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ONTBIRDS for Thursday, April 10, 2008
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Messages are displayed in the order they were received.
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| Subject | From | Time |
| [Ontbirds]Brighton Wetland and Lagoon | Keith Lee | 3:01am |
| [Ontbirds]HSR:Brian Mishell | reports(AT)hawkcount.or | 11:04am |
| [Ontbirds]fox sparrow in Stratford | Jeannie Kelly | 8:23am |
| [Ontbirds]HSR: Beamer Conservation Area (10 Apr 2008) 156
Raptors | reports(AT)hawkcount.or | 6:04pm |
| [Ontbirds]Broad-winged Hawk, Heidelberg | Carol & Jim | 5:24pm |
| [Ontbirds]Ottawa falcons and bluebirds | Eve Ticknor | 5:45pm |
| [Ontbirds]Point Pelee Report week ending April 10 | Mark Cranford | 6:22pm |
| [Ontbirds]Quinte Area Bird Report for week ending April 10,
2008 | Terry Sprague | 6:56pm |
| [Ontbirds]Toronto Islands Today - Caspian Tern,
Yellow-rumps, etc. | Norman Murr | 3:58pm |
| [Ontbirds]WNY Dial-a-Bird 10 Apr 2008 | dfsuggs(AT)localnet.com | 8:29pm |
| [Ontbirds]Ottawa - Sparrows, Wrens, Kinglets, Woodcocks | Patrick Blake | 5:40pm |
| [Ontbirds]York Region Report | RON FLEMING | 9:00pm |
| [Ontbirds]Cooper Marsh, Long Sault Parkway | Don Wigle | 6:01pm |
| [Ontbirds]Eastern Towhee spotted in our backyard | Rose Anne or Chad Fa | 9:23pm |
| [Ontbirds]Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Burlington | Andrew Mactavish | 9:39pm |
| [Ontbirds]Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending April
10, 2008. | Fred Helleiner | 9:51pm |
| [Ontbirds]Algonquin Park birding update: 10 April 2008 | Ron Tozer | 10:46pm |
|
To use email addresses replace '(AT)' with '@'.
This is done to confuse the spam 'bots.
|
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]Brighton Wetland and Lagoon
From: "Keith Lee" <keith.lee(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 3:01am
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi everyone, the wetlands ice is gone and the water level is being dropped
the ice is also gone from the lagoon, there for I have decided to open
them up on Friday afternoon from 5pm to 7pm, and Sunday from
9am till 12am. 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.
Keith " Tiny" Lee
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]HSR:Brian Mishell
From: reports(AT)hawkcount.org
Date: 10 Apr 2008 11:04am
Beamer Conservation Area
Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 09, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 1 1
Turkey Vulture 26 1609 4297
Osprey 2 6 6
Bald Eagle 0 5 39
Northern Harrier 1 31 56
Sharp-shinned Hawk 13 292 366
Cooper's Hawk 0 17 65
Northern Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 235 573
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 13 519 1626
Rough-legged Hawk 0 14 46
Golden Eagle 0 0 5
American Kestrel 3 18 33
Merlin 0 1 2
Peregrine Falcon 0 1 3
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 3
Unknown Buteo 0 7 14
Unknown Falcon 0 2 3
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Raptor 0 3 8
Total: 58 2761 7148
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 11:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Brian Mishell
Observers: Phil Waggett
Weather:
This was a very windy day. Condition 7 with enthusiastic gusts to wind
speed 9. Then we had 100% cover until 2 p.m. when the wind started to abate
and gradual clearing to 5% cover was observed at 4 p.m.
Raptor Observations:
The raptors today were mostly at top of tree height with occasional Sharpie
below tree top
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions:
With wind abating rapidly and few raptors today it is set up for a more
ideal day for migration tomorrow
========================================================================
Report submitted by Brian Mishell ()
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
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]fox sparrow in Stratford
From: Jeannie Kelly <birdielady(AT)hotmail.com>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 8:23am
Last 2 mornings we have had a fox sparrow rooting around under our spruce tree
on St. Vincent St. S. in Stratford. It seemed to be gathering nesting material
so that would be a first for our yard. Redford Park is in our backyard and to
any for walking around. Good birding ! Jean Kelly
_________________________________________________________________
Enter today for your chance to win $1000 a day—today until May 12th. Learn more
at SignInAndWIN.ca
http://g.msn.ca/ca55/215_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]HSR: Beamer Conservation Area (10 Apr 2008) 156
Raptors
From: reports(AT)hawkcount.org
Date: 10 Apr 2008 6:04pm
Beamer Conservation Area
Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 10, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 1 1
Turkey Vulture 99 1708 4396
Osprey 5 11 11
Bald Eagle 0 5 39
Northern Harrier 4 35 60
Sharp-shinned Hawk 11 303 377
Cooper's Hawk 0 17 65
Northern Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 235 573
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 36 555 1662
Rough-legged Hawk 0 14 46
Golden Eagle 0 0 5
American Kestrel 1 19 34
Merlin 0 1 2
Peregrine Falcon 0 1 3
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 3
Unknown Buteo 0 7 14
Unknown Falcon 0 2 3
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Raptor 0 3 8
Total: 156 2917 7304
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:45:00
Observation end time: 14:00:00
Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Sandy Darling
Observers:
Visitors:
Large number of visitors hoping for a big flight before three days of
predicted rain and many helped. Colin Horstead, Phil Waggett, Dave Weare,
Graham Jones, John Millman, Peter Booker, Keith Sealey, Barrry Cherriere,
Michael Myers, Bob Curry, Glenda Slessor, Kevin McLaughlin, John
Newiadomsky, and many others
Weather:
The day started sunny with winds from N to NE and temperatures from 6 to
10. In the early afternoon cloud moved in from the south and bird movement
stopped with a number of Turkey Vultures returning east.
