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ONTBIRDS for Thursday, April 3, 2008
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Birding Bronte Park
From: "Michael Veltri" <mveltri2(AT)cogeco.ca>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 5:57am
While birding Bronte Park in Burlington today, I view and photographed two
Eastern Meadowlarks, one Horned Lark an Eastern Phoebe four Redtail hawks,
as well as numerous robins and five deer where present at mid day to my
surprise.
Bronte Park is located North of the QEW on Burloak Drive, Burlington.
Cheers
Mike
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Subject: [Ontbirds]More spring arrivals at Rattray Marsh, Mississauga
From: Wayne Renaud <wayne(AT)renaudwebber.com>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 6:02am
This last bout of rain and warmer weather has ushered in a new wave of
migrants.
I birded the marsh area and adjacent woodlands for 3 hours late yesterday
afternoon. Both Killdeer (2) and Lesser Yellowlegs (3 - briefly landed then
flew north) were found on the extensive sandbar that has developed in the
middle of the Marsh.
My first Belted Kingfisher.
In the adjacent woods there were 4 Eastern Phoebe, 24+ Golden-crowned
Kinglets, 2 Fox Sparrows, 12 Song Sparrows, 6 American Tree Sparrows, 2 Fox
Sparrows, 2 Dark-eyed Juncoes, 1 Winter Wren and 1 Carolina Wren. There was
also a flock of 30+ Cedar Waxwings with two Bohemian Waxwings in a large
grove of trees behind Green Glade School (off Green Glade which runs east
off Meadowwood just south of Sheridan Creek); walk past the dumpster at the
south end of the parking area for the school and they were feeding on the
berries of a huge bittersweet that has climbed a dead tree.
Directions:
Go south down to the end Bexhill which runs south of Lakeshore about 5 long
blocks east Erin Mills Parkway; park at the metal gate The marsh and knoll
trail start at the bottom of hill from the parking area. This gets you
into, more or less, the middle of main area of the marsh. Find a street map
to orient yourself and/or follow the the trail map inside the park. For
those who want to visit the site, Mississauga has a map of the marsh and
surrounding trails on their web site.
Wayne Renaud
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Cackling Goose in Ajax
From: "Geoff - Birds" <avocet(AT)rogers.com>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 9:09am
A Cackling Goose past over my house at 9:00 a.m. in Ajax in a flock of Canadas.
Its small size and "stubby" bill were very evident as it flew low over me,
heading northwest, presumably to feed in the fields.
Geoff Carpentier
Ajax, Ontario
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Brown Thrasher-Long Point
From: "George Bryant" <g.bryant(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 6:17am
Yesterday during a 2-hour circuit from the Bird Study Canada Old Cut Parking
lot through Lighthouse woods to the east end of the Long Point Park we
observed the following migrants: 100 SONG SPARROW, 30 DARK-EYED JUNCO, 8
EASTERN PHOEBE, 5 RUSTY BLACKBIRD, 4 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, 3 NORTHERN
FLICKER, 3 FOX SPARROW, 3 EASTERN TOWHEE, 2 EASTERN MEADOWLARK, 2 BELTED
KINGFISHER, 1 AMERICAN WOODCOCK, 1 BROWN CREEPER, 1 BROWN THRASHER, this
last being two weeks' earlier than my previous best date (April 17, 1981
same loc'n). Also 1 warm Garter Snake.
In downtown Fisher's Glen in multiflora rose bush at the bridge we noted 70
CEDAR WAXWING, 5 BOHEMIAN WAXWING.
