In 12.5 hrs. of continuous observations we had a total of 1553 Whimbrel migrating through Col. Sam Smith Park in Toronto today, May 24. There were 17 flocks ranging from 1 only to 250 birds. This brings our year to date total to 1977 birds. The first flock came in at 0456 EST and the last flock was seen at 1510 EST. The last two flocks of 250 each were about five minutes apart and a few minutes later were observed by Wayne Renaud to join together in one flock and, seaching for a thermal, flew as a single flock to the north-west. A good migration on the traditional Whimbrel Day. Past and present tracking of Whimbrels with satellite transmitters can be accessed at 'http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/?project_id=369'. Other shorebirds: Dunlin (202 in 12 flocks ranging in size from 1 to 55); Semipalmated Sandpiper: 1 flock of 35; Ruddy Turnstone: flocks of 1, 2 and 16; Sanderling: one flock of 45. Two flocks were a mix of Dunlins and Ruddy Turnstones. The flocks of Dunlins and turnstones seen on the headlands in mid to late afternoon were all resting or feeding on algae or insects on the rocks at various locations. Directions: Col. Sam Smith Park is located at the south end of Kipling Avenue, below Lakeshore Road. The Park is an artificial land-fill immediately south of the Humber College campus. Parking free of charge is at Student's Parking Lot at the south end of the Park.
The Toronto Ornithological Club is again co-operating with the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary/Virginia Commonwealth University, in monitoring the Whimbrel migration observed during the period of May 19 to May 30 at Col. Sam Smith Park in Toronto. Daily observations are conducted during that time period at the South Peninsula of the Park at co-ordinate location 17624795E and 4833443N. Peak migration dates are May 24 and 25 with peak hours expected at 06:00 and 08:00 EDST. Wayne Renaud (289-828-0043) _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
