HOLIDAY BEACH
MIGRATION OBSERVATORY
 Archived Birding Reports - 1999



  • HBMO, November 28, 1999 - Sun, 28 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Sunday, November 28, 1999:

    Today's winds were light to moderate from the west north west, under clear, mostly sunny conditions with temperatures from 6 to 7.5 degrees Celsius. The watch began at 7:30 a.m., ending at 2:30 p.m. for a total of seven hours. Observers were Carl and Rachel Pascoe, Steve Greidanus, Denis Boulay and Bob Hall-Brooks (site coordinator). Migrating hawks were high. Other observations were the single Double-crested Cormorant, 11 Tundra Swans, 2 Common Snipe (at the pond's edge after the ice in the pond melted), 1 Killdeer, 83 Bonaparte's Gulls, 3 Redpolls, 556 American Crows, 266 American Goldfinch, 22 Horned Larks, 37 Snow Buntings, and two singing Carolina Wrens.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 27, 1999 - Sat, 27 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Saturday, November 27, 1999:

    Today's winds were moderate from the south west and west south west. The watch began at 9:00 a.m., ending at 2:00 p.m. for a total of five hours. Observers were Fred Urie, Jason Sodergren, and Steve Greidanus (site coordinator). Other observations were 8 Goldeneye, 3 Canvasbacks, 10 Northern Pintail, 3 Mute Swans, 30 Bonaparte's Gulls, 34 Horned Larks, and 135 American Goldfinch.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 26, 1999 - Fri, 26 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Friday, November 26, 1999:

    Today's weather at the tower was fog and drizzle with a low ceiling, light north winds with temperature of 11.0 degrees Celsius. Observers were Dorothy McLeer and Bob Pettit. Bob reported the watchers arrived at 9:00 a.m., then left at 10:30 a.m. Other observations were a Double-crested Cormoranat, the usual mix of Mallards and Black Ducks, and Song Sparrows. Four more days in this watch left.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 25, 1999 - Thu, 25 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Thursday, November 25, 1999:

    Today's winds were light from the northeast, swinging to the south. Temperatures ranged from 5.5 to 11.5 degrees Celsius with clear condtions. The watch began at 9:00 a.m. ending at 2:00 p.m. for a total of five hours. Observers today were Dick Benoit (a special welcome to Dick who was a long time hawk watcher at this site, now living in Texas where Dick watches at Smiths Point and a spring site), Fred Urie, and Bob Pettit (site coordinator). Other sightings were 2 Double-crested Cormorants, 9 Great Blue Herons, 2 Tundra Swans, 2 Mute Swans, 50 Green-winged Teals, 2,000 to 3,000 duck species, 300 Ruddy Ducks, 80 American Crows, 4 Eastern Bluebirds, 2 Black-capped Chickadees, 2 Carolina Wrens, 35 Rusty Blackbirds, 1 Red Crossbill, 40 American Goldfinch, 3 Redpolls, American Pipits and Lapland Longspurs.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 24, 1999 - Wed, 24 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Wednesday, November 24, 1999:

    Today's winds were strong from the south west, under cloudy conditions, temperature of 7.5 degrees Celsius. The watch began at 9:00 p.m., lasting until noon for a total of three hours. Observers were Wayne Telesco, Fred Urie and Betty Learmouth (site coordinator). Several Red-tailed Hawks were seen perched about Big Creek Marsh during the watch. Other observations included approximately 1,000 duck sp. feeding in Big Creek Marsh, 13 Tundra Swans, a single Double-crested Cormorant, a single Common Snipe and several flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds. Six more days of observations for this site.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 23. 1999 - Tue, 23 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Tuesday, November 23, 1999:

    Today's winds were light from the east, then moderate from the east south east. The watch began at 8:00 a.m., concluding at 3:00 p.m. for a total of seven hours. Observers were Bob and Rolande Parent, Fred Urie, and Wes Kinnin (site coordinator). The adult Golden Eagle appeared at 12:05 p.m. flying down the shore, then circled low to the south west, disappearing behind the shoreline trees. Other sightings included 6 Great Blue Herons, 2 Mute Swans, 175 American Crows, 130 Canada Geese, a single Double-crested Cormorant, 2 Downy Woodpeckers, 200 Ruddy Ducks, and 35 Horned Larks.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 22, 1999 - Mon, 22 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Monday, November 22, 1999:

    Today was warm with a temperature of 13.5 degrees Celsius, hazy all day with light winds south, then south south east and back to south. The watch began at 10:00 a.m., concluding at 3:00 p.m. for a total of five hours. Observers were Doris Applebaum, Mike Forton, Margaret Moran, Fred Dye and Nancy Tar (site coordinator). Other observations were 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Pintails, 5 Canvasbacks, 1,000 sp. Scaup, 800 Ruddy Ducks, 2 Killdeer and 320 Horned Larks.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • White-winged Crossbill at Holiday Beach - Sun, 21 Nov 1999

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

    Birders,

    Although it was a slow banding day today, the highlight was a single White-winged Crossbill that was heard calling and flying from east to West over the tower at Holiday Beach Conservation Area, Essex Co. Other interesting birds today included good numbers of Lapland Longspurs (75+) and Horned Larks (250+), as well as three Common Redpolls.

    Allen Chartier
    Associate Editor, Michigan Birds & Natural History
    1442 West River Park Drive
    Inkster, MI 48141
    amazilia@juno.com

  • HBMO, November 21, 1999 - Sun, 21 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Sunday, November 21, 1999:

    Winds today were light from the southwest, swinging to the southeast. The day was warm with temperatures ranging from 5.5 to 11 degrees Celsius. Mostly foggy with about one hour of clearing from noon until 1:00 p.m. which encouraged the migration during that hour. Observers were Denis Boulay, Wayne and Sylvia Telesco, Allen Chartier, Fred Urie and site coordinator Bob Hall-Brooks. Non raptor sightings included 1,100 Horned Larks, 42 Lapland Longspurs, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 10 Tundra Swans and several Hooded Mergansers.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 19 and 20, 1999 - Sat, 20 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Friday, November 19, 1999:

    Today's winds were moderate from the south, under clear, sunny conditions with temperatures ranging from The watch began at 8:30 a.m., ending at noon. Observers were Jim McCoy, Dorothy McLeer, Wayne Telesco, and Betty Learmouth (site coordinator). Some non raptor observations included a single Double-crested Cormorant, 193 Ruddy Ducks, 2 Canvasbacks, 12 Northern Pintails, 484 Mallards, 2 Mute Swans, 5 Great Blue Herons, and 39 Bonaparte's Gulls.

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Saturday, November 20, 1999:

    Winds continue to be from the south, virtually shutting down the late November migration. Today's observers were Steve Griedanus, Sue Tanner, and Fred Urie. Watchers knew something was happening when a local Red-tailed Hawk perched decided to fly. At 12:15 p.m. the day's only bird passed the tower, Golden Eagle number 131 for the season at this site and Fred Urie's number 119 for his personal season's list. Today's watch began at 8:45 a.m., ending at 1:00 p.m. for a total of 4 1/4 hours. Other sightings today included 4 Tundra Swans, 2 Mute Swans, 3 Common Snipe, Horned Larks and American Goldfinch.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 18, 1999

    - Thu, 18 Nov 1999 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Thursday, November 18, 1999:

    Winds today were strong from the south, under overcast conditions that cleared by 10:30 a.m. Temperatures ranged from 4 to 9.5 degrees Celsius. Watchers were Jack Boxer, Fred Urie, and Ray Seng (site coordinator). Some non raptor observations were 230 Ruddy Ducks, 60 Green-winged Teal, Pintails, Mallards, Black Ducks, 6 Common Snipe, 7 Great Blue Herons, and 68 American Crows. Tomorrow's winds are also to be from the south, 20 kilometres in the morning under sunny conditions, increasing to 40 kilometres an hour at midday under cloudy conditions. Evening showers are predicted, possibly on Saturday as well.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 17, 1999 - Wed, 17 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Wednesday, November 17, 1999:

    Todays's winds were light from the northwest, west north west, and finally south west from about 10:30 a.m. onward. Temperatures ranged from 1.5 to 5.0 degrees Celsius, under mainly sunny conditions. The watch began at 8:00 a.m., concluding at 1:00 p.m., for a total of five hours. Watchers enjoying pleasant conditions on the tower were Wayne Telesco, Jim McCoy, Fred Urie, Mike Forton, Denis Boulay, Carl Latta, Mercer Patriarche, Jason Sodergren, and Betty Learmouth (site coordinator). Much of Big Creek Marsh was covered with ice this morning, causing the water fowl to congregate early in the morning in great flocks in the few openings, later dispersing as other areas opened. Some non raptor observations today included a single Double-crested Cormorant, 30 Green-winged Teal, 630 Ruddy Ducks, 6 Pintails, 1 Bufflehead, 1,700 duck sp., estimated at 90 percent Mallards and 10 percent Black Ducks, 6 Common Snipe feeding in the tower pond after the ice cleared from the muddy shoreline, 20 American Robins, 4 Great Blue Herons, and one singing Carolina Wren.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 16, 1999 - Tue, 16 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Tuesday, November 16, 1999:

    Winds today were moderate to strong from the northwest, under mainly sunny conditions with temperatures ranging from 0 degrees to 4 degrees Celsius. The watch began at 8:00 a.m., ending at 4:00 p.m. for a total of eight hours. Watchers were Jim McCoy, Fred Urie, John Bieganowski, and Wes Kinnin (site coordinator). Strong winds today caused the birds to struggle, with a noticeable number of Red-tailed Hawks perching in trees before heading out over Big Creek Marsh. Other sightings today included 340 American Crows, 18 American Goldfinch, 32 Horned Larks, one Great Horned Owl which surprised everyone as it flew down the Lake Erie shoreline, 10 Great Blue Herons, and 9 Common Snipe wading at the edge of the new pond.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 15, 1999 - Mon, 15 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Monday, November 15, 1999:

    Today's winds were strong from the north west and west north west with temperatures ranging from 4.5 degrees Celsius to 7.5 degrees Celsius under variable cloudy conditions. The watch began at 9:00 a.m., concluding at 4:00 p.m. for a total of seven hours. Watchers were Doris Applebaum, Mike Forton, Jim McCoy, Fred Urie, and Nancy Tar (site coordinator). Fred Urie reports that his tally as of today for the season for Golden Eagles is now at 118. Winds tomorrow are to be strong from the north.