After 5 p.m., in a pasture north of Hwy. 5 ~3 kms. west of Peter's Corners,
there were five species of loafing gulls including 5,000 RING-BILLED (some
in copula), 500 HERRING, 6 GLAUCOUS (probably double that #), 1adult
ICELAND, 1 adult LESSER BLACK-BACK. (i.e., zero California, zero Great
Black-backed)
George Bryant for Jim Heslop, Barry Jones, John Olmsted)
_______________________________________________
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Eastern Phoebe, Kitchener
From: "Barrett,Glenn [Burlington]" <Glenn.Barrett(AT)ec.gc.ca>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 9:24am
On Tuesday morning (Apr 1) Paul Mikoda and I heard an Eastern Phoebe
while at the Doon Wastewater Treatment Plant in the south end of
Kitchener. Doon WTP is located off Mill Park Dr with the bird sounding
like it was close to the trails that run along the Grand River at this
location.
gB
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Point Pelee-Report Ending April 3,2008
From: Janice.Sarkis(AT)pc.gc.ca
Date: 3 Apr 2008 1:47pm
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Robins arrive in Gowganda..Temiskaming
District..North
From: "Paul & Gert Trudel" <trudel(AT)ntl.sympatico.ca>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 4:37pm
Hi all,
Three robins arrived today only an hour after a friend called to tell me he
had seen one earlier.
Pine Grosbeaks have left most of the feeders in Town. Redpoll numbers are
down and only visit for short times.
Lots of Snow Buntings around and about 25 now at the ground feeding
stations.
I have seen no other migrants.
If this snow ever goes away I may get to see some of the birds all of you
are seeing!!!
Cheers, Gert
Gowganda, On
Hwy 560 W
7 hours North of Toronto Via Hwy 11
trudel(AT)ntl.sympatico.ca
_______________________________________________
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Ottawa Killdeer
From: Brendan <fe838(AT)ncf.ca>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 5:55pm
Hi Ontbirders,
Today my Mom and I saw a Killdeer at the intersection of Parkway Rd and
10th Line Rd. It was walking up and down the sides of the road. When I
last saw it, it was flying towards one of the surrounding fields.
Brendan Toews
_______________________________________________
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birding organization.
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Subject: [Ontbirds]birds north of Newmarket and at Humber Bay East -
April 3
From: "Peter Wukasch" <wukasch.family(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 2:57pm
Yesterday, April 2, I took a quick run up to the end of Bathurst St. north of
Newmarket to look for Tundra Swans. I didn't see any but had several close up
looks at at least 7 pairs of Northern Pintails at close range and a flock of a
dozen Snow Buntings. The onion fields are weel-flooded so the swans may still
show up. Today, a quick look at Humber Bay East produced a beautifully marked
male Harlequin Duck (likely the one sen throughout the winter), Belted
Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, and many Lesser Scaup, Long-tailed Ducks, Redhead,
Ruddy Duck,etc.
Go north on Hwy. 400 to Hwy. 9. Head east to Newmarket and turn left on Green
Lane. turn left again at Yonge Street and go north to the lights at Bathurst.
Turn Right and then left towards Queensville. Continue along Bathurst to the
marina at the very end, checking the flooded fields on either side.
Humber Bay - exit Gardiner Expressway at Park Lawn Ave. Go south past Lakeshore
Blvd. to the park. Bear right after the bus loop.
Peter Wukasch
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Brighton Wetlands and Lagoon
From: "Keith Lee" <keith.lee(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 3:36pm
Hi everyone from Brighton, Last week went well and everyone
was in great humor after a long winter, the wetlands are thawing
out very well and so is the lagoon, there for I have decided to open
them up on Friday afternoon from 5pm to 7pm, and Sunday from
9am till 11am. Please don't drive into the wetland, everyone young
and old welcome, I have a spare set of Binoculars and my scope
is always available. See you there, if these times are not good
for you let me know I might be able to set up a time.
Cell # 613-391-9142
Home # 613-475-0881
Directions: The Constructed Wetland is located at the SE corner of
Brighton. From Hwy 401, take the Brighton exit (Hwy. 30)and follow
it south into town. Go south through the two traffic lights, over
the railway tracks and follow the main road, now called Prince Edward
Street, south. About 1 km south of the tracks, the main road begins
to swing to the left and becomes Cty. Rd. 64. As this long turn
ends, the constructed wetlands appear on the right side.
