon is still at the channel to Frenchman's bay this evening. It was sitting on the far bank(west side). The closest views you can have of the bird are from the east side from the end of Liverpool road. The bird appears healthy. I have seen several times this species of loon sitting on shore, so I am surprised by it sitting on shore . Unfortunately I have not this particular bird moving ( actively swimming and flying) to accurately conclude its fitness.Tyler Hoar
had a flock of about 50 whimbrel fly over my yard this morning at about 7:10. I was just coming in and first saw a flock of birds going by from the reflection in the glass of the screen door. I turned around and was obviously quite pleased, a new bird for the yard list.Peter HogenbirkI am located on solina rd. in courtice.
Lots of shorebirds: 12 species in totalTyler HoarAlso Common tern colony is happily nesting. Some nests are even beside the rare herring gull nest in the marsh. The Herring gull nest is on the gravel island toward the sw side of the marsh and is the first nest of this species, I have ever seen in the marsh. The island usually by now it is covered with cormorants. This year the cormorants are for the most part ignoring the Oshawa area as a place for non breeders to occupy. This real reverses the tread of this species for the last few years. Around the lookout (GM area) platform there were two Olive-sided flycatchers. Well now for the shorebird totals:
at 3pm
315 Dunlin 8 Short-billed Dowitchers 5 Least Sandpipers 3 White-rumped Sandpipers 1 Semi-palmated Sandpiper 2 Spotted Sandpipers 1 Lesser yellowlegs 2 greater Yellowlegs 6 Ruddy Turnstones 3 Peep sp. 15 Semi-palmated Sandpipers 5 Killdeer 1 Black-bellied PloverBonniebrae Point 7 pmWith north winds the Scoter & Oldsquaw migration sorties were suspended. There was aproximately 2000 scoters and about the same number of Oldsquaw in scattered rafts (approx 50-600 birds/raft) out from Bonniebrae Pt.
Hi Gord:C.S.ForsterI am a beginner "birder". I recently visited Lynde Shores Conservation Area (which is in the Harwood Avenue, Bayly Sy W area- Pickering). Saw numerous red-winged blackbirds. Small woodpeckers- which I believe to be Downies- very tame- eat seed from your hand. Also very small birds- possibly chickadees, which are also very tame. They have a variety of ducks, Canada Geese and I saw one nesting Robin and a Blue Jay. This is a good area to take children, as there are feeders throughout the area, as well as numerous squirrels and chipmunks which like to be fed.
This is the first time visiting your site- I will continue to "check in" to see what is new.
Last night (May 17), Terrie Smith and I were shown a beautiful adult Red-throated Loon at the foot of Liverpool Road in Pickering. Dave Shirley, who found it, was most cooperative in showing it to us and providing a little history.Apparently, it has been present for about a week and spends the day in the small channel that leads into the marina. At night it climbs up onto the shore on the northwest side of the channel to sleep - amazing to watch it do all of this!
To get there, exit 401 at Whites Road, go south to the first light and go east to Liverpool Rd [about 2 km], turn south and park at the end of the road. Walk west along the beach to the boat channel and it will hopefully be there, a few feet away!! This bird is very cooperative, so close approaches are not necessary.
While we were there, we saw something else that we hope someone can provide some info on ... a small to medium sized Canada Goose was present on the east side of Liverpool Road, with other Canadas. It was duskier than most and had a noticeably smaller and thinner bill. It carried two legs bands - one was a silver CWS band, but we couldn't read the number; the other was an orange leg band with black lettering - it carried the number "T18". Does anyone know who might be using these bands and where we could write for info.?
Pls respond directly to me at E-mail address below, if you can help.
Thx
Geoff Carpentier
CARPENGE@ENE.GOV.ON.CA
Some highlights from Durham region today included Wilson's Phalarope, Red-shouldered Hawk, Lincoln's & Grasshopper Sparrows, and Blue-winged and Golden-winged Warblers:Marcel GahbauerDarlington Provincial Park - 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, 8 species of warbler including Canada and Parula (both just east of lookout), several Indigo Buntings, Scarlet Tanagers, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.
Second Marsh - 6 Dunlin, 1 Black-bellied Plover, 20+ Least Sandpipers, 3 Black Terns, 2 Semipalmated Plovers, 1 Green Heron, 1 Golden-winged Warbler.
Thickson's Woods - 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 1 Mockingbird; otherwise fairly quiet.
Cranberry Marsh - 2 Common Mergansers, 3 Lesser Scaup, 5 Greater Scaup, 2 Am. Wigeons, 1 Ruddy Turnstone, 2 Black-bellied Plovers.
Glen Major Conservation Area (west side of Westney Road, just north of Uxbridge townline) - 1 Blue-winged Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Sparrow, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk.
Durham Regional Forest Main Tract - 3 Juncos, 2 or more Pine Warblers, 1 Cooper's Hawk.
Nonquon Lagoons - 2 female Wilson's Phalaropes, 1 Short-billed Dowitcher, 2 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 150+ Least Sandpipers, 3 Greater Yellowlegs, 6 Lesser Yellowlegs, 8 Semipalmated Plovers, 1 Coot.
