King Eider at Kettle Point - Sat, 25 Nov 2000

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

November 25, 2000
King Eider at Kettle Point

After the IBA dedication ceremony for the Port Franks Forested Dunes IBA today, a few of us went over to look for the 1st winter male King Eider reported by Alf Rider at Kettle Point. The bird was there at 3:00 p.m. and again at 4:00 p.m. It has been seen daily at the same location since November 23 about 50 to 100 m offshore at the foot of Centre Sideroad. Yesterday it was in the company of scoters. Today it was with a male Mallard at 3:00 but on its own at 4:00. The bird was observed with beakfuls of Zebra Mussels so may be stay in the area.

At Pat's Point, about 200 metres to the west, there was still at least one Snowy Owl on the reef extending out from the point.

Directions: From Forest in north Lambton County, drive north on Hwy 21 (Rawlings Rd.). As Rawlings curves sharply to the right and becomes Lakeshore Rd. turn left onto Lakeshore Rd (Cty Rd 7) and immediately turn right back onto Rawlings Rd. Continue north towards Lake Huron. At London Road turn left and drive to Centre Sdrd. At Centre Sdrd. turn right and drive onto the beach. The eider is seen directly offshore where Centre Sdrd enters the beach.

The Port Franks Forested Dune IBA is centred on the extensive dune systems between Northville and Port Franks but encompasses over 20,000 acres from Kettle Point north to Grand Bend and including many protected areas such as Pinery Provincial Park, both Kettle and Stoney First Nations and various other smaller sites. This IBA harbours many rare or threatened species such as Acadian Flycatcher (1 pair per year since 1998), Hooded Warbler (10+ pairs), Red-shouldered Hawk (3 pairs), Red-headed Woodpecker (10 pairs), Cerulean Warbler (3 territories) , Louisiana Waterthrush (1 territory), Tufted Titmouse (15 to 20 pairs), Forster's Tern (up to 3 pairs) not to mention 16 species of breeding warblers. The adjacent Thedford Marsh is a candidate IBA because 15,000 Tundra Swans and countless other waterfowl stage there each March.

Dave Martin, Linda Wladarski and Ted Cheskey
Harrietsville, ON
dave.martin@odyssey.on.ca

KING EIDER. - Thu, 23 Nov 2000

Hi, Blake and All..

At 10.30am Thursday an imm. King Eider joined the flock of scoters at the South end of Ipperwash beach.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

Waterbirds in Sarnia Bay - Sun, 19 Nov 2000

Hi Gord,

This morning I drove along the St. Clair River to Sarnia. Many gulls are accumulating on the river at key points. It could be a good year for gulls along the river if the cold weather keeps up. In Sarnia Bay there were Herring, Ring-billed, and Great black-backed Gulls. Lots of Canada Geese including some very dark ones that have been hanging around. One was almost black. I wonder if these are a different race or just oddities. Many coots were swimming about with one Horned Grebe. Ducks included Common Merganser, Mallard, Black, 3 Lesser Scaup and 1 Greater Scaup. I could not find the Brant that was there previously.

On the river were some Bufflehead and Common Goldeneye. All for today.

Blake A. Mann,
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email: boatmann@kent.net
Visit the Boat Doctor at:
www.kent.net/boatdr

Snowy Owls in Lambton Co. - Sun, 12 Nov 2000

Hi Gord,

It may be a good year for Snowy Owls in southern Ontario this winter. This morning we observed no less than 4 on Kettle Point. Two were on the southwest side (1 adult; 1 imm.) and two were at the very point on the rocks. One there was munching on a bird. Also we noted Surf and Black Scoters off the beach. Still not much in the way of finches, although I just saw 4 or 5 Purples here at home.

Blake A. Mann,
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email:  boatmann@kent.net
Visit the Boat Doctor at:
www.kent.net/boatdr

FLOCKS OF RED-THROATS. - Sat, 11 Nov 2000

Hi, Gord.

This morning before 10am. quite a bit of action occurred at the southern end of Lake Huron. The most spectacular was the flight South off the lake of groups of 20 or more RED-THROATED LOONS at a time.

(Here on the Great Lakes, any loons flying closer than 10 ft. apart are definately NOT Commons. This is developed from thousands of hours loon counting on Lake Huron). Approximately 150 Red-throats left the lake in the hour between 9 and 10am. flying almost overhead at an altitude of around 500 ft. heading S.E. During that time period, two Jaegers flew over on the same track. Both imm. one a PARASITIC and the other a POMARINE they were as 'together' as different jaegers get when migrating over here.

We also had TUNDRA SWANS flying East this morning.

Hope that this is of some interest.

Good Birding,

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

SNOWY OWLS IN LAMBTON COUNTY. - Fri, 03 Nov 2000

Hi, Gord.

This week there have been at least two Snowys between Kettle Point and the Dow property in Sarnia.

At present there is an ad. female Snowy sitting on the farthest out reef at Kettle Point. She has been there since the 31st Oct. She seems to be feeding on birds.

Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

Kittiwake and others at Pt. Edward (Sarnia) - Sat, 28 Oct 2000

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

Hi birdwatchers,

Strong north winds made a good day at the mouth of Lake Huron today. The highlight was a first basic Black-legged Kittiwake. We had nice looks at it as it flew in close. Other birds (from 08:30-10:30) included: Red Phalarope (1), Sanderling (1), Short-eared Owl (1), Common Loons (13), Surf Scoters, Black Scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, Ring-billed, Herring, Great-black-backed Gulls, Goldeneye, Mallards, Common Mergansers, and Sharp-shinned Hawk (1).

Directions: Find Front St. in Sarnia (along river downtown) and go to its very north end (1.3 km past 402 overpass). Turn left onto Victoria St. and go 1.1 km to Fort St. (right turn) and go to its north end where there is a parking lot.

Blake A. Mann,
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email: boatmann@kent.net

THURSDAY, 24C. and SNOW BUNTINGS in LAMBTON. - Thu, 26 Oct 2000

HI, Gord.

What beautiful weather for the end of Oct. When Bohemian Waxwings and Pine Grosbeaks arrive here, they generally chose the 3rd. weekend in Oct. So far none.

However the first individuals of the two later species of ducks, C. GOLDENEYE and C. MERGANSERS have arrived here as have SNOW BUNTINGS and it is 24C. outside!

Anyone who wants to see RED-THROATED LOONS can go to the Pinery Provincial Park and go to picnic areas #s. 3, 8 or 9 and several Red-throats are out there with Commons and also Horned Grebes. Two of the Red-throats are still in almost full breeding dress.

On Friday, three WESTERN GREBES were found on that same beach by the pinery staff. (They do know their grebes, having found a Western before.(accepted by the Rare birds committee.)

Today three BRANT are feeding on the algae covered rocks at Kettle Point. The single adult has unusual facial markings.

Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

O.F.O. outing to Grand Bend Area, Sunday, October 22. - Mon, 23 Oct 2000

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

We had a great day for this outing, a continuation of the Indian Summer we have all been enjoying. Due to sickness, Tom Hayman was not able to be present so Ian Platt and I took over for him. There were 16 participants. After hearing that a Snowy Owl had just been spotted at Kettle Point, we quickly changed our plans and went straight there. It was very easy to see, sitting on a rock, and got ticked as a life -bird by one of the group. We watched it fly and get harassed by a couple of gulls, but it didn't seem too bothered. A Merlin came to sit in a bare tree where it could watch the birdwatchers. We spotted a few flocks of shorebirds- Dunlin, Sanderling and Red Knot, then went on to where we could access the beach. There were mutterings from some participants about the east wind and Jaegers, and someone else who had actually driven from Hamilton that morning, mentioned the word "gannet" . As soon as we drove onto the beach and got out of our cars we could see Scoters close in and just in front of us. Amazing! We found both Black and Surf in the group. I remarked that this was just as good as Hamilton, but that Gannet talk proved too much for one group and they decided to abandon Lake Huron for Van Waggener's beach.

We visited Grand Bend sewage lagoons next which produced lots of birds. There were 15 species of waterfowl, Bonaparte's, Coots, Piedbilled Grebe in the water; Killdeer, Tree Swallow, Roughlegged Hawk in the air, and Kinglets, Yellow rump. Redwings, Tree and White-throated sparrows in the surrounding shrubs. The ducks were cooperative enough that all participants were able to see every species through a scope. Present were Redhead, Canvasback, Pintail, Black, 2 species Teal, Wigeon, Shoveller, Gadwall, lesser Scaup, Ringneck, and of course Ruddy. They seem to be having a population explosion. From a pre-trip visit I knew there were Whitecrowned in the cornfield , but everyone said they were too hungry, and wanted to go for lunch. Oh,Oh. Four more of our participants now decided that perhaps Hamilton was the place to be, with the chance of Jaegers and Gannets.

The rest of us made for the Pinery Visitor Centre to watch the feeders while we ate. We saw Tufted Titmice and Purple Finch and picked up a few more species, (but no Whitecrowneds !). Touring around Pinery Park we saw many Hermit Thrushes on the Riverside trail, Common (or Great Northern) Loon, Horned and Red-necked Grebes at the beach, a grackle in a campground, and the usual wood species near the river including many Robins. We finished the afternoon with just over 70 bird species on the trip, life birds for several, and I think we all made some new friends. Thanks to the participants who made this a real fun trip.

Ann White
London Ontario Canada
dwhite@odyssey.on.ca

BRANT and a PEREGRINE. - Sun, 15 Oct 2000

Hi, Gord.

Early this morning I checked Kettle Point and found little of interest.

At 3.30 pm. Lance and Faye Allin dropped by the house to tell me that they had found some BRANT out on the lake.

We all went back to see them and counted 198 in a flock, preening 200m. off- shore at Ipperwash Beach.

A check at the Point itself found a young UNBANDED PEREGRINE preening itself in the light drizzle. Out on the rocks were 3 Black-bellies and a flock of about 80 DUNLIN. They were quite restless--- and no wonder with a Peregrine looking them over from its lookout!

Now that it is raining, birds have settled in for a while.

Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca.

Pinery Park Birds, Sat. Oct. 14 - Sat, 14 Oct 2000

Gord,
I spent a leisurely day birding at Pinery Prov. Park today. Some of the birds I observed were:
Riverside Trail: Pileated Woodpecker (my first one there!), Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue-headed Vireo, several Swamp Sparrows, a Lincoln's Sparrow, lots of juncos, kinglets and White-throated Sparrows, Pine siskins, Pied-billed Grebe and Great Blue Heron . On Cedar Trail I had 2 Titmice, 5 Cedar Waxwings, and a large flock of Robins with Hermit Thrushes eating berries.
Along the river I saw another large group of Robins with Hermit Thrushes and 1 Gray-cheeked Thrush, a female Purple Finch, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, more Pine Siskins, and 2 each of Red-tailed and Sharp-shinned Hawks migrating overhead. Lots of both kinglets throughout the park on a beautiful day.

Blake A. Mann,
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email: boatmann@kent.net
Visit the Boat Doctor at:
www.kent.net/boatdr

St Clair River, Moore Township Raptors. - Tue, 10 Oct 2000

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

There are days that I really enjoy my job. Today was one of them.