There is room to park on the edge (shoulder) of the road, but
use your own judgment.
Hope to see You
Keith " Tiny" Lee
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Subject: [Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Today - Bohemian Waxwings again
plus lots of other stuff
From: "Norman Murr" <normurr(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 4:18pm
Good Evening
Today on a beautiful almost Spring day I travelled down to the Toronto Islands
and there have been lots of changes since last Thursday besides the bird makeup.
Most of the snow has gone except in shaded areas and I was able to walk through
most areas. The large lagoons are still frozen but there is a lot more open
water than last week. The number and variety of singing birds has increased as
well.
I started as usual at the Wards Island end and besides the birds I will list
below I also had a visit ( right over my head in a large Cottonwood ) by a flock
of very vocal 68 Bohemian Waxwings and this was within 10 minutes of finding a
flock of 36 Cedar Waxwings about 50 yards away in low bushes and trees. Later as
I walked along I saw 3 more Bohemian Waxwings.
Following are some of the other birds I encountered as I strolled along -
Pied-billed Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Great Blue Heron, 5 Wood Ducks,
Green-winged Teal, A. Wigeons, Redheads, 22 Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, 10
White-winged Scoters, Common Mergansers, 36 Hooded Mergansers, 9 Killdeer, Great
Horned Owl, 2 B. Kingfishers, N. Flickers, 5 E. Phoebes, Tree Swallow, Brown
Creeper, Winter Wrens, Eastern Bluebird, A. Tree Sparrows, Field Sparrows, Fox
Sparrow, 74 Song Sparrows and White-crowned Sparrow.
Directions:-
TORONTO ISLANDS - WINTER SCHEDULE
(Wards Island to Hanlans Point - without side trips is 5 km)
To get to the Toronto Islands from Queen and Yonge Streets on the TTC. If your
on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south
about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay and you
are there. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then
exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queens Quay, there are lots of parking
lots nearby (fee).
There is a fee for using the island ferries ($6.00 adult / $3.50 for seniors &
students) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193. There
are washrooms on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you
can pick up a schedule at the docks or check on line.
The 1st boat to Wards Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the
2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday.
The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and
Holidays.
The 1st boat to Hanlans Point is 9:00 am - Monday to Friday only.There are no
boats to Centre Island in the Winter
Note:- If you start at Wards Island then be aware that the only ferries from
Hanlans Point are at 9:15 am, 11:15 am, 1:15 pm and the last one at 3:45 pm. If
you miss this one you will have to walk all the way back to the Wards Island
ferry dock.
If arriving in early am you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside
the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and/or 25 cent coins before you
arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machine does not
make change. (There is a change machine there if you want to chance it).
There are coffee shops across from the ferry docks in the building on the
northwest corner and they are open early. Food and beverages on The Islands are
not available during the winter and the water fountains are turned off until at
least April.
For a detailed ferry schedule check the following web site.
http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/springschedule.htm
Norm Murr
Richmond Hill, ON
"Sils mordent, mords les"
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Quinte Area Bird Report for week ending April 03,
2008
From: "Terry Sprague" <tsprague(AT)kos.net>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 8:01pm
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY AND THE QUINTE AREA FOR THE WEEK
ENDING
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Once again, it has been an interesting mix of spring birds and typically winter
birds, as spring forges bravely ahead. Warmer weather brought in a stream of new
migrants during the past week including the first FOX SPARROWS of the season
yesterday and today with three being found in one tight cluster in the Point
Traverse Woods, one on Ventress Road in Cramahe Township, and another near
Tweed. The season's first SWAMP SPARROW turned up in the Sawguin Marsh near
Horse Point in the Massassauga area on the 31st, and two EASTERN PHOEBES were at
the Dunes Beach area in Sandbanks yesterday. EASTERN MEADOWLARKS were singing
at 23 Sprague Road late this afternoon, and another turned up today at Ridge
Road. Two AMERICAN WOODCOCKS showed up along Maitland Drive north of Belleville
this morning, certainly a more sensible pair than the bizarre early bird near
Green Point way back on February 19th. The first YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was
seen at Point Traverse this morning, and six GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS at
Massassauga is an indication that the spring migration of this species is also
under way. And in Trenton, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES are joyfully engaged in
nest building in one backyard nest box bordering a wooded area. NORTHERN
HARRIERS can be found across the region, and TURKEY VULTURES are being largely
ignored as there are so many of them, with one pair scouting out a possible
nesting site in a barn west of Consecon. Sightings of TREE SWALLOWS are
increasing as temperatures rise. There were 5 skimming over the water at Glen
Miller on March 28th, 25 were spotted the same day just south of there near the
former Lower Trent Conservation building, and another seen early this morning
near Tweed. An early GREEN HERON was also seen in the Trenton area on Friday.