Raptor Observations:
The highlight of the day was 5 Ospreys.
Non-raptor Observations:
Fox Sparrow still present.
Predictions:
Rain and thunder forecast
========================================================================
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
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]Broad-winged Hawk, Heidelberg
From: "Carol & Jim" <burrellsc(AT)golden.net>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 5:24pm
Hey Birders,
We had a single adult Broad-wing fly low over our yard in Heidelberg this
afternoon. There were quite a few birds flying over while Mike and I were
outside, between 1-2:30.
Also seen were 16 Red-tail's, 4 Cooper's, 1 Sharp-shinned, 1 N. Harrier, 5
Turkey Vultures, 1 Common Loon and a quite a few Tree Swallows.
Also of interest, particularly for local birders was 1 Common Tern at Laurel
Creek on April 7th (only 2nd time we've seen this species in the region,
first record was April 14, 2006, at the same location). Other birds seen in
the area since Monday have included; 2 N. Goshawks (both today, in different
locations), Chipping Sparrow and a few Savannah Sparrows.
If anyone wants directions, just email me.
Good Birding!
Ken Burrell
burrellsc(AT)golden.net
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]Ottawa falcons and bluebirds
From: Eve Ticknor <sandbird(AT)magma.ca>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 5:45pm
First of all, our Peregrines are brooding now, but I haven't yet been
able to determine how many eggs. We are looking at a mid-May hatching.
South of our airport, on Earl Armstrong Rd, there was a pair of
Eastern Bluebirds near the former railroad tracks. There were a few
Song Sparrows nearby, too.
Cheers, Eve
http://www.ofnc.ca for directions.
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]Point Pelee Report week ending April 10
From: Mark Cranford <mark.cranford(AT)ofo.ca>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 6:22pm
Posting for Friends of Point Pelee while they sort out a technical issue.
Submitted by Todd Pepper for Friends of Point Pelee.
Friends of Point Pelee is a Not for Profit volunteer organization
supporting Point Pelee National Park of Canada. Please accept appologies
for strange symbols in our previous emails. Hopefully this format will
correct this issue -JR
What a difference a week makes. It is probably safe to say that spring
has arrived at Point Pelee. Essex County has experienced several days
of 21-degree weather in the past week. The snow and ice are all gone in
the Park. The trails are dry. The picnic areas, such as The Dunes,
Sleepy Hollow, Pioneer, Black Willow and West Beach are open again, and
the train to the Tip is back running on its regular schedule with trips
from the Visitor Centre and Tip every 20 minutes.
There are also other signs of spring at Point Pelee. The American
Goldfinch and Bonaparte’s Gull are in transition or already in breeding
plumage. The Spring peepers are peeping, and a Morning Cloak Butterfly
was seen on Tuesday soaking up the sun. The Essex Region Conservation
Area started up the pumps at the beginning of the week to fill the
shorebird impoundment at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area and it did not
take long for the dabbling ducks to find this habitat.
First sightings of species for the year during the past week are set out
below:
- Northern Shoveler and Ring-necked Duck - Hillman Marsh completing the
list of 11 regular dabbling duck species for the area. All 11 species
can still be seen at either the intersection of Road D and Road 19 or
Hillman Marsh.
- Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter and a report of two female King Eider
were seen along the west side of the Park from the south end of the West
Beach parking lot to the Tip.
- Horned Grebe in the calm waters on the west side between the south end
of the West Beach parking lot to the parking area before the train
turn-around area, and Eared Grebe in the rough waters on the east side
of the Tip near the 42nd Parallel sign.
- Double-crested Cormorants Lake Erie waters off the Tip
- Great Egret Muddy Creek at Wheatley Harbour
- Merlin - Concession Road D
- An unusual spring sighting of Golden Eagle watched it fly across the
Lake coming from Pelee Island. It headed due north through the Park.
- Dunlin, Pectoral Sandpiper, Wilson’s Snipe at the intersection of Road
D and 19 and Lesser Yellowlegs at Hillman Marsh.
