| HAMILTON and surrounding area |
Archived Birding Reports - 2002 |
Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report - Thursday, May 30th, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
At 1:45pm, Thursday, May 30th, 2002, this is the Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report. The Hotline is normally revised on Thursday nights, unless an unusual bird turns up in the Hamilton area. The PIPING PLOVER was last reported on Friday evening at the small pond south and west of the Tollgate Ponds. The pond, which is barely a puddle, has been outstanding for shorebirds throughout the week. A WILLETT turned up there on the weekend, and a WHIMBREL was spotted on Monday (it was still present this morning). Other shorebirds seen at the "puddle" include RUDDY TURNSTONE, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, SANDERLING, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, and DUNLIN. More shorebords were seen at points further afield. AMERICAN AVOCET and WILSON'S PHALAROPE were reported from the Townsend Sewage Lagoons, and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, DUNLIN, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, and WILSON'S PHALAROPE were seen at the Smithville Sewage Ponds. Birds seen in and around the RBG this past week include GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, CEDAR WAXWING, BLUE-GREY GNATCATCHER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, WOOD DUCK, FIELD SPARROW, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, BALTIMORE ORIOLE and RED-TAILED HAWK on the trails, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, SORA RAIL, WOOD DUCK, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, and YELLOW WARBLER at Hendrie Valley. A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was found on Sunday behind the arena on Olympic Drive, but further attempts to locate it were unsuccessful. Other local reports include BRANT at Bronte Harbour, and LEAST BITTERN near Milgrove. At Long Point, late migrants continue to show up, like ACADIAN FLYCATCHER, SUMMER TANAGER, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, CERULEAN WARBLER, HOODED WARBLER, ORCHARD ORIOLE, YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER, GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH, and BLACKPOOL WARBLER. Spring migration is winding down, and soon the nesting season will be in full swing. Be sure to keep letting us know about your sightings, leave your name, telephone number, as well as the time and date of your call. Sightings can also be reported by E-mail. GOOD BIRDING! Keith Dieroff C/O Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report Hamilton, Ontario kdieroff@yahoo.ca
Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report - Friday, May 24th, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
At 10:00am, Friday, May 24th, 2002, this is the Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report. The Hotline is normally revised on Thursday nights, unless an unusual bird turns up in the Hamilton area. The PIPING PLOVER found Wednesday at a small pond south and west of the Tollgate Ponds on the Hamilton lakeshore was still present yesterday at noon. It has been joined by a SEMI-PALMATED SANDPIPER, a few DUNLIN and some LEAST SANDPIPERS. Unlike the PIPING PLOVER, the rare CURLEW SANDPIPER found the previous Wednesday did not stick around for more than a couple of days. Lots of migrants and other birds were reported from RBG properties this week. Here's a quick run down of the location and birds reported: Hendrie Valley - SCARLET TANAGER, CHESNUT-SIDED WARBLER, BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, WILSON'S WARBLER, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, NORTHERN PARULA WARBLER, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, and EASTERN SCREECH OWL. North Shore Trails - BALD EAGLE, BROWN THRASHER, LEAST FLYCATCHER, TUFTED TITMOUSE, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART, PINE WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, COMMON LOON, COMMON NIGHTHAWK, INDIGO BUNTING, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, GRAY CATBIRD, and GREAT-HORNED OWL. The Dundas Valley was also productive with HOODED WARBLER, MOURNING WARBLER, BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER, LAWRENCE'S WARBLER, BREWSTER'S WARBLER, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, TENNESSEE WARBLER, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART, CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW, PHILIDELPHIA VIREO, YELLOW-THROATED VIREO, YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER, and RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER reported from various locations. At LaSalle Park, nine species of warbler were reported, including CANADA WARBLER and PINE WARBLER, along with PHILADELPHIA VIREO, LEAST FLYCATCHER, and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. Further east at Shoreacres/Paletta, seven species of warbler were