Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 12, 2003 period
Hunting season has started in the Darlington Provincial Park section of McLaughlin Bay. Hunt days are Mon., Wed., Fri., and Sat. morning. Numbers of COMMON LOONS are starting to build in Lake Ontario; 71 were reported on Oct. 7. Two RED-NECKED GREBES were seen in the Lake off Second Marsh on Oct. 1 . Heron numbers have dropped with the first days of cold weather. A single GREAT EGRET (Oct. 8th) and AMERICAN BITTERN (Oct. 9) were observed in the Second Marsh. Waterfowl numbers in the Second Marsh remain at approximately 1200 birds. AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, CANADA GEESE, and AMERICAN WIGEON have increased significantly. HOODED MERGANSER, LESSER SCAUP have increased in small numbers as well. On October 12, solitary RUDDY DUCK, COMMON MERGANSER, and SNOW GOOSE (white phase) were present. Both BLUE-WINGED TEAL and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT numbers have decreased sharply. AMERICAN COOTS continue to increase with 28 present on Oct. 12. Raptors continue to be seen passing through on migration. Species seen include OSPREY, BALD EAGLE, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, AND PEREGRINE FALCON. Two NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS were found in Darlington Provincial Park on Oct. 12. Shorebird numbers have been low. The mudflats within the Second Marsh are mostly covered with several inches of water now, and the rotting algae mats on the barrier beach have been washed away. Shorebirds can still be seen foraging around the gravel bar island in the sw corner of the Second Marsh. Species observed include DUNLIN, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and WILSON'S SNIPE. BONAPARTE'S GULLS have return to the area, with small number seen daily foraging along the lakeshore. Three NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS have been reported. One was seen Sept. 27 at the Second Marsh. A search around McLaughlin Bay turn up two birds on Oct. 7. One was in the sw corner of the Bay and the other at the north end. Other sparrows reported this week include LINCOLNS, SAVANNAH, and large numbers of WHITE-CROWNED and WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS. Warblers seen include large numbers of YELLOW-RUMPEDS, small numbers of PALM, COMMON YELLOWTHROATS and a lone BLACK-and- WHITE WARBLER on Oct. 7. The family of NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS remain quite visible on The McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve with 3 birds at the Dogwood Trail Oct. 10. A lone PINE SISKIN was reported Oct. 10 in Darlington Provincial Park. Our thanks to contributors: Brian Brasier, Darlington Provincial Park sighting book, Durham Rare Bird Line, Susan Hall, Tyler Hoar, Jerry and Alex Lewchyshwn, Jim Richards, Dave Ruch, and Wioletta Walancik for their sightings reports, Please send sightings reports to the attention of Tyler Hoar, (e-mail) [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] no later than Thursday morning each week. For a trail map of Second Marsh visit www.secondmarsh.com (http://www.secondmarsh.com). There is a link on that site that will take you to a trail map for McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve. Directions: Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit (419) in Oshawa. Go south on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to the parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot close to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario waterbirds proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the lakeshore. "Tyler Hoar" <[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.