- American Coot - Marsh Boardwalk and Hillman Marsh.
- Belted Kingfisher - Hillman Marsh
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Northern Flicker - Tilden Trail and
Sanctuary Picnic Area
- Tree Swallow - Tip, Marsh Boardwalk, Hillman Marsh
- Winter Wren - Woodland Nature Trail
- Brown Thrasher - West Beach Trail
- Rusty Blackbird - Marsh
Over 80 species were observed to be present in the Point Pelee birding
area during the week.
Birders visiting Point Pelee this spring and looking for Northern
Mockingbird for their year list should check the local streets west of
the Kinsmen Recreation Complex at Sherk Street and Ellison Avenue
westerly to Cardinal Carter Secondary School. At least one, and perhaps
two over-wintering pair of Mockingbirds has been observed on the
following streets: Ellison, Orchard Heights, Cherrywood, Roger, Gary
Crescent and Nicholas.
Visitors to Point Pelee National Park should note that the bridge over
the Sturgeon Creek from the Bevel Line Road to Point Pelee Drive is
closed for repair until April 18, 2008. To access the Park go east on
Seacliff Drive East from Erie Street South in Leamington. Continue east
on Seacliff Drive past the Bevel Line turn-off to Concession Road 12.
Turn Right on Concession 12 and join up with Point Pelee Drive at
Paula's Restaurant.
4th annual Fundraising dinner
Friday May 9, 2008 @ 5:30 PM
Pelee Days Inn $60 per person ($25 tax receipt)
Reservations can be made at friendsofpointpelee.com
To help reduce our environmental impact...this is a ticketless event!
Presentation: "Coming Home: Return of the Western Lake Erie's & Detroit
River's Charismatic Megafauna"
by Dr. John Hartig-Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
--
Mark Cranford
ONTBIRDS Coordinator
Mississauga, Ont.
mark.cranford(AT)ofo.ca
905 279 9576
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]Quinte Area Bird Report for week ending April 10,
2008
From: "Terry Sprague" <tsprague(AT)kos.net>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 6:56pm
WEEKLY BIRD REPORT FROM PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY AND THE QUINTE AREA FOR THE WEEK
ENDING
Thursday, April 10, 2008
New spring arrivals this past week in the Quinte area included a whole whack of
stuff including 2 SANDHILL CRANES in flight over Picton on April 2nd, NORTHERN
FLICKER and BARN SWALLOW at Prince Edward Point on the 5th, AMERICAN BITTERN (2)
in the Big Island Marsh on the 6th, and VESPER SPARROW near Prince Edward
Point on the 7th, just to name a few of the highlights. PURPLE MARTINS returned
to West Lake on April 8th, and the same day along Massassauga Road, and to Big
Island this evening. The first OSPREY of the season was seen at the Massasauga
Road and County Road 28 nesting platform, south of Belleville, on April 4th, and
resident birds are now at their nest sites along Highway 33 at the Lennox
Generating Plant, and Cherry Valley, with individual birds hunting being noted
in North Marysburgh, Wesley Acres and Green Point. A PIED-BILLED GREBE has been
calling noisily from the Big Island Marsh for the past two mornings.
With warmer temperatures, waterfowl are taking advantage of lakes and bays and
flooded fields where they occur. Kaiser Crossroad continues to baffle many
observers as even a space of an hour can make a big difference in what may show
up. TUNDRA SWANS in the high 20s have been counted, along with varying numbers
of NORTHERN PINTAILS, AMERICAN WIGEONS, GREEN-WINGED TEALS, SNOW GEESE (5),
AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, BUFFLEHEAD, RING-NECKED DUCKS, just to name a few of those
species one can expect to see on a visit there while water levels remain
constant. Predicted rains on Friday and Saturday should hold the water for a few
more days. At Prince Edward Point, GADWALL, 1000 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 5 COMMON
LOONS, 2300 CANADA GEESE, 67 SNOW GEESE, 500 LONG-TAILED DUCKS and 200
BUFFLEHEAD were some of the interesting species and numbers to be reported from
there.
Elsewhere, it's where and when you happen to stop. A flooded field along County
Road 64 just east of Brighton, on April 4th, contained no fewer than 30 WOOD
DUCKS. HOODED MERGANSERS turn up regularly in many local creeks at this time of
the year, and the flooded field along Wesley Acres had 36 GREEN-WINGED TEALS on
April 7th. Conditions continue to improve as the ice gives way at the headwaters
of the Outlet River in East Lake with 30 MUTE SWANS, BUFFLEHEADS, CANVASBACKS,
COMMON GOLDENEYE and scaup being a few of the waterfowl species present on the
6th. The ice at Muscote Bay finally surrendered to spring on Monday, with 6
HOODED MERGANSERS being the first to take advantage of the softer conditions. A
GREAT BLUE HERON and an OSPREY actively fishing officially declared this section
of the Bay of Quinte open for business.