seen, as well as BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. Other local reports include BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO on the Rail Trail in Ancaster, BRANT, WILLET, and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at Bronte Harbour, RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, DUNLIN, LEAST SANDPIPER, and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER at the Townsend Sewage Lagoons, RED-NECKED GREBE and COMMON LOON at Spencer Smith Park, WILSON'S WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK on the Stoney Creek Mountain, another BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO at Grindstone Creek, and another BRANT at the foot of Indian Creek Road in Burlington. As expected, there were some great yard reports this past week. An INDIGO BUNTING turned up in Waterdown, SCARLET TANAGER, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, PINE SISKIN, INDIGO BUNTING, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK visited a Burlington yard, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK were reported from Hagersville, and CEDAR WAXWING, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK made stopovers in Hamilton. In other news, this week marked the first confirmed breeding record of GREAT EGRET in the Toronto area. Ontario also recorded both species of pelican this week. The WHITE PELICAN last reported Tuesday on the Burlington lakeshore was joined by a BROWN PELICAN in the Point Pelee area. And last but not least, Hamilton's very own PEREGRINE FALCON pair are proud parents of two chicks. This week your reporter was inundated with reports. It's been a great spring for migrants and rarities but be sure to keep letting us know about your sightings, leave your name, telephone number, as well as the time and date of your call. Sightings can also be reported by E-mail. GOOD BIRDING! Keith Dieroff C/O Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report Hamilton, Ontario kdieroff@yahoo.ca
Piping Plover at Hamilton - May 23, 2002 1:08 PM
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
The Piping Plover was still at Hamilton Harbour's Tollgate Ponds/Eastport Pier 26 today (May 23) over the noon hour. Directions: From the QEW, take the Eastport Dr. exit, go southeast on Eastport Dr. to the first (northmost) entrance road to Pier 26. Continue past the trailer. The bird is in the shallow pond on the fill area between the south end of the large cell and the Harbour. These lands are posted, but birders are usually tolerated. Be respectful of any work activity underway in the area. Rob Dobos Waterdown, Ont. rob.dobos@ec.gc.ca
White Pelican, Bronte Harbour, Oakville - May 21, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
At 6:45am this morning, Tuesday, May 21st. the WHITE PELICAN was amongst the gulls and dc cormorants out in the lake off the west side pier. /tac Directions: Bronte road (hwy 25) is an exit off the QEW......then straight down to the lake. Thomas A. Crooks 489 Forestwood Court Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7L 4K6 Tel: 905-634-1178 Fax: 905-634-9616 E-mail: eclectic@worldchat.com
White Pelican - May 20, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
The white pelican remains in Burlington. At 5:30 we saw it all by itself almost directly in front of Paletta/Shoreacres Park. Paletta Park is south of Lakeshore Road halfway between Walker's and Appleby Lines. Bob and Lynn Gapes blgapes@cogeco.ca
White Pelican at Sioux Lookout - May 19, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
At 11:30 am to 12pm, the White Pelican could be seen off the shore of Sioux Lookout. It was about 250 metres out, to the southeast. As mentioned in a previous report, it was being harassed by gulls. Directions: Sioux Lookout is about 1/4 km west of Walker's Line and Lakeshore Rd. in Burlington. Look for a sign and parking area. Anne Pinteric Toronto,ON apinteric@hotmail.com
White Pelican still in Burlington - May 19, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Received a call from Tom Crooks and Dave Don at 7:30 a.m. but didn't get the message until I returned home. The white pelican was seen off of Shoreacres in Burlington this morning. I have heard no further reports but it probably is along the lake. Will hunt for it this afternoon and repost if found. Directions: QEW to Walkers Line - east on Walkers, Shoreacres is approx 1 km east of Walkers Line Burlington Cheers, Cheryl Edgecombe cheryle29@cogeco.ca
White Pelican _ Burlington - May 18, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
A WHITE PELICAN was seen at 08.00 today about 200M offshore from the south end (the end closest to the QEW) of Spencer Smith Park in Burlington. (It was easily seen from the small parking lot about opposite the end of Nelson Ave & the Burlington Art Centre) It was first reported 2 days ago. How to get there. Spencer Smith Park is at the S. end of Brant St and runs south-west to close to the Joseph Brant Hospital. From QEW, either exit at Brant St and keep going S until you reach Lakeshore (3Km), or exit at Northshore Blvd (just at the NW end of the Burlington Skyway Bridge) and go east about .5Km. Peter Thoem Burlington pthoem@cogeco.ca
