Here are some more details on the basic plumaged Bobolink I found this afternoon around 12:30 p.m. in Saltfleet (the area of the former City of Stoney Creek above the Niagara Escarpment). It was in the large field on the east side of 10th Rd. E. between Ridge Rd. and Green Mountain Rd. South of the railway tracks there is a creek that flows east then turns NE. I initially had the bird about 200 m east of the road; I was on the north side of the creek near a large patch of shrubs and the bird popped up in response to my pishing on the south side of the creek, sat at the top of the vegetation for a few minutes giving me great views, and was calling quite a bit. Then it flew west along the creek at least as far as the road. I went back to where I saw it disappear but couldn't refind it right away. Some other local birders arrived awhile later, and at about 1:30, Bob Curry, Dave Don and I refound it again on the south side of the creek about 100m east of the road. It flushed up ahead of us and flew farther east along the creek, giving its "boink" call. We didn't chase it further. Other birders arrived shortly after, but I don't know if they were able to find it.
As far as I know this is the first winter record for Ontario since a 1896 specimen (Speirs 1985). I expect that the bird will hang in here as long as the weather stays decent. Bobolinks breed in this field, so it may be a lingering bird from the summer. Directions: Take QEW to Fifty Road in Winona, go south on Fifty Rd up the Escarpment to Ridge Rd. Turn right on Ridge Rd and then left at the next road which is 10th Rd. E. Go south of the tracks and park at the pulloff on the east side of the road. The creek is about 200 m farther south were it crosses the road. Merry Christmas! Rob Dobos Dundas, Ont. [email protected]
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