A GREAT EGRET flew east along the Napanee River in that town on Wednesday, and
another was seen the same day at Barcovan near Brighton. YELLOW-BELLIED
SAPSUCKERS were seen at Walmsley Road, and at Prince Edward Point. Also at the
latter location, 4 GREATER YELLOWLEGS were seen on April 6th, along with 1
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET and a WINTER WREN. A tiny marsh of less than an acre along
upper Victoria Road in Ameliasburgh on Tuesday was alive with WILSON'S SNIPE as
3 winnowed at low level above my head while another 2 called from within the
marsh itself.
The swarms of COMMON REDPOLLS that once descended on local bird feeders are but
a fraction of their earlier numbers. Two were still at a Bloomfield feeder on
Sunday, 4 at a Big Island feeder on the 7th and 3 the same day at a Tripp Road
feeder. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES are still visiting a few local feeders, and is
the subject of our photos in the online edition of this report. FOX SPARROWS
have been noted at several location, and three were in one backyard in the Tweed
area. EASTERN BLUEBIRDS are nesting now, as are TREE SWALLOWS. A MERLIN is back
at a nesting site in the Trenton area where it had nested last year. EASTERN
PHOEBES were seen at Hay Bay, Prince Edward Point, Big Island and Harbard Road
at Gardenville. Two COMMON RAVENS continue to be seen at Cape Vesey where they
might be nesting. An early WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was present at Kaiser
Crossroad on April 5th.
And that's it for this week from Prince Edward County and the Quinte area. Our
thanks Bill Burns, Joanne Dewey, Bill Leet, Donna Fano, Heather Heron, John &
Janet Foster, Doris Lane, Donn Legate, David Bree, Norma Broadbear, Michael
Jaques, Jess Chambers, Kathleen Rankine, Pamela Stagg, Frank Artes & Carolyn
Barnes, Bill Hogg, Nick Quickert, Henri Garand, Ted Cullin, Beth McPherson,
Myrna Wood, Bruce Ripley, Fred Helleiner, Ron Weir, Kathy Felkar, Anne Potter,
Fred Chandler, and Eric Caley for their contributions to this week's report.
This report will be updated on Thursday, April 17th, but sightings can be
e-mailed any time before the 6:00 p.m. Thursday deadline. Featured photos on the
Main Birding Page and in the online edition of the Quinte Area Bird Report are
all by John & Janet Foster of the Tweed area.
Terry Sprague
Prince Edward County
tsprague(AT)kos.net
www.naturestuff.net
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]Toronto Islands Today - Caspian Tern,
Yellow-rumps, etc.
From: "Norman Murr" <normurr(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 3:58pm
Good evening
Today I joined Ian Cannell, Margaret Liubavicius and Ed O'Conner for another
nice day of birding on The Islands and this time we had a total number of
Waxwings of 1 Cedar Waxwing. The company was great and the birds were pretty
good and following are some of the ones we found.
Black-crowned night-Herons, Wood Ducks, Redhead, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser
Scaup, White-winged Scoters including an interesting first Spring female, Hooded
and Common Mergansers, Cooper's Hawks, Caspian Tern, Belted Kingfishers, 22
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 12 Downy Woodpeckers, 56 Northern Flickers, Eastern
Phoebes, Tree Swallows, Winter Wrens, 39 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 3 Ruby-crowned
Kinglets, 6 Hermit Thrushes, Brown Thrasher, 1 Shrike Sp., 8 Yellow-rumped
Warblers, 11 Fox Sparrows, 59 Song Sparrows, and White-throated Sparrows.
Some of the above birds are a sample of good things ahead for the next month
and a half.
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 riday.
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"
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
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http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]WNY Dial-a-Bird 10 Apr 2008
From: dfsuggs(AT)localnet.com
Date: 10 Apr 2008 8:29pm
- RBA
* New York
* Buffalo
* 04/10/2008
* NYBU0804.10
- Birds mentioned
---------------------------------------------------------- Please
phone in rare sightings for update
Submit email to dfsuggs localnet com
Thank you, David
----------------------------------------------------------
DUNLIN
CASPIAN TERN
NORTHERN GOSHAWK
EVENING GROSBEAK
NORTHERN SHRIKE
COMMON REDPOLL
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Bl.-cr. Night-Heron
Cackling Goose
Wood Duck
Long-tailed Duck
Bald Eagle
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Wilson's Snipe
American Woodcock
Bonaparte's Gull
Short-eared Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-b. Sapsucker
Pileated Woodpecker
N. Rough-w. Swallow
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-cr. Kinglet
Ruby-cr. Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
Brown Thrasher
Yellow-r. Warbler
Eastern Towhee
Amer. Tree Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Rusty Blackbird
- Transcript
Hotline: Dial-a-Bird at the Buffalo Museum of Science
Date: 04/10/2008
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 10, 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.
