Bruce Di Labio's Blog: December 14,2015 Eastern Ontario Rarities update

Monday, December 14, 2015

December 14,2015 Eastern Ontario Rarities update

Hi Ontbirders

The birding in Eastern Ontario continues to be unpredictable and exciting. It doesn’t appear to be slowing down too soon. The weather forecast for the next few days is above seasonal temperatures and no snow. All waterways are still ice free.
The Smew was observed at first light today along the St. Lawrence River just east of Long Sault along Hwy 2 at Fickes Road. The Smew flew west and disappeared. Fortunately for a few of us while scanning the river it was spotted flying back, landing briefly in the same location before taking flight again and heading west along the river. A number of us searched various areas but no luck. The bird may return at dusk and I’d check tomorrow at dawn.
The Pink-footed Goose was observed at the sod farm off Laflèche Road late morning and was still present into the afternoon. There were no geese along Laflèche Road when we arrived but shortly after a small flock landed followed by 5-8 thousands and the PFGO was spotted. Lots of patience is required to find this goose.
The Mountain Bluebird was present this morning and early afternoon at the intersection of Century Road and Goodstown Road south of Richmond.
The Bullock’s Oriole was again observed in Pakenham and I observed it feeding in its favourite apple tree at the south west end of Dalkeith St. at 3:15p.m.
Good luck,
Bruce
http://brucedilabio.blogspot.ca/

SMEW directions: Seen from Highway 2 between Cornwall and Long Sault Just west of Fickes Road, there is a short, open stretch of river that is viewable from the highway. There is also a bike path here. This is a busy stretch of road, so it may be best to park on Fickes Road and walk the short distance to the west.

Pink-footed Goose directions: Take Hwy 417 east from Ottawa past Casselman and take exit 58.
Turn right (south) on Hwy 138 towards Cornwall. Laflèche Road is the first road on the right.

Mountain Bluebird directions: Take Hwy 416 south or north to Exit 57. West on Brophy to Eagleson and south on Eagleson/McCordick to Century Rd.. West on Century to intersection of Goodstown.

Bullock’s Oriole 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 Smew was only seen briefly before flying west along the St. Lawrence River. Smew photos courtesy of Jacques Bouvier.

Only a few fortunate birders got to see the Smew before it disappeared near Long Sault.

Pink-footed Goose with Snow Geese.

Mountain Bluebird spent much of its time feeding along the fence line and flying down to the ground to pick up grubs.

The female Bullock's Oriole continues to favor one apple tree at the southwest end of Dalkeith St.

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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, December 14, 2015

December 14,2015 Eastern Ontario Rarities update

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