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

We just returned from a day of birding in the Long Point area where we were fortunate enough to find an Ibis (Plegadis sp.) from the causeway quite near the western end at about 2pm. After some initial looks, Linda went down to Old Cut to put the word out while Mark continued to watch and videotape the bird. Jul Wojnowski came by at about 3pm. and managed to get a look before the bird flew at 3:15pm out into the Big Creek marsh (towards Hastings Drive). We were unable to relocate it before dark but there is a good chance that it might stick around.

It appeared to be a first fall bird and as such it was difficult to be absolutely certain whether it was Glossy or White-faced. However, we did get some good views in sunlight at 60x through a Kowa TSN-4 at about 100 metres or so. There did not appear to be a blue nor a white edge to the facial skin and the skin was uniformly grey. We could not see any red in the eye. The bird was actively feeding on what appeared to be snails.

Other birds today:

Mountain Bluebird (stunning male) with at least 3 male Eastern Bluebirds at 1681 Front Road at around 12:30pm. It was over 150 metres north of the road at the edge of the field. A scope was a definite asset. Thanks to John Miles for pointing out the location to us.

Sandhill Cranes - we say five fly into Big Creek Marsh in the same area that the Ibis disappeared into.

Little Gull - fly-by of one bird among the dozens of Bonaparte's Gulls at Turkey Point beach area (from the marina at the end of the road).

Tundra Swan - a conservative estimate was at least 500 in the causeway area.

Also around the causeway area: Rusty Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Swamp Sparrow, 3 Great Blue Herons, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Hooded Merganser, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, American Black Duck, Gadwall and Mallard.

Mark Chojnacki and Linda Nuttall, Mississauga
Mark.Chojnacki@sybase.com

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

Mark Cranford and I saw the Mountain Bluebird at the location descibed below at 3:45 this afternoon.

Gavin Edmondstone
sue-gavin@sympatico.ca

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

Hello All!

I just received a call from Craig McLauchlan, and the Mountain Bluebird is still being seen at #1618 Front Road (Norm's directions are below).

It is hanging out with 5 Eastern Bluebirds. There is also a Coopers Hawk in the area, so the Bluebirds are switching between sitting on the wire and staying close to the ground.

Thanks!

Rob Miller
robm@ican.net

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

Today Fri.,Nov.26,1999 Stan Bajurny and I went down to Van Wagners Beach as we again believed the weatherman that 30 km east winds would be blowing all day and we had visions of Kittiwake and Jaegers coming in. The weatherman was wrong and our visions faded by noon. While there Hugh Currie (thanks again Hugh, this is the second one Hugh put me onto) mentioned that there was a Mountain Bluebird seen near Turkey Point yesterday and seeing that we were 2/5ths of the way there we took a chance and headed on down.

We traveled Fishers Glen and Front road twice in the rain with the same luck that we had at Van Wagners so we left and went to Turkey Point and had even less luck there except for thousands of Redheads and Scaup offshore.

It was now time to call it a day so we retraced our steps and as we approached Front Road I commented in jest that mybe we can scare up a bluebird as we go by. hen we got to #1618 Front road our luck made a complete turnaround as Stan said "birds on the wire, looks like bluebirds" I put up my binoculars and the first bird that came into focus through the raindrops on the windshield was a beautiful male Mountain Bluebird. We first spotted it at 3:35pm and we observed it until 3:55pm. It was with 6 Eastern Bluebirds and it alternated in foraging beside & on the road to some bushes 50 feet away to the telephone wires. Thank you Sandra Maxwell as that is only my second in Ontario and a life bird for Stan.

Norm Murr
Richmond Hill,ON
NORMURR@SYMPATICO.CA

To get to Front Road - drive south from Simcoe on Hwy 24, the highway curves right (west) and you continue along the highway until you come to Fishers Glen Road on the left (south side). Drive south to the small town of Fishers Glen, turn right (west) on Front Road and proceed, with eyes peeled along here. Again the bird was at 1618 Front Road. There are manicured lawns, overgrown field and a row of cedars along here.

Good Luck
Norm

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

Birders:

A Mountain Bluebird was found by Sandra Maxwell in a flock of 20-25 Eastern Bluebirds on the Front Road near Fisher's Glen. Fisher's Glen can be reached by going south off Hwy 24 on the Fisher's Glen Rd.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 
Landbird Programs Coordinator 
Bird Studies Canada 
P.O. Box 160 
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 
Phone: 519-586-3531 
Fax: 519-586-3532 
E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 
Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org 

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

Birders:

The sighting yesterday of a Cave Swallow at the tip of Long Point made us extra vigilant this morning (Nov 11)and we were rewarded with two White-fronted geese flying west over the dike at Old Cut. At about 10:30, a single Cave Swallow was seen over the dike for about a minute before it too flew west.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 
Landbird Programs Coordinator 
Bird Studies Canada 
P.O. Box 160 
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 
Phone: 519-586-3531 
Fax: 519-586-3532 
E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 
Web Page:  

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

Birders:

After an absence of several days, a Cave Swallow was seen at the tip of Long Point today (Nov 10). The last sighting in the area was Nov. 6.

Turkey Point was very quiet today with about 6 Little Gulls seen on the sand bars just off the beach.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 
Landbird Programs Coordinator 
Bird Studies Canada 
P.O. Box 160 
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 
Phone: 519-586-3531 
Fax: 519-586-3532 
E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 
Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org 

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

Birders:

This morning Bob Curry & Co. found a Cattle Egret in the Long Point area. After initial attempts at re-sighting the bird this afternoon failed, I was lucky at 3:15 in finding it. It was feeding in a field on Concession 1 between Port Rowan and Hwy 59 (closer to Port Rowan). It was on the north side of the road.

Incidentally, someone dropped off a car key found by a cottager on Willow Ave. on Long Point. If anyone is missing or knows of someone who lost a key to a GM vehicle, please contact me.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski
Landbird Programs Coordinator
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160

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

Thanks for all the reminders to us to watch out for Golden Eagles. After an unsuccessful hunt for Cave Swallows today, I was driving from Turkey Point on Lake Erie along Front Road towards Port Dover and saw a big black bird which didn't really have the jizz of a crow. Was it a raven? It came closer and lower and in my binoculars, I saw this gigantic Golden Eagle settling into the trees. Then not far behind came another one floating down into the woods. A wonderful view of these enormous birds.

Sandra Eadie
Aved@sympatico.ca
Toronto, Ont.

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

Just wanted people to know that there was still one Cave Swallow in the Long Point area. At about 1 pm today, myself and 3 others saw one as it flew towards the west over the marsh grasses that border Long Point P.P on its north side. It did not linger and was probably in sight for only about 30 seconds. However, during that time the pale orange rump area, lack of forked tail and relatively dark area above the bill was seen.

Don Graham
Simcoe, Ont
dsgraham@flarenet.com

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

I was among the many birders searching for Cave Swallows at Long Point and Turkey Point this afternoon. Marcel Gahbauer's posting summerizes what I saw nicely, but I would like to add a few more sightings:

- at Turkey Point, about 1/2 km east of the restaurant there was a flock of 12 Dunlin and 7 Sanderlings feeding in pools of water on the beach. Two Black-bellied Plovers were nearby.

- from the Turkey Point marsh overlook a large number of shorebirds were visible in the marsh. There were several more plovers and probably a hundred or so Dunlin, plus at least one Dowitcher sp.. Unfortunately, the wind was usually shaking my 'scope too much to identify any other shorebirds.

- just before 5:00 pm, 10 Sandhill Cranes started calling from a stubble field at the north end of the Big Creek Marsh (they were just visible from the bridge over Big Creek). They were flushed by someone out for a walk and flew out into the marsh, landing somewhere in the area of the dike trail.

Overall, it was an enjoyable day except for the disappearing Swallows. I guess we'll just have to wait for the next invasion!

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

I was among the many who made the trek to Long Point (and beyond) today in the hope of finding Cave Swallows, but I was unsuccessful and did not encounter anyone else who had seen any. That being said, the trip was nonetheless well worthwhile, with a total of 70 species including several noteworthy ones - and as Craig said in his message, it was a nice opportunity to meet so many other birders in the field (including several for the first time).

At Turkey Point I could not find any shorebirds or Little Gulls, but there was a lone Glaucous Gull with several G. Black-backs along the beach west of Cty Rd 10. Over on County Road 16, just south of St. Williams, I encountered my first mass flock of blackbirds - 1200+ in a little gully including a handful of Rusty Blackbirds and Cowbirds. Where Rd 16 ends at the lake, there were 2 Common Terns, 6 Snipe, and a Lesser Yellowlegs. There was also a lone swallow, which I saw only in very poor light before it flew off. Chances are it was probably the last of the Caves to clear out of the area, but I'll never know for sure.

Along the Long Point Causeway, there were over 350 Tundra Swans and 80+ Hooded Mergansers in the Big Creek Marsh. On Long Point Bay ~60 Ruddy Ducks were fairly close to shore, and there was a raft of several hundred Scaup much further out (trying to avoid the hunters, perhaps). There were a total of 55 Snipe standing side by side along the shoreline, pretty much opposite the Big Creek parking lot. On the south shore, visible from the end of Willow Road (Street?) were 70+ Dunlin, along with 7 Black-bellied Plovers and a Purple Sandpiper.

At Long Point Prov. Park proper, there was a good movement of hawks around noon, with 15 Red-tails, 3 Red-shoulders, 2 Sharp-shins, and 1 Cooper's passing over in just half an hour. American Goldfinches and Cedar Waxwings were abundant in the campground; one small flock of 4 Evening Grosbeaks also moved through while I was there.

Marcel Gahbauer
Scarborough ON
gsteve6@attglobal.net

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

Left Old Cut just after 4pm and there were still 3 Cave Swallows present over the marsh and the woods directly behind the station.

Observers were Gavin and Ian Platt and myself.

Good luck to all that go tomorrow, we got great looks at them for an extensive time.

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

Cave Swallows continued to be the hilight here at Long Point today. Approximately 17 birds were found on the point. The largest number to 1:00 pm was a group of five foraging low and quite close to observers near the campground in the new provincial park. Other birds included 3 or 4 at the end of Teal Ave. and several birds foraging by our Old Cut station.

Some have wondered where these birds originated and I think Alan Wormington answered that question quite well yesterday. He said, " The source of these Cave Swallows is undoubtedly the very strong low pressure cell that developed in south-central Texas and remained stationary there for several days -- this in itself is quite unusual -- before moving northeast to the lower Great Lakes this past week." An intense low such as this, moving as quickly as it did from the southwest (once it began to move), is not unlike hurricanes such as the recent "Fran" which move inland quickly, dumping seabirds as they go. In this case the waifs were Cave Swallows and perhaps, as Alan suggests, other southwestern species as well.