With the great weather today (it wasn't raining on the pipeline) many raptors and other birds were moving along the woodlot edges and fields in the areas around the Lambton Generating Station and the Terra ICI works. Large numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers and both Kinglets were moving through the Clay Creek ANSI just north of Bickford Line one Highway 40. Also seen were small flocks of Robins, Eastern Bluebirds, Blue jays, and several Phoebes.

The raptors were a great treat though. Starting early with the resident Red-tailed Hawks, I managed to see most of the expected migrating hawks pass overhead throughout the day. 2 Golden Eagles, both adults; 1 Osprey; 14 American Kestrels; 2 Merlins; 1 Immature Peregrine (he's been around for more than a month); 17 Sharp-shinned; 3 Cooper's; 1 Goshawk (maybe a resident in the ANSI); 1 Rough-legged (immature); 4 Red-shouldered; 5 Broad-winged; 2 Northern Harriers and last but not least 16 Turkey Vultures. By 2:00 this afternoon I was really wanting a western stray! Being outside from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm helps.

This area has been very good with strong westerly and southwest winds. Apologies for not getting the word out sooner. The area is south of Sarnia on Highway #40 in Moore Township, bound by Highway #80, the Kimball Side road, Bickford Line and the St. Clair River. Careful on the roads, since there is still large numbers of construction vehicles near the Hydro Station and Terra/ICI

Thank you,

Brett Groves

Environmental Planner
Union Gas 
(519) 352-3100 ext. 2945
(519) 436-4655 Fax
bgroves@uniongas.com

KETTLE POINT-- SARNIA. - Mon, 09 Oct 2000

Hi Gord.

We have a beautiful adult Arctic race of PEREGRINE here for the last few days. Still a MERLIN around. This has been a Merlin year here.

Three SNOW GEESE on Saturday here too. Yesterday, Sarnia did very well as can be seen from the previous postings.(how do Ont.birds postings get on, when our local postings take several days?)

Today in Sarnia/Point Edward, we had MERLIN , KESTREL, COOPERS, REDTAIL and the first ROUGH-LEG , a dark phase, which was crossing to the Port Huron side from Canada..

After all the other observers left, I had an ad. pale phase PARASITIC JAEGER that flew down the lake, took a quick dive at a Herring Gull and then flew back up the lake on the American side at 9.10am.

A quick look at Kettle Point before going to Thanksgiving dinner at Janette's near Stratford, again produced another adult PEREGRINE. This one is sitting on the reef, watching the comings and goings of the other birds!

Yesterday I had a single BREWERS BLACKBIRD foraging among the shoreline vegetation. 12am. Monday.

Happy Thanksgiving and Good Birding.

Alf.

More birds at Pt. Edward - Sun, 8 Oct 2000

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

In addition to the adult Sabine's Gull at Point Edward were the following birds;

1 Brant
1 Snow Goose
10 White-winged Scoters
1 juv. or imm. Pomarine Jaeger
2 Peregrine Falcons

Directions to Point Edward lighthouse: Find Front St. in Sarnia (along river in downtown) and follow it to its very north end,1.2 km from 402 overpass. Turn left onto Victoria Ave. and travel 1.1 km to Fort St. (right, north side). Go to end of street and you will see parking lot.

David Stimac
Metamora, MI

Sabine's Gull at Pt. Edward (Sarnia) - Sun, 8 Oct 2000

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

Hi birders,

This morning with a northwest wind, I decided to look for birds at Pt. Edward at the mouth of Lake Huron. Shortly after I arrived (8 a.m.) myself and other birders observed an adult Sabine's Gull flying in off the lake. It stayed in sight for just over a minute then disappeared. Not much else was seen except for a few ducks like mergansers and scaup. Actually the wind died down for a while after 9 a.m. This is an excellent spot to observe gulls and waterfowl in the fall during northwest winds. For those of you who have OFO NEWS vol. 13. no. 1 (Feb. 1995), see Dennis Rupert's article under Favourite Birding Hotspots--Sarnia Waterworks. This is a good descriptive article with good directions.

Directions to Point Edward lighthouse: Find Front St. in Sarnia (along river in downtown) and follow it to its very north end,1.2 km from 402 overpass. Turn left onto Victoria Ave. and travel 1.1 km to Fort St. (right, north side). Go to end of street and you will see parking lot.

Blake A. Mann,
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email: boatmann@kent.net

PEREGRINE and PIPITS. - Fri, 06 Oct 2000

Hi, Gord.
On Thursday morning, both a BALD EAGLE and a PEREGRINE graced the reef at Kettle point. The eagle seemed to be the imm. that has settled in over the last few weeks. The Peregrine however was restless, new and hungry. It missed several incoming migrants before circling and flying further down the lake to another set of rocks.

At Grand Bend Sewage Lagoons the overcast conditions made it difficult to get decent looks at the two very small geese that were in with the Canadas. My impression was that they were a pair of one of the smallest races of Canada goose. They also landed behind a ridge, out of sight and not accessible.

The duck population is varied and growing too.

      Mallard    Lots!
      Pintail      6
      Ring Neck  150
      Redhead   50.

There are also Gt. and Lesser Scaup, Canvasback and all the common ducks.

In the ploughed fields was a flock of about 50 PIPITS. Also there are 200 Tree swallows there. I got a brief look at a small swallow with a buffy rump but it was not found again, in spite of a long and careful look.

As in pre- binocular days when guns were the tool of choice for looking at birds--- "What was Hit was History. What was Missed was Mystery" !

Birders have come a long way in the preservation of birds. It is a source of real regret that too many entomologists still live in the middle ages when it comes to collecting and I.D.ing.

Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

KETTLE POINT. - Sun, 01 Oct 2000

Hi, Gord.

This morning the two MERLINS were in evidence here. One took exeption to the antics of one of the local CROW family and buffeted it all the way back to the trees where it was able to take shelter. The Raven has gone but the young BALD EAGLE was being harassed by one of those crows today.

Few shorebirds remain, but GOLDEN PLOVER and SEMI-PALMATED PLOVER are still around and SANDERLING patrol the shoreline.

I am trying to organise a more regular watch for Pelagic birds at POINT EDWARD at the Ontario side at the start of the St. Clair River. We need to get the information gathered,out to both the Michigan and Ontario birding organisations.

Good Birding,

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

LOONS AND RAPTORS. - Sun, 24 Sep 2000

Hi, Gord.

While many of us were birding at Hawk Cliff today had a good day, Pete Chapman in Hungry Hollow just outside Arkona had a brilliant day in his own yard!!

Starting early was a very full GOSHAWK that cruised the yard. He also had COOPERS and SHARPSHINS later. A PEREGRINE flew over and later, numerous KESTRELS moved through.

REDTAILS, RED- SHOULDERED and lots of BROADWINGS moved overhead while he enjoyed the sights. TURKEY VULTURES also moved today. The Peregrine was new for his Yard list.

That is not all. He also had 4 RED-THROATED LOONS overhead and a few COMMONS too. Wow!!!!

I have not heard what happened at Point Edward today. It was quiet up to 9am.

Good Birding,

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

A TERRIFIC TRIPLE. - Sat, 23 Sep 2000

Hi, Gord.

A brief note to let folks know that as of 11am. Saturday, There are a BALD EAGLE, 2 MERLINS and best of all, a RAVEN sitting on the reef at Kettle Point. Sometimes all three in view at once through the 'scope. This is only the 4th. sighting of Raven on the point in 30 years.

We also have a COMMON LOON and an ad. LITTLE GULL just off the Point.

There are at least 3 Merlins around today. The only shorebirds out there now are 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS.(Keeping a very low profile!)

Kettle Point is just North of Forest off 21 Hiway.

Good Birding,

Alf. rider@xcelco.on.ca

GOSHAWK to LINCOLNS SPARROW. - Fri, 22 Sep 2000

Hi, Gord.

On L. Huron we have had REDHEAD and Gt. SCAUP moving down this week.

On Tuesday the Pinery staff had a GOSHAWK fly by the office. Today they had both a WINTER WREN and a LINCOLNS SPARROW in the V.C. brush pile.

With the winds being Easterly, (S.E.) Hawks are drifted away from L Erie so I spent an hour on the Nipissing Beach trail tower between 3 and 4 pm. this afternoon. Only 7 BROADWINGS, 3 SHARPSHINS and a REDTAIL flew by. Earlier a COOPERS had been found in the park.

During the hour, a BROWN CREEPER and both RUBY-CROWNED and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS foraged in the big Juniper that grows close to the tower. Two TOWHEES called from the undergrowth. On Kettle Point the lingering MERLIN was joined by a male and there was some chasing around the rocks.

The branch usually used by the falcon was occupied by an imm. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. This is one offspring from two families that breed on the point.

I forgot to mention that On Saturday the 16th. lots of WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were feeding around the Pinery Visitor Center.

Hope that this is of interest.

Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

KITTYWAKE. - Sat, 16 Sep 2000

Hi, Gord.

Early this morning an imm. KITTYWAKE was resting just off Kettle Point on the reef. The wind was about 50Km/hr. and it was raining. We had over 2 1/2 ins. of the stuff from the streamers coming from the N. down L. Huron.

After a wonderful day with great birders and record numbers of hawks at Hawk Cliff, I returned to K.Pt. just at sunset to find a RED KNOT in the same general place. Finally the rain has stopped.

At Hungry Hollow, Pete Chapman had some warblers and an early RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET --- Ouch! that really means "Fall" to me.

Good Birding,

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

MERLIN and PEREGRINE at KETTLE POINT.. - Thu, 14 Sep 2000

Hi, Gord.

The WHITE RUMPS and BAIRDS SANDPIPERS seem to have left in the last two days.

On Ipperwash Beach early Wednesday morning, a young PEREGRINE caught a Semi-Palmated sandpiper and started to eat it. Soon it was disturbed by joggers and left.

The young MERLIN is still here, and about 8am. hunts breakfast!. The strain of being chased has encouraged nearly all of the shorebirds to find a quieter haven somewhere!.

The BLACK TERNS have left, as have the CASPIANS. (Lots of the latter at Erieau Thursday.) still lots of COMMON TERNS still around the reef.

Hope that this is of interest.

Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

MERLINS. - Sun, 10 Sep 2000

Hi, Gord.

I hope that your new Job is going Well?

Here we now have two MERLINS around Kettle Point. The latest arrival is a moulting bird with the bill showing some type of damage resulting in it looking ok from the left, but it looks broken from the right. This individual is replacing a feather in the left wing and the left outer feather in the tail.

The shorebird numbers are down to around 150. Mostly Semipalmated Sandpipers, a half dozen Leasts and 20 Semi-Palmated Plovers. Black-Bellied Plovers are mostly out on the rocks.

Apart from the Merlins, the best birds here are two ad. WHITE-RUMPS and two imm. BAIRDS SANDPIPERS. They are on the mud at the Kettle Point end of the Ipperwash Beach. (see the previous posting for directions)

Not much butterfly activity.

Good Birding/Butterflying.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

Shorebirds in Bosanquet - Tue, 5 Sep 2000

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

Hello, Birders!

There are marvellous shorebirds (and other birds) moving along the Lake Huron shoreline between Kettle Point and Lambton Centre.

