Bruce Di Labio's Blog

January 27, 2012 Fork-tailed Flycatcher in Florida

2012-01-27T20:30:00.001-05:00

After reading a number of posts about a Fork-tailed Flycatcher near Ruskin, Florida I decided to take a quick run over to look for it since I was in the area for a few days. We arrived at 3:00pm and after a short while spotted the flycatcher at a distance sitting on a fence line. Had good views through the scope before it disappeared. At around 3:45pm it reappeared at the end of Lost River Trail and sat in one of its favorite trees and put on a wonderful display fly-catching. At that point we noticed that one of its outer tail feathers was missing. This was a first for my North America list, #715.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher

Fork-tailed flycatcher missing outer tail feather.

Coming in for a landing.

Perched in one of its favorite trees, the Fork-tailed Flycatcher would sit for a while before fly catching.

The Fork-tailed flycatcher is a casual visitor to eastern North America. Most records are from the spring and fall season but a few occur during winter in Florida and Texas.

Innis Point Bird Observatory 30th Anniversary Dinner

2012-01-27T09:08:00.000-05:00

Innis Point Bird Observatory 30th Anniversary Dinner and Silent Auction

February 28th 2012 @ 6PM

at the Marconi Centre, 1062 Baseline Rd.

Ottawa, ON

With a Special Guest Speaker

MICHAEL RUNTZ

“Lovers, Killers, Hoarders and Thieves: the

Untold Story of Birds"

Michael has been an enthusiastic birdwatcher since the age of five. He

has worked as an interpretive naturalist in provincial and national parks,

conducted biological surveys across Ontario, hosted an international

television series Wild by Nature, published 10 books on natural history

(the latest is titled Natural History), written more than 1,000 newspaper

and magazine natural history articles, and currently teaches Natural

History and Ornithology at Carleton University. Through the years,

Michael has received numerous awards including the Council of Canadian

University Biology Chairs Public Science Education Award, and the

Carleton University Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tickets: $40 (or $300 for an eight‐person table)

Cash Bar

Free Parking

Purchase tickets by February 18.

No tickets sold at the door.

For tickets call/email: 613‐725‐2362, e.slump@rogers.com

613‐255‐7584, procorvus@hotmail.com

For more details and updates, check out our Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/InnisPointBirdObservatory

Introduction

Founded in 1982 as the Ottawa

Banding Group, the Innis Point Bird

Observatory (IPBO) is located along

the Ottawa River, near Shirley's Bay,

in Ontario, Canada (just 16 km west

of Parliament). IPBO is a registered

Canadian charity dedicated to the

study of birds and natural history.

IPBO members/volunteers participate

in projects year-round at Innis Point

and Ottawa area.

Projects

• Spring Migration Monitoring

Program (SMMP)

• Monitoring Aviation Productivity

and Survivorship (MAPS)

• Bluebird Trail

• Tree Swallow Nesting Boxes

• Purple Martin Colony

• Winter Bird Feeders

• Osprey Nesting Platforms

• Northern Saw-whet Owl Banding

• Snow Bunting Banding

• Butterfly Garden

IPBO is a member of the Canadian

Migration Monitoring Network:

www.bsc-eoc.org/volunteer/cmmn/ IPBO

http://www.ipbo.ca/

http://www.facebook.com/InnisPointBirdObservatory

info@ipbo.ca

January 25, 2012 More backyard birding

2012-01-26T10:14:00.000-05:00

After yesterdays excitement my feeders were back in action with many of usual visitors. The American Goldfinch were busy with the niger feeders while Mourning Doves fed below picking up any seeds that fell. A European Starling almost back in spring plumage devoured the suet as both Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers waited. Unfortunately no Saw-whet today, likely a "one day wonder".

American Goldfinch enjoying niger seed.

A European Starling sits on top of the suet feeder. Note the lack of spots now and bill colour turning yellow.

Once a rare winter visitor the Mourning Dove is now a regular feeder bird during the winter months.

January 24, 2012 New backyard bird, #172

2012-01-25T11:33:00.001-05:00

After spending 4 days birding/owling on Amherst Island in search of Northern Saw-whet and other owls, I find one in my backyard! A new species for the yard list, #172. Fortunately, I heard a Black-capped Chickadee giving a soft scolding dee-dee-dee call from our cedar hedge and I investigated. Sitting about 7 feeet up in a white cedar was the owl. I've now recorded 5 species of owls on my property including Great Gray (during the invasion winter of 2004-05), Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl and Eastern Screech-Owl. The owl struck around long enough that Ben got to see it after school. Anything is possible!
Good Birding, Bruce

Northern Saw-whet Owl #172 for my yard list!

January 21-23, 2012 More Amherst Island birding

2012-01-25T11:31:00.000-05:00

The island raptor numbers continued to change by the day. Over a 3-day tour we managed to find everything that was in the "Owl woods" on my Friday tour but if took a lot of searching! With a very low number of owls it takes longer to locate them and we never had the same owls the following day. On Saturday, January 21st, a late afternoon visit produced both Snowy owl and Short-eared owl but no owls in the "Owl Woods". On January 22nd our first run out we found a Northern Saw-whet Owl, different from Friday's. It made me wonder if there was a movement of saw-whets either north or south? A late afternoon visit to the island produced "0" owls. Not sure if everything is just moving around the island. Our final visit on January 23rd to the "Owl Woods" was again different. No saw-whets but I finally located 1 very cooperative Long-eared Owl which made the day! We did a quick run around the island and found a small number of hawks, total 20, with the high count coming from Northern Harrier 8, Red-tailed Hawk 6, and Rough-legged Hawk 6. There is very little snow on the island and it appears that there are few rodents. Hopefully things will pick up soon.

good birding, Bruce

A Short-eared Owl roosting in a White Spruce.

I've observed Short-eared Owls roosting numerous times but this was my first time to actually see one sitting and able to photograph it.

A Northern Saw-whet Owl sitting with prey.

So far, very few Northern Saw-whet Owls have been observed this winter.

Even Long-eared Owls has been very scarce this winter.

Sunset on Amherst Island.

January 20, 2012 Amherst Island birding

2012-01-25T11:30:00.001-05:00

The bird activity on Amherst Island continues to change daily. The "Owl Woods" was somewhat quiet but we managed to find 1 Northern Saw-whet Owl, my first since checking in late October. There have been very few reports of any owls from the "Owl Woods" this season. The feeders were active with 30+ House Finch, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, American Tree sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco. Both Short-eared and Long-eared Owls, one of each were found roosting in the woods. A drive around the island netted a few Snowy Owl and still low numbers of hawks, including Red-tailed, Rough-legged, American Kestrel, and Northern Harrier.

Good birding, Bruce

Directions: Amherst Island: Located 18 km. west of Kingston. Exit off Hwy. 401 at exit 593 (County Rd. 4, Camden East) and drive south to the very end (Millhaven). Turn right on Hwy. 33 and drive 100 metres until you see the sign for the Amherst Island ferry. The ferry (20 minute trip) leaves the mainland on the half hour and leaves the island on the hour. Cost is $9.00 Canadian round trip. There are no gas stations on the island. There are restrooms on the ferry, and at the island ferry dock. The East End K.F.N. property is at the easternmost part of the island on the east side of the Lower Forty Foot Road.

Because of liability issues, visitors to the Kingston Field Naturalists' property at the east end of Amherst Island MUST be accompanied by a KFN member. For KFN contact information or how to become a member, please visit http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."

A Common Redpoll feeding on White Cedar cones.

First recorded in Ontario during the early 70's the House Finch is now a regular sight in south Ontario.

A Snowy Owl sits quietly.

Easy to overlook at the best of times as they roost during the day. This Northern Saw-whet Owl was sitting 15-20 feet up a Jack Pine.

January 18, 2012 Birding Amherst Island

2012-01-19T22:53:00.000-05:00

Made a quick trip to Amherst Island and found no snow on the island and no ice on the water. It looked more like late fall. I check the usual spots and found 3 Snowy Owls at the east end, KFN property and 1 along the South Shore Road. The Short-eared Owls starting flying at 4:14pm both east and west of Stella. A small number of hawks were observed including Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks along with American Kestrel. With the wide of waters I counted late 7 Common Loons and 1 Red-necked Grebe off the South Shore Road.

Good birding, Bruce

Amherst Island Ferry

Icy road conditions to the Owl Woods.

With no snow cover, Snowy Owls were easy to pick out.

Short-eared Owls were already hunting at 4:15pm.

The Short-eared Owl is a regular winter resident on Amherst Island in small numbers.

Final Results of the Massena, NY.-Cornwall, ON. CBC

2012-01-17T18:44:00.002-05:00

39^th Annual

Massena,New York-Cornwall, Ontario

ChristmasBird Count Results

December27, 2011

HiEveryone

Pleasefind attached the results of the 39th Annual Massena-Cornwall Christmas BirdCount. I've also attached the revised All Time Record Highs, 1971-2011.Both lists follow the most recent AOU changes in the July 2011 supplement. Ifyou note any errors in the numbers please let me know. Also, please forwardresults to anyone whose email I don’t list and took part.

Thanksand have a great year birding!

Bruce DiLabio Compiler

The 39thAnnual Massena,NY.-Cornwall,On. Christmas Bird Count (CBC) took place onTuesday, December 27, 2011. A total of 36 field observers and 12 feederwatchers recorded a record high 78species and a record high 24,015 individuals.One new species, Winter Wren, wasadded to the All Time list bringing the total to 138 species in 39 years. Also,16 record high counts and 3 tied record highs were recorded. The weatherconditions for the day were great for being out counting birds. The temperatureranged from 0c to +4c with the visibility “excellent” along the St. LawrenceRiver during the morning due to the calm conditions. Also, the morning wasmainly clear and the afternoon was mainly overcast with light variable winds.The St. Lawrence River was wide openexcept for a few sheltered bays that were frozen or had ice along theshoreline. These conditions were superb and resulted in many new water birdsrecord high counts. In the 24 years I've been involved with the count it wasone of the best! I would like to thank all the participants and sector leadersfor their continued support on the count. Please forward this email to anyonewho may be interested in participating next season.

The datefor next Massena, NY.- Cornwall, ON. CBC is tentatively set for Saturday,December 22nd, 2012.

Di LabioBirding Website
Courses and Field Trips
http://www.dilabiobirding.ca
http://www.brucedilabio.blogspot.com

Bruce Di Labio
400 Donald B. Munro Drive
P.O. Box 538
Carp, Ontario
K0A 1L0
Office613-839-4395 Cell 613-715-2571

A few Massena-Cornwall CBC(1971-2012) statistics:

TotalSpecies: Record High 78 (2011) Record Low 29 (1971)

Total Individuals:Record High 24,015 (2011) Record Low 2,286 (1971)

Theaccumulative list stands at 138 species since the first count on December 27,1971. There are 2 years that the count wasn’t held or data not available, 1972and 1974. I’m not sure if it was due to poor weather.

One of the rarest birds to befound on the Massena, NY.- Cornwall, ON Christmas Bird Count was a SageThrasher. This individual was found on the first count on December 27, 1971 atthe entrance to the Robert Moses Power Dam. The thrasher was feeding in a crab apple tree and photographed by DougAllen. At the time it was the 3^rd NYS record.

Thefollowing highlights were recorded:

New species:

WinterWren 1

Record Highs: Previous highs are shown inparentheses followed by year.