Reports April 3 through April 10 from the Niagara Frontier Region
include DUNLIN, CASPIAN TERN, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, EVENING GROSBEAK,
NORTHERN SHRIKE, COMMON REDPOLLS and spring migrants.
April 6 at the Iroquois Refuge, an early DUNLIN at the Kumpf Marsh,
next to Cayuga Pool, along with 13 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LESSER
YELLOWLEGS, and WILSON'S SNIPE.
From Chautauqua County, first report of CASPIAN TERN April 9 at the
mouth of Cattaraugus Creek in the Town of Hanover, and N. ROUGH-W.
SWALLOW April 6 at Dunkirk Harbor. In the Town of Clarence, 2 SAVANNAH
SPARROWS April 10 on Green Acres Road.
In the Lake Ontario Plains, an immature NORTHERN GOSHAWK in the Town
of Wilson on April 5, and a PILEATED WOODPECKER at Wilson-Tuscaurora
State Park.
Also on the 5th, 2 EVENING GROSBEAKS on Creek Road in the Erie
County Town of Wales. NORTHERN SHRIKE still in the region - April 5
near Cayuga Pool, and April 7 in the Town of Attica in Wyoming County.
And several reports included dwindling numbers of AMER. TREE SPARROWS.
COMMON REDPOLLS continued and increased at feeders this week, 9 in
East Aurora and 41 in Silver Creek. Six COMMON REDPOLLS in Clarence
were a first for the location.
FOX SPARROWS and YELLOW-B. SAPSUCKERS were widely reported. April 7,
a top count of 19 FOX SPARROWS and 14 YELLOW-B. SAPSUCKERS at Tifft
Nature Preserve in Buffalo. Other spring migrants and arrivals
throughout the region - AMERICAN WOODCOCK, BROWN CREEPER, WINTER WREN,
GOLDEN-CR. KINGLET, RUBY-CR. KINGLET, HERMIT THRUSH, BROWN THRASHER,
YELLOW-R. WARBLER and EASTERN TOWHEE. Again this week, RUSTY BLACKBIRD
at Tifft Nature Preserve.
On the upper Niagara River at the Motor Island heronry, 83 GREAT
BLUE HERONS, 52 BL.-CR. NIGHT-HERONS and 16 GREAT EGRETS. Also BELTED
KINGFISHER on the river and at Forest Lawn in Buffalo.
BONAPARTE'S GULLS, many with full black hoods, reappeared on the
upper river this week, and at Dunkirk Harbor, 300 BONAPARTE'S GULLS
with 500 RED-BR. MERGANSERS. BONAPARTE'S GULLS away from the Great
Lakes - 2 outside the Village of Warsaw in Wyoming County, another 2
in a field in the Chautauqua County Town of Brant and 20 BONAPARTE'S
GULLS over the Town of Tonawanda. Three LONG-TAILED DUCKS with 4
CACKLING GEESE and 1 blue-phase SNOW GOOSE at Windmill Marsh in the
Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area. And, 3 more LONG-TAILED DUCKS at
the Countryside Ponds in the Town of Dayton.
Other reports - BALD EAGLES in Farmersville in Cattaraugus County,
and on nest at the Countryside Ponds, at Route 20 and Tonawanda Creek
in Alexander, and at Cayuga Pool. In the Tonawanda Wildlife Management
Area, a pair of OSPREY at the Lewiston Overlook platform, and
SHORT-EARED OWLS on Meadville Road and Owens Road. And, in a yard pond
on Ruie Road in North Tonawanda, 4 WOOD DUCKS.
Dial-a-Bird will be updated Thursday evening, April 17. 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]Ottawa - Sparrows, Wrens, Kinglets, Woodcocks
From: Patrick Blake <pjblake22(AT)hotmail.com>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 5:40pm
I took an hour after work to dodge rush hour traffic and head over to the Jack
Pine Trail of the Stony Swamp Conservation Area, and the traffic was worth the
trip. The pine grove right near the parking area was teeming with DARK-EYED
JUNCOS singing from the treetops. I would estimate that there were probably
close to 60-80 birds by how much noise they made. Further down the trail I came
across my first FOX SPARROW of the year. Near the OFNC feeder there were the
usual suspects: RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, CHICKADEES, a DOWNY WOODPECKER, and I
spotted a single GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET (I head at least four others in the
vicinity).
Not a meter down the trail I came across 5 SONG SPARROWS feeding amongst the
reeds and flowing water from all the melting snow. As I watched the sparrows, I
inadvertantly spooked a WINTER WREN from its concealed place in the reeds. It
flew off into the forest, but not before giving me a brief glimpse (I would bet
this is the same winter wren that eluded my attempts at photographing it last
winter). A short time later it was singing from its location in the trees and
brush, but I couldn't relocate it. Before leaving, I came across two more FOX
SPARROWS near the OFNC feeder.