Hamilton Naturlists' Club Birding Hotline Report - Thursday, May 16th, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
At 5:00pm, Thursday, May 16th, 2002, this is the Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report. The Hotline is normally revised on Thursday nights, unless an unusual bird turns up in the Hamilton area. The Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch at Beamer Memorial Conservation Area concluded yesterday with a good flight of 67 hawks - highlights were one each of NORTHERN GOSHAWK and BALD EAGLE. Also seen from the tower at Beamer were five species of woodpecker, including RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER and RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. The most interesting report of the week comes from the Burlington lakeshore, where a WHITE PELICAN has been seen at different locations between Shoreacres/Paletta and Spencer Smith Parks. The bird was discovered last night and has been seen again today. Other birds seen at Shoreacres this past week include YELLOW WARBLER, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, NORTHERN PARULA WARBLER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, PALM WARBLER, BLACK & WHITE WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. Nearby at Shell Park, a SCARLET TANAGER was reported, along with LEAST FLYCATHCER, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, and seven species of warbler. Birds seen at Bronte Provincial Park include SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, DUNLIN, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and AMERICAN PIPIT in wet fields around the park, plus CAROLINA WREN, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, SCARLET TANAGER, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK on the trails. A good number of shorebirds also turned up at the Smithville Sewage Ponds. Along with the CURLEW SANDPIPER which showed up today, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, DUNLIN, LEAST SANDPIPER, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and GREATER YELLOWLEGS were all seen there this week. A weekend walk in the Red Hill Valley produced lots of migrants, including BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, BLACK & WHITE WARBLER, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, WOOD THRUSH, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, VEERY, and YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. On the Spencer Creek rail trail, EASTERN KINGBIRD, WARBLING VIREO, YELLOW WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, PALM WARBLER, BLACK & WHITE WARBLER, WILSON'S WARBLER, and SPOTTED SANDPIPER were seen. Other local reports include WOOD DUCK, GRAY CATBIRD, GREAT EGRET, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT at the Hendrie Valley, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, BLACK & WHITE WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, WOOD THRUSH and SWAINSON'S THRUSH at the North Waterdown Wetland Trails, WHIP-POOR-WILL, CHIMNEY SWIFT, and CAROLINA WREN in Dundas, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON and BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER at the Dundas Hydro Station, and YELLOW WARBLER, OSPREY and NORTHERN SHOVELER at the Willows. Out of town, a few rarities turned up at Ontario birding meccas. Long Point had HARRIS' SPARROW, SUMMER TANAGER, MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD and HOODED WARBLER this week, while Pelee reported a KIRTLAND'S WARBLER. Be sure to keep letting us know about your sightings, leave your name, telephone number, as well as the time and date of your call. Sightings can also be reported by E-mail. GOOD BIRDING! Keith Dieroff C/O Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report Hamilton, Ontario kdieroff@yahoo.ca
White Pelican still in Burlington - May 15, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
At 6:59 p.m. the White Pelican was seen by myself off of Sioux Lookout on the Lakeshore in Burlington. Directions QEW to Walkers line, south to Lakeshore Ave. West on Lakeshore, Sioux Lookout is a small park on the water about 1.5 km from Walkers Line Good Birding, Cheryl Edgecombe cheryle29@cogeco.ca
Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report - Thursday, May 9th, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
