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

This has been an exciting week. First there were the Cave Swallows, which many Londoners were lucky to see at Pelee or Long Point, on Thursday or Friday, after making a decision as to which direction to head. Then there was the Townsend's Solitaire at the Pinery on Sunday, a lifebird for many of the participants of the McIlwraith field trip, who were lucky enough to get to the Pinery just after Dave Martin had discovered it. Lots of other interesting birds were seen also in that area, including Evening Grosbeaks, Redpolls, three species Scoters, all the usual ducks except Pintail, Tufted Titmouse, Snow Buntings etc. As I was just returning from seeing the Common Crane in Indiana I went the following day to the Pinery, and everything seemed to have moved on. All we found were Robin, Purple Finch and Ruffed Grouse. The Solitaire was refound Tuesday afternoon, but no word since. Then there have been several sightings of Golden Eagles, especially at Komoka gravel pits, where both eagles were seen. A Northern shrike was found near the club property, "Cedarcroft", at Delaware . Someone in north London saw a screech owl on his property, and rightaway put up a box. Now the owl is using it at least some of the time, as it has been seen sitting in the entrance some afternoons. Several fox sparrows were seen by Tom Bolohan at the west end of Komoka P.P. opposite the Golf course. Lastly a male Bobwhite was seen at Kirk-Cousins by the Dewdneys. Earlier they had found an egg there which Pete Read identified as a Bobwhite egg,so perhaps next year there will be a Bobwhite family in the area. The Kirk- Cousins Area is just east of Wellington Road, with a parking lot on Scotland Drive.

There are still a few flowers about, but alas, no butterflies. Our last sighting was November 1, when both Sulphurs were seen.

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

October 25 - 28 1999 : The Coves S.W.London area near German Club

[Mon. Oct.25] The Robins and Cedar Waxwings have returned to the coves. Observed them last year at this time for about 4 days in same area. Saw a couple large groups of them munching on berries down at the orchard and up on the hill near Cliftonvale all this week. Also same day observed both a Hairy and Red-bellied woodpeckers on the same hill pecking at the base of a maple tree, as well as a Northern Flicker down by the flats area of the coves.

Our resident Red-tailed hawk out n' about Tues. Oct.26 limited sightings that day (late afternoon).

Have observed for the first time (in same coves area) some Red-breasted nuthatches as well as the more common White-breasted variety both at feeders and down at the coves. As well, the Juncos have returned to the feeders.

Paula Bannerman - pbannerman@odyssey.on.ca
http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~pbannerman
"Freedom has nothing to fear from the truth."

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

Migrating Blue Jays and Grackles are still hanging around the feeders, joined today by more juncos. Around the south branch of the Thames there have been reports of both Kinglets ,Osprey, Cooper's Hawk. American Pipit and Robins. A Cape May warbler was in my yard for two days, bathing vigorously in the pool. A Tree Swallow was seen at Fanshawe on Monday. This week Mourning Cloak, Clouded Sulphur, Eastern Comma and of course Cabbage White butterflies have been seen.

The McIlwraith monthly Meeting is tomorrow at 7.30 in the Civic Garden Centre. The topic is " Freshwater Mussels. (Remember the new time). On Sunday at 2.00 there is a field trip at Westminster Ponds; meet behind the Tourist Information Centre on Wellington road.

Friday, 22 Oct. is the Birding Wing meeting, at 7.30, (new time), in the Civic Garden Centre. There will be a slide show by Alf Rider. It is on "Birds, Bugs and More" ; Alf always has great photos so don't miss out. Everyone is welcome to come to all or any of these three events.

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

Birders,

My family and I had to come down to London for the evening so we thought we'd leave early and try to see the Red Phalarope. We got there just in time, we watched the Phalarope in the south pond for about ten minutes untill it began to fly around. I followed it in our scope untill I lost it at which time I looked up to follow it with my bins. I found it, being chased by an adult Peregrine Falcon. We watched the Falcon take three dives at the Phalarope and finally gave up unsuccesfully and flew south-east. I couldn't locate the phalarope after the attacks. The ducks seemed not very disturbed by these events however and were still around to look at after the action died down. There was 1 Wood Duck, 1 American Coot, 1 Ring-Necked Duck, a few Green-Winged Teals, a few American Wigeons, a dozen or so Blue-Winged Teals, 4 or five Redheads and some Ruddy Ducks.

Good Birding,

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

The juvenile Red Phalarope was present this morning at the Strathroy Lagoons, still in the south pond.

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

At 12:30 today W 22 Sept) a Red Phalarope was observed in the south pond of the Strathroy Sewage Lagoons. The bird was still there late this afternoon. There was also a small flock of late Tree Swallows circling the lagoons, as well as Shovellers & Blue-winged Teal.

To get to the lagoons: Go west on Metcalfe St (Hickory Dr - Cty Rd 39) in Strathroy. Bend right on Albert St (still Cty Rd 39), keeping the grain silos on the left. Continue west on Albert St about 2 km to the edge of town. Just past Strathmere Lodge (on the right) turn left on Pike Rd. Cross the railway tracks and look for a small parking lot on the left (east) side of the road. There is pedestrian access by the gate. The address is 27782 Pike Rd.