On Sunday and Monday, we saw:

LEAST SANDPIPER
STILT SANDPIPER
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER
KILDEER
LESSER YELLOWLEGS
GREATER YELLOWLEGS
NORTHERN HARRIER
AMERICAN PLOVER

and a true highlight, a PEREGRINE FALCON enjoying his own shorebird meal. He wouldn't let us get close enough to see if he was banded, but judging by the brown colour of this bird, we believe it was an immature. (One of George's kids, perhaps?)

We got access to the Lake Huron shoreline at Lambton Centre, located on Lambton County Rd. 7, between Townsend Line (#12) and Kettle Point. Lambton Centre is open to the public for an entrance fee of $4.00. Have fun! (And wear rubber boots!)

Angie Williams
Hamilton, Ont.
williamsmusic@execulink.com

WHITE-RUMPS. - Thu, 31 Aug 2000

Hi, Gord.

Rarely do adult White-RUMPED SANDPIPERS turn up here in the Fall. Perhaps we miss them among the dense flocks of other peeps. Two years ago there was a winter plumaged ad. at Parkhill Lagoons. Now there are two moulting adults at the S.W. end of Ipperwash Beach in among the other peeps.

Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

P.S. Loosing Control? . The American Government, Federal or State, do not allow houses in their Parks.

It is reported that the Cottage owners in Rondeau Provincial Park are negotiating behind closed doors with the ONTARIO GOVERNMENT to get 99 YEAR LEASES. If they succeed then ANY Provincial Park will have to follow. Many of the cottage owners are Americans.

There is a big problem with their gardens -Alien plants like Japanese Barberry and also trespassing into the marsh, diplacing habitat to put in their lawns and sheds.

We are losing control of our Provincial Parks.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

Wrens - Mon, 28 Aug 2000

Hi Gord I thought you would like to know that I just watch two Carolina Wrens playing in my yard in Sarnia for the last 30 min, that a new one for my yard list hope thay stay around .

Good birding

Tony Roach
magnets4you@hotmail.com

MERLIN and WHIMBREL. - Mon, 28 Aug 2000

Hi, Gord.

Early this am. at Kettle Point, a single WHIMBREL flew in. Almost immediately it was persistently dive-bombed by a COMMON TERN. Finally the Whimbrel sat down and the Tern moved away.

The MERLIN is still to be found, early in the morning, and sometimes around 4pm. in the bare branches of a tree 1/2 way between the two points. ie.300m. past the point with the Kettles on it.

The shorebirds around include BAIRDS, SOLITARY, PECTORAL and late SPOTTED SANDPIPERS.

Good Birding.

Alf
rider@xcelco.on.ca

RAPTORS and SHOREBIRDS. - Sat, 26 Aug 2000

Hi, Gord.
Wednesday, an ad. CROW caught a young sandpiper and tried to kill it. I clapped my hands and the crow let go, and the sandpiper ran away.

On the 24th.early in the morning there were 5 species of raptors hunting on Kettle Point.

Resting on the rocks was a young BALD EAGLE. Carrying a Gizzard Shad was an OSPREY that flew back and forth along the beach with its fresh prey. 1/2 hour later it came back with it 1/2 eaten. A young female SHARPSHIN dived at a crow family a couple of times, then the crows dived back before leaving the area. Best of all - or worst if one was a sandpiper, The young MERLIN took a juv. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER to a rock and ate it for breakfast.

On Sat, 26th. shorebirds were again good. 10 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, 15+ SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS, KILLDEER, 3 imm. RED KNOT, 3 imm. BAIRDS SANDPIPERS (About a week early), an ad. and imm. SOLITARY SANDPIPER, a LESSER YELLOWLEGS and lots of peeps. Still lots of terns , including a few BLACKS around. The latter seem to be moving right along and away.

At Grand Bend Sewage Lagoons 2 imm. Night Herons, 9 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and late juv. SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were seen this afternoon.

Several BUCKEYE butterflies were along the West boundary also In the Pinery, a GIANT SWALLOWTAIL was caught by a staff member near the North bridge this afternoon.

Good Birding,

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

NIGHT HERONS ET AL. - Mon, 07 Aug 2000

Hi, Gord.

The shorebird habitat has improved with the high pressure system over us. The birds seem to be moving out today. 80% of the SPOTTED SANDPIPERS have left, those still here seem to be all juvs. There was a single ad. BAIRDS SANDPIPER on Kettle Point reef this morning. An early morning stroller walked out and disturbed it. Still some Summer plumaged RUDDY TURNSTONES among the rocks.

At Grand Bend S.Lagoons are 6 juv BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS and 3 GREEN HERONS. COOT are still feeding young and also a GALLINULE (MOORHEN) was found in the first pond. A female MERLIN was keeping a keen eye on the ponds, perhaps to catch a recently fledged REDWING which are still around the nests.

I was surprised to see some tiny WOOD DUCKS streaming into the cattails. Virtually no shorebird habitat because all the runoff has put about a foot of water- 30cm.- into the 2 emptied ponds.

Hope that this is of interest.

Alf.
rider@exelco.on.ca

---

Hi Alf, any birding report or butterfly report from you is of interest! Please keep them coming.

Sincerely,
Gord Gallant .... gord@web-nat.com

black bellied plovers - Thu, 3 Aug 2000

Hi Gord
I live in Bright's Grove, Ontario and spotted three black bellied plovers heading towards the Wawanosh Wetlands. I saw them while driving west on Michigan Road just east of Telfer sideroad.

Just thought I let you know. Have been birding for about 20 years and really enjoy my feather friends.

Brian Kershaw
bkershaw@ebtech.net

POMARINE JAEGER. - Thu, 03 Aug 2000

Hi, Gord.

The change in the wind brought a sick adult POMARINE JAEGER onto the beach in North Lambton.

The bird was measured to confirm its identity It is being cared for in a QUIET place to allow it to recover. It is a dark phase bird with new central tail feathers.

Not many adult jaejers are ever handled. This is my second adult Pomarine . The first I helped to band on the Fair Isle in the 1960s Photographs were taken for the record and the bird returned for rehab.

This bird is very early here.

Good Birding.

Alf
rider@xcelco.on.ca

MORE MIGRANTS - Wed, 02 Aug 2000

Hi, Gord.

This morning dawned cloudless yet with very distant thunder to the South beyond Sarnia. Time to get out and look over the birds at Kettle Point. Still lots of Short-billed Dowitchers, Sanderling and Stilt sandpipers. There has been a report of Bairds Sandpipers but they seem to have moved on. Also the Avocet and Merlin seem to have left also.

At Grand Bend Sewage Lagoons this morning, in the first cell were a very tame ad. SORA RAIL and a Juvenile SOLITARY SANDPIPER , both at the NE. corner.

Good Birding,

Alf
rider@xcelco.on.ca

AVOCET , LITTLE GULL and MERLIN. - Wed, 02 Aug 2000

Hi, Gord.

Something was going on today that brought birds in during the late morning. When first checked in the early am. things were about the same as the 31st. By noon there was an adult Merlin chasing Tree Swallows over the rocks. Then while watching that display, a phone call advised me that Brenda and Ben Kulon of Brights Grove had found not only a LITTLE GULL but also an AVOCET on the Kettle Point. The Avocet was found with ease, but the gull eluded us.as did the Merlin.

The numbers of Dowithers and Stilt sandpipers has gone up today, and the occasional small group of incoming shorebirds were found.

Still no Vesper sparrows found in North Lambton!

Good Birding.

Alf
rider@xcelco.on.ca

American Avocet near the Pinery - Mon, 31 Jul 2000

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

In the evening of July 30, a male American Avocet showed up on the beach at Lambton United Church Centre, on Lambton County Rd. 7, between Rd. 12 and Kettle Point. The bird was not seen July 31 morning, so it may have moved on. However, there are other interesting shorebirds passing through the same area, including Semipalmated Plover, Spotted Sandpipers, and a small blackheaded gull. The gull was flying quickly along the shoreline, and I didn't get a great look at it, but it didn't appear to have any black markings on its wings. Wear rubber boots if you want to get up close to the shore and still have dry feet!

Lambton United Church Centre is open to the public; there is a small entrance fee.

Angie Williams
Hamilton, Ont.
williamsmusic@execulink.com

KETTLE POINT BIRDS. - Sun, 30 Jul 2000

Hi, Gord.

The modification of the Sewage lagoons in Ontario has led to a reduction in "Wetland Habitat" by keeping the water levels high. Forest and Brights Grove have both kept relatively high water levels. And both Parkhill and Thedford when they drained the lagoons in the Spring left several inches of water in the cells . The heavy rains have added several inches more of runoff into the lagoons.This means that shorebird habitat is in very short supply in this area.

It is with delight that within 1Km. of my house we have an exellent "Wetland" provided by nature.

At the South West end of Ipperwash Beach there is a soggy area of sand and several inches of muck on top, that is hosting 14 species of shorebird. Be careful if you drive the beach, to keep to the path made by vehicles and be cautious because you might get stuck.

Whilst watching this morning, a pair of WHIMBREL flew around and a summer plumaged RED KNOT separated from them and landed on the reef. Later, Pete Chapman and I saw two Knot and one of the 20 STILT SANDPIPERS back in the origional spot. 20 years ago on a similar day when Whimbrel were flying in, a Long-Billed Curlew circled the point, looking huge compared to the smaller Whimbrel.( That record was rejected by the Ont.Bird Record Committee of the time.)

As mentioned earlier, this seems to be the only relatively permanent wetland around. Other stopping spots are flooded fields, which might be anywhere. So--it is really nice to have good shorebird habitat almost at my back door!

Good birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

Mockingbird north of Wallaceburg, S. Lambton Co. - Wed, 26 Jul 2000

Hello Gord,
While making some rounds this evening, I came across a Mockingbird on Tulloch Line west (one concession south of Holt Line). It was 7/10 km west of Kimball Sideroad, sitting on a hydro line. Mockingbirds are quite rare in this area--the last one I personally saw near here was in 1992. So, another good bird for the summer. The Sedge Wrens are still singing in the large pasture at the corner of Holt and Mandaumin. These Sedge Wrens are the first I've encountered in this area, in all the years I've been watching birds. I did not detect the Dickcissels this evening on Holt Line, but they could still be in the area. I suspect they might be at or near the end of nesting. Lots of Vesper Sparrows around this summer I might add.

Blake A. Mann,
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email: boatmann@kent.net
Visit the Boat Doctor at:
www.kent.net/boatdr

Update: Dickcissels and Sedge Wrens NE of Wallaceburg - Tue, 25 Jul 2000

Hello Birders,
This morning I checked on the local Dickcissels and Sedge Wrens NE of Wallaceburg. The two wrens are still singing in the large pasture along Mandaumin Rd. (location #2)

The Dickcissels are still on Holt Line (I noted a male and female today), but they are being elusive and rather quiet. If you don't see them at first, just wait and they will eventually pop up somewhere in the field. For some reason the last few days, the males are not singing, at least when I am there. But they are still there. With a female being present, I assume there is a good possibility of nesting.

