Bruce Di Labio's Blog: August 2-3, 2012 More signs of fall migration at Churchill, Manitoba

Monday, August 6, 2012

August 2-3, 2012 More signs of fall migration at Churchill, Manitoba

Another great day birding in Churchill. So far days have been sunny with a light breeze, keeping the mosquitos and other biting insects at bay. Today, August 2nd Ben and I had a good day, birding many of the regular spots that we visited previously. Highlights for the day included 2 Peregrine Falcona hunting over the tidal flats, Common Loon flyby at Cape Merry, Blue-winged Teal at the Granary Ponds, and 208 Whimbrel at Cape Merry. Southbound shorebird migration continues with more juvenile Least, Semipalmated and Stilt Sandpiper along with juvenile Short-billed Dowticher. On August 3rd we spent some time mid morning at Cape Merry at low tide and scanned off shore and after a while we were rewarded with an adult breeding plumage Sabine's Gull feeding over the water as Beluga's were feeding. For the first time since arriving, we counted 16 juvenile Bonaparte's Gulls feeding and resting on the exposed rocks off Cape Merry and a couple of juvenile Arctic Tern. At Bird Cove, east of Churchill, we spent an hour checking the shorebirds at low tide and counted 108 Hudsonian Godwit, 24 Sanderling, 18 Black-bellied Plover, 8 American Golden-Plover, 38 Ruddy Turnstone and 5 Buff-breasted Sandpiper, my first for the Churchill region and # 202. Still looking for Polar Bears!!

Whimbrel were observed regularly in small flocks at Cape Merry.

Adult White-crowned Sparrow carrying food for young.

Male Common Redpoll.

Bird actitvity increased daily at the bird feeder rock.

A moulting male Blackpoll Warbler was still singing at Landing Lake on August 3rd.

A colour banded adult Semipalmated Plover at the gravel point near the Grain Elevator. This individual was likely banded locally during the CNSC field season.

A family of downy young Greater Scaup sunbathe on a rock at the Granary Ponds.

The Common Repoll is a regular breeder in the Churchill region.

The Granary Ponds were checked numerous times every day for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl.

The Goose Creek Road area near the Marina is a good location for Nelson's Sparrow and Yellow Rail.

Birding along Goose Creek Road.

Low tide along the Churchill River.

Bruce at Cape Merry.

Cape Merry at low tide.

Ben caught a juvenile White-crowned Sparrow at the Granary Ponds.

Beluga's were everywhere along the Churchill River and at the mouth of Hudson Bay.

A European Starling moulting into winter plumage.

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Birding Ethics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

|Other Birding Codes of Conduct|

Bruce Di Labio's Blog

Monday, August 6, 2012

August 2-3, 2012 More signs of fall migration at Churchill, Manitoba

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