Bruce Di Labio's Blog

Thursday, December 10, 2015

December 10,2015 Bullock's Oriole update

Hi Everyone
The Bullock’s Oriole continues to be reported from the village of Pakenham. Today I saw it just after noon at the corner of Isabella and Jeanie St. before it disappeared. A short while later it was back at its favorite apple tree at the southwest end of Dalkeith St.

The oriole hasn’t been to the feeder with sliced oranges in the apple tree yet. Another mild day today, +10c and the forecast looks good for the weekend too.
Good luck,
Bruce

Directions: From Ottawa take Hwy 417 west to Kinburn Side Road. After exiting turn left and follow to CR 29. Turn left and as you enter the village of Pakenham watch for Waba Road on your right. Turn right and then left on Dalkeith St.

The Bullock's Oriole continues to favour its favorite apple tree at the southwest end of Dalkeith St.

Bullock's Oriole

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

December 7,2015 Bullock's Oriole update 2

Hi Ontbirders and others,

Since the discovery of the Bullock’s Oriole over 200 birders and photographers have viewed this rarity, respecting its space in its unfamiliar environment . Unfortunately over the past few days the situation has changed with countless individuals situated too close to where the bird feeds thus harassing the bird.

With internet accessibility, anyone can find out the location of a rare bird. Unfortunately there are individuals that aren't aware or choose to ignore of the Birding Code of Ethics. This bird is out of its range and harassment will affect its ability to survive. If you are out at the site remind everyone that crosses the line.

Yet again, common sense has disappeared to the detriment of a rare bird. If you are out at the site remind those that cross the line. Don’t be shy to voice your concerns!

Good birding,
Bruce

December 6 and 7, 2015 Pakenham: Bullock's Oriole update

Hi Everyone

The Bullock’s Oriole was seen by numerous observers today feeding in the apple tree at the southwest end of Dalkeith St. It again frequented many of the same sites along the old railway bed too. With no severe weather in the forecast it will likely be around for a while.

Good birding,

Bruce

The Bullock's Oriole continues at Pakenham.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

December 6,2015 Local birding

Hi Ontbirds

I spent the day birding along the Ottawa River and south east of Ottawa. It was a great day and the weather conditions were more like October. In fact it was the first time I’ve every birded the eastern sewage lagoons in December. Normally everything is frozen and covered by snow.

Geese numbers were high and I estimated 25,000 Canada Geese, mainly at Andrew Haydon Park, Moodie Drive ponds and Embrun. Highlights included one Ross’s Goose at Winchester along with 10,000 Snow Geese including a neck banded individual, UP 63 and one female Northern Pintail. At Embrun an adult Greater White-fronted Goose was in the large flock of Canada's along with 300 Snow Geese, 4 Northern Shoveler and two Gadwall. Other birds of note included 1 Ruddy Duck at the Moodie Drive ponds, 3 Common Loons off Andrew Haydon Park, one Horned Grebe, one Long-tailed Duck and one Double-crested Cormorant off Deschenes Lookout. At Chrysler on American Pipit was observed in a field with 20+ Horned Lark.

Birds of prey included 6 adult Bald Eagle, 5 Rough-legged Hawk, 4 Red-tailed Hawk, and 2 Northern Harrier. A second Double-crested Cormorant was observed at Nepean Sailing Club. East of Casselman the Lafleche Landfill site had a good selection of gulls, around 2000 + including 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 4 Iceland Gulls, and 3 Glaucous Gull among the 100s of Herring Gulls. I also had an odd looking gull and not sure of the species yet.
Along Smith Road off Milton road near Navan a flock of 60+ Sandhill Cranes were feeding in a cornfield.

Good birding
Bruce

Saturday, December 5, 2015

December 5,2015 Pakenham Bullock's Oriole update

Hi Everyone

The Bullock’s Oriole was again present today and seen a number of times at the regular spots previously reported. It still visits the apple tree at the east end of Dalkeith St. This oriole was discovered on November 29 by Ray Holland and Richard Waters. The extended forecast is mild weather for the next week of December. Hopefully the bird will stay in the area.

Good birding

Bruce

The Pakenham Bullock's Oriole continues to be a star attraction.

Friday, December 4, 2015

December 4,2015 Bullock's Oriole update.

Hi Everyone

The Bullock’s Oriole continues to frequent the village of Pakenham feeding and moving around the area. It appears to have somewhat of a routine feeding in a couple of the apple trees and tends to favour the apple tree at the east end of Dalkeith St. The oriole was first seen this morning at around 9:00 a.m. and was observed off and on throughout the day. During my late afternoon visit the oriole along the old railway bed at 2:45 p.m. and back at the apple tree at 3:30 p.m. spending around 5 minutes feeding before departing. Tomorrows forecast is good, sunny and +7 c. Please remember the OFO Birding code of ethics when searching for this rarity.

Good luck,

Bruce

The Bullock's Oriole continues to attract birders to Pakenham.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

December 3,2015 Bullock's Oriole shows well today.

Hi Everyone

The Bullocks Oriole has been seen numerous times this morning. Continues to favor the apple tree at the east end of Dalkeith St.
Good birding
Bruce

The orile first appeared at around 10:00 a.m. this morning near the corner of Jeanie and Isabella St.

The Bullock's Oriole continues to feed in its favorite apple tree at the east end of Dalkeith St.

Birding Ethics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

|Other Birding Codes of Conduct|

Bruce Di Labio's Blog

Thursday, December 10, 2015

December 10,2015 Bullock's Oriole update

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

December 7,2015 Bullock's Oriole update 2

December 6 and 7, 2015 Pakenham: Bullock's Oriole update

Sunday, December 6, 2015

December 6,2015 Local birding

Saturday, December 5, 2015

December 5,2015 Pakenham Bullock's Oriole update

Friday, December 4, 2015

December 4,2015 Bullock's Oriole update.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

December 3,2015 Bullock's Oriole shows well today.

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