The Marbled Godwit was still present this morning at Shirley's Bay. Not much change in the shorebirds, 4 Long-billed Dowitcher, 1 Stilt Sandpiper, 24 Pectoral Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, and 1 Black-bellied Plover along with the regular species. The Moodie Drive pond was busy yesterday and today with 42 Snow Geese (38 ad. and 4 juv.), 135+ Ring-necked Duck, 18 Pied-billed Grebe, 17 Ruddy Duck, and 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull. The land bird migration was low but steady with 100+ Yellow-rumped Warblers along the dyke, 30+ American Pipit, smaller numbers of Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Winter Wren, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco. 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.
Directions: Moodie Drive Pond: 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 flock of Pectoral Sandpipers feeding at Shirley's Bay.
Shorebird activity was still on the increase but water levels were on the rise.
A sign of fall is the head streaking on many of the adult gulls. Note the streaks and spots on this adult Ring-billed Gull.
Another sign that fall migration is well underway is the flocking of Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles and European Starling.
Thousand's can be found in the surrounding farm land going to roost sites.
Despite the recent rain, Shirley's Bay remains the local "hot spot" for birding. A large area of exposed mudflat is still attracting migrating shorebirds and the Marbled Godwit continues to enjoy its now week long stay. The 4 Long-billed Dowitcher were very vocal this morning flying around but finally settled in to a feeding routine. A few birds of prey spoked the shorebirds a couple of times including but a sharp-shinned and cooper's Hawk. The 2 Great Egrets were still present and a small number of Ring-necked Duck and Lesser Scaup were resting on the river. Watch along the road and dyke area for migrating land birds. There were a number of Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, and White-throated Sparrows.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 CONTROLOFFICE BEFORE ENTERING THE DYKE AREA-- Call (613) 991-5740 and requestpermission to visit the dyke area for birding.
The Long-billed Dowitcher is easiest to pick out by is long bill, chunky body and feeding behavior. Probes deep and fast like a "sewing machine"action.
The Long-billed Dowitcher often calls in flight giving its distinctive single note "peep".
General Forecast: The theme this winter is there will be no major finch irruptions outside their normal ranges. Finch numbers will be low and thinly distributed or absent in southern and northeastern Ontario and Quebec, where seed crops are poor. Higher numbers of finches should be attracted to much better cone crops in northwestern Ontario and west into northern Saskatchewan, the Maritime Provinces and Newfoundland, and northern New England States.
Key Finch Trees: The key tree species in Ontario's boreal forest triggering finch movements and distribution are white and black spruces, white birch, and mountain-ashes. South of the boreal forest in the mixed coniferous/deciduous forest region, white pine and hemlock are additional key finch trees. Other trees play a lesser role in finch movements, but often buffer main seed sources. These include tamarack, balsam fir, red pine, white cedar, alders, and yellow birch.
Tree Seed Crops: Spruce cone crops are poor in central Ontario such as Algonquin Park and in northeastern Ontario and Quebec. However, spruce crops are good to excellent in the boreal forest north of Lake Superior and west into Saskatchewan. Spruce cone abundance is lower in Alberta and eastern Rocky Mountains, Yukon and Alaska, but is excellent in some high spruce zones of central British Columbia. East of Quebec, spruce crops are good to excellent in much of Eastern Canada including the island of Newfoundland. Heavy spruce crops are also reported in the northern New England States. The white pine cone crop is poor in central Ontario such as Algonquin Park and fair to good elsewhere in the province, but spotty. White pine crops are heavy in New Hampshire. The hemlock crop is almost zero in the province. The white birch crop is poor in central and northeastern Ontario and Quebec, but improves westward in Ontario, becoming very good in Saskatchewan. Birch seed supplies are lower in Alberta and Alaska. The mountain-ash (rowan berry) crop is excellent across most of the boreal forest in Canada, including the island of Newfoundland where it is called dogberry.
INDIVIDUAL FINCH FORECASTS Individual finch forecasts below apply mainly to Ontario, but neighboring provinces and states may find the forecast applies to them. An irruptive raptor and three irruptive passerines are also discussed.
Pine Grosbeak: Expect very little or no southward movement into southern Ontario because mountain-ash berry crops are excellent in most of the boreal forest. A few should get south to Algonquin Park as in most winters.
Purple Finch: Most Purple Finches should migrate south out of the province this fall because many seed crops are poor in the north. This finch has declined significantly in recent decades.