AmericanWigeon 10 (9) 2006

Redhead 8(5) 2001, 2006

Bufflehead54 (46) 2008

HoodedMerganser 80 (63) 2006

Red-breastedMerganser 85 (28) 2009

CommonLoon 32 (21) 2006

Red-neckedGrebe 7 (4) 1994

BaldEagle 9 (7) 2002

Cooper'sHawk 4 (3) 1991, 1994

PeregrineFalcon 2 (1) 2003, 2008, 2009

MourningDove 402 (373) 2001

NorthernFlicker 16 (11) 1999

PileatedWoodpecker 19 (12) 2001

AmericanRobin 1,609 (129) 1985

EuropeanStarling 3,225 (1211) 1998

Dark-eyedJunco 94 (84) 2008

Tied Record Highs: Previous tiesare shown in parentheses followed by year.

Red-shoulderedHawk 1 (1) 1988

Merlin 2(2) 2008

CarolinaWren 1 (1) 1990, 2008, 2010

Otherspecies of interest:

CacklingGoose 1 (2nd record)

NorthernPintail 1 (4th record)
Red-throated Loon 1 (3rd record)

EasternMeadowlark 1 (4th record)

WinterFinches:

PineGrosbeak (0)
Purple Finch (2)
Red Crossbill (0)

White-wingedCrossbill (0)

Common Redpoll (0)
Pine Siskin (75)
American Goldfinch (328)
Evening Grosbeak (0)

Species	Number	Records	Comments
Snow Goose	3		late
Cackling Goose	1	2nd	last recorded 2006
Canada Goose	6577
Tundra Swan	1	3rd	late
Gadwall	87
American Wigeon	10	*	Record High
American Black Duck	68
Mallard	1951
Northern Pintail	1	4th	late
Redhead	8	*	Record High
Ring-necked Duck	4
Greater Scaup	5
Lesser Scaup	1		last recorded 2006
Long-tailed Duck	3
Bufflehead	54	*	Record High
Common Goldeneye	1132
Hooded Merganser	80	*	Record High
Common Merganser	978
Red-breasted Merganser	85	*	Record High
Ruffed Grouse	1		low
Wild Turkey	245
Red-throated Loon	1	3rd	first since 1997
Common Loon	32	*	Record High
Horned Grebe	1	6th	last recorded 2005
Red-necked Grebe	7	*	Record High
Double-crested Cormorant	2		late
Great Blue Heron	1		late (photo)
Bald Eagle	9	*
Northern Harrier	1		late. Last recorded 2006
Sharp-shinned Hawk	3
Cooper's Hawk	4	*	Record High
Northern Goshawk	3		scarce nowadays
Red-shouldered Hawk	1	***	Ties record high
Red-tailed Hawk	31
Rough-legged Hawk	3
Merlin	2	***	Ties record high
Peregrine Falcon	2	*	Record High
Ring-billed Gull	45
Herring Gull	1311
Iceland Gull	2
Glaucous Gull	4
Great Black-backed Gull	362		lower numbers in recent years
Rock Pigeon	503
Mourning Dove	402	*	Record High
Great Horned Owl	1		low
Snowy Owl	2		part of south bound movement
Downy Woodpecker	45
Hairy Woodpecker	45
Northern Flicker	16	*	Record High
Pileated Woodpecker	19	*	Record High
Northern Shrike	4
Blue Jay	274
American Crow	2,545
Common Raven	7
Horned Lark	1
Black-capped Chickadee	623
Red-breasted Nuthatch	2		low
White-breasted Nuthatch	68
Brown Creeper	10
Carolina Wren	1	***	Ties record high (photo)
Winter Wren	1	**	New species (photo)
Golden-crowned Kinglet	9
American Robin	1,609	*	Record High
European Starling	3,225	*	Record High
Cedar Waxwing	186
Snow Bunting	538
American Tree Sparrow	108
Song Sparrow	2
Dark-eyed Junco	94	*	Record High
Northern Cardinal	19
Red-winged Blackbird	1
Eastern Meadowlark	1	4th	late
Brown-headed Cowbird	8
Purple Finch	2
House Finch	23
Pine Siskin	75
American Goldfinch	328
House Sparrow	96


Total Species:	78
Total Individuals:	24,015


Record High*
New Record**
Ties Record High***

December 29, 2011 Dunrobin-Breckenridge Christmas Bird Count Results

2012-01-06T06:45:00.002-05:00

Despite frigid overnight temperatures, -21c, the 31st annual Dunrobin-Breckenridge Christmas Bird Count was a success with 50 species. This fits into the 30 year average of 50 species. No new species, a few record highs and a couple of surprises. Most field observers commented on a slow start but as the morning warmed up bird activity increased. Highlights included Red-bellied Woodpecker, Snowy Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Merlin, and Canada Goose. I'll have the complete results available mid January.

Bohemian Waxwing and Cedar Waxwings feeding in Red Cedar.

Open water along March Valley Road.

Old abandoned farm houses are sometimes used by Common Ravens or Turkey Vultures for nesting sites.

Fresh snow along Riddell Road.

The Common Raven is a regular site in the Dunrobin area.

Low overnight temperatures put the final freeze on the Ottawa River.

A Bohemian Waxwing feeding in a Red Cedar.

A view from Baskin's Beach across the Ottawa River to the Quebec side.

December 27,2011 Massena, N.Y-Cornwall, ON Christmas Bird Count

2011-12-28T11:27:00.000-05:00

The Massena-Cornwall Christmas Bird Count was held under ideal weather conditions with excellent visibility along the St.Lawrence River. With no rain or snow and limited amounts of ice and snow most participants had a great day in the field. I don't have the final results yet but overall at list 1 new species was found, a Winter Wren, on Moulinette Island. In fact Ben and I observed 2 wren species, the other a Carolina Wren on Ault island. Not bad for late December in eastern Ontario. Other higlights included 1 Red-throated Loon, 25+ Common Loon, 7 Red-necked Grebe, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 Snowy Owl, 400+ American Robin, 1 Song sparrow, 3 Northern Flicker to name a few! Other groups had impressive lists including Double-crested Cormorant, Horned Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Tundra Swan, American wigeion and Eastern Meadowlark. Lets hope we set a new record. I'll have the results availible end of first week of January. Heading to Dominican Republic soon!

One of the few Carolina Wren records for the count.

Pishing and squeaking played an important role for attracting species.

Ben hard at work looking for northern Flickers. Still no shoes!

The last of the freighters along the St. Lawrence before freeze up.

A female Pileated Woodpecker made a brief stop on a telephone pole at Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

Snowy Owls were found on the count for the first time in since 2008 reflecting the large southbound movement experienced this fall/winter.

A Winter Wren was new for the count. It was tricky to photograph since they don't sit still for very long.

Record numbers of American Robins were found, likley due to our mild fall and great berry crop.

Always a great bird to see on a Christmas bird count!

December 26,2011 Gray Partridge

2011-12-26T21:03:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone
Today I observed a flock of 9 Gray Partridge along Terry Fox Drive just south of Richardson Side Road. The flock was feeding in a field before a Common Raven dive bombed them a couple of times and the flock flew off across the Carp River towards Huntmar Rd. and disappeared. This area is north of the Maple Grove Road site and bordered by Huntmar Road,, Richardson Side Road, Terry Fox Drive and Hwy. 417.
Good Birding, Bruce

December 24,2011 Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T21:43:00.000-05:00

Now with winter upon us now, the ground snow covered, be sure to have your bird feeders full for our winter resident species or a late lingerer. A suet feeder will attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and any other insect eater that might be still hanging on. Both sunflower and nyger seeds work well for most local species.

American Robins can overwinter in small numbers if there is an ample food supply of berries/fruit such as Mountain Ash, Buchthorn, Wild Grape, or Crab-apple.

An American Robin foraging on the ground.

Buckthorn berries are still abundant this winter.

Over 100 American robins were counted at the Britannia Conservation Area on December 18th.

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a permanent resident in eastern Ontario. During the winter months it can be found associating with Black-capped Chickadees as they forage through city woodlots or visit bird feeders.

December 21, 2011 Birding Presqu'ile Provincial Park

2011-12-21T20:15:00.001-05:00

Had a good morning birding Owen Point, Gull Island and various locations within the park. On Gull Island a flock of Purple Sandpipers was a definite highlight as they fed along the southeast corner of Gull Island. Over on High Bluff Island 3 Snowy Owls were positioned for hunting as a large number of ducks as they fed along the shoreline. A male Northern Harrier and a immature Cooper's Hawk were noted hunting over the island as a Red-tailed Hawk circled overhead. There must be a high concentration of rodents on this island. At Calf Pasture an immature Bald Eagle perched in a tree while a Northern Shrike preened, a great day birding!

Here are a variety of Purple Sandpiper photos I took on Gull Island. enjoy!

December 20, 2011 Birding Amherst Island.

2011-12-21T19:33:00.001-05:00

The birding today on Amherst Island was great. We observed 5 Snowy Owls at the east end of the island including 3 on the KFN property. At the gravel bar a single Purple Sandpiper was observed, a late Savannah Sparrow at the pond and the Marsh Wren seen on December 12, was still present in the cattails just west of the bar. Along the South Shore Road a very late Killdeer was noted. At dusk at least 12 Short-eared owls were feeding along Front Road between Stella and the east point.

Amherst Island Ferry.

The Black -capped Chickadee will welcome you to the Owl Woods.

A male Northern Cardinal waiting for the feeders to be filled.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to expand its range into eastern Ontario.

Amherst Island can be a great location for Short-eared Owls.

The Short-eared Owl normally feeds at dusk but this individual was out early!

A Short-eared Owl fly's over investigating.

This Short-eared Owl was "wing clapping" which I thought was unusual for this time of year..

A male Snowy Owl just east of the KFN property.

Snowy Owls use a variety of perches while hunting.

A White-breasted Nuthatch waits for an opportunity to be hand fed.

December 18,2011 Birding on the Ottawa Christmas Bird Count.

2011-12-18T18:24:00.000-05:00

It was a strange feeling this morning. I was the Ottawa Christmas Bird Count, no snow, and -12c! Not what you normally except in Ottawa. Over the 41 years I've been participating, this has happen only few times. It wasn't that long ago, December 16, 2007 that the count was finally canceled at noon due to a snow storm. Unfortunately the lack of snow usually means the bird feeders will be slow and the birds will be dispersed over a large area making counting more difficult. With a lack of snow you can cover areas that are normally not accessible. During the morning the Ottawa River, Lake Deschenes had a thin layer of ice which forced many water birds to move to any open water and the Deschenes Rapids area had a good variety of ducks. Gull numbers were low due to the open waters, raptor number low, and most land birds too. A slow day in the field for most. Not to many highlights and no new species for the count. But it's always fun!

American Black Duck along the Ottawa River.

A male Barrow's Goldeneye near Mooney's Bay was a surprise find for the day.

A great comparison of male Barrow's and Common Goldeneye.

A female Cooper's Hawk sitting on breakfast, a Rock Pigeon.

Ready for take-off.

A gray morph Eastern Screech-Owl at dusk.

The Eastern Screech-owl is an uncommon resident in the Ottawa area. Due to its nocturnal native it goes undetected in most areas.

Ben scanning the open water off Britannia pier. On our first visit at dawn the river was many frozen with a thin layer of ice after dropping to -15c overnight.

December 17, 2011 Renfrew County Birding

2011-12-17T20:43:00.001-05:00

Ben and I spent most of the day birding on the Pembroke Christmas Bird Count with a quick side trip to Eganville and Lake Dore. Overall a great day, -9c, no snow and most rivers and lakes still wide open. For the Pembroke CBC it was very usual to have no snow and green grass! With the earlier mild conditions they were still numerous late lingering species along the Ottawa River at Morrison Island. Highlights included a Common Loon, 1 Greater Scaup, 7 Bufflehead, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1000+ Canada Geese and a Cackling Goose. On Lake Dore, with no ice, we found 1 Common Loon, 2 Red-necked Grebe, 5 Horned Grebe, 5 Long-tailed Duck, 1 White-winged Scoter, 37 Lesser Scaup, 17 Hooded Merganser, 2 Iceland Gull, 1 Glaucous Gull and a immature Bald Eagle. An amazing variety for mid December on Lake Dore. Most years the lake is frozen solid by now. The Rufous hummingbird was still coming to the hummingbird feeder at Eganville and appeared in good condition. Tonight's low is again -16c!

