The day started with a strong cold east wind and flurries but ended with sunshine and a decreasing wind. There were 46 birders and 26 cars on the outing. By day's end there were still 20 cars at 5.30 pm !
Our first stop at Ruthven Park produced 6 Eastern Bluebirds in the valley. On River Road near Cayuga we found several Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Tufted Titmouse, Chipping and White-throated sparrows. At a feeder near the lake south of Selkirk were Red-winged Blackbird and Song Sparrow. Altogether we saw 9 species of raptor: Cooper's and Sharp-shinned hawks, Red-tailed Hawk, both colour morphs of Rough-legged Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, at least 6 Northern Harriers, 3 bald Eagles at Nanticoke, and opposite Hagersville dump were 4 Short-eared Owls. We also tallied several ducks including both Scaup and all 3 mergansers. At dusk there were over 1000 American Crows just west of Clanbrassil. A total of 50 species was recorded. Dave Milsom [email protected] _______________________________________________ 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/