Other "pasture-type" birds in the area include Bobolinks, Meadowlarks, Field and Savannah Sparrows, and sometimes Upland Sandpipers. Watch for Bobwhite around here, as I have had them in past years. There is a large pasture 1.3 km east of Kimbal Rd. on Holt Line (south side) that is good for pasture types.(west of dickcissel site). There is a Grasshopper Sparrow here, which I heard this morning.
I'll continue to monitor this situation, but I won't post any more on this subject unless something else turns up.

Location #1: Holt Line east of Brigden Sideroad (7/10 km east) in a weedy field on the south side. Brigden Sideroad (paved) is 5 km east of Wallaceburg, starting north from Rd 78. Or, location is 2.5 km west of Mandaumin Rd.
Location #2: Mandaumin Rd. (Rd. #44 south end; Rd. #26 north end), 1/2 km south of the corner of Holt Line east end, in a large pasture. Or about 9 km north on Mandaumin Rd. (gravel) running north from Rd. 78, 4 km west of Dresden.

Blake A. Mann,
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email: boatmann@kent.net

more Dickcissels northeast of Wallaceburg - Wed, 19 Jul 2000

Hello Birders,
Before going to work this morning I took a quick check of the area where I found Dickcissels on Monday. At least two birds remain at the same spot on Holt Line east. But I also found another singing bird in a large pasture about 3 km away from this spot. Yet another bird was spotted earlier by another birder two concessions farther south at the corner of Mandaumin Rd. and Kerr Line. I am sure there are more in the general area, its just a matter of finding the time to search them out. These birds can easily be heard and seen from the road. This is in southern Lambton Co.

Location #1: Holt Line east (south side) 7/10 km east of Brigden Sideroad, or 5.8 km east of Kimball Sideroad (#31) which runs from Sarnia to Wallaceburg. It is just a weedy field from what I can see.
Location #2: Mandaumin Rd. 0.5 km south of Holt Line on west side in a large pasture. Mandaumin is about 2.5 km east of location #1. Mandaumin Rd. (gravel) runs north from Rd. 78 east of Wallaceburg all the way to the Sarnia area, as does the Brigden Sideroad (paved, 5 km east of Wallaceburg).

Blake A. Mann,
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email: boatmann@kent.net

Dickcissels northeast of Wallaceburg - Mon, 17 Jul 2000

Hello birders,
After the recent rash of Dickcissel sitghtings, I was bound and determined to find some near my home. After some searching this evening, I found some! They were in a weedy (approx. 50 acre) field in Sombra Township, along Holt Line east. I noted at least two singing males, and possibly a third along the back fenceline. The field was bounded by a cut wheat field on the west, a pasture on the east and a woodlot on the south. They can easily be viewed from the road--do not go into field, as it is private property.

LOCATION: Holt Line, east of Brigden Sideroad (7/10 km east) in a weedy field on the south side. Find former hwy 78 that runs from Dresden to Wallaceburg. Brigden Sideroad is a few km east of Wallaceburg (paved). Travel 9.5 km north on Brigden to Holt Line. Holt Line is also 4.3 km north of Lambton Rd. 1 which runs east from Port Lambton.

Blake A. Mann,
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont
email: boatmann@kent.net

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL - Sun, 23 Jul 2000

Hi, Gord.

On Sunday morning there was a 3rd. year, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on the reef at Kettle Point The bird was preening at 9am.

Also nearby were the first 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS of the Fall in with a flock of ad. SEMI-PALMATED and LEAST SANDPIPERS. Still lots of terns out there.

Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

FINALLY, SHOREBIRDS. - Sat, 15 Jul 2000

Hi, Gord.

We usually get presumed returning shorebirds here in the last week of June or the first week of July but not this year. However on Friday at Kettle Point a couple of STILT SANDPIPERS and some SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS were found by Rob Tymstra and Mary Beth Stowe. That is only the second group of shorebirds around. The first being 3 ad.SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS last weekend at Grand Bend Sewage Lagoons.

There seems to have been an overnight influx of birds.

On K.Pt. today are 2 WHIMBREL, 3 L.YELLOWLEGS, And lots of both LEAST and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. Further out on the rocks are three species of terns. A single CASPIAN and lots of COMMON and FORSTERS both species with young.

At Grand Bend Sewage Lagoons there is a family of COOT and a single BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON

Earlier in the week Dave Martin and Ross Snider, checking for our local endangered species, relocated ACADIAN FLYCATCHER--feeding a COWBIRD, and several HOODED WARBLERS. Another HOODED has been on territory in the Pinery.

The GOSHAWKS prosper in the area and an imm female COOPERS HAWK was sitting in a solitary tree near Forest last evening. RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS breed here ,likely 3 pair but they are very hard to locate.

In my garden are SAPSUCKERS.

On a sadder note- No VESPER SPARROWS found this year and the remaining GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS territory across the Goosemarsh Lane behind the Lambton County Museum has been plowed up. A HENSLOWS was reported there last year. The habitat was old grass, not very dense on sand. I hope that this is of interest.

Good Birding.

Alf
rider@xcelco.on.ca

Stilt Sandpipers, Dowitchers, Kettle Point - Fri, 14 Jul 2000

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

Two Stilt Sandpipers (alt. plumage) and 16 Short-billed Dowitchers were found at noon today in prime shorebird habitat on the Lake Huron shoreline just north of Kettle Point. A dozen Least Sandpipers, 5 Semipalmated Plovers, 3 Lesser Yellowlegs, and 10 Bonaparte's Gulls were there as well.

We also checked several sewage lagoons: Brights Grove, Forest, Thedford, and Grand Bend. Water levels are high and shorebirds were few. Highlights included several Ruddy Ducks and two Marsh Wrens singing at Grand Bend lagoons, and a Solitary Sandpiper and two Lesser Yellowlegs at Thedford lagoons.

To get to the beach at Kettle Point, take Highway 402 from Sarnia or London, turn north on Highway 21 through and past Forest. Turn left off Highway 21 (north) at the Kettle Point Indian Reserve entrance and drive north all the way to the beach. To reach the shorebird habitat, drive west (left) as far as you can go on the hard beach sand.

Rob Tymstra
Sarnia, Ontario
birdman@ebtech.net

Mary-Beth Stowe
San Diego, California
MiriamEagl@aol.com

THE FIRST BATH. - Wed, 21 Jun 2000

Hi, Fellow Birders.

Here on Kettle Point in S.W. Ontario, Canada, this afternoon two juvenile BALTIMORE ORIOLES flew down to a rain puddle on the driveway to see just what their father was up to. One was very timid and jumped when a Chiping Sparrow took off. It also jumped as a worm moved and also most comically it really jumped when it saw its own reflection!!!!!! The other was much more relaxed. It watched its parent intently, as it splashed water around and bathed its breast feathers in the water. Then when the parent left, it was the first to try the movements. First it practiced on the muddy edge and then took a tentative drink before hopping in. The first splashes were frankly quite inept but it soon caught on and did a brief bathe before flying up into a low bush. The timid one watched its sibling and after a couple of leaps away from imaginary dangers ,it also took a brief bathe.

Very comical ! Just like two kids at a pool for the first time.

Hope that this is of interest to some.

Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

Common Loon and others at Walpole Island - Sat, 10 Jun 2000

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

Hello birders,

Today I toured around Walpole Island in my boat. One noteworthy sighting was a COMMON LOON (in non-breeding plumage) on the Chenal Ecarte about 2 kilometres south of the Walpole Bridge. This is the latest one I've seen in the Wallaceburg area for this time of year. CLIFF SWALLOWS as well as BARN SWALLOWS are nesting under the Walpole bridge. There are lots of GREAT BLLUE HERONS and MALLARDS around also. On the St. Clair River side, I noted 8 REDHEAD DUCKS off Squirrel Island, opposite Sans Souci, USA. (Redheads breed in the Walpole marshes). A few HERRING GULLS ,BLACK TERNS, and 2 MUTE SWANS were at the southeast bend channel of the St. Clair. Directions: Walpole Island is about 4 kilometres west of Wallaceburg, following Highway 40 west onto Kent Rd. 33. For the boat-birders, a launch ramp is located at MacDonald Park at the west end of Langstaff Line, two concessions north of the Walpole Bridge on Kent Rd. 33. There are more birds farther down the channels, just contact me if you want more details.

Blake A. Mann,
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email: boatmann@kent.net

Southwest Ontario Birds - Mon, 5 Jun 2000

Hi everyone!

There have been a few interesting birds around the Elgin, Middlesex, Lambton and area.

Last week, Dave Martin and myself were out doing some breeding surveys for some of my work. While reading over notes near West Lorne and the 401, a flock of Canada Geese flew over. The flock had a single Tundra Swan flying along in the vee. In the same area on Friday, at the Dutton 401 exit, a similar flock of Canada's had a Snow Goose in with the birds as they were feeding in a field on the north side.

Sassafras Road and Centreville Road in Skunk's Misery, Middlesex County, were great for singing warblers on Saturday morning. Vicki and I heard 10 species of warblers, including Cerulean, Mourning, Ovenbird, Redstarts, and Chestnut-sided. Also singing were Yellow-throated Vireo, several different flycatchers, and a Broad-winged Hawk. Bring your bug coat if you venture into the crown land sections. They let you in...........

Anyone interested in seeing Cliff Swallows, should walk out onto the bridge over the Thames River on old Highway 76. There are at least 18 nests underneath, and the adults are busy collecting all the insects in the area. There are plenty of young there judging by the fecal matter being disposed of by the adults. There are also Great-blue Heron, Mallard, Black-billed Cuckoo, Phoebe, Eastern Wood Peewee, Baltimore Oriole, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireo and Yellow and Common Yellow-throat warblers at this site.

Thank you,

Brett Groves

Environmental Planner
Union Gas
(519) 352-3100 ext. 2945
(519) 436-4655 Fax
bgroves@uniongas.com

Walpole Island marsh birds - Sat, 3 Jun 2000

Hello,
Today I took a trip in my boat from Port Lambton down the Snye River and Johnston Channel to Lake St. Clair. I noted the following species:

20 Great Blue Heron
2 Great Egret
1 Turkey Vulture
6 Mute Swan, Canada Geese, 6 Wood Duck, 80 Mallard, 2 Blue-winged Teal, 2
Green-winged Teal, 6 Redhead
1 Am. Coot
15 Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 10 Ruddy Turnstone,
5 Semi-palmated Sandpiper, 1 Pectoral Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin
Ring-billed Gulls, Herring Gulls, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls
Forster's Terns, Black Terns (colony)
Eastern Kingbirds
2 Belted Kingfisher
Tree, Rough-winged, Barn, Cliff Swallows
Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroats
Redwinged Blackbirds

Walpole Island is in southern Lambton County, and extends into Lake St. Clair.