Alternatively, from Hwy 402 north of Strathroy, take exit 65 and go south on Caradoc St (Cty Rd 81). Turn right (west) at first intersection onto Mullifarry Dr. Turn left at the next intersection onto Pike Rd, go south across Albert St and the railway to the ponds on the left.

Shirley & Jack Lorimer

Hi Gord,
Over the last several days, I have had some great birds in, or flyover, my backyard in London. New backyard birds have included Lesser Scaup, Eastern Screech-Owl and Bay-Breasted Warbler. Other notable species were Merlin, Nashville Warbler, Palm Warbler, White-Throated Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird, Gray Catbird and still lots of Hummingbirds. My backyard list is now at 128. Not bad for 2 years of counting.

Hi, Gord.

Three area lagoons were visited today, Parkhill-- Middlesex Co.and also Forest and Grand Bend. In addition the Michigan Ave.sod farm in Sarnia was visited.

Parkhill has only a few shorebirds left on the drying mud.

There were no shorebirds or ducks in Forest .

G.B.S.L. has few shorebirds but that makes it easy to find the 4 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS and the 3 STILT SANDPIPERS in the 3rd. lagoon. There is a moulting, late ad. Gt.YELLOWLEGS with a few LESSERS and PECTORAL SANDPIPERS too.

A late LEAST is feeding on it's own, as is a single SEMI-PALMATED SANDPIPER The BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER in the Sarnia area seems to have gone.

Over all, the shorebirds moved out en mass yesterday. while the ducks continue to arrive in this area

Yesterday a CAPE MAY WARBLER was observed trying to get into a thistle feeder, located in Camlachie.

SAVANNAH SPARROWS were feeding unfledged young at G.B.S.L. on the 9th. and CARDINALS are feeding full grown young at my feeders at Kettle Point.today.

Good Birding.

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

For those planning their weekend trips the Aylmer Avocet was not seen today and has not been reported since last Friday to the McIlwraith Nature Line by local birders.

Today, at Aylmer WMA there were about 75 individuals of 5 shorebird species (mostly Killdeer and Pectoral Sandpipers).

Water levels are high at the nearby Aylmer Sewage Lagoons and only had Wood Ducks and Ruddy Ducks today.

Aylmer WMA is located northeast of Aylmer on the east side of the Ontario Police College. From Hwy 401 Exit # 203 drive south on Elgin Road which becomes Imperial Road (in Elgin County!) until you reach College Line. Turn east (left) on College Line and drive to Hacienda. Turn south (right) on Hacienda and drive to the south boundary of the Police College where a paved laneway on the left leads you to the viewing stands.

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

Today Gavin Platt and I visited some local sewage lagoons

Strathroy S.L.
Wood duck, Ruddy Duck Tree, Barn, Bank, Cliff swallows NO shorebirds
A flurry of warblers beside the lagoon, incl. Tennessee and Nashville

Viceroy, Meadow Fritillary, Buckeye butterflies

Parkhill S.L.
About 250 shorebirds, including 3 Bairds, 2Stilts,Pectoral, Least, Semi-Pal, lesser Yellowlegs sandpipers Semi-pal and lots of Killdeer Plovers

Blackswallowtail, Ringlet, Great Spangled Frit., Least skipper, Pearl Crescent butterflies

Grand Bend S.L.
1st two - Wood Duck, Coot, Ringbills 3rd - Short-billed Dowitcher, Solitary, Dunlin, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least and Semi-Pal s'pipers 4th -1 WHIMBREL, (Best bird of day), 250-300 Bluewing Teal, Gt.Blue Heron

Mourning Cloak butterfly, also Orange and Clouded Sulphurs , Cabbage, Monarch at all 3 S.L.s

In London there have been several reports of warblers around Westminster ponds and beside the river.

A probable Rufous humming bird was seen twice in west London and was photographed, but was not seen by others. Another rarity, a possible Painted Bunting has been seen 3 times, but over a two week period at a feeder, and only by the householder, who is ready with camera if it shows up again. An all-white Hawk, thought to be a redtail was seen 1 mile north of Glencoe this week at #80. No Buff-breasted Sandpipers were on the sod farms up to Tuesday, when I checked. A fox was sitting in the middle of one of them. A dead Opossum was on Trafalgar road near another, (a roadkill).

The first McIlwraith meeting of the Fall season will be held Friday, Sept.10 at 7.30 at the Civic Garden centre. The topic is "Night Flyers", (Bats), and the speaker is Matina Kalcounis a Ph.D candidate at U.W.O. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Hi, Gord.
Hope that you had a good restful holiday?

Today (Sat) Parkhill lagoons are full of shorebirds. Gt. Yellowlegs were leaving in small groups and flying off directly South. At the corner closest to the gate has an 1st.w. WESTERN SANDPIPER in among the PECTORALS just there.

Good birding.

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

The Aylmer Avocet was seen today from at least 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.