The close views of the birds I've seen so far have lead me to believe that they are the subspecies pelodoma. Not too much colouration (buffy cinammon) below, particularly on the flanks and fairly pale rumps (similar to Cliff Swallows). However, it's a tough call and the specimen from Pelee and the photos of the banded bird here at Long Point will undoubtedly help nail it down more accurately.

Other sightings at Long Point today included a Purple Sandpiper (very rare here) with a large flock of Dunlin at the end of Willow Ave on the point, a Peregrine in the park and a Chipping Sparrow there as well. In all of yesterday's excitement, I forgot to mention that 7 or 8 Little Gulls were seen at Turkey Pt. and a flock of 22 Sandhill Cranes spent most of the morning feeding along the edge of the large mudflat at the north end of the causeway.

Whether or not the Cave Swallows will remain here until tomorrow is a guess. Birders arriving today had to wait a while to get good views as was the case yesterday. The birds seem to start foraging once the air warms enough to bring out flying insects. Once they find an area they like they seem to stick to it. Before that, they seem to forage far and wide and pass by quickly. Try the area around the playground in the campground in the new provincial park. You'll have to walk from the entrance as the park is closed to vehicles except hunters with a pass. Good luck

Ron Ridout 
Bird Studies Canada/Long Point Bird Observatory 
P.O. Box 160 
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 
519-586-3531 
rridout@bsc-eoc.org 
http://www.bsc-eoc.org 

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

As Tom Hince indicated the invasion of Cave Swallows into the northeast appears to be quite massive and widespread. After reading his posts late yesterday afternoon, we alerted our staff at the tip of Long Point to be on the lookout for Cave Swallows here. Sure enough when they went out this morning they discovered three Cave Swallows huddled in Barn/Cliff swallow (I'm unsure which species) nests on the side of the tip cottage. One of the birds was captured, banded and photographed. Staff at the tip also feel that the Cliff Swallows they reported yesterday were in fact Caves. This is a first record for the Long Point area.

Although the tip is totally inaccessible for birders (particularly so in November), we will be keeping an eye open for more Caves here on the mainland and will pass information on sightings along immediately. I'm sure reports will be coming in from even more locations in southern Ontario in the next few days and as Tom said, get out there and look; the odds have never been better.

Ron Ridout
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0
Phone: 519-586-3531
Fax: 519-586-3532
Email: rridout@bsc-eoc.org

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

Birders:

Winter finches keep coming. Also seen today (oct 29) at Old Cut were a few White-winged Crossbills.

New arrivals to the area over the last few days include a Bohemian Waxwing seen at the tip with a flock of Cedar Waxwings. An Evening Grosbeak was seen and heard flying over Old Cut this morning (October 29).

A relatively quiet night of owling last night with only 3 new birds banded. The previous night yielded 42, putting us near the 350 mark for Old Cut.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 
Landbird Programs Coordinator 
Bird Studies Canada 
P.O. Box 160 
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 
Phone: 519-586-3531 
Fax: 519-586-3532 
E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 
Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org 

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

Birders:

An impressive 65 Saw-whet Owls were banded at Old Cut last night (Oct 26/27). Volunteers stayed awake all night as birds were still captured by 7:00 a.m.

A walk around Turkey Point Beach yesterday yielded about 10 adult Little Gulls, mostly near the Sandbar restaurant. To reach the restaurant, turn left at the intersection at the bottom of the Turkey Point Road (Regional Road 10).

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 
Landbird Programs Coordinator 
Bird Studies Canada 
P.O. Box 160 
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 
Phone: 519-586-3531 
Fax: 519-586-3532 
E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 
Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org 

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

I spent about 45 minutes over the lunch hour hawkwatching from the driveway of our new headquarters here on Long Pt bay. A light north wind was pushing the birds in a steady stream from northeast to southwest directly overhead. The total number of birds counted during that short time included 3 Turkey Vultures, 1 N. Harrier, 3 Sharp-shinneds, 1 Cooper's, 2 Red-shouldereds, and 156 Red-taileds. Extrapolated over several hours, the day's count would certainly reach several hundred birds, a fair assumption given the conditions. Alas, work called me back to my desk and I'll probably miss that Golden Eagle (or two) that I was hoping for. Who ever said that not many hawks are counted at Long Pt.?

On a side-note, as I stood hawkwatching, flock after flock of Tundra Swans was arriving from high in the west and circling down to settle in our corner of Long Pt bay. An interesting juxtaposition of hawks moving on high to the west while the swans migrated in from the opposite direction.

Ron Ridout
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0
Phone: 519-586-3531
Fax: 519-586-3532
Email: rridout@bsc-eoc.org

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

On Sunday Sarah and I set out to bird at near-by Turkey Point and Long Point. In the late morning we realized we had left our thermos of hot tea at home. We headed back there and noted some migrating hawks just as we were pulling off of # 24 to go into Port Ryerse where we live. After watching some Turkey Vultures and Redtails we were delighted with a good view of an adult Golden Eagle. A few minutes later (about 11:30 A. M. ) another one passed.

We went home and collected our thermos and noted hawk migration over our house on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie. We decided to stay home for a while. Not long after we started hawk watching an immature Golden Eagle passed by low over the house. (About 11:50 A. M. ) This was followed by two adult Bald Eagles. They may have been locals but they were heading rapidly west and flying strongly. We also saw lots of Redtails, some Sharpies, some Red-Shoulders, 3 Kestrels, a Rough-legged Hawk, and a Goshawk.

We'll have to forget things more often.

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

Late this afternoon (Saturday, October 16) I scoped the gulls on the piers at Port Stanley harbour on Lake Erie. Among the numerous Herring, Ring-billed, and Great Black-backed Gulls, I found an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL in winter plumage.

The yellow legs were quite evident and identification of the bird was further simplified by its proximity to several Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. The bird was observed on the east pier approximately 100 feet from the end.

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

Today, Sun., Oct.10/99 Stan Bajurny and I motored down to Long Point to get a look at the shorebirds and it turned out to be another interesting day. We started at the causeway marsh that contained quite a number of Dunlin and probably 200 or more Tree Swallows. We stayed here for a while and moved on to the parking area at the start of Big Creek Marsh trail. After parking we walked across the road to check out the waterfowl, etc. and from here we counted 62 Common Snipe along the shore, and here and further along the road we did a count as best we could and came up with 131 Pied-billed Grebes, 6 Forster's Terns and 1000+ American Coots in 2 rafts. While standing along the roadside we were also rewarded with 3 Sandhill Cranes flying and bugling low overhead.

We then went into the Provincial Park for awhile to check the beach (no luck)and then returned and walked out the Big Creek Marsh trail to the viewing platform. On the way out here we saw an additional 3 Pied-billed Grebes and 7 Common Snipe flying overhead. From the platform around 5:15pm we checked the many ducks and geese to the west in some ponds and discovered a small flock of Dunlin and to our pleasant surprise we found 2 Hudsonian and 1 Marbled Godwit feeding in the shallows with the ducks, etc. On the return walk back we heard bugling again and were happy to see 13 Sandhill Cranes flying past together (no Common Crane with them though). Also on the way back we spotted an American Bittern and a close passing immature Peregrine Falcon. We stopped to talk to some birders and we were told that a Baird's Sandpiper was at the causeway marsh so off we went.

We did not find the Baird's but we did find the Western Sandpiper, 22 Black-bellied Plovers, and 17 Sanderling.

We also saw 17 more Black-bellied Plovers from the Turkey point Overlook later on, on our way home (a short day).

Long Point is southwest of Hamilton, directly south of Port Rowan. To reach it you can drive south on Hwy 6 from Hamilton, passing through Hagersville and turning right, west in Jarvis onto Hwy 3, drive to Simcoe and turn left, south on Hwy 24 and follow this to Hwy 59, ( it curves to the west south of town) turn left, south on Hwy 59 and drive right down about 8 km and past the golf coarse and you will be on the causeway. Check the marsh on the right as this is the best place in the area for shorebirds.

Drive a little further on across the bridge and you will see a small parking area on the right, this the start of the Big Creek Marsh trail and it leads to a viewing platform.

You can also get to Long Point by driving south from Hwy 403 at Brandford and driving south down Hwy 24 through Simcoe.

Also seen at the causeway marsh were 2 Long-billed Dowitchers

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

Birders:

Things have been fairly quiet at Long Point over the last week. The best birding continues to be at the causeway where shorebirding has been very good. Highlights seen over the last few days included Ruff, Red and Red-necked phalaropes, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, and a host of more common shorebirds. A Snow Goose was also seen a few days ago along with a possible Eurasian Wigeon.

Northern Saw-whet owls seem to be moving a bit early this year and are being seen and banded nightly.

Cheers,

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 
Landbird Programs Coordinator 
Bird Studies Canada 
P.O. Box 160 
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 
Phone: 519-586-3531 
Fax: 519-586-3532 
E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 
Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org 

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

all of the shore birds that wear reported yesterday at Long Pont wear present to day including the ruff and on the other side of the crossway there was first a R.N.Phalarope and when cheeked 15 mints later a Red Phalarope had found it. It was jist wonderful to see this bouth together. All so if any one dos go down look in the coots pond (this is on your right jest as you levee the crossway on the south end) I think that there is a mall Eurasian Wigeon in with the rest of the ducks it had a light brown head with a creamy Wight strip down the centre? don't know what ells it could have been. A Merlin was hunting the mud flats this mooring also.

Craig

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

Seventeen species of shorebirds were noted at Long Point today, between 11 AM and noon, the majority on the mud flats along the first part of the causeway. Best was a Ruff, plumage characteristics of which were thought to be those of a juvenile male. Also noted: Western, White-rumped, and Stilt sandpipers, Long-billed dowitcher, and a number of American golden plover. After viewing the shorebirds, I checked out the Old Cut area for passerines, (with little success), and then headed out. Stopping briefly to check the shorebirds again, I was astounded to find, (despite an interval of not much more than an hour), that the water level had risen substantially, such that a significant percentage of the causeway flats were by then under water. The birds had dispersed to the edges, and in many cases were wading.

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

Birders:

A Ruff was seen this morning and afternoon at the Long Point causeway.

Owl migration has begun in the area. Our first night of owl banding has produced two N. Saw-whets so far...