Blake A. Mann,
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email: boatmann@kent.net

Orchard Orioles - Tue, 23 May 2000

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

A pair of Orchard Orioles was seen at Lambton United Church Centre on Monday, May 22. Also seen at the Centre over the weekend were at least one pair of bluebirds (0ne feeding the other), Blackburnian Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, many Rosebreasted Grosbeaks (M&F), Dunlin, Eastern Phoebe, Green Heron. Lambton Centre is near Forest, at 6602 Lakeshore Road, about 10 minutes from Forest, or 10 minutes from Kettle Point. Take 402 to Forest exit (Highway 21 North). In Forest, #21 turns right at the stoplights in the middle of town. Do Not Turn right here. Go straight through that intersection to the end of the street. Turn left onto Townsend Line (County Road 30), right onto Lakeshore Road. Look for hanging white signs, and white portable road-side sign. The Centre has a wide variety of habitats-lakeshore, mixed hardwoods, conifer stands, open fields, it's a great place for all types of birding.

Chris Phillips
R.R. #5
Forest, ON
aphillip@xcelco.on.ca
(519) 786-5663 9-12, 1-5
(519) 786-4926 after 5 p.m.  

Pinery P.P.: Cerulean Warbler and other birds - Mon, 22 May 2000

Hi Ontbirders,

For a change of pace, I went birding in Pinery P.P. today. I noted 20 species of warblers, mostly on Riverside trail. Some of these included a singing Cerulean (they nest here), Mourning, Canada, Black and White, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, several Tennessee and several Wilson's. On Wilderness Trail, I noted a Pine Warbler (nest here), several Ovenbirds, and a singing but not seen Cape May Warbler. Other birds included Yellow-throated Vireo, several Scarlet Tanagers, several Indigo Buntings, and two Common Loons on Lake Huron.

Pinery is on hwy. 21 south of Grand Bend. Riverside Trail is best for birding (esp. early morning) and can be found if you turn right about half a kilometre inside the park from the gatehouse and follow the one way road around the park. It is about 2 km from this turn. If you continue on, you come to other trails inc. Wilderness.

Blake Mann, Wallaceburg, Chatham-Kent
boatmann@kent.net

Middlesex & Lambton County Birds - Thu, 18 May 2000

These sightings are from the past couple of days. Apologies for not being near the office to send them out.

Bluebirds: Anyone in the area looking to see some good close ups of Eastern Bluebirds should check the fence line and hydro wires along the Bentpath Line between Annett and Kerry Road. There are at least two pairs in the nest boxes along the south fences. There is also Black-billed Cuckoo calling in the woods just west of the creek.

Wild Turkeys: Further west along the Bentpath Line, between the Forest Road and Oil Heritage Road (highway 21) there have been regular flocks of turkeys out in the recently seeded fields. Look for the brown bumps in the middle of the old soybean fields. They have been there regularly early in the morning for the past week.

Turkey Vultures: Anyone wanting to see large kettles of these neat scavengers should drive along the Smith Falls Road and the Forest Road in the early evening. Last nights large kettle near the Sydenham River was 35 birds. They must nest in the area. Found 16 of the birds scavenging a fawn that didn't make it through the spring. Just like a National Geographic film.

Sandpipers: Several fields in the Pratt Side Road area of Mosa Township have quite a bit of surface water still on them from the recent rains. The fields north of County Road 14 are the best. One field held a White-rumped, Pectoral, Least and Spotted Sandpiper, both Dowitchers, Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plovers and Killdeer. There were also Common Snipe, Wood Ducks, Mallards and Canada Geese in the same field.

Most of these properties are posted, and good views can be made from the roadside.

Have a good long weekend.

Thank you,

Brett Groves

Environmental Planner
Union Gas 
(519) 352-3100 ext. 2945
(519) 436-4655 Fax
bgroves@uniongas.com

Rough-legged Hawk and other birds, S. Lambton - Tue, 16 May 2000

Hello everyone;

Since it was raining this evening, I took a driving tour of southern Lambton Co. Along the Tulloch Line (east of Kimball Rd. #31) in Sombra Twp., I noted a late-lingering Rough-legged Hawk (light phase). In the pastures there were at least 4 Upland Sandpipers, many Bobolinks, Eastern Bluebird, flock of 10 Cedar Waxwings, and several E. Meadowlarks. In a woodlot nearby, were Brown Thrasher, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Catbird, and Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Along the St. Clair River I noted quite a few Great Blue Herons (at least 10). In Sombra Bay was a male Bufflehead, and a raft of about 15 Red-breasted Mergansers.

Tulloch Line is about 7 concessions north of Wallaceburg and crosses the Kimball Rd.

Blake Mann, Wallaceburg
boatmann@kent.net

Blackpoll Warbler at Port Lambton - Thu, 4 May 2000

Hi everyone,
This morning I observed a rather early male Blackpoll Warbler at Brander Park, Port Lambton. This is the earliest I've seen one here. Other birds there included an Ovenbird and a male Scarlet Tanager. Black Terns are back on the lagoons just behind the woodlot here.

Directions: Brander Park is at the south end of the village of Port Lambton on the St. Clair Parkway. The park is on both sides of the road, and a small woodlot is on the northside, with a parking lot beside. A trail runs through the woodlot.

This woodlot is an excellent migrant trap and I have an impressive list of species for here. The P. Lambton sewage lagoons are just behind this woodlot over the railroad tracks.

Blake Mann, Wallaceburg
boatmann@kent.net

Brander Park Birds, Port Lambton - Tue, 2 May 2000

Hello Gord,
Just to let everyone know that I checked out brander park, Port Lambton this morning in the fog. This is one of my old haunts, and have quite an impressive list here (163 species). This place is just south of the village and is on the St. Clair River. The back portion has a small woodlot, and a little behind it are the sewage lagoons. This morning I observed a few Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers, 1 Yellow Warbler, 1 drab female Cape May Warbler, 1 Baltimore Oriole, 2 Warbling Vireos, and a Blue-grey Gnatcatcher. This woodlot is quite a migrant trap, and I have had large numbers of birds here. I used to work nearby and would spend my lunch-hours here. One day I had 15 species of warblers during my lunch!

Blake Mann, Wallaceburg
boatmann@kent.net

Bonaparte's Gulls and Brown Thrasher near Forest Ont. - Tue, 25 Apr 2000

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

Flocks of Bonaparte's Gulls, mixed with some Ring-billed gulls, were seen in farmers' fields outside of Forest, Ont. on Saturday evening.

The Brown Thrasher was located in the bushy Carolinian forest area by the beach at Lambton United Church Centre, Lakeshore Rd. (Rd. 7) between Hwy 21 and Lambton County Rd. 12. Also at the Church Centre are Hermit Thrushes, YR Warblers, and the Tree Swallows are back.

Angie Williams
Hamilton, Ont.
williamsmusic@execulink.com

Lambton District - Port Franks - Mon, 17 Apr 2000

Hello

Friends from the Guelph Naturalist's Club joined us for an afternoon of birding and hiking around Port Franks on Sunday, April 16. Weather was overcast, cool, and windy. The species count was 38. The best location was "L" Lake. A very little time was spent on the beach, mostly to verify the effect of wind chill. The other significant location was the Lambton County Heritage Forest.

Notable birds included:

Pied-billed grebe (4)
Tundra swan (10)
Blue-winged teal (3)
Greater yellowlegs (2)
Caspian tern (3)
Red-bellied woodpecker (2)
Yellow-bellied sapsucker (2)
Eastern phoebe (1)
Horned lark (several)
Tree swallow (10)
Brown creeper (1)
Swainson's thrush (1)
Golden-crowned kinglet (2)

In the "All but certain category" was a Pine warbler.

Hugh Casbourn
hughcas@execulink.com

Lambton County sightings. - Sat, 15 Apr 2000

Hi Gord.

Today in my backyard in central Sarnia, I had a yellow-rumped warbler and 4 yellow-bellied sapsuckers.

There were three males competing with each other for the lone female. Interesting sight.

Good birding.

Don Prentice
bprentice@nelson.com

Birds along the Holt Line, S. Lambton - Wed, 12 Apr 2000

Hello Gord;
The Lambton Co. page needs some new birds, so here are a few north of Wallaceburg. This evening I visited The McKeough Dam C. A. just east of the Kimball Rd (#31) along the Holt Line. I observed Meadowlarks, Snipe, Red-tailed Hawks, Chickadees, 1 Fox Sparrow (singing) and 1 newly-arrived Brown Thrasher (singing). Driving east along the Holt Line, I observed 1 Rough-legged Hawk, 1 N. Harrier (male), 2 Eastern Bluebirds, and a large no. of Meadowlarks.

Vesper Sparrows and Savannah Sparrows have arrived in numbers the last couple of days also. At least five of each have showed up at my place of employment north of town.

Blake Mann, Wallaceburg
boatmann@kent.net

Lambton County Fox Sparrows etc. - Sun, 26 Mar 2000

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

On the grounds of the Lambton County Heritage Museum this afternoon I spotted 3 Fox Sparrows and heard 2 Eastern Phoebes (my first of the spring). The surrounding fields held several Horned Larks and a couple of Eastern Meadowlarks, but the Tundra Swans are gone (although I was fortunate to spot a flock of 13 flying west near Exeter).

Turkey Vultures were also moving through in good numbers today - I saw over 30 in total, including a dozen in the Pinery area. There was a single male Eastern Bluebird on the south side of Hwy 7, roughly 15 km west of Stratford.

Good birding,

Marcel Gahbauer
Scarborough ON
gsteve6@attglobal.net

Directions: the Lambton County Heritage Museum is right beside Hwy 21, just south of County Road 5, and north of the Pinery Provincial Park entrance. The best way to reach this site depends entirely on where you are coming from - please check a provincial road map for the best route (I used the new MapArt Road Atlas and had no trouble).

PECTORAL SANDPIPER - Sun, 19 Mar 2000

Hi Gord.

Pete found a single PECTORAL SANDPIPER along the edge of the field when he was looking at the TUNDRA SWANS on Greenway Rd.at the back of the Museum.yesterday.

That is the first located in our area this Spring. Today a SNIPE was in the same area,a few feet in from the edge of the field.

We also have a MOCKINGBIRD about 4km. away to the South of the Swan area. Found yesterday, it is reported to be an immature. The question now is, did we miss it on our Christmas Count?

In my yard at Kettle Point this afternoon were 4 REDPOLLS and PINE SISKINS, feeding in a Tamarack.There are also 4 of each in the Pinery at the V.C.

There are at least 5 GLAUCOUS gulls around N. Lambton at present. We counted 550 TUNDRA SWANS today. Are there more to come from the E. coast when it warms up a bit? We will find out in the next few days.

Good Birding.

Alf
rider@xcelco.on.ca

St. Clair River ducks, S. Lambton Co. - Sun, 19 Mar 2000

Hello Friends;

Today I checked out the lower St. Clair River from Port Lambton to Courtright. There were a few more ducks to observe than in recent days. A number of Am. Wigeon have showed up south of Sombra village at the park across from Fawn Island. There were about 15 with 2 Gadwall and a few Mallards with them. At the head of the island there were a few Common Mergansers and Bufflehead. North of the Sombra dock were more C. Mergs plus at least half a dozen Red-breasted Mergs. At Cathcart Park were 3 more gadwall, 1 Ring-necked in the creek, and a few more Common and R. B. Mergs. Just north of ICI (Terra Industries at Bickford Line) was one male Lesser Scaup. All along the river were a few Mallards and Blacks. For directions, a good place to start is at Holt Line south of Sombra, and then just follow the St. Clair Parkway north along the river.

