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ONTBIRDS for Sunday, May 25, 2008
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Subject: [Ontbirds]James Bay - Akimiski Island Report # 2
From: Jean Iron <jeaniron(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 25 May 2008 10:41am
I had a satellite phone call from Jean Iron last night on Akimiski
Island in James Bay. She is assisting researchers with the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) and Trent University. There are
16 people in camp on the northeast coast including a cook (smaller
camps cook for themselves) and a helicopter pilot who transports
researchers to study sites. Much of James Bay is covered with sea
ice. It is a late spring and temperatures for the next few days will
be below average. The earliest Canada Goose (subspecies interior)
eggs are about 10 days from hatching, which is 5-7 days later than in
2006 and 2007.
"Lesser" Snow Goose: Yesterday Ken Abraham (OMNR) saw a high flock of
200 Snow Geese flying in the direction of Baffin Island. Of
approximately 1000 breeding pairs of Lessers on Akimiski in 2005, 77%
was blue morph birds (Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas 2007). They are the
most southerly breeding Snow Geese.
Brant: About 700 on 23 May with most yet to come.
Semipalmated Plover: First bird arrived on the 24 May. Erica Nol and
her students from Trent University have long-term studies of
Semipalmated Plovers on Akimiski and at Churchill, Manitoba. Breeding
success is much lower on Akimiski than farther north in Churchill.
Erica thinks that the larger Killdeer, which are more common on
Akimiski than in Churchill and they arrive earlier, are competing
with Semipalmated Plovers and limiting their southern breeding distribution.
Hudsonian Godwit: Scattered birds sighted yesterday. Small numbers
probably breed on Akimiski at the southern limit of the species range
(Ontario Atlas 2007).
Marbled Godwit: First two pairs arrived yesterday on 24 May. They
were feeding in mud along the northeast coast. The wintering grounds
of the isolated subarctic James Bay population are unknown. Last year
two birds were fitted with satellite transmitters. One transmitter
either fell off on Akimiski or the godwit died before migrating
south. The second bird left Akimiski in the late afternoon of 17
August 2007 and 8 hours later crossed Lake Superior. It was tracked
to New Mexico where the signal was lost on 29 August. The projected
route suggested it was heading for the Pacific coast of northern
Mexico. This was surprising because James Bay birds were thought to
winter on the Atlantic coast. However, one bird is too early to make
a conclusion. This summer American researchers Adrian Farmer of the
US Geological Survey in Colorado and Bridget Olsen of the Bear River
Migratory Bird Refuge in Utah hope to place 5 transmitters on Marbled Godwits.
Other Bird Sightings: 4 Sandhill Cranes, American Bitterns singing, 6
Bonaparte's Gulls, Merlin nest near camp, Hermit Thrushes singing,
Swamp, Lincoln's and Fox Sparrows singing on territories, with
American Pipits, Lapland Longspurs, Snow Buntings and Common Redpolls
(some breed locally) on the move.
Mammals: No Polar Bears yet on the island because James Bay north of
the island is still mostly sea ice. Two Red Foxes have researchers
concerned because of nest predation on study birds. Last year a fox
killed a Marbled Godwit. Snowshoe Hares are around camp.
Frogs: Jean said the Wood Frog and Chorus Frog calls were deafening
as I talked to her last night.
Map link below shows snow and ice conditions. Akimiski (note green
island) is close to Ontario coast half way up west side of James Bay.
Also note large area of open water south of the island.
http://www.natice.noaa.gov/pub/ims_gif/DATA/cursnow_usa.gif
Update in 2-3 days.
Ron Pittaway
Toronto/Minden ON
_______________________________________________
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Warblers Ottawa - N. Parula, Wilson's, Tennessee?
From: Patrick Blake <pjblake22(AT)hotmail.com>
Date: 25 May 2008 8:22am
This morning at the Britannia Conservation Area Mud Lake, I came across a single
female NORTHERN PARULA to the west of the main entrance on Cassels Road.