    Other tower sightings were 50 Bonaparte's Gulls, 6 Common Snipe, 100 American Goldfinch and 2 Carolina Wrens singing.

    A visitor from Garden City, Michigan, with the license plate number 'Snowy Owl' had an excellent day seeking owls in the coniferous trees at the Holiday Beach Conservation Area, reporting 4 Long-eared Owls, 1 Saw-whet Owl and a Great Horned Owl, kindly leading interested owl watchers to see the Saw-whet Owl.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • Holiday Beach raptor sightings - Sat, 13 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for November 13, 1999:

    Poor weather conditions made for an uneventful day today, as it was very foggy all morning, the fog not breaking up until at least noon. The temperature was more or less steady during the watch, ranging from 9 to 10.5 degrees Celsius, but winds were out of the south and not favourable at all. Site coordinator Steve Greidanus was assisted by observers Denis Boulay, Fred Urie, and Jason Sodergren. The watch began at 8:30 a.m. EST and concluded after 6 hours at 2:30 p.m.

    The prodigious number of Ruddy Ducks in the marsh was considerably smaller today, with only 200-300 birds noted. Four Northern Shovelers were counted, along with a couple of Northern Pintail and a dozen Common Mergansers. A single Common Redpoll flew over the tower, as did 40 American Pipits.

    randy horvath .... snorovich@yahoo.com

  • HBMO November 12, 1999 Sightings - Fri, 12 Nov 1999

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

    The following raptors were seen on Friday, November 12th from the Hawk Tower at the Holiday Beach Conservation Area, Amherstburg, Essex County.

    Passerines sighted included American Pipits, Lapland Longspurs, Horned Lark, Fox Sparrow, House Finches, American Goldfinches, Cedar Waxwings, Red-winged Blackbirds, Rusty Blackbirds, Common Grackles, American Crows, Northern Flicker.

    Weather started with light NW winds changing early to W then SW moderate. Variable clouds prevailed for most of the day with a few sunny breaks. Barometric pressure fell throughout the day from 30.36 to 30.07 inches.

    Observers included Bob Pettit, Bob Hall-Brooks, Fred Urie and Wayne Telasco.

    The Holiday Beach Migration Observatory will continue official daily counts from the Hawk Tower at the Holiday Beach Conservation Area, Essex County Road 50, Amherstburg until the end of November.

    Bob Hall-Brooks
    hallbroo@wincom.net

  • Holiday Beach sightings for November 11, 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Thursday, November 11, 1999.

    Strong winds out of the northeast made for an excellent raptor flight today. Low temperatures of 1.5 to 5.5 degrees Celsius combined with the winds to give biting cold conditions, but hardy observers Jack Boxer, Denis Boulay, Esther and Chuck Gossel, Fred Urie, and site coordinator Ray Seng hung in there, kept busy by the numerous Red-tails streaming across the sky. The watch began at 7:30 a.m. EST and finished at 2:00 p.m., for a total of 6.5 hours.

    While the many hawks (and still more Golden Eagles!) made tower duty more than worthwhile, they were not the entire story. An estimated 50,000 American Crows bid good-bye to Essex County, and some 1000 Ruddy Ducks continue to be present in the marsh. Also seen were 3 Northern Pintail and 7 Common Snipe.

    randy horvath snorovich@yahoo.com

  • HBMO sightings - Nov 9, 1999 - Wed, 10 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory in Amherstburg, Ontario, for Tuesday, November 9, 1999.

    Despite bright and sunny skies with excellent visibility, it was a very slow day today. Winds were light from the south virtually the entire day, changing to the southwest in the last hour of the watch. Temperatures ranged from 9 degrees Celsius to a high of 16. Site coordinator Wes Kinnin was aided by observers Jim McCoy, Wayne Telesco, and Chuck and Esther Gossel. The watch began at 8:00 a.m. EST and ended 8 hours later at 4:00 p.m. EST.

    An interesting variety of passerines were seen today, including 47 Pine Siskins, 5 American Robins, 50 American Pipits, 85 Horned Larks, 20 Cedar Waxwings, 4 Northern Flickers, and 1 Monarch butterfly. A possible Peregrine Falcon was glimpsed over the pond, but was moving toward the shoreline and did not pass the tower, Perhaps it will reappear tomorrow.

    randy horvath ...... snorovich@yahoo.com

  • belated HBMO sightings - Wed, 10 Nov 1999

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

    Hello everyone. This is Randy Horvath, computer dummy, substituting for Betty Learmouth, who so faithfully provides the daily reports for you. Betty is out of the province until next Monday, and I'm supposed to be getting the reports out to you in her stead, but I've been having all kinds of trouble with her computer, so I've had to try to find an alternate computer, and I may have succeeded. I'll give you the results for the first 2 days this week; hopefully, I can have today's report for you tomorrow, tomorrow's on Friday, and so on, one day late at most, until Betty returns.

    The following is the report for Holiday Beach Migration Observatory in Amherstburg, Ontario, for Monday, November 8, 1999.

    Winds were light today from the south southwest and south with cool temperatures of 9 to 12.5 degrees Celsius. Observers were Doris Applebaum, Fred Urie, and Nancy Tar (site coordinator). The watch began at 9:00 a.m. EST and concluded at 4:00 p.m., for a total of 7 hours.

    It was a slow and quiet day, with the highlights clearly the 4 Golden Eagles. Non-raptor sightings of note included 100 American Pipits, 2 Swamp Sparrows, 30 Cedar Waxwings, and 1 Northern Shoveler.

    randy horvath ...... snorovich@yahoo.com

  • HBMO, November 7, 1999 - Sun, 7 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Sunday, November 7, 1999:

    Winds today were light from the northwest with the migration flight high against a blue sky. Observers were Denis Boulay, Jim McCoy, Steve Griedanus, Allen Chartier, Fred Urie and site coordinator Bob Hall-Brooks. The watch began at 6:30 a.m. ending at 4:30 p.m. EST for a total of nine hours. Another good day for Red-shouldered Hawks. Today's Golden Eagles were mainly immatures and sub-adults, passing high over the tower, coming off Lake Erie, and moving along the north shore of Big Creek Marsh.

    A Great Horned Owl called first thing this morning. Later in the day a Carolina Wren was heard calling.

    Fifty-seven Sandhill Cranes were seen through the day in flocks of 2, 4, 16, 11, and 24, all flying along the Lake Erie shoreline. Other sightings were 7,750 American Crows, 4 Eastern Bluebirds, 3 Common Redpolls, 10 Common Snipe, 17 Lapland Longspurs, 29 Horned Larks, 1 Tundra Swan, 2 Blue Jays, House Finches, blackbirds, and American PIpits.

    Today Golden Eagle observer Fred Urie began the watch with a tally of 80 Golden Eagles observed this season. By the end of today's watch, Fred had observed an additional 24 Golden Eagles for a season's total of 104. Congratulations, Fred!

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • Bohemian Waxwing at Holiday Beach - Sun, 7 Nov 1999

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

    Birders,

    Today, November 7, I saw a Bohemian Waxwing at Holiday Beach Conservation Area, Essex Co. This is only the second time this species has ever been reported here (the first was in the late 1970s, and was my record also). Also, about 8 Common Redpolls migrated past today, and several Pine Siskins as well. I saw 38 of the 50-plus Sandhill Cranes that flew over today, which is a one-day record for the site. The record number of Ruddy Ducks seen last weekend has dwindled to 840 counted today.

    Banding picked up a little over the weekend, with a hint of the chickadee movement possibly yet to come. I banded five more chickadees this weekend (not a bunch, but more than usual). American Tree Sparrows have definitely moved in, but we're still short on juncos. The goldfinches have a renewed interest in my feeders after ignoring them for an entire month!

    With the warm weather (for November) this weekend, there were some interesting insect sightings. A single Monarch Butterfly was in the banding area both days (on Saturday it was flying near the tops of the trees). Also on Saturday were single Buckeyes and Common Sulphur. On Sunday, a single Cabbage White was seen. Both days had dragonflies, with Sympetrum species being seen. On Saturday, a pair flying in tandem was seen! On Sunday, a species of damselfly was seen briefly.

    Allen Chartier
Associate Editor, Michigan Birds & Natural History
1442 West River Park Drive
Inkster, MI  48141
amazilia@juno.com
  • HBMO, November 5, 1999 - Sun, 7 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Friday, November 5, 1999:

    Winds from the south and south south west, moderate to strong. Watchers were Denis Boulay, Steve Griedanus, Wayne and Sylvia Telesco, Fred Urie, and Bob Pettit (site coordinator). Other observations were one Common Snipe and 500 Ruddy Ducks.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 4, 1999 - Thu, 4 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Thursday, November 4, 1999:

    Weather conditions were clear today with temperatures ranging from -1 degree Celsius to 9 degrees Celsius, with strong southerlies. The watch began at 7:00 a.m. EST, ending at 2:00 p.m. EST for a total of 6 1/2 hours. Observers today were Larry Dech, Fred Urie, Jack Boxer and Ray Seng (site coordinator). Other observations were 7 Common Snipe, 2 Northern Flickers, and 7,700 American Crows. as well as finches, American Pipits, Lapland Longspurs and Horned Larks.

    Yesterday (November 3, 1999), HBMO banders banded two Golden Eagles. The first was a male Golden Eagle banded at about 1:00 p.m., a bird with a six foot wing spread. The second was banded at about 2:20 p.m., a hatch year female, with a wing spread of seven feet. Other raptors banded yesterday were 13 Red-tailed Hawks, 2 Cooper's Hawks, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, and one Red-shouldered Hawk.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 3, 1999 - Wed, 3 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Wednesday, November 3, 1999:

    Today's winds were strong from the west and west north west, with snow flurries noted at 10:30 a.m. Temperature indicated by the weather equipment was 2.5 degrees Celsius. Conditions were clear with blue skies in the early morning, then becoming completely cloud covered by 10:00 a.m.. Observers today were Mike Fitzpatrick, Fred Urie, Jason Sodergren, Will Weber, Sylvia and Wayne Telesco, and Betty Learmouth (site coordinator). Several hardy watchers stood on the top tower level before descending to ground level, but most gathered in the lee of a tarpaulin set up by Wayne Telesco at the tower's base. The Golden Eagles were seen at 10:00 a.m., 10:04 a.m. (adult), 10:11 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. The Bald Eagle at 10:39 a.m. was anticipated as the watchers heard a Red-tailed Hawk call, Fred Urie said quickly, "There's an eagle nearby," and the eagle appeared within seconds over the woodlands to the east.