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Tyler HoarA big day a Darlington. There was not a huge number of birds but there was a huge diversity. My goal was to hope to see maybe 100 species, the final total for the day was 128 species.
Highlights:
1 Sharp-tailed Sparrow, the west part beach foraging along the edge of the sandbar willow thicket at the east side of the treeless gravel bar. To access this area either park at the picnic area 3 beside the beach and walk west along the beach to the second pond. Or access it from the west side by trails running south of the GM headquarters. Go east along the lake until you reach an open gravel bar and pond on the beach. The bird was foraging along eastern side of this area. I watched it for approximately 1/2 hour while waiting to see if any shorebirds were going to arrive to use the ponds. Warblers 20 sp. including 3 Northern Parulas, 3 Golden-winged Warblers, and 1 Blue-winged Warbler. Warblers were spread thinly throughout the park with concentrations in the creek valley, campsite 263, and below picnic area 1. Yellow-throated Vireo in creek valley Sparrows 12sp. including Clay-coloured 1( in usual spot below the lookout), Lincolns 4 Orchard Orioles 3 ( 1 males 2 females) in picnic area 1 and the campground large numbers of Oldsquaw (approx. 10,000-12,000) and White -winged Scoters 470 sitting on Lake Ontario at 8 am. Gulls 5 sp. including 1 little, 5 Great Black-backed, and 13 Bonapartes (an aside note there appears to be a Herring gull nest on an island in the 2nd marsh.) Shorebirds small numbers of 6 common species
Brant 2 flocks 38 and 36 birds flying eastwards.
Red-throated Loon 1 on Lake Ontario of the beach area at 8:15 am approx.
Horned Grebes 2 On Lake Ontario of the western side of the beach
Long-eared Owl 1
Raptors; Osprey 1 and female Merlin
Evening Grosbeak 1 in Picnic area 3 at 8 am.
Scarlet tanager 7 including one with unusual plumage ( red was a darker and duller colour and the wings appeared to have a partially faded black look).And no House Sparrows
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Margaret Bain,May 14th, 1999
Birding has been good in Thickson's Woods, Whitby in the last week. Best days were the rainy days last weekend and Wednesday, May 12th when there seemed to be a strong movement of migrants throughout southern Ontario.
There were 25 species of warblers in the woods on Wednesday, as well as many thrushes, Scarlet Tanagers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Highlights include two singing male Cerulean Warblers, one on Sunday the 9th and another today, several singing Golden-winged and Blue-winged warblers, an early Blackpoll yesterday and a Gray-cheeked Thrush today, and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo on Wednesday.
No "southern" rarities yet - perhaps this weekend?To reach Thickson's Woods take the Thickson Road exit from Hwy.401 (Exit 410) and go south to the woods on the east side of the road, just before the Lake. Park on the side of Thickson Road or, if there is room, on the small road that goes east to the sewage plant north of the woods. You will even get fed this Saturday! The Thickson's Woods Pancake Breakfast will be held from 8am to noon on Saturday, May 15th in the NW corner of the woods.
Have had some Indigo Buntings, Rosebreated Grosebeaks, and White Crowned Sparrows at the feeder this weekend; also a Baltimore Oriole in the apple tree and also a pair of Tree Swallows nesting in a box -----all in my own side yard --- I am SO lucky!Marion Thomas, just north of Ajax.
Having heard that the Nonquon lagoons are about to close permanently, I decided to make one last trip there this morning. The outing proved to be quite productive.Marcel GahbauerShorebirds included 46 Lesser Yellowlegs, 11 Greater Yellowlegs, 2 Solitary Sandpipers, 13 Least Sandpipers, 7 Dunlin, 4 Spotted Sandpipers, and 4 Killdeer.
Waterfowl numbers were low, but there was a high level of diversity: 4 Blue-winged Teal, 1 Green-winged Teal, 4 Gadwall, 6 Shovelers, 2 Redhead, 3 Ring-necked Duck, 16 Greater Scaup, 6 Bufflehead, and of course many Mallards and Canada Geese.
Other birds of interest included 10 Caspian, 1 Black, and 4 Common Terns, 5 Bonaparte's Gulls, 1 Moorhen, 1 Coot, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, and 5 species of swallow (Cliff was missing).
Seeing such a diversity of species in such a small area reminded me of what a wonderful birding location Nonquon has been, and brought back memories of the several lifers I've discovered here. I'm going to miss this spot...
Hi Gord, last night we went for a walk down to the nonquon river where it crosses hwy #12 to see the goslings. Two eggs, still un-hatched. Then we heard what sounded like a turkey coming from the underbrush. About 15 minutes later we saw three very large birds fly into a tree. I think they may have been turkey vultures? Very big, about 26-32 inches, bald red heads. dark brown/black plumage. I've never seen turkey vultures before but my fieldguide gave a good ID on them. This took place in the Provincial wildlife area just north of the intersection of Reach rd. & Hwy 12 ...going back today WITH my binocs to see if I can get a better look.Heather
Gord Gallant - gallantg@interlog.com
I spent a few hours at Thickson's Woods on Friday and was rewarded to a variety of warblers and other migrants I hadn't seen yet this year. Here is a list of the new species I saw there.Gord Gallant .... gallantg@interlog.com
The woods were alive with warblers and other songbirds, and birders were really enjoying themselves! With the advancement of foliage it is becoming increasingly more difficult to visually locate birds in the woods. It is a very big asset to learn the songs. I suggest trying to learn all of the more common ones first, that way when hear something unusual, you will know that you should make an effort to find it. I have made more efforts this year to learn the calls, and it has paid off!
