Tales of the Nishiki

Bird-A-Day Challenge 2012

2012-01-26T23:30:00.000-05:00

I know I did not make an announcement at the beginning of the year that I planned on challenging myself again , but birders are a trustworthy lot. I truly did see the species listed below on the days indicated. The month of January will be over early next week and so far so good.

The object of the Bird-A-Day Challenge is to see how many days in row you can see or hear a different species. Last year, I carried the challenge as far as February 28. Two whole months.

How far I can stretch the elastic this year? There are some nice ticks listed below and on January 8, I had too many birds to choose from. Unfortunately, only one species is permissible and the remainder could not be pocketed and used over the next few days. So the day of the mid-winter waterfowl count, I went with the obvious choice, the lifer Northern Saw-whet Owl. Luckily, the King Eider was still around and I was able to observe it again the following weekend.

The work week will not be easy. Quick trips to spots (before the last of the daylight fades away) that are close by and known to harbour sought after species was used last year and worked surprising well. It helps when a desirable species crosses your path on the way to work. A Sharp-shinned Hawk did just that on Wednesday January 4. The weekends, well that's when I have to produce something not seen in everyday travels.

Hopefully, the likes of House Sparrow or Rock Pigeon will remain off the list for as long as possible and as for the Snowy Owls and Fish Crows out there, it would be greatly appreciated if you roosted on a utility pole along Fourth Avenue during my daily commute to work.

January 30: Common Goldeneye
January 29: Dark-eyed Junco
January 28: Redhead
January 27: Mute Swan
January 26: American Black Duck
January 25: Red-tailed Hawk
January 24: American Tree Sparrow
January 23: Northern Cardinal
January 22: Ruddy Duck
January 21: Red-Bellied Woodpecker
January 20: Common Merganser
January 19: Ring-billed Gull
January 18: Cooper's Hawk
January 17: Northern Mockingbird
January 16: White-throated Sparrow
January 15: King Eider
January 14: Eastern Bluebird
January 13: Bufflehead
January 12: Canada Goose
January 11: Northern Harrier
January 10: Double-crested Cormorant
January 9: Belted Kingfisher
January 8: Northern Saw-whet Owl
January 7: Lesser Black-backed Gull
January 6: American Kestrel
January 5: Great Black-backed Gull
January 4: Sharp-shinned Hawk
January 3: Red-breasted Merganser
January 2: Black-crowned Night-Heron
January 1: Northern Shrike

A Three Owl Day

2012-01-23T23:30:00.000-05:00

January 7

A little bit of gull watching the day before the MNR mid-winter waterfowl count. It's nice to tick gull species this early in the year, especially when it's 7 degrees Celsius in January.

At Adam Beck, in the swirl of Herring Gulls, we spotted a second winter Lesser Black-backed Gull and an adult Iceland Gull. We found a second Iceland (juvenile) standing on the rocks near the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant. As expected, the smaller Bonaparte's were moving up and down the river and we found fewer than usual at the Whirlpool. No kittiwake as I had hoped and no Little Gull either. I think I'll attempt to spot the black underside of a Little Gull's wings in April. Standing at the side of the Niagara River in NOTL as thousands of Bonaparte's Gulls bound for Lake Ontario fly by is sure to produce one or two Little Gulls. Last time we did that, it took less than 60 minutes.

Other gulls still needed for the 2012 list (and ticked last year), Glaucous, Thayer's, and Franklin's. I expect the Franklin's Gull to be a difficult tick.

January 8

Since 2009, Jean and I have assisted with the duck count. This year, the weather was cooperative. Sunny skies and bearable temperatures made for a pleasant day. We were covering the southern shoreline of Lake Ontario from Fifty Point in Grimsby to Vineland.

Our first stop was at the end of Fifty Road. A fitting place to tick our 50th species of the year. Approximately 10 White-winged Scoter were found with the 100 or so Long-tailed Ducks. Numbers of both species would increase greatly as we moved eastward.

At Fifty Point Conservation Area, Greater Scaup (300), Long-tailed Duck (300), Common Goldeneye (100), some White-winged Scoters and one Black Scoter (that's all you need for a FOY tick) were seen on the lake.

After counting waterfowl in the marina, we turned our attention to non-waterfowl species, specifically owls. We were looking for Northern Saw-whet Owl. In winter, the small owl can be found roosting in small evergreens. We spread out and began our search for evidence of white "wash" on the trunks of the pine trees. A Long-eared Owl was flushed and I had a quick glimpse of it as it flew away and disappeared behind a tree. Jean and few others in our group were elsewhere and did not get a chance to see the slender owl with long wings. We started to regroup for a chance at a better look at the Long-eared when a member of the group called out that they had found our target species. If not for the telltale white "wash" on the trunk of a pine, we would not have seen the well hidden Northern Saw-whet Owl sitting on a branch close to the trunk, approximately 4 metres above the ground. In order to see our first lifer of 2012, Jean and I had to step back from the tree until we could view it through a mess of branches. Continuing our walk through this area, the Long-eared Owl was flushed again and we all had views of it in flight. Now that both Jean and I had seen the owl, it could be added to our year list.

Returning to the primary reason for being outside on this day, we moved on and observed over 500 Long-tailed Ducks east of Fifty Point. We also found an immature Surf Scoter at this location. No worries in December for Jean and I. All three species of scoter were safely ticked in early January.

In a Grimsby subdivision, we stood at the dead-end of a road and viewed thousands of Long-tailed Ducks and White-winged Scoters. The spot was new and I'll have to remember it for future use when a scoter species tick is still required for the year list.

At Grimsby Harbour, we were counting the Mallards and Canada Geese when a white blob on the east side of Forty Mile Creek caught the attention of a member of our group.

It's shape was similar to a stone marker, but this one moved.

It was a Snowy Owl. Unbelievable! Jean and I did not see any owl species in 2011 and now, in less than an hour, we had three species on the 2012 list.

A quick stop at a nearby marina confirmed our group's suspicions that it was a Cackling Goose they had seen with some Canada Geese on Forty Mile Creek.

Once considered the same species, Cackling Geese are nearly identical but are considerably smaller than Canada Geese. We were very close to this one and its small, stubby bill was viewed without any difficulty.

Belted Kingfisher was another FOY tick during the short time spent at the marina. Moving on to Beamsville, we found 3 Horned Grebes (FOY) and a rapid decline in the number of waterfowl. This is most likely due to the distribution of zebra mussels. The mollusk is an invasive species in the Great Lakes and despite the large number of scoters and other diving ducks feeding on them, the mussel from the Caspian Sea is a major problem in North American freshwater lakes.

Our count concluded after checking a few more locations between Beamsville and Vineland that had public access to the lake. We were in contact with Kayo during the morning count (he always covers the shoreline from Port Weller East to NOTL) and he had observed the reported King Eider in the Welland Canal. A quick call confirmed that the diving sea duck was still present in the canal and Kayo was willing to wait for our arrival to lead us to the spot it was last seen. With our car leading the way, we zipped down the QEW and within 15-20 minutes I was walking down the gravel path, with a scope on my shoulder, all set to view the eider missed on January 1.

We only had to walk 100 metres down the path to start scanning the hundreds of Common Mergansers and it was not long before Jean and I were studying the eider through our scope. We have seen a female King Eider (our only observation) and after 6 years of birding, we were finally looking at a male King Eider.

It was quite the regal bird. The bluish-grey cap and nape, greenish cheek, bright orange-red knob and brilliant beak were all vibrant.

Excellent views of the rare winter visitor to Niagara.

Pocketing all three species of scoter, finding three species of owl (including a lifer Northern Saw-whet) in less than 60 minutes, ticking Cackling Goose (not seen in 2011) and a royal viewing of a male King Eider made for one excellent day of birding.

Though there are still more than 340 days left in 2012, it's going to be tough to top this one.

On CBC's and the New Year

2012-01-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

December 27

The day after Boxing Day, we found ourselves in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) assisting John with his section of the Niagara Falls birding circle. Our group searched an array of habitats.

The residential yards south-west of the tourist-laden drag of the old town were quiet in the early morning as were the feeders. Due to the holiday, waterfowl were viewed and counted through a locked gate at the local sewage lagoons. Along with the usual ducks we spotted 2 Green-winged Teal.

At a local vineyard, we searched the property along 4 Mile Creek. A Belted Kingfisher boisterously announced its displeasure each time we disturbed it from its perch and we found 3 species of woodpecker (Downy, Hairy, and Northern Flicker). The only thing louder than the kingfisher at this location were the bird-bangers. Yup, they were still in operation. The weather had not been cold enough to harvest the grapes for ice wine so walking by the scare-away cannons was a chance we had to take. The things we do to get a good bird.

A quick look at another section of the creek that was frozen during last year's count....

....before moving on to Four Mile Pond. We were looking for Swamp Sparrow and this year, a little pishing resulted in a quick look at 1 Melospiza georgiana.

Niagara Shores is one of my favourite spots in NOTL and we had a great find in this lakeside conservation area. A male Eastern Towhee was observed with 10 White-throated Sparrows. We watched this bird for a few minutes before moving on. The resident Belted Kingfisher was heard and a Northern Flicker was observed while walking along the fence-line on the east side of the park (a great spot for spotting migrants in the Spring).

More Northern Flickers at the historic Butler's Burial Grounds. A total of 5 and all observed in the same tree, raising the total in our section to an amazing 7.

We viewed Lake Ontario from the gazebo (a fixture in Queens Royal Park since the making of the film The Dead Zone) and kept species counted separate from our section. The Lake Ontario shoreline from Port Weller to the Niagara River would be covered by John and Denys (covering an absence) after lunch and Jean and I with Roy searched areas east of the old town. Not much activity in the afternoon. It was not until it was just Jean and I when we came across a species we were hoping to find. At a spot on the Niagara Parkway, across from Fort George and near a bench with a picturesque view of the Niagara River, someone had thrown seed on the ground. It was attracting a number of birds from the brush across the road. Perched on a tree branch above the seed was a Tufted Titmouse. I soon spotted a second, then we found a third Titmouse. I'll have to remember this spot for next year. The seed had also attracted a number of juncos, and chickadees. Scanning the brush to our right, we found Northern Cardinal (2), a White-breasted Nuthatch and 2 Golden-crowned Kinglets. A species we could not find in the conifers at Niagara Shores.

The small pocket of birds on the parkway was a nice way to end our count.

January 1

A new year and our third and final CBC for the season. Traditionally, volunteers arrive at an assigned meeting place to pick up maps and checklists for the Port Colborne CBC. Veterans have the prime sections and the compiler asked me if we would like to do the same area we did for last year's count. Covering a section of Christmas Bird Count on your own feels pretty good (sections are hard to come by in many CBC's across North America) and with the previous experience of birding rural roads in the Township of Wainfleet, we knew exactly where we could pick up some decent ticks for the count.

Upon seeing a Wild Turkey, I began to think it could turn out to be a good day. The sun was shining and it was a balmy 6 degrees Celsius. The first residential feeder was nearby and I was expecting results similar to last year. Quite the opposite once we arrived and scanned the feeders. Even if the orange tabby was not sitting close by, I still think the spot would have been devoid of avian activity. Though they are filled with seed, feeders this CBC season lack any regular visitors. At least the ones we have monitored.

As we approached the northern boundary of our section, we could see several large white birds in flight. Trees obscured our view of the small flock and it soon disappeared of off our birding radar. We reached an intersection and luckily the turn, the only turn we could do to stay within Section 9, lead us to a rather large flock of Tundra Swans in a field.

If the swans (120 in total) were on the north side of the road, we would not have been able to count them for our section.

We moved on and found some good birds, Tufted Titmouse in a woodlot, Eastern Bluebirds by the roadside at two spots, a Red-bellied Woodpecker, a striking Northern Shrike and a male Red-winged Blackbird.

In a field slightly north of the southern edge of our section, we found a group of gulls. We stopped and I obtained the scope to start counting the Ring-billed Gulls.

As I panned to the right, hey there's a Great Black-backed! Moving further to the right. Hey! One, two, three. Three more Great Black-backed Gulls. In total, we found 6 Great Black-backed in the open field.

After completing our section and a short chat with our fellow Niagara birders, Jean and I headed back to St. Kitts with two more ticks on our mind. Snowy Owl and King Eider.

Both these species were seen in Port Weller (St. Kitts) on the east pier. Walking the 2.5 kilometres to the far beacon would be worth it if we found the eider. We hiked along the Seaway Haulage Road and stopped to view the private marina through the trees and chain-link fence. This was the spot where the Snowy Owl was last seen. Nothing. Two women (one wearing binoculars) were heading towards us and indicated they had viewed the male King Eider at the far end of the spit. Yes, we would have to walk all the way in order to get the FOY tick. They had not seen the owl though.

Jean and I continued on and left the gravel road in favour of the footpath on the bay side of the pier. We went past the pond that contained the Purple Gallinule in October and we were greeted by a full rainbow when we reached the lake view. Was the eider at the other end of the rainbow? If it had been a double-rainbow, well I just might not have continued our search for the large duck with the strikingly coloured head. The spit continues eastward for another 200 metres. At the end is the red and white striped beacon. Beyond that, there should be a King Eider. While standing beside the beacon, strong winds blew from the south-west which would have tipped the scope over if I did not hold it steady. We stood on the narrow peninsula and looked in every direction for the eider. There were many Red-breasted Mergansers and a few Bufflehead and Common Goldeneye. Though it had been viewed less than an hour ago, we failed to spot the King Eider.

We walked back towards the Welland Canal with hopes that the eider had decided to seek shelter within the calmer waters of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Again, no eider. All was not wasted. It was only the first day of 2012 and we added two species of loon to the year list. Views of Common and Red-throated Loon were a satisfactory consolation.

January 2

The hunt for unusual ticks continued the next day. A few species of warbler (including a western one that should be wintering in southern Mexico and northern Central America at this time of year) were causing a stir at a lakeside park in Hamilton. A Black-throated Gray was being seen and reported along the Waterfront Trail near Bayfront Park. Though some have been successful in their quest, we and other birders met this day went home without the tick. The blowing snow certainly put an end to continuing the search.

Another miss with another consolation. Jean was first to spot a juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron standing on some rocks by the viewing platform. Prior to this observation, the earliest we had observed Black-crowned Night-Heron was in late March.

Our next full day of birding would take us along the Lake Ontario shoreline from Grimsby to Vineland for the MNR waterfowl count. Were we in for a surprise. We were barely over a week into the new year and January 8 just might have been the best day of birding in 2012.

Our Own "Big Year" Review, Ticks Not Yet Posted

2011-12-31T12:30:00.000-05:00

2011 is quickly coming to an end and year lists will soon reset to zero. Though Jean and I had some misses this year, 2011 turned out to be better than I anticipated. Currently the list stands at 216 species, 8 more than last year's personal best. No where near Barb Charlton's amazing run of 322 species, but beating a personal best is always sweet. Ticking 300+ species in one year for the provincial list will have to wait until time is more readily available (retirement).

Speaking of time. I never did get the chance to post the late summer and fall ticks. Not sure what happened. There were some really good birds during these weeks. A few required some work (hiking along a trail and climbing over fallen Willows for example) and some simply fell into my lap. Whatever the case, there was never an outing that I did not enjoy.

Looking for Orchard Oriole:

July 30

Over 30 species were observed while walking along the Dofasco Trail 2000 in Stoney Creek and only one of them was added to the year list. We were looking for Orchard Oriole and like last year, there was no sign of North America's smallest oriole. As a consolation, we spotted our first of the year Field Sparrow (#184). I should change my plans for next year. Jean and I will go looking for Field Sparrow and we'll end up finding Orchard Oriole.

August 1

It's been over two years since we last observed Orchard Oriole, even longer when specifically looking over my Glenridge Naturalization Site list. In May of 2007, Jean and I watched a female Orchard Oriole weave a nest while we were birding in the former quarry/municipal dump.

We walked 2.0 km of trails and ticked 25 species.

Still no Orchard Oriole. It's another year without this bird.

August 7: OFO Rock Point Trip

Thankfully, it was an overcast day. Birding at Rock Point and the surrounding area can be uncomfortable when the sun is blazing down on Haldimand County. I was looking for shorebirds and Rock Point Provincial Park in August is worth your time and energy.

The group spent an hour exploring the shoreline of the park. Jean and I added Semipalmated Plover, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, and Lesser Yellowlegs to the year list. Oddly, we found no Ruddy Turnstone. We've observed this species the last 4 years when birding at Rock Point. Can I really afford to miss this one in 2011?

At the evaporation ponds north of the park, 4 more ticks for the year list. Additional shorebirds added included, Solitary Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, and Greater Yellowlegs. In the waterfowl category, we observed a Green-winged Teal. The list stood at 194 species and we had yet to scan the sod farms for Black-bellied Plover.

John Black and Dan Salisbury (trip leaders) scouted the sod farms the previous day and found nothing. The day of the trip produced the same result. No Black-bellied Plover. Two shorebirds missed.