Red Crossbill: This crossbill comprises at least 10 "call types" in North America. Each type has its cone preferences related to bill size and shape. The types are exceedingly difficult to identify in the field. Types 2 and 3 and probably 4 occur regularly in Ontario. Most Red Crossbills prefer pines, but the smallest-billed Hemlock Type 3 (= subspecies sitkensis of AOU Check-list 1957) prefers the small soft cones of hemlock and white spruce when bumper in Ontario. However, it should be absent from traditional areas such as Algonquin Park where hemlock and white spruce occur together because these crops are poor there. White pine Type 2 is the most frequently encountered Red Crossbill in the province. Since white pine crops are low in most of the province, it should be rare to absent this winter. Other Red Crossbill types are possible in the province.
White-winged Crossbill: This crossbill has no subspecies or types in North America. In Ontario, it prefers the small soft cones of white, black and red spruces and hemlock. Many White-winged Crossbills left the province this past summer after last winter's irruption. Some went into northern Ontario attracted to the good spruce cone crops and were singing and presumably nested. These birds may remain in the north this winter and could breed again in mid winter if seed supplies last. White-winged Crossbills will be rare or absent this winter in traditional areas such as Algonquin Park because spruce and hemlock cone crops are low. White-winged Crossbills should appear this winter in Newfoundland and the Maritime Provinces and the northern New England States, where spruce cone crops are good to heavy.
Common and Hoary Redpolls: Redpolls are a birch seed specialist in winter. Since the birch crop is poor in northeastern Ontario and Quebec, a few Common Redpolls should move south into southern Ontario and farther east and south. However, most redpolls may be drawn to good birch crops in northwestern Ontario and westward in the boreal forest into Saskatchewan.
Pine Siskin: Siskins are a conifer seed specialist when they winter in northern Ontario. Hemlock seed is another favorite in central Ontario. Most siskins departed the province early this past summer and appear to have gone mainly to western Canada. Banding recoveries show that siskins wander both ways between eastern and western North America. Siskins are currently very scarce in the Northeast. If siskins find good conifer crops in the Northwest, such as the interior of British Columbia, they will stay to winter and breed. It is uncertain whether many will return east this fall to winter in northwestern Ontario, the Maritime Provinces and northern New England States, where cone crops are good to excellent.
Evening Grosbeak: Breeding populations are much lower now than 35 years ago due mainly to a decrease of large outbreaks of spruce budworm beginning in the 1980s. A very few grosbeaks may move south from northeastern Ontario and Quebec where coniferous and deciduous seed supplies are generally poor. If any come, there are large crops of Manitoba maple seeds and plenty of sunflower seeds at feeders waiting for them.
FOUR MORE IRRUPTIVE SPECIES Northern Goshawk: A good flight is very possible this fall or next. Goshawks in the boreal forest in winter prey on hares, grouse and red squirrels. Snowshoe Hares have been abundant in parts of northern Ontario the past few years and they should crash soon. Also, Ruffed Grouse likely had a poor breeding season due to a cool, wet spring and summer, which lowered chick survival.
Blue Jay: The flight began in the second week of September. This year's flight is much larger than in 2008 along the north shorelines of Lakes Ontario and Erie because most acorn, beechnut and hazelnut crops were poor this summer in Ontario with some local exceptions. Many fewer jays will winter in Ontario because most could not find enough food to store.
Red-breasted Nuthatch: Movements of this nuthatch in Ontario are linked to cone crop abundance, particularly white spruce, white pine and balsam fir when bumper. There has not been a noticeable southward movement along Lakes Ontario and Erie, indicating this is not an irruption year for it and associated winter finches such as White-winged Crossbills and Pine Siskins. However, Red-breasted Nuthatches will be scarce this winter in central Ontario such as Algonquin Park and in northeastern Ontario and Quebec because cone crops there are generally poor in these areas. Many nuthatches likely dispersed to better cone crops north and west of Lake Superior and east to the Maritime Provinces.
Bohemian Waxwing: Like the Pine Grosbeak, this waxwing is a mountain-ash berry specialist in winter. Mountain-ash crops are high around Lake Superior and in many areas of northern Ontario. Crops are also good in Quebec, Newfoundland and northern New England States so this nomad may show up in these areas this winter. Its breeding and winter ranges in eastern North America have expanded in recent times. Range maps in field guides show Bohemians breeding east to James Bay, but recently they have been found in summer scattered across northern Quebec and Labrador. Historically they were very rare in winter on the island of Newfoundland, but are now abundant there some winters. Their winter range movements have also expanded to other eastern areas because of planted European mountain-ashes and ornamental crabapples.