    Non raptor sightings included 363 Bonaparte's Gulls, 820 American Crows, a Rough-winged Swallow, a Tree Swallow (both spotted by Will Weber from the top level), 8 Common Snipe feeding along the pond's edge, 1 Great Blue Heron, 18 Tundra Swans, 3 Common Loons, 1 Double-crested Cormorant, and only a few flocks of blackbirds flying through.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 2, 1999 - Tue, 2 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Tuesday, November 2, 1999:

    Winds today were moderate to strong from the northwest, hazy conditions, cloudy with rain throughout the watch which commenced at 8:00 a.m. EST, ending at noon for a total of four hours. Site coordinator was Wes Kinnin. Other observations were 45 Tundra Swans, 12 Bonaparte's Gulls and 8 Common Snipe around the pond edges.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, November 1, 1999 - Mon, 1 Nov 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Monday, November 1, 1999:

    Temperatures today ranged from an early morning low of 11 degrees Celsius to a high of 17.5 degrees Celsius. Fog in the morning with haze lingering, finally very cloudy in the afternoon. Winds were light from the south to south west. The watch lasted 5 1/2 hours, commencing at 9:45 a.m. EST, ending at 3:00 p.m. EST. Watchers were Doris Applebaum, Fred Urie, and Nancy Tar (site coordinator). Two Northern Goshawks flew past the tower at !0:30 a.m. "Within two seconds," coordinator Nancy Tar reported bander Dorothy Balkwill arrived with a third Northern Goshawk. This is the second Northern Goshawk to be brought to the tower by Dorothy for release this season.

    Non raptor sightings included Killdeer, American Pipits, Northern Flickers, Song Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • Weekend at Holiday Beach - Mon, 1 Nov 1999

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

    Birders,

    The warm conditions, with temperatures in the 70s both days (Saturday and Sunday, Oct 30 & 31) was not conducive to migration of any kind, and certainly I wasn't looking for any arrivals of wintering birds. The only real highlight of the weekend was the large raft of Ruddy Ducks on Big Creek (not on Lake Erie, surprisingly). My count on both days was a record 1250.

    Banding was slow, with primarily Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets caught (only 17 birds banded Saturday and 9 on Sunday). American Tree Sparrows haven't arrived yet, and juncos are still missing. It's possible the the three Black-capped Chickadees caught on Sunday are the frontrunners of the chickadee movement noted farther north. A single Hermit Thrush on Sunday was our 10th, and the Field Sparrow banded on Sunday was a first for the station (in operation since 1997).

    Butterflies were in evidence, not surprising due to the warm weather. Monarchs were seen both days, as well as Buckeye and Pink-edged Sulphur. A Question Mark was seen on Saturday. Dragonflies were out as well, and Black Saddlebags (several) and Ruby-faced Meadowhawk were both seen on both days.

    Allen Chartier
    Associate Editor, Michigan Birds & Natural History
    1442 West River Park Drive
    Inkster, MI 48141
    amazilia@juno.com

  • HBMO, October 31, 1999 - Sun, 31 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Sunday, October 31, 1999:

    The weather was sunny and warm. Site coordinator was Bob Hall-Brooks. The watch began at 8:00 a.m. EST, ending at 3:30 p.m. EST for a total of 7 1/2 hours. Non raptor sightings included 4,240 Crows, as well as American Pipits, Cedar Waxwings, blackbirds and American Robins.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 30, 1999 - Sat, 30 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Saturday, October 30, 1999:

    Today's winds were light to moderate from the south under sunny conditions with today's high temperature of 19.5 degrees on the tower. The watch began at 7:30 a.m. EST and ended at 3:00 p.m. EST for a duration of 7 1/2 hours. Observers were Steve Griedanus, Fred Urie, Jason Sodergren, Wes Kinnin, Mary and Bruce Dixon, and Sue Tanner (site coordinator). The Golden Eagle was seen at 12:56 p.m. as it passed low over the tower.

    Other non raptor sightings included 1,310 American Crows, 6 Lapland Longspurs, 184 Cedar Waxwings, 76 American Goldfinch, 6 Common Snipe, 7 American Pipits, 5 Eastern Bluebirds, 50 American Robins, 7 Horned Larks, also numbers of blackbirds migrating through the area. One large group moved about the wooded areas in the Conservation Area, the birds' constant chattering heard by the counters throughout the day. Passerine bander Allen Chartier commented the numbers of Ruddy Ducks in Big Creek Marsh are record numbers for this species. Today's count was over 1,000 individuals.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 29, 1999 -Fri, 29 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Friday, October 29, 1999:

    Winds today were light to moderate from the south south east under mainly clear skies with hazy visiblity. Observers today were Sylvia and Wayne Telesco, Fred Urie, Jeanice Seals, Phyllis Coble, Dorothy McLeer, Wes Kinnin and Betty Learmouth (site coordinator). The watch began at 7:30 a.m. EST, ending at 3:00 p.m. EST for a duration of 8 1/2 hours. First bird of the day was a Peregrine Falcon perched in a tree to the east of the tower. The immature Golden Eagle appeared at 11:45 a.m., retreated east, reappeared at 12:47 p.m. EST, heading to the north shore of Big Creek Marsh, then west towards the Detroit River.

    Some non raptor sightings included 2 Double-crested Cormorants, 749 Ruddy Ducks, 7 Common Snipe, 4,600 American Crows, 212 Blue Jays, 4 Downy Woodpeckers (flying through), Tufted Titmouse (singing to the east of the tower, an uncommon bird in the Essex region), 8 Pine Siskins, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 50 Cedar Waxwings, and one Northern Shrike that appeared over the tower in the last fifteen minutes of the watch, then flew over the marsh to the north.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 28, 1999 - Thu, 28 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Thursday, October 28, 1999:

    Winds today were from the south all day, gusting in the morning, moderate and finally gentle, under clear conditions. Observers were Jack Boxer, Jim McCoy and Ray Seng (site coordinator). The watch began at 7:30 a.m.and ended at 1:30 p.m EST, for a duration of seven hours.

    Other sightings were 37,000 American Crows, 137 American Robins, 3 Common Snipe, 300 Ruddy Ducks, and 2 immature Bald Eagles loafing about Big Creek Marsh.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 27, 1999 - Wed, 27 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Wednesday, October 27, 1999:

    Weather today was perfect for a late October migration past the hawk tower. Winds were light from the north, then north west under clear conditions until the winds swung to the south east at 11:20 a.m., then to the south in the afternoon. Observers who worked hard today to spot all our raptors were Denis Boulay, Jim Crozier, Mike Fitzpatrick, Mike Forton, Randy Horvath, Jim McCoy, Sylvia and Wayne Telesco, and Fred Urie. Many thanks to all of you. Site coordinator Betty Learmouth looked after the paper work. The watch began at 8:00 a.m. EST, ending at 3:00 p.m. EST for a total of seven hours.

    Our Golden Eagle migration today set a new one day site record, breaking the previous record of 24 Golden Eagles set on November 10, 1991. All the birds appeared to be immatures, passing between 9:55 a.m. (with ten sightings in the next 25 minutes), and 1:46 p.m. Bander Dorothy Balkwill brought a banded second year Red-shouldered Hawk to the tower about mid morning, a raptor most observers had not seen so closely.

    Congratulations to Fred Urie who viewed 14 Golden Eagles yesterday as well as all the Golden Eagles that passed today, setting a new Essex County record for the most Golden Eagles seen by a raptor watcher over two days of raptor watching.

    Five Long-eared Owls were found today by Randy Horvath in coniferous trees along the nature trail near the Park's entrance. A rufous phase Eastern Screech-Owl continues to enjoy its day time roost on a broken popular tree trunk near the Education Building.

    Non raptor sightings today were 4 Tundra Swans, 34,120 American Crows (American Crow Coordinator Wayne Telesco said they were actually quite interesting as they moved about depending upon wind direction), 35 Blue Jays, great flocks of blackbirds including numerous Common Grackles, 13 Eastern Bluebirds, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch (this bird landed on the upper level railing directly in front of Denis Boulay), 2 White-breasted Nuthatches, 17 Tree Swallows, 38 American Robins, 7 Purple Finches, 18 Pine Siskin, and one Monarch.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 26, 1999 - Tue, 26 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Tuesday, October 26, 1999:

    Weather today was clear and sunny with light south west winds in the morning, swinging to moderate to strong west south west, then west and finally north west from 2:30 p.m, onwards. Observers were Ken and Sue Morris, Fred Urie, and Wes Kinnin (site coordinator). The watch began at 8:00 a.m. EST and lasted until 4:00 p.m. EST for a duration of eight hours.

    Highlights today were the Golden Eagles seen at 10:05 a.m. (immature), 11:15 a.m. (sub adult), 2:25 p.m. (sub adult), 2:45 p.m. (immature), 3:30 p.m. (immature), 3:45 p.m. (two immatures together), 3:50 p.m. (immature), 3:55 p.m. (immature) and 4:00 p.m. (adult). The last five eagles were low over the tower, with wonderful views of the eagles as they looked about at the landscape beneath them. Banders reported one Golden Eagle bouncing out of the nets for a total of three seen at the lake banding station today. Wes Kinnin reports these birds appeared to be hugging the shoreline, moving slightly inland as they passed the tower.

    Other non raptor sightings were 63 Bonaparte's Gulls, 2,450 American Crows, 50 Blue Jays, 82 American Goldfinch, 95 Pine Siskins, 1 Tree Swallow, 1 Lapland Longspur, 1 Monarch and 1 Comma.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 25, 1999 - Mon, 25 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Monday, October 25, 1999:

    Winds today were strong from the south south west, swinging to the south. Temperatures ranged from 9 degrees Celsius to 13 degrees Celsius under clear conditions. The watch began at 8:00 a.m. EST, ending at 2:00 p.m. EST for a total of six hours. Watchers were Doris Applebaum, Denis Boulay, Mike Forton, and Nancy Tar (site coordinator).

    Other sightings were 1 Pintail, 7 Common Snipe, 2 Northern Flickers, 1,784 American Crows, and 10 American Robins.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 24, 1999 - Sun, 24 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Sunday, October 24, 1999:

    Winds today were moderate from the northwest until noon, then swinging to the west. The temperature ranged from 2.5 degrees Celsius in the morning to 9.5 degrees Celsius with sunny breaks in the afternoon. Site coordinator was Bob Hall Brooks. Raptor highlights were the Golden Eagles at 9:13 a.m. (immature), 10:15 a.m. (adult), and 11:40 a.m. (immature). The Rough-legged Hawks were observed during the 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m hour (3), 11:00 a.m. to noon (1), noon to 1:00 p.m. (1) and 1:00 p.m.to 2:00 p.m. (1).