As side note, more Eastern Meadowlarks are showing up in the countryside, as well as a few flocks of blackbirds with all species noted except Brewer's. I still have a few Pine Siskins at my feeder in Wallaceburg, which have been there all winter. This is the first time they've stayed the entire winter!.

Blake Mann, Wallaceburg
boatmann@kent.net

MORE AND LESS. - Sat, 18 Mar 2000

Hi, Gord.

Pete Chapmans neighbour has had a PHOEBE in her yard since13th.Mar. Pete also found a PECTORAL SANDPIPER along Greenway Rd. close to the TUNDRA SWANS.

During the day the Swans were moving out of the fields by 11am. The early morning is the BEST time to see them.

On Sunday There will be a live bird display at the Museum by Ross Snyder who will be demonstrating some owls that he has rehabilitated.

As I write this at 11.45pm.on 18th., TUNDRA SWANS are flying overhead heading from the NE. and heading SW.to roost on the lake at Kettle Point.

Well thats all for now.

Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

Tundra swans in Lambton County and the Lake Huron shore - Wed, 15 Mar 2000

About 1,100 tundra swans were found today between Greenway Road and Hutchinson Road to the east. There may be some duplication in that count, since the birds were moving around extensively.

Other groups of swans were seen along the shoreline as we drove Highway 21. On our way down from the South Bruce Peninsula, a flock of 30 was first seen just south of Saugeen Shores, while other small groups were seen in Colborne Township.

One flock of about 300 was in the township at Concession 15-16.

On the way back, more small groups were seen along the highway, including two flocks of about a dozen birds along the South Bruce Peninsula Arran-Elderslie boundary on Highway 21 west of Owen Sound.

There were also dozens of pintails on Greenway Road, along with eight water pipits.

Shawn Giilck
South Bruce Peninsula
s.giilck@bmts.com

Tundra Swans near Lambton co. Museum, Ontario - Mon, 13 Mar 2000

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

H Birders:

Yesterday my husband, Ken, and I went to see the Tundra Swans on Greenway Rd. behind the Lambton County Museum (near Pinery Prov. Park) in Ontario. We were disappointed in the number of Swans present (a few hundred- boy are we spoiled, eh?) but it was such a beautiful day we found it worth the trip anyway. Besides the swans in the flooded fields behind the museum we found lots of Pintails, Canada Geese, a few Kildeer and Horned Larks. A quick trip down Greenway Rd. and a right turn onto River Rd. gave us nice views of a beautiful male Kestrel hunting his territory. Also on our way home we saw 2 Turkey Vultures- the first of the season, and lots of Red Tailed Hawks.

The next 2 weekends are "Swan Viewing Weekends" at the museum's Return of the Swans Festival and staff from the Prov. Park will be on hand to answer questions. Here are 2 web sites if you want specific details as to all that is going on during the Festival and migration information (#'s of swans present") http://www.hay.net/~tpurdy/index.html and http://www.web-nat.com/bic/ont/events.html

Think Spring and Good Birding, Heather

Heather Slayton (heatherslayton@hotmail.com)
Warren, Mi
Webmistress of "Wings Over Michigan"
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Cottage/8090/

MORE OR LESS ,SPRING! - Sat, 11 Mar 2000

Hi, Gord

. More Spring migrants. Less REDPOLLS and less SISKINS. Weather wise it is "more or less Spring'

Blake Mann has had some great sightings in the South end of the County in the last few days.

The TUNDRA SWAN flocks are building at the back of the Lambton County Museum to over 6000 at present.They peaked at just over 17,000 5 years ago. . This is at the junction of Hwy. 21 and Greenway Rd.accross the road from Pinery.

A T.V. migrated along Hwy.21 near the swan area.

Our first BLUE-WINGED TEAL was with PINTAIL and MALLARDS close to Greenway Rd. Sat. am.

We had 2 PINE SISKINS and 3 COMMON REDPOLLS at the Pinery's feeders today. 2 flocks of TREE SPARROWS were located in the park. On Friday a FOX SPARROW was found near the traffic circle with another flock of TREES.

Also of note one of the most experienced Naturalists at the pinery reported a TANAGER in his yard just off Pinetree Rd.at the S. end of Grand Bend on Friday. Someone pointed out what was at first thought to be a Cardinal on his property before better looks were obtained. A protracted search today found only Chickadees and a singing TUFTED TITMOUSE in the area .

Later" a red bird" seen at the North Bridge in the Pinery was thought to have been the same individual. Check for better details at the Visitor Center after 10am. Sunday. On Thursday evening a WOODCOCK was doing its evening flight near my back yard here on Kettle Point.

The ice is still grounded along the sandy shoreline, making it hard to check the gulls and wildfowl , but we had an ad and 1st.w. GLAUCOUS GULL out on the rocks with several Gt. BLACK-BACKS. Lots of HERRINGS and RING-BILLS.

I hope that this is of interest.

Good Birding.

Alf
rider@xcelco.on.ca

• E. Bluebirds, N. Shrike, Wood Ducks, Titmice, S. Lambton - Sat, 11 Mar 2000

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

Hello Friends;
For those of you in my area, I found the following birds this morning in
southern Lambton Co.
At Moore Wildlife Management Area (owned by St. Clair Region C.A.) I
observed a pair of Wood Ducks on the Creek.  Also I saw at least four
Titmice.  They are common as they do breed here.  As a side note,
Yellow-rumped Warblers have spent the last four winters here feeding on
Poison Ivy berries, etc., but none this winter.   East of here I saw my
first Turkey Vulture of the season.
Farther south on Tulloch Line east, I observed a pair of newly arrived
Eastern Bluebirds at one of the boxes the Sydenham Field Naturalists
maintains.  Also near here I saw another Northern Shrike at the corner of
Pretty Line and Tulloch.

Directions:  Find the Kimball Rd. (16th) just east of Wallaceburg which runs
to Sarnia (Plank Rd.).  The Tulloch Line is the 9th, 3 concessions south of
Lambton Rd. 2 (Sombra Line). Bluebirds on a fence about 1 1/2 km east of
Kimball.
The Moore Wildlife Area is on the Bickford Line east of Kimball (about 1
km), 7 concessions north of the Tulloch.  Parking Lot on north side.

Blake Mann, Wallaceburg
boatmann@kent.net

Hi, Gord.

 (thank you for your message, and the honour of having the Hoary photo inserted on the Lambton Dist report)

Pete Chapman came up with something else spectacular! He has had Mountain Bluebird and Brambling in his garden at various times,and he has done it again!.

 As of Saturday 3/3/2000 he has a Milberts Tortoiseshell butterfly in the yard. He has set up some sugar water for it.to help until some nectar sites or broken branches leak sap.

 This is the first butterfly for the year that we have heard of. Have you any reports?

 I will talk to you soon, Thanks.

 Good Butterflying!

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca

---

Hi Alf, I actually received my first butterfly report yesterday from Fred Urie in the Windsor area. Check out the Butterfly Watching in Ontario site located at http://www.web-nat.com/Butterfly/ for his report, and all other butterfly reports for Ontario that come in.

 Gord Gallant
gord@web-nat.com
 
 

Hi, Gord.

 Sorry, but I omitted the sighting of a single drake SHOVELLER on 29th.Feb. at the St, Clair NWR.

Pete Chapman had a T.V over his Hungry Hollow property on 3rd. Tundra swans are really spread out around Grand Bend. The main flock is on the fields behind the Lambton Heritage Museum, with close to 4000 there. Perhaps because of the very dry Springs of the last few years, the birds have searched out alternative damp fields. This year there is lots of water behind the Museum

The BEST time to see the swans is in the EARLY MORNING on a sunny day. Many will fly low over the Greenway Rd. with the low sun illuminating them below. Stunning shots can be achieved from a car window.

 As of Sunday we have few geese or ducks out on the fields.

Several Song sparrows were seen in the Pinery today.

 Good Birding.

Hoary Redpoll photo by Alfred Rider
Photographed at The Pinery in February 2000

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca
 
 

The tundra swans are returning to North Lambton . They started arriving on February 26th, and currently there are several hundred in the area. Below please find information about the Return of the Swans Festival in North Lambton. For more information please contact Gwen Watson at the Lambton Heritage Museum at 519-243-2600 or 519-243-2564.

 Springs Brings Tundra Swans and Families to North Lambton

Spring is blowing into North Lambton on strong southerly winds. The rising temperatures mean its time to shake off your cabin fever, load the family into the car and come out and explore, discover and enjoy the annual Return of the Swans Festival. The star of the show is the annual migration of the majestic white tundra swans, through the area. But, since their schedule is always up in the air and subject to change without notice, this year’s Return of the Swans Festival will offer much for the family to do, whether the swans co-operate or not.

For three weeks, from March 11 to April 2 there will be much for the family to enjoy, whether you’re planning a March Break day trip, or a spring weekend of activities. Make your first stop the Lambton Heritage Museum, on Hwy. 21 south of Grand Bend. Visitors agree it’s a ‘hidden gem’ - an enriching centre for children of all ages, with great exhibits and excellent family activities.

Explore interpretive displays, discover the story behind the Thedford Bog, see a tundra swan and learn its migration story. Learn about the work of the Lake Smith Conservationists, Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation, and the Canadian Peregrine Falcon Foundation.

 Enjoy the “Paint the Huron Shores” Art Exhibition and Sale in the Lambton Gallery of the Lambton Heritage Museum. This show and sale celebrates the spirit and beauty of the magnificent Lake Huron shoreline from Sarnia to Tobermory, as captured by some of our finest artists. Entry deadline is March 6, 2000. For more information, contact Barry Richman at 519-238-6213 or email sharenre@hay.net.

 Meet the ‘Answer Person’ - why is the sky blue? Why do swans land in open fields in North Lambton? What bird is gray with a red breast? Come to the Lambton Heritage Museum for the answer to your questions.

On Sunday March 19th in the afternoon, visitors can meet Ross Snider from the Tamarack Raptor Rehabilitation Foundation who will be at the museum with an interpretive presentation that allows visitors the chance to view hawks and owls up close, and to learn more about their lifestyle and reproductive cycles. On Sunday March 26, in the afternoon, the Canadian Peregrine Foundation will be at the museum. They will be sharing information about endangered species and peregrine falcon biology. Also featured will be a visit from a live peregrine falcon. Call the museum for more information.

 On Saturdays and Sundays from March 11 to April 2, be sure to stop in the museum tearoom, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., for delicious light lunches prepared by the Lake Smith Conservationists.

 Throughout 2000, the Lambton Heritage Museum is showing off some of the over 20,000 pieces in its collection, many of which are rarely on display. In the feature exhibition ‘From Lambton’s Attic’, you will find a chair and half of a life preserver which washed ashore during ‘The Great Storm’ of November 1913. Admire ballgowns from the turn of the century, worn by affluent Petrolia society ladies. Discover an autographed photo of Rudy Vallee, a one hundred year old wedding cake, and a harem shawl woven with beaten silver. Puzzle over curious relics. See for yourself, there is more here than meets the eye. Activities for children are located throughout the museum. Swing a blacksmith’s hammer, try a broadcast seeder, or make a fancy paper hat. Come for a visit, and you’ll find your family staying for awhile, as they explore some of the buildings on the site including a pioneer home, blacksmith shop, school house, slaughterhouse and two farm machinery buildings housing a fascinating assortment of early agricultural implements.