The bird has been seen sooner or later every day since last Friday although some viewers have been disappointed if they show up at the wrong time. This bird prefers to feed at the south end of the pond and when here can be out of sight of the viewing stand for long periods (i.e over an hour).

Today there were about 100 individuals of 8 shorebird species (mostly Killdeer, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral and Least Sandpipers) including 1 Black-bellied Plover.

Aylmer WMA is located northeast of Aylmer on the east side of the Ontario Police College. From Hwy 401 Exit # 203 drive south on Elgin Road which becomes Imperial Road (in Elgin County!) until you reach College Line. Turn east (left) on College Line and drive to Hacienda. Turn south (right) on Hacienda and drive to the south boundary of the Police College where a paved laneway on the left leads you to the viewing stands.

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

The Aylmer Avocet was seen today from at least 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. The bird has been seen sooner or later every day since last Friday although some viewers have been disappointed if they show up at the wrong time. This bird prefers to feed at the south end of the pond and when here can be out of sight of the viewing stand for long periods (i.e over an hour). Today there were about 100 individuals of 9 shorebird species including 1 Solitary Sandpiper. Other highlights from the past couple of days include Baird's and Stilt Sandpiper ahd Black-bellied and Golden Plover.

Aylmer WMA is located northeast of Aylmer on the east side of the Ontario Police College. From Hwy 401 Exit # 203 drive south on Elgin Road which becomes Imperial Road (in Elgin County!) until you reach College Line. Turn east (left) on College Line and drive to Hacienda. Turn south (right) on Hacienda and drive to the south boundary of the Police College where a paved laneway on the left leads you to the viewing stands.

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

A trip to Aylmer this afternoon revealed the Avocet again. It was near the far shore of the pond, to the right of the viewing platform. It was visible between 4:45 and 5:30, but repeatedly disappeared behind cover. There were several different species throughout the pond, making the periods when it was hiding more bearable.

Another highlight of the trip was a visit from a platoon of recruits from the nearby Ontario Police College. The eager recruits were instructed to repeatedly sprint up the stairs of the viewing stand. The noise and vibrations did not appear to bother the birds to any great extent, however those of us inside the structure did pick our landing spots should the collapse of the stand prove imminent and necessitate our exit through the viewing windows. I am sure list members will be happy to hear that we survived the experience.

I would also like to take the opportunity to tell list members of a very useful resource. The McIlwraith Field Naturalists of London have produced a "GUIDE TO THE NATURAL AREAS OF LONDON AND VICINITY." It lists natural areas within London and sites up to one hour's drive from the city. This encompases a 65km radius which includes parks on Lakes Erie and Huron and lists 93 different sites. The guide provides a list of natural features in parks, conservation and natural areas (with a special section on Sewage lagoons!) I have found it very useful because it provides directions to sites and lists significant flora and fauna in each area. It also lists a greater variety of sites than Goodwin's "BIRD FINDING GUIDE TO ONTARIO". The most recent version was published in 1999 so the road names are fairly up to date. For more information The MacIlwaith Field Naturalists can be reached at PO Box 24008, London ON N6H 5C4. The web address is
http://info.london.on.ca/environment/mcfn2.htm

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

August 19,1999

Here are a couple of yard reports to add to the evidence already posted today that there was an influx of new birds last night.

In my yard this morning I was delighted to find Golden-winged Warbler (2nd ever for the yard) in the company of 2 Chestnut-sided Warblers and a "Traill's" Flycatcher. These are the first "yard" warblers.

Andrew Ross emailed me that he found Pine, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided, Tennessee, Blackburnian and Nashville Warblers this morning from his backyard which borders on Westminster Ponds in London.

I can verify Tom Hince's statement that Tufted Titmice are expanding their range but are still quite local. Having spent the last three breeding seasons exploring 100+ woodlots in southwestern Ontario (Essex, Kent, Lambton, Middlesex and Elgin) for Hooded Warblers and Acadian Flycatchers, we found Tufted Titmice in only 2 bands of shoreline woodlots. The first is along the Lake Erie shoreline from Port Burwell to Duttona Beach where we estimated 5 to 10 pairs scattered about in varous ravines. The second is from Port Franks to Grand Bend on the Lake Huron shoreline where the estimate is 15 to 30 pairs in the open oak woodland on the dunes. Otherwise, especially inland, Tufted Titmice are few and far between. It will be interesting to see how the next Breeding Atlas (2001 - ?) and CBC data for the next 10 years chart the spread of titmice.

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

19th August

Sod farms so far only 14 Killdeer and two ring-billed gulls, but I'm sure they will improve (i Hope).

Dirctions: - off county road #9 turn west on Inadale road to Springfield Road. Sod Farm on the South East corner so you can see the large field from both roadways. This is necessary as field is undulating.

Point - Is it possible to get more direction from senders especially when the birds seen are rare. I know now I just reply to sender for directions maybe save effort to reply to questions if directions are shown?!

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

This morning I checked out Parkhill and Thedford lagoons. Parkhill had about 140 shorebirds while Thedford was slimmer pickings at about 100. Highlights were:

Parkhill SL

• Short-billed Dowitcher 4 juveniles

Thedford SL

• Baird's Sandpiper 1 adult; almost finished its prebasic moult
• Ruddy Duck 1 male
• American Wigeon 1
• N. Pintail 1

Thedford is in northeastern Lambton while Parkhill is in northwestern Middlesex.