    Non raptor sightings included 12,010 American Crows, 1 Snow Bunting, 14 Pine Siskins, 12 American Snipe, 5 Mute Swans and 17 Tundra Swans.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • Holiday Beach banding, Oct 23&24 - Sun, 24 Oct 1999

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

    Birders,

    Well, the lethargic pace of migration of the past 2-3 weeks at Holiday Beach Conservation Area, Essex Co., Ontario, has definitely picked up, though diversity is still somewhat lacking. Kinglets are the bulk of the movement right now, and I banded 47 Golden-crowns and 9 Ruby-crowns over the weekend (plus 15 recaptures on Sunday of birds banded on Saturday!). The missing element is still White-throated Sparrows and Hermit Thrushes. The single White-throat banded on Saturday was the 21st for the season, while I banded about 55 last year. We're usually waist-deep in them all through October, yet I haven't seen more than a couple each day all month. The 9th Hermit Thrush was banded Saturday, and again we usually band 2-3 times that many (more in 1997), and there isn't much time left in their migration period. The Dark-eyed Junco banded on Saturday was only the 2nd for the season, and the first since September 17!

    Highlights for the weekend incude: 2 Blue-headed Vireos (1 each day), 1 Eastern Phoebe, 5 Brown Creepers (finally), 4 Song Sparrows (first for the season!), 1 Fox Sparrow (first for the season), 1 White-breasted Nuthatch (first for the station), and the prize of the day today (Sunday) another first for the station, an American Woodcock!

    Allen Chartier
    Associate Editor, Michigan Birds & Natural History
    1442 West River Park Drive
    Inkster, MI 48141
    amazilia@juno.com

  • HBMO, October 23, 1999 - Sat, 23 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Saturday, October 23, 1999:

    Winds today were very strong all day, west in the morning, then west north west, and finally north west, under overcast conditions. The watch began at 7:00 a.m. EST, ending at 3:00 p.m. EST for a duration of nine hours. Observers were Will Weber, Bob Pettit, Denis Boulay, and Steve Griedanus (site coordinator). Today's visitors were 15 Ontario Field Ornithologists who joined Paul Pratt for the morning on the tower, then explored other areas of the park after lunch, including the nature trail where the group found the season's first reported Long-eared Owl and viewed a Rough-legged Hawk which was not seen by observers on the tower.

    Tower highlights today included an immature Golden Eagle and a Short-eared Owl. The eagle appeared at 11:34 a.m. EST (seen after the OFO group had left the tower) very closely, so close that site coodinator Steve Greidanus took several photographs. The owl appeared as the watch got underway at 7:00 a.m., flying around the Trout Pond, then retreating to the east. At 10:20 a.m., the owl reappeared, this time flying around both ponds, then flying to Loosestrife Island, north of the tower in Big Creek Marsh, where it stayed until 12:30 p.m. when it flew up, then resettled onto Loosestrife Island.

    Nonraptor sightings today included 50 Green-winged Teals, 200 Ruddy Ducks,10 Common Snipe, 200 Bonaparte's Gulls, 265 Tree Swallows, and 70 Pine Siskins.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 22, 1999 - Sat, 23 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Friday, October 22, 1999:

    Winds were strong from the west, with rain interruping the watch for an hour at noon. The watch began at 9:00 a.m. EST, ending at 2:00 p.m. EST for a duration of five hours. Observers were Dorothy McLeer, Jim Crozier and Bob Pettit (site coordinator). Non raptor sightings included 40 Tundra Swans, 300 Tree Swallows, 7 Pipits, 1,000 American Crows, and 20 Blue Jays.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 21, 1999 - Thu, 21 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Thursday, October 21, 1999:

    Winds today were light to moderate from the south south west to the south, under clear skies. Observers were Fred Urie, Jim McCoy, Jack Boxer, and Ray Seng (site coordinator). The watch was conducted from 6:30 a.m. EST to 2:00 p.m. EST for a duration of 8 1/2 hours. Bander Gary Balkwill brought a lovely adult female Northern Harrier to the tower for release.

    Non raptor sightings included 5 Great Blue Herons, 350 Ruddy Ducks, 2 Pintails, 3,100 American Crows, 600 Blue Jays, and 1 Eastern Meadowlark.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 20, 1999 - Wednesday, October 20, 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Wednesday, October 20, 1999:

    Today's winds were moderate from the southwest, swinging to the west and then south west, decreasing in strength. Temperatures ranged from 11 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius. Observers were Jim McCoy, Fred Urie, Denis Boulay and Betty Learmouth (site coordinator). The watch began at 7:15 a.m. EST., ending at 2:00 p.m. EST, for a duration of 6 3/4 hours. Cloud cover ranged from clear in the morning to 95 % overcast in the afternoon. A highlight today was the handsome banded hatch year male Northern Goshawk brought to the tower at 2:00 p.m. EST by bander Gary Balkwill for release on the tower.

    Nonraptor sightings today included 8 Double-crested Cormorants, 76 Bonaparte's Gulls, 4 Common Snipe (seen both flying and feeding),150 Ruddy Ducks, 6 Northern Shovellers, 18 Redheads, 12 Canvasbacks, 1 Pintail, 125 Green-winged Teal, 16 Tree Swallows, 4 Meadowlarks, 3 White-breasted Nuthatches, 35 American Robins, 2,918 American Crows, 412 Blue Jays, 23 Pipits, and 3 Monarchs.

    The banding report from the HBMO banders as of October 19, 1999 is as follows:

    We have also banded over 1,000 Blue Jays.

    Bander Gary Balkwill wrote: Today (October 19, 1999) we caught our first Red-shouldered Hawk and Rough-legged Hawk of the year. Yesterday (October 18, 1999) at 2:15 p.m. we had a Golden Eagle bounce out of the net - what an experience. Dorothy (Gary's wife) is still shaking. The birds were flying all day today so we are going to the station again tomorrow, maybe we will see you there. (And we did see Gary at the tower - with his newly banded Northern Goshawk).

    Also, there is an addition to the raptor banding summary from passerine bander Allen Chartier. The Beach Station (passerine station) has banded the following:

    Cooper's Hawk - 1 (caught at Beach station, banded at Lake station)
    Sharp-shinned Hawk - 8

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 19, 1999 - Tuesday, October 19, 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Tuesday, October 19, 1999:

    The day began with southeast winds which swung around to the southwest, strength low to moderate. Cloud cover ranged from 20 to 90 per cent at the watch's end. The watch began at 7:00 a.m. EST, ending at 4:00 p.m. EST for a duration of nine hours. Observers today were Fred Urie, Mike Forton and Wes Kinnin (site coordinator). Non raptors observed were 2,675 American Crows, 50 Cedar Waxwings, 162 American Goldfinch, 352 Blue Jays, 6 American Robins, 4 Tree Swallows, 7 Common Snipe, 47 Pine Siskins and 1 Monarch.

    The HBMO raptor banding stations report is as follows as of October 15, 1999. Today a Rough-legged Hawk (only the third individual of this species for this site) was banded and then released from the tower. Totals combined are 1,013.

    Lake Station

    Marsh Station
    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 18, 1999 - Mon, 18 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Monday, October 18, 1999:

    Winds today were north north west, light under clear conditions. Morning temperature was 8 degrees Celsius, afternon high was 15.5 degrees Celsius. Skies were clear with cumulus clouds in the afternoon, with almost total cloud cover at the end of the watch. Observations began at 8:00 p.m. EST., continuing to 4:00 p.m. EST for a duration of eight hours. Observers were Doris Applebaum, Fred Urie, Jim McCoy, Mike Forton, Mike Fitzpatrick, and Nancy Tar (site coordinator).

    Turkey Vultures sighted today were 124 short of the record Turkey Vulture count at this site set on October 18, 1991. The Golden Eagles were seen at 11:19 a.m., 1:08 p.m., 2:44 p.m. and 3:44 p.m. The third Golden Eagle was soaring low enough over the new pond that its golden nape was visible. Non-raptor sightings included 10 Common Mergansers, 6 Dunlin, 40,050 American Crows, 3 Red-breasted Nuthatches and 27 White-breasted Nuthatches. These last birds were flying through, uttering their usual call, looking like "little ghost birds" with their white heads and dark bodies.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 17, 1999 - Sun, 17 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Sunday, October 17, 1999:

    Today's watch began with four hours of rain, light to heavy, then clearing under cloudy conditions with strong winds from the northwest. The watch began at 6:00 a.m. EST, lasting for nine and one half hours until 3:30 p.m. EST. Observers were Wes Kinnin, Will Weber, Dorothy McLeer, Steve Griedanus, and Bob Hall-Brooks (site coordinator). Raptor highlights were the 24 male Northern Harriers and the hundreds of Turkey Vultures that materialized to the west of the tower, which the Holiday Beach watch could not count. Luckily the Lake Erie Metro watch was able to count these birds.

    Other sightings were a variety of duck species including 286 Ruddy Ducks, 10 Pintails, 47 Canvasbacks, and 16 Redheads. Other non raptor sightings were 35 Tundra Swans in a flocks of 7 and 28, 15 Bonaparte's Gulls, 22 Common Snipe, 10 Blue Jays, 2,520 American Crows, and 1 White-breasted Nuthatch.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 16, 1999 - Sun, 17 Oct 1999

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, for Saturday, October 16, 1999:

    Winds today were moderate to strong from the south, then the southwest. The watch began at 7:30 a.m. EST, continuing until 3:00 p.m. EST, for a total of seven and one half hours. Observers were Steve Greidanus, Fred Urie, Jim McCoy, Carl and Rachel Pascoe, and Sue Tanner (site coordinator). Considering the wind direction, watchers today were pleased with the raptors seen. The three Peregrine Falcons were seen in the morning, one passing down the shore line, one close to the tower, and one was over the tower. The three Merlins were seen in the 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. hour, going rapidly through. One Merlin was west of the tower, turned back, putting on quite a show as the bird chased small birds (possibly American Goldfinch), but not catching any.