At 8:00pm, Thursday, May 9th, 2002, this is the Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report. The Hotline is normally revised on Thursday nights, unless an unusual bird turns up in the Hamilton area. The Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch at Beamer Memorial Conservation Area had a great day on Saturday, almost breaking the previous record for number of eagles in a day. The one GOLDEN EAGLE and twelve BALD EAGLES were just shy of the previous record set back in the '80's. This weeks reports were numerous and varied. Starting at Shell Park in Oakville, ten species of warbler were reported, including BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER and OVENBIRD, as well as SWAMP SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW, CAROLINA WREN, GREEN HERON, LEAST FLYCATCHER, and EASTERN KINGBIRD. Further down the road at Shoreacres/Paletta Park, eight species of warbler were seen along with BOBOLINK, RED-NECKED GREBE, COMMON LOON, CAROLINA WREN, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, INDIGO BUNTING, SWAMP SPARROW, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. Moving on to the Hendrie Valley, fifty species of birds were seen, including five species of warbler, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, EASTERN PHOEBE, BROWN THRASHER, COOPER'S HAWK, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, VIRGINIA RAIL, GREEN HERON, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, and SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Elsewhere at the RBG, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, SWAMP SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, PILEATED WOODPECKER, SORA RAIL, WOOD THRUSH, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK were seen on the North Shore Trails. A small parkette on the Stoney Creek lakeshore trapped a good number of migrants this past week, including HERMIT THRUSH, WOOD THRUSH, NASHVILLE WARBLER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, GREEN HERON, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, VEERY, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, PALM WARBLER, and EASTERN KINGBIRD. A small flock of SURF SCOTERS were visible on the lake from the park. Other local reports include RUDDY TURNSTONE at LaSalle Marina, BALD EAGLE over Highway 6, GOLDEN- WINGED WARBLER, BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, and SCARLET TANAGER at Martin's Road in Dundas, plus LAWRENCE'S WARBLER, and ORCHARD ORIOLE in the Dundas Valley. Out of town, over 130 species of birds were seen at Long Point this past week, and more still at Point Pelee. Rarities at Pelee included WESTERN TANAGER, PAINTED BUNTING, KENTUCKY WARBLER, and VERMILLION FLYCATCHER. Last but not least, there were some great yard reports. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, PALM WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, and WARBLING VIREO visited a Burlington yard, and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, BLACK & WHITE WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, NORTHERN FLICKER, TURKEY VULTURE, WOOD THRUSH and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK turned up in a Hamilton yard. Be sure to keep letting us know about your sightings, leave your name, telephone number, as well as the time and date of your call. Sightings can also be reported by E-mail. GOOD BIRDING! Keith Dieroff C/O Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report Hamilton, Ontario kdieroff@yahoo.ca
May 4, 2002 - Big Eagle day at Beamer CA, Grimsby, ON - May 5, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Yesterday, May 4, 2002 a total of 292 raptors was tallied by Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch Counters at Beamer Conservation Area in Grimsby, ON. One (1) Golden Eagle and 12 Bald Eagles were among the birds seen. Though not a record day for eagles it was close. The record is 12 Bald and 4 Golden on April 28, 1996. NPH counters will be watching closely for possible kites during the warm weather promised for this week. Directions: QEW to exit 71/72 (Christie St), follow Christie St. toward the escarpment or into the town until it becomes Mountain Rd. Continue up Mountain Rd. to the top of the hill, turn right onto Ridge Rd. W., go west 1.6km (1mi) to Quarry Rd., turn right 100m to Beamer CA entrance. Mike Mike Street Ancaster, Ontario, Canada mikestreet@hwcn.org
Beamer Hawkwatch Sat. April 27th - April 27, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
A fine day for hawkwatching at Beamer today resulted in the following migrants between 9 am and 4 pm : 31 Turkey Vultures, 2 Osprey, 5 Bald & 2 Golden Eagles, 6 Harriers, 43 Red-tailed Hawks, 10 Cooper's Hawks, 180 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 963 Broad-winged Hawks, 1 Merlin, 3 Kestrels, 20 Unidentified buteos. Total = 1273. Also migrating overhead were16 Common Loons, Kingfisher, Great Blue Heron, Chimney Swift, Purple Martin, etc. At the feeders were numerous White-throated Sparrows as well as Field, Chipping, Fox, House, Song Sparrows, Juncoes, a female Eastern Towhee, 2 Brown Thrashers and Cardinals.
Directions : From Hamilton on the QEW,head towards Niagara. Take Christie exit at Grimsby. Go through the town up the hill until reaching Ridge Rd. Turn right and follow road until entrance to Beamer Conservation Area on the right. Take first right and drive into the open area where parking is available.