Several sightings of AMERICAN KESTRELS indicate some sort of passage of this
species with one seen yesterday on Kelly Road, with others seen during the week
at Picton's Delhi Park, Victoria Road and Highway 62, and one along County Road
1. BELTED KINGFISHERS were seen yesterday at Log Cabin Point and Prince Edward
Point.
Meanwhile, flocks of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and COMMON GRACKLES, augmented by
newly arrived BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS just continue to grow in size. GREAT BLUE
HERONS are pretty much established now at their favourite haunts and CANADA
GEESE is one subject about which the less said the better as they are absolutely
everywhere, both on the ground and above it. An estimated 800 were at West Lake
on the 28th, and more than 2,000 created an infernal din as they fed in the now
flooded corn fields along Kaiser Crossroad, where other species noted both
yesterday and today included WOOD DUCK, TUNDRA SWAN, MALLARDS, AMERICAN WIGEON,
NORTHERN PINTAILS, WOOD DUCK and one SNOW GOOSE.
Another good waterfowl viewing area along Wesley Acres Road this week contained
CANADA GEESE, NORTHERN PINTAILS, MALLARDS AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS and HOODED
MERGANSER. At the headwaters of the Outlet River at Log Cabin Point, there was a
mixture of MUTE SWANS, MALLARDS, NORTHERN PINTAILS, COMMON MERGANSER,
BUFFLEHEAD, REDHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE, GREATER SCAUP, RING-NECKED DUCKS and both
COMMON and HOODED MERGANSER yesteray. As the waters in local creeks and other
waterways commence to surrender to the weather, it is a case of keeping a sharp
eye out for new arrivals. Two observers with keen eyesight spotted a small
conference of 20 HOODED MERGANSERS as they displayed for a handful of females in
Black River off County Road 13 at the cheese factory. South Bay remains frozen,
but from Prince Edward Bay down to Prince Edward Point, the waters are alive
with the musical conversations of LONG-TAILED DUCKS interspersed with all three
merganser species, WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, BUFFLEHEADS, GREATER SCAUP, RING-NECKED
DUCKS and COMMON GOLDENEYE. Did I mention CANADA GEESE?
Still there are signs of winter, beyond the heavy morning frosts. There was a
surprise visit of 2 RED CROSSBILLS at a feeder east of Lake on the Mountain on
March 30th, and 7 PINE GROSBEAKS were found near the Picton Health Unit
yesterday. Two hundred waxwings with over 90 per cent of them being BOHEMIAN
WAXWINGS dropped in at Prince Edward Point on the 30th as they alternated
between red cedars and the road side, gradually making their way in front of one
motorist as he slowly inched his way toward the Point Traverse corner. Fifteen
COMMON REDPOLLS are still coming to a feeder in Bloomfield, and a Stirling
feeder continues to host about 50. Feeders are still busy, but with different
clientel these days, and several still have RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS. NORTHERN
SHRIKES were seen during the week at the west end of Big Island and at Green
Point. A western "Oregon" form of the DARK-EYED JUNCO turned up this morning in
a Salem area yard.