 To take advantage of all the activities at the Lambton Heritage Museum purchase a museum membership. A family membership costs $24. and brings free admission to six Lambton County museums, plus giftshop discounts and a quarterly newsletter for an entire year!!

 Nearby, at Silver Birches Campground, Army Camp Rd, Ipperwash, on the weekend of March 18 & 19 the Bosanquet Beaches Optimist Club will be holding a Pancake Breakfast & Maple Syrup Festival. The event will run from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. Enjoy pancakes and maple syrup, see the syrup being made, and best of all, purchase some to take home.

 With the warmer weather comes the arrival of the tundra swans, to the flooded farm fields of old Lake Smith, as well as hundreds of swans, you may see geese and several different species of ducks. On March 18, 19 & 26, when the swans are in the area, Pinery Provincial Park staff and area naturalists will be on the bog identifying the different species that can be seen. To find out when the tundra swans check in, connect via internet to http://www.bsc-eoc.org/swans/swans.html or call 1-800-265-0316.

 For more information, or help in planning your visit to the Return of the Swans Festival, phone toll-free Sarnia-Lambton Visitor and Convention Bureau at 1-800-265-0316, or Lambton Heritage Museum at 519-243-2600. Find out all about the fun family activities that March brings to North Lambton. The Return of the Swans Festival is made possible through the collaboration of the Pinery Provincial Park, Lambton Heritage Museum, and the Lake Smith Conservationists.
 
 

Hi, Gord.

 Well, Saturday really was a good migration day! In the Grand Bend area on Greenway Rd. the first of the thousands Tundra Swans arrived.Other flocks were seen at Sombra and Wallaceburg. Sarnia had and still has 3 HARLEQUIN DUCKS that rest in the Bay on Front St. close to the boat The Duc D' Orleans. They fly out to the Port Huron side of the river to feed and then return to preen. 1 male and 2 females.

 A MEADOWLARKsp.flew up from the roadside on Hwy. 40.in S. Lambton. A LONG-EARED OWL was flushed from a roost in Perch Creek Wildlife Management area, where 7 had spent the Winter. In the same area were 2 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS and a pair of E. BLUEBIRDS.

 In the St.Clair N.W.R. We found our first flock of PINTAIL and also GREEN-WINGED TEAL which we located by their calls.

 Also on Saturday, 3 HOARY REDPOLLS fed and delighted birders at the feeders in the Pinery along with PINE SISKINs and COMMON REDPOLLS. On Monday a NORTHERN SHRIKE flew North past me near Thedford.That is a whole three weeks early. Crows have been migrating for 2 weeks now. One other note. We had the HORNED LARKS with reddish backs leave 2 weeks ago On Tuesday we noted that the duck numbers in the St.Clair River have thinned even more- less than 20 CANVASBACKS being found

 Retracing our steps to the St.Clair N.W.R.today, we located a LESSER YELLOWLEGS in full Winter plumage feeding on the mud with 2 KILLDEER.. Among the throngs or blackbirds we found more RUSTY BLACKBIRDS and also the very early, 4 female REDWINGS. I don't remember such early returns. Finally, a flock of REDPOLLS containing 2 HOARYS was found in a marina area just West of Wallaceburg.

Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca
 
 

Hi, Gord.

 Birding down the river from Sarnia to Port Lambton today was very pleasant, with warm sun and some bird movement.

 The number of ducks in the river has dropped to around 2000, just 1/10 of what was around 3 weeks ago. No new species of duck but more Lesser Scaup. A huge flock of C.GOLDENEYE estimated at around 1500 flew up the river and into Lake Huron.

 CANVASBACKS at this time of the year tend to be close to the bank on the Canadian side and in heavy ice often sit along the shoreline. As the ice melts some still hug the shore, allowing exellent photo ops.

 Adult RING- BILLED GULLS were moving in today and surprisingly there were 2 1st. winter birds with them.

Pinery still has a HOARY REDPOLL ,BOHEMIANS and a N.SHRIKE that frequent the feeder area along with PINE SISKINS and COMMON REDPOLLS.

 Soon the wintering TUNDRA SWANS will be joined by those from the E. coast. Plans are being made by the Heritage Museum and the Pinery staff to welcome and guide the hundreds of visitors who come to see ths swans. My maximum count here 3 years ago was 17.015. The dry winters have reduced the water remaining after the snow melt and this causes the birds to spread out into other townships.

 Twice in the last 10 years we have had WHITE-FRONTED GEESE mixed in with the hundreds of CANADAS.

In wet years, the ducks easily outnumber the swans with PINTAIL, WIGEON and TEAL in significant numbers. Quite a spectacle that in the last 15 years has become a popular weekend tour involving the Pinery and the Lambton Heritage Museum staff and includes that popular tourist spot--Grand Bend.

 Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca
 
 

Hi, Gord.

 A single HOARY REDPOLL remains at the Pinery feeders with the COMMON REDPOLLS and PINE SISKINS. These birds have caused quite a bit if interest among birders, some coming a long way to see them.

 The BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS are harder to find. Around 8am. they are being seen by the staff coming in to the V.C. As there is no real concentration of suitable food, the birds wander around the Pinery. Today they were found on the Cedar trail just where the extension splits off to the beach at 1 30pm. They did not say there for long, departing for another food source.

 Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca
 
 

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

 Hello Birders!

 During my lunch-hour today, I checked out the St Clair River north to Sombra.

 While watching the usual winter ducks, I noted a female Wigeon feeding with Redheads just a little ways north of the Sombra ferry dock. This was a surprise since the only puddle ducks I have seen in this area this winter are Mallards and Blacks. Although I was tempted to call this one an Eurasian, I could not make it into such. At this point I am just calling it a drab winter female American Wigeon. It was feeding with Redheads, but being very aggressive towards them. When a Redhead would come up with aquatic material, the Wigeon would actively pursue the food. Other birds included the five Tundra Swans which have been hanging about Fawn Island south of Sombra, plus the other usual winter ducks mentioned in previous reports.

 Directions: Follow the St. Clair Parkway along the river north or south to Sombra and take King Street (to ferry) to the street that parallels the waterfront. The Wigeon was just behind the Bank of Commerce at the north end of the street.

 Blake Mann, Wallaceburg
boatmann@kent.net
 
 

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

 Pinery Provincial Park Feeder Birds
February 6, 2000

 Pinery Provincial Park's Nature Centre feeders were well attended again today by birders and birds. As many as 3 Hoary Redpolls at a time were seen off and on most of the day. There is such a range of plumage variation, size, age, and sex of Common Redpolls to compare with the Hoaries and at close focus binocular range (from the warmth of the centre) to keep even the most meticulous of birders busy.

Also at the feeders were up to 3 Tufted Titmice at a time, 10 or more Pine Siskins, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Purple Finch and the regulars. Both the resident Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper's Hawk made their presence known. As well, a Northern Shrike put in a brief appearance. We encountered at least 2 other titmice in the park.

 Between 3:30 and 4:15 p.m. 9 American Robins, 5 Cedar Waxwings, 14 Bohemian Waxwings and 2 starlings lit in trees around the Nature Centre. The Bohemians were there for about 15 minutes at close range.

 One of the Bohemian Waxwings had an ALL WHITE THROAT which was quite startling to see compared to the dull black of the other birds. Otherwise, this bird's plumage was normal with no other sign of white or even paleness.

 Directions: Pinery Provincial Park is located on Highway 21, south of Grand Bend. After entering the park, take the road to the Visitor's Centre and enjoy the many feeders, some located in front and some in back. The Centre is open after 1:00 on weekdays but after 10:00 on weekends.

Dave Martin et al
dave.martin@odyssey.on.ca
 
 

Hi, Gord.

 This time we met at 8am. a lot earlier than usual. We went to Point Edward to scan the Lake. Here we found the days only OLDSQUAW swimming just off the American shore, close to the lighthouse. The flock of RINGNECKare still just upstream of the Sombra Ferry (which is running in spite of all the ice in the river) Here also, really close up views of CANVASBACKS and REDHEADS.

 For some the days highlight had to be the male HARLEQUIN which as usual appeared suddenly from under the pier that leads to the ferry. It stayed , feeding close to the shore and then went back under the pier. Others thought that the two imm. BALD EAGLES disputing food on the ice was the sight of the day. On the way home we split up. Some going to look for LONG-EARED OWLS, the rest retracing our route back to Sarnia. The EAGLES were found by looking for what had spooked all the gulls. The youngest pair of eyes spotted 3 imm. BALD EAGLES interacting about 100 m.above the water. one disengaged and later sailed right over our heads. The other 2 started a lazy dog fight and drifted over the American side. Beautiful weather, good company and Great Birds.

 Hope that this is of interest.

Good Birding.

 PS. The HOARY REDPOLLS are still at the feeders at the Visitor Center in the Pinery.

 Alf. rider@xcelco.on.ca
 
 

The harlequin duck was still at the ferry dock in Sombra at lunchtime today. The ferry from Sombra to Marine City is now operating.

 Ian Platt
London, ON
platti@claven.fanshawec.on.ca
 
 

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

 The Hoary Redpolls mentioned by Dave Martin on Friday, were still present at the feeders at the Pinery Provincial Park Visitor Centre today. Although coming and going to the feeders frequently, at one point the many observers noted 6 at once, an amazing sight. They are quite varied in appearance but have the main features, especially the "frostiness" to make them distiguishable from the many commons that are also at the feeders. Some are really white with little if any flank streaking. Some have a few more streaks along the flanks. Two at least are male. Most, if not all, appear to have totally white undertail coverts. The "pushed in face", was noticable, even with binocs. As to what subspecies were present, I'm not positive but there seemed to be evidence supporting having both present, if that were possible.

 Also coming to the feeders are 2 or 3 Tufted Titmice, lots of chickadees, junco and tree sparrow, both nuthatches, some jays, lots of house finch and one purple finch, many goldfinch and some siskins, one of which had an amazing display of yellow on it. A female Cooper's Hawk sat in a tree near the feeders for over an hour. The park does not seem to have Bohemian Waxwings "pinned down", but they were seen in the park about a week ago and there is food available to them. Picnic area 9 is a possible spot to look or park near the store and walk west along the "river". The snow is quite deep.

 There is ice in the Lake and no waterfowl were noted today.

 There is a fee to enter the Park ($5 ?), and the Nordic Ski trails are functional.

 Area roads have some Horned Lark and Snow Buntings, but no Longspurs were noted.

 Pinery Provincial Park is located on Highway 21, west of Grand Bend. After entering the park, take the road to the Visitor's Centre and enjoy the many feeders, some located in front and some in back. I think the Centre is open after 1:00 on weekdays but after 10:00 on weekends. It is best to watch the feeders from inside.

 Pete Read
 
 

Hi, Gord.

 Today at the Pinery feeders a small flock of six HOARIES were feeding in full view at the feeder in front of the entrance. The first 3 birds seen were males. The V.C. staff watched them with me, even setting up a 'scope to get better views.