    Non raptor sightings included 1,300 Blue Jays, 2,100 American Crows, 500 American Goldfinch, 5 American Robins, 4 Horned Larks, 40 Pipits, 1 Common Snipe and the Eastern Screech-Owl at its roost.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 15, 1999 - Fri, 15 Oct 1999

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Friday, October 15, 1999:

    Winds were from the south east today, with the watch underway at 6:00 a.m. EST, ending at 3:00 p.m. EST for a duration of nine hours. Observers were Allen Chartier, Dorothy McLeer, Jim McCoy, Fred Urie, Jim Crozier, and Bob Pettit (site co-ordinator). Visitors included 16 teenagers from the Rochester First Baptist Church in Michigan accompanied by Pastor Scott Kigar and his wife Maggie. A group picture was taken of the group adopting a banded Northern Harrier. Passerine Bander Allen Chartier gave the group a banding demonstration talk which included a banded male Golden-crowned Kinglet.

    Non raptor observations included 3,000 Blue Jays, 170 Ruddy Ducks, and 4 Monarchs. Allen Chartier took the visitors to see a red phase Eastern Screech-Owl in its day time roost. HBMO President Bob Pettit reports lots of hammering and pounding today at the passerine station as the roof was prepared for shingling this weekend.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 14, 1999 - Thu, 14 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Thursday, October 14, 1999:

    Today's northwest winds in the morning gave the hawk watch chilly conditions with temperatures of just 4.5 degrees Celsius. At noon the winds began their swing to the west, then southwest with the migration slowing. Temperatures rose to 13.5 degrees Celsius. The watch began at 6 a.m. EST, ending at 2:00 p.m. EST, for a total of seven hours. Observers were Jack Boxer, Jim McCoy, Fred Urie, and Ray Seng (site coordinator). Today's Golden Eagle was the fourth for the season, seen as the bird was approaching, then passing over the tower, and continuing westward. A call on the radio to the Lake Erie Metro watch alerted the watchers there who reported the bird reached their site in 12-13 minutes.

    Non raptor sightings were 9 Common Snipe, 8 Yellowlegs sp. The Kingfisher was heard, as was an Eastern Screech-Owl which sang shortly after the noon hour. Principal Bander Phil Roberts brought 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks (a male and female), and 2 Northern Harriers to the tower for release. A birding group from Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor area were on hand for the talk and release.

    The sound of hammering was heard today at the hawk tower. This is a welcome sound as it signals the renovations to an old park's building are underway for a passerine banding station at the Holiday Beach Conservation Area. More news on the renovations as they proceed.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO October 13, 1999 - Wed, 13 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Wednesday, October 13, 1999:

    Winds today were from strong from the south south west. The Turkey Vultures slipped along the Lake Erie. The strong winds kept all birds low so the Merlins and the Peregrine Falcon flew directily over the tower. Bander Gary Balkwill released a beautiful Merlin from the tower at 10:36 a.m. EST. Today's count was under way at 7:20 a.m. EST and lasted until thunderstorms put an end to the watch at 11:30 a.m. EST for a total of four hours.

    Some other non raptor sightings were 2 Pipits, 1 Red-headed Woodpecker, the Tufted Titmouse at the tower's base, 20 Common Snipe in a flock over the marsh, 1,047 Blue Jays (all low at tower level) and one Monarch.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 12, 1999 - Tue, 12 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Tuesday, October 12, 1999:

    Winds today were south southeast, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 16.5 degrees Celsius. The watch began at 7:00 a.m. EST and closed at 3:00 p.m. EST for a total effort of 8 hours. Observers were Fred Urie and Wes Kinnin (site coordinator). Due to the southerly winds, the Turkey Vultures were passing north of the tower, along the north edge of Big Creek Marsh. Three of the Northern Harriers were adult males. Two of the Harriers "cut the corner', heading south west over Lake Erie towards Monroe, Michigan, instead of the usual due west direction towards the Detroit River.

    Non raptor sightings included 1,215 Blue Jays, 124 American Goldfinches, 45 Cedar Waxwings, a single (and uncommon for Essex County) Northern Mockingbird which flew directly over the tower in a westerly direction, 12 Pine Siskins, 472 American Crows, 1 Common Snipe, and tens of thousands of blackbirds along the north shore of Big Creek Marsh. Butterflies observed included 14 Monarchs and numbers of Clouded Sulphurs, Orange Sulphurs and Cabbage Whites.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO total raptors, October 11, 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Thanksgiving, Monday, October 11, 1999:

    Temperatures ranged from 13.5 to 20.5 Celsius under clear skies, with light to moderate north west winds until late afternoon when the winds swung to the south, the migration ceasing. Today's watch began at 6:00 a.m. EST and continued to 4:00 p.m. EST for a total of ten hours. Observers were Doris Applebaum, Bob Hall-Brooks, Fred Urie, Mike Forton, and Nancy Tar (site coordinator). The Golden Eagles seen today were the second and third for the season, while the Rough-legged Hawk (seen between two Turkey Vultures) was the season's first for that species.

    Non-raptor sightings were 6,510 Blue Jays, 10 White-breasted Nuthatches which were observed as the birds flew individually at tower level (40 feet) rather like hummingbirds, the white on the birds' heads visible, 1 Tufted Titmouse, 26 Black-bellied Plovers, 3 Common Snipe, 5 Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 4 Snow Geese.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • Weekend banding at Holiday Beach - Mon, 11 Oct 1999

    Birders,

    It was a strange weekend to be out! The fog and lack of wind both on Saturday and Sunday mornings made for an eerie experience. As a result, there wasn't a lot of bird migration occurring, except for Blue Jays. I still haven't had a good influx of Hermit Thrushes or White-throated Sparrows yet, and the kinglets are just about average for now. The flocks of Black-capped Chickadees being reported from farther north in Ontario have yet to make an appearance, while a few Pine Siskins and Purple Finches have been heard flying high overhead (none caught yet). I haven't banded a single Dark-eyed Junco since the early arriving single bird on 18 September. A non-banding highlight on both days was the rufous morph Eastern Screech-Owl that was easily seen at its day roost, in exactly the same hole 30 feet up that a gray morph EASO roosted in last fall. In the really strange category was a Banded Woolybear caterpillar in a mist net at about head height! I figure a Blue Jay hit the net while carrying it off, then the bird got away leaving me with the puzzle to figure out!

    Birds banded this weekend included:

    Also, an AHY female Northern Cardinal was captured that was banded here on November 7, 1998 as an AHY female.

    This brings me just 15 birds shy of 1000 birds for the season, and already exceeds last year's total of 924 (I banded weekends through Nov. 7 last year).

    Allen Chartier
    Associate Editor, Michigan Birds & Natural History
    1442 West River Park Drive
    Inkster, MI 48141
    amazilia@juno.com

  • HBMO, October 8,9 and 10, 1999 - Sun, 10 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Friday, October 8, 1999:

    Observers were Dorothy McLeer, Wayne Telesco, B. Stapp and family, and Bob Pettit (site coordinator). Other observations were one Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 2 Common Snipe and 3,000 Blue Jays.

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Saturday, October 9, 1999:

    Winds were moderate from the south, under foggy conditions. Observers were R. Powless, Charlie Pascoe, Gerry Walsh, Fred Urie and Sue Tanner (site coordinator). Non raptor sightings included 12 Pectoral Sandpipers, 3 Yellowlegs sp., 10,500 Blue Jays and 7 Pine Siskins.

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Sunday, October 10, 1999:

    Winds today were light from the south and south west with foggy conditions clearing at 1:00 p.m. (The promised north west winds did not materialize). Observers were Fred Urie, Jim McCoy, Gerry Walsh, Charlie Pascoe, and Bob Hall-Brooks (site coordinator). Five adult and two immature Peregrines were seen, with one adult passing directly over the tower. Non raptor sightings included 23 Golden Plovers, 12 Common Snipe in small groups, 13 Common Snipe in one flock, and 5,090 Blue Jays. Tomorrow's forecast is for winds from the north west.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 7, 1999 - Thu, 7 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Thursday, October 7, 1999:

    Today's winds were north west, north east and finally south east the last 2 1/2 hours of the watch, causing difficult observation as the raptors were high in a blue sky. Observers were Jack Boxer and Ray Seng (site co-ordinator). Non raptor observations included 9 Common Snipe, 1 Common Loon, 10,000 Blue Jays, 65 Bonaparte's Gulls, 5 Great Blue Herons, 4 Snow Geese, 15 Ruddy Ducks, and 50 Double-crested Cormorants.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 6, 1999 - Thu, 7 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Wednesday, October 6, 1999:

    Winds on Wednesday, October 6, 1999 were moderate to strong from the north west and north west, under clear conditions, temperatures ranging from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. Observers were Sylvia and Wayne Telesco, Jim McCoy and Betty Learmouth (site coordinator). Observers were on hand from 8:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Jim McCoy was our Turkey Vulture counter for the day, while Sylvia watched and counted those Blue Jays.

    Our feeling was that we should have had more migration activity during the day which appeared to have good conditions for migration. Our thanks and congratulations to Alan Wormington and Kevin McLaughlin at the Seacliff watch in Leamingotn who confirmed that there were more raptor species and numbers of particular species on the move in Essex County than we observed and counted at Holiday Beach.

    Some of the non raptor species observed were 48 Bonaparte's Gulls, 2 Common Snipe, 21 Killdeer, 1 Red-headed Woodpecker, 18,907 Blue Jays, 10 Chimmey Swifts, and 1,008 American Goldfinch.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 5, 1999 - Tue, 5 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Tuesday, October 5, 1999:

    Winds today were from the north west until about 10:00 a.m., calm, then swinging to the south, south west, causing the migration to slow. Observers were Wayne and Sylvia Telesco and Wes Kinnin (site coodinator). The single Osprey was seen at 11:45 a.m., the two Peregrines, an adult and an immature, flew together at 10:20 a.m. while the Merlins passed at 2:50 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. At mid afternoon, two raptor banders had left the blind to socialize on the tower as there was not much activity at the blinds. When the Merlins appeared, the banders rushed back to the blind, hoping for some late afternoon activity.