Sunrise along the Ottawa River at Morrison Island.

An adult Ring-billed Gull was a late lingerer at Pembroke.

A Ruffed Grouse showed no concern as it walked along a log.

Despite -16c overnight, the Rufous Hummingbird is doing well.

With no snow on the ground, a flock of Snow Bunting in flight were very conspicuous.

December 16, 2011 Snowy Owls continue to move south!

2011-12-16T08:32:00.003-05:00

The widespread southbound movement of Snowy Owl continues. Birds are being found throughout southern Canada and northern United States and it's only mid December. It's been awhile since we had a good number of Snowy Owls in the Ottawa area. With all the farmland south and east and good hunting, we may be looking at a record number. It will be interesting to see if Snowy Owls winter on Wolfe Island this season. Historically, Wolfe Island has been the best location to see numbers of Snowy Owl during irruption years. Now with 86 Wind Turbines on the west end of the island, it will be interesting to see if there will be any adverse effects on wintering owls and other raptors.

Snowy Owls are on the move south in good numbers.

If you need Snowy Owl for a "lifer" this is the winter you"ll be rewarded.

December 15, 2011 Rufous Hummingbird update.

2011-12-16T08:10:00.001-05:00

Rufous Hummingbird still doing well.

The Rufous Hummingbird at Eganville was banded on Tuesday, December 13th. It is a hatch-year female, in good condition, with lots of body fat. The hummer was first observed back in late September coming to the feeder and as the weeks past, the Peterson's kept filling the hummingbird feeder. So with our mild November and start in December the Rufous has survived. Now the question is, will the hummer migrate or expire to the extreme cold. If you are interested in learning more about Ontario hummingbirds, definitely check out The Ontario Hummingbird Project website at www.ontariohummingbirds.ca .

December 14,2011 Rufous Hummingbird and Snowy Owls .

2011-12-14T23:55:00.000-05:00

The Rufous Hummingbird is still doing well and regularly visiting the Peterson's hummingbird feeder in Eganville. With a mild November and December so far, I'm sure there are other late lingering species in eastern Ontario. Numerous Christmas Bird Count start this weekend and it will be interesting to see what is found. The forecast for the end of week is cold overnight, -10c, but no snow. Feeder watchers should have there feeders up and ready for the weekend. Anything is possible and have your camera ready!

The number of Snowy Owl sightings continue to rise throughout eastern Ontario. Numerous individuals are being reported along rivers and lakes where they hunt water birds at dusk, mainly ducks and some gulls.

With no snow cover these days, the Snowy Owl stands out against the landscape.

December 13, 2011 Amherst Island Birding

2011-12-14T09:54:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone

Spent a couple of days, (Dec.12 &13) birding Amherst Island along with my son Ben. We had a total of 6 Snowy Owls, 4 on the KFN property and 2 along South Shore Road. Yesterday, the Short-eared Owls began to actively hunt at 3:15pm, in the bright sunshine along Front Road just east of Stella. There we counted 14 Short-eared. On Dec. 12th, at the KFN property at the gravel point we observed a Purple Sandpiper along with a Marsh Wren in the nearby cattails. Today there was a Greater Yellowlegs, and a Common Yellowthroat. Overall the hawk numbers were low with 18 Northern Harrier, 22 Rough-legged Hawk, 14 Red-tailed Hawk, 2 American Kestrel, 1 Cooper's Hawk plus 400 Mourning Dove, and 1 Merlin. Other birds of note included a male Red-bellied Woodpecker and a flock of 23 White-winged Crossbill. If you require additional information please email me privately.

Good birding, Bruce and Ben

Because of liability issues, visitors to the Kingston Field Naturalists' property at the east end of Amherst Island MUST be accompanied by a KFN member. For KFN contact information or how to become a member, please visit http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."

These photos were taken with an iPod camera through my Kowa 88mm. I forgot my camera at home. Ben did a great job digiscoping.

Snowy Owl sitting on frozen pond.

Snowy Owl perched on rock.

Purple Sandpiper just west of gravel bar.

Snowy Owl on gravel bar.

December 12, 2011 Amherst Island birding

2011-12-13T06:30:00.002-05:00

The birding on Amherst island was good today with a total of 5 Snowy owls, 3 on the KFN property and 2 along the Southshore Road. At the gravel bar at the east end a Purple sandpiper was observed feeding and a surprise find a late Marsh Wren feeding in the cattails. There were 15+ Tundra swans resting off the point too. Ben and I checked the "Owl Woods" but only came up with one Long-eared Owl, no luck with small owls. The late afternoon was spent driving the various roads looking for raptors. overall ,somewhat quiet but we did find 1 Merlin, 2 Americas Kestrel, 11 Northern Harrier, and a small number of both Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks. At 3:15 p.m. we counted 14 Short-eared Owls just east of Stella feeding over the fields with 3 swooping down at a Northern Harrier as it was perched on a fence post. Overall a nice sunny day with a high of +7c!

Directions: Amherst Island: Located 18 km. west of Kingston. Exit off Hwy. 401 at exit 593 (County Rd. 4, Camden East) and drive south to the very end (Millhaven). Turn right on Hwy. 33 and drive 100 metres until you see the sign for the Amherst Island ferry. The ferry (20 minute trip) leaves the mainland on the half hour and leaves the island on the hour. Cost is $9.00 Canadian round trip. There are no gas stations on the island. There are restrooms on the ferry, and at the island ferry dock. The East End K.F.N. property is at the easternmost part of the island on the east side of the Lower Forty Foot Road.

Because of liability issues, visitors to the Kingston Field Naturalists'property at the east end of Amherst Island MUST be accompanied by a KFN member. For KFN contactinformation or how to become a member, please visit http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."

December 11, 2011 Rufous Hummingbird at Eganville, Renfrew County.

2011-12-11T17:39:00.001-05:00

This morning, while reading the Ottawa Citizen Bird Column I noticed another report of a late hummingbird. This time it was coming to a feeder up the valley at Eganville. A couple of weeks earlier another hummer was reported from Russell, Ontario. Unfortunately not at a feeder and only seen briefly. With such a mild fall it didn't surprise me that a hummingbird was still alive. With an overnight low of -6c I hopping the bird was still ok. I waited till 9:00a.m. and phoned Lorna and Dennis Peterson. They reported that the hummer was resting in a crabapple tree near the feeder and that the hummingbird feeder food was frozen. I headed up and arrived around 10:30a.m. and the hummingbird had just left the feeder. The Peterson's informed me that the hummer was feeding every 15-30 minutes. I waited and it appeared on time. Jeff Skevington and his dad, Richard arrived soon after and we all got great views and numerous photos and a video. In Ontario the Rufous Hummingbird is a very rare visitor and has occurred in a number of locations including northern Ontario. There are only a few previously documented records of Rufous Hummingbird for eastern Ontario including a adult male at Algonquin Park, July 30-August 3, 1986, an immature male at Battersea near Kingston from September 16- December 19,1987, and another immature male at Kingston, November 21,2003-January 7, 2004. All were at hummingbird feeders. The Rufous Hummingbird is a well known vagrant to eastern North America and has occurred east to Newfoundland. Any late lingering hummingbird should be closely scrutinize and not assumed a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. There is also a very similar looking hummingbird in the selasphorus genus, the Allen's which has been found in the east. There is a difference in the tail pattern and hopefully that will show well in the video that Jeff obtained. Still no record of Allen's for Ontario.

Rufous hummingbird at feeder

Rear view showing some of tail pattern.

Side view of Rufous Hummingbird. Note ice floating in feeder.

December 8, 2011 Presqu'ile and Amherst Island birding

2011-12-08T19:01:00.001-05:00

Spent a couple of hours birding both Presqu'ile Provincial Park and Amherst Island. Strong winds along the Lake Ontario made the crossing over to Gull Island somewhat difficult and impossible for wading over to Sebastopol Island/point. Hightlights included a very tame Purple Sandpiper, 2 Snowy Owl, 1 Northern Shrike and 100's of Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, and Long-tailed Duck. On Presqu'ile Bay I counted 130+ Amercian Coot and 80+ Mute Swan.
On Amherst Island, at the east end, KFN property, there was 1 Snowy Owl patrolling the open field and a late Killdeer at the gravel bar. A flock of 27 Tundra Swan were feeding/resting off the bar.

Directions: Courtesy of Fred Helleiner: 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. Visitors to Gull Island not using a boat should be prepared to wade through shin-deep water in which there is often a swift current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven and slippery. It should also be noted that, because duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Gull Island, High Bluff Island, Owen Point, and part of the calf pasture are not
available for bird-watching on those days. Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird sightings board provided near the campground office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed there.

Directions: Amherst Island: Located 18 km. west of Kingston. Exit off Hwy. 401 at exit 593 (County Rd. 4, Camden East) and drive south to the very end (Millhaven). Turn right on Hwy. 33 and drive 100 metres until you see the sign for the Amherst Island ferry. The ferry (20 minute trip) leaves the mainland on the half hour and leaves the island on the hour. Cost is $9.00 Canadian round trip. There are no gas stations on the island. There are restrooms on the ferry, and at the island ferry dock. The East End K.F.N. property is at the easternmost part of the island on the east side of the Lower Forty Foot Road. Please note that the smaller ferry is still in use.

Because of liability issues, visitors to the Kingston Field Naturalists'property at the east end of Amherst Island MUST be accompanied by a KFN
member. For KFN contactinformation or how to become a member, please visit
http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."

Presqu'ile Provincial Park is the best location in eastern Ontario and likely southern Ontario to see Purple sandpiper up close in late November and December.

These sandpipers are the last to migrate through eastern Ontario.

The real duck hunter at Presqu'ile.

Hip waders are necessary for crossing over to Gull island.

This arctic sandpiper winters along the eastern coast from Newfoundland to New Jersey. A few do reach the Gulf of Mexico.

It's difficult to hide when you white and there is no snow!

December 6, 2011 A Red Squirrel at work.

2011-12-06T16:06:00.001-05:00

While watching the bird activity at my feeders after a light snow fall i noticed a Red Squirrel working to try and open my "Squirrels Dilemma" feeder. As it pushed up on the lid I realized I hadn't tighten the top and there was no stopping this squirrel.

Working the lip up with its nose.

A second try after the lid slide down.

A header should work!

Now I can work my way in for breakfast.

Where's the feed?

I still can't reach it!!

I give up.

December 2-4, 2011 Niagara River Birding

2011-12-05T08:57:00.012-05:00

It was an amazing 3 days birding along the Niagara River! With 12 species of gulls including Slaty-backed, Franklin's, Little and Black-legged Kittiwake, Harlequin Ducks, Black Vultures, Razorbill, Pomarine and Parasitic Jaeger plus Tufted Titmouse, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Carolina Wren it was truely exciting. Forgot, female King Eider at the end of Fruitland Road. The weather was great, no rain and the temperature ranged from +0c to +12c. The fly-by at Niagara-on-the-Lake produced 5,500+ Bonaparte's Gull and 1 Franklin's Gull on December 2nd and on December 3rd, 3,500+ Bonaparte's Gull, 3 Little Gull and 1 Franklin's Gull. Likely the same Franklin's Gull that has been hanging around Sir Adam Beck. Overall this was an exceptional trip.