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 
Landbird Programs Coordinator 
Bird Studies Canada 
P.O. Box 160 
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 
Phone: 519-586-3531 
Fax: 519-586-3532 
E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 
Web Page:  

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

Hi everyone

Yesterday, Sat.,Sept.25,1999 Stan Bajurny and I motored down to long Point in the early am to try and find the Ruff reported there. Shortly after we arrived Stan announced that he had a likely candidate and sure enough it was said bird. We observed this bird for about 10 minutes until a Merlin flew over and rearranged the shorebirds on the mud flats. After this it was hard to find but as we were looking we had a bonus of 4 Sandhill Cranes flying past in great light as we listened to 3 Marsh Wrens singing ??. So I can report that we had the bird until at least 8:30 or so am ( I hardly look at my watch).

After this success we started west along regional road 42 (opposite Lakeshore Rd on Hwy 59) for Strathroy and the Red Phalarope. Along the way we were accompanied by at least 800 Blue Jays flying west and just short of Houghton Centre a Pileated Woodpecker paralleled us for a hundred feet or so and further on at Dexter we had an immature Bald Eagle for company.

The Big Creek Marsh causeway is on the right hand side of Hwy 59, south of Port Rowan and you arrive on the causeway very soon after you pass the intersection of Hwy 59 and Lakeshore Rd.

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

Ruff in juvenile plumage seen at base of causeway at Long Point on Sept. 25th. Seen on the mudflats with all the other shorebirds.

- Mon, 20 Sep 1999 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Long Point continues to be THE place for shorebirds!!!!!!!!

Long Point Causeway on Saturday and Sunday- saw 15 shorebird species. Highlights were M Godwit (seen Sat only),H Godwit, Stilt Sandpipers, Bairds, Red Knot, Am Golden Plovers. I did not see White Rumped or Western, though they have been reported in the week past.

Long Point Beach Sunday - Ruddy Turnstones

Turkey Point Beach and Hamilton Shipping canal Sunday- Sanderlings.

Pond Opposite Hutch's (Hamilton)- Wilson's Phalarope still there Sunday at 3pm.

Tolgate Ponds Sunday- juv.Buff Breasted Sandpiper, nice assortment of ducks (incl Ruddys, Redheads), Rusty Blackbird. I did not find the Godwit at Pier 25.

Dundas Marsh Willows Sunday- Vegetation is higher than I have seen here before- BB Plover was the only interesting shorebird I could find. Lots of Gt Egrets, 10 Trumpeter Swans (tag #s unknown),Am Widgeon. PS- If anyone knows where to view Turkey Point marsh from, please email me privately. There is an excellent mud-flat with lots of birds there, but I don't see how you can ID many birds from the overlook on the Front Street cliff (I don't own a 'Hubbel' telescope).

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

Birders,

Both the Marbled and Hudsonian Godwits and a Western Sandpiper continue to be seen at the causeway, along with hundreds of other shorebirds.

There are still good numbers of many warbler species being seen at the LPBO field stations. In the last week, a few creepers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and juncos have been seen, but no White-throated Sparrows yet.

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org

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

Relaying a phone call from Bird Studies Canada:

A MARBLED GODWIT was found on the mud flats at the Long Point causeway at approximately 2:30 this afternoon, Sat. Sep. 11. The HUDSONIAN GODWIT was also present, as were many other shorebirds including BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS. A WESTERN SANDPIPER was seen there yesterday.

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

Birders:

Shorebirds along the Long Point causeway continue to be plentiful. Yesterday (Sep 3) evening. Several species were seen in good numbers including Lesser and Greater yellowlegs, Killdeer, Short-billed Dowitcher, Pectoral, Least and Semipalmated sandpipers. Of note were: 1 Hudsonian Godwit, 1 White-rumped and 3 Baird's sandpipers, and 3 Red Knots. Also seen were 6 Soras.

In the last few days a Buff-breasted Sandpiper was seen there too.

On the passerine front, things are very quiet. Presumeably most migrants are flying right over Long Point, taking advantage of the clear and calm night skies.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org

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

Birders:

Two Hudsonian Godwits found on August 22 along the causeway were seen there yesterday morning as well.

At Old Cut yesterday (Aug 23), a Willet was seen flying overhead.

There was a bit more warbler activity at Old Cut today with several species represented. Most common were; Magnolia, Black-and-white, Canada, and American Redstart. Other species around included Swainson's Thrush and Veery as well as several flycatcher species.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page:  

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

Sat.Aug.21,1999

Today Stan Bajurny and I drove to Aylmer in the am, met Dave Martin and his wife and of coarse we also saw the Avocet and that was as soon as we arrived. We left at 10:00 am and it was still feeding there. Thanks for the earlier posting Dave, it was well worth the trip down there.

We then drove to the lake and headed along regional road 42 towards Long Point. Between Port Burwell and Houghton Centre on 42 we stopped to look at a newly harvested potato field to see if anything of interest was there when Stan drew my attention to a large shorebird close overhead. It was a Willet that circled twice before heading to the Lake Erie shore.

We then proceeded to Big Creek Marsh at Long Point, stopping along the way at Lee Brown Conservation Area where we found 6 eastern Bluebirds, 4 of them juveniles. At the Big Creek Marsh we found 6 Great Egrets and 8 species of shorebirds, including 18 Short-billed Dowitchers, we also saw Forster's and Caspian terns there.

On to the Turkey Point Overlook along Lakeshore Road where we spotted 2 of the 4 Sandhill Cranes that were there, 2 Golden Plovers, 3 Black-bellied Plovers, 2 Trumpeter Swans and about 50 misc. shorebirds of different species including Pectoral Sandpipers and Short-billed Dowitchers.

I hope I didn't miss any of the highlights but it is almost midnight and I just got home and it's been a long day with another tomorrow on the Leslie Street Spit.

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

Birders:

An American Avocet was seen at the tip of Long Point on August 17. The bird stayed for most of the day but has not been seen since.

Migration seems to be picking up a little over the last few days. This latest cool front has brough a ferw more warblers including a Yellow-rumped Warbler at Breakwater. Also seen there today (Aug 19) was an early Hermit Thrush. At Old Cut Black-and-white and Magnolia are the most common warblers with a few Black-throated Blues showing up today. Yellow Warblers have virtually disappeared.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org

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

Birders:

Yesterday evening (Aug 13). Hilbran Verstraete, an LPBO volunteer, spent several hours counting hundreds of shorebirds in the pond at the northwest end of the causeway. His results are as follows:

• Western Sandpiper - 1 Juv.
• Stilt Sandpiper - 1 ad.
• Semipalmated Sandpiper - 125
• Least Sandpiper - 285
• Pectoral Sandpiper - 67
• Greater Yellowlegs - 3
• Lesser Yellowlegs - 325
• Solitary Sandpiper - 16
• Killdeer - 14
• Semipalmated Plover - 6
• Short-billed Dowitcher - 75
• Spotted Sandpiper - 8

Otherwise, migration at Long Point for landbirds has been slow over the last week, but several warbler species and flycatchers have been encountered. The LPBO Sightings Board on our website will be updated Sunday evening.

If you are travelling to the area please remember to post your sightings on the board at Old Cut. Please leave your unusual sightings with me or other staff at the station.

Thank you.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page: 

Hi Gord,

I just got back from the Young Ornithologist Workshop here are my highlights: Acadian Flycatcher(heard only), Grasshopper Sparrows, Alder Flycatcher, 3 Great Egret's,5 S.B. Dowitchers, 1 White Rumped Sandpiper, Common Moorhen, 7-10 Sanderling (at the tip), Pectoral Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers, 6 Sandhill Cranes (Big Creek), imm.Whimbrel, Black Crowned Night Herons, 1 Barred Owl, Orchard Oriole(I banded), 10-13 Hooded Warblers(St.Williams), and 2 winter plumaged Wilson's Phalarope. No my Brother is at Long Point for a month, doing the migration monitoring program.

Good Birding,

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

The causeway at Long Point continues to provide excellent shorebirding. Recent sightings by LPBO staff include an adult Western Sandpiper and up to 8 adult Stilt Sandpipers. It is estimated that about 300 shorebirds are present.

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

Hello fellow birders

Yesterday, Fri. July 2,1999 Stan Bajurny and I went to the Long Point area just to do some regular birding (no targets for once) and here are some of the hi-lights.

**At St. Williams Forest (on 6th Concession Road - southwest of Simcoe along Hwy 24, go west past Walsh station and turn north on East Quarter Line Road and drive one concession, turn right on the dirt road and you are there)

- Ruffed Grouse - 9 juveniles in two groups - Pine Warbler - 19 singing birds - Ovenbird - 31 singing birds - Mourning Warbler - 10 singing birds + one upset female - Hooded Warbler - good looks at 5 singing males (we were informed by a gentleman at Long Point that there are 40 breeding pairs here) - Chipping Sparrow - 23 birds.

**At Wilson Tract (on 4th Concession Road - west of the junction of hwy 24 and hwy 59 - drive west along 5th Concession Road over the bridge to West Quarter Line Road, turn south and drive a short distance to the sandy road, turn right and your there)

- Wild Turkey - 1 - Red-eyed Vireo - 23 - Blackburnian Warbler - 2 - Louisiana Waterthrush - 2 - Grasshopper Sparrow 2 - an adult and an immature - Vesper Sparrow - 16 - at least half of them immature birds.

**Along the marsh trail at Long Points Big Creek Marsh (south of Port Rowan on Hwy 59) - Tundra Swan - 1 (possible the same one seen 3 weeks earlier from the Turkey Point overlook along Lakeshore Road and maybe injured or lead shot sick ??) - Green Heron - 6 - Sandhill Crane - 4 - Black Tern - 13 - Marsh Wren - 80+ ( I stopped a difficult count at 70).

I apologize for including some common birds but I felt that some of our subscribers would like to see some of these birds on there breeding grounds - please do not use tapes).

One further note that may upset birders (and I apologize again for including this note in a bird sighting site) is the almost complete ruination of the trails in St. Williams Forest by ATVs and trail bikes. It's a shame and erosion has already started along these trails and the new ones created by them. It is starting in Wilsons Tract as well.

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

Ontbirders: A Black Vulture was seen this morning at one of the remote stations on Long Point. This could be the 4th bird seen around Long Point this spring.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org 

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

Hi all, today a BLACK VULTURE flew over our farm (located south-west of walsingham) along with 7 Turkey Vultures around 2:00 pm. After first spotting it my family quickly jumped in the car and we drove around for 30 minutes watching it kettle with the other vultures. We stopped along several roads getting excellent views of it. All the diagnostic features were observed several times (white patches at base of primaries, short tail (which the feet almost extended to the very end), its shorter but broader wings, and its dark head). We last saw it flying northwest of the 6th concession south walsingham. There had been two Black Vultures reported at Long Point earlier this spring.

Walsingham is located approximately 10-15 minutes north of Long Point. The 6th concession south walsingham is north-west of the intersection of Highway 59 and 24.