    Non raptor observations included 13 Bonaparte's Gulls, 3 Common Snipe, 5,750 Blue Jays, 108 Cedar Waxwings, 190 Goldfinch, 1 American Robin, 24 Chimney Swifts, 24 Tree Swallows, and one Monarch.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 4, 1999 - Mon, 4 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Monday, October 4, 1999:

    Winds today were north north east, strength moderate to strong. Temperatures ranged from 9 to 11 degrees Celsius under cloudy conditions in the morning,becoming clear in the afternoon. Observers for 8 1/2 hours were Doris Applebaum and Nancy Tar (site coordinator). The Northern Goshawk was observed at 8:50 a.m., the Merlin at 10:03 a.m., and the Peregrine Falcon at 11:28 a.m. Blue Jay numbers dropped to 1,500, 1,000 Tree Swallows were counted.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 3, 1999 - Sun, 3 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Sunday, October 3, 1999:

    Winds were from the north, light and increasing in strength. The site co-ordinator described conditions (especally in the morning) as "miserable," as the site coordinator neglected to bring winter clothing today. Temperatures were recorded at 4 degrees Celsius in the morning. Observers included Tom Hince, Will Weber, Steve Walsh, Jim McCoy, Steve Greidanus, Dorothy McLeer, Allen Chartier, and Bob Hall Brooks (site co-ordinator).

    Five of the migrating Bald Eagles were seen between 12 noon and 1:00 p.m., or more precisely between 12:46 p.m. to 12:48 p.m. The Broad-winged Hawks came in small groups of five to ten birds over several hours. Between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., three Peregrines were observed at 10:18 a.m., 10:35 a.m., and 10:40 a.m.with this last bird catching a Blue Jay by the tower, then carrying it to a tree where it consumed the Blue Jay. Two Peregrines were seen migrating together while the day's last Peregrine attacked a flock of ducks to the west of the tower.

    Non raptor observations were two Great Horned Owls calling at dawn, a Pintail Duck, 5 American Robins, 1 Mute Swan, Pine Siskins, Pectoral Sandpipers, Pied-billed Grebes on the Trout Pond, 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 1 Red-headed Woodpecker, Pipits, one White-breasted Nuthatch, 3 Common Snipe at the pond by the tower, 79,700 Blue Jays, and a single Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, October 1 and 2, 1999 - Sat, 2 Oct 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Friday, October 1, 1999:

    Winds were west south west, then south west and finally west, with wind speed between 8 - 12 mph under clear skies with temperatures at 15 degrees Celsius. Observers were Wes Kinnin, John Winebrenner, Wayne and Sylvia Telesco, Dorothy McLeer, Pat and Bernd Schlenkermann, and Bob Pettit (site coordinator). Other sightings included 36,520 Blue Jays, 200 American Goldfinch, 173 Chimney Swifts, 2 Rough-winged Swallows, 2 Common Snipe at the pond's edge near the tower, and 8 Monarchs.

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Saturday, October 2, 1999:

    Winds today were from the north, then were variable from the south west and west. Conditions were overcast but clear. Observers were Mike Street, Steve Greidanus, Bob Pettit and members of Bob's birding class from Monroe County Community College, Monroe, Michigan, and Sue Tanner (site co-ordinator).

    The news today from the HBMO banders is all good! Dorothy and Gary Balkwill report that today they banded their very first Peregrine Falcon, a gorgeous female that just suddenly appeared at mid afternoon, flying into their nets. Dorothy is reported to have "flown" out the blind door with Gary right behind Dorothy in order to retrieve the bird from the nets. This Peregrine Falcon is the sixth Peregrine to be banded at the HBMO station since the station was established, and the seventh caught at the station, as the first was released unbanded. Dorothy reported the morning as slow at the Lake Station, the afternoon busy with 22 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1 Northern Harrier and one retrapped hatch year Sharp-shinned Hawk. The last report from the Marsh station was 19 Sharp-shinned Hawks banded, while the Blue Jay banders reported banding over 550 Blue Jays during the last two days. Banders also were able to send birds to the tower for adoption today with Bob Hall Brooks, including a Sharp-shinned Hawk and Northern Harrier.

    Sightings of interest today were the four Peregrines seen from the tower, two in the morning, the banded bird which flew then perched before continuing its journey, and a fourth Peregrine as the watch was closing in the late afternoon. Non-raptor observations were 36,690 Blue Jays, 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 3 Common Snipe (one more than yesterday at the tower pond), 2,500 American Goldfinch, and 18 Monarchs.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 30, 1999 - Thu, 30 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Thursday, September 30, 1999:

    Winds today were from the west all day, the morning quite chilly. Observers were Jack Boxer, Bernd Schlenkermann, John Winebrenner, and Ray Seng (site co-ordinator). Other sightings included 2 Common Snipe at the pond's edge near the tower, 300 Chimney Swifts (a constant movement all day), 50 Tree Swallows, 5 Purple Martins, 40,000 Blue Jays, 6 Monarchs, and no Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.

    HBMO Bander Dorothy Baldwill reports the following bandings from HBMO today: 92 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 27 American Kestrels and 1 Northern Harrier. One retrap was of a second year Sharp-shinned Hawk that our station banded last fall. Today's total was 121 raptors for a total of 704 raptors this season.

    Information on southern Ontario's hawk migration and the Holiday Beach Conservation Area site -

    Southwestern Ontario is largely an area of flat, featureless farmland. There are only two geographic features of note in the region. One is the proximity of the Great lakes, which influence bird migration in the area to a great extent, The second is the shape of the province, roughly funnel-shaped with the narrow end to the southwest. These features confine south-bound bird migrants, especially hawks, to specific flight corridors.

    Holiday Beach Conservation Area was formerly a Provincial Park, but is now administered by the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA). It is strategically located at the extreme southwestern tip of southern Ontario. The park is on the eastern end of a large freshwater estuary known as Big Creek. (Specifically the site is 1.1 miles south of the junction Highway 20 (old 18) and Essex Road 50, Town of Amherstburg).

    The Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO) (founded in 1986) is a non-profit, volunteer organization formed to promote the study and protection of migrating birds. Activities focus primarily on fall migration of raptors and other species. This site is in Essex County, Ontario, on the north shore of Lake Erie near the Detroit River. In 1988, HBMO persuaded Detroit Edison to donate a 40 foot Hawk Tower which is now at the site.

    Southwestern Ontario has a funneling effect on migrating raptors due to the geography of the nearby lakes and the reluctance of most raptors to cross large bodies of water. Birds gain altitude over the flat farmland to the north and east, rising easily with the thermals that such areas provide in abundance. As the birds head south they meet Lake Erie and, reluctant to cross it , turn west. With appropriate wind and weather conditions, birds pile up along the lake shore and move west until they reach the narrow crossing at the Detroit River (or island hop within the river mouth.) (Summary provided by HBMO President Bob Pettit).

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 29, 1999 - Wed, 29 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Wednesday, September 29, 1999:

    Winds were from the south south east in the early morning with intermittent showers throughout the day. At 11:45 a.m. EST, winds swung to the west and then north north west, becoming gusty with light rain. Clearing is predicted overnight, with clouds and windy conditions on Thursday. Site observer: Betty Learmouth. Other observations were 5,842 Blue Jays, 21 Dowitchers, 6 Yellowlegs, 26 Chimney Swifts, and 1 Great Egret.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 27, 1999 - Tue, 28 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Tuesday, September 28, 1999:

    Winds were south east most of the day, then easterly. Conditions were cloudy in the morning, then sunny and bright in the afternoon. Observers were Pat and Bernd Schlenkermann and Wes Kinnin (site coordinator). The two Peregrine Falcons were seen well, but especially the bird at 1:40 p.m. which came low from the north over the Trout Pond close to the tower. Other observations were 17,850 Blue Jays, 510 American Goldfinch, 14 Killdeer, 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 30 Cedar Waxwings, 5 Chimney Swifts, one Mute Swan and 13 Monarchs.

    Blue Jay Migration Update:
    We have had several inquiries regarding the Blue Jay migration at Holiday Beach. This morning I called Esther Gossel in Flint, Michigan to check on Blue Jay counting as Esther and her husband have counted these birds over the past two weeks at Holiday Beach. Esther says that counting by 25's seems to work well for Blue Jays. Esther says she watches the movement to the north across Big Creek Marsh through her binoculars, watching the birds come off the point. The best way to count is from the front of the flocks, working to the back. Esther's husband takes the flocks that move along the shoreline, and once they pass the wind vane on the tower they are counted. This past Saturday Esther noted that the Blue Jays were in layers, flock upon flock stacked up overhead which she had not seen before. The trick to counting these birds is the patience to stick with the count.

    Esther commented that when the numbers were added up at the end of the day on Saturday, Esther felt they couldn't be right, the numbers were so high. Esther said it was scary! Hawk watchers on the tower felt perhaps another 20,000 or 30,000 birds could be added as likely not all Blue Jays were counted.

    The Blue Jays at Holiday Beach migrate from tree top level to several hundred feet in the air. They travel past our site following the Lake Erie shoreline in a westerly direction.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 26, 1999 - Sun, 26 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Sunday, September 26, 1999:

    Today's weather was sunny and warm, winds light from the south, south east. Observers were Jim McCoy, Denis Boulay, Esther and Chuck Gossel. Sylvia and Wayne Telesco, and Bob Hall Brooks (site coordinator). Numerous visitors on this last day of the 1999 Festival of Hawks enjoyed hawk watching from the tower.

    A special treat today were the unexpected and co-operative Broad-winged Hawks that passed low and close to the tower, along the Lake Erie shoreline and over Big Creek Marsh. During three hours in mid day small groups of Broad-winged Hawks gave observers excellent views.

    Other sightings included an Upland Sandpiper which Bob Hall Brooks recognized from a single sighting a few years ago, also seen from the tower, a bird spotted and pointed out to Bob Hall Brooks by Allen Chartier. The bird's distinctive call alerted Bob to the passage of today's bird by the tower. Yellowlegs spp., Killdeer, 59,520 Blue Jays, and both species of nuthatches were other sightings with the migration tapering off after 3:00 p.m.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 25, 1999 - Sat, 25 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the migration summary from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Saturday, September 25, 1999:

    Winds today were light from the east, then south east under clear skies. Observers were Esther and Chuck Gossel, Sylvia and Wayne Telesco, Bob Hall Brooks, Mike Sefton, Wes Kinnin, and Sue Tanner (site coordinator).

    Other sightings were 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 1,356 American Goldfinch, 1 Brown-headed Cowbird, 1 American Robin, 12 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Northern Flicker, 1 Eastern Meadowlark and 18 Monarchs.

    The most numerous birds at Holiday Beach today were the migrating Blue Jays, with a tally of 121,000 at the afternoon's end. This is a new one day record for migrating jays, surpassing the previous record of 87,000 set on September 30, 1993. Esther Gossel coordinated the Blue Jay count.