Spring is on its way! And it was the sighting of the year's first MOURNING CLOAK
BUTTERFLY on the 28th in Bloomfield that told us so.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte Area.Our
thanks to Paul Thompson, Ted Cullin, Rosemary Smith, Michael Tumpane, Donn
Legate, John Charlton, Cathie Stewart, Pamela Stagg, Vince & Kerry Politi, Owen
Weir, Heather Heron, Yvette Bree, Brock Burr, Judy & Dave Bell, Kathy Felkar,
Janet Foster, Chesia Livingston, Sophia Huyer, Nancy Smits, Frank Artes &
Carolyn Barnes, Joanne Dewey, Bill Hogg, Beth McPerson and Henri Garand for
their contributions to this week's report. This report will be updated on
Thursday, April 10th, but sightings can be e-mailed any time before the 6:00
p.m. deadline. Featured photos in the online edition of the Quinte Area Bird
Report include WILD TURKEYS by Don Carr of Belleville and TUNDRA SWANS by Susan
Shipman of Wellington. Photo of two amorous MOURNING DOVES on the Main Birding
Page of the NatureStuff website is by Sydney Smith of Wellington.
Terry Sprague
Prince Edward County
tsprague(AT)kos.net
www.naturestuff.net
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Subject: [Ontbirds]WNY Dial-a-Bird 03 Apr 2008
From: dfsuggs(AT)localnet.com
Date: 3 Apr 2008 9:10pm
- RBA
* New York
* Buffalo
* 04/03/2008
* NYBU0804.03
- Birds mentioned
[Update - Wednesday, April 9, 7 PM, BOS meeting at the BMS.
Students of the Canisius College Computational
Ecolody Research Team will present talks and posters
on their avian research. Visitors are alway welcome at BOS
meetings.] ----------------------------------------------------------
Please phone in rare sightings for update
Submit email to dfsuggs localnet com
Thank you, David
----------------------------------------------------------
BOHEMIAN WAXWING
EURASIAN WIGEON
GR. WHITE-FR. GOOSE
GOLDEN EAGLE
SANDHILL CRANE
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Great Egret
Tundra Swan
Snow Goose
Green-winged Teal
Northern Pintail
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Canvasback
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Long-tailed Duck
Black Scoter
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Red-br. Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Wilson's Snipe
American Woodcock
Bonaparte's Gull
Iceland Gull
Glaucous Gull
Yellow-b. Sapsucker
Eastern Phoebe
Horned Lark
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Golden-cr. Kinglet
American Pipit
Northern Shrike
Yellow-r. Warbler
Eastern Towhee
Fox Sparrow
Oregon-type Dark-eyed Junco
Snow Bunting
Eastern Meadowlark
Rusty Blackbird
Common Redpoll
- Transcript
Hotline: Dial-a-Bird at the Buffalo Museum of Science
Date: 04/03/2008
Number: 716-896-1271
To Report: Same
Compiler: David F. Suggs (dfsuggs at localnet com)
Coverage: Western New York and adjacent Ontario
Website: www.BOSBirding.org
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Dial-a-Bird is a service provided by your Buffalo Museum of Science
and this answering system was donated by the Buffalo Ornithological
Society. Press (2) to leave a message, (3) for updates, meeting and
field trip information and (4) for instructions on how to report
sightings and use this system. To contact the Science Museum, call
896-5200.
Highlights of the many reports received March 27 through April 3
from the Niagara Frontier Region include BOHEMIAN WAXWING, EURASIAN
WIGEON, GR. WHITE-FR. GOOSE, GOLDEN EAGLE, SANDHILL CRANE, and spring
migrants.
March 27, 7 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS along Route 18 in the Niagara County
Town of Wilson. Prior to this year, there were no March records of
BOHEMIAN WAXWING in the BOS archives. At the Iroquois Refuge March 27,
EURASIAN WIGEON at Cayuga Pool and on the 29th at Cayuga Pool, a GR.
WHITE-FR. GOOSE.