Further into the forest, there was a WILSON'S WARBLER that was quite vocal,
although I couldn't make a visual. Along the ridge and near the entrance there
was a warbler singing, but I couldn't be sure of the song, and I didn't manage
to find the bird. I suspect it was a TENNESSEE WARBLER - the song was comprised
of three sets of a single note, repeated three to four times, with a faster
tempo with each set: dee...dee...dee , dee..dee..dee, dee-dee-dee-dee. I
apologize for my lyrical skills, but if anyone can properly ID this song, and
the bird along with it, I would appreciate a private email, just to confirm. If
I locate the bird the next time I'm out there, I'll be sure to update this
post.
Thanks in advance and good birding!
Pat
_________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
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Subject: [Ontbirds] Mourning and Blue-winged Warblers - Currie Tract,
Campbellville
From: "Norman Murr" <normurr(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 25 May 2008 10:18am
Good afternoon
This morning Ian Cannell and I did a fast walk through the Currie Tract at
Campbellville and besides the usual suspects we found and mostly saw 8
Blue-winged and 4 Mourning Warblers. There are also a good numbers of Indigo
Buntings, Towhees, Scarlet Tanagers and Field Sparrows to be seen and heard as
well as Wood Thrushes and Veerys and uncountable Mosquitoes.
Before we left we stopped at a wet area on 4th Line just north of the 90 degree
turn beside the Turner Tract and here we found Red-bellied and Hairy
Woodpeckers as well as hearing Tree Frogs and Green Frogs and of course we added
more Mosquitoes to our daily count ( if we were counting them ).
Directions:-
CURRIE TRACT and TURNER TRACT
CURRIE TRACT
Exit Hwy 401 at Guelph Line ( Exit 312 ) ( at Campbellville ) and drive north
just past the second entrance into the Mohawk Raceway and you will see a small
road on your right, turn in here and you will come to a small parking lot about
200 yards from the entrance. This is the start of the trail system.
TURNER TRACT
Continue north on Guelph Line to 10th Sideroad and turn right ( west ) on 10th
and the area on your right becomes the Turner Tract. Drive and listen all along
this road to the 90 degree left turn onto 4th Line Nassagawaya. The main trail
entrance is on your right at this corner. You can also drive north along 4th
Line a short distance and there is another trail system on your right.
Be aware that these trails are heavily used by cyclists.
Norm Murr
Richmond Hill, ON
"Sils mordent, mords les"
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Carden Wrens, Warblers, Shrikes and Cranes
From: Bruce Wilson <wilsonbrucea(AT)rogers.com>
Date: 25 May 2008 4:25pm
On Saturday in the Carden IBA we had great looks at Sedge Wrens
calling in the Sedge Wren Marsh on Wylie Road in the Carden
IBA. These normally secretive birds seemed to delight in sitting out
in the open and singing. By sound there must be at least twelve
birds singing in the area.
Also had good looks at the Eastern Loggerhead Shrikes. The are best
seen by parking across from Box 10 and then looking back south so as
to be away from the area they are nesting. There are a couple of
tall bare poles in the field that the shrikes were perching on.
North of the Sedge Wren Marsh we observed three Golden-winged
Warblers in the second growth trees on the east side of the road.
We also observed two Sandhill Cranes in the area. One was flying
across Road 6 between Roads 33 and 47 and the other at south end
Cranberry Lake. The habitat at Cranberry Lake is ideal for cranes so
others may want to keep an eye out to see if there may be a nesting
pair in the area.
Directions: Wylie Road is about 5 km north of Kirkfield; turn right
onto MacNamee Road and you will see the Carden Plain Important Bird
Area sign; Wylie Road is just ahead on your left.
Cranberry Lake Road can be reached by taking Bolsover Road north out
of Bolsover. This is a very narrow road with limited passing and
essentially no parking areas.
-
Bruce Wilson
Barrie, Ontario
Life Member NMRA Member Gauge 0 Guild
Member Scale 7 Group Member 7mm NGA
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Willet and kentucky Warbler Darlington Provincial
Park
From: "Tyler Hoar" <thoar(AT)rogers.com>
Date: 25 May 2008 4:44pm
Today I was guiding a visiting British Birder around the Oshawa Second Marsh
and Darlington Provincial Park. We started late so there was only a walk
along the beach and no lake watch.