Cottage Bound

In mid-August, Jean and I headed up to the cottage my brother-in-law was renting for a week of relaxing on the sands of Inverhuron.

Repeating last year's route, we stopped off at the Luther Marsh in Dufferin County before continuing on to the cottage. In 2010, we purposely stopped at the marsh with the intent to tick a lifer bird. Thanks to the appearance of a lost Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, the Luther Marsh is now a planned stop when travelling to the Kincardine and Inverhuron area.

One day was set aside to act as birding guides for friends and family (as per the kids' request). We hiked the Tower Trail in MacGregor Point Provincial Park and found a good selection for the aspiring birders (we can only hope).

What really caught our undivided attention (at least Jean and I) was the announcement of a future bird blind. As stated in the sign, we should be able to access a bird blind when visiting next year. Do I sense a Pileated Woodpecker tick?

There were no avian additions to the year list in Bruce County, but Jean did some good spotting on the Tower Trail when she found this Spring Peeper. The kids enjoyed seeing this amphibian up close and snapped a few pics themselves.

Heading home last year, we drove through the town of Mitchell and unknowingly let two lifers (possibly three) slip through our fingers. Godwits! This year, I was not about to let that happen again. So, we stopped in the small town that is the "Home of Howie Morenz" to see exactly what all the fuss is about these former sewage lagoons.

Tell a non-birder you visited a sewage lagoon while on vacation and they look at you as if it was a total waste of a good vacation. Tell a birder and they'll ask you, "what you get?".

Waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds and gulls abound.

Including 3 Black-bellied Plover (#195), a shorebird species missed at the sod farms in Dunnville. The lagoons were a worthwhile stop on a late summer afternoon.

In late August, we stopped by another former sewage lagoon, The Wetland Ridge Trail in Niagara-on-the-Lake, after a family picnic. We were there to look or should I say hear our annual Common Nighthawk tick. I could still see my hand in front of my face, but there was not enough light to see any of the 8 Common Nighthawks that were hidden in the trees.

September 5

No luck finding Ruddy Turnstone when revisiting Rock Point for my father-in-law's birthday in early September. There were no tricks involved. He really wanted to go there!

September 17 & 18: OFO Annual Convention

The annual OFO convention is held every other year at Point Pelee. Jean and I have still to visit the national park during the height of spring migration and until then, we'll continue with the biannual autumn sojourn. Being a birder that cannot take a week's vacation in May really does smart.

On Saturday morning, we hiked along the Tip. There was a moment of excitement when I heard someone call out Olive-sided Flycatcher. Jean and I have not seen this bird for over three years. It turned out to be a pewee.

After birding the Tip, the North-West Beach, and Sanctuary Pond, Northern Parula was the only FOY tick.

We travelled along Old #3 early Sunday morning for a day of birding in Chatham-Kent with trip leader Blake Mann. At Rondeau Provincial Park, every effort was made to find a warbler not seen this year. You had to be in the right spot at the right time. Prairie Warbler (a lifer tick) and Blackburnian Warbler were missed.

In Blenheim, we had a great afternoon of birding at the sewage lagoons.

Added to the 2011 Ontario list, Red-necked Phalarope.

....walking toward the sprinkler cell (our backs to the lagoon containing the phalarope) Blake turned around to see a large flock of Bonaparte's and quickly called out Little Gull. The moment Jean and I turned around, we were both on the Little Gull at the same time. #199 for the year.

A good selection of shorebirds in the shallows of the sprinkler cell, including a somewhat shy Stilt Sandpiper.

I always enjoy the convention and we're looking forward to next year's at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. An area of Ontario we have never birded.

October 8: OFO Hamilton Trip

Our last FOY ticks before the "Thanksgiving Purple Gallinule" occurred on the OFO trip in the Hamilton area.

The Windermere Basin has undergone a drastic change since the last visit.

The mounds of earth made observing shorebirds quite difficult. Luck was on our side and we ticked a FOY Dunlin. Needless to say, waterfowl were in short supply.

We hiked in the Dundas Marsh in search of a fall visitor. When we last observed this species (lifer tick), the Emberizid was known as Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. This time, the FOY tick is listed as a Nelson's Sparrow.

We continued our walk as far as we could along the creek and reached the mud flats of Cootes Paradise. Here we were treated to our lifer Hudsonian Godwit (#309 and #203 for 2011). Even after noting the size of the shorebird in our field guide, it was still surprising to see that is smaller than the gulls it was keeping company with.

Overall, it was an exciting year. 2011 is practically over and done with. Our total for the year stands at 216 species, barring any last minute additions today. Although perhaps not a huge number with compared to some others out there, we achieved this total while working full time and staying mainly within Southern Ontario. Let the 2012 madness begin!

Happy New Year and Good Birding!

Big Nickel Birding:Recollecting

2011-12-29T21:30:00.000-05:00

July 20

Our last evening in the region of Greater Sudbury was spent searching the marshland environments of Lily Creek Park and Robinson Lake. I had planned on birding the marsh across from Science North by using the boardwalk, but my brother let us know that it was closed until further notice. The boardwalk was built by Science North in 1991 and now that the lease has expired, they no longer wish to maintain it. Now it's up to the city to determine the fate of the boardwalk.

Since we could not walk through the marsh, an alternative access was required. We approached the southern edge of the marsh from the sports fields of Lily Creek Park. After climbing over a large rock formation, Jean and I stood at the edge of the cattail-filled marsh.

We observed a pair of Yellow Warblers and a little pishing roused a Marsh Wren (#41 for the county list).

Nothing else was found at Lily Creek, so we revisited the Robinson Lake Trail and came up empty handed when trying to add to the county list.

July 21

Birding was set aside the next morning to spend time with my brother and his family before we headed back to the Niagara Region. Though I had my bins at the ready while sitting at Moonlight Beach on Ramsey Lake, nothing special was seen.

Before leaving, wild blueberries were purchased from a roadside vendor and a Northern Harrier spotted flying near Highway 69 was the last tick for the Sudbury list until our next visit.

While in Sudbury, only one species was added to the year list. The Blackburnian Warbler I sought could not be found nor was Pileated Woodpecker. We had one last attempt before committing ourselves to a long drive home. French River Provincial Park was our last try. Birding after that would have to be done from the car while travelling at 100 km/hr.

Both Jean and I had heard the call of a Pileated at the park earlier in the week, but I was reserving the tick until the bird was seen. After a quick check of the area around the parking lot and no success, we hiked a trail to Recollect Falls. The exposed rock and roots, and the closeness of a sheer drop reminded me of hikes along the Bruce Trail back home.

While Turkey Vultures soared over the gorge, we quickly added Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Blue-headed Vireo, Black-throated Green Warbler and Northern Flicker to the Manitoulin list.

Further along the trail, Jean and I stopped when we heard a faint tapping to our right. What we saw next was a total surprise. I would have never guessed that the soft tapping was created by our quarry. There in open view was a male Pileated Woodpecker! This was only the second time we have observed this species. We chose to ignore the deer flies buzzing around our heads and stood our ground to watch the woodpecker as it tore into the tree to feed on any insects it uncovered. In the centre of image below, you can make out the red crest and the black and white of the Pileated's neck. The view through the binoculars was unobstructed and I continued observing the Pileated until it moved to another tree and could no longer be seen.

We still had approximately 1.5 kilometres to walk (with deer flies in constant pursuit) to reach the view of Recollect Falls.

Though it's more of a rapid than a waterfall.....

...it would be wise to portage this section when canoeing along the French River.

Anything else upriver besides those Mallards?

With our Sudbury vacation over and Pileated Woodpecker securely ticked, it was time to start working on additional target species. A try for some birds closer to home, followed by shorebirds and then chased down with some Fall migrants would help lengthen the 2011 Ontario list. Some I expected would be easy, others required some work. Stay tuned for ticks 184 to 203. It was a well enjoyed venture.

Big Nickel Digiscoping

2011-12-24T23:30:00.000-05:00

July 20

Jean and I were walking along the Trans Canada Trail in Sudbury and we were not having any luck locating a Pileated Woodpecker. Out on Kelly Lake however, a pair of Common Loons appeared and remained in the area long enough for Jean to capture some digiscoped images.

Before starting our hike, we observed one of the loons from Southview Drive and I did not think we would encounter it again or even spot a second one for that matter.

We have never been this close to a loon. It was aware of our presence, but the loon showed little concern that we were watching it.

Check out that bill!

My favourite.

Being this close to a Common Loon soon had me forgetting what we were looking for and was well worth bringing our hike to a stop. I was determined Jean and I were going to find our target species though. We still had an evening of birding and the next day to find the whatchamacallit before returning to Niagara.

Sun Dog Morning

2011-12-22T23:30:00.000-05:00

December 18

Nature club members and birders from Canada, the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on any one day between December 14 and January 5. Volunteers count birds found within a circle with a diameter of 24 km (15 miles) and it has become an annual tradition for Jean and I. In the Niagara Region, we lend our assistance to 3 Christmas Bird Counts.

The first is the St. Catharines CBC. This year it was held on Sunday December 18. Our group was slightly larger this year and we required two vehicles to cover the rural roads of West Lincoln. John (section coordinator) and Katherine accompanied Dan in his car while Jean and I joined Denys in his van. Birds were spotted as we drove along and at the prime spots, we would exit the vehicles and walk for short distances to pick off birds in the brush, in trees, and at feeders.

The morning temperatures were below freezing. There was little snow and we did have some sun during the first couple of hours of our count. Sufficient sun to create an atmospheric phenomenon known as a sun dog. John (a retired physics professor) directed our attention to the shiny light formed by ice crystals in high and cold cirrus clouds. From what I recall, I don't think I have ever noticed these bright spots in the past. So, shortly after starting the count at 8:00 am (no owl prowls for us), I had a lifer sun dog.

During the 6 hours of birding the group found a total of 34 species. The Northern Shrike was quite the sight, but even better for Jean and I, our group observed 2 Ring-necked Pheasant. A bird that Jean and I needed for the year list. I had spotted a male pheasant in west St. Catharines early in the year for my bird-a-day challenge, but the introduced species did not make the year list since Jean was not with me at the time. In addition to the pheasant, Jean spotted a chicken-like bird running along the lawn in front of us and then disappear into the tall grass. Jean described it as being similar to a Bobwhite and we waited for it to emerge from the brush. We soon discovered the wait was not needed. In a small rectangular fenced enclosure, we spotted 11 Chukars. The mystery bird was an escaped Chukar, another introduced species found in rocky terrain of the western United States. Though countable in Colorado, the free-range Chukar seen in West Lincoln, Ontario was not. I have no problem counting the pheasants for my list though. They could easily be wild birds that are attracted to the feed set out for the domesticated Chukars.

While the morning of our count was filled with a variety of birds, the afternoon was disappointing, a "bust" as described by John. Overall, the final tally currently stands at 75 species for the 2011 St. Kitts birding circle and House Wren was a new species for the count. Rather than chase after the wren once we finished work the next day, Jean and I chose to look for the Snowy Owl observed at the Jordan Harbour marina. In 2008, a Snowy Owl was recorded during the count and Jean and I successfully observed our lifer the following day.

The light was fading fast when we arrived at the harbour and so had the Snowy Owl. There's still a possibility of seeing one before the end of the year. There have been many sightings in southern Ontario recently and when the Niagara Falls CBC occurs in less than a week, a stop at the Niagara District Airport before meeting John and the rest of the crew in Niagara-on-the-Lake just might get us #217 for the year.

Return to Algonquin

2011-12-20T23:30:00.000-05:00

It seems so long ago when I booked my vacation weeks for 2011 and at that time, I really had no idea what my plans were for the week of December 5. As the week approached and the ticks kept on coming, I reckoned a return to Algonquin for another chance at the Boreal species we missed in April would be worthwhile. While enjoying a Muskoka-brewed ale in Huntsville, the plan for our first day in Algonquin Provincial Park was set.

December 8

Our target Boreal species were reported the previous week and it was possible all three could be found in one location. Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker and Boreal Chickadee had been observed along the Old Railway east of Arowhon Road.

Travelling east from the West Gate, we stopped at kilometre 8 and searched the Tea Lake Dam picnic area. When dump trucks were not passing by on the logging road across the creek, it was fairly quiet while walking along the gravel road towards the picnic area. Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches were moving quickly through the conifers and a Downy Woodpecker, working away on some dead wood, was a first of many that had me envisioning a Black-backed Woodpecker addition to the year list.

To reach the Old Railway, you leave Highway 60 and travel along Arowhon Road for a few kilometres. On the OFO Algonquin trip, we usually park at the chain gate (east of Arowhon Rd) and walk along the abandoned railway until we reach the Mizzy Lake Trail and Wolf Howl Pond. Due to the snow, I did not trust that the turn around would be successful so I selected a parking spot that had us walking approximately 200 metres to reach the chain gate. We found a dozen Pine Siskins, but after spending an hour in the area, we did not spot any Boreal Chickadees.

At the Visitor Centre, staff were decorating a Christmas Tree and though it was a weekday, we were allowed to enter and view the feeders. Evening Grosbeaks had been stopping at the feeders on a regular basis and we were lucky enough to observe one female during our time at the Visitor Centre. The Evening Grosbeak (another species missed during our April visit) was #215 for the year.

Our last stop for the day was at the Spruce Bog Trail. Another chance at ticking Boreal Chickadee and Spruce Grouse. At the register box, we left the trail and walked through the Black Spruce forest to search for grouse. Once we walked away from the parking area, there was no bird activity what-so-ever.

It was eerily quiet.

December 9

Before starting our second day in the provincial park, we did some birding in Muskoka and added Black-capped Chickadee and White-breasted Nuthatch to the county list. It's still a short list.

Jean and I had a late breakfast Friday morning and we did not make our first stop until we reached the Visitor Centre. This time there was a large flock (over 3 dozen) of Evening Grosbeaks at the feeders.

We stood in the cold and wind hoping for a Crossbill or Bohemian fly-by that never did materialize.

We moved on to Opeongo Road. It was untouched and we were the first to lay tracks. The Gray Jays, reluctant to land in a hand filled with crushed peanut butter granola bars, preferred to take their spoils from the ground.

While admiring the Whiskey Jacks, a park plow passed by and cleared a path the rest of the way to the Opeongo Access Point.

Lake Opeongo was still open and behind a family of 4 otters, we spotted a late Common Loon.

We arrived at the Logging Museum and as I moved towards the garbage and recycling receptacles to throw away an empty chip bag and pop can, 4 Gray Jays swooped in and without hesitation, took pieces of granola bar from Jean's hand.

We walked along the Logging Museum Trail and again it was quiet. All we found was one Blue Jay and the tapping, come on it's going to be a Black-backed....nah...it's a female Downy.

Our last attempt at a reported sighting was at kilometre 41. On November 26, several Red Crossbills were photographed feeding on dead wood (a source of ash and calcium) by Ringneck Pond. Though the odds were not in my favour, I could not let the chance of a lifer pass us by. The dead trees were easily spotted, but the lifer crossbill will have to wait for another day.

Evening Grosbeak ended up being the only addition to our lists over the two days of exploring my favourite provincial park. The Nipissing County list now stands at 79 species. Since we're ahead of our goal for the year, I'll be OK with missing the 3 Boreal species just this once. There, I said it.

For 2012, I'm setting my sights on 225+ species. If Jean and I have any chance of succeeding, the trend for finding Spruce Grouse on the Algonquin OFO trip had best return.

Birding Above the Falls

2011-12-13T23:30:00.000-05:00

After missing the upper Niagara section of the OFO Niagara River Gull trip on December 4, Jean and I returned with her mum on the morning of the 6th for a chance to observe Harlequin Duck, Slaty-backed Gull and our nemesis bird.

At the control gates, I quickly spotted 3 female Harlequin Ducks (#214) flying upriver along the outside of the break-wall.

After floating down river, the 3 females returned to rest on the break-wall.

There were a few gulls (Herring and Ring-billed) on the wall and on the large flat rock island in the middle of the river, we spotted 3 adult and 1 first winter Great Black-backed Gulls. I could not convince myself that one of these adult gulls had legs the colour of "bubble-gum pink". The Slaty-backed Gull was out of sight and most likely closer to the New York side of the river. We continued to scan the gulls but neither we or the visiting Ohio birders that joined us at the overlook found the gull that is more at home on the northeast coast of Asia.

We moved on and set up our scope near the engineerium. The barge was in the usual spot, but searching the exposed rocks did not produce the Purple Sandpiper that was observed 2 days prior. Ouch!

We walked along the paved path towards the fore-bay. Near the gatehouse, chickadees cheerfully collected bits of almond from my mother-in-law's hand while Golden-crowned Kinglets and a White-breasted Nuthatch flitted in the nearby bushes.

After observing a couple dozen Hooded Mergansers in the waters of the fore-bay (they are regularly found here during the winter) we called it a day.

Unable to find lifers on the upper Niagara early in the week, our attention turned to the Boreal species that were not found on the Algonquin trip in April. Jean and I were on vacation the week of December 5 and once I printed Ron Tozer's Algonquin Park Birding Report, I was optimistic we would have some additional Algonquin ticks for our 2011 Ontario year list.