I was also there last night around 8:30pm, and I could make out at least three
AM. WOODCOCKS singing in the night. I did not locate any of them by sight, but
they were very vocal last night and I would imagine will continue to be that way
for awhile.
Pat Blake
Ottawa
DIRECTIONS:
>From 416N, take exit 66 and turn left onto Fallowfield Road. At the light,
turn right onto Moodie Drive. The Jack Pine Trail parking area (P9) is located
on the right.
_________________________________________________________________
If you like crossword puzzles, then you'll love Flexicon, a game which combines
four overlapping crossword puzzles into one!
http://g.msn.ca/ca55/208_______________________________________________
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]York Region Report
From: RON FLEMING <flemingron(AT)rogers.com>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 9:00pm
Warm temps and some southerly winds helped to propel more migrants north of Lake
Ontario this week. On Tuesday I took a circuitous drive from Richmond Hill back
to Newmarket and located my first EASTERN MEADOWLARK of the spring along
King-Vaughan Line just west of Hwy. 400. (It turned out to be the first of four
I would see during my drive.) There was also an AMERICAN COOT in the slough NW
of 15th Sdrd. and Weston Rd. (NW of King City), a passing OSPREY at the same
location, and a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at the trailhead beside 7th Concession
(King) near 16th Sdrd. Along the 8th Concession of King north of 16th there
were two more Meadowlarks, several Tree Swallows, and a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER
"kwirring" loudly near house #15045.
At the north end of Bathurst St. (above Queensville Sdrd. near Holland
Landing), Chris Dunn counted approx. 1500 ducks still on the fields Tuesday.
Among the many ducks in the area there was a N. SHOVELER and another AMERICAN
COOT. The big, totally flooded section on the west side of Bathurst held 2
breeding plumage HORNED GREBES. There were 4 OSPREYS present in this large
wetland area, as well as three SANDHILL CRANES which dropped in for 10 minutes
then headed off to the north.
On Wednesday evening Chris checked the the west side of the Holland River
north of Bradford and found several good birds. At the Provincial Wildlife Area
on the10th Line (east of Hwy. 11/Yonge) there were many Icterids - mostly
Red-wings and
Grackles but a few RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were mixed in. Swallows gradually
accumulated toward sunset and in the end at least 500 TREE SWALLOWS
sagged the hydro lines near the end of the road. Among them a single BARN
SWALLOW was observed. A group of 7 BONAPARTES GULLS was seen flying north along
the river, as well as two more SANDHILL CRANES. Keith Dunn checked that same
area today and observed a RUFFED GROUSE, plus his first SWAMP SPARROW of the
spring.
A male EASTERN BLUEBIRD that arrived at the Cawthra Mulock reserve in
Newmarket on Sunday was joined by a female on Wednesday. Efforts to find this
pair today were unsuccessful, though the presence of an American Kestrel may
have had something to do with their absence. Raoul Hendricks had a N. FLICKER
and a BROWN CREEPER at the reserve Tuesday. Both were heard calling today, as
well as a PILEATED WOODPECKER. There were numerous Golden-crowned Kinglets
present today as well as one early RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET observed by Allan
Roitner. I had a male N. HARRIER, a RUFFED GROUSE, and one FOX SPARROW in the
late afternoon. While waiting for the lights to change at Bathurst and Green
Lane I was entertained by the sight of four WILD TURKEYS making a short,
ungainly-looking flight over the car-tops on the east side of the intersection.
In south Keswick there are currently some good flooded fields for waterfowl
along Ravenshoe Rd., the best one being just north of Ravenshoe on the west side
of the laneway into Best Asian Farms (property currently for sale). Keith Dunn
had several duck species there today, including N. PINTAIL, BLUE-WINGED TEAL,
AMERICAN WIGEON, GADWALL, and N. SHOVELER. Also observed there was a late flock
of about 30 SNOW BUNTINGS, at least three OSPREY, and numerous GB HERONS in the
heronry that is easily visible on the north horizon.
Ron Fleming, Newmarket
DIRECTIONS: York Region is just north of Toronto and south of Lake Simcoe.
The north end of Bathurst Street is accessed by taking Yonge St. north from
Newmarket. About halfway between Newmarket and Bradford there is a stoplight
indicating Bathurst St. North. Turn right, then a quick left. Bathurst crosses
the RR tracks then runs straight north. Take it to all the way up to the
flooded fields north of Queensville Sdrd. and Albert's marina. Hochreiter Rd.
is directly west of the road into Albert's Marina but a vehicle could easily get
stuck along this quagmire of a lane. Walking in from Bathurst would be safer.