I also had 3 different sightings of immature Sharp-shinned Hawks flying high overhead. This past week I had two Red-breasted Nuthatches in London.

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

Monday, August 9
After several quiet weeks, there are the first stirs of birding news here.

Sewage Lagoons in the area

Good to Brilliant

Thedford S.L.(north of town on #79, but be aware Sylvan bridge is closed, so plan route), (report from Tom Hayman, and visited) 300-400 birds, including Yellowlegs , Least, Semi-pal plover, Black-bellied plover(1), Pectoral, Stilt(2), A.pipit(1) etc. Needs watching as lots of mud in East lagoon, great for Godwits mid-month maybe.

Aylmer Police College, (off # 73; signed), (Jack and Betty Essey) 200+ birds, as above

Blenheim S. L. (west of town, Lagoon Road,(really!), off #3), (report from Heather Campbell) To visit you need yearly permit from Town Office; call Mrs. Elinor Mifflin, (519) 676-5405
Lots of birds last night including Stilt and expected species.

Unfortunately none of above are within MSX.

Poor at this time.

Aylmer S.L. ( Andrew Ross), high, no habitat
Strathroy S.L. (visited), also high, only bird of interest a Tundra swan that has been there all summer. But worth the visit for Variegated Fritillary butterfly

Cuddy's Pond, Strathroy, (visited), no shorebirds. Parkhill - does anyone have information ?

Butterflies have been much more visible than birds, with several reports of Giant Swallowtails within the city. Fiery skippers and Gray Hairstreaks have shown up in several locations also.

Birders

This evening my Dad, Sister and I checked out Mitchell sewage lagoons. The highlight was a very wary Upland Sandpiper on the Dykes in and around the lagoons.

There was also plenty of other shorebirds present in the ponds (~300) the most common being Killdeer, and Yellowlegs. The other species present were Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Solitary Sandpiper and about 10 Pectoral Sandpipers through-out all of the ponds.

Directions: Mitchell is 21 km west of Stratford, where Hwys 23 and 8 meet. To get to the lagoons turn south at Goco gas bar, stop at the end of the road and walk in ( the most water is near the building for the lagoons.

Good Birding,

Just want to report seeing (and hearing) a pair of yellow warblers near Springford Ontario in southern Oxford County.. visually saw the one picking insects off of our maple trees.. and heard the other one singing on the other side of my parents property

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

July 2 Sadly today our young female peregrine hit a building and died.

Bell Prime computers are down, which is why there is nothing on the London Nature Line today. Messages cannot be left, and the weekly message is unavailable to callers. It has been down all day today, and tomorrow is a holiday, so----?

The two young male Peregrines took their first flights on Sunday morning, and now are flying well, doing more soaring and less flapping. Queenie, their sister, has not yet left the nest ledge. Dave Martin reports two singing male Acadians from Skunk's Misery, in addition to the nest with 3 eggs found by Pete Read. The eggs are now baby birds.

In Dorchester swamp, breeders include Ovenbirds, Pine warblers, Alder flycatcher and Bluewing Warblers. Amazingly TWO bobwhites were found in London this week. One was seen on Thomas Janes road in a backyard, and the second was found, captured and brought to Pete Read by someone who thought it was a young falcon. It was not put in the Peregrine nest, but taken to join the first one.

Lots of butterflies were seen today in London, including heaps of fresh Great Spangled Fritillaries. Gavin Platt reported 37 species in an afternoon visit to the Fanshawe area, the most interesting being Buckeye, Fiery and Two-spotted skippers. I found some new skippers for this year, and Dave Martin, while birding, had 19 species.

Several flowers, such as Black-eyed Susans, beloved by some species of butterflies, are now in full flower.

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

The Northern Bobwhite seen on Thomas Janes Drive in London yesterday was still in the neighbourhood today. At noon my next door neighbour saw it in her back yard.

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

At 10:00 am I was driving home on Thomas Janes Street in London when a small quail-shaped bird crossed the road in front of my truck. Not being in "birding mode", it took me almost a full second to recognize that it was a NORTHERN BOBWHITE wandering around the city, and to pull over and park (apologies to any neighbours who may have heard my tires shriek). I followed him with my binoculars onto the front yard of one of my neighbour's homes; he quickly scurried into their backyard, just as my neighbours were pulling into the driveway. They graciously allowed me to enter their yard where I watched him for about 5 minutes (the yard is fenced all the way to the ground). I used my cell phone to call another birder friend of mine who arrived a few minutes later and we both got good long looks at the bird as he ambled around the backyard. He was still there at 10:20am when I had to leave.

Lesson learned:

It always pays to have your binoculars, bird book, and cell phone handy! (and your ONTBIRDS message posting instructions!)