 Just as I was leaving the OREGON JUNCO showed up again. For some of the younger staff that was two firsts. These Hoaries are the first in the Pinery this year.

 An ad male SHARPSHIN and an ad. female COOPERS HAWK sat at different times near the windows close to the feeders.

On the way to Hungry Hollow from Strathroy Pete Chapman had a flock of six E. BLUEBIRDS in a sheltered woodlot that also had a Gt. BLUE HERON feeding along a spring fed creek . What a find for this area in FEB.!.

 Lambton Wildlife has a DOWN RIVER DUCK TRIP on sunday, starting at 8am.from the MacLean center on Front St.Sarnia. Car pooling is essential!

 Hope that this is of interest, Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca
 
 

Hi, Gord.

 Today we did a trial run for next weeks Lambton Wildlifes' Down River Ducks Trip. It was a worth while effort. Starting at the Lighthouse in Point Edward and proceeding all the way down to the S. side of Sombra. Lake Huron had an ice jam and we drove along an ice filled river with many large open areas of water. These areas were filled with ducks- thousands of them!. An estmate of 20,000 ducks, mostly REDHEAD and CANVASBACKS with 2000 C.GOLDENEYE might be not too far out.

Lake St.Clair must now be frozen over for the Redheads and Canvasbacks to be up in the river.

Our counts of LESSER SCAUP, RINGNECK and BUFFLEHEAD today were higher than any that I have seen in January during the last 30 years.Wintering further North this year.

 The sight of so many birds so close, is a wonderful one.

 Six imm. GLAUCOUS GULLS, all singles and lots of HERRINGS and GT. BLACK BACKS are around. The Imm. male HARLEQUIN did its usual disappearing trick and went under the pier at Sombra Ferry. One of the ferry operators has some sea duck food and is getting some to this beautiful bird. So far the female Harlequin seen 2 weeks ago going under the Bluewater Bridge has not been found again. Still with ducks--the ratio of female Canvasbacks to males has changed this year. In past freeze ups, we have had very few females in the huge flocks of males, but now they are noteworthy. Perhaps they have been wintering in a different area.

 An imm BALD EAGLE was sitting in a tree at the N. end of Stag Island this morning. A N. HARRIER flew up river at Sombra and a very dark phase ROUGHLEG was hunting along Hiway 40 as we returned towards Sarnia. A big flock of 2000 SNOW BUNTINGS was found near Forest yesterday.

 Pinery is a good place now to see REDPOLLS

 I hope that this is of some interest

 Good Birding.

Alf..
rider@xcelco.on.ca
 
 

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

 Saturday 29th was a beautiful day at the Pinery Prov. Park, just south of Grand Bend. Plenty of Pine Siskins, Common Redpoll, and the Tufted Titmouse along with many other winter birds. This is a great spot for information and nice trails as well. We would like to hear more of birds in our area (Bayfield), so please let us know.

Pat McDougall, Bayfield.
pmcdougall@odyssey.on.ca
 
 

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

 Hello birders!

 Today, Sat. Jan. 29 I thoroughly scanned the St. Clair River from Port Lambton to the Generating Station south of Corunna, Ontario. There are many ducks to look at esp. at Fawn Island and Sombra, Cathcart Park (north of Sombra) and between ICI (Terra Industries outfall) and Lambton Generating Station. There were two immature Bald Eagles patrolling at Cathcart Park. There was a good raft of ducks here inc. Redhead, Canvasback, both scaup, Goldeneye, as well as Red-breasted and Common Merganser. This is a good spot to set up a scope and watch gulls ride the ice flows.

 The bulk of the gulls have disappeared to parts unknown since earlier in the week, however there are good numbers of Herring and Great Black-backed. I only saw three Glaucous (adults) this morning in the vicinity of Cathcart Park.

 The Harlequin Duck was still at Sombra, and according to a local resident, the American Coot is still hanging around.

 At Fawn Island I noted a Tundra Swan (unusual in winter here) as well as various ducks.

 As an unusual event at ICI outfall I observed a Herring Gull feeding on a male Com. Goldeneye, which was still alive!

 Directions: The road following the Ontario side of the St. Clair is called St. Clair Parkway which runs south from Sarnia to Port Lambton. To get to Sombra, get on highway 40 north from Wallaceburg or south from Sarnia, and find Bentpath Line (sign: ferry to USA) and follow west to the river at Sombra.

 Cathcart Park is about 4 km north of Sombra, and ICI is just north of Cathcart Park. Fawn Island is just south of Sombra.

 Blake Mann, Wallaceburg
boatmann@kent.net
 
 

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

 For any of you contemplating checking out the Harlequin Duck at Sombra on the weekend, it was still there as of 1700h today, January 28. However the bird can sometimes be difficult to see, as it spends a fair bit of time under the dock, only occasionally coming out into the more open water on the south side of the ferry access. If you park along the road that parallels the river and scan under the dock with binos or 'scope, you may have a better chance of seeing it if it doesn't happen to be out in the open.

 To get to the site, take Highway 40 north from Wallaceburg, or south from Sarnia. At Bentpath Line (County Road 2) turn westward towards the St. Clair River. When you reach the intersection just before the river, turn south (left) and go to the centre of the village of Sombra. At King Street, go west (right) and follow the street right to the ferry access.

Allen Woodliffe
 
 

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

 I stopped this morning just after 10:00 at the ferry dock in Sombra. The male Harlequin Duck was sitting at the southern edge of the open water that is just at the dock. The bird had his head tucked down like he was sleeping, although every now and then you could see the eye move. The bird was approximately 20m south of the dock. Should have took the camera!

 Also present in the same opening were several Ring-necked Ducks, Canvasbacks, Redheads, Common Goldeneye, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead Mallard and American Blacks. Further downstream just opposite Fawn Island there is another large expanse of open water. Here there was a Common Loon, 50 or so Bufflehead and a mixed flock of 150 Canvasbacks and Redheads (they're hard to count when actively diving and feeding)

 There were a large number of Rough-legged Hawks ( six light, 4 dark) and 16 Red-tailed Hawks along Highway 40 north from Wallaceburg.

To get to Sombra, head north on Highway 40 from Wallaceburg, or south from Sarnia on the same highway until you reach County Road 2, Bentpath Line. Turn west towards the St. Clair River. The ferry and Fawn Island are to the south when you reach the River. The road here today were passable, however the local area has been receiving large amounts of lake effect snow off of Lake Huron.

 Thank you,

 Brett Groves

 Environmental Planner
Union Gas
(519) 352-3100 ext. 2945
(519) 436-4655 Fax
bgroves@uniongas.com
 
 

Hi, Gord.

At this time of the year we are happy to see a dozen birds in a day.

Well in the Pinery today we had 20 species. The best was the 2 restless flocks of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS which coalesced briefly into one of about 50 birds at the Visitor center.Also the feeders attracted the ad. RED-TAIL that sits each day for a short time just 3 feet from the windows. Also the ad. COOPERS HAWK that had a dislocated joint in its wing. Lynn EAVES of the Blue water Raptor Rehabilitation Foundation, had the bird and took it to Dr.Joanne Fagervik the Veterinian in Forest. She reduced, and temporarily supported the joint for a few days.. After rehab by Lynn the female Coopers was released in a safe area. This is the bird that we saw through the Naturalists 'scopes this afternoon. No sign of a drooping wing, and better still, no loss of flying ability. Absolutely amazing!! Two unsung Heroes.

 There is also an OREGON type JUNCO at the feeders too.

 Finally the best bird on Saturday was the HOARY REDPOLL that turned up at-where else? Pete Chapmans feeder in Hungry Hollow. Having a nice 'Pad" is great, but being a good birder like Pete helps!!

 Good Birding,

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca
 
 

- Sat, 22 Jan 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

 Hi Everyone,

 This morning (10:30), I found a male HARLEQUIN DUCK on the St. Clair Riverat the Sombra Ferry Dock. It was swimming on the south side of the dock with a mixture of about 10 other ducks. The bird is only 75 metres from the main road and less than 50 metres from the dock itself (which can be driven upon). The ferry is not in operation, as the river is pretty much choked with ice. The open water that I saw it in is only about half an acre in size and is the only open water close by. The bird was still present at 12:00.

 Other birds of interest in the area include:
 
 

• 15+ GLAUCOUS GULLS (between here and the Lambton Generating Station to the north)
• 1 RING-NECKED DUCK
• 1 im. BALD EAGLE
• 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (east on White's Line 1 km from the river, about 4km. north of Sombra)

To get to Sombra, travel Highway 40 South from Sarnia or north from Wallaceburg. Turn west on Bentpath Line. Continue to the St. Clair River. Turn left (south) on the St. Clair Parkway, then right (west) on King Street. The ferry dock is at the end of King Street.

 Steve Charbonneau
steve.charbonneau2@sympatico.ca
 
 

Hi, Gord.

 Today, the 8th.January 2000- Pete Chapman, Mac Macalpine and myself got up at a very early hour and drove to Lynde Shores near Whitby to find the SPOTTED TOWHEE' It had moved a bit but was within a hundred meters of the feeders, and was skulking by the creek.

 We then proceded to the nearby plantation on the next property and found the RED and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS feeding low in the Tamaracks. They were easy to observe once found because they are relatively tame.

 We then went to see and photograph the HEERMANS GULL, before going to look for the EARED GREBE where the ROSS GOOSE was a month earlier. Our next quarry was the WESTERN TANAGER which was found in the Shell Park, Oakville, by looking for camera lenses pointing upwards!

With such good fortune following us , we continued on to look for the MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD at Fishers Glen. That took quite a while, but finally a flock of EASTERN BLUEBIRDS was located and--Lo, A male MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD flew in.

 When viewed through Pete's Questar, the bird looked just stunning!!!!!!

 We also saw a PILEATED WOODPECKER flying over the same field. Our seven target birds had been seen and our days total was 61sp. This is a personal record for finding target birds-100%. Years ago, four of us from Lambton Wildlife Inc. drove to the 'Soo to look for HAWK OWL, GYR FALCON and I think a Gt. GRAY OWL too. It was -31C that night as we tried to get a couple of hours sleep in the VW car Not only did we not sleep, We also did not see any of our target birds.But we did have two Breakfasts that morning! I hope that this is of general interest-- we were so happy at the end of the day. Our final species was a group of SANDHILL CRANES flying to roost.

 Good Birding.

 Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca
 
 

Hi, Gord.

 The SNOWY OWL is still out on the rocks at Kettle Point today.

 Yesterday, two of the Pinery staff observed a bird that seems to have been a VARIED THRUSH, sitting in an oak just at the back of the Visitor center. We looked carefully for it today,down by the river where most berry-eating birds seem to gravitate to, but no luck. . How many more Western birds are going to be found in S.W. Ont. this season?

 Looking at the Lake here today, most gulls and waterfowl seem to have left these local shores, no ducks and only a solitary CANADA GOOSE found.

 A single pale REDPOLL in a flock of 35+ COMMONS found at a local feeder,might be one of those indeterminate birds that come along at this time of year.

Hope that this is of some interest.

Good Birding.

Alf.
rider@xcelco.on.ca
 
 

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