Three female Harlequin Ducks resting on the break wall below the Control Gates on December 4th.

Tufted Titmouse were present at Chippawa and Dufferin Island .

Juvenile Pomarine Jaeger at Sir Adam Beck.

The juvenile Pomarine Jaeger spent lots of time harassing gulls.

On December 3rd only 2 female Harlequin ducks were present.

The first winter Franklin's Gull was seen at Sir Adam Beck and at NOTL at the fly-by.

A first winter Black-legged Kittiwake at the Whirlpool. Most records of kittiwake along the Niagara River are first winter birds.

December 3, 2011 Slaty-backed Gull along Niagara River

2011-12-03T21:18:00.004-05:00

Another exciting day along the Niagara River today! Kevin McLaughlin found an adult Slaty-backed Gull along the breakwall, just below the control gate. Here are some photos we took.

Adult Slaty-backed Gull on breakwall

Closer view of Slaty-backed Gull

Slaty-backed Gull preening

Slaty-backed Gull with wings spread

Another view of Slaty-backed Gull

November 30, 2011 Snowy Owls on the move south!

2011-11-30T16:46:00.005-05:00

Despite a cool, wet, dreary day the birds are on the move! In the Ottawa area, I was fortunate enough to observe 3 Snowy Owls. This is part of an extensive south bound movement over north-eastern United States, the Great Lake region and south eastern Ontario. It's hard to be certain how many will pass through the region or stay, only time will tell. It appears that many are juveniles. Last winter Snowy Owls were almost absent from eastern Ontario except for a few at traditional locations. I also had 2 Barrow's Goldeneye at Deschenes Rapids off Britannia Point.

This Snowy owl was one of a group or I should say " a flock" of 3 that I observed.

November 28, 2011 Local Birding

2011-11-29T17:27:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone
Still lots of activity along the Ottawa River between Britannia Pier and Shirley's Bay. I observed 5 Common Loon, and 1 Red-throated Loon off the boat launch late afternoon at Shirley's Bay. Also observed 3 Bald Eagles, one hunting gulls at dusk over the river. At Trail Road Landfill Facility this afternoon there were 4 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, one 1st winter Iceland and one 1st winter Glaucous Gull. At the ponds along Moodie Drive 28 Ruddy Ducks were counted.

Good birding, Bruce

Directions: Gulls: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Hwy 416. South on the 416 to exit 66 (Fallowfield Rd.) Right (west) on Fallowfield to Moodie Dr. Left (south) on Moodie, go past Trail Rd. on your left and Cambrian Rd. on your right until you come to a very large sand & gravel operation on the left (east) side of the road. ***PLEASE NOTE*** - do NOT cross the gate to the sand & gravel operation. This is private property, and most of the birds can be well-viewed from the road.The landfill site is located on Trail Road. There is no access but the gulls can be viewed from Trail Road just south of the main entrance.

Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke.

**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding

William "Bill" John Clark 1917-2011

2011-11-28T18:08:00.005-05:00

Bill birding at Pelee in May 2009.
photo: Ian Clark

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of William (Bill) John Clark of Ottawa on November 25, 2011 at the age of 94. Bill was a longtime birder in the Ottawa birding community starting back in the late 1960's. A Christmas gift, binoculars, from his wife in 1968 reignited his interest in birding and in 1969 he joined the Ottawa Field Naturalists Club. He participated on the Ottawa Christmas Bird Count for many years and took part in the first Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas,1981-85. Bill first visited Pelee in May, 1974 and would become an annual fixture along the trails at Pelee. This trip would become an annual event for decades with his last visit in 2009. He will be fondly remembered by "The Ottawa Bike Gang", a group of teenaged "biking" birdwatchers, back in the 70's, who owe Bill a lot of gratitude for the numerous car rides to local rarities. He will be sadly missed by all.
Condolences can be emailed to Bill Clark's son, Ian Clark ipclark@rogers.com

November 23 & 24, 2011 Lake Dore birding

2011-11-26T14:28:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone
On November 23rd and 24th I had an opportunity to check out Lake Dore near Eganville in Renfrew County during the last hour of light. On November 23rdthere was lots of activity, 2500+ gulls roosting on the lake, mainly Herring and Ring-billed but also counted 54 Bonaparte's, 3 Iceland, 1 Glaucous and 1 Great Black-backed Gull. Other water birds included 27 Common Loon, 1 Red-throated Loon, 14 Red-necked Grebe, 37 Horned Grebe, 9 Long-tailed Duck., and 200+ Common Goldeneye.
The following day after birding Algonquin Park stopped at Lake Dore enroute to Kingston. This time the birding was done from the Bierdman Park side of the lake instead of Point Church Road. The results were similar but there were a few changes in numbers. I counted 230+ Bonaparte's Gull feeding and resting along with 220+ Hooded Merganser. Most of the activity was near the mouth of Biederman Creek. As the gulls came into roost for the evening aside from the 2000+ mainly Herring and Ring-billed there was 1 Glaucous Gull. The grebe numbers were good with 54 Horned and 12 Red-necked along with 16 Common Loon. I'm sure there are more birds on this lake and with regular coverage some "goodies" will be found.

Good Birding, Bruce

Directions: Lake Dore is located off Hwy 41 near Eganville/Golden Lake.

November 25, 2011 Amherst Island birding

2011-11-26T08:12:00.004-05:00

The birding on Amherst Island today was good with a nice variety of raptors. The highlight was an immature Snowy Owl on the KFN property at the east end of the island. At the gravel point we observed a late lingering Black-bellied Plover and 50+ Tundra Swans. There were numerous Northern Harriers (18+) and a small number of Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks along with a few American Kestrel.

Please remember access to the Owl Woods is closed to the public from November 19 to December 11.

Directions: Amherst Island: Located 18 km. west of Kingston. Exit off Hwy. 401 at exit 593 (County Rd. 4, Camden East) and drive south to the very end (Millhaven). Turn right on Hwy. 33 and drive 100 metres until you see the sign for the Amherst Island ferry. The ferry (20 minute trip) leaves the mainland on the half hour and leaves the island on the hour. Cost is $9.00 Canadian round trip. There are no gas stations on the island. There are restrooms on the ferry, and at the island ferry dock. The East End K.F.N. property is at the easternmost part of the island on the east side of the Lower Forty Foot Road.

Because of liability issues, visitors to the Kingston Field Naturalists'property at the east end of Amherst Island MUST be accompanied by a KFN member. For KFN contactinformation or how to become a member, please visit http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."

Tundra Swan in flight over the gravel point.

A Northern Harrier hunting along the edge of a field and tall grass.

An adult Red-tailed Hawk unsuccessful attempt at a Meadow Vole.

Snowy Owls are on the move south this fall. A small number have been observed in north-eastern U.S.A., the Great Lakes region and now are starting to appear in eastern Ontario. At Netitishi Point, just east of Moosonee on James Bay a total of 32 individuals were seen, birds were seen everyday between October 28-November 11, except one (November 3). The high count was 14 birds on November 9th.

An immature Snowy Owl on Amherst Island.

This Snowy Owl spent most of the morning sitting on the gravel was flushed when a Great Blue Heron flew over.

A Great Blue Heron foraging along a gravel road likely hunting for frogs or mice.

A late Black-bellied Plover at the gravel point.

November 24, 2011 Algonquin Park birding

2011-11-26T08:02:00.004-05:00

Spent the day birding various sites along Hwy. 60 in Algonquin Park. Conditions were good, no snow and small ponds were frozen while the larger lakes were wide open. There was lots of finch activity over head with White-winged Crossbill and Common Redpoll being the most wide spread in small numbers. While a few Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, Red Crossbill and Evening Grosbeak were noted. The Algonquin Specialties, Spruce Grouse ( Spruce bog Trail), Gray Jay (various locations) and Boreal Chickadee ( Wolf Howl Pond/Mizzy Lake Trail) were observed but no luck with Black-backed Woodpecker. Along Opeongo Lake Road a couple of Ruffed Grouse were observed feeding at Costello Lake. No Moose, but 1 White-tailed Deer, a number of Muskrat, and Red Squirrels were seen.

Directions: Courtsey of Ron Tozer
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 near the East Gate (km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. Locations are also described
at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca

The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders and information. The centre will be open on weekends only until December 27, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre restaurant will not be open this winter but visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the seating
area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave.

Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter the Visitor Centre to view the feeders and exhibits. Check in with staff to find out what birds are being seen.

A male Spruce Grouse feeding in a Balsam Fir along Spruce Bog Trail.

Ruffed Grouse feeding in the leaf litters along Opeongo Lake Road.

A small group of female Hooded Mergansers were the only waterfowl noted.

The Gray Jay was easiest to locate along the old railway bed along Mizzy Lake Trail.

White-winged Crossbills were founded feeding in spruce trees at Spruce Bog Trail, Wolf Howl Pond and along Hwy. 60.

November 20, 2011 Presqu'ile Birding

2011-11-20T05:55:00.009-05:00

Today, November 20th birded Presqu'ile Provincial Park and found 3 Purple Sandpiper on Gull Island along with a small number of late lingering shorebirds including 1 White-rumped Sandpiper, 3 Black-bellied Plover, 8 Sanderling and 15+ Dunlin. The long staying male Eurasian Wigeon was still present in Presqu'ile Bay along with 174 American Coot, 8 Tundra Swan and 68 Mute Swam. With the mild weather we still had Spring Peepers calling and saw a Northern Leopard Frog.

Directions: Courtesy Fred Helleiner: 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. Visitors to Gull Island not using a boat should be prepared to wade through shin-deep water in which there is often a swift current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven and slippery. It should also be noted that, because duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Gull Island, High Bluff Island, Owen Point, and part of the calf pasture are not available for bird-watching on those days. Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird sightings board provided near the campground office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed there.
Directions: Prince Edward Point. Take exit 566 (Marysville) off the 401 and go south on County Road 49 to Picton. Take County Rd. 8 to County Rd. 17 to County Rd. 16 to County Rd. 13. Follow County Rd. 13 to the end until you reach the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. There is now a gate near the tip by the harbour. You can no longer drive to the lighthouse but have to park by the gate and walk. The lighthouse is at the very tip of the point.

Hip waders were required to cross over to Gull island.

My son Ben decided that pants and boots weren't required!

Ron Hoffe follows suit, almost. He rolls his pants up..

An injured Sanderling was hobbling along the gravel shoreline feeding.

A late White-rumped Sandpiper was actively feeding.

One of 3 Purple Sandpipers feeding on Gull Island.

A Purple Sandpiper and Dunlin feeding.

With mild conditions even the frogs were out.

An American Robin feeding on Buckthorn berries.

The Lighthouse is a good vantage point for viewing Presqu'ile Bay.

November 19, 2011 Birding Prince Edward Point

2011-11-20T05:49:00.004-05:00

Spent the day birding various areas in Prince Edward County including Prince Edward Point, Point Petrie and Sandbanks Provincial Park. Overall land bird activity was low but we did note a movement of 450+ Cedar Waxwing and 150+ American Robin. Other land birds of note included 3 Northern Shrike and 12 Eastern Bluebird. Off Prince Edward Point there was a good number and variety of water birds. The best sighting was a small flock of 3 male Harlequin Ducks that fly by as we were scanning the lake. They landed just off the point giving us great views! Thousands of Long-tailed Ducks were observed along with 230+ White-winged Scoter, 3500+ Greater Scaup, and 1 Red-throated Loon. A surprise was a breeding plumaged Bonaparte's Gull with a complete black hood. I've only ever observed a couple of fall adults still in breeding plumage along the Niagara River with the 1000's of Bonaparte's Gull that concentrate there during November/December. Our final stop was at Presqu'ile provincial park where we saw the long staying male Eurasian Wigeon in Presqu'ile Bay.