    Tomorrow is the last day of the 1999 Festival of Hawks with all the usual activities scheduled including guided hawk watching on the tower, displays including the Pelee Wings Nature Store display, a live raptor display, a hands on children's display and the Blue Kestrel Cafe. At 1:30 p.m. Bev Wannick will present a slide presentation entitled "Local Hawks and Their Habitats."

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 24, 1999 - Fri, 24 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Friday, September 24, 1999:

    Winds were light from the north with the migration flight high overhead. Observers were Esther and Chuck Gossel, Sylvia and Wayne Telesco, Denis Boulay, Tom Reavley and Bob Pettit (site coordinator). Other observations were 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 2 Chimney Swifts, 52,352 Blue Jays, 1,693 American Goldfinch and 25 Monarchs. HBMO raptor banders brought a Northern Harrier and two Sharp-shinned Hawks to the tower for release.

    Tomorrow and Sunday are the final two days of the 1999 Festival of Hawks, with all activities as usual including guided hawk watching, a display by Pelee Wings Nature Store, hawk talks and banding demonstrations, live raptors display, the hands on children display, displays by environmental groups, a raptor ID workshop by Bob Pettit at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, a slide presentation on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. entitled "Local Hawks and Their Habitats" by Bev Wannick, and the Blue Kestrel Cafe.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 23, 1999 - Thu, 23 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Thursday, September 23, 1999:

    Total - 113

    Winds today were south west, then moving to south causing the migration to cease. Observers were Jack Boxer and Ray Seng (site coordinator). The Blue Jay count was 16,500. Tomorrow's weather looks more promising for the raptor migration with a chance of an early morning thunderstorm, with winds swinging from the south west to the north west at noon, winds moderate strength under fair conditions.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 22, 1999 - Wed, 22 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Wednesday, September 22, 1999:

    Today's winds were light, in the morning from the north, then swinging to west , then south west. Skies were clear all day, with temperatures rising to 15 degrees Celsius. Observers were Denis Boulay, Chuck and Esther Gossel, Sylvia and Wayne Telesco, and Betty Learmouth (site coordinator).

    Non raptot sightings included 13,390 Blue Jays, 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds,
    14 Chimney Swifts, 439 American Goldfinch and 4 Monarchs.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 21, 1999 - Tue, 21 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Tuesday, September 21, 1999:

    Moderate winds were north to northwest today with temperatures cool from 10 to 12.5 Celsius. Conditions were cloudy in the morning, clearing to 40 per cent cloud cover in the afternoon. Observers were Mike Fitzpatrick, Fred Urie, Wayne and Sylvia Telesco, Esther and Chuck Gossel, and Wes Kinnin (site coordinator). Mike Fitzpatrick counted two of the Peregrine Falcons as they came off the point. Jim McCoy returning from a walk on the Lake Erie shoreline reported two additional Peregrine Falcons not seen by observers on the tower. The Broad-wings were again coming off the lake, with some difficulty experienced counting as the cloud cover had diminished. The Red-tails were notable as being closely observed. Coordinator Kinnin declared the watch that commenced at 7:00 a.m. and concluded at 4:00 p.m. EST as a "really good day."

    Non raptor species noted today were 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 60,940 Blue Jays ("they just kept coming!"), 148 Tree Swallows, 56 Chimney Swifts, 2,090 American Goldfinches, and 7 Monarchs.

    Tomorrows winds in Lake Erie's Western Basin are to be from the north east, swinging to the west at noon.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 20, 1999 - Mon, 20 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Monday, September 20, 1999:

    • Turkey Vulture - 4
    • Osprey - 4
    • Bald Eagle - 1
    • Northern Harrier - 72
    • Sharp-shinned Hawk - 383
    • Broad-winged Hawk - 2,801
    • Red-tailed Hawk - 2
    • American Kestrel - 55
    • Total - 3,237
    Today's winds were north west to north, strong, then light in the afternoon. Overcast conditions in the morning, partly sunny in the afternoon. Temperatures ranged from 16.5 to 21.5 degrees Celsius. Observers were Doris Applebaum and Nancy Tar (site coordinator) who commented the counters had a "great day" with the Broad-winged Hawk keeping everyone busy. The watch lasted until 5:25 p.m. EST. Blue Jays were the most notable non raptor species, 1,735 counted.

    Tomorrow's weather forecast appears to be favourable for a continued raptor migration in the region with moderate northerlies predicted, diminishing to light with fair conditions. The barometric pressure is rising.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 19, 1999 - Sun, 19 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Sunday, September 19, 1999:

    • Turkey Vulture -10
    • Osprey - 4
    • Northern Harrier - 20
    • Sharp-shinned Hawk - 244
    • Cooper's Hawk -1
    • American Kestrel - 6
    • Merlin - 1
    • Peregrine Falcon - 1
    • Unidentified falcon - 1
    • Total - 289
    Winds today were light, southerly, then south south east, and finally south south west. Conditions were clear with cloud cover late in the day. Temperatures ranged from 16 to 22 degrees. Observers were Leonard De Francisco, Esther and Chuck Gossel, Sue Tanner, Dorothy McLeer, Paul Pratt, Mike Sefton, Bob Pettit, and Bob Hall Brooks (Site Coordinator) with many visitors enjoying the migration as part of the Festival of Hawks.

    Today's Merlin was observed circling to the east of the tower, then the bird headed down the shoreline. Just before the Merlin sighting, Clay Taylor, Naturalist Markets Field Coordinator for Swarovski Optik had distributed Swarovski "on trial" binoculars to watchers on the tower, which ensured everyone had wonderful views of the Merlin through Swarovski optics.

    The first Peregrine Falcon was observed attacking a Blue Jay while the second bird was seen assaulting a Sharp-shinned Hawk in mid air, after which the Peregrine raced off across Big Creek Marsh.

    Non raptor sightings today included flocks of Killdeer, on Golden Plover and 14,000 Blue Jays.

    Paul Pratt lead a dragonfly walk this morning, a special program of interest to naturalists attending the Festival of Hawks. Dragonfly species observed included Familiar Bluet, Tule Bluet, Eastern Pondhawk, Eastern Amberwing, Black Saddlebags, Common Whitetail, Green Darner, Red Saddlebags, Twelve Spot Skimmer, Widow Skimmer, Blue Dasher, Wandering Glider, and Spot-winged Glider. No Eastern Forktail was observed. Butterfly species observed included one Giant Swallowtail, Sulphurs, Pearl Crescents, Least Skippers and Fiery Skippers.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 18, 1999 - Sat, 18 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Saturday, September 18, 1999:

    • Turkey Vulture - 2
    • Osprey - 4
    • Northern Harrier - 80
    • Sharp-shinned Hawk - 346
    • Cooper's Hawk - 1
    • Broad-winged Hawk - 4
    • Red-tailed Hawk - 5
    • American Kestrel - 12
    • Merlin - 2
    • Unidentified buteo - 1
    • Unidentified raptor - 2
    • Total - 459
    Today's winds were west in the morning, gradually moving to southeast, then east, returning to southeast somewhat stronger. Conditions were sunny and clear throughout the day. Observers were Steve Griedanus, Mike Sefton, Dennis Boulay, Bill and Carol Murphy of Indianapolis, and Sue Tanner (site coordinator).

    Non raptors included 4,820 Blue Jays, 45 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 350 American Goldfinch, 3 American Widgeon, and 20 Monarchs.

    Today was busy on the first day of the second weekend of the Festival of Hawks with 150 vehicles entering Holiday Beach Conservation Area. Activities included guided hawk watching on the tower, hawk demonstration and banding talks, displays, the hands on children's display, a display from Pelee Wings Nature Store, and the Blue Kestrel Cafe.

    At 3:00 p.m. today a Tulip Tree was dedicated to the memory of Hank Hunt, long time Holiday Beach Migration Observatory Canadian Vice President and hawk counter who passed away suddenly on March 31, 1999. Family, friends and hawk watchers gathered at the hawk tower, then all walked to the woodlands near the passerine banding area for the dedication ceremony.

    Bander Dorothy Balkwill reported that on Thursday, September 16, 1999, Bander Martin Wernaart banded 76 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 10 American Kestrels, 2 Red-tailed Hawks for a total of 88. Yesterday ( Friday, Septmember 17, 1999), Gary and Dorothy Balkwill banded 54 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 5 American Kestrels, 3 Northern Harriers, 2 Cooper's Hawks, 1 Red-tailed Hawk (The Balkwill's first one for the year), for a total of 65.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 17, 1999

    - Fri, 17 Sep 1999 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Friday, September 17, 1999.

    • Turkey Vulture - 30
    • Osprey - 10
    • Bald Eagle - 8
    • Northern Harrier - 123
    • Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1,888
    • Cooper's Hawk -17
    • Broad-winged Hawk - 30,945
    • Red-tailed Hawk - 17
    • Golden Eagle - 1, immature
    • American Kestrel - 307
    • Peregrine Falcon - 1
    • Merlin - 2
    • Unidentified raptor - 1
    • Total - 33,349
    Winds were from the north west under clear fine conditions. Observers were Leonard De Fransisco, Wayne Telesco, Will Weber, Dorothy McLeer, Esther Gossel, and Bob Pettit (site coordinator). Coordinator Pettit remarked, "The Broad-wings were like specks of brown sugar and we didn't see them all." At the Lake Erie Metro Park Hawk Watch eight miles due west of the Holiday Beach site in Michigan on the shores of Lake Erie, a new North American one day record was set today for migrating Broad-winged Hawks sighted - 495,000 individuals.

    Weather tomorrow is to be very similar today's although Coodinator Pettit report southwest winds in the late afternoon.

    Tom Hince sent the following e-mail following yesterday's count at Holiday Beach : I stayed until 6:00 pm today (Sept 16th) and had the following additional birds which were not tallied or recorded after the official counters left (all written down). They departed just before 5:00 pm. Thought these should be added in to the overall totals for the day, which was obviously very good!!

    • Broad-winged hawk - 1,472
    • American Kestrel - 53
    • Sharp-shinned Hawk - 54
    • Red-tailed Hawk - 2
    • Coopers Hawk - 1
    • Northern Harrier - 2
    • also hummer 1, American Golden-plover 1
    HBMO bander Dorothy Balkwill reports as of September 14, 1999 that Dorothy and husband Gary banded 14 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 8 American Kestrels, and one Merlin for a total of 119 raptors banded at Holiday Beach this season. Dorothy added, "We had a gorgeous Peregrine Falcon swoop through our set up about a half a dozen times when a Sharp-shinned Hawk came in and got caught in the nets thus frightening off the Peregrine."