Birders:

Two black Vultures were found (May 20) in the Long Point Prov. Park by Barry Jones and John Olmsted. The birds were seen until early afternoon and were last seen flying east over the point.

The female Blue Grosbeak in Backus Woods yesterday was not re-sighted today.

The Worm-eating Warbler north of the E. 1/4 Line and the N-S. Walsingham town line was seen and heard all morning today.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page:  

Birders,

A Clay-colored Sparrow and Kentucky Warbler were seen in Long Point Provincial Park this morning (May 19) by Rohan van Twest. A singing Worm-eating Warbler was seen in a ravine near the East 1/4 Line and 7th Con. yesterday evening and this morning.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page:  

Ont Birders,

Andrew Jano saw a singing male Prothonotary Warbler at Cootes Paradise this morning.

Despite the strong winds at Long Point, birds were still quite active. Several warbler species were seen and banded at Old Cut, though nothing too unusual. A Clay-colored Sparrow was banded at Breakwater(a remote station about half way out on Long Point) this morning. Staff saw a Summer Tanager there yesterday afternoon.

jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page: 

Dear Birders,

Yesterday my family and I went down to Long Point for my birthday to see what we could see. First we went to the Old Cut highlights included: 1 first year female Canada Warbler, 1 male Blackburnian Warbler. From there we went to Backus Woods. It is located 1.9 Km.west of Norfolk Twp.East 1/4 line on Highway 24. Highlights included 1 PROTHONOTARY WARBLER singing and flying from tree to tree, Black Throated Green Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Red-Eyed Vireo, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Pewee, Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher. For anyone going down to Long Point you can buy the Birding Guide To Long Point Area for $7.00. The book is very good and gives you great directions to cool birds.

Good Birding!

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

Birders,

A Clay-colored Sparrow and Kentucky Warbler were seen in Long Point Provincial Park this morning (May 19) by Rohan van Twest. A singing Worm-eating Warbler was seen in a ravine near the East 1/4 Line and 7th Con. yesterday evening and this morning.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org

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

Birders:

Rohan van Twest reported a Blue Grosbeak in Backus Woods, on the 4th Concession.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski
Landbird Programs Coordinator
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0
Phone: 519-586-3531
Fax: 519-586-3532
E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org
Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org

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

Ontbirders:

Things were quite a bit quieter this morning (May 18)in the Old Cut woodlot, although a male and female Hodded Warbler were banded. Magnolias are still the most common species present with several others such as Black-throated Blue, appear top be decreasing over the last couple of days. Late arriving species such as Wilson's, Canada and Mourning warblers seem to be increasing in number. A late Fox Sparrow was seen on census this morning. Most eastern Empidonax Flyactchers are being commonly seen around the woodlot.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski
Landbird Programs Coordinator
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0
Phone: 519-586-3531
Fax: 519-586-3532
E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org
Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org

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

Outstanding birding at Long Point Saturday and Sunday- Louisiana Waterthrush; Prothonotary, Bay Breasted, Cerulean Warblers,etc. Bald Eagle, Forsters Tern, Ruddy Duck, Canvasback, Horned Grebe, Rusty Backbird, Sedge Wren, Red Bellied Woodpecker,Yellow Throated Vireo, Wild Turkey.

Highlight of the trip was a once in a lifetime show-offish King Rail, which I watched for about 30 minutes after the rest of the group got tired of it and moved on. We decided to name him Elvis because he's the King.............. (Rail).

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

Sarah and Chauncey Wood reported a Boreal Chickadee in the Long point Provincial Park today, May 16.

At Old Cut, there has been an arrival of Gray Catbirds as well a several Lincoln Sparrows seen. Warbler species of interest included Hooded, Blackpoll, Canada, Mourning and Wilson's.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org

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

Saturday was almost as good as it gets at Long Point and we couldn't have asked for a better day for our Baillie Birdathon weekend here. Beautiful weather and an excellent assortment of migrants at the Old Cut Field Station for close to 100 Birdathon participants left everyone with very large smiles on their faces at the end of the day. The cumulative warbler species total was 30 (minus any southern species). Highlights for the 24 hour period included Friday's Brant at Port Ryerse, the Harris's Sparrow at the St. Williams Forest Station HQ (not seen Saturday), territorial Cerulean, Prairie and Prothonotary warblers, an Osprey flying by the causeway (exceptional at Long Point in mid-May) and best of all, an incredible view of a displaying King Rail 200 metres out on the Big Creek dyke during the evening marsh walk. All 100 or so participants had stunning scope views of this bird as it stood within 60 ft (or closer) calling constantly, preening, bathing and doing all the things that King Rails usually do in private. This was a life bird for many of the participants and by far the best view anyone there (including myself) has ever had of this extremely uncommon (in Ontario) and elusive bird.

If the bird sticks around it's going to be a major star of the spring migration here at Long Point. With it's constant calling, it is obviously working hard to attract a mate. That's a possibility here at Long Point which we definitely don't want to discourage. If you come to see this bird, please, please, please do not play any tapes or try to get close for photographs. Judging by its performance so far, there is absolutely no need to do so.

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

Despite the cool temperatures, birding was very good in the Long Pt area today (May 14th). Several resident species are back on territory including Hooded, Cerulean, Prairie and Prothonotary warblers. Migrant activity was a little slow at Old cut early this morning but inland at Backus Woods I came across one flock of birds that contained at least 15 species of warblers, all of which seemed to singing at the same time.

Noteworthy sightings today included a Harris's Sparrow at Ed Czerwinski's cottage across from the AquaNorth greenhouse complex on Hwy 24 just west of Reg. Rd. 16 (St. Williams Rd.). The bird is feeding just to the east of the cottage along the edge of the woodlot. If you come down looking for this bird, please look for it from the road. Do not enter the property unless Ed invites you to do so. The bird is very skittish and disappears quickly at the first sign of human activity.

A Brant was seen today at Port Ryerse while our first Olive-sided Flycatcher of the season was there yesterday.

Shorebirding at the Turkey Pt overlook is really picking up. Dozens of Least Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers can be seen running around on the extensive mudflats. This location bears watching as littoral migration really gets rolling in the coming week.

For more updates check out the Long Point Sightings Board on the Bird Studies Canada web site: http://www.bsc-eoc.org

Ron Ridout

Bird Studies Canada/Long Point Bird Observatory

P.O. Box 160

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0

519-586-3531

rridout@bsc-eoc.org

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

Ontbirders: Today has been an excellent morning of birding at Old Cut. Most warbler species were seen in good numbers including: Magnolia, Yellow, Bay-Breasted, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green warblers. Also seen or caught were Yellow-breasted Chat and Mourning Warbler. Several Baltimore and 2 Orchard Orioles were also seen as well as several Scarlet Tanagers.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

E-mail: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page:  

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

Among year birds seen in the Long Point area today by myself were Golden-winged Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Indigo Bunting, White-crowned Sparrow and Baltimore Oriole.

White-eyed Vireo was one of the species banded at Old Cut. Also reported to LPBO were Mourning Warbler, Kentucky Warbler and a Snowy Egret in Long Point PP.

Bill Smith and Jim Cram got lucky at Turkey Point today when they found 9 species of shorebirds, including 6 Willets (!!!), Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Least Sandpiper, Semi-palmated Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper and Semi-palmated Plover.

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

Just another reminder that there are Deer Ticks in the park. I picked up two on my clothes at different places within the park. So wear light colours and tuck in your pants!

Also saw a fox in the sandy area toward the end of the park, before the campground. Evidently it has a den around there.

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

Had a super day at Long Point Provincial Park. New for us for the year: one each of Cerulean, Hooded, Cape May all down in the park, in fact we walked down to the camp ground and at the playground there is some benches, we sat eating our snack and the birds came to us. Many Black Throated Blues, Yellow Rumps and Yellows everywhere. Also saw one Am. Redstart, one Canada, a few Magnolias, Black-and-whites, Black Thr Greens., Palms, and Ovenbirds, Also Chat.. heard one at the park and Jim Cram told us he had seen on at the base of Blue Line Road overlooking the lake (Port Dover) and sure enough we heard one there as well. Also either at the woodlot or the park we had Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling Vireo and two Red-Eyed Vireos. They had a White Eyed at the banding station. Thrushes: Hermit, Wood, Veery and one Swainson's Thrush.

Bobolinks were in two places around the area. (one along the Townsend SL road and the other along Front Road going to Normandale and Port Ryerse

We also had all the usual swallows except Cliff. Our first Bank Swallows were at the Bern at LP. nothing much else was at the Bern... the ducks have gone, a few Ruddy Ducks and Scaup and yellow legs (both) were along there.

There were lots of birds and they were singing up a storm. Lots of Orioles, Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks and White Throated and White Crownded sparrows. We had one Lincloln's Sparrow.

We went to Normandale Fish Hatcheries (just east and north of the Turkey Point Prov. Pk. boundry on the road to Turkey Point) we saw a few warblers including a Chestnut-Sided Warbler.

Was quite a day. And the weather was gorgeous. When will the laundry get done!

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

This was a good day to be at Long Point. At the banding station woodlot we had numerous Black Throated Greens, Yellow-Rumps, Magnolia, Black and White and Nashville Warblers. We also saw one Black Throated Blue, one Blackburnian. We had about 6 or 7 White Crowned Sparrows along with numerous WhThr. Sparrows. Two Eastern Kingbirds,and one gorgeous male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. The banding station banded a White-eyed Vireo. Yellow Warblers and one Least Flycatcher were singing. I also heard one N. Oriole. Also a few Cliff Swallows at the bridge along the causway. I saw a Bald Eagle fly over heading for Turkey Point.

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

Yesterday, Wed.Apr.28,1999 Stan Bajurny and I went to the Long Point area and on the way back we stopped at Turkey Point to see if we could find the reported Little Gulls. well we got them in spades. As we stood at the west end of the houses at the boat channel for the marina we observed an adult bald Eagle hovering overhead and this in turn put up everything in sight. As we stood there we counted 104 Little Gulls streaming east along the beach with a few Bonaparte's Gulls. After we stopped counting we cold still see about 30 to 40 gulls sitting on a sand bar to the west and as they occasionally rose we could see more Little Gulls, I don't how many of the ones on the sand bar were Little Gulls but all in all there are an impressive number at Turkey Point.

Turkey Point is on Lake Erie between Port Dover and Long point and you get to it by driving along hwy 24 and turning south along regional road 10 (Turkey Point Road) and when you get to the lake turn right, drive to the dead end sign and turn left and right again at the lake, ahead you will see the grassy piers ? sticking out into the lake, but check the beach, lake and sky as you drive along.