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

Many migrants have arrived in London. In the area between Clarke Rd. bridge and Fanshawe dam, yesterday and today, these birds were seen - Black-billed cuckoo, Olive-sided flycatcher, Parula warbler, Ovenbird, A. Redstart; Black and White, Magnolia,Nashville, Yellow, and Chestnut-sided warblers, E. kingbird, Spotted sandpiper etc.
Upland Sandpiper has been seen at the airport.
Strathroy S.L. south pond is very low, and has many shorebirds of several species, but so far nothing rare. A Summer Tanager is reported this evening from Union. Probably a second-year male, it is being seen every 10 minutes in a walnut tree in a backyard. It has been there two days. The householders, Mr. and Mrs. Harms, say anyone may enter and look at it.
Directions. Take #4 into Union, and turn Left. Turn Left again at the Firehall. Go to 3rd house on left- # 6168.

Aylmer police college has Shortbilled dowitcher, and the lagoons have many shorebirds. The 3rd lagoon is very low, but again, so far no rarities.

A Common Sootywing was seen at Westminster Ponds this week. No Monarchs yet.

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

This report is late as we have been off the internet for a week. Yesterday, while I was at Pelee, Doug went out and bought a new computer, so we are now back on!

Warbler Highlights

BLUEWING - May 5, (1, Glenora Valley), May7, (several,Komoka P.P.) with a BREWSTER'S singing a Bluewing song, May 8, (2, Westminster Ponds).
GOLDENWING - May 6 (1, Westminster Ponds), May 7 (heard only, Skunk's Misery) HOODED - May 8 (Westminster Ponds, east of owl nest)
Reported to date - Yellowrump, Pine, B.Th. Green, Ovenbird, Yellow, Black and white, Magnolia, Blackburnian, Nashville, Chestnut sided, Redstart and both Waterthrushes.

Other migrants
200 Lapland Longspurs, in breeding plumage, (16 Mile Road, west of #4) on May 7. (Blenheim's flock?) May 3 Veery, House Wren
May 4 Wood Thrush, G.C. Flycatcher, R.B. Grosbeak, Bobolink, Whip-poor-will
May 5 Catbird, Indigo Bunting, Brown Thrasher,Dunlin and Least S.piper (Strathroy S.L., one down), Orchard Oriole
May 7 Ruby throated hummingbird, Semi-pal. Plover, Scarlet Tanager,Swainson's Thrush. A Western Meadowlark was found by Cuddy's Pond in Strathroy, on April 29, and was refound a few days later.

May Butterflies -Clouded Sulphur,2nd, Mourning Cloak,Spring Azure,Brown Elfin, 4th, Red Admiral, Black Swallowtail, 5th , Meadow Fritillary, Juvenal's Skipper, 7th
Trilliums are fully out, and Wild Geranium has started to bloom.
Today while looking for the Hooded Warbler in Westminster Ponds area, I surprised a fox, basking on a dirt pile which I took to be its den. It snarled loudly at me several times, from the nearby bushes. After a short while I returned, thinking it would have gone in its den, but it let out more bloodcurdling snarls, so I retreated and couldn't see if it there was a den there.

Last note on owls, which are all flying now. Someone picked up a band from under the Gibbons Park nest, and phoned to check on it. He found out that it was from a young racing pigeon, banded in London early this year.

Tasty lunch for the owlets?

Today, at 6:15 PM, I had a male Golden-Winged Warbler visit my backyard. My yard backs out onto Westminister Ponds in London. The Warbler was foraging out in the open with a Yellow-Rumped Warbler. This is the first sighting of Golden-Winged in Middlesex this year, that I am aware of.

In the last 5 days, I have found a few species of Warblers at Westminister Ponds. They have included Palm Warbler, Ovenbird, Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Black-Throated Green Warbler, Black-Throated Blue Warbler, Chestnut-Sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler and Nashville Warbler. Others migrants are Baltimore Oriole, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Least Flycatcher, Great-Crested Flycatcher, Blue-Headed Vireo and a possible Willow Flycatcher.

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

Owls are again in the news in London.

One young G.H. owl was found on the ground in Gibbons Park on monday, and was taken into care by Animal control, (too many dogs), who passed it on to Ross Snider.He fed it up and was returning it last night after dark. Meanwhile someone else in the area found an owl in her yard on the ground. It was identified as a young Screech, then Mother and a sibling were found in a cedar by the house,( N.W. corner of house). For those interested, Mrs. Huston has given permission to go on her property, at St. James and Talbot, 830 Talbot.

Migrants include Upland Sandpiper, Melbourne area, Apr. 25, Virginia Rail, Sunningdale Rd. west of Adelaide, blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Swamp Sparrow, all swallows, and 14 Cormorants on Fanshawe L. Sewage Lagoons
Strathroy - 6 T. swans, Redhead, Ruddy, Bufflehead, L. Scaup, B.W. Teal,Wigeon, Coot, Bonapartes'
Cuddy's Pond - Ringneck, G.w. Teal, C. Merg., P.B. Grebe, Bufflehead
Parkhill - Buffle, G.W. Teal, L. Scaup, Ruddy, Bonapartes', P.B. Grebe, 6 Lesser 1 greater Yellowlegs. Second lagoon is down, as is Aylmer 2nd , so both have potential for shorebirds.
Glencoe - Ruddy, Coot, Wigeon

Saturday April 24, 1999.