WHERE TO SEE FINCHES: A winter trip to Algonquin Park is always a birding adventure. The park is a three hour drive north of Toronto. Finch numbers will be low in Algonquin this winter, but the feeders at the Visitor Centre should attract a few Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Grosbeaks and redpolls. Gray Jays frequent the suet feeder and sometimes a Pine Marten or Fisher feeds on the suet. An observation deck overlooks a spectacular boreal wetland and black spruce/tamarack forest. Eastern Canadian Wolves (Canis lycaon), which until recently was a subspecies of the Gray Wolf, 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 on weekends in winter. Arrangements can be made to view feeders on weekdays. For information, call the Visitor Centre at 613-637-2828. The Spruce Bog Trail at km 42.5 near the Visitor Centre and the gated area north on the Opeongo Road are the best spots for finches, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Spruce Grouse and Black-backed Woodpecker.
FINCHES AND TREES: A good knowledge of trees is essential to understanding winter finch habitats, food preferences and distributions. By coincidence, the finch forecast comes out the same week as the new "The Sibley Guide to Trees". In a recent interview with Birder's World, David Sibley said "I wanted it to be a tree guide for birdwatchers".
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I thank staff of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources from across the province designated by an asterisk* and many others whose reports allow me to make annual forecasts: Ken Abraham* (Hudson Bay Lowlands), Dennis Barry (Durham Region), Eleanor Beagan (Prince Edward Island), Syd Cannings (Yukon), Ken Corston* (Moosonee), Pascal Cote (Tadoussac, Quebec), Shirley Davidson (Minden/Dorset), Bruce Di Labio (Ottawa), Carrolle Eady (Dryden), Cameron Eckert (Yukon), Nick Escott (Thunder Bay), Brian Fox* (Timmins), Marcel Gahbauer (Alberta), Stacy Gan* (James Bay), David Govatski (New Hampshire), Skye Haas (Michigan), Charity Hendry* (Ontario Tree Seed Plant), Leo Heyens* (Kenora), Tyler Hoar, George Holborn* (Thunder Bay), David Hussell*, Peter Hynard (Haliburton and Maine), Jean Iron (Northeastern Ontario/James Bay), Bruce Mactavish (Newfoundland), Erwin Meissner (Massey), Brian Naylor* (North Bay), Stephen O'Donnell (Parry Sound District), Mark O'Donoghue (Yukon), Fred Pinto* (North Bay), Rick Salmon* (Lake Nipigon), Harvey and Brenda Schmidt (Creighton, Saskatchewan), Chris Sharp (Trent University), Don Sutherland* (Northern Ontario), Eve Ticknor (Ottawa), Ron Tozer (Algonquin Park), Declan Troy (Alaska), Mike Turner* (Minden), Mike Walsh* (Muskoka), John Woodcock (Thunder Cape Bird Observatory), Matt Young has been very helpful with seed crop information from New York State, and Kirk Zufelt (Sault Ste Marie ON). Jean Iron provided many helpful suggestions and proofed the forecast.
Ron Pittaway Ontario Field Ornithologists Minden ON 19 September 2009
Lots of land bird activity this morning at Britannia Conservation Area/Mud Lake. Along the "Ridge" there was a good concentration of warblers, mainly Yellow-rumped and Palm but a few Black-throated Green, Northern Parula, Nashville, Blackpoll and 1 Orange-crowned Warbler just east of the ridge. The highlight was a Clay-coloured Sparrow along the ridge along with both White-crowned and White-throated Sparrow. Other migrants included a number of Blue-headed Vireo, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Dark-eyed Junco and Purple Finch. A brief stop at Andrew Haydon Park produced an immature Peregrine falcon missing a number of flight feathers. Also had a Gray-cheeked Thrush in my backyard this morning. Good birding, Bruce
Directions: The Britannia Woods/Mud Lake area is located in Ottawa off Richmond Road and Carling Ave. Take Britannia Road north to Cassels and turn right and go east a few 100 metres and park near entrance to woods.
Peregrine Falcon at Andrew Haydon Park late this morning.
Note the number of flight feathers missing.
This juvenile Peregrine Falcon flushed all the Ring-billed Gulls that were resting on a sand bar at AHP.
This evening Ben and I birded along the Ottawa River and observed 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls mainly at Deschenes Rapids, 5 ad., 2 3rd.year and 1 first winter. There were also 250+ Great Black-backed Gulls, mainly adults. At Shirley's Bay 1 Marbled Godwit, 4 Long-billed Dowitcher, 2 Am. Golden Plover, 1 Dunlin and both Virginia and Sora rail were observed. 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 ofPOISON 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.
