Bruce Di Labio's Blog: April 2010

Sunday, April 25, 2010

April 24 & 25, 2010 Birding southern Florida

Friday, April 23, 2010

April 22, 2010 Birding Everglades National Park

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

April 21, 2010 Birding southern Florida

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

April 20, 2010 Birding Florida

Monday, April 19, 2010

April 19, 2010 Birding Three Lakes to Naples, Florida

Sunday, April 18, 2010

April 17-18, 2010 Birding Southern Florida

Saturday, April 17, 2010

April 16, 2010 Lots of feeder activity!

The backyard and feeders were alive with activity today. Lots of Dark-eyed Junco moving through the area along with White-throated Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow and a few American Tree sparrow. The highlight of the morning was a flock of 14 Evening Grosbeak activity feeding on the maple keys of one of our Manitoba Maples. After a while a few visited the sunflower feeder and we have excellent views! The Evening Grosbeak was a regular winter visitor in large numbers back in the late 60's, 70's, and into the 80's. It wasn't unusual to have 50-100 birds at your feeder during the winter months. It is now an erratic visitor and in small numbers.

American Goldfinch are now moulting into their summer plumage.

The White-throated Sparrow is a spring favorite for many feeder watchers.

Once a common sight in eastern Ontario during the winter months, the Evening Grosbeak is now erratic and a treat to have at your feeder!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

April 8, 2010 Early Red-headed Woodpecker back at Constance Bay

This afternoon I observed 1 adult Red-headed Woodpecker at the "Old Burn site" at Constance Bay. This is the 9th consecutive year for the woodpecker at this site and the earliest date. Last year, 1 was observed on April 23rd which, then, was the earliest date. Normally they arrive back around mid May. Also had 5 Red-shouldered Hawks, 2 at Constance Bay, 2 near Dunrobin along 5th Line Road and 1 at Constance Creek and Thomas Dolan Parkway.
Good Birding, Bruce

Please review OFO's Ethical Birding Principles and (RHWO). Please do not use IPods/CD/tapes to call the bird out. The area is small, but you do require patience.

Directions: Constance Bay: RHWP: From Ottawa travel west bound on Hwy. 417 to the March Rd./Eagleson Road and exit right onto March Rd. Follow to Dunrobin Road and turn right continuing northwest through Woodlawn. At the hill turn right onto Constance Bay Rd following it for approx. 1.5 km. Turn left on Allbirch Road and drive 1.3 km to the " T " intersection. Turn left on Bishop Davis Drive and then right on Bayview Drive. Follow Bayview Drive to Ritchie St. Turn right and go a short distance to Whistler Rd. Turn left and drive .3 km and watch for a gate on the right. The trail through the burn area is opposite the gate. Parking is limited.

Early arrival for Red-headed Woodpecker at Constance Bay

April 7, 2010 Amherst Island Birding

Spent most of yesterday birding various areas on Amherst Island before the rain started in the afternoon. The Owl Woods had a small variety of land birds including 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Brown Thrasher, 1 Field Sparrow and 2 Hermit Thrush, all singing. At the East Point (KFN property) there was a good selection of water birds. Highlights included 150+ Bonaparte's Gull, 175+ American Wigeon, 200+ Gadwall, 3 Greater Yellowlegs, and 500+ Long-tailed Duck. Along the South Shore Road 1 Common Loon, 1 Red-necked Grebe and 6 Horned Grebe were observed. In the open fields a number of Savannah Sparrows and Eastern Meadowlarks were singing while 4 Rough-legged Hawks, 9 Northern Harrier, 5 Red-tailed Hawk and 3 American Kestrel were seen.

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 $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 KFN
member. For KFN contact information or how to become a member, please visit
http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."

Adult Red-tailed Hawk in the rain.

Water bird viewing along the south shore and East point was excellent.

The winter of 2009-10 was the best ever for Barred Owls in Eastern Ontario with a number of concentrations between Brockville-Kingston-Presqu'ile.

Another owling season comes to an end on Amherst Island.

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