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

Today Ian and I saw a Northern Waterthrush on the lawn(!) near the feeders on Old Cut Blvd. just a few houses before the banding station. It must be the Western race as it was white, and not buffy. The eyeline was even and white, but it had white on the throat under the beak.(suggesting to me a Lousianna).. One of the banders came and while the bird had gone, he did hear a Northern's call note across the street. So we assume that was it. But both have been about.

Also we had 8 Sandhill Crane come up off a field and fly in back of Lee Brown's pond.

There was a very cool, brisk wind. Everything else was same old, same old. Lots of WT Sparrows and singing Ruby Crowned Kinglets. Quite a few Yellow Rump Warblers. A Black Tern had been seen at Port Rowan SL... we didn't see it though. Oh, forgot, also 2 Lesser Yellowlegs (one along the causway and the other at the Sewage Lagoon.

Cheers,

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

Ontbirders,

Warblers have stared to arrive at Long Point.

We had a small influx of several species yesterday including: Yellow, Nashville, Tennessee, Black-and-white and a few Black-throated Greens. The number of Yellow-rumps is increasing.

A Least Flycatcher was seen at the Tip yesterday too.

The first Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the area was seen along the causeway on April 24.

Good Birding.

Jul

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

In regards to the Short-billed Dowitchers that I reported on yesterday.

After checking my notes, some checklists and articles and also after receiving a timely E-mail from Ron Pittaway I have come to the conclusion that these 11 birds were most likely Long-billed Dowitchers. The distance and partial cover made it iffy for identification and I apologize for the snap identification.

Birders,

This morning my father,my brother and I went to Long Point to drop off some Prothonotary nest boxes I made. So we decided to go to the Old Cut. The more cooler birds we saw were 15-20 Hermit Thrushes(all over the place),1 banded Brown Thrasher (first of the season banded),2 Pine Warblers(Photographed1) both right at the building,1 Carolina Wren,heard 1 Winter Wren and possibly saw one, Fox Sparrows,Golden and Ruby Crowned Kinglets. Along the causeway we saw 10 Purple Martins,1 Mute Swans,7 imm.Tundra Swans,Rough Legged Hawk,1 Caspian Tern,1 Common Tern.

Good birding,

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

Yesterday, Sat. Apr.24,1999 Stan Bajurny and I birded the Long Point area and among the many regular and good birds we observed the following shorebirds.

Along hwy 59 just south of hwy 24 we found two Upland Sandpipers and in the evening just west of Lee Brown Conservation area a Black-bellied Plover was beside the road at a puddle in a field. Lee Brown is along Lakeshore Road just past Port Royal west of hwy 59 at Port Rowan.

By far the best was in the late evening to dusk in the wet field across the road from the Turkey Point lookout on Lakeshore Road west of regional road 10 (road to Turkey Point). Here we found one Upland Sandpiper, three Lesser Yellowlegs, thirty five Greater Yellowlegs, one Pectoral Sandpiper and eleven Short-billed Dowitchers. There were also E. Meadowlarks and Horned Larks feeding in this field.

To top it off a passing jogger told us that a Sandhill Crane flies in from the marsh every evening and sure enough it did and it flew in over our heads only a couple of hundred feet up and landed a couple of fields away.

You can also see a Bald Eagles nest out on Turkey Point from this lookout, we didn't see the eagle but two weeks ago we saw one sitting next to the nest.

It is straight out from the lookout.

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

A female Varried Thrush was found at 2:45 this afternoon in the old park at Long Point and seen by several birders including the Woodrows swho just phoned me. The old park is on the lake side of highway 59 as you travel east towards the new park and Old Cut.

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

If you plan to be birding at Long Pt this spring please read this important message and pass the word around to all birders that you know.

If you have birded here at Long Pt before, you are likely familiar with our (Long Point Bird Observatory) facilities on Old Cut Blvd. Here, LPBO runs a banding lab, which is open to the public seven days a week, with a series of mist-nets set up in an adjacent woodlot. These woods are owned by three principles including Bird Studies Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and, to a lesser extent, the owner of the Old Cut Lighthouse.

In the fall of 1998, the Old Cut Lighthouse was acquired by new owners who, as we have learned, are very keen to restore the lighthouse to its original condition. The brief contact we have had with them has been positive, and with a little common sense and courtesy, we hope to be able to maintain a good rapport with our new neighbours.

In the past, the former owners were willing to allow birders access to the lighthouse property. However, it appears now that the new owners are not quite as prepared to have dozens of birders with binoculars wandering here and there about their property. So, in an effort to maintain accord with them and recognizing the need to absolutely respect their rights, BSC/LPBO is asking all birders visiting Old Cut to respectfully remain on BSC and OMNR property. Please do not enter the lighthouse property.

The lighthouse property boundary runs along Hwy 59 from just west of the Provincial Park boundary to Lighthouse Crescent, north on Lighthouse Crescent to just south of the gate at the end of the street. From this corner it runs east along an old wire fence line straight through to the old boat channel and from there south to Hwy 59. The boundary most often crossed involves the old fence line along the south edge of the Old Cut woodlot. LPBO has posted signs along this fence line asking all birders to respect the lighthouse owners' property rights. We urge everyone to cooperate.

Assistants at our Old Cut Station are aware of the issue and can point out the boundary to you if you are unsure of its location. Questions on the matter can be addressed to us at 1-888-448-BIRD or by email to: generalinfo@bsc-eoc.org

We thank you in advance for your assistance and look forward to seeing you here this spring.

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

Though down from April 6th's high of 52 (Terrie & Frankie Woodrow), Little Gulls numbered 36 at Turkey Point this morning including at least three first-summer birds. Despite good numbers of American Wigeon (150 this morning) at Lee Brown's Waterfowl Viewing Area west of Port Royal, it appears that Long Point's perennial Eurasian Wigeon has not returned. With no reported sightings, this is the first year this decade without at least one of this beautiful duck in the area. A lone Tundra Swan in the DU property west of Highway 59 appears to be the last lingering bird of the thousands that passed through here this spring. Don't forget to check out our satellite transmitter birds on our web site:
http://www.bsc-eoc.org/swans/swans.html All seven birds are well west of here in North Dakota, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Also, check out the Long Point Sightings Board at http://www.bsc-eoc/lpbo/sightings.html for the latest migration and banding totals here at Long Point this spring. Updates are made regularly, Sunday and Thursday evenings, and often in between.

Long-time Ontario birders will remember the old Turkey Point marsh overlook along the Front Rd. between Turkey Pt and St. Williams (page 117, Goodwin's Birdfinding Guide to Ontario). Sadly, over the past decade, the view from this overlook has increasingly been obscured by growing shrubbery and trees, to the point where the marsh was only visible in seasons when the leaves were off the trees. Even then, it was still largely blocked by branches and twigs.

Well, good news! The private landowner, the Twp of Delhi and the Long Point Region Conservation Authority with funding from the Long Point Foundation have created the Joseph Csubak Memorial Viewing Area and have removed a lot of the overgrowth and a few key trees to open up the view. A new chain link fence has been erected to prevent a few thoughtless individuals from dumping their trash over the edge of the bank and it has become a key birding site once again. If you're in the area, check it out. The view across the marshes and the Inner Bay to Long Point, and Pennsylvania and Ohio beyond is truly spectacular. And there are usually lots of birds in the marsh too.

Good Birding

Birders;

We were in the Long Point Area from about noon untill 6:00. Here are the highlights:

About ten mute swans in the bay off of the causeway, forsters, caspian terns, brown thrasher just before the causeway, lots of brown creepers, golden-crowned and ruby-crowned kinglets at Old Cut as well as song, tree and fox sparrow, hermit thrush, 2 pine warblers, lots and lots of flickers, tree swallows and more Marsh Hawks than I have ever seen in a day plus all the waterfowl and yellowlegs in the area.

Can't wait for all the Warblers!!!

Good birding,

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

I was surprised to see the snowy owl sitting on a freshly ploughed portion of the field opposite McGeachy's pond today, while the farmer on tractor, with his golden lab. dog going ahead, was ploughing about100 yards away. Flying near the pond and sitting in the lake behind were hundreds of cormorants.

(The pond is on Erieau Rd., S.W. of Blenheim). Noteworthy in Rondeau P.P. today were blue gray gnatcatcher, 4 wood pewees, 2 Ospreys, dozens of flickers, and scores of Brown creepers. Also my 1st Spring Azure this year.

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

Thanks to Norm Murr's message last night about the Black-headed Gull here at Long Point, I was able to get out early this morning and add this relatively rare European Gull to my Long Point list (new additions are few and far between, I owe you Norm!). This is only the fourth here at Long Point in the 90s and the first on the mainland since 1992.

The bird was seen flying and resting on the water about 100 yards off the CWS headquarters along the Hwy 59 causeway at about 8:30 am. After driving down to our (LPBO) station on Old Cut Blvd to alert people there, I returned to look for the bird but was unable to find it again. Of course, the 40 mph east wind and driving rain didn't make it very easy.

Searching inland, I did find a first-summer Lesser Black-backed Gull sitting on the driving range at the Caddy Shack (Hwy 59 & Reg. Rd. 42) with approximately 200 Bonaparte's Gulls. It and a second-summer Herring Gull were picking up golf balls and trying to break them in their bills. When that failed, they were picking them up, flying to a height of 20 or 30 feet and dropping them. Darned hard boiled eggs!

With such a driving east wind, I thought Turkey Point might be lively so I took a tour by there on my way home. The beach was packed with birds - Ring-billeds, Herrings, Great Black-backeds, hundreds of Bonaparte's and 45 Little Gulls (but no Black-headed). Counting the Little Gulls was exacerbated by a guy on a dirt-bike and another on an ATV roaring up and down the beach. If they ever declare an open season on these morons, I just might consider taking up hunting.

Anyway, all in all, quite the European-flavoured morning here at Long Point.

One last note. I urge everyone visiting the Long Point area to visit our Old Cut Field Station and report your sightings to the staff or write them on the Sightings Board (include your name beside your sighting) before you head for home. If you're on your way home and find something good at Turkey Point (or even Port Rowan) and don't feel like driving all the way back down to Old Cut, why not find the nearest pay phone and spend a quarter to let everyone know immediately what you've seen. The number is 586-2885. Someone there will take your call and post your sighting on the board immediately (and if it's an Ontario rarity, phone the hotlines). Please don't wait until you get all the way home before passing your good news along. At this time of year, there are always a lot of birders in the area who might have a better shot at seeing your rarity if you make this extra bit of effort. I doubt that many people will have a chance at seeing the Black-headed Gull today because of the weather though they might have had a chance yesterday had they known. I was lucky because I live here.

