This is the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory update, courtesy of station manager David Okines, for the week of August 27-September 02, 2010
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT numbers are picking up with 6000+ being seen coming to roost on the offshore shoal. The number of waterfowl in the harbour has been decreasing since the weed has washed away, CANADA GEESE now number 60-70 and MALLARDS, 60-70. An AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL was seen on the 30th, as were the first 4 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS of the fall.
An OSPREY has been seen around the harbour most days, a few SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS are staring to move with up to 15 in a day being seen, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK flew over on the 28th and BROAD-WINGED HAWKS are numbering around 15 a day with one being trapped on the 2nd. The only shorebirds this week were KILLDEER, SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, 3 LESSER YELLOWLEGS on the 28th and a single LEAST SANDPIPER on the 28th. A GREAT-HORNED OWL was seen on the 30th and COMMON NIGHTHAWKS continue to move with up to 15 in a night going over.
Two BELTED KINGFISHERS are constantly arguing in the harbour over fishing rights and two PILEATED WOODPECKERS were beating up the trees on the 27th. Flycatchers are still trickling through with all the usual species present during the week including the occasional EASTERN KINGBIRD. RED-EYED VIREOS are still moving in good numbers with 10-25 a day being seen along with occasional PHILADELPHIA and WARBLING VIREOS. Most of the swallows have gone but a handful of BARN SWALLOWS are still being seen. The occasional WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH puts in an appearance and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES are increasing with up to 10 being seen daily.
The first GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH of the fall arrived on the 30th and was still present the next day, Three unmoulted adult HERMIT THRUSHES were banded on the 27th but have not been seen since and up to 10 SWAINSON'S THRUSHES have been recorded daily. Eighteen species of warblers have been recorded this week but numbers of each species has been low, best warbler during the week was a CAPE MAY on the 2nd. A SCARLET TANAGER was seen on the 31st. BOBOLINK numbers have been low this week peaking at only 20 back on the 27th, otherwise 10 to 15 a day is more usual. A PURPLE FINCH was seen on the 27th and a HOUSE FINCH on the 29th.
Elsewhere around Prince Edward County, the BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK seems to have departed from the farm pond south of Milford where it has been since being first observed on July 13. It was last observed on August 23rd. SANDHILL CRANES have been appearing in several areas of the County although the same birds could be involved in a few of the sightings. In an e-mail from the Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre, it has been learned that the YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS is not doing as well as hoped in its new home. It hates water for some reason and is not gaining weight. Tests so far have not revealed any problems but a CAT scan is being done to see if any underlying problems can be detected. For a regular summary of sightings as they appear, be sure to go to www.naturestuff.net and click on BIRDING from the Main Menu. There, you will find the Quinte Area Bird Report in the list of available subjects.
Terry Sprague Prince Edward County [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/