To get to the PWA on the other side of the river, drive back down Bathurst to
Hwy. 11, turn west toward Bradford, go past (or through) the Tim Horton's, then
take a right at the stoplights. This road skirts the busier part of Bradford
and eventually bends around to reconnect with Hwy. 11 where it runs north toward
Barrie. Take it north to the 10th Line, then turn right (east) and follow that
all the way to where it bends crosses the tracks then bends north. You will
soon come to the sign for the Provincial Wildlife Area. Park and walk in. You
eventually come to boardwalk and the western edge of the Holland Marsh.
Ravenshoe Road runs east-west along the southern border of Keswick. Drive to
the agricultural flats west of Leslie Street (also called Queensway when it gets
to Keswick).
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]Cooper Marsh, Long Sault Parkway
From: "Don Wigle" <don.wigle(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 6:01pm
At Cooper Marsh today we saw a Belted Kingfisher, a male Wood Duck, a Great
Blue Heron, many Canada Geese, many American Robins, many Red-winged
Blackbirds and several Song Sparrows. We saw no Tree Swallows or Ospreys.
Along the Long Sault Parkway we saw about 30 Ring-necked Ducks, one Redhead,
several Hooded Mergansers and Common Mergansers, a few Cormorants and a
Bufflehead.
Don Wigle
Ottawa
Directions: Cooper Marsh
http://www.rrca.on.ca/conservation-areas/cooper-marsh.html
Long Sault Parkway http://www.stlawrenceparks.com/lspprk.htm
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]Eastern Towhee spotted in our backyard
From: "Rose Anne or Chad Faubert" <rctfaubert(AT)ciaccess.com>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 9:23pm
We have looked out our back window in Tilbury and there is a Eastern Towhee in
our backyard. I still see Cooper hanging out and also several cardinals. Also
there is a flicker. In the last couple of days we still hear an owl, but we
can't seem to find it. There is a winter wren as well.
By our pond, a brown thrasher is settling in just beautifully.
Some eastern bluebirds are nesting in Bothwell.
any suggestions how I can spot the owls? I would love to finally see them.
Rose Anne Faubert
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
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http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Burlington
From: Andrew Mactavish <mactavis(AT)mcmaster.ca>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 9:39pm
Today at noon I observed a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER in my yard in
Burlington (south of the QEW at Guelph Line and Lakeshore Road). This
is the first of the year here, a sure sign that spring might actually
be on its way.
Andrew Mactavish
Burlington, ON
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending April
10, 2008.
From: Fred Helleiner <fhelleiner(AT)trentu.ca>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 9:51pm
At least twenty new species, mostly songbirds, returned to Presqu'ile
Provincial Park since the latest weekly report was posted a week ago.
One observer who spends part of each day birding in the Park saw six
species new to him on April 9, a very good birding day here.
April 6 saw another good flight of Canada Geese, among which were two or
three Cackling Geese. Two unmarked Trumpeter Swans were close to shore
in Presqu'ile Bay on April 8, and a Tundra Swan was present on April 6.
Ducks have begun to move on, but dabbling ducks have been along the
shore near Owen Point, including a pair of Northern Shovelers. There
are fewer Gadwalls than there have been for several recent weeks. The
Eurasian Wigeons reported last week have not been seen for a week.
Green-winged Teals are the most numerous dabbling ducks these days. A
decrease in the number of Canvasbacks, Redheads, and Common Goldeneyes
has been accompanied by an increase in Ring-necked Ducks, over 100 of
which have been seen at one time. There were three Ruddy Ducks at Salt
Point on April 5.
Although only one Red-throated Loon was sighted in Popham Bay this week,
it is likely that more will soon be gathering there. Likewise, the
spring flight of Common Loons that takes place in the early mornings
should be taking place very soon. In the meantime, individuals of that
species can be found in the waters around the peninsula, as can Horned
Grebes. A single Red-necked Grebe was in Presqu'ile Bay today. One
each of Great Egret (April 7) and Black-crowned Night-Heron (April 5)
was observed in the past week, but more should soon be arriving, along
with American Bitterns.
Single Ospreys were seen in different parts of the Park on April 6 and
single Merlins on several days. The first Ruffed Grouse were heard
drumming on April 6. A Wilson's Snipe was seen on April 5, and American
Woodcocks have been seen and heard on several occasions. Bonaparte's
Gulls and Caspian Terns first appeared on April 6 and are now being seen
regularly. Little Gulls sometimes pass through Presqu'ile in the latter
half of April. A Glaucous Gull on the beach on April 6 was a late
surprise.
A Common Raven flew over on April 10. April is also the month when most
of the few spring records of Tufted Titmouse at Presqu'ile have been
recorded. Two Carolina Wrens have been vocal in the east end of the
peninsula. An early Ruby-crowned Kinglet was at 38 Bayshore Road on
April 9, the same day as the first Hermit Thrush sighting (in the High
Bluff campground). It seems likely that the first warbler will appear
in the next week, but whether it will be a Yellow-rumped Warbler or a
Pine Warbler remains to be seen. The big influx of sparrows has barely
begun, with sightings of Field Sparrows, a Savannah Sparrow, Fox
Sparrows, a Swamp Sparrow, and Eastern Towhees. Only one Rusty
Blackbird has been found (at the lighthouse on April 9). The first
Purple Finch of the spring was patronizing the feeders at 83 Bayshore
Road on April 10. A few Common Redpolls are still coming there too.
