We searched for the Western Kingbird from 0930 to 1245 this morning
without any luck.
The banded juvenile Loggerhead Shrike was close to where it had been
reported two days ago. About 500 metres south of the intersection of
Lower Side Road and the 2nd
Concession are two barns. The barn on the west side is close to the road
and has cut grass all around it. The barn on the east side is set back
from the road about 100 metres. We first saw the shrike perched on the
top south end of the barn. It dropped 10 metres or so to the ground to
catch insects and then returned to the top of the barn. We watched it at
this position for about 1/2 hour and then went off to look for the
kingbird. We returned several times over the next two hours and were
able to quickly relocate the shrike. . Later in the morning it was
perched closer to the ground on various mullein stalks, old rusty farm
machinery and on a junk pile covered with grape vines. It was perched in
the open for long periods of time and was actively perch hunting each
time we saw it. We watched it from the road and could see the bands
with a scope. There is no need to walk onto the property.
For most of the morning there were 10 Eastern Bluebirds, 2 Eastern
Phoebes, numerous Yellow-rumped Warblers and even a couple of Chipping
Sparrows foraging around the barn on the west side of the road.
We checked the cattle pasture several times over the morning. Perch
hunting from the numerous fence posts were 2 American Kestrels, 20+
bluebirds, 4 or 5 phoebes, numerous yellow-rumped warblers, a few palm
warblers and Chipping and Savannah Sparrows. There were at least 9
meadowlarks moving about from time to time in a tight flock like starlings.
Around 1000h there was a tremendous lift off of Turkey Vultures from
surrounding woodlots and at least 1000 vultures moved to the west
between 1000 and 1130 along with quite a few Sharp-shinned Hawks, 2 Bald
Eagles and 1 Osprey. About 1030 a rather late Green Heron flew over.
Direction as posted by Joe Stephenson on Tuesday.
The location is approximately 15 minutes east of Port Burwell. Take
Glen Erie Line east out of Port Burwell to Elgin County Rd. 55,
turn right (south) and then take your first left (east) down Lower Side
Road, and drive east until you hit 2nd Conc.
Dave Martin, Linda Wladarski, Dennis Gardner and Ross Snider
[email protected]
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