Dave Milsom milsomdave@hotmail.com For birding, cultural & history tours, check : http://members.rogers.com/milsomdave1
Black-crowned Night Herons - April 27, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Today, Saturday, at 5:10 p.m. I found 3 Black-crowned Night Herons in the trees at Shoreacres Creek. They are on the east side of the walking path in Paletta/Shoreacres Park. There are two adult males in breeding plumage and one immature. I live adjacent to the park and watch each spring for their return. I found them on April 23rd last year for the first time so they are a little later this year. Hopefully, the increased walking traffic will not have an ill effect on these birds as they are quite easily frightened. Paletta Park is located about half way between Appleby and Walkers Lines south of Lakeshore Road in Burlington. Lynn Gapes blgapes@cogeco.ca
Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report - Thursday, April 25th, 2002 -
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
At 5:00pm, Thursday, April 25th, 2002, this is the Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report. The Hotline is normally revised on Thursday nights, unless an unusual bird turns up in the Hamilton area. After a very exciting SWAINSON'S HAWK sighting last Thursday, the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch delivered more thrills yesterday when a dark phase FERRUGINOUS HAWK was identified kettling over Beamer Memorial Conservation Area. Three BALD EAGLES and one GOLDEN EAGLE were also seen yesterday to top off an outstanding day. Lots of birds were seen in around RBG lands this past week. On the North Shore Trails, observers reported GREAT EGRET, OSPREY, SORA RAIL, BONAPARTE'S GULL, BROWN THRASHER, FIELD SPARROW, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, WINTER WREN, HOUSE WREN and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. Meanwhile, on the South Shore, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, CEDAR WAXWING, HERMIT THRUSH, and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET were seen. Over at the Hendrie Valley, TUFTED TITMOUSE, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, HOUSE WREN, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and SHARP-SHINNED HAWK were spotted. Other local reports include RED-THROATED LOON, HORNED GREBE, RED-NECKED GREBE, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER and HERMIT THRUSH at Shoreacres/Paletta Park, COMMON MOORHEN at Mountsberg, RUDDY DUCK and NORTHERN SHOVELER at Tolgate Ponds, VIRGINIA RAIL at the Crieff Bog, RING-NECKED PHEASANT in Carluke, BALTIMORE ORIOLE in Oakville, and BANK SWALLOW on the Burlington lakeshore. In Caledonia, an OSPREY was seen over the Grand River, while NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, VESPER SPARROW and EASTERN BLUEBIRD were found at Mulligan's Road. More PEREGRINE FALCON news this week. Hamilton's nesting pair is currently incubating four eggs, while our famous hatchling Hal up to his tricks again. Last we heard, Hal was found in the snow near Chatham. This past week, banders attempting to catch and band the nesting pair of Peregrines in Mississauga inadvertently caught Hal instead. He was given the once over and appears to be in tip top shape. He also continues to live up to his "feisty" reputation. Lots of great birds are turning up in Ontario. A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was spotted in Kingston, while seven GLOSSY IBIS were found in Melbourne, west of London. It still only the end of April, so more rarities should be coming our way. Be sure to keep letting us know about your sightings, leave your name, telephone number, as well as the time and date of your call. Sightings can also be reported by E-mail. GOOD BIRDING! Keith Dieroff C/O Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report Hamilton, Ontario kdieroff@yahoo.ca
Ferruginous Hawk - Beamer Memorial Conservation Area, Grimsby, April 24 - April 25, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Sorry for the late posting. Yesterday at 2:15 p.m., a dark phase Ferruginous Hawk was seen kettling with approximately 20 Broad-winged Hawks at Beamer. The bird was seen by Robert Stamp, John Niewiadomski, Verne Evans, John Olmsted and myself. People following the Broad-winged Hawk Migration in Ontario should be on the lookout for this spectacular bird as it will likely be moving west with the hawks. Also of note seen yesterday were 4 Bald Eagles and 1 Golden Eagle. DIRECTIONS TO BEAMER MEMORIAL CONSERVATION AREA Please drive carefully - Ridge Road is a narrow, winding two land road with many intersections. FROM EAST OR WEST VIA THE QUEEN ELIZABETH WAY (QEW): Take exit 71 and go south (toward the escarpment) into Grimsby on Christie Street, which become Mountain Street at the traffic light in the town. Follow Mountain Street (Regional Road 12) south UP TO THE TOP OF THE ESCARPMENT. Just at the crest of the escarpment you will see St. Mary's Ukrainian Church on the left. At this point, turn RIGHT (west) onto Ridge Road. Follow Ridge Road for 2.4km to Quarry Road and turn RIGHT (north) onto Quarry Road and go 100 metres to the entrance to Beamer Memorial CA. NOTE: Ridge Road also goes east from Mountain Street part way up the hill - do not take this turn, continue to the top of the hill. Cheers, Cheryl Edgecombe cheryle29@cogeco.ca
Eared Grebe, Eurasina Wigeon, White-eyed Vireo, etc.