Highlights: 129 Species seen
1 Willet being very cooperative even with the pedestrian traffic on the
beach today. It was still there when we left that area at 10:30am
1 Kentucky Warbler in the campground at site # 259. This site is in the ne
corner of the park. Observed shortly before noon.
Shorebirds: 10 Species including Short-billed Dowitchers, Sanderling and
White-rumped Sandpiper The overall numbers of shorebirds was much lower
than Saturday.
Waterfowl 21 Species including: Northern Shoveler, both teal, Wood Ducks,
Greater Scaups, Redhead, Buffleheads, Black and White-winged Scoters,
Warblers 21 Species: lots of Blackpoll, Magnolia, and American Redstarts.
Several Mourning Warblers and Northern Parulas also observed
Prime warbler areas today were: Cool Hollow in the se corner of Oshawa
Second Marsh, In Darlington: The east side of the upper campground area and
the Robinson creek valley. Several species of warblers were observed bathing
in the creek in early afternoon.
Several Scarlet Tanagers observed and most resident Indigo Buntings appear
to be back on territory.
Direction:
The McLaughlin Bay Barrier beach can be accessed from either Oshawa Second
marsh (west access point) or Darlington provincial park (east access point)
Oshawa Second Marsh
Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit(419) in Oshawa. Go south on
Farewell St. Colonel Sam Drive. Turn East onto Colonel Sam Drive and follow
to the parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot
close to the marsh. The east (GM) platform is visible from the NW corner of
the lot.
To the Barrier Beach head south to the lake and then east along the
shoreline
For a trail map of the Oshawa Second Marsh area visit
www.secondmarsh.com and check the link for a trail map of
the area
Darlington Provincial Park
borders the east side Oshawa Second Marsh/McLaughlin Bay Nature Reserve.
To access the campground and park store area from the east.Take the Courtice
road exit from the 401 and follow the park signs. There is a small parking
lot at the gatehouse. Park here and walk the trail to the south. This will
take you into the campground area. The park store is just south of the main
office past the main gate.
For the Barrier Beach park at the beach parking lot and head west along the
maintained beach.
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
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Subject: [Ontbirds]OFO Walk Leslie Street Spit, Toronto, May 25, 2008
From: victoria carley <carley.la(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 25 May 2008 6:54pm
Hello Ontbirders:
We had a great day! A group that started out at 40 participants (+ or
-) tallied 93 species on the Leslie Street Spit (aka Tommy Thompson
Park). Notable among the 18 warbler species (most seen in the
Baselands wet woods) were an obliging mourning warbler and large
numbers of magnolia warblers and redstarts. An american bittern was
well-viewed in reeds at the triangle pond. A philadelphia vireo was
seen by all in the wet woods, and compared with nearby warbling vireos.
Throughout our walk we were able to compare least and willow
flycatchers, later being able to add yellow-bellied to the comparison!
Cheers... join us on next year's walk; at anytime, enjoy and
appreciate the Leslie Street Spit, an urban wilderness in the heart of
Toronto.
John Carley
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Red-necked Grebes at Bronte Harbour
From: "Gavin Edmondstone" <sue-gavin(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 25 May 2008 8:56pm
This afternoon Sue and I observed that there was a hatchling at the
Red-necked Grebe nest in Bronte Harbour. The hatching was so recent that the
chick still appeared a bit wet from the egg and reddish skin was clearly
visible through the down which had not yet fluffed up. The two large pieces
of the hatched egg were still in the nest. The chick was unable to climb
onto the sitting adult's back. The chick was fed some very small feathers
but no successful food delivery was observed. As we watched, the chick
slipped off the tire and a tiny wing got caught on some fishing line that is
incorporated into the nest. Eventually the chick freed itself, fell into the
water, and proceeded to swim away from the nest whereupon a Ring-billed Gull
easily snatched the young bird for dinner. Through all of this the adults
appeared to be quite uninterested. The swimming bird took a piece of
eggshell from the nest and at it. Six or seven eggs remain in the nest.
The nest is quite an unattractive affair this year with large sticks
protruding and incorporating plastic bags. The grebes have neglected to pile
on weeds to make a ramp so that chicks will have a chance of getting back on
the tire from the water.