- Lincoln's Sparrow (north of the woods in the woods on the other side of the stream)
- Nashville Warbler
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Gold-winged Warbler
- Blue-winged Warbler (I only heard - but seen and heard by many others)
- Magnolia Warbler
- Orchard Oriole female
- Least Flycatcher
- Warbling Vireo
- Wood Thrush
Good luck - and good birding!
Here at the feeder just south of Port Perry, (Purple Hill)Hedray@aol.com
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Geoff CarpentierLast evening (May 5), I had a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher in my new backyard in Ajax.
I live about 2 km west of the lagoons on hwy #12. Tonight I had about 8 white crowned sparrows at my feeders. Earlier in the day there were 2 Orioles flying thru the yard. This is the first time I've seen the white crowns. very striking bird! They were gobbling up the niger seed.Hedray@aol.com
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Margaret Bain,There was no sign of the Snowy Egret at Nonquon today, but the birding was good, with 10 species of shorebirds including four Long-billed Dowitchers. There were several Black Terns, coots, a moorhen and a good assortment of ducks.
There is no construction going on in the lagoon area yet, so perhaps we will be able to get in a few more visits this spring.
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).Margaret Bain,May 4, 1999
Nonquon Lagoons had a Snowy Egret in the second pond from the west today, found by Gerry Shemilt. Access to the lagoons remains unchanged as yet, but construction of a new sewage treatment facility is scheduled to start next week. Exit the 401 at Hwy.12, Brock St., Whitby and go north to Scugog Line 8, just north of the Port Perry turnoff. Go east on Scugog Line 8 for about 2km to the west entrance to the lagoons which are on the south side of this road.
A Glossy Ibis was found at 5pm today at the mouth of Corbett Creek, at the eastern edge of Thickson's Woods, Whitby, by Warren Brailsford. Exit the 401 at Thickson Road, Whitby and go south to the sewage plant road. Turn east here and park to walk to the causeway to view the creek or walk through the woods and along the beach to the creek mouth. The ibis was not seen later in the evening but should also be looked for in neighbouring marshes, including Cranberry and Oshawa Second Marsh.
Another bird to keep in mind is the Black Vulture seen in the Ganaraska Forest at the Durham/Northumberland border on April 25 and again at the Wesleyville exit to the 401, west of Port Hope, on Sunday, May 2.
Northern mockingbirds have always eluded me. So tonight, I was delighted to discover what appeared to be a pair in the very back of the parking lot of the Canadian Auto Workers Union Hall on Philip Murray Drive, next to Intrepid Park on the Whitby/Oshawa border. One bird was sitting in the top of one of the small pine trees at the back of the parking lot and singing about 60 feet away from me. It flew onto the ground a short distance away, revealing the dark wing patches, and was joined by another mockingbird. Both appeared to be feeding off of ground level insects.Don DavisI went for a walk and on return 10 minutes later, one of the mocking birds had returned to the top of the pine tree.
Correct me if my directions are wrong: Exit Hwy. #401 at Thickson Road and head south towards Thickson's Woods. Turn left (east) on Wentworth and stop at Boundary Road. Turn right (south) on Boundary Road. The road curves sharply to the left, and becomes Philip Murray Drive. The Canadian Auto Workers Union Hall is on your right at the bend.
As I am careful with regard to entering onto private property, perhaps someone knows if the Auto Workers mind if birders enter their property located adjacent to Intrepid Park or if the undeveloped area at the back of the parking lot is public land.
This morning was relatively quiet at Thickson's Woods. The few birders that were there saw, or at least heard a Pine Warbler, a few Yellow Rumps, White-throats, and heard Field, Savanah and Songs Sparrows in the field north of the woods.Gord GallantAt Cranberry Marsh there was three Wood Ducks along the north shore. The marsh had a few Gadwall, Shovellers, Scaup, Bufflehead and Mallards on the water. A couple of Great Blue Herons are around - in and out of the marsh. Brown Thrasher, R-S Towhee, Black & White Warbler, a couple of Juncos, cowbirds, and various sparrows along the road and paths. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak was the highlight along the road opposite the north boardwalk path on Halls road. Another treat was my first Eastern Kingbird high in the trees along the shore while looking north from the north platform.
Take care, and good birding!
Sincerely,
Sunday May 2, 1999Thickson's Woods
I enjoyed a warm morning birding in the woods, and met several fellow birders that I usually bird with, and several others that have visited my websites. It was great to meet people that you usually only contact by e-mail. There were a few new migrants - but only one or two of each species.
Here are some of the highlights that we
