The TOC Whimbrel watch today produced a total of about 400 hundred
Whimbrels, the largest flock of 110 at 7:15 this evening. This total
was recorded from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm. with the primary observers being
Don Barrnett and myself. The morning started fairly slow; the birds
were spread out sporadically throughout the day but with the largest
numbers after 5:00 pm. I think, based on past history this week-end
will be even better. On average the largest movements have been in
first 2 or 3 hours after sunrise ... which now around 6:00 am. We
also saw hundreds Dunlins which were passing west through the early
part of the day and one flock of 14 Red Knots landed on one of the
piers at 7:15 p.m. The watch continues until 28 May, weather
permitting. Just to put this Whimbrel migration in perspective, this
the only place in North America where one can reliably see such large
numbers. Two years ago the best day was over 3000 birds!
I suggest taking lot's of sun screen if you stay any length of time.
Good luck tomorrow and/or sunday.
Directions:
The park is locate south of the intersection of Kipling and
Lakeshore ... the parking lot a very end of Col. Samuel Smith drive.
The is an exit off the QEW but if you miss it go to Islington then
down to Lakeshore and turn right.
Wayne Renaud
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected]
For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