Three Harlequin Ducks in flight including 2 adult males, 1 female and a female Long-tailed Duck.

Another view.

Cedar Waxwing were on the move and numerous flocks were observed flying over. A number of immature plumage birds were seen.

Breeding plumage Bonaparte's Gull in November!

A Northern Shrike landing.

A total of 3 Northern Shrikes were observed in PEC.

The male Eurasian Wigeon was still present at Presqu'ile Bay.

November 12, 2011 Local birding and hybrid Goldeneye

2011-11-12T12:48:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone

The highlight of birding this morning was a male hybrid Barrow's X Common Goldeneye off the boat launch at Shirley's Bay. This hybrid showed a very distinctive crescent and a small black shoulder spur of the Barrow's and head shape and scapular marking of a Common Goldeneye. Hybrids are rare but regular in eastern Ontario and are sometimes either overlooked or identified as Barrow's Goldeneye. All 3 scoters were off Shirley's Bay and all 3 regular grebes. At the Moodie Drive ponds 75+ Snow Geese were observed along with 40+ Hooded Herganser, 1 Ruddy Duck and 2 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. From the Trail Road vantage point 1 1st winter Iceland Gill and 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were seen.
Good birding, Bruce

Directions: Gulls: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Hwy 416. South on the 416 to exit 66 (Fallowfield Rd.) Right (west) on Fallowfield to Moodie Dr. Left (south) on Moodie, go past Trail Rd. on your left and Cambrian Rd. on your right until you come to a very large sand & gravel operation on the left (east) side of the road. ***PLEASE NOTE*** - do NOT cross the gate to the sand & gravel operation. This is private property, and most of the birds can be well-viewed from the road.The landfill site is located on Trail Road. There is no access but the gulls can be viewed from Trail Road just south of the main entrance.

A male hybrid Common x Barrow's Goldeneye at Shirley's Bay.

November 10, 2011 Gulls on the move south.

2011-11-12T12:43:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone
Spent a couple of hours viewing gulls at the Trail Road Landfill site late yesterday afternoon. Lots of activity both in the landfill and the ponds along Trail Road and Moodie Drive. Viewing conditions were excellent and I observed 11 Lesser Black-backed Gull (various ages), 2 Iceland Gull, 1 Thayer's Gull and 1 Glaucous Gull. There were hundreds of Herring gull present and 65+ Great black-backed Gull. Also 1000's of Canada Geese in the surrounding area plus 150+ Snow Geese. Earlier in the day I counted 103 Sandhill Cranes along Smith road near Milton Road. Good birding, Bruce

Directions: Gulls: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Hwy 416. South on the 416 to exit 66 (Fallowfield Rd.) Right (west) on Fallowfield to Moodie Dr. Left (south) on Moodie, go past Trail Rd. on your left and Cambrian Rd. on your right until you come to a very large sand & gravel operation on the left (east) side of the road. ***PLEASE NOTE*** - do NOT cross the gate to the sand & gravel operation. This is private property, and most of the birds can be well-viewed from the road.The landfill site is located on Trail Road. There is no access but the gulls can be viewed from Trail Road just south of the main entrance. Directions: Cranes: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 east to exit 96 . Go north for 2 km on Boundary Road to Russell Road (Regional 26). Turn right onto Russell and drive 3.5 km to Milton Road (Regional 31). Turn left on Milton Road and go about 5 km and turn left on Smith Road.

Sandhill Cranes staging along Smith Road off of Milton Road.

November 8, 2011 Purple Sandpiper at Presqu'ile Provinial Park.

2011-11-10T09:20:00.006-05:00

Late fall shorebird watching was great a Presqu'ile Provincial Park today. Highlight was a Purple Sandpiper located earlier during the day on Sebastopol Point. There was a good variety of shorebirds including 22 Black-bellied Plover, 2 White-rumped Sandpiper, 24 Sanderling, and 12 Dunlin. The Purple Sandpiper spent most of its time along the north east corner of Gull Island and also flew over to the gravel point off Owen Point.

Good Birding, Bruce

Directions: 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. Visitors to Gull Island not using a boat should be prepared to wade through knee-deep water in which there is often a swift current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven and slippery. It should also be noted that, because duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Gull Island, High Bluff Island, Owen Point, and part of the calf pasture are not
available for bird-watching on those days. Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird sightings board provided near the campground office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed there.

The Purple Sandpiper resting with Dunlin and a White-rumped sandpiper. The Purple Sandpiper is a regular fall migrant in small numbers at Presqu'ile.

A mixed flock of Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin, Sanderling and a Purple Sandpiper.

Shorebirds gather off Owen point on one of the small gravel islands that link to Gull Island. Rubber boots or waders are required to walk over to Gull Island.

Sunset over Popham Bay and Sebastopol Point at Presqu'ile.

November 5-6, 2011 Birding Amherst Island

2011-11-07T09:34:00.010-05:00

The bird activity continues to change on Amherst Island. On November 5th we observed 26 Rough-legged Hawks, mainly in the center of the island and the following day only 6 could be located. The "Owl Woods" was quiet with only 2 Long-eared Owl, but the feeder area had a good supply of Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Purple Finch and a Red-bellied Woodpecker. The east point (KFN property) had a late Semipalmated Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 1 American Golden-Plover , 72 Tundra Swan and a male Barrow's Goldeneye.

Good Birding, Bruce

Directions: Amherst Island: Located 18 km. west of Kingston. Exit off Hwy. 401 at exit 593 (County Rd. 4, Camden East) and drive south to the very end (Millhaven). Turn right on Hwy. 33 and drive 100 metres until you see the sign for the Amherst Island ferry. The ferry (20 minute trip) leaves the mainland on the half hour and leaves the island on the hour. Cost is $9.00 Canadian round trip. There are no gas stations on the island. There are restrooms on the ferry, and at the island ferry dock. The East End K.F.N. property is at the easternmost part of the island on the east side of the Lower Forty Foot Road.

Because of liability issues, visitors to the Kingston Field Naturalists'property at the east end of Amherst Island MUST be accompanied by a KFN member. For KFN contactinformation or how to become a member, please visit http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."

Long-eared Owl enjoying the morning sun.

A female Northern Harrier made numerous unsuccessful attempts at an American Black Duck. The duck would dive when the harrier tried for it.

Common Loons were easy to see from the ferry with over 70 counted on our return trip on Nov. 5th.

With no seeds in the feeders the chickadees and nuthatches were glad for the hand out! Remember to bring some sunflower seeds for the feeders.

On November 6th Ben and I counted a variety of dead water birds along the shoreline of the KFN property which included 25 Long-tailed duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 White-winged Scoter, and 3 Common Loon.

A late Semipalmated Sandpiper at the gravel point was a surprise.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a regular visitor to the Owl Woods feeder.

The Dunlin is one of our later shorebirds that linger in eastern Ontario during November and sometimes into early December. .

November 1-2, 2011 Local Birding

2011-11-03T08:05:00.008-04:00

As bird activity along the Ottawa River continues to change weekly and with cooler temperatures to the north our last of the migrant water birds and a few land birds are moving through the region. A few like Common Goldeneye and Snow Bunting will winter here in small numbers. The water levels along the Ottawa River are now very high leaving no shorebird habitat and very few areas of exposed mudflat/sandbar or rocks for gulls to roost on. On November 1st at 1:45pm the RAZORBILL was still present off Deschenes Lookout along with 2 Red-throated Loon, 5 red-necked Grebe, 4 Horned Grebe and 1 Double-crested Cormorant.
At Shirley's Bay on November 2nd there was a good concentration of ducks off the boat launch including all 3 scoters, 150+ Lesser Scaup, 100+ Common Goldeneye, 14 Bufflehead, and 12 Red-breasted Merganser. Also present were 8 Red-necked Grebe, 6 Horned Grebe, 3 Common Loon, and 2 Double-crested Cormorant. On the west side of the causeway at Shirley's Bay 76 Gadwall and 68 Northern Shoveler and 2 Bald Eagles were noted. Snow Bunting are starting to show up in the area with small flocks at the Shirley's Bay boat launch, Britannia Pier, and Britannia Point.

A male Hooded Merganser snacks on a small fish.

Great Blue Herons will linger in November and even December if there is open water for feeding.

A lone Brant feeds at Andrew Haydon Park.

The Bald Eagle nest at Shirley's Bay is now visible since the leaves have fallen. This nest was built last spring but appeared not to be used. Maybe next spring.

The Snow Bunting is a sign that winter is not to far.

October 30, 2011 Algonquin Park Birding

2011-10-30T20:35:00.005-04:00

Hi Ontbirders

The birding today was very good with a number of the Algonquin Park specialties being found at various locations. Gray Jay were numerous with 3 along Opeongo Lake Road, 2 at Spruce Bog Trail, 4 along Mizzy Lake Trail/Old Railway bed and 2 near Mew Lake Road. Boreal Chickadee was found a Wolf Howl Pond and Spruce Bog Trail. We found a total 6 Spruce Grouse along Arowhon Road/Old Railway bed including a group of 5 feeding together. A female Black-backed Woodpecker was found at Wolf Howl Pond along with 2 Fox Sparrow. The biggest surprise was a Red-headed Woodpecker that flew over Wolf Howl Pond. Unfortunately we couldn't relocate it. At Lake of Two Rivers we observed 2 Horned Grebe, 11 Ring-necked Duck and 10 Hooded Merganser. Finches were scarce with 2 Purple Finch, 4 American Goldfinch and a flock of 40+ Pine Siskin. On our drive back to Ottawa a flock of 400+ Brant were observed flying over near Arnprior.

Good Birding, Bruce

Directions: Courtesy Ron Tozer

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 near the East Gate (km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates.

The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders, and information. The centre will be open on weekends only after this weekend
(October 29-30) from 9 am to 5 pm. Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter via the service entrance (right end of building) to view the feeders, after checking in with staff first.

Algonquin Park birding updates and information are available at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca

Fall colours along Hwy. 60

Gray Jay preening.

Gray Jay

Red-breasted Nuthatches were easy to locate in the park.

Spruce Grouse

Part of a group of 5 Spruce Grouse

Spruce Grouse.

Male Spruce Grouse.

Male spruce Grouse

A Red Fox greeted us at the east gate.

Early morning in Algonquin Park.

Old Railway bed.

First snow fall in Algonquin Park.

Anyone who knows Ben, shoes aren't required for birding!

October 26-28, 2011 Western Grebe,Razorbill and Parasitic Jaeger

2011-10-29T06:24:00.003-04:00

Its was a crazy week birding along the Ottawa River between Deschenes Rapids and the Champlain Bridge. The Razorbill was playing hide and seek along with a Western Grebe which was seen 3 times over 5 days. And finally, a juvenile jaeger on October 27th that challenged many of us local birders to what species it was, all in all, another great week!

A juvenile jaeger observed off Bate island/Champlain Bridge was finally identified as a Parasitic after much debate.

After disappearing for a day or so the Razsorbill was back off Deschenes Lookout along the Ottawa River Parkway yesterday afternoon and was present til dusk. It appeared in good condition, preening, diving and flapping its wings.

October 25, 2011 Amherst Island birding

2011-10-24T07:20:00.006-04:00

Spent the morning birding Amherst Island. A great start with 2 juvenile Northern Gannets from the ferry dock at Millhaven. The birds flew west and disappeared, typical of gannets. Put of a small flight of gannets into eastern Ontario. On the island our first stop was the "Owl Woods" where we observed a number of Long-eared Owls roosting in the Jack Pine plantation. Also a good variety of land birds including 12 Hermit Thrush, 20 Fox sparrow, 550+ Rusty Blackbird, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Eastern Towhee and 3 Winter Wren. Very few hawks were observed while driving around the island and the east end KFN property had only a couple of shorebirds but lots of ducks including Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, American Wigeon and Bufflehead.

