Six stalwart souls joined me at the hawk watch today and were duly rewarded. The vulture fight was strong until about 12:30 then died off completely once the winds turned southeast.
In the interim we saw 415 Turkey Vultures. 1 Osprey, 2 immature Bald Eagles, 2 Northern Harriers, 4 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 7 Red-tailed Hawks and a Merlin. Amongst the 51 species seen today were 35-40 Yellow-rumped and single Palm, Nashville and Tennessee Warblers, Eastern Phoebe, Field and Fox Sparrows, Eastern Towhee, Common Gallinule and a Great Egret. Four Monarchs battled the winds on their way south as well. In Scugog Twp, late in the day I added another Merlin and 25+ Greater Yellowlegs for my yard - Cty Rd 23 and Reach St. Cranberry Hawk Watch is held daily from early September until December. Exit 401 at Brock St., in Whitby and go south to Victoria/Bayly and then west to Hall's Road. Follow this south to the south trail leading to the hawk watch platform. Geoff Carpentier www.avocetnatureservices.com _______________________________________________ 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/
