Ontbirders, This Thursday, December 1 marks the beginning of the winter birding period. Blake Maybank has asked me if I am able to volunteer to compile the Ontario sightings this year, and Blake will be hosting the results on his site, http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/maybank/other/onwinter.htm. Links to the lists for the other Canadian provinces and territories, as well as a few other select areas, are found near the top of the web page. The winter birding season includes the period of December 1 to February 29, inclusive. A cumulative total of 336 species have been recorded during the winter in Ontario, with around 196 species recorded annually. Last year, 198 species were recorded; highlights including Slaty-backed Gull, Black Vulture, Wilson's Phalarope, and "Hornemann's" Hoary Redpoll. With the unseasonably warm temperatures we have been having so far this November, perhaps enough fall migrants will hang on into December and we will break the 200 species mark. Just post your sightings to Ontbirds or send me an email, and I will post an update every month or so. That way you can check the list and inform me of any species that have been seen but are not present on the list. Enjoy the winter birding season! Cheers, Josh Vandermeulen Guelph, Ontario [email protected] joshvandermeulen.blogspot.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/