OFO Niagara Gull Trip: Dance of the Black-legged Kittiwake

2011-12-05T23:30:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning was sunny and though it was only 7:30, the temperature was a balmy 9 degrees as we drove along the General Brock Parkway (Hwy. 405). This was odd. Jean and I were heading to the Adam Beck overlook to meet fellow OFO members for the annual Niagara River Gull trip. Where was the freezing cold? The knee-deep snow? Yes, during our first gull trip in 2007, a large amount of snow fell on the Niagara Region overnight and we were stuck behind a snow plow on the 405. The slow-moving plow delayed our arrival and we missed some good gulls that were found early. Since then, we always arrive an hour before the planned start time.

Jean Iron (co-trip leader) was unloading her scope and there were a few eager birders already searching the river below when we arrived at Adam Beck. Jean and I started surveying the many Herring and Bonaparte's Gulls. We were looking for our first of the year (FOY) Thayer's and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Both had been regularly observed at this location (except the last time we were there) recently and it seemed the ticks would likely happen on this day.

Our first tick was a brownish bird that Jean spotted flying directly into the mass of Herring Gulls. The bird was a juvenile Pomarine Jaeger! A lifer tick (#311)! While viewing the jaeger, we observed it harassing the gulls periodically as it flew above the turbulent waters. I had viewed video of this jaeger from last Sunday, but I was not expecting to observe this species during the gull watch. After the more than satisfactory views of the juvenile Pomarine Jaeger (and Jean bringing me to the realization that it was indeed a lifer), Jean and I commenced our search for a Lesser Black-backed Gull observed by some in the group. We found the first winter Lesser Black-backed milling about the wall of the Robert Moses power station.

The next gull was a "Kumlien's" Iceland spotted by Jean Iron. Our 5th gull species of the day was an adult Great Black-backed Gull. It was standing on a rock further down river. There are a few rocks on the U.S. side of the river, near the wall of the U.S. power generating station, that should be scanned when standing at the Adam Beck overlook. Jean Iron found a gull sitting on the water near this rocky point that she suspected was a Thayer's Gull. The brown streaking on the head and neck was extensive (also found on Herring Gulls),but it was the dark eye that confirmed our next FOY (#212).

The next stop for the group was the Whirlpool. Prior to the day of the trip, I was afraid we would not have time to continue on. Jean's mum had purchased tickets to a matinee performance of The Nutcracker at Brock University. I thought we would be birding at Adam Beck until 10:00 am, leaving little time for the Whirlpool, but due to the fact we started earlier in the morning and the group spotted the birds we wanted to see, we were done at Adam Beck shortly after 9:00 am. There was time for another shot at spotting the Black-legged Kittiwake.

The viewing platform at the Spanish Aero Car was 2 to 3 birders deep. Even a tall birder would have had trouble spotting a gull at the bottom of the Niagara Gorge from behind this wall of birders. Though they were viewing the kittiwake quite easily from the platform, it was difficult to get on the gull when standing away from the ledge.

Patience was required and when a spot opened up for both Jean and I, we squeezed in and started scanning the Bonaparte's Gulls flying above the Class 6 rapids.

This time, we got on the first winter Black-legged Kittiwake, lifer #312 (FOY #213) without a hitch.

The group moved on with trip leaders Jean Iron and Ron Tozer in search of a Slaty-backed Gull at the control gates above the Falls. Jean Iron captured images of the rare visitor (that was spotted by Kevin McLaughlin) the day before the trip.

We observed the kittiwake a little longer before heading back to Queenston Heights for a try at spotting some Black Vultures. While at Adam Beck, Jean Iron received a call from Willie D'Anna confirming the presence of Black Vultures over Lewiston, N.Y. so the tick was possible.

With General Brock's statue pointing in the right direction, we looked for another FOY species from two locations across from Queenston Heights.

Though we had the assistance of John Black and Kevin McLaughlin, the Black Vultures were nowhere in sight. A Red-tailed Hawk was the only raptor to drift by the spot that was new to all of us.

In the afternoon, while OFO birders were rejoicing their views of Harlequin Ducks; a very distant Slaty-backed Gull (possible sighting); and yes, of course, our nemesis bird (Purple Sandpiper), I watched my first live performance of The Nutcracker. It was a Canadian-inspired Nutcracker. The ballet was connected to the director's favourite pastimes, canoeing in Algonquin Park.

Algonquin Park? Hmmm. We' re on vacation this week. There may be some time spent birding the upper Niagara and after some inspiration from the Group of Seven painting backdrops used in the ballet, a planned visit to Algonquin Provincial Park seemed all the more reasonable. This birding year is turning out to be better than I thought it would be. And the year is not over yet!

2011-2012 Ontario Winter Bird List

2011-12-02T23:30:00.000-05:00

The winter birding season started on Thursday December 1. During the 2010/2011 winter birding season, a total of 198 species were observed by Ontario birders. Josh Vandermeulen has volunteered to compile the Ontario sightings this year and Blake Maybank will be hosting the results on his site.

I'm looking forward to the challenge of exceeding last year's personal total of 77 species. As with every year, the season concludes at the end of February, but this time, due to 2012 being a leap year, Jean and I will have an extra day to accomplish our goal of 78+ species. Wish us luck. Unfortunately, the pelican did not stick around for the upcoming weekend. That would have been a nice start for the list. Looks like Northern Cardinal will start things off this year.

2011/2012 Winter List

As of January 1, 71 species

January 1:
Tundra Swan
Red-winged Blackbird

December 27:
Mute Swan
American Black Duck
Green-winged Teal
White-winged Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Wild Turkey
American Coot
Belted Kingfisher
Northern Flicker
Carolina Wren
Eastern Towhee
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow

December 19:
Northern Harrier

December 18:
Canada Goose
Ring-necked Pheasant
Cooper's Hawk
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Shrike
Brown Creeper
Eastern Bluebird
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch

December 17:
American Robin

December 9:
Common Loon
Gray Jay
American Goldfinch

December 8:
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Red-breasted Nuthatch
American Tree Sparrow
Pine Siskin
Evening Grosbeak

December 7:
Double-crested Cormorant
American Kestrel

December 6:
Mallard
Harlequin Duck
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Ring-billed Gull
White-breasted Nuthatch
Golden-crowned Kinglet

December 4:
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Black-legged Kittiwake
Bonaparte's Gull
Herring Gull
Thayer's Gull
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Great Black-Backed Gull
Pomarine Jaeger
Rock Pigeon
Black-capped Chickadee
Dark-eyed Junco

December 3:

American Crow

House Sparrow

December 1:

Northern Cardinal

It's Not Always Going to Be Black and White

2011-11-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

Another weekend of exciting birds in Niagara. Many birders were out and about at several spots along the Niagara River. At Queens Royal Park in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL), the Razorbill continued to be observed, jaegers were spotted, Black Vultures were soaring above the Niagara Gorge and an excellent variety of gulls were observed at Adam Beck and the Whirlpool. With the Razorbill and Franklin's Gull safely ticked, it was time for Jean and I to observe a Black Vulture. But first, we had to make a stop at small pond in rural NOTL.

On Friday, my friend Dave posted on ontbirds that there was an American White Pelican at Jack Custers Bird Sanctuary. Up until Dave's post, I had no idea there was such a place.

Jean and I arrived late Saturday morning and we discovered fellow Niagara birders, Paula and Kathy had the same idea (this appears to happen quite frequently whether we are in Niagara or beyond). The pond is on the small side, but the juvenile American White Pelican did not seem to mind. I set up our scope and Jean started capturing images with her Nikon Coolpix.

Jean contacted her dad and we continued to view the pelican until my father-in-law and his partner Ruth returned to St. Kitts to continue their weekend chores. I having set my chores aside (yet again), moved on to Queenston with hopes of ticking #210 for the year. I thought our best chances would be to look from atop the gorge at the Locust Grove picnic area in Queenston. Each vulture we examined, as they soared over the Niagara River and the town of Lewiston, N.Y., had a red head. They were all Turkey Vultures. Dip #1 for the day.

The next stop for Jean and I was at the Adam Beck overlook where we found "Burg Birder" Blake scanning the gulls on the river. He had seen Franklin's , Lesser Black-backed and Thayer's Gull but during our time there all we found was one adult Iceland, a species already on the year list.

Blake informed us that he had observed a juvenile Black-legged Kittiwake at the Whirlpool earlier in the day. Well, since it was worth a shot, we travelled up river for the possibility of observing a lifer bird. We've stood at the look out of the Spanish Aero Car many times in search of a Little Gull. Spotting a kittiwake amongst the hundreds of Bonaparte's Gulls would not be easy. Juvenile Bonaparte's and Black-legged Kittiwakes are similar in appearance. What we needed to note was a bolder "M" across the back and a black line across the nape of the neck. We spotted a juvenile gull flying but it was a quick look and neither of us viewed the black collar. Another attempt was offered once we were informed the kittiwake had landed on the waters of the Whirlpool. Unfortunately, it was in the midst of a few hundred Bonaparte's. I used the scope to look for the cliff-nesting gull, but could not find it. Dip #2 for the day.

Sitting one species better than last year's Ontario list, I spent Sunday running errands. The constant light rain was also a deterrent, but I was content with just the American White Pelican tick. As of Monday, the extremely rare visitor to Niagara was still on the small pond in NOTL and it was the subject in the local news section of today's St. Catharines Standard. I'm hoping it sticks around for another few days, then it can be ticked again for another list, the 2011/2012 Winter List.

If only Black Vultures and Black-legged Kittiwakes were as cooperative as White Pelicans.

Big Nickel Birding: Birding in Manitoulin and Greater Sudbury Counties

2011-11-26T23:30:00.000-05:00

July 19

The main reason Jean and I were in Sudbury this past summer was to visit family. We returned to French River with my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew for a bit of sight-seeing at the provincial park's visitor centre. The binoculars were at the ready in case the Pileated Woodpecker, heard earlier in the week, decided to make a public appearance.

During our last visit to the Sudbury region, there was no centre at the park nor was there a pedestrian bridge spanning the French River gorge. At first, I thought the bridge was installed by the provincial government, but once we reached the 512 ft span, we discovered that it was built by the French River Snow Voyageurs snowmobile club in 2005. It is Canada's largest cable supported snowmobile bridge. While birding from the bridge, Jean and I added Caspian Tern, Ring-billed Gull and Red-breasted Nuthatch to the Manitoulin County list.

The visitor centre has an assortment of displays to educate the public of the rich history of First Nations and European cultures that lived, worked and travelled along the 105 kilometres of interconnecting lakes, gorges and rapids between Lake Nipissing and Georgian Bay.

Once outside the centre, we ticked Ruby-throated Hummingbird, but the large woodpecker with the red crest on its head was neither seen or heard.

July 20

The next day, Jean and I returned to Kelly Lake for a hike along the Trans Canada Trail. We entered the trail from Southview Drive (approximately 3 km east of our intro-birding walk with my brother). Before reaching the section of trail that runs along the shoreline of the lake, we walked through a forested section and found a spot rich with birds and Red Squirrels. Redstart, Yellow-rumped, and Black and White Warblers darted about the conifer branches, but to my disappointment there were no Blackburnians.

Other than the recently added branches to the dam, there was no sign of the large rodent that I believe should remain as Canada's national animal. Surfing the web for stories on this somewhat hot topic revealed a quiz on the BBC News site and based on my test score, I'm just beavering away.

Along the open areas of the trail, we found some very cooperative Savannah Sparrows as well as Chipping, Song and White-throated species of the Emberizidae family.

Pileated Woodpecker continues to boldly challenge Jean and I. Once again, we observed evidence of Dryocopus pileatus, but since 2008 the woodpecker itself, carries on evading our lists.

Not to worry this day. Out on Kelly Lake, we found, not one, but two willing subjects for a bit of Big Nickel digiscoping.

One Down, Two to Go.

2011-11-23T22:30:00.000-05:00

November 20

After ticking a Red-throated Loon and a lifer Razorbill (an extremely rare visitor to Niagara) recently, reaching a new personal best for the Ontario year list appeared to be within reach. This late in the year though, the list for possible additions is a short one. Gulls and waterfowl, specifically Black Scoter, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Thayer's Gull are the most likely to be observed before the end of the year (both species of gulls were reported on the 20th). There are other possibilities. California Gull, Cackling Goose, Brant, and even Black Vulture (the species has been observed at the Niagara Gorge over the last two weeks) could be added before the list resets itself on New Year's Day.

Scrutinizing the head, wings and tail of vultures soaring above the lower Niagara River can wait. Hopefully this was the right choice.

It has been almost a year since Jean and I attended our first Peninsula Field Naturalists (PFN) meeting and on Sunday we attended the Niagara Falls Nature Club 'Lake Ontario Ducks' trip with our fellow members of the PFN. There had to be one Black Scoter somewhere along the shoreline of Lake Ontario between Vineland and Hamilton.

At the first stop in Vineland, ducks were sparse, but as we moved west towards Hamilton, the numbers increased greatly. There were hundreds upon hundreds of Common Goldeneye and Long-tailed Ducks and somewhere in these large rafts were scoters.

A few White-winged Scoters were spotted while standing at the end of Fruitland Road. Public access to the Lake Ontario shoreline is in short supply and to view ducks on the lake, dead-ends are a required substitute. Fifty Point Conservation Area in Grimsby is one of the few public spaces for viewing waterfowl and for those lucky enough, our nemesis bird, but for this trip, our stay would be short and would not justify the entrance fee.

From the roadside where we observed our lifer King Eider (female) in December 2008, we spotted the patches of white on the forehead and nape of a male Surf Scoter. Scoping the other dark waterfowl before they disappeared between waves revealed some scoters with a large orange knob at the base of the bill and no white patches in their wings. In total, 2 male Black Scoters were observed. We had some great views of 2 female Black Scoters at Sayer's Park (a tiny patch of green in a residential neighbourhood) before continuing on to spots along Hamilton Harbour.

Due to dredging at the Windermere Basin, the open waters no longer exist. The small channel that remains holds only a small sample of the migrating waterfowl that could be observed in the past.

At the Burlington lift bridge and ship canal, a large number of Long-tailed Ducks were at the east end of the canal.

The resident Peregrine Falcon was spotted when we heard its alarm call and it quickly disappeared from my view after flying through the arch of the skyway. It returned and came to a rest at the top of a hydro tower, south of the lift bridge.

The group's last stop was LaSalle Marina on the north side of the harbour. A great spot for waterfowl, but unfortunately the Ross' Geese observed a week earlier were no longer present and there was nothing new for Jean and I. The highlight for a few of us was spotting a Little Brown Bat as it skimmed the water and then flew above us with the sunlight emphasizing the reddish-brown colour of its fur.

With the trip concluded Jean and I headed back to St. Kitts with one more stop planned. During the week of November 7, a Cackling Goose was observed on the lawn of the Canada Centre for Inland Waters. Though a number of days had past since the sighting, it would be unwise not to stop at the centre. The lawns had a few small flocks of geese, but none contained the much smaller Cackling Goose.

With Black Scoter (#208) safely ticked, my attention can now focus on the Niagara River. A gull or possibly even a vulture may be the next species to appear on the 2011 Ontario list. Which ever one it is, a new bench mark will be set.

Avoiding a Dip in the Lake

2011-11-16T18:00:00.000-05:00

In less than a week, there was another rarity reported in the Niagara Region. On Tuesday November 8, a Razorbill, an alcid that nests on rocky cliffs of the north Atlantic, was spotted at the mouth of the Niagara River. This was a special one. Even more enthralling than the Franklin's Gull Jean and I observed the previous weekend. There are only three records of Razorbill in the Niagara Region.

We have never travelled to eastern Canada since taking up the rush of adding bird species to a list. If we were lucky enough to observe the Razorbill, it would be a lifer. Like most birders my age, chasing a bird during the work week can be rather difficult. On Thursday November 10, I attended the STAO conference. The last time I was representing my company at the annual conference in Toronto, a rarity was entertaining Ontario birders in a subdivision in Brampton. Do I sense another trend? The Razorbill would have to wait until the weekend.

Jean and I arrived in Niagara-on-the-Lake around noon on Saturday and set up our scope in Queens Royal Park, an excellent spot for viewing waterfowl and loons during the winter months. We scanned the waters of Lake Ontario ( I was asked by a tourist what the large lake in front of us was called) between Fort Niagara and the green buoy, a distance of approximately 1 kilometre.

New York state birders were positioned at the west wall of the fort. Well worth the $10.00 U.S. entry fee if they spot the Razorbill.

There were many Horned Grebes, 3 Red-throated Loons (FOY #206) and 1 Common Loon spotted while we scanned the lake for the Razorbill, but the reported bird did not make an appearance during the 90 minutes we stood in the public park. A couple we talked to had seen it west of the NOTL golf course earlier in the day so we would try two more public accesses along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Gulls and waterfowl were observed, but no lifer on Saturday. We left with an addition to year list and a plan to return Sunday morning.