Good birding, Bruce

Directions: Amherst Island: Located 18 km. west of Kingston. Exit off Hwy. 401 at exit 593 (County Rd. 4, Camden East) and drive south to the very end (Millhaven). Turn right on Hwy. 33 and drive 100 metres until you see the sign for the Amherst Island ferry. The ferry (20 minute trip) leaves the mainland on the half hour and leaves the island on the hour. Cost is $9.00 Canadian round trip. There are no gas stations on the island. There are restrooms on the ferry, and at the island ferry dock. The East End K.F.N. property is at the easternmost part of the island on the east side of the Lower Forty Foot Road.

Because of liability issues, visitors to the Kingston Field Naturalists' property at the east end of Amherst Island MUST be accompanied by a KFN member. For KFN contact information or how to become a member, please visit http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."

The "Owl Woods " will be closed from November 19-December 11, 2011.

The Long-eared Owl is a regular fall migrant on Amherst island.

Long-eared Owl is a nocturnal and spends its day roosting in the Jack Pine and White or Red Cedar.

If you do spot a Long-eared Owl roosting, stop, back off and look closely and you may see a number of them. They are very gregarious and the roost site can have 5-15 owls!

A Long-eared Owl ready for flight.

October 23, 2011 Razorbill continues at Deschenes Rapids

2011-10-24T06:53:00.013-04:00

Spent the day birding various sewage lagoons, the Ottawa River and Lake Dore. Lots of activity and hightlights included Razorbill, Red Phalarope, lots of grebes, Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes and still shorebirds at both Alfred and Casselman Sewage Lagoons.
At dawn at Alfred Sewage Lagoon there were 350+ Snow Geese resting on the west cell, while the east cell was still under construction and had ample habitat with over 150 shorebirds including 75 White-rumped sandpiper, 50 Dunlin, 48 black-bellied Plover, 3 American Golden-Plover, and a late Ruddy Turnstone and Semipalmated Sandpiper. A brief stop at Casselman Sewage Lagoon produced a very cooperative Red Phalarope feeding along the waters edge of the west cell. At St. Albert Sewage Lagoons very few water birds but did have 30+ Lapland Longspur, 4 Snow Bunting, 20+ horned Lark and 30+ American Pipit.
Along Milton Road just east of Carlsbad Springs 46 Sandhill Cranes were observed in flight on the west side of the road near Perrault Road. The next stop was along the Ottawa River starting at Remic Rapids Lookout. A total of 4 horned Grebe, 1 Red-necked Grebe and 6 Brant were observed. At Deschenes Lookout the RAZORBILL was showing well and many birders were viewing it from Britannia Point, Deschenes Rapids and Deschenes Lookout. At one time it actually appeared to be on the Ontario side of the river! It was also interesting to see numbers of Horned Grebes below the rapids, 36 horned Grebe, along with 1 Red-throated loon and 200+ Ring-necked Duck.
Various stops between Dick Bell Park and Shirley's Bay produced 72 Horned Grebe, 43 Red-necked Grebe, 3 Common Loon, 21 White-winged Scoter, 4 Surf Scoter, and 17 Black Scoter. At the next stop Lake Dore, the viewing conditions continued to be excellent and 36 Common Loon, 48 Horned grebe, 22 Red-necked Grebe and 16 Bonaparte's Gull were counted . A great day birding!

Red Phalarope is a irregular rare fall visitor to eastern Ontario.

Since 1995 Sandhill Cranes have been regular along Milton Road where they stage for 4-6 weeks and numbers have reached 100+.

The Razorbill was still present and a lifer for many of the local birders.

A late lingering Brown Thrasher was a surprise at Lake Dore.

October 22, 2011 Razorbill at Deschenes Rapids!

2011-10-22T19:18:00.003-04:00

The Razorbill found by Mark Gawn was still present at dusk tonight. It had drifted a little east of Deschenes Lookout (west end lookout of the Ottawa River Parkway) and was out in the middle of the river where the gulls were resting/roosting. It appeared to be in good condition and was observed diving numerous times earlier during the afternoon. At dusk it appeared to be settling in for the night. This represents the first record for the Ottawa-Gatineau district and one of the few records for eastern Ontario. There is a specimen record from October 14,1950 in Big Rideau Lake,Lanark County, a photographic record of a specimen from Wolfe Island on November 29, 1984, and sight record from Lake Dore from December 1-5,1989, and another sight record from the St. Lawrence River at Cornwall on November 27, 1987. I would watch out for anything along the Ottawa River since this bird is likely from the Gulf of St. Lawrence. So anything is possible!

Immature Razorbill: First record for the Ottawa-Gatineau district.

October 21, 2011 Fall migration continues along the Ottawa River.

2011-10-21T07:19:00.007-04:00

Hi Everyone
This morning, October 21st, at Shirley's Bay, Ben and I had a good number of puddle ducks close to the base of the causeway including 600+ Green-winged Teal, 150+ American Wigeon, 50+ Northern Shoveler, and 46 Gadwall. No shorebirds. The pair of Bald Eagles were roosting on their nest that was built back in the spring. Hopefully they will be successful nesting next spring.
I then spent a couple of hours in the afternoon, birding along the Ottawa River. Quite a change from yesterday except for the weather. Had a few flocks of Brant, 50+ and 35+. The scoter movement/fallout of yesterday had moved on and I had only a flock of 23 White-winged Scoter and 3 single Surf Scoter. Even Red-breasted Mergansers were hard to find, only one flock of 15. Had a group of 8, 1st winter Bonaparte's Gull drop out of the sky and continue south overland. Land birds were few but more Fox Sparrows and American Tree Sparrow on the move along with Purple Finch. Water levels along the Ottawa River are on the rise after a record low fall.

On October 20th, spent a couple hours birding the Ottawa River between downpours this afternoon. There was a definite increase in the number of scoters between Shirley's Bay and Andrew Haydon Park. There were 170+ male Black Scoter, 140+ White-winged Scoter (mostly male) and 22 male Surf Scoter. Also had 200+ Red-breasted Merganser and 9 male Long-tailed Duck
Good Birding, Bruce and Ben

Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.

**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding.

October 14, 2011 Constance Bay Birding

2011-10-14T12:26:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone

Spent a couple of hours earlier this morning birding the shoreline at Constance Bay. There were still 2 Nelson's Sparrows on the west side of Constance Creek and it took some time to find them. The Long-billed Dowitcher flock is now up to 6 birds and there is still one Hudsonian Godwit with them . Other shorebirds present included 9 Black-bellied Plover, 18 White-rumped Sandpiper, 3 Sanderling, 6 Dunlin, 4 Greater Yellowlegs and 1 Wilson's Snipe. Also, more Pine Siskin's on the move with a flock of 40+ over the Torbolton Forest along Whistler Road.
Good Birding, Bruce

Directions courtesy of Jeff Skevington:

Park at the fire access road at the corner of Sand Bay Street and Baillie. Do not block the fire road. The Hudsonian Godwit and Long-billed Dowitchers are still at this location. Then walk east down the beach along the Ottawa River for about 400 m until you get to the grassy area just past the last house. This is where you should look for the Nelson's Sparrows.
The best access point to start at is the fire access at the intersection of Sand Bay Street and Baillie Avenue. To get there, follow Constance Bay Drive in from Dunrobin Road. Turn right on Baillie just past the liquor store. Sand Bay is about 400 m east.

A flock of 6 Long-billed Dowitchers with 1 Hudsonian Godwit flyby.

It has been a good fall for both Long-billed Dowitcher and Hudsonian Godwit along the Ottawa River. All likely due to the record low water levels creating extensive mudflats.

The largest single flock of Long-billed Dowitchers I've ever encountered in Ottawa was a group of 7 at Shirley's Bay.

October 10-12, 2011 Nelson's Sparrows at Constance Bay

2011-10-10T10:35:00.007-04:00

The Nelson's Sparrows continue to be found along the west side of the mouth of Constance Creek. On October 10th I observed at least 6 sparrows and on October 12th there were still 7 Nelson's. It was interesting to watch these skulkers as they fed on seeds of one of the plants. At one time I could see 3 together and 2 move nearby. This has been a real treat to have this sparrow around for a number of days and a high concentration. We'll have to wait till next year to see if this was just luck or do the Nelson's Sparrow regularly use this area during fall migration.

Directions courtesy of Jeff Skevington:

Park at the fire access road at the corner of Sand Bay Street and Baillie. Do not block the fire road. Then walk east down the beach along the Ottawa River for about 400 m until you get to the grassy area just past the last house. This is where you should look for the Nelson's Sparrows.
The best access point to start at is the fire access at the intersection of Sand Bay Street and Baillie Avenue. To get there, follow Constance Bay Drive in from Dunrobin Road. Turn right on Baillie just past the liquor store. Sand Bay is about 400 m east.

Historically, the Nelson's Sparrow was a very rare fall migrant but this status appears to have change.

The Nelson's Sparrow is easy to overlook and despite up to a dozen birds present it was sometimes difficult to locate.

Two Nelson's Sparrow sit quietly.

Sometimes they respond well to phishing and will sit up briefly before vanishing in the vegetation.

A view of the mouth of Constance Creek.

There is lots of this habitat along both sides of the Ottawa River.

How many years have they been passing through this area? Will find out next fall.

October 8, 2011 Nelson's Sparrows at Constance Bay

2011-10-08T16:21:00.005-04:00

The birding keeps getting better as the day goes on! Jeff Skevington and his dad, Richard, found 9 Nelson's Sparrows this morning at the mouth of Constance Creek at Constance Bay. This is an area I had mentioned to Jeff earlier during the week that I thought could be good for Nelson's Sparrow. He proved it correct. Ben and I headed up after Jeff's phone call and along with Jeff and his dad we observed at least 6 sparrows, great views! Shortly after both Bob Cermak and Nick von Maltzahn arrived and Ben got them on the sparrows. Along the shoreline we were able to see both the Hudsonian Godwit and 4 Long-billed Dowitcher along with 22 White-rumped sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 3 Lesser Yellowlegs, and 3 Black-bellied Plover. An amazing afternoon for birding with sunny skies and +25c, not bad for a Thanksgiving Weekend! Both the sparrow and dowitcher were new for my Constance Bay list.

Good Birding, Bruce

Important Direction Information from Jeff Skevington

Directions: We have reassessed the possible impact on local landowners and suggest that you park at the fire access road at the corner of Sand Bay Street and Baillie. Do not block the fire road. The Hudsonian Godwit and Long-billed Dowitchers are still at this location. Then walk east down the beach along the Ottawa River for about 400 m until you get to the grassy area just past the last house. This is where you should look for the Nelson's Sparrows. This is an easier and drier walk than the previous directions that I gave and will be less invasive for the locals.

The best access point to start at is the fire access at the intersection of
Sand Bay Street and Baillie Avenue. To get there, follow Constance Bay Drive
in from Dunrobin Road. Turn right on Baillie just past the liquor store.
Sand Bay is about 400 m east.
The coordinates of the site are: 45.477453 N, 76.066583 W (using Google
Earth).

The Nelson's Sparrow formerly Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow was regarded as a very rare fall migrant and difficult to find. Well, I think the status has definitely changed in our area!

This is the largest number ever recorded in the Ottawa district. Based on today we may ended up finding this species a lot easier to locate.

It has also been a good fall for Long-billed Dowitcher and Hudsonian Godwit along the Ottawa River. I'm certain that both species regularly fly over eastern Ontario but with the record? low water levels there is lots of good feeding.