There had been another tire east of the active nest. Another pair had begun
a nest but territorial conflict prevented it from being used. The tire has
been moved to the west and out of sight of the nest. This tire was not
attended this afternoon but there was some nesting material on it.
Directions: Exit the QEW at Bronte Road (Oakville) and go to the lake then
turn left. The nest is close to shore just east of the Lighthouse
Restaurant. By public transport take bus 14 Lakeshore West from the Oakville
GO Station.
Gavin Edmondstone
Oakville, Ontario
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Mottled Duck
From: bruce <brucep(AT)mnsi.net>
Date: 25 May 2008 10:00pm
The Mottled duck is still present at Hillman Marsh shore bird habitat area
It is still resting/feeding in a flock of drake Mallards,
Good Birding
Bruce Patterson
B and B's Bed and Breakfast
216 Erie St South
Wheatley (around the corner from Pt Pelee)
Ontario N0P2P0
800-851-3406
www.mnsi.net/~brucep
www.bandbsbandb.com
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]Canada Warblers
From: bruce <brucep(AT)mnsi.net>
Date: 25 May 2008 10:00pm
The Canada warblers are still at Hillman Marsh North Beach today May 25th
Good Birding
Bruce Patterson
B and B's Bed and Breakfast
216 Erie St South
Wheatley (around the corner from Pt Pelee)
Ontario N0P2P0
800-851-3406
www.mnsi.net/~brucep
www.bandbsbandb.com
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Black Terns
From: bruce <brucep(AT)mnsi.net>
Date: 25 May 2008 10:00pm
This morning there were 7 Black Terns at Wheatley Harbour
from the 401 Queensline Exit South on county 1 to the Harbour
Good Birding
Bruce Patterson
B and B's Bed and Breakfast
216 Erie St South
Wheatley (around the corner from Pt Pelee)
Ontario N0P2P0
800-851-3406
www.mnsi.net/~brucep
www.bandbsbandb.com
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: [Ontbirds]Canada Warbler at Hillman Marsh and Pt Pelee Birds
From: bruce <brucep(AT)mnsi.net>
Date: 25 May 2008 10:01pm
Not to much happening at the Tip yesterday, lots of Cedar Waxwings and
the usual gang of yellows, and orioles. A veery was singing on a bush
down by the tram stop on the tip
On the way home approximately 4 (they move so fast) Canada Warblers
were observed at the North Beach area of Hillman marsh and Dunlins were
found in the pond at the green houses south of Wheatley on county Rd 1
(Erie St.)
Wheatley is located at 42.088812, -82.463518 for the GPS crowd
Good Birding
Bruce Patterson
B and B's Bed and Breakfast
216 Erie St. South
Wheatley (around the corner from Pt Pelee)
Ontario N0P2P0
800-851-3406
www.mnsi.net/~brucep
www.bandbsbandb.com
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Kingston Area: Brant Flight
From: "Bruce Di Labio" <bruce.dilabio(AT)sympatico.ca>
Date: 25 May 2008 7:19pm
Hello Ontbirders
Today while birding Amherst Island we had a impressive flight of Brant
totalling 3300+. We arrived on the island at around 1:00pm and headed to the
east end . The first flock of Brant passed by the east end of the island and
proceeded north. For the next 3 hrs 18 flocks passed by ranging in flock
size from 50+ to 600+ and all heading north after passing the east end of
the island from the west.
While birding the Chaffeys Locks area in the morning we talked to Paul
Martin who had observed 2000+ Brant in a number of flocks heading north
earlier in the morning.
On the KFN property, east end, there were 103 Short-billed Dowitcher, 16
Wilson's Phalarope, 40+ Dunlin, 50+ Least Sandpiper, and 1 Black-billed
Plover.
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 now $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.
Bruce Di Labio
400 Donald B. Munro Drive
P.O.Box 538
Carp,Ontario,K0A 1L0
(613)839-4395 Home (613)715-2571 Cell
Di Labio Birding Website
Courses and Field Trips
http://www3.sympatico.ca/bruce.dilabio/
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS(AT)hwcn.org
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
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http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
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