Still lots of activity at Shirley's Bay. This morning we observed 12 species of shorebirds including the Marbled Godwit, 4 Long-billed Dowitcher, and 1 Stilt Sandpiper. No luck with the Nelson's Sparrow. The water level has dropped again resulting in a large mudflat at the base of the dyke. Numerous Green and Blue-winged Teal were feeding and further down the dyke we observed 2 Great Egret, 7 Gadwall, 20+ American Wigeon, 3 Northern Pintail and a flock of 15+ Lesser Scaup and 1 Greater Scaup. 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.
Lower water levels are attracting more birds.
The Solitary Sandpiper is a regular fall migrant throughout eastern Ontario.
A flock of Solitary Sandpipers feeding along the dyke.
Spent the morning birding various sites on Amherst Island. The most productive area was the east end (KFN property). While walking along the edge of the first pond I observed a Nelson's Sparrow hoping around on the ground with a group of Swamp, Song and Savannah Sparrows. There were 17 species of shorebirds including 5 Long-billed Dowitcher, 3 White-rumped Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 1 Baird's Sandpiper, 6 Am. Golden Plover and 11 Black-bellied Plover. Other species of note included 3 American Bittern, a late Bobolink, and 3 Caspian Tern. A quick check in the Owl Woods produced 1 Eastern Towhee, 1 Ring-necked Pheasant, 6 Palm Warbler, both Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets.Good birdingBruce
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 $8.00 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 KFNmember. For KFN contactinformation or how to become a member, please visit http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."
Sunrise on Amherst Island.
A juvenile American Golden Plover was one of the many shorebirds feeding at the east end of the island.
Shorebirds are enjoying the lower water levels along Lake Ontario.
With the lower water levels along the Ottawa River bird activity and variety continues to increase. At Shirley's Bay the Marbled Godwit continues to attract birders and a Nelson's Sparrow a rare fall visitor was also observed for 45 mintues as it fed along the edge of the cattails. There was an influx of land birds overnight including Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Winter Wren,American Pipit, White-throated Sparrow and Yellow-rumped warblers.
A Great Blue Heron enjoys the lower water levels along the Ottawa River at Andrew Haydon Park
Early morning fog along the Ottawa River.
Wild Turkeys are becoming a common sight around Kanata. When's Thanksgiving?
An adult Peregrine Falcon roosting on the Coats Building, Tunney's Pasture. this has been a regular roosting or resting area for Peregrines since the early 80's.
The Marbled Godwit continues to feed at Shirley's Bay. This morning at 7:45a.m. it was present along with the Stilt Sandpiper, 2 Great Egret and a small selection of shorebirds. There was a light movement of warblers along the dyke including Blackpoll, Black-throated Green, Nashville, Palm, Pine, and Northern Parula. (Thanks to Chris Bruce). Waterfowl numbers were low but a nice variety including Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal and Green-winged Teal and a Virginia Rail working along the edge of the cattails.
Marbled Godwit feeding.
Stilt Sandpiper (left) and Lesser Yellowlegs (right)
Close up view of Stilt Sandpiper. Note difference in bill shape and pale eye line than Lesser Yellowlegs.
Solitary Sandpiper is a regular fall migrant in small numbers.
Yesterday, after Ben got home from school, we headed over to the dyke and Ben added a new species to his Ottawa list the Marbled Godwit. The Marbled Godwit was still present at Shirley's Bay today. With a cold front passing through the area, there has been a steady migration of Canada Geese, (100's) over the past 24 hours . I saw 5 Snow Geese today, 3 along the Carp River in Carp and 2 at Richardson Side Road. On Ben's bus ride home from school today he observed a Great Egret feeding in the Carp River at Richardson Side Road, not bad for drive by birding.
Flight shot of Marbled Godwit taken yesterday at Shirley's Bay.
Canada Geese are southern bound.
European Starlings flocking near dusk.
Great Black-backed Gulls roosting at Deschenes Rapids.
The Marbled Godwit found this at Shirley's Bay by Bob Cermak, Chris Lewis and Bob Bracken was still present at 12 noon. The godwit was activity feeding on the far side of the mudflats opposite the base of the dyke. 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.
The Marbled Godwit, a very rare visitor to the Ottawa was bonus at Shirley's Bay today.
Finally with lower water levels along the Ottawa River, shorebirds,waterfowl and other waders are starting to be seen!
With high levels along the Ottawa River, Ted Glas and I decided to head to Presqu'ile Provincial Park, along Lake Ontario, to view shorebirds. Conditions were excellent, again with another beautiful sunny day. We observed 12 species of shorebirds between Beach 1 and Owen Point. Highlights included 9 Baird's Sandpiper, 7 White-rumped Sandpiper and 1 American Golden Plover. The shorebirds were very obliging, allowing us the opportunity for close study. There was a small movement of warblers including a very tame Northern Parula. (see photo) All in all, a great day birding.