Vicki and I were out for an outing with the Sydenham Field Naturalists to visit several sites around the London Area today.

The Heronry along Hyde Park Road was very active with 27 or so nests with birds on them. Several of the nest had two herons on them, with other birds flying in and out.

Sifton Bog was very intersting, with all of the Black Spruce and Tamarack trees. There were several small flocks of Golden Crowned Kinglets and Chickadees flying around, as well as Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and Mallards and Canada Geese on the pond.

Wesminster Ponds, with the somewhat muddy trails, gave us several good birds. We saw both Yellow-rumped and Nashville Warblers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Downey and Pileated Woodpeckers, Hermit Thrushes, Tree Swallows, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Mallards, Canada Geese, Wood Duck, and a pair of Hooded Mergansers.

I finished off the evening flyfishing Whiteman's Creek, near Brantford. Several Kingfishers and Little Brown Bats flew by, and I heard the first Common Nighthawk of the year for me.

April 18, 1999.

A short stop today at the ponds in Komoka provided quite a few birds.

A pair of MUTE SWANS were setting up a nesting area on the islands, and there were several pairs of CANADA GEESE doing the same.

A single RED-NECKED GREBE was still in winter plumage, while the COMMON LOON was in its summer plumage. There were also BUFFLEHEAD, Am COOT, Am. WIDGEON, RING-NECKED DUCK, GADWALL, MALLARD, Am BLACK DUCK, a single NORTHERN SHOVELER and RUDDY DUCKS.

There were also numerous TREE SWALLOWS and a single PURPLE MARTIN taking insects off the flowering shrubs close to shore.

Wednesday April 14th ,

The PEREGRINE FALCONS nesting on the South tower of the Canada Trust building in downtown London have TWO EGGS as of April 12th . I will be checking in at # 1 london Place today for a further update .

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

Ducks have arrived on local sewage lagoons. Strathroy has the most varieties with Aylmer's third lagoon next best. Belmont only has Buffleheads, but has 3 lesser yellowlegs. All have tree swallow, killdeer, savannah and song sparrows.

The Gibbons Park nest has now got 2 baby Great Horneds in it. Both species of yellowlegs and snipe were seen in ponds on Mayfair Rd. (nr. Melbourne), last week.A waterthrush was seen yesterday at Dorchester Mill pond and we have many reports of E. Phoebes. Backyards have produced Hermit thrush, (today), and Fox sparrow, (April 5). Andrew Ross got his 99th backyard bird, a sapsucker, on Saturday, and is waiting for his 100th any day. It will probably be a Hermit thrush.

Mourning Cloaks, E. Commas and Cabbage Whites have been seen several times now, a Milbert's Tortoiseshell seen by Dave Martin was not within MsX. unfortunately.

Frogs seen /heard include Chorus, Spring peepers, Wood and Leopard.

HI, GORD.

Today my son David with Pete CHapman and myself, visited the PARKHILL lagoons.

While we were there a COMMON LOON circled the area a couple of times before deciding to land in the lagoon that we were watching. Due to the light breeze when it touched down it cut a long swath through the green water, sending up a bright bow wave of green.All the usual ducks are there exept for PINTAIL. So far this Spring I've only counted nine. When the fields are wet, we have a thousand or so just locally behind the Lambton Heritage Museum where the TUNDRA SWANS gather.

A few TUNDRA SWANS were seen flying over near the lagoons too.

GOOD BIRDING,

March 21, 1999.

Hi Gord! On Sunday afternoon we stopped for a quick look at the sewage lagoons in Strathroy. Most of the area is still covered with ice, however there were quite a few species present.

There were approximately 150 Tundra Swans, as well as Norther Shovelers, Mallards, several Black Ducks, an American Widgeon, and Lesser Scaup.

Closer to home in Chatham, there are large numbers of Tundra Swans on the fields north west of Pain Court on the way to the St. Clair NWA.

Good Birding!

Today driving home from the festival of swans at Pinery P.P we saw six wild turkeys 1.5 km down line 42 from Stratford Airport

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

Horned larks have invaded the county; they are everywhere. We are finding Lapland Longspurs near or with them. At Aylmer police college on Sunday, there were 15 Longspurs and one or two more with each group of larks, on Scotland to Wellington, and on Whiteoaks Rd. up to #22. Yesterday there were at least 5 on Scotland Drive ,just west of # 74. Drive slowly as you approach. One or two are almost in breeding plumage.

Our Longeared owls continue to be seen daily, and don't seem to worry about the snow shovelling or the cars passing under their tree. All 3 Great Horned nests appear satisfactory. The owl sitting in Gibbons park attacked a large dog one day, which seemed strange. It dug its talons into the dog's head. But later it was reported that the owner had been shaking the tree, wanting "to see the owl fly".

The most interesting of the feeder reports are 15 Laplands at Wardsville, approx. 77 tree sparrows at once at Dave Martin's (who got dizzy trying to count them accurately), and a chipmunk in east London.

