Report from the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory for the week of September 24-30, courtesy of manager David Okines.
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS are decreasing and a generally number 2-3000 now. A few flocks of CANADA GEESE can be seen flying over with a peak count of 106 on the 26th. The 3 MUTE SWANS that had been regular offshore haven't been seen since the 24th. GREATER SCAUP numbered 33 on the 25th and WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS peaked at 70 on the 27th and 2 BLACK SCOTERS in with the WHITE-WINGS on the 29th was an early record. SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS numbered 30 on the 25th and 15 on the 29th and single COOPER'S HAWKS were seen on the 25th and 29th. Other species of raptors seen included a BROAD-WINGED HAWK on the 25th and 1-2 MERLINS daily. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER seen in the harbour on the 24th was the only shorebird of the week. CASPIAN TERNS were seen on the 24th and 25th. An EASTERN SCREECH OWL was banded on the 27th and 24 NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS have been trapped during the week including one that was originally banded at Whitefish Point in Michigan in 2009. Occasional RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS are still being seen with the latest one being on the 29th. A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was seen on the 24th and 25th, up to 7 YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS have been seen in a day as has up to 10 NORTHERN FLICKERS. A PILEATED WOODPECKER put in an appearance on the 27th. A few flycatchers are still hanging in with singles of EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE on the 29th and YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER on the 27th. EASTERN PHOEBES can be seen daily around the Observatory. The 26th and 29th had lots of birds moving and each day resulted in banding totals exceeding 200. BLUE-HEADED VIREOS numbered 35 on the 26th and 30 on the 29th and RED-EYED VIREOS numbered 25 on the 26th, PHILADELPHIA VIREOS were seen on the 27th and 29th. BLUE JAYS are moving in good numbers now with up to 5000 a day going over, and the COMMON RAVENS are still putting in an appearance daily. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES numbered 12 on the 29th and up to 25 BROWN CREEPERS a day are being seen. At least 35 WINTER WRENS were present on the 26th as were 600 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS and 100 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS. Thrush numbers are slow but steady with up to 20 GRAY-CHEEKS and SWAINSON'S being seen. Single WOOD THRUSHES appeared on the 24th and 29th. BROWN THRASHERS increased to 4 by the 27th. Seventeen species of warblers were seen during the week. Five TENNESSEE WARBLERS were trapped on the 29th and 12 and 15 Nashville Warblers were seen on the 26th and 29th. MAGNOLIA WARBLER numbers have decreased and a CAPE MAY WARBLER was banded on the 24th. BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS numbered 20 on two dates and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS are becoming more noticeable with a peak of 50 being seen on the 29th. Three BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS were banded on the 29th with 10 BLACKPOLLS being seen that day as well. A female BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER on the 29th was the first of that species for 10 days. AMERICAN REDSTARTS are also decreasing with singles being seen every other day. A WILSON'S WARBLER on the 29th was late. SCARLET TANAGERS continue in their small movement with a peak of 6 on the 29th. Three SWAMP SPARROWS were seen on the 26th. WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS are becoming more common with up to 55 a day being seen, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS numbered 15 on the 29th and occasional adults are being seen as well. DARK-EYED JUNCOS have dropped off a bit but should build up soon. This fall is looking good for RUSTY BLACKBIRDS with small flocks going over regularly, 18 were seen on the 24th and 40 were seen on the 29th. A single PURPLE FINCH was seen on the 24th and 8 HOUSE FINCHES were noted going over in a small flock on the 29th. For more more sightings, be sure to check out the Quinte Area Bird Report on the Main Birding page at www.naturestuff.net. And for more news from the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, be sure to visit their website at www.peptbo.ca . 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/