White-rumped Sandpiper feeding along beach.
A juvenile American Golden Plover was a highlight!
A comparison of Baird's Sandpiper (left) and White-rumped Sandpiper (right)
Another photo showing back patterns of both species.
Northern Parula was one of a few warblers feeding near Owen Point.
Over the past week, south bound migration has been slow but steady in Eastern Ontario. No great days but scattered flocks of warblers and other migrants have been found in various locations. My Sunday, September 13th ``Local Hot Spots`` trip was interesting due to a combination of high water levels and the stretch of beautiful sunny days.The water level along the Ottawa River continues to slowly drop and is attracting some shorebird action. Our group birded the Shirley's Bay area and finally had a few shorebirds that actually found some exposed mud at the dyke. At the dyke we observed 4 Greater Yellowlegs, 6 Spotted Sandpiper and 2 Solitary Sandpiper. A big surprise was observing 3 species of raptors in one tree! 2 Merlin, 1 American Kestrel and 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk. An amazing sight. As we moved along to the Dunrobin area, we saw a flock of 12 Eastern Bluebirds along 5th Line road as well as 25 Chipping sparrow, 2 Palm Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler and 5 Eastern Meadowlark. The most unusual find was an Eastern Bluebird with white "eye patches". (see photo)
Numbers and variety of waterfowl are beginning to change with a few northern species starting to appear. On Saturday, September 12th, in the Moodie Drive pond area, I observed 50+ Ring-necked Duck, 11 Lesser Scaup, 1 Common Goldeneye and 7 Ruddy Ducks. On September 10th, Ben and I observed 2 Snow Geese along Richardson Side Road near Kanata. Over the weekend, Great Egrets were still being observed at Shirley's Bay and along the Carp River at Richardson's Side Road and Virginia Rails were seen along Moodie Drive. This is the time to begin filling the feeders. Yesterday, our 5 niger feeders had over 50 American Goldfinch, Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches and Downy Woodpeckers.
Juvenile plumaged Lesser Yellowlegs.
Spotted Sandpiper without spots. Note the white shoulder spur.
The Killdeer is easy to recognize by its 2 black breast bands.
"Puddle ducks" are starting to show up along the river as water levels begin to drop.
An odd looking Eastern Bluebird with white eye patches.
American Goldfinch numbers are on the rise.
The Virginia Rail is an uncommon sight in wetlands.
The birding continues to change day to day with new southbound migrants arriving. Yesterday, September 8th, on my birding course outing we started at Shirley's Bay. With the water levels continuing to drop there was more activity at the base of the dyke. At least 5 Solitary Sandpiper were feeding at the mouth of Watt's Creek, along with 2 Great Egret, 14 Great Blue Heron, and both Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal. A Dunlin flew over calling and there were a few land birds including a Dark-eyed Junco and Swainson's Thrush. Later during the morning we birded along the Jack Pine Trail off Moodie Drive and had a nice selection of birds including 3 Virginia rail, 2 Belted Kingfisher, 4 Solitary sandpiper, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs and a Merlin. Unfortunately we didn't relocate the Long-billed Dowitcher near Terry Fox drive and Fernbank Road.
The Great Egret is a rare but regular fall visitor to eastern Ontario.
The Black and White Warbler is easy to recognize by its coloration and nuthatch like behavior.
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.
A few of you have asked for some help with adding comments to the blog. I hope this step-by-step guide will help:
1) Click on "Comments" at the end of the blog entry that you wish to comment on.
2) Type your comment in the field provided.
3) Under your comment choose "Name/URL". Type your name (first and/or last names) in the box provided. Choosing "Name/URL" will ensure that you do not need to "register" before leaving a comment.
4) Click "Preview" to see how your comment will look on the site if you wish, otherwise skip to step 5.
5) Click "Publish" to submit your comment.
Please note that all comments are moderated so I will review them before they go live. If I'm out in the field this could take a few hours, so please be patient.
Thousand's can be found in the surrounding farm land going to roost sites. 
General Forecast: The theme this winter is there will be no major finch irruptions outside their normal ranges. Finch numbers will be low and thinly distributed or absent in southern and northeastern Ontario and Quebec, where seed crops are poor. Higher numbers of finches should be attracted to much better cone crops in northwestern Ontario and west into northern Saskatchewan, the Maritime Provinces and Newfoundland, and northern New England States.
