Ontbirders, Over the past few weeks, both White-winged Crossbill and Pine Siskin have been widespread throughout the county, mostly in small numbers but with a few larger flocks still present. In the past week, Pine Siskin have been noted in many locations, mostly pairs of birds and often present in the same location for several days. Today, at Wildwood Lake, I observed both White-winged Crossbill and Pine Siskin carrying nesting material. In the case of the Crossbills, a male was nearby singing loudly and doing a territorial circle flight. Pine Siskin were noted in many locations around the lake and it seems as though a substantial number are at least territorial. Both male and female are now giving their muted 'chee' call, a call that usually indicates nesting birds. Away from Wildwood, pairs of Pine Siskin have been seen in and around Pittock Lake, displaying at least some breeding evidence. Both of these lakes are surrounded by extensive areas of Pine / Spruce plantation and both have yielded breeding records of Pine Siskin, WW Crossbill and Purple Finch in the past. This is more a heads up for other localities, but if anyone wants specific site directions, please e-mail me privately. Cheers,
James Holdsworth, Biological Consulting Services 14 Marian St, RR#1 Woodstock, On, N4S-7V6 [519]537-2027 226-228-0093 [cell] [email protected] _______________________________________________ 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/