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • Holiday Beach Banding, Sept. 17, 1999 - Fri, 17 Sep 1999

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

    Birders,

    I missed most of the thousands of Broad-winged Hawks today due to a good passerine migration, but I did see the Golden Eagle (earliest ever for Holiday Beach) and a Merlin (my favorite). Banding highlights included an unusually early Dark-eyed Junco, the season's first White-throated Sparrows, and the first Gray-cheeked Thrushes since the one I banded on August 21. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were also through in good numbers, and I netted and released five. Yellow-rumped Warblers were seen, but all stayed too high to be caught in our nets.

    Total (675 birds banded since 7 Aug, mainly on weekends):

    • Eastern Wood Pewee - 1
    • Least Flycatcher - 1
    • Red-eyed Vireo - 1
    • Blue Jay - 2
    • Gray-cheeked Thrush - 4
    • Swainson's Thrush - 4
    • Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1 (only our 2nd ever)
    • Nashville Warbler - 5
    • Magnolia Warbler - 5 (we're up to 92 for the season so far!)
    • Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1
    • Black-throated Blue Warbler - 6
    • Blackpoll Warbler - 9 (21 so far this season)
    • American Redstart - 18 (best day so far)
    • Ovenbird - 1
    • Northern Waterthrush - 1
    • Wilson's Warbler - 3 (41 so far for the season)
    • Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco - 1 (early !)
    • White-throated Sparrow - 4
    Allen Chartier
    Managing Editor, Michigan Birds & Natural History
    1442 West River Park Drive
    Inkster, MI 48141
    amazilia@juno.com

  • HBMO, September 16, 1999 - Thu, 16 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Thursday, September 16, 1999.

    • Turkey Vulture - 0
    • Osprey - 0
    • Bald Eagle - 7
    • Northern Harrier - 33
    • Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1,441
    • Cooper's Hawk - 5
    • Broad-winged Hawk - 19,834
    • Red-tailed Hawk - 25
    • American Kestrel - 397
    • Peregrine Falcon - 1
    • Merlin -6
    • Total - 21,760
    Winds today were north north west, medium strength, increasing to strong and then to very strong. Wind strength was recorded at 30 mph gusting to 45 mph. Temperature was 18 degrees. Observers included Tom Hince, Rick Stimac, Leonard De Francisco, Jim McCoy, Jack Boxer,and Ray Seng (site coordinator). The watch was from 6:00 a.m. EST to 4:00 p.m. EST.

    The Broad-winged Hawk flight was mainly between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. with the birds moving along the shoreline. It appeared that the thermals were carrying the birds out over Lake Erie with the birds "tacking" off to the north east, picking up another thermal and continuing a zig zag pattern of movement. Coordinator Seng mentioned the last group of Broad-wings, about 400 birds, were observed at 4:00 p.m. EST, along the shoreline, then retreated to the east.

    Local weather reports (the marine report) from the Windsor Airport for tomorrow indicate a highly favourable day for the hawk migration on Friday, September 17, 1999. Winds in Lake Erie's Western Basin will be north at 20 to 25 knots overnight, diminishing to 15 knots overnight and diminishing to 10 knots in the afternoon with clear conditions. The barometric pressure is rising.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, Sept 14 and 15, 1999 - Wed, 15 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Tuesday, September 14, 1999 and Wednesday, September 15, 1999.

    Tuesday, September 14, 1999

    • Bald Eagle - 1
    • Northern Harrier - 4 ( includes one adult male)
    • Sharp-shinned Hawk - 127
    • American Kestrel - 86
    • Peregrine Falcon - 1
    • Merlin - 2
    • Total - 221
    Site coordinatior Wes Kinnin reported these observations:
    190 Tree Swallows, 399 American Goldfinch, 48 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 6 Chimney Swifts, 2 Common Snipe and 3 Caspian Terns.

    Wednesday, September 15, 1999

    • Turkey Vulture - 3
    • Osprey - 1
    • Bald Eagle - 2
    • Northern Harrier - 13
    • Sharp-shinned Hawk - 324
    • Cooper's Hawk - 4
    • Broad-winged Hawk - 104
    • Red-tailed Hawk - 4
    • American Kestrel - 88
    • Merlin - 3
    • Total - 553
    Today's weather was fine and clear with winds from the south west until early afternoon, then westerly, and finally west north west in the late afternoon. Observers today with Esther and Chuck Gossel, Tom and Alice Farron, Wes Kinnin, Fred Urie, Denis Boulay, Leonard De Francisco and Betty Learmouth (site coordinator).

    The migration was steady all day, with the Broad-winged Hawks seen from noon until 3:00 p.m. in small groups and as individuals. The Broad-winged Hawks we saw were very high and only spotted as the birds streamed or kettled against cumulus clouds that developed in the afternoon.

    Other observations today were 205 Chimney Swifts, 6 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and 94 Monarchs. The Monarchs were flying high, so easily spotted by hawk watchers. All were moving from the north over Big Creek Marsh and out over Lake Erie in a southerly direction. Pelee Island summer resident Mary Celestino reported that she and her husband observed a Monarch at Sheridan Point today as the Monarch came ashore after crossing the lake. Mary also mentioned that two days ago numbers of dragonflies were flying along the south shore of Pelee Island, east to west, likely intending to cross from Pelee Island's Fish Point to Middle Island.

    Monarch watchers who had participated in the early morning hike at Point Pelee National Park reported to observers at Holiday Beach that 430 Monarchs were observed on this morning's hike. The previous high at Point Pelee for Monarchs this season was 200 individuals. Monarchs were observed roosting this morning with 12 seen on a tree limb.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 13, 1999 - Mon, 13 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Monday, September 13, 1999:

    • Turkey Vulture - 9
    • Osprey - 2
    • Northern Harrier - 2
    • Sharp-shinned Hawk - 74
    • Cooper's Hawk - 1
    • American Kestrel - 9
    • Peregrine Falcon - 1
    • Total - 96
    Today's skies were 100 percent cloud-covered in the morning, with 80 percent cloud cover in the afternoon. Winds were west south west, moving to south west. Observers were Doris Applebaum and Nancy Tar (site co-ordinatior). Other birds observed included 6 Greater Yellowlegs.

    HBMO passerine bander Allen Chartier's report for Sunday, September 12, 1999 is as follows: It was a slow day for passerine banding, though I banded the 600th bird of the season (a Magnolia Warbler). Only 16 birds caught, including 1 Cedar Waxwing, 4 Swainson's Thrushes, 1 Nashville Warbler, 1 Wilson's Warbler, 1 Northern Waterthrush, 3 American Redstarts, 1 Magnolia Warbler, 1 Philadelphia Vireo (third for the season), 1 Red-eyed Vireo, 1 Downy Woodpecker, and 1 Blue Jay. Also, 8 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were released unbanded. Interestingly, most were hatch-year males. Plenty of help offered from Sharon Johnson, Peggy Hurst, and Ruth Junge.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 12, 1999 - Sun, 12 Sep 1999

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

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Sunday, September 12, 1999:

    • Turkey Vulture - 1
    • Osprey - 3
    • Northern Harrier - 10
    • Sharp-shinned Hawk - 193
    • Broad-winged Hawk - 5
    • Red-tailed Hawk - 1
    • American Kestrel - 18
    • Merlin - 2
    • Total - 233
    Today's weather was hot with temperatures reaching 29.5 on the weather equipment. Skies were clear with light southerly and east south east winds. Observers were Steve Griedanus, Bob Pettit, Mike Williamson, and Bob Hall Brooks (site co-ordinator).

    The Broad-winged Hawks seen today were sighted north of the tower at a distance. Observers were in radio contact with the Lake Erie Metro hawk watch site which is eight miles due west from Holiday Beach on the Michigan Lake Erie shoreline where reports of 22 and 35 Broad-wings in two one hour watches were reported. Lake Erie Metro also reported today's count of 12 Peregrines ties the single-day site record set on October 2, 1996 for that hawk watch site.

    Observers reported an Osprey hanging around Big Creek Marsh today, successfully fishing twice, catching gold carp in the channel exit to Lake Erie. Four Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were reported, also 3 or 4 Monarchs. Saddlebags Dragonflies were passing through the site in good numbers. Common Buckeye butterflies were observed by a Festival of Hawks volunteer both yesterday and today. Yesterday a Gray Hairstreak was reported, both butterfly species migrants from the United States.

    Raptor banders reported 24 hawks banded today, 20 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 3 American Kestrels and one Northern Harrier. Festival of Hawk attendees enjoyed raptor banding and demonstration talks by Phil Roberts and Dorothy McLeer with eleven of the hawks adopted. Passerine bander Allen Chartier brought a Philedelphia and a Red-eyed Vireo to the Essex Region Conservation Authority's trailer where all the banding talks are given, demonstrating the details that banders must look for when examining and recording data about the birds banded. Later Allen brought a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird to the area before the bird was released unbanded.

    About 130 cars entered Holiday Beach Conservation Area for this second day of the Festival of the Hawks. The Festival continues next weekend, September 18/19, and the following weekend September 25/26.

    Betty Learmouth
    bettlear@wincom.net

  • HBMO, September 11, 1999

    - Sat, 11 Sep 1999 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

    The following is the report from Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for Saturday, September 11, 1999:

    • Turkey Vulture - 17
    • Osprey - 2
    • Northern Harrier - 10
    • Sharp-shinned Hawk - 133
    • Cooper's Hawk - 1
    • Broad-winged Hawk - 3
    • Red-tailed Hawk - 5
    • American Kestrel - 59
    • Merlin - 1
    • Total - 231
    Today's winds were moderate, west north west, west, south west and south east, winds changing in a counter clockwise direction. Guided hawk watching took place all day on the hawk tower. Observers included Jim McCoy, Tom Hince, Fred Urie, Bob Pettit, Mike Williamson and Steve Griedanus (site coordinator). Other observations included 16 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, one Black-capped Chickadee in the afternoon and 17 Monarchs.

    The Festival of Hawks attracted good numbers of hawk watchers including many families on its opening day. The gate count was 60 cars. Fifteen raptors (of the twenty-seven banded by HBMO banders today) were "adopted" as part of the adopt a banded bird of prey program, including Sharp-shinned Hawk