The BOS field trip to the Lake Ontario Plains on March 30 was
highlighted by 4 GR. WHITE-FR. GEESE at Burgess and Lower Lake Roads
in the Town of Somerset. Flying over Niagara-Orleans Countyline Road,
GOLDEN EAGLE and 4 SANDHILL CRANES. On Lake Ontario at Barker Park in
Somerset, COMMON LOON, HORNED GREBE and RED-NECKED GREBE. And in
Wilson, at Hulbert and Youngstown Roads, waterfowl in the field
included SNOW GOOSE, TUNDRA SWAN, and many NORTHERN PINTAILS, plus 3
ICELAND GULLS and a GLAUCOUS GULL.
First reports this week - OSPREY arrived at the Allegany Reservoir
in the Southern Tier back on March 24, and reported again March 31 at
Sheridan Park in Tonawanda. March 30, 3 GREAT EGRETS at the Motor
Island heronry, in the upper Niagara River. BARN SWALLOW arriving
March 29 at the Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area. April 2, YELLOW-R.
WARBLER at Amherst State Park and RUSTY BLACKBIRD at Tifft Nature
Preserve in Buffalo.
Many other recent arrivals. The expected marsh ducks, BLUE-
WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN SHOVELER and GREEN-WINGED TEAL, plus divers
LESSER SCAUP and RUDDY DUCK. At several locations, RED-SHOULDERED
HAWK, WILSON'S SNIPE, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, YELLOW-B. SAPSUCKER, EASTERN
PHOEBE, TREE SWALLOW, GOLDEN-
CR. KINGLET, EASTERN TOWHEE, FOX SPARROW and EASTERN MEADOWLARK.
Winter visitors still in the region included 4 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS in
the Cattaraugus County Town of Dayton, NORTHERN SHRIKE on County Road
in Clarence, COMMON REDPOLLS still at many feeders, and an OREGON-type
DARK-EYED JUNCO again in a Williamsville yard.
From Pomfret in Chautauqua County, at the Berry Road marsh, an
unexpected LONG-TAILED DUCK among 12 waterfowl species. At the Van
Buren Road ponds, 127 RING-NECKED DUCKS, plus CANVASBACK, REDHEAD,
GREATER SCAUP, COMMON MERGANSERS, RED-
BR. MERGANSER, HOODED MERGANSER and RUDDY DUCK. And at Dunkirk
Harbor, SURF SCOTER, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, BLACK SCOTER, 363 COMMON
GOLDENEYES, 63 HOODED MERGANSERS and over 1000 RED-BR. MERGANSERS,
plus 37 HORNED GREBES and 4 BONAPARTE'S GULLS.
Other reports - 23 SNOW GEESE at Beaver Island State Park on Grand
Island. In Genesee County, in the Tonawanda Creek flats in Alexander,
19 SNOW GEESE, PIED-BILLED GREBE, 10 HOODED MERGANSERS, 45 HORNED
LARKS, 16 AMERICAN PIPITS, 3 SNOW BUNTINGS and BALD EAGLE on nest at
the creek and Route 20.
Dial-a-Bird will be updated Thursday evening, April 10. Please call
in your sightings by noon Thursday. You may report sightings after the
tone. Thank you for calling and reporting to Dial-a-Bird.
- End Transcript
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Re: Waxwings Update- Back again at Markham
location
From: Siegmar Bodach <sigipatti(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 11:09pm
Today I again had to see my client in the vicinity of Alden Rd. and
Hood Rd./14th Ave. intersection
at 3:15pm. Approaching the intersection I could see that the Waxwings
were back in the trees in
front of the Mactec Canada building at the SE corner. My meeting lasted
about 20min. When
I got to the intersection the waxwings were still in the trees. So I
again pulled into the parking lot
and got out to observe and take some pictures with my cell phone. Today
there was more than
double the number of Bohemian Waxwings- I counted over 120 spread over
numerous trees
in front of the building and even some dropping to the ground to feed on
fallen shoots from the trees
only feet from me near the front entrance. Others were flying to some
trees in an open square area
in the centre of the front building. Others were in the bushes and on
the ground where I saw the
Northern Mockingbird yesterday to the northeast side of the building.
