Hi there, It came down to feed at about 8:20 am, at the feeder behind #120, but soon left, when it was startled by a noise. It settled out of sight to the north, appearing to go into its roosting site. Several of us could hear "cooing", apparently the bird, as the sun warmed things up. About 9:30 am, it flew back over and landed in the trees above the feeder, chased out of the roost site by a cruddy squirrel. Then it fed near 11:30 and again flew off to the roosting area, again out of sight. Later, about 2ish, a cruddy crow scared it out and over to the trees above the feeder. The cruddy squirrels caused it to move about a couple of times(they actually seem to get some satisfaction out of chasing the new kid on the block). Finally, about 4:20 it came down to feed. It got lots down, almost all sunflower seeds, but again a cruddy squirrel chased it off. It entered its roosting area for the night. I know you all have some neat squirrel jokes, and lots of ideas for getting squirrels to keep off feeders, but I think I have a handle on what to do(I am attempting to "baffle" the cruddy squirrels). So again, best time is first thing, between 8 and 8:30, it sometimes comes down near noon, and/or early afternoon, and for sure one more feed between 3 and 4:30. When not feeding it usually hangs about in the open high above the feeders in back of #120, in dediduous trees, but sometimes it is not visible due to it being lower and in back of evergreens. And today, it sat elsewhere, as it has done on occasion, and one must wait for it to come back. I will be there tomorrow to fix the feeder, and help with locating the bird, at least until 11am and be back by 3ish to check on things. Don't forget to sign the book in the pail. Please stay out of the yards and definitely out of the roosting area. More cars seem to be appearing on Lynngate Place, and that is to be expected if walking is difficult for you. However, the bird remains very skittish (who wouldn't be when harassed by squirrels), and noises such as car door slamming actually cause it alarm. And of course traffic congestion is not something that would go over well with the neighbours, who continue to enjoy the event and activities, due to the care our birders are showing.
Pete ps...forgot to mention that a pair of mitts, light brown leather, with a woolly lining, somewhat patched on outer seam, were left at the site on either Saturday or Sunday. Seem to be someones favourite winter mitt. Contact me if you would like them returned. Directions to access the area... If from Toronto...come west on 401, and take the 402 towards Sarnia, exiting very soon at the Wonderland exit (100) to London, and head north. About 3-4km north on Wonderland is the Westmount Mall, a large sprawling mall on the west side of the road. Keep going north just past the mall to a streetlight indicating Village Green Avenue (one light before Commissioners Road). Turn left, to the west and proceed for about 5 streets, some from left, some from right, till you get to Lynngate PLACE (Pl). There is also a Lynngate Ct but don't go up there. Do not park on this quiet street. Park on the north(right) side of Village Green. Walk up Lynngate Place to number 120. Go to the RIGHT side of the house, and walk up the driveway of the nextdoor neighbour's house, #116, along the stone path to the large patio, at the back of that house. Try to shield yourself behind the tarp "blind" and the bird will be less skittish. PLEASE STAY OUT OF YARDS. Coming from west, come east on 401 to Highway 4, and head north to the 402, then east to Wonderland exit (100), turning north . About 3-4km north on Wonderland is the Westmount Mall, a large sprawling mall. Keep going north just past the mall to a streetlight indicating Village Green Avenue(one light before Commissioners road). Turn left, to the west and proceed for about 5 streets, some from left, some from right, till you get to Lynngate PLACE (Pl). There is also a Lynngate Ct but don't go up there. Do not park on this quiet street. Park on the north(right) side of Village Green. Walk up Lynngate Place to number 120. Go to the RIGHT side of the house, and walk up the driveway of the nextdoor neighbour's house, #116, along the stone path to the large patio, at the back of that house. Try to shield yourself behind the tarp "blind" and the bird will be less skittish. PLEASE STAY OUT OF YARDS. >From London, Village Green is one light south of intersection of Commissioners and Wonderland. Turn left, to the west and proceed for about 5 streets, some from left, some from right, till you get to Lynngate PLACE (Pl). There is also a Lynngate Ct but don't go up there. Do not park on this quiet street. Park on the north(right) side of Village Green. Walk up Lynngate Place to number 120. Go to the RIGHT side of the house, and walk up the driveway of the nextdoor neighbour's house, along the stone path to the large patio, at the back of that house. Try to shield yourself behind the tarp "blind" and the bird will be less skittish. PLEASE STAY OUT OF YARDS "Peter Read" <[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.