(Several Locations) - April 20, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Today Terrie Smith and I had one of those neat birding days when everything goes right ... it started at Ashbridge's Bay at the crack of 7:30 where we got the Eared Grebe at close range, along with out first of many Yellow-rumped Warblers. We travelled to Caledonia where we found 5 Greater Yellowlegs in a roadside pond. The next stop was the Townsend sewage lagoons, where we added a great many birds, including about a dozen species of ducks, Purple Martins, Lesser Yellowlegs, [+ several Greaters] Pectoral Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper and Eastern Kingbird. We also saw the "white" goose that has gained some notoriety ... it flew in with several Canadas, but landed too far away for us to be much help in deciding if it was a Ross' or a hybrid ... we await other opinions. From Townsend we went to Wilson Tract [southwest of the junction of Hwy 24 and 59] where we found Louisiana Waterthrush, Pine Warbler and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. On to Lee Brown's we easily found the Eurasian Wigeon. From here it was Long Point and Old Cut, where a White-eyed Vireo, Sora, Forster's Tern, House Wren and Rough-winged Swallows delighted us. Overhead, a spectacular east to west migration of Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures and 3 Bald Eagles just inland of the causeway was most intriguing. Turkey Point yielded 2 adult Little Gulls and Bank Swallows at Port Ryerse. Finally to see if we could break a hundred species for the day, we went to Beamer and found 6 Broad-winged Hawks [#98], Cooper's Hawk [99], Chimney Swift [100], and Hairy Woodpecker [101]. All in all a great day to say the least. Directions [copied from other's emails] Beamer: QEW to exit 71/72 (Christie St), follow Christie St. toward the escarpment or into the town until it becomes Mountain Rd. Continue up Mountain Rd. to the top of the hill, turn right onto Ridge Rd. W., go west 1.6km (1mi) to Quarry Rd., turn right 100m to Beamer CA entrance. Old Cut can be reached by taking hwy. 59 south and over Big Creek Marsh and turning left onto Old Cut Blvd. the field station is a short distance on the right. Bird Studies Canada Headquarters, Port Rowan overlook and Turkey Point are all along Lakeshore Rd. which can be accessed at the flashing light on Hwy 59 just before crossing the marsh. Directions to Ashbridge's Bay Park: From the Lakeshore Blvd. East, turn south on Coxwell Avenue and drive right into the park. Park in the southernmost lot. Check the small bay off the boating ramps for waterfowl. Then take the walkway south-southwest into the park all the way to the outer wall on the lake side. Check all along this wall all the way to the prominent southwest point for the grebes. You will most likely need a scope to see the Eared Grebe. The city charges for parking on the weekends. Townsend lagoons: On the way down to Long Point on Hwy 6 you will pass through Hagersville and drive towards Jarvis. Just as you approach the town you will see a sign indicating "TOWNSEND" at Nanticoke Creek Parkway #69. Turn right here and drive to the intersection with the stop signs, turn left on Keith Richardson Parkway and drive past some park ponds on your right. Drive ahead until you see a small children's shelter with an air conditioner on it's side (really). Turn right here on Conc. 14 TWP. This is just before you reach the abandoned railway line (tracks removed) and it is on your right. Turn right here and drive a few hundred yards and you will see a gate and sign indicating that this is a waste treatment area.. Park well to the side of the road or across the road and do not block the gate. Geoff Carpentier Ajax, Ontario geoffcarpentier@rogers.com