The waxwings were eating the newly openned shoots on the trees. Mixed
among the Bohemians
were about 10 Cedar Waxwings again. There was also a Cardinal and a
Cowbird in the trees.
All the Waxwings flew off at about 4:05pm.
On my way to my client I saw 2 Northern Mockingbirds fly into a large
pine on 14th Ave. just
east of Woodbine Ave. after the stop sign.
On my way home at approx. 6pm a saw a GB Heron flying near the rookery
on Leslie St. just
north of Elgin Mills Rd.
At home at approx. 7pm I saw my first DC Cormorant flying south over our
house in Aurora,
Probably coming from Lake Simcoe.
Good Birding,
Sigi
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Re: Waxwings- Bohemian & Cedar- GTA
From: Siegmar Bodach <sigipatti(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 10:00am
In my business travels yesterday I observed both waxwing species. While
in the
Lawrence-Leslie vicinity I popped into Overland Blvd. and took a quick walk
along the old rail line pathway where I observed and pished in several
Red- breasted
Nuthatches(3), 4 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 2 House Finches, 4 Dark-eyed
Juncoes
numerous chickadees, Robins and 3 Cardinals. I did not find any Waxwings
until
I was driving back onto Leslie St. from Tottenham when I saw a small
flock across
the street in a tree at the SW intersection of Leslie and
Lawrence(Edwards Gardens).
A minute later they flew off ( there were 9). I wasn't close enough to
determine what
species- but size wise they looked like Cedar waxwings. This was around 3pm.
But just after 4pm. after meeting a client I observed a very large flock
of waxwings
on a roadside tree near the intersection of Alden Rd. and Hood Rd./14th
Ave.
I quickly pulled into the parking lot of the Mactec Canada building and
walked
along the side of the building. I discovered the waxwings were now
spread over
several trees on the Mactec Cda.lawn. In the trees nearest to the front door
there were approx. 35 Bohemian Waxwings and 1 Cedar Waxwing. I was right
underneath them. Both species were singing. Further up the lawn 9 more
waxwings
in two small trees. All were Cedar Waxwings. There was also a Northern
Mockingbird
which flew into bushes right beside me. when the waxwings flew off the
Cedars all
left together and then a few minutes later all the Bohemians flew off
together.
Good Spring Birding
Sigi Bodach
Aurora, ON
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Subject: [Ontbirds]HSR: Beamer Conservation Area (03 Apr 2008) 714
Raptors
From: reports(AT)hawkcount.org
Date: 3 Apr 2008 9:04pm
Beamer Conservation Area
Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 03, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 1 1
Turkey Vulture 262 1236 3924
Osprey 1 1 1
Bald Eagle 0 5 39
Northern Harrier 2 19 44
Sharp-shinned Hawk 148 181 255
Cooper's Hawk 5 16 64
Northern Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 130 225 563
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 157 354 1461
Rough-legged Hawk 5 9 41
Golden Eagle 0 0 5
American Kestrel 1 5 20
Merlin 0 1 2
Peregrine Falcon 0 1 3
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 3
Unknown Buteo 2 6 13
Unknown Falcon 1 1 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Raptor 0 2 7
Total: 714 2063 6450
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:15:00
Total observation time: 8.25 hours
Official Counter: Sandy Darling
Observers:
Visitors:
Colin Horstead, Phil Wagget, Graham Jones, John Millman, Peter Booker, Ian
Richards, Keith Seeley, David Weare, Barry Cherriere, Brandon & Eric
Holden, Clive Hodder, Dave Sked, plus a number of others
Weather:
Day started with temperature of 3C and very light wind from SW, but wind
soon changed to be from north to east with temperatures of 5 - 6. Mainly
clear sky with wispy cloud
Raptor Observations:
First Osprey of the year and largest flight this year of Red-shouldered
Hawks. Over 100 of four species.