The White-rumped Sandpiper is another regular fall migrant and numbers vary each fall. This is becoming one of the best falls in recent years due to both inclement weather and low water levels.

The Hudsonian Godwit is a long distant migrant traveling to South America for the winter.

Long-billed Dowitchers resting.

A Lesser Yellowlegs coming in for a landing.

The Dunlin is a regular fall migrant throughout eastern Ontario. This individual appears to be bathing but as it flew off it may have been weak or sick.

October 8, 2011 Great morning birding at Shirley's Bay

2011-10-08T12:00:00.004-04:00

If you haven't had an opportunity to bird at Shirley's Bay this fall don't wait any longer! The birding is excellent with lots of waders including Hudsonian Godwit, White-rumped Sandpiper and Black-bellied Plover to name a few. The waterfowl numbers continue to increase with 16 species including 9 Gadwall, 16 Northern Shoveler, 80+Wood Duck, many in breeding plumage, 9 Northern Pintail, 64 American Black Duck, and even 5 White-winged Scoter on the west side of the causeway. The Great Egrets are still present with 5 feeding in the back bay area. With all the bird activity brings raptors and this morning we observed 2 juvenile Peregrine Falcon, 2 adult Bald Eagle, and 3 Northern Harrier. Lots of sparrows along the causeway, mainly Song, Swamp, White-crowned, and White-throated Sparrow.

Hudsonian Godwits coming in for a landing.

Two Great Egrets head south from Shirley's Bay.

October 7, 2011 Another flock of Hudsonian Godwits!

2011-10-07T18:27:00.004-04:00

While birding at Britannia around noon I observed a flock of Hudsonian Godwits fly in and land on the upper part of the Deschenes Rapids. With the continuing low water levels along the Ottawa River there is lots of shoreline habitat for waders. i counted 17 juvenile Hudsonian godwits and they remained out on the rocks/ shallow water feeding. Not the typical location!

Hudsonian Godwits at Deschenes Rapids.

Normally, most records of flocks of Hudsonian Godwits are encountered during inclement weather conditions, not sunny and clear and +22c!

October 6, 2011 Roost count of Great Egrets

2011-10-06T21:16:00.003-04:00

The egret count continues to drop and tonight there were 7 Great Egrets roosting on the mudflats at Shirley's Bay. The high count earlier this fall was 30+ birds but time is running out. The cooler temperatures will certainly push them on there way south. No godwits tonight but still a good number of White-rumped Sandpipers.

Down to 7 Great Egrets roosting at Shirley's Bay.

October 6, 2011 More migrants along the Ottawa River.

2011-10-06T12:07:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone
At least 14 Hudsonian Godwits remain feeding at Shirley's Bay today along with 70+ White-rumped Sandpiper and 11 Black-bellied Plover. The overnight low temperature, 0c, and clear, in the Ottawa area pushed a number of migrants south including 8 Brant, 1 Surf Scoter, 1 Long-tailed Duck and 4 White-winged Scoter all off Dick Bell Park. There were a number of American Tree Sparrows along the Ottawa River and at the Shirley's Bay parking lot I observed 11 Pine Siskin, 2 Purple Finch, and a small flock of White-winged Crossbill flew over calling.

Good birding, Bruce

Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.

**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding.

Both Hudsonian Godwit and black-bellied plover show black under wings.

Its been a great week for White-rumped Sandpipers along the Ottawa River.

Photo Quiz answer! Blackburnian Warbler.

2011-10-05T16:47:00.006-04:00

Hi Everyone

The photo was very difficult. The bird is a BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. Please read below, comments from Kevin McLaughlin.

"I was at first inclined to go for a Blackpoll Warbler then got a bit of acid indigestion on that. My second and final thought was with a Blackburnian Warbler, maybe a bird of the year due to contrast between the tone of the primaries and secondaries versus the greater coverts. The keys to me are the broad darkish streaks on the flanks, the broad ochre eyebrow and the pale buff streak on the back. The remainder of the head pattern cannot be seen due to the angle of the bird."

Blackburnian Warbler

October 5, 2011 More birding along the Ottawa River

2011-10-05T14:28:00.007-04:00

Another great morning along the Ottawa River. It was nice to see the sun finally! At Britannia Conservation Area/mud Lake there were numerous Yellow-rumped Warblers, White-throated Sparrows, both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets. We also had an immature Bald Eagle along the rapids. At Andrew Haydon Park we observed a number of land birds including White-crowned Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, and numerous Song Sparrow. I'm sure there was a Nelson's hidden in the reeds somewhere! Shorebirds were few but we did see a Solitary Sandpiper thanks to Nick von Maltzahn. Our final stop for the morning outing was at Shirley's Bay. There were still 14 Hudsonian Godwit and a small number of White-rumped Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, and Dunlin. The Bald Eagles were active but no Great Egrets. They may have departed for a warmer climate!

A Solitary Sandpiper feeding along Graham Creek.

Lots of Golden-crowned Kinglets on the move now.

A Common Merganser relaxing along the channel at Britannia.

October 5, 2011 Peregrine Falcon kill.

2011-10-05T14:06:00.008-04:00

While birding at Britannia Point along the Ottawa River at Deschenes Rapids this morning, I heard a loud squawking sound and looked over the river to the southeast and saw a Peregrine Falcon with a bird in its talons. Do to the distance, it was difficult to identify what species of bird.
As the Peregrine headed inland, it pecked the prey a couple of times while in flight.
Suddenly the Peregrine lost its grip and the bird fell to the river.
The falcon made a number of attempts to pluck the bird out of the water and finally after 3 or 4 passes, it picked the bird out of the water and flew right by us as we watched the drama unfold. As the Peregrine passed us, you could clearly see it was a Blue Jay in its talons. We last saw the falcon flying west up the channel and disappeared.

Peregrine Falcon with Blue Jay in talons.

After accidentally dropping the Blue Jay into the river the Peregrine Falcon made a number of attempts to recover the jay.

Peregrine locking onto Blue Jay.

Successful retrieval. You could see the water dripping off the dead jay.

Peregrine going for breakfast.

This juvenile Peregrine Falcon has demonstrated that it will likely be a very successful hunter!

Photo Quiz Answer, almost!

2011-10-04T20:04:00.007-04:00

Hi Everyone

I'd like to thank everyone who sent in a response for the photo quiz. As I look back now it wasn't that easy! There were a number of answers including Blackpoll Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler and a couple of other species. I now realize it wasn't easy, in fact very difficult. Since I took the photo and watch the bird feeding and have over 40 years of experience in the field I took it for grant it that is was easy. I really appreciate everyone's feed back and I thank you!! Here is another photo of the same warbler, let me know what you think.

thanks, Bruce

Who am I?

October 4, 2011More Birding along the Ottawa River.

2011-10-04T17:35:00.013-04:00

The birding along the Ottawa River continues to be exciting. This morning at 6:30am. I arrived at Shirley's Bay to do a count of Great Egrets. Arriving pre-dawn I could see 15 Great Egrets roosting on the mudflats just west of the causeway. In the low light I could also see approximately 200+ shorebirds but no godwits. Lots of waterfowl were still roosting along with the egrets. By 6:47am the first egrets lifted into the air and heading to the back bay at Shirley's Bay. This coincided with 100's of Ring-billed Gulls coming off the river and settling in just west of the causeway. By 7:00am the egrets had all flown to the back bay and then suddenly the 31 Hudsonian Godwit appeared. They settled in to feeding on the mudflat as they did yesterday.
There were still lots of shorebirds but no Red Phalarope. Jeff Skevington did a count of the numbers and here are his totals: 31 Hudsonian Godwits, 2 Long-billed Dowitcher, 92 White-rumped Sandpipers, 1 Baird's Sandpiper, 60 Pectoral Sandpipers, 10 Dunlin, 10 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 5 Black-bellied Plover, 7 Semipalmated Plover, 1 Killdeer, 20 Lesser Yellowlegs, and 1 Greater Yellowlegs. A great morning for shore-birding!
At Andrew Haydon Park despite ample habitat very few shorebirds. In its prime, back in the 70's this area was excellent for shorebird watching. Not sure if the lack of birds is due to silt build up.
There were a number of gulls loafing including a 1st winter Lesser Black-backed Gull. The first record for the Ottawa district and Ontario was found just east of Ottawa Beach back in November 1971! The Britannia Conservation Area/Mud Lake still had a good variety of warblers including Northern Parula, Blackpoll, Nashville, Tennessee, Black-throated Green, and lots of Yellow-rumped Warbler.

I was surprised that the Hudsonian Godwits were still at Shirley's Bay the following morning. All the flock I've recorded in the Ottawa district never lingered.

A first winter Lesser Black-backed Gull (left), Ring-billed Gull (center), Herring Gull (right) at Andrew Haydon Park (Ottawa Beach)

Lesser Black-backed Gull in flight.

October 3, 2011 Update

2011-10-03T19:32:00.012-04:00

Hi Everyone,

At 3:30p.m., the Red Phalarope along with 31 Hudsonian Godwit were still present at Shirley's Bay. I drove back home and picked Ben up after he finished school for the day. We arrived at Shirley's Bay and made our way out to the causeway. Ben needed Red Phalarope for a "lifer" and Hudsonian Godwit for his Ottawa list. He was not disappointed. Both were still there and we had great views. By 5:15pm the drizzle changed to rain but we decided to stay a bit longer and at 5:35pm had a flock of 100+ White-rumped Sandpipers fly by raising our total for the day to 200+ at Shirley's Bay!

Good Birding, Bruce

Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.

**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding.

Part of the Hudsonian Godwit flock resting.

A Northern Harrier flies over flushing the godwits.

The flock flies around briefly before landing.

Godwits coming in for a landing.

October 3, 2011 Shorebirding at Shirley's Bay: Red Phalarope and Hudsonian Godwits

2011-10-03T12:49:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone
This morning at 10:30am at Shirley's Bay Tom Hanrahan and I observed a Red Phalarope and 2 Hudsonian Godwits. There was still a good number of shorebirds including 26 White-rumped Sandpiper, 45+ Pectoral Sandpiper and 12 Dunlin. No luck with the Marbled Godwit. Lots of shorebirds on the move today! The birds were still present at 11:50am.

Good birding, Bruce

Directions: Shirley's Bay: From Ottawa take Hwy. 417 west to the Moodie Drive exit and turn north (right) on Moodie Drive and continue to Carling Ave. Turn left at Carling Ave. and follow Carling to Rifle Road. Turn right (north) on Rifle Rd. Park at the lot at the end (boat launch). Walk back to the road, and continue through the gate on the Department of National Defense property. There is a trail on your right (clearly marked with vehicle "No Entry" signs) which heads into the woods, and, eventually to the dyke. There is lots of POISON IVY along the dyke.

**** PLEASE NOTE**** YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE RANGE CONTROL
OFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and request permission to visit the dyke area for birding.

Red Phalarope with Dunlin.