Also, I've created a page on our (Bird Studies Canada) web site called the Long Point Sightings Board. There 's a link button directly to the page from our main page. Jul Wojnowski and I will be trying to post this spring's sightings on a regular basis (at least twice a week) and we encourage everyone to drop by regularly to see what's happening down here. Jul will also be posting the more significant sightings directly to Ontbirds. Our Sightings Board will contain more detailed posts and banding info as well.

While you're at our site, feel free to have a look around. It's rather extensive and details who we are and the research we conduct. Start at the Site Map for an overview of the site and listings of projects (and their latest updates) you may be interested in.

Good Birding

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

Today Stan Bajurny, Craig McLauchlan and I birded Long Point and on the way home we stopped at Venture Inn and Shore Acres Park in Burlington, we saw a total of 85 species of birds.

Some of the highlights are as follows:--

• Red-necked Grebe - 34 at Shore Acres
• Horned Grebe - 7 at Shore Acres and 2 at Long Point
• 500+ waterfowl of 20 species at Long Point
• Black-crowned night-Heron - 3 at Shore Acres
• Turkey Vulture - 45 in the Long Point area
• Bald Eagle - 1 at Turkey Point
• Peregrine Falcon - 1 along hwy 403 at Mohawk Road in Hamilton
• Greater Yellowlegs - 5 at Long Point
• Lesser yellowlegs - 1 at Port Rowan
• Pectoral Sandpiper - 105 from Big Creek Marsh to Turkey Point lookout
• Black-headed Gull - 1 at Long Point
• Caspian Tern - 14 at Venture Inn and Shore Acres
• Forster's Tern - 4 at long Point
• Common Tern - 1 at Long Point
• Eastern Bluebird - 2 beside Wilson Tract
• Hermit Thrush - 2 at Old Cut Woods at Long Point
• Purple Martin - 3 over Old Cut Woods
• Vesper Sparrow - 2 beside Wilson Tract - 5 in Long Point Provincial Park

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

Today at 1:25 pm Craig McLauchlan, Stan Bajurny and I found an adult Black-headed Gull in breeding plumage at Long Point. It was first seen as it flew off the Big Creek Marsh with two Bonaparte's Gulls. It was observed flying directly over our car and out over Inner Bay. Stan and Craig got a great look at the bird as it flew over and away. I was of coarse wishing I had seen it but at 1:55 pm over Inner Bay opposite the start of the Big Marsh trails we again found the bird among about 75 Bonaparte's Gulls. It was last seen by us flying along the shore towards Port Rowan.

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

We had our first arrivals of Ruby-crowned Kinglets at Long Point today. Also around Old Cut is a bright male Pine Warbler.

I would like to take the opportunity to ask visitors to leave their sightings on our board near the banding lab. For unusual species or early arrival dates, please notify on-site staff.

Thank you and good birding.

Jul

Hi Birders,

A very large passage of Golden-crowned Kinglets took place at long Point yesterday, prior to this cold front. Good numbers of creepers and juncos still coming through. Several Vesper Sparrows were seen in Long Point Provincial Park yesterday, as well as an early House Wren.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org 

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

I had a Barn Swallow in Port Rowan yesterday. A Yellow-rumped Warbler was seen at Old Cut. There seems to have been a slight influx of Winter Wrens and Towhees at Old Cut. Also seen this morning were Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Field Sparrow. A few White-throated Sparrows are making feeble attempts at singing.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski
Landbird Programs Coordinator
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0
Phone: 519-586-3531
Fax: 519-586-3532
lpbo@bsc-eoc.org
Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org

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

Even though the weather didn't look that promising I decided to visit the Long Point area with a little fog & temp. @ about 5deg.C. I reached the Old Cut Field Station at about 9am with the below birds found.Downy & Hairy Woodpeckers,Eastern Pewee & Phoebe,Tree &Barn Swallows,Red- Breasted Nuthatch,Brown Creeper,Winter Wren,House Wren & Carolina Wren,Ruby & Golden Crowned Kinglet, Brown Thrasher,Gray Catbird,Yellow-Rumped Warbler,Brown-Headed Cowbird,Amer. Goldfinch,House Finch,Rufous-Sided Towhee,White-Throated Sparrow,Field & Amer. Tree Sparrows.

Big Creek Marsh & Lee Bown's-Tundra Swan,Amer. Black & Wigeon,Wood Duck,Northern Shoveler,Blue & Green-Winged Teals, Canvasback,Ring-Neck,Greater & Lesser Scaup,Bufflehead, Common Merganser,Greater Black-Backed Gull,Caspian & Common Terns,Green Heron,Sandhill Crane,Short-Billed Dowitcher,Northern Harrier,Osprey, Belted Kingfisher,Song & Swamp Sparrows.

Good Birding !

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

On Sunday afternoon (March 28) around 4:30 PM, we visited the Townsend sewage lagoons on our way back form Long Point. There were several species of ducks in great numbers on the ponds, but we were suprised to see ten Trumpeter Swans, including three of last year's young. A close examination of the birds revealed that none were tagged with the usual bright-coloured wing tags.

Today I contacted Harry Lumsden, who is actively involved in the Trumpeter Swan reintroduction program in Ontario, to inform him of the sighting. He was ecstatic to hear of such a large number of untagged birds, (the most ever reported from Ontario), and he is sure that all of the flock are from the Minnesota Trumpeter Swan Program. Harry has tabs on all of the individuals hatched and raised in Ontario, and he knows where 90% of these are right now, so according to him, these birds could not be from here. The Minnesota program has been on going and successful for over 20 years, so Minnesota birds, according to ABA rules, are within the rules for counting introduced species. I would suspect that some day soon they will be counted, so the Townsend birds could be put 'in escrow' for inclusion on your Ontario list.

Hi Gord,

On Friday, March 26 I took a drive to Aylmer and the swan feeding area near the police college. My two companions and I first sighted a large flock of tundra swans on the east sight of Highway 73. There were several hundred feeding in a stubble field. We then reached the turn to the police college, (I believe it's called McNeil Road) and came upon another very large flock, probably 1500 birds, feeding in a very large field of corn stubble. This was at about 3:10 p.m. Birds were feeding right along the road and flying overhead into and out of the field.

On reaching the swan feeding area, we saw over a hundred birds on the pond, along with some Canada geese and black ducks and mallards.

We then drove to Long Point. Along the way we saw several more flocks of swans, in groups of 2- 20, some feeding and a few flying. Along Cty Rd 42 , just past Clear Creek, we spotted a bald eagle cruising west along the shoreline.

Reaching Long Point, we first saw a pair of mute swans on the east side of the causeway. A little further on a flock of about fifteen green winged teal were feeding. On the west side a hundred or so tundra swans were loafing on the mudflats. Just before the MNR (?) buildings, we stopped to check out a mixed flock of divers sitting on the east side. A pair of canvasbacks, several greater scaup, bufflehead and about a dozen ruddy ducks were feeding 100 yds or so offshore. Many , many more birds were farther out on the bay. We drove the rest of the way in to long point, seeing several flocks of ring necked ducks, lesser and greater scaup, bufflehead, hooded merganser, mallard, black duck, widgeon, gadwall, wood duck, green wing teal and a few coots. Large flocks of divers began trading out on the bay by 4:30.

We turned around and headed back to Aylmer to watch the swans come in at dusk. Along the way we saw several large flocks of puddle ducks and Canada geese, and a very large coyote near a tobacco shed (not a bird, but neat anyway)

At Aylmer, which we reached about 5:45, the swans were beginning to trickle back in. A mockingbird distracted me for a few minutes as he sang from the brush along the parking area. Also, to the east of the pond, several hundred ducks and a good many canadas were landing. The ducks included mallards, pintails, blacks, widgeons, and green winged teal .

By dark, I had completely lost count of the swans. Hundreds had flown into or by the pond. We left, and on our way back to hwy 73, we saw a steady stream of swans flying southwest. We stopped and watched while over a thousand birds headed towards the lake from points north, until the sunset glow faded completely.

Anyone who can drive, walk or crawl should try to get down to the Aylmer/ Long Point area soon. It's worth the trip.

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

A Fox Sparrow and an Eastern Phoebe were at the Old Cut field station on Long Point today. Yesterday, A Great Blue Heron was seen over the causeway.

Jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page: 

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

Yesterday, March 20th at 3 pm, I was with friends at Turkey Point. We were close by the Marina when Cal Tanti spotted five Snow Geese flying towards us from the west. Four of the geese were blue phase and one white. They proceeded east and inland around Turkey Point Provincial Park.

On Highway 24, turn south at Walsh Station to Turkey Point on Lake Erie.

While there have been up to five or six thousand swans in the Long Point area for the past week or two, other traditional stopovers (Aylmer and Grand Bend) have been quiet so far. That should change today. A major movement of Tundra Swans pushed into southern Ontario this morning.

Flock after flock flew over the house (here at Long Pt.) beginning around 6:30 this morning and are stilling passing over as I write this. Numbers are certainly in the thousands, if not tens of thousands. Given an eight to ten hour flight, these birds began leaving the upper Chesapeake sometime before midnight last night.

Up to a thousand birds were stopping in the Big Creek marsh beside the causeway but the vast majority were pushing right on through on their way west. I would expect Aylmer is busy today and Grand Bend as well if the birds don't run into bad weather before then. Last hour's radar showed snow showers between here and London so these birds may put down in corn fields somewhere in Elgin or Kent.

There are lots of other waterfowl here at Long Point. Tens of thousands of Canvasbacks, Redheads, and scaup are scattered across the Inner Bay but are very far from shore. The Big Creek marshes are beginning to open up and there are many marsh ducks including many N.Pintail, Am. Wigeon, N. Shoveler and Green-winged Teal. The first day of spring has certainly sprung.

On our aerial survey of the area's waterfowl on Friday, I estimated up to 70 or 80 thousand gulls loafing on the ice out near the tip of Long Point. At 120 mph it was difficult to pick out anything different but I'm sure something is there. More accessible locations with lots of gulls included Turkey Point yesterday. Among the hundreds of Ring-billeds and Herrings, there was one second-summer Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Dr. Scott Petrie and his crew have captured several swans in the past week and have outfitted four with satelitte transmitters. If I can get Scott into the office for a few hours tomorrow and get him to download the latest readouts from Argos (they collect the info from the satellite and pass it on to to Scott via email), I'll post the latest updates to the two swans with transmitters from last fall and create the new maps for the four new birds. Look for all of this on Tuesday on Bird Studies Canada's web site at http://www.bsc-eoc.org/swans/swans.html

Dear Birders,
Mar.15,1999.

