Hello Birders, After meeting in Newbury, a small town at the edge of the large remnants of Carolinian forest known collectively as Skunk's Misery, we 'suited up' in mosquito gear, and went in to 'the Misery.'
Some birds, such as Blue-Winged Warbler and Hooded Warbler proved difficult to get looks at, though were noted through vocalizations. Others proved very cooperative, including Morning Warbler, Cerulean Warbler and Acadian Flycatcher - one of the rarest breeding birds in Canada, as this is the very northern edge of their range. Due most likely to overcast and slightly cold temperatures, with a little bit of scattered showers, the birds were not especially active, but WOW the mosquitoes were! One leader counted more than 40 bites on himself after the trip! Other notable birds included Pine Warbler, an orange variant Scarlet Tanager, and the drumming of Pileated Woodpecker. Only four species of butterfly were seen, but numerous trees were observed, including many Sassafras, and some of the most enormous Tulip Trees in Ontario. We ended up with a collective total of 55 species. Although not a very large list, this trip is more about quality than quantity. We'd like to thank the 15 or so brave souls who weathered the mosquito clouds to have a walk in an amazing place. Good Birding, Gavin Platt & Rob Read _______________________________________________ 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/
