While it hardly seems likely given the weather during the past week, as well as that predicted for the next week or two, spring migration is underway.
We get a lot of calls at this time of year regarding Tundra Swan migration here at Long Point. They actually began moving through back on February 17th when several thousand flew through the area on their way west. It was a warm day (over 13 C) and because we are frozen solid this winter, most of them kept going. Since then we've been in the deep freeze until Monday of this week. Now that we're into March, it seems that they're going to move regardless of the weather. Yesterday was a pretty good day with several hundred counted (once the storm passed and the sun came out) but today seems to be even better. We've counted a couple of thousand birds going by the office so far this morning. There are doubtless many more that we're not seeing. Since we're still frozen solid with the exception of a few small leads in the ice, most of the birds appear to be continuing west. Because we are still frozen, planning a visit is problematic. We have a few hundred sitting around the one or two leads in the ice well out in the Bay but seeing the really big numbers means being here when they're flying over. That requires a bit of luck and usually a warm day with south winds. Given the forecast, I wouldn't plan a trip for this weekend. Other migrants this week include many Red-winged Blackbirds, the odd Rusty and one reported Brewer's, as well as an Eastern Meadowlark, several American Robins, a Red-headed Woodpecker and two Killdeers. Ron Ridout Bird Studies Canada P.O. Box 160, 115 Front St. Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 519-586-3531 Ext 204 [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