Today we birded at Long Point we mainly saw waterfowl, in the bay we saw all sorts of birds, then we headed in to Long Point. We saw 3000-4000 TUNDRA SWANS, 1000+ CANADA GEESE, 1 SNOW GOOSE, around 10 AMERICAN WIGEONS, 30 N. PINTAILS, 100+ LESSER SCAUP, 100+ GREATER SCAUP, 300 REDHEAD, 400+ CANVASBACKS, 10 MALLARDS, 50 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 15 RUDDY DUCKS, 50 BUFFLEHEAD, 50 C. GOLDENEYE, 5 AM. COOTS. On the South side of Long Point in the lake there were around 20 C. MERGANSERS. In the park and around the cottages just outside of the park we saw lots of BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and a couple of SONG SPARROWS singing heartily in the marsh, spring is on its way.

good birding,

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

While the bulk of the Tundra Swan migration has yet to occur, there are approximately three to four thousand birds in the Long Pt area as of Friday's aerial waterfowl survey. Up to twenty thousand diving ducks are concentrated in open leads in the ice around the bay (which remains mainly frozen). Today's strong east wind may open up the bay somewhat while the coming week's predicted warmer temperatures will likely stimulate a good movement of swans into southern Ontario.

Interestingly, two of the Tundra Swans that were outfitted with satellite transmitters here in December have already returned to southern Ontario. One is here at Long Pt and the second migrated directly to Pt Pelee from Fredricksburg, Maryland. A third bird that was outfitted has not been heard from since early January. It is likely that its transmitter has failed.

Dr. Scott Petrie and his crew of assistants are busy, as I write, capturing more Tundra Swans for outfitting with neck collars and satellite transmitters. We're discovering many new things about Tundra Swan migration. For example: an immature bird fitted with a neck collar here in the spring of 1998 was observed in northern California in January! This is very exciting proof of a individual bird switching migratory flight paths from east to west. For one, it demonstrates how a species maintains a diverse gene pool.

For more details on the weekly whereabouts of the satellite transmitter birds, you can visit Bird Studies Canada's Tundra Swan web site at http://www.bsc-eoc.org/swans/swans.html

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

Charles Francis has had 4 Brewer's Blackbirds at his feeder in the last two days (Jan 4&5). The house is north of the St. Williams Forestry Station on 7th conc. and East Quarter Line.

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

The unofficial total for the Long Pt CBC is 100 species.

Conditions were 30 - 50 mph SW wind, steady rain throughout the morning into the early afternoon with a temperature of 34 to 42 F. Needless to say one of our worst counts ever, weatherwise.

Hilights included:

• 1 Lesser Yellowlegs * New for the Count
• 1 White-eyed Vireo * New for the Count
• 16 Wood Duck * Record #
• 256 Green-winged Teal * Record #
• 344 N. Pintail * Record #
• 51 N. Shoveler * Record #
• 159 Gadwall * Record #
• 23 W. Turkey * Record #
• 1800 Am. Coot * Record #
• 36 Sandhill Crane * Record #
• 67 Killdeer * Record #

Numbers of most passerines were very low.

A good time was had by all.

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

Both the American Redstart and the White-eyed Vireo were seen today in the woods behind LPBO's Old Cut Field Station. both birds look very healthy and were seen consuuming insects. One birder also had a brief look at what he thought was the Yellow-breasted Chat which has not been reported otherwise since December 3rd.

On the causeway leading on to Long Pt. there were 56 Killdeers, 6 Dunlin and 1 Lesser Yellowlegs. Also seen in the Big Creek marshes were approximately 30 Sandhill Cranes, 60 N. Shovelers, 45 Hooded Mergansers, 55 Green-winged Teal and 10 N. Pintail among hundreds of the more commonly occurring ducks.

Turkey Pt. had another 5 Killdeer on the beach, 3 Little Gulls over the bay and in the Turkey Pt marsh, another 20 Killdeer and one more Dunlin.

Let the Christmas Counts begin!

The American Redstart was last seen at the Old Cut field Station yesterday. The White-eyed Vireo was seen by myself earlier this morning (Dec 12).

jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada/Long Point Bird Observatory 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org 

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

Old Cut still has white -eyed vireo but redstart was seen in woodlot on first street west of Old Cut Blvd. A brant goose at 10.30 at Port Rowan docks.

At Aylmer sewage lagoons a savannah sparrow & an adult Franklin's gull. And at Alymer OPP ponds white fronted geese ( 3 ) still plus wood duck.

Birders saw the Yellow-breasted Chat and the American Redstart at the Old Cut field station of the Long point Bird Observatory on Dec 1.

jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada/Long Point Bird Observatory 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page:http://www.bsc-eoc.org

A Yellow-breasted Chat was seen yesterday at the Old Cut Field Staion, Long Point, by Graeme Gibson.

jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada/Long Point Bird Observatory 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org 

An immature Golden Eagle was seen today near the St. Williams Forestry Station at the corner of Hwy 24 and the East Quarter line.

jul

Jul Wojnowski 

Landbird Programs Coordinator 

Bird Studies Canada/Long Point Bird Observatory 

P.O. Box 160 

Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 

Phone: 519-586-3531 

Fax: 519-586-3532 

lpbo@bsc-eoc.org 

Web Page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org 

Today, I looked around Long Point to see what kinds of ducks were around. Big Creek Marsh was the best spot. Walking along the dike, AMERICAN BLACK and MALLARDS were very numerous. Further down, a PIED-BILLED GREBE and 4 HORNED GREBES made an appearance. Making my way down to the lookout tower, a immature BALD EAGLE was being chased by BONAPARTE'S GULLS. One of the best places to find ducks was the lookout tower. 100+ TUNDRA SWANS were joined by about 500 CANADA GEESE. Ducks included MALLARD, AMERICAN WIDGEON, BUFFLEHEAD, both SCAUP, GADWALL and RUDDY DUCK.

Across the street, on the lake, most of the diving ducks were present. Unfortunately, hunters were all over the place. Even with the hunters, CANVASBACK, REDHEAD, GREATER and LESSER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD, RING-NECKED, BLACK SCOTER and COMMON MERGANSER were around.

On the way to the bird banding station, I pulled over on the side of the road to look at the marsh. In a small area, GADWALL, HOODED MERGANSER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, MALLARD, BUFFLEHEAD, TUNDRA SWAN and CANADA GOOSE were feeding.

At the bird banding station, the only highlights were a BROWN CREEPER in a net and a flock of 30 COMMON LOONS flying overhead. I had never got that close to a BROWN CREEPER before.

One last stop on the lake produced a flock of 5000+ ducks. They were to far out to idenify. Just before I left, I found some exposed mudflats. 200+ DUNLIN and 2 LITTLE GULLS were feeding on them.

In total, I found 21 species of waterfowl and 5 species of gulls.

Hi Ontario Birders,

On Sunday 1 November 1998, Ray Geras and Terrie Smith of Toronto saw 108 Little Gulls, mostly adults in winter plumage, at Turkey Point Provincial Park near Long Point. The Little Gulls were on the water and on sandbars exposed by the low water levels.

HI GORD. On Tuesday 15th. We took a trip from Hawk Cliff to Long Point. There were few raptors but we did see a MERLIN on a roadside hydro pole eating a large Dragonfly near the cliff. On the beach at Port Burwell were gulls , densly packed . If the beach is 3km.long and the gulls 30m.deep up the shore that makes for 90,000 gulls. We estimated that there was more than one gull per square meter but 90,000 wil do . Half were BONAPARTES- 45,000. Almost that many RING-BILLED GULLS ,and over100 Gt. BLACK-BACKED GULLS plus HERRING GULLS made up the rest, EXEPT for ONE Ad. LITTLE GULL which flew along the beach.

We went on to LONG POINT where we found 4 more LITTLE GULLS in the bayone of which was a sub. adult

In the marsh we heard SANDHILL CRANES and after 15min.we saw 3 Cranes fly to a fresh feeding spot calling all the time .

ON Thursday the 17th. we went again to Hawk Cliff and a better raptor movement was under way, with BROAD WINGS. REDTAILS, SHARP-SHINS and 5 BALD EAGLES. Two of the eagles were courting and were almost overhead at one point and not very high up.

In conclusion.At Port Burwell we had only about 6 to 10 thousand gulls but we had a FIRST WINTER LITTLE GULL and best of all, at least for me, was the FIRST WINTER FRANKLINS GULL in with the BONEYS. A great sighting and a great day. GOOD BIRDING.

Hi Gord, Barb Simmons and Lois Wingfield met with you in May '98 at the Harrow Sewage Lagoons. Are your viewers interested in knowing of sightings of the bald eagle in the Pt. Ryerse-Normandale area during last 3 weeks? One of the local residents also indicated that there is report of nesting in the Port Royal area (west of Long Point).

We are interested in recent updates for the Long Point area. Keep up the good work. See you again in the spring of '99.

Hi Gord, A walk on the Dike sunday night was quite productive producing the following;

~3 Sandhill Cranes

~2 Black-crowned Night Herons

~American Bittern

~Family of Moorehens ( at least 4 young, 1 adult)

~Common Snipe, Solitary, Least, Spotted Sandpipers, Killdeer





A walk this evening (aug 4) produced;



~10 Sandhill Cranes

~1 Black-crowned Night Heron

~1 Sora

~Least, Spotted, Solitary Sandpipers, Killdeer, Greater and Lesser

Yellowlegs and Semipalmated Plover.

Hi Gord:

We were at Old Cut in the Long Point area on Saturday, May 16 when we came across two hunters staked out for the Wild Turkey hunt. Is hunting allowed there? Isn't the Old Cut public land?

Anyway, I thought I'd pass on this warning! Walking quietly through the woods can be hazardous to your health!

Hi Everyone,

I spent a couple of hours at the banding station at Long Point Friday morning , May 15. It was one of those terrific days when you don't have to work to hard. I spent most of the time standing in a open spot and watched the birds come through.

The best bird was a male Hooded Warbler who stayed in the area for some time. In addition I saw the following 12 warbler species: Black and White, Chestnut Sided, Mourning, Yellow, Yellow-Rumped, Bay-Breasted, Pine, Black-Throated Blue, American Redstart, Blackpoll, Magnolia, and Tennessee.

Additionally were Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Baltimore Oriole, and Rose Breasted Grosbeak.

Up at the Port Rowan sewage Lagoon , there was a Ruddy Duck and a little farther up that road, a Mockingbird flew over.

Regard,

Dolphin Senior Public School
Mr. Murray- Science Teacher

Long Point Bird Observatory
Long Point, Ontario, Canada
North Shore of Lake Erie
Latitude 42.5 N Longitude 80.5 W

We arrived at the observatory just after 9:30 am after a 2 hour bus ride. The weather was perfect! Sunny, light south wind, temperature +18C. It was the first clear night in 4 days. This suggested that a new wave of migrants would have made the trip across Lake Erie from the United States the previous night. The variety of sounds of birds that greeted us as we exited the bus suggested we were right! Mr. Murray, our teacher, went into the Banding Station where he met Jul Wojnowski, the Landbird Programs Coordinator at Bird Studies Canada/Long Point Bird Observatory. He confirmed that it was already very busy in the station and out on the capture nets and that students would have to be very sensitive to the work that was being done by the scientists and to keep voices low.