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

Another quiet week here, but--
The Redwings have arrived!
Mar.1 Ian Platt has 1 at his feeder.
Mar.2 John McKeenan sees 1 with a flock of robins in Springbank Park.
Mar.2 Olive Ireland sees and hears 2 singing at Kirk-Cousins C.A. area.

Two of us went to see the huge eagle nest on Dunborough, which is 2 roads east of Eagle on # 3 (or Talbot Rd.). While we were there an adult swooped in front of the car, around the field and then sat near the nest. We then went to the Spicer trail, opposite Pearce Park, and saw where a Pileated had done extensive work that morning (chips on top of the fresh snow), but never saw it.

A pair of long-eared owls are residing in a spruce tree on the front lawn of a home in S.W. London.

Dave Martin saw an unidentified "hairy" caterpillar crawling in his yard. Food for a bird.

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

I spotted the group of 6 to 8 wild turkeys behind the London airport at approximately 4:30 p.m.. They were in an open field, east of the mailbox that says McGee on the road that follows the airport fence (Rebecca Rd.). There were also about a dozen deer in the same field.

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

A quiet week in London. Two great horned owls were seen sitting in the same tree twice in Westminster Ponds area, perhaps getting ready to nest. The wild turkeys were seen again one afternoon this week, near the airport. Several reports of waxwings - in a North London yard, at Fanshawe and at Harrietsville. Dave Martin had 56 goldfinches at his feeders until a sharpie came and scared them off. They had a Woolly Bear caterpillar walking about near their house this week -our first sort of Lepidoptera report for the year. The river is open in London and the gulls have dispersed. A Bald Eagle was seen today, Saturday, in south London.

Yesterday I went with a friend to Sarnia. We saw two huge rafts of ducks -at Canatara Park there were hundreds of redheads and scaup, and near Sombra more hundreds of redheads and canvasbacks, plus scaup and Bufflehead. All three Merganser species were on the river, and many Goldeneye There were six snowgeese near Sarnia, a cormorant further along and a Loon in winter plumage at Seager Park further along still. We put the scope on it as my friend Heather had never seen a loon in winter plumage. We could see the pattern on the back, in brown and cream instead of black and white. We saw very few birds in the country, heading back home from Port Lambton.

Today, Jan. 28, I had had a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD visit my yard in London. This is the 96th specie for my yard. I am getting closer to 100.

Hi...how noteworthy this is I am not sure...but I find we are seeing birds that really should not be here at this time of year. The Song Sparrow for instance(we live near Stratford Ont). My brother near Brockville saw a Red Winged blackbird.

Just a quick note on a short walk taken along the T.J. Dolan Trail in Stratford by the Avon River. Many, many MALLARDS, three BLACK DUCKS and a single MALE NORTHERN PINTAIL in the river. Chastised by two BELTED KINGFISHERS as well as dozens of JUNCOS, CHICADEES and several TREE SPARROWS. Also saw, at Stratford General Hospital, a single exceedingly healthy AMERICAN ROBIN. Also some W. BREASTED NUT-HATCHES, DOWNY & HAIRY WOODPECKERS. Good numbers of MOURNING DOVES and a smattering of GOLDFINCHES. Nothing overly rare but just contributing to the Perth / Huron reporting.

Dear Gord,

Since Jan. 14/99, we've observed Cardinal every day except one at our two feeder stations on both sides of our house. The Cardinal has a faint red crest, light red through the wings & tail and the remainder of his body is dusty white. Partial Albino? Would appreciate any info on similar sightings in our area or elsewhere. The bird is feeding most often at dusk or dawn with a variety of other feeder birds (including other cardinals).

Really enjoy your site & keep up the effort!

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

Our current area hotspot is the open stretch of the river from Greenway, (pollution plant), to west of the Guy Lombardo bridge. Over the weekend the following species were seen there -
1 Lesser black-backed, (adult), and 4 Glaucous,(2 adult, 2 imm.), gulls
8 Goldeneye, 1Bufflehead, & Black ducks, C.Mergs, 1 Coot, ! Horned Grebe Kingfisher, Cedar waxwings, Robins, 1 Flicker, 3 Br. Creepers etc. 1 Redshouldered, 1 Sharpshin, Redtail hawks and of course hundreds of Canadas and Mallards, with a couple of domestics amongst them.

Pine Grosbeaks were found late Friday, (Lindleys), but not refound, at the entrance to Fanshawe beach parking area. There are a number of Crabapples there, which are hosting many robins, and 1 northern mocking bird was with them Monday noon. Just 1 Pine Grosbeak was seen Sat. A.M. (Esseys), at the Admin. feeder, (by dam), in crabapple tree. Again not refound. (Many looked!)

A very coperative mocking bird has been hanging around the backyard, (Mayos'), for several days. I saw it Tues. Their house is adjacent to Kiwanis park, which can be entered from the Optimists Club yard next door. Dorchester has open water at west end of village, with a male Pintail there, (seen from Hamilton Rd.), and another large flock of Robins were seen two days ago at Trafalgar and the county line. Same area had a Red-headed woodpecker on Tues. coming to feeders on Richmond, north of Gore. There was also one on Mayfair, (south of Melbourne) The Pine warbler was last seen at dusk on Jan.13th. Lots of Horned larks and Buntings are on the country roads.

