October 6, 2003 A modest haul of one Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow on the west headland of Cobourg harbour this morning, but a beauty, flying up into the low branches of a small tree, its plumage brilliant in the morning sunshine. Interesting that this species, regular in small numbers in this location in fall, utilises so much drier a habitat than in Cootes Paradise and Algonquin Park. The west headland was full of small birds - both kinglets, but most Golden-crowned, juncos, a wave of Yellow-rumped Warblers, Hermit Thrushes and one Swainson's, Song, Swamp, White-throated, White-crowned, and one Field Sparrow, a constant stream of American Pipits flying over in twos and threes or flushed up from the tall grass. Only a few shorebirds on the harbour algae mat: 1 Black-bellied Plover, one Am.Golden, a couple of Dunlin and a Pectoral Sandpiper, with more plovers calling in flight. West along the beach at the mouth of the Cobourg Creek was a mixed group of diving ducks: almost 50 Surf Scoters and a few Black Scoters, one Black Scoter just getting the yellow knob on its bill, a pair of Redheads, both scaup, and six Ring-necked Ducks. Most were immature birds and seemed to be diving for zebra mussels. Added two species to my yard list in downtown Cobourg on Saturday: a large Peregrine flying west and a fat Ruffed Grouse dining on the last of the begonias.
To reach the west headland of Cobourg harbour exit Hwy.401 at Division Street, Exit 474, and drive south on Division Street to the harbour. Turn west along Albert Street at the last traffic lights before the harbour, then south on Hibernia Street to reach the parking closest to the west headland. Margaret Bain [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Margaret Bain" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