Common Moorhen, Mountsberg CA - April 20, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Early this morning, Sat. April 20th, Dave Don and me saw and heard the COMO amongst the cattails in the marsh just west of the lookout structure at the back(northside) of Mountsberg CA. This area can be accessed by taking Leslie Road off hwy 6 just south of Morriston or from the west once reaching the Mounstberg main entrance, continuing past the entrance and travelling along where the road parallels hwy 401 until the open water areas on the southside. Gerard McNaughton had sighted COMO thus our visit to the site./tac Thomas A. Crooks 489 Forestwood Court Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7L 4K6 Tel: 905-634-1178 Fax: 905-634-9616 E-mail: eclectic@worldchat.com
Swainson's Hawk, 1250+ Broad-wings at Beamer CA, Thurs., April 18, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Highlights of the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch count at Beamer Conservation Area in Grimsby, ON today, Thursday, April 18, 2002 were a Swainson's Hawk, 1250+ Broad-wings, 3 Bald Eagles (1 adult, 2-4th year+), 2 Osprey, a Peregrine Falcon, 2 Merlin and a very unusual 12 American Kestrels in a single hour. Total for the day was over 1800 raptors. Directions: QEW to exit 71/72 (Christie St), follow Christie St. toward the escarpment or into the town until it becomes Mountain Rd. Continue up Mountain Rd. to the top of the hill, turn right onto Ridge Rd. W., go west 1.6km (1mi) to Quarry Rd., turn right 100m to Beamer CA entrance. After the precip clears tomorrow it appears the rest of Friday and the weekend should have good conditions for decent flights. Mike Mike Street Ancaster, Ontario, Canada mikestreet@hwcn.org
Hamilton Naturalists Club Birding Hotline Report - Thursday, April 18th, 2002 - April 18, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
At 4:30pm, Thursday, April 18th, 2002, this is the Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report. The Hotline is normally revised on Thursday nights, unless an unusual bird turns up in the Hamilton area. A quick announcement for Naturalists' Club members who planned to attend the Cootes Paradise Fishway Field Trip this past Sunday. The event has been rescheduled to this Sunday, April 21st at 8:30am; the first basket will be raised at 9:00am. Please park at Princess Point and walk to the barrier. Now on to the birds... Warmer than average temperatures this week have brought a flood of mirgrants into the Hamilton area. The Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch at Beamer Conservation Area in Grimsby tallied 700 raptors yesterday, and 350 on Tuesday, including the first BROAD-WINGED HAWKS of the year. Other highlights from Beamer were four ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and a MERLIN yesterday, plus six OSPREY and 22 NORTHERN HARRIERS on Tuesday. Other local reports include PINE WARBLER behind McMaster University, FORSTER'S TERN, COMMON TERN, and SPOTTED SANDPIPER at the foot of Bay Street, UPLAND SANDPIPER and WILD TURKEY on the 10th Road East in Stoney Creek, PINE WARBLER, RED-NECKED GREBE, and HORNED GREBE at LaSalle Marina, a COMMON LOON over Binbrook, and COMMON TERN, PEREGRINE FALCON, BONAPARTE'S GULL, FORSTER'S TERN, and WOOD DUCK at the CCIW. The VARIED THRUSH was last reported on Friday at Shoreacres/Paletta Park in Burlington. A walk along the Bay Front Park Trail to Princess Point produced HORNED GREBE, PIED-BILLED GREBE, NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, TREE SWALLOW, BELTED KINGFISHER, CASPIAN TERN, GLAUCOUS GULL and RUDDY DUCK. Nearby at Valley Inn, SONG SPARROW, AMERICAN WIGEON, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, RED-TAILED HAWK, and TURKEY VULTURE were reported. The best yard report of the week was an EASTERN TOWHEE in downtown Hamilton. Birds seen in the Long Point area this past week include six species of warbler, RED-EYED VIREO, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, PURPLE FINCH, EVENING GROSBEAK, HERMIT THRUSH, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, EURASION WIGEON, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, LITTLE GULL, GREAT EGRET, AMERICAN BITTERN, MERLIN, SANDHILL CRANE, and BARN SWALLOW. ROSS' GOOSE, and SNOW GOOSE were seen at the Townsend Sewage Lagoons. More migrants are on the way. No less than ten species of warbler were seen at Point Pelee this week, along with LARK SPARROW, HENSLOW'S SPARROW, BROWN THRASHER and more. Keep letting us know about your sightings, leave your name, telephone number, as well as the time and date of your call. Sightings can also be reported by E-mail. GOOD BIRDING! Keith Dieroff C/O Hamilton Naturalists' Club Birding Hotline Report Hamilton, Ontario kdieroff@yahoo.ca