The lack of reported sightings in the inbox of our e-mail Sunday morning did not discourage Jean and I from loading the car for another attempt to tick the Razorbill. After crossing the Garden City Skyway and exiting the QEW, any thoughts of a positive outcome suddenly vanished when our car stalled and failed to restart. Was this how it would end? Do not pass Go. Do not tick that Razorbill.

I called CAA and Jean contacted her mum. I doubted there would be room in the cab of the tow truck for two disenchanted birders and their spotting scope (and there certainly was not). Jean's mum arrived first and took Jean and the scope back to St Kitts while I waited for the arrival of a tow truck to transport our disabled vehicle to a garage for repairs. The delay was not long and with a simple reorganization of our schedule, we were once again heading to the mouth of the Niagara River. My mother-in-law offered the use of her car until our vehicle was repaired. I checked the reports. The Razorbill was present and seen by many in the morning (with the exception of Bob & Jean). I really did not need to see that, but it was reassuring.

Upon joining a small group of birders in Queens Royal Park, we were informed the Razorbill was still in the area and was observed fairly recently. Despite the morning hindrance, Jean and I still had a chance.

Using the scope, I scanned the lake for the Razorbill and spotted the black underwings of a Little Gull as it flew amongst a small flock of Bonaparte's. A Common Loon was floating near the fort on the U.S. side of the river, but the Red-throated Loons seen the previous day were absent Sunday afternoon.

Barry Cherriere called out that the bird was up and flying eastward, but it quickly landed and dove before we could get on it.

The Razorbill continued to tease those that had not seen it yet. It was up one moment, then gone the next and when a birder announced it had resurfaced, I did my best to locate the patch of water described by the spotter.

After a brief period of anxious waiting and searching, we were finally able to observe the stout, black and white bird with a distinctive large bill. When diving, the large auk would spread its wings and the tail would point skyward before it disappeared beneath the surface for moments at a time. Jean and I continued to observe the Razorbill each time it resurfaced. This was one awe-inspiring birding moment for Jean and I. Sharing the view with other birders and assisting those in their search after being helped ourselves made the tick all the better. Though the last Razorbill to visit Niagara remained for 50 consecutive days (Black and Roy, 2010) there was no guarantee that this one would stay for an extended length of time. I am forever grateful that my mother-in-law permitted us to borrow her car the same day. If not for the substitute vehicle, we just might have had our biggest dip ever. Our car now has a new fuel pump and is eager to transport us to tick #208 and beyond.

Image Courtesy of Dave Van de Laar

Franklin's My Dear

2011-11-08T23:45:00.000-05:00

November 6

It was a beautiful day in the Niagara Region on Sunday. The sun was shining and the temperature reached a day time high of 15 degrees Celsius. The weather could not have been better to go searching for the 205th tick of the year. On Saturday, Willie D'Anna posted that a first winter Franklin's Gull was seen from Artpark in Lewiston, New York. It was observed for 30 minutes and if still in the area, could easily be observed from the Canadian side of the Niagara River.

Franklin's Gull breeds in western Canada and winters in the Pacific from Guatemala to Chile so this would be an invaluable addition to the year list as well as the Ontario list. Our lifer was observed in Calgary, Alberta during a trip to British Columbia in June of 2009.

This western species is a rare fall and winter visitor to Niagara and prior to 1990, it was found annually. For the next 16 years, there were only 15 observations recorded (Black and Roy, 2010).

So on Sunday afternoon, Jean and I headed for the lower Niagara River, our first planned stop was in Queenston. If not found, we would try the Adam Beck Overlook, followed by the Whirlpool. As we left St. Catharines, I noted that we would arrive in Queenston around the same time the gull was observed the day before. With a bit of luck, the gull was a creature of habit.

We parked in the parking area above the boat ramp and started our hike upriver. Hopefully the annoying noise created by the jetskis had not sent the gulls packing.

We scanned the river through the trees as we walked along the unmarked trail. The sounds of the jetskis were abated and gulls were seen moving up and down the river, but none of them had the dark half-hood of a first winter Franklin's. They were all Bonaparte's.

We reached an open spot where we observed a dozen gulls milling around and occasionally diving into the fast flowing water of the Niagara River. More Bonaparte's. I could see a slightly larger gathering of gulls 100-150 metres further up the river.

At this location, the Niagara Gorge begins. The escarpment wall is very steep and the many sedimentary layers are quite apparent. Four Turkey Vultures soared overhead on the Canadian side of the gorge.

Jean was first to spot a gull, circling above the river that had a dark head and she noted the body shape was slightly different than that of the Bonaparte's. Jean described the gull's flight path and I got on it and observed the same distinguishing field markings. The gull had a dark half-hood, an incomplete tail-band, and was slightly larger than the accompanying Bonaparte's Gulls. Wow! I wish they were all that easy. In less than an hour we had ticked the reported Franklin's Gull. This was very lucky, but checking the location at the same time it was observed the day before may have contributed to the successful tick.

Only three shy of last year's personal best. Missing three Boreal species earlier this year does burn but hopefully we can add Red-throated Loon, Black Scoter and Lesser Black-backed Gull to assure a tie with last year's provincial list. Throw in a Cackling Goose, Thayer's Gull, and a California Gull and we have a new personal best. The only trouble with that is we'll have to tick more in 2012.

Big Nickel Birding: A Lifer in Sudbury

2011-11-04T23:50:00.000-04:00

July 18

Jean and I were in Sudbury for a few days to visit my brother, his wife, and the newest addition to our family and on our first full day in the Nickel City, we stopped at Dynamic Earth for a photo-opportunity. We did some birding in the shadow of the Big Nickel and though the sightings found along a short, gravel path were not worth the $5.00 parking fee, we had great views of an American Crow and 2 Common Ravens in the yard of a business below Dynamic Earth. It is not often that I get a chance to compare these two corvid species side by side.

Later in the day, it was time to start searching for warbler species missed during their migration through the Niagara Region. My brother Bruce suggested the trail along the southern edge of Kelley Lake and we started our walk from Fielding Memorial Park.

View Larger Map

Bruce tagged along with us this time and he was introduced to Birding 101. OK, Canada Geese he has seen on a number of occasions but we did get him some scope views of his lifer Cedar Waxwings. Warblers observed included, Yellow, Nashville and American Redstart, but the desired Blackburnian tick did not occur.

We came across some Mallards and spotted a smaller, non-breeding male American Wigeon hidden in their ranks, a great find for the region at this time of year. The county list continues to grow, but still no firsts of the year or lifers.

The day was not over yet. We had picked up a trail guide while at Dynamic Earth earlier in the day. There were a number of non-motorized trails listed and Jean and I decided to walk along the Bell Grove Trail on the south side of Ramsey Lake. The plan was to access the trail from the parking area of a boat launch, but construction in the area prevented us from hiking this section of the trail. An evening of birding would have to be done elsewhere. We travelled further east to the Bethel Lake Trail.

View Larger Map

The trail starts on the north side of the small lake and crosses a marsh before ascending to an overlook on the south side. Little did I know we were about to find lifer # 308.

It was almost 8:30 PM and the sun had started to set. The trail is only 1 kilometre so we had a comfortable amount of time to reach the overlook and return to our car before it was dark. We spotted a pair of Ring-necked Ducks on the lake and while crossing the boardwalk, we found Song Sparrow and Common Yellowthroat.

As we walked up the zig-zag trail to the overlook, a loud song emitted from the birch trees. I had not heard the song in the field before nor had I heard it while studying songs and calls on various bird identification sites. There was some movement low to the ground and we were soon determined to get on this bird. The mosquitoes appreciated our sedentary stance and I had some glimpses of a brownish bird that looked like a thrush at first. The problem was, the loud song was not flutelike at all. Then again, the thrush may not be the bird singing. The song was a series of two syllable phrases.

The bird jumped up onto a log to face me and though I had not seen this species before, this was one of those moments in birding when you realize what you're looking at without referencing a field guide. The brownish bird had spots on its white breast but it was the two dark stripes on either side of an orange crown that had me excitedly but quietly exclaiming, "Ovenbird!" "Ovenbird!" "Ovenbird!". Well maybe not that many times. It seems a befitting recollection since the song of the Ovenbird is described as teacher, teacher, teacher. Though it breeds in southern Ontario, this bird has proven difficult to find while birding in the Niagara Region.

In addition to seeing the crown, Jean observed the bold white eye ring from her vantage point as the warbler continued to skulk along the forest floor. And with that, even before listening to the song back at my brother's house, we knew we had ticked our lifer Ovenbird.

Though we were delayed by the lifer and it was getting dark under the forest canopy, we still had time to take in the view of Sudbury from the summit of the trail before calling it a day.

Save the Chimney

2011-11-02T20:00:00.000-04:00

A recent Doug Herod column in the St. Catharines Standard caught my attention. A former downtown industrial building will undergo construction to house the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. Cool! The campus of Brock University is ever-expanding and it will now have an educational facility in the downtown core. Though no conclusive answer was given at the time of the presentation, there is a possibility that the school might have to retain the building's chimney.

Why? Recent monitoring suggests there may be about 10 Chimney Swifts using the brick stack as habitat. Though we missed it this year, Jean and I have participated in the Chimney Swift blitz by monitoring the chimneys at the Lake Street Armoury. From 2009 to 2010, we observed an increase in the amount of swifts using the armoury's chimneys. A good sign that the population in St. Catharines is increasing. With a shortage of open chimneys in the downtown area, it would be sensible to include the chimney in the reconstruction of the Canada Hair Cloth building. The Chimney Swifts are considered a species-at-risk and need all the help they can get. If the goal is to preserve the building, then the chimney, shown in this TVCogecoOntario video a few times, should be included in the preservation. Eliminating the brick chimney will just make it more difficult for this species to continue a healthy population in the city of St. Catharines.

This in one Brock graduate that hopes his Alma mater, with the guidance of the Ministry of Natural Resources, makes the right choice and will allow the chimney to continue being a home for Chimney Swifts for many years to come.

Online Images of Extinct Woodpecker

2011-10-29T00:15:00.000-04:00

When you're a birder, friends and family will routinely ask you to identify a bird they observed in their yard or at times, and thankfully I might add, inform you of the latest news in the birding world. Not sure how I missed the exciting news that was released by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology earlier this week, but I certainly appreciate my cousin for passing along this story he read on the CBC News site.

On Wednesday, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology posted the only known film footage of the extinct Imperial Woodpecker on its blog, Round Robin. In 1956, an amateur ornithologist filmed a female Imperial Woodpecker during an expedition in Mexico's Sierra Madre Occidental. This species has not been seen alive since the 1950's and the film provides valuable information on this exquisite woodpecker.

Sadly, most of the old-growth pine forest where the bird was observed has been cut down so any dreams of a sighting by researchers is long gone.

Penny Farthing Races

2011-10-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

Birding has certainly taken control of my spare time (and I have no regrets). After seeing this clip, I suddenly miss riding and realize that the Nishiki is really not that old.

Marsh Monitoring Program: Survey Says!

2011-10-25T23:35:00.000-04:00

Earlier this year, Jean and I volunteered to assist with the Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program. The MMP is a cooperative program of Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We had selected a marsh in St. Catharines to survey for the program and our first of three visits to the spot, marked as Barnesdale Marsh 2, was on June 4.

It was a cool and cloudy morning but there was no threat of rain and it was warm enough (at least 16 degrees Celsius) to conduct the 15 minute survey. The 15 minutes consists of two 5 minute passive (silent) observation periods separated by one 5 minute call playback period. We were provided with a MMP Broadcast CD that has a 15 minute running time with prompts to indicate different components of the survey.

I estimated the overall size of the marsh as tiny (between 1.5 and 2.5 hectares), so we only had one station to survey along the route. If we had additional stations, they would have to be separated by at least 250 metres for the marsh bird survey and at least 500 metres if we were doing an amphibian survey.

The survey was conducted from a central point located on a 100 metre semi-circular sample area. Looking to the southwest, the sample area covered the entire width of Richardson's Creek as well as the tree-covered bank on the opposite side of the creek.

So, what were we looking for? Individual birds were marked in one of four categories: focal species, secondary species, aerial foragers or outside/fly-throughs. Focal species were the priority which included American Bittern, American Coot, Black Rail, Common Moorhen, King Rail, Least Bittern, Pied-billed Grebe, Sora, Virginia Rail, and Yellow Rail. Focal species are surveyed at an unlimited distance.

Secondary species, basically species not listed as a focal species, are only counted, recorded and mapped if observed within the 100-m station area.

Birds seen actively foraging in the air within the survey station area are recorded as aerial foragers. Tree Swallows picking insects out of the air and a Belted Kingfisher diving to the water's surface are examples of aerial forgers.

Outside/Fly-throughs include additional secondary species observed outside the station area and birds (focal or secondary) that fly through the survey station without landing or foraging during the 15 minute survey.

For the survey, only one person can find, identify, and count the birds. That was Jean's job. I was the assistant, the lucky one to carry the broadcast unit down the slope to the creek's edge and document information. More than one observer would bias the results.

What did we find during our first visit? No focal species were seen or heard. Secondary species mapped included Red-winged Blackbirds, Baltimore Oriole, Great Blue Heron, a pair of Wood Ducks (FOY) and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. At first it appeared the hummingbird would be recorded as a fly-through but it came to a rest near the focal point. It seemed it was conducting it's own survey as it sat perched on a small branch above the creek. A Mourning Dove was recorded on the Outside/Fly-throughs list.

The weather was warmer and there was no cloud cover during the second visit.

Red-winged Blackbirds, Great Blue Herons (3) and a perched Belted Kingfisher were observed within the survey area. Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow and American Goldfinch were fly-throughs.

No ticks on the focal species chart. Would a third time be a charm?

Though it was not essential, we conducted a third survey of the Barnesdale Marsh on Canada Day (July 1). One last attempt to record a rail or bittern but the calls broadcasting from our boom box were unanswered.

Since 2006, Jean and I have birded this little area adjacent to a residential neighbourhood in Port Dalhousie a number of times between the months of March and October. Despite not finding any focal species during the MMP or on my eBird lists for this spot, we will return to Richardson's Creek for the program in 2012. As stated in the participant's handbook, surveys of small marshes are needed to help determine the effects of marsh size on species diversity and abundance. If we can observe this many turtles in such a tiny marsh, perhaps there's still hope for a bittern sighting.

A Bird to be Thankful For

2011-10-15T22:30:00.000-04:00

Though I prefer (or is it that I feel compelled) to post my birding adventures in order, this one was too exciting to hold off for a few weeks. Tales of firsts of the year and lifers found between June and October will appear in future posts.

Jean and I had the Thanksgiving Day weekend pretty well set before it started. On the Saturday we would attend the OFO Hamilton/Burlington trip, assist John Black with the Fall Buffalo Ornithological Society (BOS) count on Sunday and relax and possibly do some yard work before going to my brother-in-law's for dinner on the holiday Monday. All it took was one e-mail and plans for Monday were suddenly changed.

It was Sunday evening when I became aware that there was a possible juvenile Purple Gallinule in St. Catharines. Not only was the marshbird within minutes of my home, it was near the area Jean and I had birded with our fellow Niagara birders earlier in the day. For part of the morning, we counted birds on the west pier and in Malcomson Eco Park in Port Weller for the BOS Fall count. At 10:00 AM, Jean and I left the group so we could start on our assigned area within John's section. The lucky few that stayed as a group would find a juvenile Purple Gallinule at a pond on the east pier in Port Weller while Jean and I were walking the trails in Firemen's Park.

An additional posting Monday morning had Jean and I heading for Port Weller for an early afternoon tick for our Ontario list. Our lifer Purple Gallinule was observed in the East River Pool at St. Marks NWR while on vacation in the panhandle of Florida in June of 2007. Though the breeding range of the Purple Gallinule reaches the gulf coast of the United States from the tropics, they do stray northward quite regularly.

Walking along the seaway road towards the pond, we met inquisitive dog walkers and birders that were successful in their hunt. We took the advice of the reports and headed for the east side of the pond, meeting additional birders, including Paula, a member of the group that observed the bird on Sunday morning. The bird was still there and had been seen standing on and near an object sticking out of the water. The juvenile gallinule was hidden when we arrived but it eventually made a short appearance before disappearing in the reeds.

A few more birders arrived, some choosing to pass on turkey dinner with their family so they could observe a tropical mashbird in southern Ontario. The bird was partially seen as it moved through the reeds. A few chose to try and observe it from the west side of the pond and were rewarded with great views. At first, I stood my ground on the east side with hopes that the gallinule would walk back to the object sticking out of the water. A birder from Oakville indicated he was seeing the gallinule quite easily, so Jean,myself and Hamilton birder, Cheryl Edgecombe, quickly walked over to the west side.

The wait was not long. The Purple Gallinule soon emerged from the Phragmites and cattails, allowing Jean and I excellent views of the reported bird. The lighting was significantly better on the west side and Jean took out her Nikon Coolpix and started snapping digiscoped images.