We split into 2 groups. Ten of us went out with Paul (another scientist) to collect birds trapped in the nets in the previous 15 minutes. The others went inside to watch the banding of birds collected previously. After an hour or so, we switched.

There were a lot of birders around that day and there were many more species of birds. We saw over 40 species of birds either in the banding station or outside in the 1 hectare sight of the Old Cut Field Station.

List of birds banded while we were at the Banding Station

(* = Neotropical Migrant)



Ruby Crowned Kinglet - 1 female and 3 undetermined

Wood Thrush*

Grey Catbird- 3*

European Starling- female- just a local bird but notable because it had

a “Brood Patch”, a featherless area on its belly to allow the skin to

directly contact its eggs and keep them at the proper incubation

temperature

Blue - Winged Warbler- male*

Nashville Warbler- 2 males 1 female*

Magnolia Warbler- undetermined*

Black Thwarted Blue Warbler- male*

Yellow- Rumped Warbler- undetermined*

Black- Throated Green Warbler- male*

Ovenbird- undetermined*

Hooded Warbler- male - very rare in Ontario and only known to breed in

Carolinian Forests along the North shore of Lake Erie*

American Redstart*

Lincoln’s Sparrow*

White- Throated Sparrow



List of Birds Caught in nets, Seen and / or Heard While at The LPBO



Great Blue Heron (definitely NOT caught in a net!)

Turkey Vulture

Mourning Dove

Least Flycatcher*

Purple Martin*

Tree Swallow*

American Crow

Black Capped Chicadee

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren

House Wren

Hermit Thrush*

Philadelphia Vireo*

Red-eyed Vireo*

Yellow Warbler*

Chestnut Sided Warbler*

Blackburnian Warbler*

Black and White Warbler*

Common Yellowthroat*

Scarlet Tanager - 1 male and 1 female*

Northern Cardinal

Rose Breasted Grosbeak*

Song Sparrow

Grackle

Red-Winged Blackbird

Baltimore Oriole*

American Goldfinch

A yellow throated warbler was hanging around #8 cottage on Abigail Becker lane at Long Point on Sunday May 3 for at least a few hours. Thanks to the birders who passed along the info and directions. I haven't seen this warbler for a decade. It was a thrilling sight.

Hi All,

David Shilman and I were in the Long Point area on Saturday, we started off by almost getting stuck in the mud while driving a road for Louisiana Waterthrush, but didn't even get to the spot where they should be. We then headed down Hwy 59 towards Long Point and saw an Upland Sandpiper about 2km north of the causeway on top of a telephone pole. Along the causeway (around the Big Creek pull-off) we had ~100 Ruddy Ducks, 2 Forster's Terns flew by and Purple Martins and Tree Swallows, but not much was in the Big Creek marsh. At Old Cut we heard a Northern Waterthrush singing just outside the banding station, then saw 3 fledged young and 2 adult Carolina Wrens (isn't this very early for young to be fledged already?). We also heard at least three more Northern Waterthrushes in the Old Cut area, we also saw 7 sparrow species (all common) including Field, White-crowned, White-throated, Swamp, Song and Vesper (heard just outside Wilson tract). There was also one Evening Grosbeak calling in the Old Cut area and we saw and heard a couple of Pine Siskins, as well as House Wren, Winter Wren, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-headed (Solitary) Vireo, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler. Over at Hahn Marsh we heard Yellow Warbler and Common Yellowthroat and at Lee Brown's pond there were many American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal and Ring-necked Ducks, with 1 Tundra Swan (does anybody know if this is a tame bird, as I remember seeing one around last year at this late date?). In Wilson Tract we heard 1 Ruffed Grouse drumming and saw and heard many Pine Warblers. Finally, at Backus Woods we heard then saw a Red-shouldered Hawk flying over, we also had Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brown Creeper & White-breasted Nuthatch in the woods.

Best regards & Good birding,

For everyone that is interested, the web pages describing our Tundra Swan Tracking Program are up and running. After a couple of pages describing the program and some info on each of the swans that have been outfitted with satellite transmitters, readers can link right to maps showing each swan's location. For the next two or three months, we'll update the maps weekly (scheduled for each Monday)as each of the swans make their way north to their Arctic breeding grounds.

We invite everyone to follow along. The URL is http://www.bsc-eoc.org Scroll down Bird Studies Canada's main page to the Long Point Bird Observatory's description and you'll see the "new" graphic and a link directly into the swan pages.

Also just posted are results from past years of our Red-shouldered Hawk and Spring Woodpecker Survey. Follow the Ontario Programs link to the Ontario Birds at Risk Program pages.

New additions coming soon will include our Nocturnal Owl Survey Program and pages describing many new sites designated as Canadian Important Bird Areas.

It's a labour of love.

Could you tell me when to expect to see the Baltimore Orioles back. I fed them oranges last year and just loved watching them on my deck but don't know when to start looking for them. If you could even tell me where to look on the web I would appreciate it. Thanks

Typically orioles arrive in the 1st or second week of May - but you can find some early migrants if you are fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time.

Good luck with your oranges!

Gord Gallant
gallantg@interlog.com

Dear Gord,

My friend Gerard Binsfeld and I visited the Long Point area on Saturday, January 31, 1998. We had 435 Tundra Swans at both the Conservation tillage area and at Big Creek Marsh. I know that good numbers appear to have wintered here this year but I wonder if some of these aren't new & early migrants as well. On the perimeter of the open water in the mostly frozen Long Point Bay we saw two adult Bald Eagles perched on the ice. We also saw 5 adult Sandhill Cranes at the Conservation tillage. Along the causeway we saw a Pied-billed Grebe, 3 Bonaparte's Gulls and about 250 Canvasback.

At Turkey Point we saw an adult Little Gull and 8 Bonaparte's Gulls, 3000 Greater Saup and streams of flocks of Common Merganser (moving east to west) which we estimated at >15,000 individuals.

On the Front Rd. between Port Rowan and St. Williams we saw several Horned Lark flocks but no Lapland Longspurs.

The snow cover is much less than I am used to seeing there on late January trips.

Good Birding,

The wintering Eastern Phoebe at St. Williams was seen on January 22nd and today there was an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull on the Port Dover Dock. Sandhill Cranes continue to be reported near Long Point.

On Saturday at large flock of Everning Grosbeaks were reported around the LPBO headquarters at St. Williams, a Turkey Vulture was seen at Clear Creek, 9 Sandhill Cranes were seen in the Long Point area and 2 Little Gulls were sighted off Turkey Point.

Gord, Ron Ridout tells me the Long Point Count is up to 101 and that Kingston found 104 species.

Gord Gallant
gallantg@interlog.com

Gord, the 1997 Long Point CBC is now history, The tenative total was 97 species. Best birds included Pied-billed Grebe, 7 species of puddle ducks, Merlin, at least 21 Bald Eagles, Virginia Rail, 17 or more Sandhill Cranes, 2 Little Gulls, Eastern Phoebe at St. Williams, 4 species of wrens, including House Wren, over 50 Winter Wrens, and Marsh Wren were in double diget. Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher (subject to confirmation), Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, female Yellow-headed Blackbird, (the last Yellow-headed on this count was a male in 1968), both species of Crossbills.

Hi there. Just thought I would drop a line and let everyone know of the group in Port Rowan that sponsor a Project Feederwatch. I started last year and am the proud sponsor of many sparrows, starlings, pigeons and squirrels. Also have many of the other natural birds, blue jay, cardinal, grackle, cow bird and sea gull family. Have had the honour of grosbeak, nuthatch and northern flicker. The same group sponsors the Baillie Birdathon each year. Correspondence can be sent to:

P.O. Box 160
Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada
N0E 1M0

Fellow Birdwatchers,

A plethora of warblers were seen by myself and my fiance in just over a 24 hour period at various locations within the Long Point area. We saw Magnolias, Common Yellow Throats, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Blackburnion, American Redstart, Chestnut-sided, Yellow, Black and White, and Nashville Warblers. Individuals of most species were very abundant. Four species were gleaning insects off a willow tree in a Crown marsh at the end of Poplar Road. Many species were present in conifers throughout the cottage community. The Long Point Bird Observatory also reported several additional species of warbler.

We also observed White-throated, White Crowned, and Savanna Sparrows, male and female Rose-breasted Gros Beaks, and a male Scarlet Tanager.

Regards,

Saturday April 5 - a group from the McIlwraith Field Naturalists headed by Ian Platt headed to the Long Point area and spotted over 60 species. Highlights included eastern bluebird, yellow-rumped warbler, common snipe, eastern phoebe, yellow-bellied sapsucker, vesper sparrow, fox sparrow, white-throated sparrow, tree swallows, rufous-sided towhee, Eurasian wigeon, hermit thrush, and winter wren. Two sandhill cranes were reported at Lee Brown's (?) pond on regional road 23 but were not visible when we were there.

Dear Fellow Birders

I was down to Long Point on Sunday, with the South Peel Naturalists, and here is a list of birds seen by our group. About half way there we stopped by a chicken processing plant and found plenty of Red-Tails, and one Rough-legged Hawk. Down by L.P. there were about 3000 swans. Including about 400 in one field, but they were all over the place and always in the sky.

Also seen by Turkey Point were Pintails, Goldeneye, Mallards, Black Duck, Canada Geese, Bufflehead, and two Bald Eagles. Just north of L.P. at a forest management area we found Juncos, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Amer. Goldfinches, both Nuthatches, and a Downy Woodpecker.

And in a nearby field there were Red-Winged Blackbirds, Grackles, Cowbirds, and Rusty Blackbirds. In the L.P. bay there were Redhead, Canvasback, G. Scaup, Ring-Necked Duck, Bufflehead, Wood Duck, and C. Merganser. At the L.P. bird-banding center, there were Downy Woodpecker, both Nuthatches, Golden-Crowned Kinglets, Brown Creepers, Chickadees, Grackles, and Red-Winged Blackbirds. And at a pond just north of L.P. there were Pintail, Green-Winged Teal, Widgeon, Hooded Merganser, Northern Shoveller, Gadwall, Wood Duck, Canvasback, Mallard, Black Duck, Ring-Necked Duck, Canada Geese, Red-Winged Blackbirds, and Morning Doves. And north of that there were three Turkey Vultures. In total that day we found 49 species.