Bank Swallows, Burlington - April 18, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
The Bank Swallows are back! We had 9 today, Thursday, April 18th at about 2pm . They were examining the banks of the lakeshore at the park described below Directions: The Park is at the foot of Hampton Heath Road which is just west of the junction of Lakeshore Rd. & Burloak. There is a Burloak exit off the QEW. Thomas A. Crooks, birding with Cheryl Edgecombe 489 Forestwood Court Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7L 4K6 Tel: 905-634-1178 Fax: 905-634-9616 E-mail: eclectic@worldchat.com
Beamer CA, Grimsby, ON - April 17, 2001 - April 18, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch counters tallied over 700 raptors yesterday, Thursday, April 17 at Beamer Conservation Area in Grimsby, ON. Highlights were 344 Broad-winged Hawks, 270 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 5 immature Red-shouldered Hawks, 4 Rough-legged Hawks, a Merlin and an Osprey. The Broad-wings have defineitely started to arrive in the area. Today's weather conditions appear favourable for another good flight. Mike Directions: QEW to exit 71/72 (Christie St), follow Christie St. toward the escarpment or into the town until it becomes Mountain Rd. Continue up Mountain Rd. to the top of the hill, turn right onto Ridge Rd. W., go west 1.6km (1mi) to Quarry Rd., turn right 100m to Beamer CA entrance. Mike Street Ancaster, Ontario, Canada mikestreet@hwcn.org
Raptors at Beamr CA, Grimsby, ON April 16, 2002 - April 16, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch Counters tallied close to 350 raptors today at Beamer Conservation Area on the Niagara Escarpment above Grimsby, Ontario. Highlights: -- 15 Broad-winged Hawks - first of the year, all singles and very low, terrific views in perfect light -- 6 Osprey - several close in, also in excellent light -- 22 Northern Harrier - not our highest day but getting up there -- 250+ Sharp-shinned Hawks Weather conditions for tomorrow and Thursday appear to be very good for a strong BW flight. Directions: QEW to exit 71/72 (Christie St), follow Christie St. toward the escarpment or into the town until it becomes Mountain Rd. Continue up Mountain Rd. to the top of the hill, turn right onto Ridge Rd. W., go west 1.6km (1mi) to Quarry Rd., turn right 100m to Beamer CA entrance. Mike Mike Street Ancaster, Ontario, Canada mikestreet@hwcn.org
Varied thrush - April 12, 2002
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
The Varied Thrush was still at Paletta Park at 10:30 a.m. today. directions - south side of Lakeshore Rd., Burlington between Appleby & Walkers Line April 12/02 Sheila Bowslaugh Oakville, Ontario 1sheila@interlog.com
Canada Geese ,Richardson & Cackling Bronte - Sat, 12 Jan 2002
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic thank you for your understanding. I don’t know if any one is interested in sub. speeches but will looking for the Wight fronted geese ( with no luck ) this week Thursday and Friday I found 5 Richardson’s race Canada Geese , One of this being of the western Cackling race , They wear seen bought at Bronte beach park and just to the east at Coronation Park go south from the QEW on Bronte rd to Lakeshore rd rd . go west to west river st for Bronte beach park , Or east to Coronation Park. Craig.S.A.McLauchlan Toronto/Ont/Canada/World. csam@sympatico.ca
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This page was created: Friday, 14 January, 2000
Last Updated: April 20, 2003 19:59:24