The gallinule repeatedly flashed its all-white undertail coverts. This was an important observation. If there was a sign of a black line in the undertail coverts, then we were looking at a Common Gallinule (formerly know as a Common Moorhen). Neither Jean or I could see any black in the undertail coverts.

The body of the bird was buffy-brown and there was hints of green on its back and wings. This was definitely a juvenile Purple Gallinule.

Number 257 for the Ontario list and number 204 for the year.

This will be the fourteenth observation of the species in Ontario and only the fourth in Niagara. The last record of Porphyrio martinica in Niagara was in October of 1962 (Black and Roy 2010).

As people left, more arrived. My cycling friend Dave (an occasional contributor of images to my blog) began snapping photos with his digital SLR as we helped him, Mike, and our fellow OFO members, Norm and Marilyn get on the bird. I wonder if we'll run into the same group of friends when we go see The Big Year?

During the 1.5 hours Jean and I were at the pond, we had some great unobstructed views of the Purple Gallinule. It certainly removed the sting of missing the observation during the BOS count. Filled with gallinule, we still had plenty of time to arrive at my brother-in-law's for Thanskgiving dinner and fill ourselves with turkey.

Alvar Birding

2011-10-10T17:00:00.000-04:00

May 29

Alvars are a unique habitat found over a base of limestone or dolostone and are limited to areas in northern Europe and the Great Lakes Region of North America. Luckily for me, I live between two Great Lakes, which allows me easy access to an alvar that is designated an Important Birding Area by Birdlife International.

The Carden Alvar is located northeast of Toronto and can be easily reached in 2.5-3 hours from the Niagara Region. Last year's trip was the first visit for Jean and I and we added 5 lifers, including the endangered Loggerhead Shrike, to our life list. This year I was looking to add a number of species to the year list and if a couple of lifers were collected in the hunt, all the better.

We stayed overnight in Orillia and Saturday evening was spent birding along a paved trail that took us to the Narrows and a municipal park by Portage Bay. We added 16 species, ranging from the ubiquitous Rock Pigeon to a colourful male American Redstart, to the Simcoe County list. After ticking an Eastern Meadowlark on our way to Kirkfield the next morning, the county list stands at 31 species.

We met trip leaders Jean Iron and Ron Tozer in a Kirkfield school-yard and scanned for birds while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive.Though species were limited, Jean and I added Cedar Waxwing to the year list. You never know how many members will attend a field trip. The OFO Carden Alvar trip is a popular one but it appeared the forecasted rain discouraged quite a few from joining us for a great day of birding. There was certainly going to be a lot more elbow room along Wylie Road this year, our small party of birders was less than half the size of last year's trip.

A light rain was falling as we strolled north along the gravel road. If I didn't get my target species the first attempt, I could try again after birding the Sedge Wren Marsh. Jean and I have found Grasshopper Sparrow and a surprise lifer Clay-colored Sparrow in the Niagara Region but these Emberizid ticks are more easily found in the grassland and scrubland of the Carden Alvar. Four species of Emberizid were singing as we walked along Wylie road and we had some good views of Grasshopper and Clay-colored Sparrows through the scope at Windmill Ranch.

An Upland Sandpiper stood atop a lichen encrusted rock.

Before reaching the marsh, we ticked two more firsts of the year, Brown Thrasher and Golden-winged Warbler. Like last year, the male Vermivora chrysoptera was seen singing from an open perch.

Once in the Sedge Wren Marsh we listened for the calls of wrens, bitterns, sora, rails and flycatchers. Last year, we observed a lifer Alder Flycatcher and Sedge Wren and ticked American Bittern and Marsh Wren for the 2010 provincial list. This year, these species were repeated. American Bittern were calling and we had a quick view of one flying low before it dropped out of sight. Sedge Wren and Marsh Wren were heard singing but stayed hidden and Jean Iron picked out the call of an Alder Flycatcher which we spotted perched on a branch. Without its call, it would just be an Empidonax sp. The wichity wichity wichity song of the Common Yellowthroat and the descending whinny of a Sora were also heard. As we left the marsh, one last FOY for Jean and I, a Black-billed Cuckoo. This species avoided my checklists last year and it just might help me get 208+ this year.

Returning along Wylie Road, we spotted additional Brown Thrasher and a Wilson's Snipe (FOY), a species missed in April during the OFO trip in Algonquin Provincial Park.

A few more Upland Sandpiper were found.

Including this one that Jean photographed from the car as we drove by the fence post.

No Loggerhead Shrikes were observed while hiking along Wylie Road but there was still the possibility of observing the masked endangered species during our visit to the Carden Alvar. At the Great Blue Heron rookery (seen from Shrike Road), we observed a rare Blanding's Turtle sunning itself on a log.

Travelling north towards McNamee Road, we stopped to scan the scrubland for shrike. Though it was distant, we got on a Loggerhead Shrike using the scope. We found a second Loggerhead Shrike and an Upland Sandpiper while scanning more scrubland on McNamee Road.

At the Cameron Ranch on Kirkfield Road 6, a third shrike for the day, Wilson's Snipe and Brown Thrasher.

In 2003, the Nature Conservancy of Canada acquired the Cameron Ranch and the 1161 hectare ( 2869 acres) property will become part of a new Carden Alvar Provincial Park.

We then crossed the causeway at Canal Lake and observed an Osprey in its nest on one of the platforms. No Common Loon in the small body of water near the causeway this year but a little further down Centennial Parkway, we stopped near the small marsh to look for bitterns and rails.

Jean Iron played the song of a Least Bittern and the coo coo coo brought out the inquisitive lifer (#307) for my wife and I. We studied the Least Bittern through our scope as it stood grasping a reed in each claw in order to support itself above the water. Once we had taken in all of the bittern's field markings, it was time to capture a digiscoped image of the very photogenic pose.

Yes, it bolted! The only photographic evidence we have is a small brown blob flying above the marsh.

We continued the trip south of Kawartha Road 48 to look for Sora, rails, bitterns, wrens and waterfowl in the Prospect Marsh.

In one section of the marsh, Jean and I ticked Blue-winged Teal and Pied-billed Grebe for the year list.

At our second stop, the spot where we observed our lifer Virginia Rail on our first visit to the Carden Alvar, we observed a Virginia Rail (FOY) and a Common Gallinule (FOY). The last time we observed a Gallinula sp in Ontario (April 2007), it was known as a Common Moorhen. This was a welcomed tick. It had been absent for 3 long years. Now, if I ever find myself in Europe, thanks to a split into Old World and New World species, I can once again add Common Moorhen to my life list.

Further down Prospect Road, the group found Clay-colored Sparrow sitting low in the scrubby brush and we had some great views of a second Virginia Rail.

The trip was nearing completion when Jean and I ticked one more first of the year. This time, the call of a Empidonax species belonged to a Willow Flycatcher.

After a day of birding in the Carden Alvar, 20 species were added to the Ontario year list and another month of birding came to a close. Ticking a lifer Least Bittern, Common Moor, errr I mean, Common Gallinule, both the Alder and Willow Flycatcher as well as the target species will certainly help to obtain a second 200+ year. The next few weeks would be considerably slower and that was OK with me. Before heading up to Sudbury in July for a chance to tick warblers missed during their migration through Niagara, Jean and I would do some Marsh Monitoring in St. Catharines.

May Birding: Long Weekend

2011-09-27T22:30:00.001-04:00

The Victoria Day weekend, aka "The May Two-Four", was established as a legal holiday in Canada after the death of Queen Victoria. In my much younger years, I would watch the firework displays on a Sunday or Monday evening, but now that I'm a birder, I take the opportunity to add an extra day of birding to my weekend. There were still warblers to be found, including another attempt at the Hoodie. Can Hooded Warblers be called "Hoodies"?

Saturday May 21

Jean and returned to Malcomson Eco Park in St. Catharines. Something was odd though. It was sunny.

The precipitation encountered the last three weekends was nowhere to be seen.

Nashville and Yellow Warblers were observed, but still no Blue-winged, Blackburnian, Cape May or Canada (all species observed last year) for the 2011 list. We did get one treat though. A FOY Yellow-billed Cuckoo sat in a tree, very close to the trail. We've seen one in Ontario every year since we started birding and I would have to say this was the best observation of the bunch. It was very close and the view remained unobstructed as the cuckoo moved slowly from tree to tree.

Sunday May 22

The sunny weather continued the next day and we went to Niagara Shores in Niagara-on-the-Lake for an easy tick. As expected, hundreds and hundreds of Bank Swallows were excavating nesting cavities along the Lake Ontario shoreline.

The fence line at the eastern edge of the conservation area is one of my favourite spots to look for migrants in the Spring. You may pick up the occasional tick or two (the eight-legged variety) while walking along this path but chances are good that flycatchers, vireos, thrushes and warblers will be found here or in the neighbouring property (formerly owned by the Department of Defence).

Warblers seen this day included, Black-and-white, American Redstart, Magnolia, Yellow, Chestnut-sided and Wilson's. Blue-winged are not easily found but the absence of Blackburnian from our year list was starting to annoy me. Before leaving Niagara Shores we added Gray-cheeked Thrush to the year list. This was only our second observation of this thrush species and a first for our Niagara list.

Monday May 23

For the holiday Monday, Jean and I headed to the southern end of the peninsula for a second attempt at observing a lifer Hooded Warbler. It could be a firecracker day. There was the possibility of an additional lifer in Fonthill. A Greater White-fronted Goose was reported on ontbirds. It seemed slightly odd that this species would be at the St John's Conservation Area trout pond but I was not about to pass by the area without a quick look.

At first, all we could see were Canada Geese.

We walked along the path an spotted the reported goose standing near the edge of the pond.

Jean' suspicions were confirmed. It was a domestic Graylag. Though the goose had a slight white band at the base of its bill, it lacked the black belly markings found on the Greater White-fronted Goose.

A variety of birds can be found while hiking the trails in the conservation area but we returned to the parking lot after walking around the pond and heard a song Jean and I suspected was a Pine Warbler. The song was coming from a cluster of pines at the top of a slope, above the parking lot. What else could it be? It continued to sing but the warbler did not make an appearance. We've seen this species a few times, so hearing its song without seeing it was good enough for a tick.

Once at our destination, we walked along the gravel road to the spot where we had heard the Hooded Warbler the previous weekend. It did not take long for us to hear the song again and this time, we both got on the bird as it moved above the Skunk Cabbage. The lifer Hooded Warbler moved towards us and placed itself on a branch hanging over the road. Its yellow face, black hood and bib and yellow underparts were easily observed as it sang from its perch. An excellent view for a lifer tick! A female Hooded Warbler appeared and the pair moved on.

After viewing the Hooded Warbler pair, we stopped at a couple of spots in Fort Erie and found nothing new for the year until we started our drive back along the Niagara Parkway.

7 Great Egrets (FOY) and 2 Great Blue Herons were hunting in Frenchman's Creek. Fish travelling upstream from the Niagara River did not stand a chance.

Overall, it was a great weekend of birding. The Hooded Warbler was the third lifer of the year and I expect them to occur less often, now that we are above 300. The days of adding 10 or more species at a time in southern Ontario are gone. Until Jean and I can plan a road trip out of the province, we'll continue to peck away at the lifers while birding in the Niagara Region and on OFO trips. Last year we picked up 5 lifers while on the OFO Carden Alvar trip. I was looking to repeat these species for this year's list on May 29. Adding a lifer or two would be an added bonus.

Big Nickel Birding: A Sudbury Sunday Night

2011-09-11T23:45:00.000-04:00

July 17

It was our first evening in the region of Greater Sudbury, not quite as exciting as a Sudbury Saturday Night but it would do just fine. After dinner, my brother returned to work and he suggested Jean and I check out a neighbourhood trail for an evening stroll. The Robinson Lake Trail is an easy one kilometre of gravel path and boardwalk.

We accessed the trail from a municipal park and ticked Cedar Waxwing, American Goldfinch and Song Sparrow as we walked towards the boardwalk.

Common Yellowthroat were calling from all directions in the marsh and a family of Mallards had found a spot for the night in the stream that empties into Robinson Lake. Yes, I was ticking birds for a new county list. Mallards, Double-crested cormorants and Ring-billed Gulls were not overlooked.

Walking through the stand of birch, I hoped to find a more worthy tick. No FOY warblers or a much sought after Pileated , but the Northern Flicker and Hairy Woodpeckers (2) were a nice accompaniment to the robins spotted in the small patch of wild in northern suburbia.

After a couple of incidentals and some birding on a Sudbury Sunday Night, the county list stood at 13 species. Jean and I would have 3 full days available for Big Nickel Birding so adding birds to the list was not going to be a problem. Finding the target species was another matter.

May Birding:2011 May BOS Count

2011-09-08T22:15:00.000-04:00

So I find myself obtaining more tales but I'm slow to post them. After spending a few days at a cottage with family and friends, I now have some Lake Huron tales to share. For the time being, I'll continue with the month of May and my visit to Sudbury.

May 15

It was time for the May BOS count. The previous day, we added 17 species to the 2011 Ontario list and came close to ticking a lifer Hooded Warbler while birding spots along the Lake Erie shoreline. After a couple of slow weekends at Malcomson Park, it felt good to finally get out of our birding slump.

An overnight rain continued at the start of our count while birding the Port Weller West Pier with Kayo, Dan and Brian.

We spent almost two hours scanning the brush on the pier and observed a total of 36 species. Warblers added to the year list included, Common Yellowthroat, Magnolia, Blackpoll, Wilson's, Orange-crowned and Northern Waterthrush. Dan pointed out the songs of an Ovenbird and Lincoln's Sparrow. Two species needed for my life list. The warbler was hidden deep in the brush and we had a quick glimpse of the sparrow but it was nowhere near enough to observe its field markings. No lifer ticks if they're not seen.

Before leaving for our assigned area in Section 2 of the BOS count, Jean and I added Veery, Swamp Sparrow and Least Flycatcher to the year list. The weekend haul was looking good.

The rest of our count was a mixture of travelling along roads and walking through parks within the the city of Niagara Falls. We found a Spotted Sandpiper while driving along a rural road on the Niagara Escarpment and then moved on to Firemen's Park. The wind storm that occurred in late April uprooted a few trees on the Bruce Trail.

Even though a tree fell as we approached the wooded area of the park, we ventured onto the trail, determined to find additional FOY warblers.

Birds of interest found in the Niagara Falls park included, Baltimore Oriole, Hermit Thrush, Magnolia Warbler (the only warbler species found in the park during our hike), Eastern Bluebird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a first-of-the-year Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Before starting our drive along the Niagara Parkway towards the Falls, Jean and I usually check a stretch of road that runs along the base of the escarpment. From the road-side, we observed Barn Swallows and Northern Rough-winged Swallows (FOY) flying over a small pond.

We continued up the road and found a few of the usual species, but upon reaching the dead end, we spotted an unusual bird in the vineyard. The bird was almost entirely white! Its head was speckled grey, the beak yellow and from the shape of the body, it appeared to be a species of thrush.

It was a leucistic American Robin. Leucism (caused by a genetic mutation) occurs when the pigment is not properly deposited in the feathers. Since the beak and legs had colour, this was not an albino bird. Though it was cool to see our first leucistic bird, it still only counts as an American Robin at the end of the day. Time to move on.

From Queenston to Chippawa, we travelled along the Niagara Parkway with stops at the Lilac garden and the arboretum at the Niagara Parks Horticultural Gardens.

No more firsts-of the year until the bridge in Chippawa. It's a reliable spot for Cliff Swallows and after standing in the rain for what seemed a rather long 10 minutes, I spotted a Cliff Swallow for the 2011 year list amongst a few Barn and Northern Rough-winged Swallows. I needed that after finding a disappointing number of species at the Peter Street feeders. The rural roads near the Welland River did not produce much either. Once back on the QEW, we soon concluded another BOS count.

The third weekend in May turned out to be very productive. No lifers, but a total of 30 species for our year list. The next weekend in May was the Victoria Day weekend. An extra day to find FOY's in the Niagara Region and another chance at ticking a lifer Hooded Warbler. My glass was starting to look half-full again.

The Birding Magic of Giant Water Bugs

2011-08-27T14:30:00.002-04:00

It was a usual morning on Friday. Drive to Jean's work for 7:00 AM, then walk 10 minutes to my work and read until my 8:00 AM start. The stretch between our buildings is all pavement and box stores and I was somewhat surprised to find a Giant Water Bug in the parking area of a grocery store. This species of insect is frequently found under street lights and the large parking lot has quite a few light standards. Luckily for the bug, I found it before the tires of a car did.

I carried the bug on top of my book as I continued the short walk to work. Though the large legs can propel the insect through water, they are practically useless on dry land. It was too exhausted to fly, so it was not going anywhere. Once at work, I placed the bug in a suitable container for the day. All morning it lied motionless at the surface, but by the afternoon it began to move around and was ready for release back into its natural environment when Jean picked me up at the end of my work day. We took it to a nearby pond, the same pond Jean returned another Giant Water Bug in April of this year.