Red Phalarope with Black-bellied Plover

September 30, 2011 Renfrew County birding

2011-09-30T23:28:00.006-04:00

Hi Everyone
Today, September 30th, Ben and I spent the morning birding various sites in Renfrew County including Lake Dore, Westmeath Provincial Park and Pembroke. Overall a good morning despite the intermittent rain. Our first stop was at Pembroke Marina where we observed the juvenile Parasitic Jaeger. We first saw the jaeger as it was in hot pursuit of a Belted Kingfisher over the marina. The jaeger spent most of its time sitting on sand flats at the mouth of Muskrat River/Ottawa River. We also observed 5 American Golden-Plover. Along the Ottawa River shoreline at Westmeath Provincial Park were found a juvenile Hudsonian Godwit feeding in a flock of 35 Black-bellied Plover, 1 American Golden-Plover, 1 Baird's Sandpiper, 6 Semipalmated Plover, 3 Greater Yellowlegs and 3 Dunlin. After searching the shoreline vegetation for a while we managed to see 2 Nelson's Sparrow. Later, at Lake Dore we counted 85+ Common Loon, 14 Red-necked Grebe, 50+ Horned Grebe, and 75+ Bonaparte's Gull. Good birding, Bruce and Ben

Directions: Lake Dore is located off Hwy 41 near Eganville/Golden Lake. Pembroke Marina is located in the town of Pembroke at the end of Albert St. Westmeath Provincial Park acess point is at the end of Sand Point Road off CR 12. Walk along shoreline for 1-2 kms south. If you require additional information, please email me privately.

juvenile Parasitic Jaeger at Pembroke Marina.

Coming in for a landing on one of the sand flats at the mouth of the Muskrat River.

Hudsonian Godwit in flight with Black-bellied Plover and Dunlin.

Black-bellied Plover with Hudsonian Godwit.

September 25 & 26, 2011 Long-billed Dowitcher and Great Egrets

2011-09-29T07:39:00.009-04:00

Another big change in fall migration over the past week with more water birds on there way south. On September 26th while birding at Shirley's Bay I have a flock of 7 White-winged Scoter, 3 Redhead, 1 Snow Goose and good numbers of American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, 3 Red-necked Grebe, 2 Horned Grebe and 180+ Wood Duck! I also counted 28 Great Egret both coming into roost on Sept. 25th and leaving the site the following morning. With the numbers we are getting nowadays, they we likely be breeding in the very near future, maybe next spring. It's amazing to think the first record for the Ottawa district was in August 1972. On September 24th I observed a juvenile Long-billed Dowitcher at Shirley's Bay and also found another one the following day at Richmond Lagoon. This is a rare but almost annual fall migrant and the first documented record for the Ottawa district was back in September 1971, at Shirley's Bay! I also had a pair of Bald Eagles during the week at Shirley's Bay. It is interesting to note that they built a nest last April/May at Shirley's Bay but didn't use it. I've watched them sit in it, roost in the tree regularly so maybe next year they will breed. I'm not a ware of any breeding records for the Ottawa district. So many changes to the Ottawa district birds in the past 40 years!

On September 25th, I came across a field of sunflowers that had not been harvested. It was amazing to watch all the birds that were feeding on the sunflower seeds. I counted over 200+ American Goldfinch, 20+ Blue Jay, 100+ Mourning Dove, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, and 50+ European Starling, an amazing spectacle! Who needs a feeder when you have a field of Sunflowers!

Great Egrets roosting on mudflat at Shirley's Bay.

A juvenile Long-billed Dowitcher at Richmond Lagoon feeding with a Pectoral Sandpiper.

An American Goldfinch takes advantage of a field of sunflowers.

September 25, 2011 Photo Quiz!

2011-09-25T22:46:00.006-04:00

I haven't had a photo quiz for quite sometime, so I'm starting it up again. An easy one today and a more difficult one later!
good luck, Bruce

Who am I?

September 23, 2011 Winter Finch Forecast 2011-2012

2011-09-25T22:44:00.005-04:00

WINTER FINCH FORECAST 2011-2012

by Ron Pittaway

This winter’s theme is that cone crops are excellent and extensive across
much of the boreal forest and the Northeast. It will not be a flight year.
Finches will be spread thinly over a vast area from western Canada east
across the Hudson Bay Lowlands into Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces, New
York and New England States. White-winged and Red Crossbills and Pine
Siskins should be widespread in low numbers. A small movement of Pine
Grosbeaks is probable because mountain-ash berry crops are variable and some
are of poor quality in the boreal forest. Evening Grosbeak numbers are
increasing as spruce budworm outbreaks expand in the boreal forest so some
may show up at feeders in southern Ontario and the Northeast. Redpolls are
unlikely to come south because the dwarf birch crop is bumper in the Hudson
Bay Lowlands. See individual finch forecasts below for details. Three
irruptive non‐finch passerines are also discussed.

PINE GROSBEAK: Small numbers are likely in southern Ontario because the
mountain‐ash berry crop is variable with some poor quality crops in the
boreal forest of Ontario. The crop is generally very good to excellent in
Atlantic Canada, New York and New England. Pine Grosbeaks wandering to
southern Ontario will find average berry crops on European mountain‐ash,
good crops on Buckthorn and average crops on ornamental crabapples. Expect a
few at sunflower seed feeders.

PURPLE FINCH: Purple Finches will be uncommon in Ontario, but probably in
higher numbers in Atlantic Canada, New York and New England where cone crops
are excellent. A few may frequent feeders in southern Ontario. The Purple
Finch has declined significantly in recent decades. Some suggest it declined
due to competition with the House Finch. However, the drop in numbers began
before House Finches were common in eastern North America and also occurred
where House Finches were absent. A better explanation for the decrease is
the absence of large spruce budworm outbreaks that probably sustained higher
Purple Finch populations in the past.

RED CROSSBILL: Red Crossbills should be widespread in Ontario in very small
numbers, but much more frequent in the Northeast where cone crops are
excellent. This crossbill comprises at least 10 “call types” in North
America. Some types may be separate species. Most types are almost
impossible to identify without recordings of their “flight calls”.
Recordings can be made using your iPhone. Send recordings to be identified
to Matt Young (may6 at cornell dot edu) at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Most Red Crossbill types in winter prefer pines, but they also use
introduced spruces and European larch. The smallest‐billed Type 3 prefers
the small soft cones of hemlock and white spruce. It may occur in the
Northeast this winter drawn to the excellent crops on hemlock and white
spruce.

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL: Good numbers of White‐winged Crossbills are
currently widespread in the Hudson Bay Lowlands where the white and black
spruce cone crops are bumper. They may remain there this winter or some
could wander to the Northeast where spruce and hemlock cone crops are
excellent. A few should be in traditional areas such as Algonquin Park where
spruce and hemlock cone crops are better than last winter. Unlike the Red
Crossbill, the White‐winged Crossbill in North America has no subspecies
and call types.

COMMON and HOARY REDPOLLS: Redpolls in winter are a birch seed specialist
and movements are linked to the size of the birch crop. Redpolls are
unlikely to come south in numbers this winter because the dwarf birch crop
is bumper in the Hudson Bay Lowlands. Those that wander south of the boreal
forest will be stopped by a fair to good seed crop on white and yellow
birches in the mixed coniferous/deciduous forest region north of Lake
Ontario.

PINE SISKIN: The nomadic siskin is a spruce seed specialist. There are
currently large numbers of siskins in Yukon including a high proportion of
hatch year birds. They will move because the spruce crop is average in Yukon
and Alaska this year, possibly coming to the East. Siskins are expected to
be widespread across Ontario this winter. Good numbers are likely to be
drawn to the excellent spruce and hemlock crops in Atlantic Canada, New York
and New England.

EVENING GROSBEAK: We can expect another good showing at feeders similar to
last winter in central Ontario and probably elsewhere in the Northeast.
Highest breeding densities are found in areas with spruce budworm outbreaks.
Grosbeak numbers are increasing as spruce budworm outbreaks expand in
Ontario and Quebec. However, current populations are still much lower than
several decades ago when budworm outbreaks were widespread and extensive.

THREE IRRUPTIVE PASSERINES: Movements of these species are often linked to
the boreal finches.

BLUE JAY: There will be a moderate flight, much smaller than last year,
along the north shorelines of Lakes Ontario and Erie. Hazelnut crops were
average. Beechnut crops were fair to good. Acorn crops were poor or spotty
north of Lake Ontario, but with some good acorn crops in the deciduous
forest region (Carolinian Zone) of southwestern Ontario.

RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH: This nuthatch is a conifer seed specialist when it
winters in the north and its movements are triggered by the same crops as
some of the boreal finches. There has been very little southward movement
indicating that this nuthatch will winter in areas with heavy cone crops
such as the boreal forest, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, New York and New
England.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING: The mountain‐ash berry crop is generally good but
variable and some crops are of poor quality in the boreal forest. Expect to
see some Bohemians in traditional areas of southern Ontario such as Orillia,
Peterborough and Ottawa where European mountain‐ash berries, Buckthorn
berries and small ornamental crabapples are available. Bohemian Waxwings
have increased in frequency and numbers as a winter visitor to the
Northeast. It now occurs commonly in some winters on the island of
Newfoundland where it was unrecorded by Peters and Burleigh (1951) in The
Birds of Newfoundland.

WHERE TO SEE FINCHES: Algonquin Park is always an adventure about a three
hour drive north of Toronto. Cone and birch seed crops are generally
average, but much better than last winter. There are some good crops on
pine, spruce, balsam fir and hemlock, but they are spotty. The cone crop on
white cedar is bumper like elsewhere in Ontario. Feeders at the Visitor
Centre should have Pine and Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins and Gray Jays.
Sometimes Pine Martens and Fishers feed on suet and sunflower seeds. A
panoramic observation deck overlooks a spectacular boreal muskeg. Eastern
Wolves (Canis lycaon), a recently recognized new species, are seen
occasionally from the observation deck feeding on road‐killed Moose put out
by park staff. The Visitor Centre and restaurant at km 43 are open weekends
in winter. Arrangements can be made to view feeders on weekdays by calling
613‐637‐2828. The Spruce Bog Trail at km 42.5 near the Visitor Centre and
the gate area along the Opeongo Road are the good spots for finches, Gray
Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Spruce Grouse and Black‐backed Woodpecker. Lastly,
inquire about the Birds of Algonquin Park by Ron Tozer published by The
Friends of Algonquin Park. It is expected out early in 2012.

WINTER FINCH BASICS: I wrote this article in 1998 but it still should
interest birders learning the basics about winter finches, seed crops and
irruptions. From OFO News 16(1):5-7, 1998.
www.jeaniron.ca/2011/WinterFinches.pdf

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I thank staff of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
from across the province designated by an asterisk* and others whose reports
allow me to make annual forecasts: Dennis Barry (Durham Region), Eleanor
Beagan (Prince Edward Island), Peter Burke (James Bay), Pascal Cote
(Tadoussac Bird Observatory, Quebec), Samuel Denault (Monts‐Pyramides,
Quebec), Andre Desrochers, (Laurentian Plateau, Quebec), Bruce Di Labio
(Eastern Ontario), Carolle Eady (Dryden), Cameron Eckert (Yukon), Francois
Gagnon (Reservoir Gouin and Chibougamau, Quebec), Marcel Gahbauer (Alberta),
Michel Gosselin (Canadian Museum of Nature), David Govatski (New Hampshire),
Charity Hendry* (Ontario Tree Seed Facility), Leo Heyens* (Kenora), Tyler
Hoar (northern Ontario), Eric Howe*, Jean Iron (Northeastern Ontario and
James Bay), Bruce Mactavish (Newfoundland), Andree Morneault* (Nipissing),
Brian Naylor* (Nipissing), Ian Newton (England), Martyn Obbard*, Stephen
O'Donnell (Parry Sound District), Justin Peter* (Algonquin Park), Fred
Pinto* (North Bay), Brenda Schmidt (Creighton, Saskatchewan), Don
Sutherland* (Northern Ontario), Ron Tozer (Algonquin Park), Declan Troy
(Alaska), Mike Turner* (Haliburton Highlands), John Woodcock (Thunder Cape
Bird Observatory), and Matt Young of The Cornell Lab of Ornithology provided
detailed information about seed crops in New York State. I thank Jean Iron
for proofing the forecast and making many helpful comments.

Ron Pittaway
Ontario Field Ornithologists
Minden, Ontario
23 September 2011