Bruce Di Labio's Blog: Changing Seasons September 10-14, 2009

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Changing Seasons September 10-14, 2009

Over the past week, south bound migration has been slow but steady in Eastern Ontario. No great days but scattered flocks of warblers and other migrants have been found in various locations. My Sunday, September 13th ``Local Hot Spots`` trip was interesting due to a combination of high water levels and the stretch of beautiful sunny days.The water level along the Ottawa River continues to slowly drop and is attracting some shorebird action. Our group birded the Shirley's Bay area and finally had a few shorebirds that actually found some exposed mud at the dyke. At the dyke we observed 4 Greater Yellowlegs, 6 Spotted Sandpiper and 2 Solitary Sandpiper. A big surprise was observing 3 species of raptors in one tree! 2 Merlin, 1 American Kestrel and 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk. An amazing sight. As we moved along to the Dunrobin area, we saw a flock of 12 Eastern Bluebirds along 5th Line road as well as 25 Chipping sparrow, 2 Palm Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler and 5 Eastern Meadowlark. The most unusual find was an Eastern Bluebird with white "eye patches". (see photo)

Numbers and variety of waterfowl are beginning to change with a few northern species starting to appear. On Saturday, September 12th, in the Moodie Drive pond area, I observed 50+ Ring-necked Duck, 11 Lesser Scaup, 1 Common Goldeneye and 7 Ruddy Ducks. On September 10th, Ben and I observed 2 Snow Geese along Richardson Side Road near Kanata.
Over the weekend, Great Egrets were still being observed at Shirley's Bay and along the Carp River at Richardson's Side Road and Virginia Rails were seen along Moodie Drive.
This is the time to begin filling the feeders. Yesterday, our 5 niger feeders had over 50 American Goldfinch, Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches and Downy Woodpeckers.

Juvenile plumaged Lesser Yellowlegs.

Spotted Sandpiper without spots. Note the white shoulder spur.

The Killdeer is easy to recognize by its 2 black breast bands.

"Puddle ducks" are starting to show up along the river as water levels begin to drop.

An odd looking Eastern Bluebird with white eye patches.

American Goldfinch numbers are on the rise.

The Virginia Rail is an uncommon sight in wetlands.

These secertive birds are usually very shy.

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Birding Ethics

Ontario Field Ornithologists' Ethical Birding Principles
As the number of birders increases, we must all make every effort to act in a positive and responsible way. We must also convey responsible image to non-birders who may be affected by our activities. Most people appreciate birds but this appreciation can be quickly destroyed by the irresponsible actions of a handful of birders.

In the past a code of ethics was not considered necessary, but times have changed and as more and more pressure is put on our environment it is essential to do whatever we can to lead by example. Each of us must show consideration to other birders, landowners, habitat, birds and other wildlife at all times. We are ambassadors of birding and our actions today will reflect the respect we receive in the future.

The welfare of the birds must come first.
Whatever your interest, from scientific study to listing, always consider the impact of your activity on the bird. Respect bird protection laws. We are all responsible to ensure we abide by them at all times.

Habitat protection.
Habitat is vital for the existence of birds and we must ensure that our activities cause minimum damage to our environment. Use trails to avoid trampling vegetation.

Keep disturbance to a minimum.
Although some birds can tolerate human activity, this varies from species to species and from season to season. Use common sense and extreme caution around nests. Migrants may be tired and hungry and should not be kept from resting or feeding. When photographing birds, study their reaction and if they become agitated, back off. Avoid the use of flash photography on owls. Tape recordings and similar methods of attracting birds may cause stress for territorial birds. They should be used sparingly and avoided in heavily birded areas. Do not deliberately flush birds. Patience is often rewarded.

Rare breeding birds.
If you discover a rare breeding bird, do not feel under any obligation to report your find to other birders. Record the details of your discovery. You may wish to file the nest with the Ontario Nest Records Scheme at the Royal Ontario Museum. Avoid visiting known sites of rare breeding birds unless they can be viewed from a distance without disturbance.

Rare birds.
Rare migrants or vagrants are the species most sought after by birders. If you discover a rarity, consider the circumstances carefully before releasing the information. You must take responsibility for the decision to release the find. You should consider whether an influx of birders will disturb the bird, people or other species in the area; whether habitat will be damaged; and where people will park. Inform the landowner of the find, explain what may happen and obtain permission to tell other birders. Ask the landowner for a list of dos and don'ts, for example, where birders may stand to get a good view and what restrictions there may be on time of day. Also ask which areas are off limit. If you decide to release the news, give precise directions and instructions. If possible include a phone number. At all times make as little noise as possible. Remember, most non-birders will be surprised by the number of visitors who wish to see a rare bird.

Respect the rights of landowners and occupiers of land.
Before entering an area, be aware of the rules about access such as by-laws of Conservation Authorities, National and Provincial Parks, and Regional Authorities. Many landowners and authorities allow birders access to areas normally off limits. Always act in a responsible way and if you are asked to leave, do so immediately. Do not block gateways or cause damage to fences, and leave gates as you find them. Do not obstruct people who may be working in these areas.

Have proper consideration for other birders.
When telephoning for information, do so at reasonable hours of the day. Try not to disrupt other birders’ activities or scare the birds they are watching. Many other people enjoy the outdoors; do not interfere with their activities. Be polite to other birders and helpful to beginners. If you see people obviously disturbing birds or significantly damaging habitat, explain to them the effect of their actions but be courteous, they may not be aware of the effect they are having.

Increase our knowledge about birds.
Keep notes of your sightings and send them to area compilers. Send rare bird reports to the Secretary, Ontario Bird Records Committee.

When birding in other countries, provinces or regions.
Find out if there is a local code of ethics or any special rules that should be respected.

|Other Birding Codes of Conduct|

Bruce Di Labio's Blog

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Changing Seasons September 10-14, 2009

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