We bird this spot throughout the year and it seems that returning Giant Water Bugs to the pond adjacent to 12 Mile Creek brings some good ticks. In April, FOY Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Hermit Thrush were found.

This summer evening, we spotted an Osprey flying overhead and directly across from the spot I released the aquatic insect, stood a Black-crowned Night-Heron.

We soon observed a second Osprey as the first called out to it. Jean and I watched the raptors soar overhead and disappear from our view as they headed north towards Martindale Pond and Lake Ontario. A Northern Flicker on the opposite side of the creek finished the evening's observations. What will the magic of the next Lethocerus americanus reveal?

Big Nickel Birding:Travelling North

2011-08-11T23:00:00.001-04:00

July 17

It was only mid-morning and the temperature was already at the daytime high when we left St. Catharines for Sudbury. I was looking forward to getting away from the humidity for a few days but after only 30 minutes of driving, we stopped for a brief moment in Hamilton. It was a planned stop. An American White Pelican had been observed in a few locations in Hamilton Harbour over the last few weeks and though it had not appeared on a recent post, a quick stop to look for the pelican from the parking area of the Canada Centre for Inland Waters seemed worthwhile.

I thought our best chance would be the three small rocky islands north of the centre. In August of 2008, Jean and I observed an American White Pelican (it could be the very same one seen this summer) near one of the islands. In October of the previous year, we observed our first Ontario American White Pelican at Cootes Paradise (the west end of the bay) while walking along a Royal Botanical Gardens trail known as "The Willows" to birders in the Hamilton area. This year we would not be as lucky. Only gulls, terns and cormorants on the islands. The pelican may have been relaxing in the Dundas Marsh but that chase would have to be put aside for another day.

We continued on through the regions of Halton and Peel and I thought of some of our memorable ticks as we passed the locations of the observations. In May of 2009, Jean and I travelled to Brittania Road to tick a lifer Ruff. At this time, only 13 species are required to reach my goal of 100 for Halton County. It seems I've caught the fever to observe 100 species in each county. Further east along the 407 is the region of Peel where we had observed another lost bird in November of 2009. It was a Phainopepla. Yes, a very lost bird and only the second record for Ontario. In addition to the silky flycatcher, Jean and I have also seen a Western Grebe and Harlequin Duck in Peel County. Only 16 species on a total of two checklists, so a great deal of birding is still required in Peel County.

Once we passed through Simcoe and Muskoka Counties, Jean and I were in new territory. Our first county was Parry Sound but sightings were limited to those seen from Highway 69. We observed only 5 species while in this region of Ontario, the best being a Broad-winged Hawk perched on utility pole near Byng Inlet.

The next county came as a surprise to me once it was entered on eBird Canada. We stopped at French River Provincial Park and when looking at my road map, yes I said road map, it appeared I was still in the region of Parry Sound. According to eBird Canada and maps found online, this area of French River P.P. is within the boundaries of Manitoulin County.

The provincial park follows the routes of voyageurs from Lake Nipissing to Lake Huron and we spent a 30 minute break in a small section of the park adjacent to Highway 69. We observed a few species, including Chestnut-sided Warbler and Warbling Vireo but nothing new was found.

Returning to our car, we heard a loud call that could only be from a member of the Picidae Family. Based on the woodpecker calls we have heard, I quickly eliminated all but the Pileated Woodpecker. This was a species we have observed only once. Though lifers are exciting, it was a distant view through the scope while on a birding-walk through the Hendrie Valley during the 2008 OFO Convention in Hamilton. I wanted to get a good look at this Pileated Woodpecker before committing to the tick. There were some dead trees with large holes near the parking area that suggest the woodpecker could be found at this spot. The bird disappeared deeper into the woods so we planned a return visit later in the week.

Once across the French River, we entered Sudbury County and upon reaching the city limits of Sudbury, we were in the region of Greater Sudbury. The county where the majority of our vacation ticks would occur.

May Birding: A Change of Scene

2011-08-06T22:30:00.002-04:00

Species encountered in the region of Greater Sudbury will soon be revealed but first, I still have some May ticks to discuss.

May 14

Rain was forecasted once again for Saturday morning. After two weekends in a row of birding in the rain I was looking for a change of scenery and an area that did not have me walking too far from the car.

Jean and I decided to try the the southern end of the region. Our first stop, a lane in Fort Erie we birded for the first time while checking the hot spot routes for John and Kayo's book, Niagara Birds.

It was mid-May, surely we would get more migrants than we had earlier in the month. Of the 20+ species observed in the trees north and south of the lane, we added Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Philadelphia Vireo and Rose-breasted Grosbeak to the year list. A surprise fly-by Osprey was a last minute addition before we headed east towards the Niagara River.

Our next stop was a Fort Erie municipal park and beach to find a woodpecker species that continues to elude us along 12-Mile Creek in St. Catharines. The tick proved to be just as easy as it did last year. The pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers were quickly found as they foraged for insects in the branches above the park. At the western edge of the park there is a narrow stream (it could also be described as a ditch) that flows into Lake Erie. Occasionally, it produces some good birds and on this overcast morning, we spotted White-crowned Sparrow for the year list.

In the corner of the park, I noticed some birders we knew from the counts we have done over the past few years. We then found ourselves birding the woods east of the park with Marcie (St. Kitts CBC compiler), Peter, Tim and Rick. Birds were zipping through the branches above during our search of the forested area that was once an amusement park many years ago. The only reminder of the park are the concrete steps and footings that can be found in several locations of the wooded area.

With a little help from our fellow Niagara birders, Jean and I ticked Scarlet Tanager, American Redstart, Tennessee Warbler, Indigo Bunting and Swainson's Thrush for the year list. Tim picked out the song of a Hooded Warbler as it moved quickly through the brush and fallen trees but it proved difficult to capture in the field of view of our binoculars. This was a possible lifer for Jean and I, so in order to tick it, we needed to see it. The bird appeared to be taunting us at it circled the area where we stood. We would change position as it moved, anticipating where it might stop next. The warbler remained out of sight for Jean and I so Marcie suggested a spot known to produce Hooded Warbler.

We followed Marcie and Peter to a road west of Crystal Beach. The road is another spot of many along the Lake Erie shoreline that can be found listed in Niagara Birds.

A Black-throated Blue and Green were heard and seen as we walked along the gravel road. In addition to the 2 warbler species, we added Great-Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo and Wood Thrush to the 2011 Ontario list.

We stood at the edge of the road listening for the song of a Hooded Warbler. Though the floor of the damp wooded area was entirely covered with Skunk Cabbage, we could still see a fair distance into the woods. Our chances of spotting a lifer had increased slightly.

As we did at the last location, we had no problem hearing the song of Wilsonia citrina. Based on its appearance, you would think a bird with a bright yellow face and underparts would be easily observed. Not this day. Playback of this species' song could not coax it into the open.

Finally, there was a glimmer of hope. Peter spotted a male Hooded Warbler and began to describe its location. Jean was able to get on it as it stood on a Skunk Cabbage before it quickly moved on. A little too quickly. The four of us had spent a little more than an hour looking for this bird and I was the only one unable to view it. Marcie and Peter's effort to find my next lifer was appreciated. The Hooded Warbler is known to breed in this area of the region so there was still a chance if a subsequent attempt was made.

Ticking a lifer Hooded Warbler would have to wait until the following weekend. The next day, Jean and I would assist with the May Buffalo Ornithological Society Count. Of course rain was forecasted for the Sunday. A rainy weekend in Port Weller was becoming a very unlikeable trend.

Return of An Unwelcomed Guest(s)

2011-07-25T23:30:00.002-04:00

The day before I was set to leave for a vacation in Sudbury, I discovered my yard had a visitor. In fact, quite a number of visitors. Insects from the order Coleoptera had decided to feed on the leaves of the Corkscrew Hazel, Sand Cherry and hedge in my yard. These beetles are native to Japan and were first recorded in Canada in 1939. Since then, the Japanese Beetle has caused problems for farmers, nurseries and home owners in many states and provinces.

Last year, Jean and I found only a few of the invasive pests in our garden. This year however, the numbers have increased greatly and they have acquired a taste for the leaves of a Corkscrew Hazel tree in the backyard. At first, I tried to pick them off of the tree but for every 1-2 I removed, another 8-10 would emerge from the inner branches and leaves to escape placement into an empty yogourt tub. Knowing I could not win this battle, I took the garden hose and sprayed the entire tree with a good dose of H2O. With travel plans the next day, my options were limited and spraying the tree would help temporarily.

A grape vine that has crept over the fence from the neighbour's yard was also harbouring some Japanese Beetles. When searching for additional Popillia japonica, I came across this large orange beetle. It appears to be from the Scarabaeidae family, the same family that contains the Japanese Beetle and the Asiatic Garden Beetle. After a little searching, I identified this large insect to be a Grapevine Beetle.

A few years ago, this beetle caused heavy damage to my mother-in-law's ornamental grapevine. So, I quickly disposed of this specimen as well.

The next day, Jean and I left for Sudbury. Taking action to prevent further damage would have to wait. I had some Big Nickel birding to do.

Big Nickel Birding

2011-07-23T21:00:00.003-04:00

Ahhh, vacation time! It's always satisfying to have some time off from work and during the week of July 18, Jean and I spent a few days in Sudbury visiting my brother and his family.

This was our first visit to Sudbury, Ontario since Jean and I committed ourselves to a life of birding and if we did not observe any lifers while birding the region of Greater Sudbury, at least we would start three new county (regional) lists. Let the ticks begin.

The Perils of Nesting Killdeer: Raising Young in a Parking Lot

2011-07-11T22:30:00.008-04:00

It was the holiday weekend. Despite the distraction of three days of beautiful weather and the start of the 2011 Tour de France, I still managed to find time to inspect the nesting Killdeer on the property of my employer.

On Canada Day, Jean and I checked on the progress of the two clutches after completing our third and final survey for the Marsh Monitoring Program. The adult was still incubating the eggs.

Over on the other side of the building, the second breeding pair had momentarily left their eggs unattended.

No emergence on Saturday either but on Sunday afternoon Jean and I made a quick inspection on the way home after visiting friends. As we watched the adult rise from the spot it has tended the last few weeks, two chicks popped out and ran a short distance. Finally! After an incubation of approximately 27 days, two of the eggs had hatched. The other half of the clutch still sat in the gravel. Since they were not laid until two days after the first two, it appeared there was still some incubation time required.

Walking into work Monday morning I noticed the gravel area was empty and there was hardly any evidence that Killdeer had nested near the entrance to the building. All that was left was a shallow depression created by the shorebird. Jean and I returned Monday evening with our scope to capture some digiscoped images. We found both adults but only two young. It's possible the other two eggs were preyed upon.

We kept a safe distance from the family and though it was not easy, Jean snapped a few pictures. The young are quite small and the camera preferred to focus on the nearby rocks and clumps of grass.

The second pair still had some incubating to do.

I'll continue to monitor the development of the young and will look forward to the day they can finally fly. Until then, it's best they stay as close as possible to their mum.

A Squeezerless Wine Festival

2011-06-30T23:00:00.001-04:00

Say it ain't so! Ce n'est pas possible! The 2011 Liberty! Bicycles Off-Road Squeezer has been cancelled. Though I've heard rumblings of the Niagara Wine Festivals organizing the race (yet to be listed on the events calendar), it is certainly a sad day knowing that Kurt and the rest of the Squeezer organizing group are not involved. I have yet to get on a bike this season and any plans I had of riding in this truly memorable citizen race have been stomped on.

As demonstrated in this video, the past 16 years have been fantastic and like any fine Niagara wine, it just gets better with every passing year.

Up until last year (there was a conflict with a birding convention) , I had ridden in every Squeezer since 1999. No matter the conditions and the flats encountered, I thoroughly enjoyed participating in this fine event. Starting and finishing near Montebello Park fits so well with the final day of festivities held in the municipal park. With this change, the mountain bike race as we know it, will be corked. I, for one, hope that Liberty! Bicycles will return in the near future to re-establish, what was, a damn-good mountain bike event!

The Perils of Nesting Killdeer x2

2011-06-29T22:00:00.003-04:00

The four Killdeer eggs I've observed every morning since early June will soon hatch, so I thought Jean and I should return for one last chance of digiscoping the Killdeer while it sat motionless on the eggs.

Even with its back turned to us, the Killdeer kept a close eye on our movements.

The breeding pair watching over their clutch have demonstrated great care and dedication while incubating the eggs. Whether it was a hot and humid afternoon or a thundering down-pour of rain, the adult Killdeer have held their position over the eggs.

It was recently brought to my attention that there is a second Killdeer nest on the property. Another reason for returning with the spotting scope and digital camera on Tuesday evening.

It's a holiday weekend, so somewhere between a final survey for the Marsh Monitoring Program and visiting family, I'll be at work, running from one side of the property to the other, in order to determine which clutch hatches first.

Stay tuned. The next posting of The Perils of Nesting Killdeer, may contain baby Killdeer.

May Birding:After the Storm

2011-06-27T23:00:00.010-04:00

Summer has arrived and firsts of the year have not been observed for over two weeks but it won't be long before I'm out looking for shorebirds, especially a lifer Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Until then, it seems a suitable time to reflect on the May ticks as I never did get around to posting last month.

On May 1, Jean and I searched for spring migrants at a St. Catharines 'hot spot'. It was mid-day and it soon became apparent that Malcomson Eco-Park was not spared from the recent storm that passed through the region. On Thursday April 28, very strong winds toppled down trees in our neighbourhood, some falling on power lines and leaving us without hydro for a couple of days. This pales in comparison to the extreme weather and tragic events that occurred in the southern United States.

At the eco-park, tall trees that once sustained migrating warblers in their boughs were now stretched across walking-trails in the park.

The tree that we spotted a male Cape May Warbler in last year was now reduced to logs.

If not for hearing a Gray Catbird (#111), we would not have had any firsts of the year.

We returned to the eco-park the following weekend and added a few more species to the year list. Earlier in the week, Chimney Swifts (#113) were observed flying above our backyard. The swifts are a daily sight during the summer and Jean and I plan on participating in the annual swift count this year.

A light rain was falling the morning of May 7. We spent a couple of hours walking through the park, at times using fallen tree trunks as bridges when searching for migratory birds. Despite the rain, we observed 36 species and added Baltimore Oriole, Green Heron, Blue-headed Vireo, House Wren, Nashville Warbler and Palm Warbler to the year list. Where were the other warbler species? At this time last year we ticked, Cape May, Black and White, Blackburnian and Black-throated Green.

The next day we birded on the west bank of 12 Mile Creek. The Merritt Trail has been productive in the past and it was possible that there would be some warblers spotted, may be even a waterthrush creeping in the brush. Only the ubiquitous Yellow Warbler (ticked earlier in the week) singing its sweet sweet sweet I'm so sweet song was seen in a number of locations along the creek. Though we added Warbling Vireo and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher to the year list, it seemed that warbler species were not in St. Catharines.

Mid-may was only a week away and warbler migration would be at its peak. The ticks had been slow over the past week and I was eagerly looking for a change of pace. A change of scenery might help as well because the rain certainly was not helping.

Niagara Digiscoping: The Perils of Nesting Killdeer

2011-06-14T15:00:00.006-04:00

At the start of my work week last week, the perils of nesting Killdeer near the employee parking area began and by Thursday June 9 there were 4 eggs resting in a small depression in the gravel.

There was no point lamenting the fact that I would be unable to attend the Darlington ptarmigan viewing on Sunday morning. So instead, I placed the scope in the car and after dropping Jean off at work, I went to observe the progress of the nesting pair of Killdeer and try a bit of digiscoping.

One of the Killdeers was sitting on the eggs when I arrived and did not raise a fuss as I walked by to enter the building. After checking on a few things I emerged from the building and the Killdeer left the nest as I started to setup the scope. The main reason I was there was to capture images of the bird sitting on the nest. Now I would have to wait as the Killdeer strolled the area near the eggs.

Eventually the Killdeer returned to the nest and resumed its position on top of the eggs.

Its mate was on sentry duty and remained alert while I stood in the parking area deciding on the best location from which to capture additional digiscoped images.

I was mindful of ethical birding practices and kept my disturbance of the birds to a minimum.

After capturing a sufficient amount of images, I left the Killdeer pair to enjoy the quiet of an empty parking area and loading dock.

Incubation will take 24-26 days so we should see the first of the young emerging at the end of the month and then the parental duties of both adults will increase greatly. Until then, check out these other images of birds from around the world that were recently posted for World Bird Wednesday 30 at The Pine River Review.

A Long Line of Birders at Darlington

2011-06-13T23:00:00.002-04:00

A Willow Ptarmigan, a possible lost migrant or an extreme overshoot from last year's irruption, was found at the Darlington Nuclear Station on Lake Ontario east of Toronto on Wednesday June 8. The ptarmigan, normally found in the Arctic Tundra, was observed again two days later at the same site.

On Friday June 10, an ontbirds e-mail sent by Jean Iron informed all subscribers that the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) would kindly allow birders to visit the site the morning of June 12. Instructions were given and all interested were asked to meet at the Darlington Nuclear Visitor Information Centre Sunday morning. Unfortunately for my wife and I, her work schedule was changed recently and prevented us to share a rare opportunity with our fellow Ontario birders. Yeah, it does suck!

