Sparrows-Nelson's Sharp-tailed, Fox, White-crowned-Moosonee
During a tour to Moosonee (July 5-8)-much more rewarding for botany at this time- we made a few bird observations. At Shipsands Island we observed Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows (6) outnumbered by Savannah (20). Because of the tide and wind our boatman was reluctant to stay at the extensive salt marsh by James Bay. I have heard and seen Yellow Rails here in the past. There is a new trail around the perimeter of Moose Factory Island. Here we had Fox Sparrow in shrubs along the river. White-crowned Sparrows also like the river edges-we observed two at Moosonee The best (and practically only) trail into forest at Moosonee is on the north side of Store Creek. The botany was superb (several orchid species) plus Spruce Grouse (2), Golden-crowned Kinglet (2), Winter Wren (6) and abundant White-winged Crossbills (20).Despite the late date, most breeding birds were still singing. Total length of the road from the airfield to the dump is 13 km. A lovely old quarry near the south end held Solitary Sandpiper (1), Spotted Sandpiper (4), and Belted Kingfisher by the nest hole. Perhaps the largest sewage lagoon in Ontario is located near the dump. We observed 8 duck species including range-expanding Ruddy (8), American Wigeon (10), Wood Duck (5), Lesser Scaup (10), Ring-necked Duck (10), Common Goldeneye (75) and a fly-by Common Tern. This has excellent potential for shorebirds. Highly subsidized by the government, the rail excursion to Moosonee has to be one of the best in North America. George Bryant