Non-raptor Observations:
Blue bird calling, Fox Sparrow at feeders, 10 Pintails, Tree Swallow,
Loons, Killdeer
Predictions:
Birds were spread through the day and one might expect them to continue
tomorrow
========================================================================
Report submitted by Sandy Darling ()
Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at:
http://www.hwcn.org/link/niaghawk/
Site Description:
Beamer Conservation Area is located on top of the Niagara Escarpment above
the town of Grimsby, Ontario. The site is 1km south of the south shore of
Lake Ontario, 20km east of Hamilton, 40km west of Niagara Falls.
Directions to site:
To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 72, follow Christie St./Mountain
St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go
1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the
conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If
parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your
car.
Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized
after the end of the season. © 2008 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch
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Subject: [Ontbirds]snow geese
From: "Hans van der Zweep" <hans.vanderzweep(AT)cogeco.ca>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 8:31pm
The east gate of Long Sault Parkway still had well over 1000 Greater Snow Geese
today @ 4:30 pm.Rhere were several blue phase geese as well.
Hans van der Zweep
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending April 3,
2008.
From: Fred Helleiner <fhelleiner(AT)trentu.ca>
Date: 3 Apr 2008 9:45pm
There have been more birders visiting Presqu'ile Provincial Park this
week than there have been all winter. It is not surprising, then, that
a good many interesting sightings were made.
The biggest flight of Canada Geese this spring occurred on April 1, with
thousands passing overhead, including one Cackling Goose. There were
still two Tundra Swans in Presqu'ile Bay today. The highlight of the
week was the discovery of at least one and possibly three Eurasian
Wigeons on April 2. The one male in Presqu'ile Bay was seen in good
light on the following day by a number of observers. In the past,
individuals of this species have lingered at Presqu'ile for long enough
to allow many people to see them. Four Northern Shovelers were also at
the calf pasture on April 3, but the first Blue-winged Teal has yet to
appear. A few Ruddy Ducks have been seen on several recent days near
Salt Point. Most of the other expected ducks can be found on any given
day with little difficulty, given good viewing conditions.
Three Red-throated Loons were in Popham Bay on Sunday and five Common
Loons were off the calf pasture this afternoon. There were at least two
Horned Grebes at the calf pasture today, in various plumages, which
caused some debate among the several observers as to whether one might
be an Eared Grebe, a species of which there was also a report. More
Double-crested Cormorants are appearing every day.
While Ospreys are showing up north of Presqu'ile, there has not yet
been a sighting here this spring. After several possible sightings of
Northern Goshawks in the woods over the past few weeks, there was one
clearly seen today. There is always the possibility that this species is
again nesting in the Park, as it did a few years ago. Two Merlins were
seen together on March 30. This species has also nested in the Park in
recent years.
Two flocks of Killdeer migrated past the peninsula on March 31, one
containing three birds and the other numbering a surprising ten
individuals. An American Woodcock was flushed near the lighthouse on
March 28 and another was strutting on the snow near the Owen Point trail
two days later.
A Northern Shrike was at the calf pasture on March 29. A Tree Swallow
seen on March 29 and three more on April 2 were fewer than one would
expect at this time of year. A Carolina Wren has put in a few vocal
appearances at the lighthouse, most recently on April 2. A Ruby-crowned
Kinglet was reported there on the same day. A few Common Redpolls are
still visiting the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road, accompanied from time
to time by a single Hoary Redpoll, most recently on April 3. A single
Pine Siskin was at the feeders at 83 Bayshore Road on March 29.
To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton.
Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid
that is available at the Park gate. Access to the offshore islands is
restricted at this time of year to prevent disturbance to the colonial
nesting birds there.
Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be
directed to: FHELLEINER(AT)TRENTU.CA.
--
--
Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road,
Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0
VOICE: (613) 475 5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
_______________________________________________
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Canada
ONTBIRDS