On Sunday morning the OPG bussed 150 birders to the secure site and they were not disappointed. Details of the viewing can be found at Jean Iron's web site.

Video of the molting male was captured by Luc Fazio and posted on YouTube.

Many thanks to the staff at the OPG and Beacon Environmental for allowing this to take place. Events like this will continue to happen when they run this smoothly and hopefully the next one will occur on a day that both Jean and I are not working.

The Perils of Nesting Killdeer

2011-06-08T22:30:00.007-04:00

Killdeer will nest in a variety of open areas especially in gravel or on gravelled rooftops. During the breeding season I usually observe Killdeer peering down at me from the roof of my company's building but this year a pair selected a site at ground level. Arriving at work earlier this week, I noticed a Killdeer standing on the grass near the rear of the building and as I continued walking towards the door, the bird became alarmed and started its dee-dee-dee call. I am accustom to this species of shorebird frequenting the parking area and loading bay at this time of year and continued on my way to start another work week.

Later that day, a coworker informed me that the Killdeer laid two eggs in the gravel at the back of the building. Killdeer are known to nest in areas near human activity and this site is no exception. It's right near the warehouse entrance to the building. Not only do I and a few of my coworkers enter and exit the building here, couriers making daily deliveries also drive up the ramp that is adjacent to the narrow strip of gravel beside the building.

As of today, there are three eggs on the nest and until the eggs hatch and the young are ready to fly, I'll be greeted by the Killdeer's alarm call and injury-feigning display every morning during the work week. And so begins, the perils of nesting Killdeer.

Marsh Monitoring Program

2011-06-04T23:00:00.002-04:00

Back in February, I received an e-mail through ontbirds that was not the usual alert of a reportable bird in the province of Ontario. Bird Studies Canada was calling for volunteers to assist with the Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program. The program was established in 1995 and provides long-term monitoring of marsh birds and amphibians in marshes throughout the Great Lakes Basin. So with little hesitation and a brief discussion with my birding partner (she always finds the lifers first so it's best to include Jean), I sent a reply to the Ontario Volunteer Coordinator.

After reviewing a map of available marsh monitoring routes, I indicated that Jean and I were interested in monitoring birds in a marsh we are quite familiar with. The marsh is in Richardson's Creek and we have walked along the trail located in Port Dalhousie many times. We've seen Fox Sparrow in early April, warblers in the spring, Caspian Terns flying overhead and herons during warm summer evenings. It seemed a perfect spot to monitor marsh birds because it's not too large and was easily accessible.

In early April, we received an e-mail containing information on our assigned route and we went to check out the area Jean and I would monitor 2-3 times between May 20 and July 5.

All we needed after that was our survey material and then the real planning would begin.

A Really Good Friday

2011-06-02T23:30:00.002-04:00

Niagara Hawk Watch Open House

From March 1 to May 15, the Niagara Peninsula Hawk Watch monitors raptor migration from the top of a steel tower at Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby, Ontario and though it is only minutes away from St. Catharines, Jean and I have never spent a day birding at the conservation area atop the Niagara Escarpment until this year's open house.

Visitors were not swayed by the overcast and cool temperatures on Good Friday. Many cars lined the roadway near the entrance to Beamer so I drove to the end of the road and parked near the Bruce Trail. The trail led us to the wide open space on land managed by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. Although only mid-morning, the event was already busy with families and birders browsing the displays of various conservation and nature groups while counters had their binoculars fixed skyward.

We wandered around, talking to the birders we knew, including John Black and Kayo Roy. They still had a few signed copies of their book Niagara Birds available for sale.

We did look up to the skies occasionally while we were there. It was the Hawk Watch after all. I was looking to add Broad-winged Hawk to the year list and Red-shouldered Hawk to the life list. During the first hour, Jean and I observed migrating Turkey Vulture, Cooper's, Sharp-shinned and Red-tailed Hawks. Daily reports from the hawk watch are sent on ontbirds and the previous couple of days did not promise a positive result for Broad-winged Hawk. Only two of the small Buteos were observed. All we needed was just one to fly over. The one we viewed during the Mountsberg Raptor Centre demonstration would not suffice as a tick. This species of hawk is surprisingly small when not in flight.

The centre also brought a Merlin for their raptor talk.

Though we would see no migrating Merlins, a few Broad-winged Hawks eventually soared overhead. Now all we needed was a Red-shouldered Hawk to fly by.

There were some feeders along the forest edge that attracted a few passerine species and Kayo informed us that a Fox Sparrow was seen at the feeders earlier in the morning. Jean and I needed this species for the year list and after a few minutes of patiently waiting we observed the migrating sparrow before the much larger Blue Jays frightened it away. I prefer to tick Fox Sparrow in the Spring as it passes through the Niagara Region for another breeding season in the far north. If missed, then we would have to wait until Fall as it returns to winter in the southeastern United States.

After a quick lunch break at our car, we found both species of kinglets along the trail. The Ruby-crowned Kinglet seemed to be annoyed with something. Its ruby crown appeared to be set to permanent display.

We returned to continue our watch for a lifer Red-shouldered Hawk. The Canadian Raptor Conservancy was holding a demonstration and we joined the circle of onlookers as a Swainson's Hawk was returned to its carrier. The next raptor brought out was Rocco, a Bald Eagle.

The conservancy left the best to last. Two owlets. The Barn Owl is listed as an endangered species in Canada and it's great to know that we have programs in place to help remove species from this list.

Once again we gazed skyward and observed a dramatic change from the last two days. Kettle after kettle of Broad-winged Hawks were flying above the Niagara Escarpment. It seemed endless and I counted over 300 for my eBird checklist. At the end of the day (7 hours of observation), the observers standing on the tower counted a total of 1749 Broad-winged Hawks. As I looked at another group of Broad-winged Hawks, OFO trip leader Dave Milsom called out a Red-shouldered Hawk. Both Jean and I were able to get on this lifer bird mixed in with the Broad-winged Hawks. Before leaving, we observed a second Red-shouldered Hawk and added Purple Martin to the year list. Only 2 Red-shouldered Hawks were observed on Good Friday and overall, a total of 581 were counted between March 1 and May 15. For this year's count, the majority of the Red-shouldered Hawks were observed in March, so for next year, I'll plan on multiple visits to Beamer Memorial Consevation Area to ensure the addition of Red-shouldered Hawk to the 2012 list. Who knows, maybe I'll assist with the count on one of the days.

For Jean and I, Good Friday turned out to be better than good. The raptors I sought were ticked and the added bonus of two unexpected firsts of the year kept me ahead of last year's year list by a week or two. While at the hawk watch, I picked up one of Dave Milsom's Flora & Fauna Field Tours calendar for 2011-2012. There are a few trips that catch my eye and even if we don't book one next year, there is always the year after that. We have too many birding friends that have gone on trips here and there and have seen this species and that species. Hopefully, we'll get to share our trip ticks and for once, we'll be the envy of the birding clique.

An Evening Star in Algonquin

2011-05-21T21:30:00.003-04:00

2011 OFO Algonquin Provincial Park Trip

As you can see, I'm slightly behind in my postings. It has been over a month since Jean and I headed north in search of Boreal species. The snow and ice are long gone and sadly, warbler migration is starting to slow down in Niagara. So bear with me. I'll soon catch up. At least that's the plan.

When I booked a room the week before the OFO Algonquin P.P. trip, Gary at the Algonquin Inn informed me that there was snow on the ground and that the lakes were still completely frozen over. Though it would take some time for the ice to melt away, the majority of the snow cover would be gone in time for our arrival the weekend of the trip.

Driving north on April 16, neither heavy rain or the 3 vehicle accident on the Burlington Skway could deter my need to tick some Boreal species. A coffee break north of Toronto refueled my energy for the rest of the drive to our destination.

Oxtongue Lake was still covered with ice.

Overnight, the precipitation returned in the form of snow and it continued to snow while we ate breakfast and observed the birds visiting the feeders. Gary and his family did a great job making sure all the guests were fed well and had plenty of time to get to the west gate of Algonquin P.P. for the start of the trip. Gary was quick to follow once all had left.

Our third OFO trip in Algonquin but the brushing of snow off the car was a first. As we were about to leave, 3 Common Ravens (FOY) flew overhead.

After a quick briefing at the park entrance, we followed trip leaders Ron Tozer and Kevin Clute to our first stop.

At Kilometre 8, no Black-backed Woodpecker on the utility poles but we heard a Winter Wren (FOY) singing in the brush across from the Tea Lake Dam entrance. I believe it to be the very same wren we heard on last year's trip.

A short stop at Smoke Creek produced a Common Loon. And yes, it was snowing.

In comparison to the previous trips, the Cache Lake stop was a disappointment. Ron suspected there would be no snipe and approached the area himself while the rest of us, including Jean and I, searched for anything resembling a bird along a nearby gravel road. No repeat Blue-headed Vireo and though Ron did flush one Wilson's Snipe, no one was there to see it.

The absence of species observed the previous year continued at the Lake of Two Rivers campground. No Pine Warbler.

Surely this unwanted trend would stop at the Spruce Bog Trail. Spruce Grouse have been observed on every trip for over 20 years but recordings of a female grouse failed to attract a male. Luckily, we did not leave the trail empty-handed. The group was able to view a Gray Jay (FOY) in a spruce tree. One Boreal species down, three to go.

Not much action at the Visitor Centre. To prevent hungry bears from gathering at the rear of the centre, seed was removed from the feeders. During our lunch break, the streak of bad luck, or more aptly described bad timing, continued. While I was returning our cooler bag to the car, a Bohemian Waxing flew by as Jean stood on the observation deck with a few members from our group. The trip just keeps getting better. No Spruce Grouse and now a missed lifer.

I thought we may still have a chance along Opeongo Road. Driving to the interior access point on Lake Opeongo, we passed boundless areas of Black Spruce forest, sedge marsh and bog habitat but the three Boreal species Jean and I sought were not found.

There was one bird that brought the line of cars to a halt. A grassland species of sparrow was foraging along the side of the road and continued its search for food despite the large audience of relieved birders.

A lifer Vesper Sparrow (#304) for Jean and I.

This bird was a lifer for a few members, including Gary our host at the Algonquin Inn. He captured an image of the bird as it stood at the side of road.

At the access point, there was little open water but it was enough for one Common Loon and two frolicking otters. A lifer bird and now a lifer mammal. Opeongo Road was not bad after all.

Continuing eastward on Highway 60, we observed a few Snow Buntings feeding on seeds found along the ice edge on Brewer Lake.

We stopped near kilometre 54 to look for Black-backed Woodpecker. The nesting season of this species occurs from late April to mid July and on previous trips we successfully found a male excavating a hole in a utility pole. But this day, the inclement weather interrupted all excavation projects.

We returned to the Spruce Bog Boardwalk and searched for grouse on both sides of Sunday Creek.

One last attempt was made along a short section of the Bat Lake Trail at kilometre 30. Not too long after starting our walk through the mixed forest (poplar, birch, spruce, and fir) fresh grouse tracks were spotted in the snow. To a non-birder, it must have been comical to see a group of adults following the meandering tracks of bird in less than spring-like weather. One wise member of our group walked along the side of the highway and was awarded the observation of a flushed Ruffed Grouse while the rest of us continued to search for the elusive bird within the forest. If I did not know they existed, I would definitely had labelled this undertaking a "snipe hunt".

Our trip ended with only one Boreal species added to the year list. The snow and occasional ice pellets certainly contributed to the missing ticks. Only Boreal Chickadee was missed last year, so this may deflate our chances of beating last year's provincial total. Jean and I may be scrambling for a few ticks towards the end of the year and a return visit to Nipissing Region could very well be in the cards.

A Successful Evening

2011-04-27T22:30:00.000-04:00

April 12

In her duties as an agent with the local SPCA, Jean has witnessed a variety of animals brought into the shelter and when it's a bird, she is asked to put her identification skills to work. Once the bird is identified, given a health assessment and recorded for the Migratory Bird Act, it is released back to the environment.

At times, Jean also identifies invertebrates and on Monday April 11, a large insect found in the parking lot of a shopping mall was brought to the shelter by a member of the public. It was a Giant Water Bug. Jean determined that the bug was not injured and set it free into the still water of a nearby pond. When returning to her vehicle, Jean noticed some birds flitting in the trees. One of them was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, a species we did not find during the BOS count the day before. Jean and I returned to the area the next evening and began our search for the kinglet along the Merritt Trail. We visit this section of the trail often but normally start at the Martindale Road entrance, especially during the winter months.

As we started our walk, we heard a Carolina Wren calling from the opposite side of 12 Mile Creek. We soon found kinglets of the Golden-crowned variety in a tangle of branches as we approached the pond.

Moments later, along with some chickadees, we found our FOY Ruby-crowned Kinglet. It was brief but it still counts. A robin-sized bird running through the brush also caught our attention. It was moving quickly and not standing in one spot for very long. Eventually, Jean and I had enough views to confirm we observed a Hermit Thrush, another first for 2011.

At the pond, we found an Eastern Phoebe and an animal that did not seem to be bothered by our presence.

A beaver was dining on some branches, less than 10 metres from the trail. This rodent species has returned to St. Catharines and is doing very well along the banks of 12 Mile Creek. Jean and I have observed Castor, many times while birding in this area of the city.

With Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Hermit Thrush safely added to the year list, it was time to turn our attention to a few Boreal species. Jean and I were set for the annual OFO trip in Algonquin Provincial Park and though we have never seen a beaver in the park, including hikes on the Beaver Pond Trail, we should have no problem ticking Spruce Grouse, a species successfully found on the trip for over 20 years. All we had to do was show up. It's as easy as that. Or is it?

On Our Own: 2011 BOS Spring Count Part II

2011-04-23T13:30:00.004-04:00

After a morning of good birding along the piers in Port Weller (St. Catharines), it was time for our group to separate and cover their assigned areas. The first stop for Jean and I was at Firemen's Park in the north end of Niagara Falls.

Thunder, lightning and rain shortened our time spent in the park but we were able to view 2 Tufted Titmouse near the parking area. It seems we always get the best birds at this spot while hiking in the park. If not for this tick, we would not have seen this species. They were absent at the famed feeders in Chippawa later in the day.

We covered a few roads in the northern section of our area, spotting 2 Wild Turkeys, and moved on to our next stop, the Niagara Parks Horticultural Gardens. I was looking for a repeat of last year's Spring list but we could not find any early arriving Ruby-crowned Kinglets in the tall conifers. We added Chipping Sparrow to the year list while searching the arboretum.

House Sparrows were plentiful in the ivy on the Niagara Parks' buildings.

Spring flowers were blooming. No more snow, right?

Hellebores

We continued south along the Niagara Parkway, counting any species observed as we passed the tourists lining the sidewalk near the Falls. John and Dan were covering Dufferin Islands so all Jean and I had to do was count the Black-crowned Night-Herons (FOY) roosting in trees on the small islands above the Horseshoe Falls.

Not an easy task when the herons are in close proximity to one another but we counted a total of 125 with the aid of our scope.

In Chippawa, we ran into Marcie (St. Catharines CBC compiler) and exchanged sightings of the day before scanning the bridge for Barn Swallows. None were found. Hopefully they have yet to arrive. If it's the design of the recently replaced bridge, then we will most likely not find Cliff Swallows during the BOS May count.

Mostly blackbirds and House Sparrows at the feeders and a few Song Sparrows were heard along the roads north and south of the Welland River.

The count ended with us adding birds viewed to our right (to the left was not our area) as we zipped back to St. Catharines on the QEW. In all, we observed 36 species and a total of 619 individuals after 5 hours of birding. 2 more firsts of the year for the day and still ahead of last year's pace. Now all we have to do is find a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Birding With Your Piers: 2011 BOS Spring Count

2011-04-22T21:00:00.004-04:00

April 10

Finally! The snow has gone, hopefully I have not jinxed it, and its time to start adding the Spring migrants to the year list. I can think of no better way to do this than by walking along the piers at the north end of the Welland Canal with a few of my fellow Niagara birders. Though it was our second year of assisting John Black with the Spring Buffalo Ornithological Society (BOS) count, this was the first time that Jean and I birded the west pier in April.

In all, 11 birders hiked along the treed piers on the west and east side of the canal before going to our assigned areas within John's section of the BOS count.

As we arrived at the Coast Guard station, Kayo quietly informed us that there was a Wild Turkey nearby. The bird became concerned with our presence and for a couple of minutes it forgot it could fly as it ran back and forth along the fence line looking for an opening. The turkey eventually remembered it had feathers and that it actually could fly. Once on the other side of the fence it quickly ran off into the brush. We would spot a second Wild Turkey while walking along the west pier.

Walking past the Coast Guard station, Jean and I started ticking our first of the years (FOY). Tree Swallows flew overhead and an Eastern Phoebe sitting on a branch was ready to start the day.