Tomorrow is the Birding Wing Meeting, at 7p.m. at the Civic Garden Centre. Topic is Tundras at Longpoint.

While shovelling my Old-south driveway today, I saw what appeared to be a rough-legged hawk fly over. Only caught a quick glimpse, but I'm reasonably sure.

Also, while driving just west of Byron, we saw a Red-Headed woodpecker fly past, then perch on a utility pole beside the road. Probably not that uncommon, but it's the first rh I've seen in winter...

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

Last Sunday, 10th, a Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen N.E. of Guy Lombardo bridge, and also 1 Glaucous in the same area. Between there and the Greenway pollution plant were reported - Wood duck, Goldeneye, Kingfisher and Flicker. That stretch of water is one of the few left open in the river Thames here, and is hosting large numbers of Canadas, Mallards, Herring and Ringbill gulls.

The dump road, Manning, had tree sparrows, snow buntings, horned larks, as do many of the roads outside the city. 2 Roughlegs were seen south of the dump, with 3 more near Denfield and Hyde park rds., and 4 more in the Melbourne area,( south range roads.)! Also a Harrier there and a Shrike on Gentleman Rd. near the R.R. tracks. Cowbirds were at feeders there this week. Robins are still around - an easy spot to see them from the car is Leicester, off Millbank, where they are eating berries off boulevard trees.

Other feeder birds include - Brown Creeper, Mockingbird, (Tuesday on Trafalgar St.), Redbellied and an orange variant House Finch. Horned Larks and Buntings have been reported at several feeders outside the city.Buntings are being fed with corn on 13 mile road along the roadside.

Meeting tomorrow, 8p.m. at Civic Garden Centre -"Wolves of Algonquin" , - all welcome.

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

We have had a White-crowned Sparrow (immature) at our feeder for about a week. I know of others in the area, also.

Seems to be more around this winter than usual.

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

Hello to all,

Today, on Sunday the 10th, I found a COMMON RAVEN at the intersection of Bradley Ave. and Pond Mills Road in London, Ontario. It was on the snow bank. I got within 5 feet of the bird. I am absolutely certain it was not a crow. As well, on Bradley Ave. there were SNOW BUNTINGS, HORNED LARKS, RED-TAILED HAWK and AMERICAN KESTREL.

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

A Thayer's gull was seen in Gibbons Park on Jan. 4 with only 4 other gulls; A Glaucous gull was near the Greenway pollution plant.

Only Grter. Black- Backed, Herring and Ringbilled were seen on the New Year's Day walk at Springbank Park. Best birds on that walk, which was mainly in blowing snow, were probably a male woodduck and Golden crowned Kinglet.

Large numbers of Robins are still being seen, with the largest flock, (80), at The Coves, at the end of Burbank St.

A darkphase Roughlegs was near the dump on Jan. 2.

Formerly 1, now 2, Goldeneyes are on the river near Victoria Hospital.

Feeder birds include the best bird of the week, a Pine Warbler coming for suet, in Northridge; redbellieds in east London and at the club property, (Cedarcroft, nr. Delaware), and 2 flickers at Coldstream.

A coyote was on Old Victoria road on Jan. 1

On New Year's Eve we watched a Female Kestrel swoop on a starling at a feeder in our backyard. We watched the struggle with the starling vigorously trying to peck the kestrel. Twice the starling got away but was recaught. Finally the Kestrel was ripping out feathers, some of which it swallowed, then the head of the starling was ripped off and thrown several inches away. The kestrel continued to tear at the body. Then it pulled and pulled and the intestines appeared- several inches long, and a second time, the kestrel held the end high while pulling, then swallowed it all. I would not have believed a small bird had so much intestines in its body. After that she flew onto the feeder, then into a tree, and then departed. I got some of it on video but the battery ran out before the intestines part, unfortunately. Other birds have gone off with their prey, this is the first time I have seen the whole thing close up.

Next McIlwraith meeting is Jan.15 at the Civic Garden Centre, 8p.m. with a talk on the Wolves of Algonquin.

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

The 3rd Strathroy Christmas Bird Count took place on Dec. 29th. The temperature was just above freezing. It began to rain shortly before noon and continued throughout the afternoon, turning to snow in the evening.

58 species were observed for a total number of approximately 8580 individuals (still waiting for some feeder results).

Nine new species were added to the count:

• Ruffed Grouse (5)
• Wild Turkey (4)
• Long-eared Owl (1)
• Pileated Woodpecker (1)
• Hermit Thrush (1)
• Gray Catbird (1)
• Northern Mockingbird (1)
• Rufous-sided Towhee (2)

There were high counts of Northern Harrier (21), Rough-legged Hawk (44), Golden-crowned Kinglet (37), American Robin (59), Cedar Waxwing (34) and Brown-headed Cowbird (101). Also of note: Eastern Bluebird (8), Tufted Titmouse (3) and Common Redpoll (12).

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