Since mid-August a Merlin has often been seen perched on the dead top of a
spruce tree on Ontario St. in Bronte opposite the site where the Red-necked
Grebes nest. It is beside a white brick apartment building with blue
balconies. This afternoon the Merlin was eating a bird of undetermined
species, but too big to be a Yellow-throated Warbler.
This morning after seeing the Yellow-throated Warbler in Shell Park Mark
Cranford and I looked unsuccessfully for the Eared Grebe from Burloak Park
and from the base of the Petro Canada pier. This afternoon Sue and I took
Cheryl's suggestion and tried from Bronte the Bronte Cemetery, Bronte Bluffs
and Bronte Harbour and still no Eared Grebe. The high waves on the lake did
not help. We did see an early Red-breasted Merganser at the cemetery.
At Bronte Harbour The Red-necked Grebe family is still in the usual spot,
just east of the Lighthouse Restaurant.
Directions: For Bronte Harbour exit the QEW at Bronte Rd. (Oakville) and go
to the lake. Bronte Rd. ends at the intersection with Ontario St. where a
left turn is the only option.
Gavin Edmondstone
Oakville, Ontario