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.
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
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Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]Algonquin Park birding update: 10 April 2008
From: Ron Tozer <rtozer(AT)vianet.ca>
Date: 10 Apr 2008 10:46pm
All lakes remain almost completely covered with ice, and
despite very extensive areas of bare ground on south-facing
slopes, travel in shaded woods still requires snow shoes to
navigate the knee-deep snow. Winter is being beaten back,
but slowly.
Many new migrants arrived with the dramatically warmer
weather this week. The tendency for arrivals to be later
than normal is waning now, as is usually the case when
warmer temperatures finally prevail. There was a mix
of earlier than average, average, and later than average
arrivals this week. Below, the first date seen this week
is followed by the average first date in brackets.
Later than average first date:
American Black Duck: April 5 (March 28)
Common Goldeneye: April 9 (April 7)
American Kestrel: April 9 (April 8)
Killdeer: April 9 (April 2)
American Woodcock: April 5 (April 2)
Golden-crowned Kinglet: April 5 (April 2)
American Tree Sparrow: April 8 (March 31)
Dark-eyed Junco: April 5 (March 28)
Eastern Meadowlark: April 9 (April 6)
Purple Finch: April 9 (April 6)
Same as average first date:
Red-shouldered Hawk: April 10 (April 10)
Tree Swallow: April 9 (April 9)
Fox Sparrow: April 8 (April 8)
Rusty Blackbird: April 8 (April 8)
Earlier than average first date:
Canada Goose (Interior race): April 8 (April 10)
Wilson's Snipe: April 9 (April 15)
Belted Kingfisher: April 8 (April 9)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: April 8 (April 11)
Northern Flicker: April 7 (April 10)
Eastern Phoebe: April 4 (April 7)
Winter Wren: April 6 (April 7)
Lapland Longspur: April 7 (April 24)
FINCHES:
Pine Grosbeak: They appear to have all gone back
north.
Purple Finch: Two seen on April 9 at the Visitor Centre
were the first in Algonquin since 13 November 2007.
Common Redpoll: Up to 35 were at the West Gate
feeder this week, and about 20 at the Visitor Centre.
Daily changes suggested birds moving through.
Hoary Redpoll: No reports.
Evening Grosbeak: A male continued to frequent the
Visitor Centre feeder irregularly this week.
BOREAL RESIDENTS:
Spruce Grouse: Two were reported on Spruce Bog
Boardwalk on the weekend, and one was near the
Opeongo Road gate on April 5.
Black-backed Woodpecker: A female was seen in the
Costello Creek Bog, east of Opeongo Road on April 8.
Gray Jay: They were observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk,
and Opeongo Road.
Boreal Chickadee: Try Spruce Bog and Opeongo Road,
and listen for the musical call which they should be uttering
now.
OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES:
Short-eared Owl: One was flushed from the bog north of
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on April 8, but could not be relocated
afterward.
Bohemian Waxwing: Two flew over at the Visitor Centre
on April 4, and one was heard in flight, west of Opeongo
Road, on April 5. These are birds returning to the north,
and obviously very low numbers compared with sightings
in southern Ontario where there is fruit to consume. Migrant
Bohemian Waxwings are forced to eat tree buds here.
Northern Cardinal: A wandering male was at the Visitor
Centre feeder on April 7 and 8, for our earliest spring sighting
here ever (previous earliest: May 22). This very rare bird in
Algonquin has most often appeared in November. Nearly all
cardinals here wander off after only one or two days, and
this one was no exception.
Lapland Longspur: One in breeding plumage was on
Opeongo Road, 100 m north of the Costello Creek culvert
(which is beyond the locked gate) on April 7 and 8.
House Finch: After the surprising female at the Visitor Centre
on April 3, a male appeared there the next day (April 4). This
is a very rare bird in Algonquin now.
BIRDERS:
Please let us know the date, number and location of birds you
observe when you visit Algonquin Park. This information is
stored in the Algonquin Visitor Centre database, and will help
us to assist other birders here.
Arowhon Road is officially closed to public travel until further
notice. Do not use this road.
Good birding.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, Ontario
Directions:
Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways
400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on
Highway 400. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then
follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers along Highway
60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to the East Gate
(km 56). The park gates will not be staffed until later in April, but
you can still get your permit there (by machine), and the park
tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) is available
there too.
The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings and information, plus
feeders. Birders visiting during the week are welcome to contact
staff for birding information and access to the viewing deck, via the
service entrance (right end of the building as you face it from the
parking lot). Exhibits and restaurant are open on weekends through
April 20, 10 am to 5 pm.
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
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