Our group split into two smaller groups as we walked towards the end of the pier. Kayo, Dan, Jean and I covered the western edge while the rest searched for Spring migrants along the canal side of the pier.

Yours truly, doing his best to hold a Purple Finch (FOY) for John. Thanks to Dan for picking it out.

By the time John found an opening to reach the west side of the pier where we found the bird, the Purple Finch flitted off to the opposite side of the pier. There's still plenty of time left in the year to spot one.

Scanning the species of waterfowl on Lake Ontario, Jean and I ticked a Red-necked Grebe for the year list.

At the end of the pier, more waterfowl, including a FOY Surf Scoter. Though it was distant and we had no scopes, we could still make out the colourful bill and the white patches on the forehead and nape of the male scoter. Other birds added to the year list while on the west pier included, Rusty Blackbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler (first warbler of the year) and Caspian Tern.

On to the east pier (spit). This time we drove our vehicles to the end of the Seaway Haulage Road and stopped at the ponds along the way.

At the larger pond we found a good variety of waterfowl. FOY Lesser Scaup were observed with Ring-necked Duck, Redhead, Bufflehead, Nothern Shoveler, Gadwall (1), Hooded Merganser (1), Ruddy Duck (1), and Mallard.

Carol and Paula viewing waterfowl on the East Pier.

While stopped at the smaller pond, Jean and I ticked our FOY Brown-headed Cowbird.

We parked our cars at the end of the pier and walked eastward towards the beacon. Jean and I hike here a few times a year and in November 2009, we ticked a lifer Red-throated Loon (#287).

Many Red-breasted Meragnser were on the lake. We spotted a lone Barn Swallow (FOY) in a small flock of Tree Swallows and a Savannah Sparrow (FOY) jumping in and out of the grass near the path.

After completing our count on the piers and adding 12 species to the year list, we stopped at the Parmalat settling ponds before heading our separate ways. It was too early in the morning, not to mention too cold, for ice cream so birding was the only reason to explore the ponds on the property of the dairy. Once the weather warms, a double scoop of ice cream in a waffle cone will be enjoyed after finding some shorebirds. Though a few species were present there was nothing new for the year list.

That was some good birding on the piers. Jean and I had not even started our area and I was already thinking of May and the warblers we would find on the west pier. It's been a long winter and I cannot wait.

Hits, Misses and an Annual Visitor

2011-04-14T20:45:00.004-04:00

March 29

The ink of my Horned Grebe and Ruddy Duck ticks was still drying when I read an e-mail report sent by Kayo Roy. A White-winged Crossbill was observed in a Fonthill yard by the home owner. The only observation of this finch species for Jean and I occurred during the 2008 St. Catharines Christmas Bird Count. It was a female and not only was it a first for us, it was also a first for the CBC.

No time on Monday between work and the monthly PFN meeting. "PFN meeting?", you ask. Jean and I joined a local nature club late last year (details to follow in a future post) and at the March 28 meeting, the group was informed that the White-winged Crossbill was sighted that day. So on the following day, Jean picked me up after work and we headed to Fonthill. With little effort (I wish they were all this easy), Jean and I observed what we determined to be an immature male White-winged Crossbill feeding on berries as it sat at the top of a tree. #84 for the year and still slightly ahead of the pace.

April 2

To start the second quarter of birding this year, Jean and I were given a request. My mother-in-law had asked if we could find her some bluebirds, so on the first Saturday of April, Jean and I became tour guides. The pressure was on to spot an Eastern Bluebird and I planned a route that could possibly have us revered by my mother-in-law and her partner, though I think that may be the case already.

I commenced our hunt for bluebirds outside of the Niagara Region at a vineyard in Stoney Creek. The same vineyard Jean and I visited back in March. If we were able to spot the male Eastern Bluebird and the reported female Mountain Bluebird not only would we have done our job, we also would add the western species of bluebird to our provincial list.

The staff at Ridge Road Estate Winery have been very welcoming to visiting birders and we were once again allowed access to the vineyard behind the winery. All we could find while we stood outside was the Eastern Meadowlark we spotted during our March 24 visit. Our bluebird watch was taken indoors. While we tasted wine, we looked through large windows towards the vineyard. We left our first stop with a few bottles of great wine but without a bluebird tick.

No worries. The plan was to work eastward from Stoney Creek to St. Catharines and stop at areas where Jean and I have observed Eastern Bluebirds in the past. Slightly east of the winery, I drove down 10th Rd East. This stretch of rural road has produced some good finds and this day did not disappoint. Jean remarked that the scrub-filled land would be perfect for finding a shrike and like magic, I looked to my left as we were returning to the main road and spotted a bird I suspected to be the species Jean had just mentioned. I backed up our vehicle and all four of us had a few minutes of observing a Northern Shrike as it flew from tree to tree before it eventually disappeared in the distance. Not a bad start for the trip so far. Jean and I had found a lifer for our group.

We moved on and stopped at a few spots along the Niagara Escarpment but the nest boxes and fence posts were devoid of any Eastern Bluebird activity. I had one last spot that just might have positive results. Jean and I had observed a male Eastern Bluebird at a farm near Short Hills Provincial Park on March 29. On this sunny April day, I caught a glimpse of our quarry perched in a tree but before our apprentices could see it, Jean and I watched the bluebird disappear over the barn to never return. "Missed it by that much."

On Schedule

As the month of April approached, I would scan the trees near our yard for the return of our annual visitor. For the last three years, a member of the family Picidae stops and relaxes near downtown St. Catharines for a week or two before continuing on to its final destination. On the evening of April 3, I observed a woodpecker flying from tree to tree that did not resemble our resident Downy. The bird flew off before I could get my binoculars but its size and shape had me thinking he had returned. The next day it was confirmed. The male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker had returned for the fourth year in a row. Here are a few digiscoped images that Jean and I captured later in the week.

Around the Bay

2011-04-03T22:15:00.004-04:00

March 27

Only a few days had past since the attempt to tick Mountain Bluebird for my provincial list. With the lack of positive reports on ONTBIRDS, another try did not seem worthwhile. A report telling of the avian activity at La Salle Marina in Burlington caught my attention though. There were two species present that were not yet on the year list. So on Sunday, instead of exiting at Fifty Road to reach a winery where the only sky-blue observed was the sky itself, Jean and I continued along the QEW until we reached the marina on the north side of Burlington Bay in Halton Region. Travelling around the bay was left to those brave enough to run the 30 KM course on the sunny but freezing day.

At the beginning of the week, I listened to the local TV weatherman discuss the future forecast for the Around the Bay Road Race and then quickly forgot about the event until I approached the Burlington Skyway. "Northshore Boulevard closed?" "Oh yeah. The Around the Bay race." We had to cross the boulevard to reach the marina but it did not take that long for a gap to appear between the runners and we quickly crossed after getting the OK from a police officer.

I had not even stopped our vehicle when Jean called out the first of our two target species. "Horned Grebe straight ahead!" We were still in the car and Jean called out the second species. "...and Ruddy Duck over there."

Well, that was easy. What do we do now? There were a few Horned Grebes in the water near the boat launch and west of it, even more. The diving grebes proved very difficult to digiscope.

A male Ruddy Duck was more cooperative.

After viewing Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye and a couple of White-winged Scoter we scanned the always present gaggle, east of the marina.

We walked along the Waterfront Trail and observed a few more species before calling it a day. Ticking our target species, especially the grebe, helped keep us ahead of last year's pace. Horned Grebe was not observed in 2010.

Later that evening, I checked e-mails and read a report posted by our birding friend Kayo that caught my interest. No, it was not the Mountain Bluebird. This was for a finch species that we have only observed once and was another bird that remained off of last year's list. 210+ in 2011 is starting to look good.

Chasing the Blues

2011-03-31T19:30:00.014-04:00

March 24

The weekend was practically over when I became aware of the latest vagrant observed in the Hamilton Study Area (HSA). On Saturday March 19, a female Mountain Bluebird was seen in the company of a male Eastern Bluebird by some birders tasting wine on top of the Niagara Escarpment.

There are no records of Mountain Bluebird in the Niagara Region and this is only the second for the HSA. A male was observed for 3 days in Flamborough in April of 1989 (Bob Curry, Birds of Hamilton and Surrounding Areas).

As for our observations of Mountain Bluebird, only one for Jean and I. We viewed a pair during our vacation out west in 2009. The last lifer of our BC/Alberta trip was viewed while travelling along the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park. This western species of thrush would be a welcome addition to the Ontario list. It would be a few days later, the day after a Spring snow storm, when we attempted an observation of the Mountain Bluebird. The bird was observed only once this day, but I was coaxed into trying for the tick by the afternoon sunshine.

Jean and I are familiar with this area of Stoney Creek. We searched for Orchard Oriole along a trail, south of the winery, last summer but our best ticks occurred in 2007. A lifer Eurasian Collared-Dove in July and on Boxing Day, a Northern Hawk Owl was added to the life list.

The birder that observed the Mountain Bluebird on Thursday afternoon was still at the winery when Jean and I arrived. He had not seen the female since mid-afternoon and he believed it did not stay long after discovering the male Eastern Bluebird was absent. Insect larvae easily found earlier in the week had disappeared after Wednesday's snowfall. Jean and I viewed the vineyard at the back of the winery with the birder/photographer for approximately 45 minutes as migrating Turkey Vultures flew overhead. On March 20, he captured this image which can be found on the OFO photo page.

No addition of Mountain Bluebird to the Ontario life list for Jean and I but the trip was not all wasted. Before we left, all three of us observed an Eastern Meadowlark at the front of the property. Our first for 2011. I'll keep watch over the reports more closely. I would definitely like another shot at adding this species to my Ontario list. Hopefully, the Mountain Bluebird has sought shelter in the brush and woods neighbouring the winery and once the snow has melted, she will return to sitting on the posts long enough for two St. Catharines birders to see it.

Today's Forecast, Snow and 10,000 Tundra Swans

2011-03-20T23:25:00.001-04:00

March 12

Long Point during the month of March is an exciting place if you're a birder. Migrating waterfowl, swans and cranes pass through the area each year en route to their breeding grounds. Though Jean and I ticked Tundra Swan earlier this year while birding along the Niagara Parkway, I was looking forward to viewing the massive numbers of Tundra Swans in the fields and air during the OFO trip. E-mail reports informed ONTBIRDS subscribers that there were a staggering 10,000 Tundra Swans at Long Point. You could not see the water for the swans.

This was our third year of attending the Long Point OFO trip and instead of waking up early and driving for two hours to reach the St. Williams Forestry Station, we booked a bed & breakfast in Port Rowan. The same B&B we used for accommodation during the 2010 OFO Annual Convention. I took a vacation day on Friday and Jean and I planned to leave St. Catharines in the afternoon. Early Friday morning, our host at the B&B contacted us to ask if we still coming to Port Rowan. "It's snowing like crazy here!", the host informed Jean. That was a surprise to us, St. Catharines had no snow at all. The heavy snowfall raised concerns. Not for travelling but how the snow may hinder our chances of observing Sandhill Cranes. My concerns grew exponentially upon arriving in the small Norfolk County town. Along the way, we observed Tundra Swans in flight, 3 in Jarvis and 4 as we turned south towards Port Rowan on Regional Road 42. Would the morning snow storm have an affect on our swan viewing the next day?

Yikes! The harbour in Port Rowan was still frozen and covered with snow.

Unlike the 2009 trip, there was no way the small bay, west of the marina, would produce either phase of Snow Goose this year.

Looking towards the causeway we could see small pockets of open water containing small numbers of Tundra Swans.

More ice and snow when viewing the harbour from the bed and breakfast.

After an evening meal at a restaurant near the causeway, Jean and I drove along Long Point Road. We heard and observed Tundra Swans in the area surrounding Big Creek.

On Saturday morning, we woke to the calls of the nearby swans with no need to rush. The meeting place for the OFO trip was only a 10 minute drive. Add French toast with syrup from Oxford County and you could not ask for a better start to a day of birding.

Saturday's first sighting occurred during breakfast. Jean spotted a large bird flying over the harbour. It came to a rest on the ice and views through the scope supported our call of immature Bald Eagle.

Less than an hour later, we met our fellow OFO members and trip leaders (Jim Heslop, Bob Stamp & John Olmsted). No stops at Booth Harbour or Port Rowan this year. 18 cars started the search for a reported Greater White-fronted Goose.

The group stopped at Dedrick Creek. We found over 40 Canada Geese, including 2 in a tree, but no lifer Greater White-fronted Goose this day.

For Jean and I, we added two species to this year's Ontario list. A pair of Northern Shovelers were spotted in the background of the flooded field and Killdeers (3) announced their return to the Long Point area.

We moved on to Lakeshore Road, checking the fields west of Hwy. 59 until we reached Lee Brown Waterfowl Management Area. The fields on either side of the road are an excellent spot to find swans and migrating ducks. Horned Larks greeted us as we started our drive towards Port Royal. A Merlin was perched at the top of a tree along the side of the road and all had extended views of the small falcon. Small flocks of Tundra Swans flew overhead while hundreds and hundreds more were resting and feeding in the fields to the north.

In the flooded sections, Jean and I scoped a number of Redhead, Northern Pintail, and American Wigeon. To the south, our group's first observation of Sandhill Cranes. The cranes (3) were in flight and calling.

Blackbirds were out in force as we passed through Port Royal and Common Grackle was added to our year list.

At Lee Brown Waterfowl Management Area the small man-made pond was frozen so the ducks made use of the nearby flooded field. More Northern Pintail, Redhead and Tundra Swans. Jean and I also spotted American Black Duck, Canvasback and a Northern Shoveler mixed in this group and for the third year in a row, Sandhill Cranes in the neighbouring field.

We moved north to where Concession Road 1 crosses Big Creek. No waterfowl in the swollen creek on the north side of the road. Looking south we found 1 American Wigeon and 1 Gadwall amongst the Canada Geese.

We moved on to Long Point and thanks to Bird Studies Canada, the group had access to the Old Cut Field Station during lunch. Luckily, I had the correct amount of cash on hand to place in the honour box to obtain a copy of Ron Ridout's, A Birding Guide to the Long Point Area. The guide has me planning to return and explore the Long Point area by ourselves to tick a lifer Northern Goshawk.

Birding around the Old Cut simply added birds to the 2011 Norfolk County list. It was less than a year ago that Jean and I ticked our lifer Gray-cheeked Thrush here after it was subjected to some measuring, weighing and banding.

Another drive along Lakeshore Road added Northern Harrier and Great Blue Heron to the day's list. Our final stop was in Walsingham to visit the feeders owned by a member of our group. A variety of birds were on the property, including Pine Siskin, House Finch, American Goldfinch and White-throated Sparrow. In the creek, another county addition for 2011, a pair of Ring-necked Ducks. Though it took all day to see one, the group had a close look at a Bald Eagle (an immature with a transmitter attached to its back) as it flew overhead.

And with that, another Long Point trip came to a close. One last 2011 Norfolk addition for Jean and I as we headed back to the Niagara Region though. Not too far from the forestry station, we spotted over a dozen Wild Turkeys. Despite the ice along the Lake Erie shoreline and the snow cover, we had a great day of observing early migrants. Thankfully, the snow storm occurred on the Friday and not the day of the trip. With our target species ticked, Jean and I can turn to the next batch of migrants, including our annual yard visitor, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. He's due to arrive in a couple of weeks.

There's Aways the Niagara River

2011-03-15T22:40:00.001-04:00

March 5

The day my Bird-A-Day challenge came to an end, a Great Horned Owl sighting was posted on the ONTBIRDS ListServ and I did not see the e-mail until later in the week. A few days had past since the sighting but I was anticipating that the owl may have a mate and was set to raise young in the Town of Fort Erie. If Jean and I could not find the Great Horned Owl, we could always take a side trip home along the Niagara River. That way, the day would not be totally wasted.

Saturday was a mild and damp day. The rain did not make it easy to scope a tree 100-150 metres away from where I stood. The nest appeared to be mostly leaves and as far as I could tell, it did not contain an owl. On a sunny day, I would have stayed a bit longer. It appeared to Jean and I that the owl was elsewhere. So we headed east to the Niagara River for a leisurely drive towards Chippawa.

The usual variety of ducks were encountered, each species preferring their own section of river when gathering in large numbers.

A small quantity of of Tundra Swans were observed this time. They will soon leave the region, possibly joining the thousands of swans at Long Point before heading to their breeding grounds in the Arctic.

Further down river, we paused to view an adult Bald Eagle perched in a tall deciduous tree. There are quite a few trees at this location, a preferred spot for resting Bald Eagles and we have found them here on two previous occasions this year.

A large float of Greater Scaup near Baker's Creek concluded our trip of searching for waterfowl along the upper Niagara. Nothing new was found between Fort Erie and Chippawa. Looks like a change of scenery is required. With early spring migrants on the move, it was time for the annual OFO trip to the Long Point area. 10, 000 Tundra Swans awaited our arrival the afternoon of Friday March 11. I was hoping there would still be room left for one or two Sandhill Cranes. A target species I could not afford to miss.