Ontbirds subscribers, There has been a very good continuous eastward movement of birds past Thickson's Woods since dawn. About 9:15 I had a Leach's Storm-Petrel fly past my place going west to east about 250 - 300 metres off shore. The next best bird was an adult Laughing Gull seen circling around off the point to the east just after 8:00. Some large numbers of some species have included 200+ loons (3 Red-throated, otherwise all Common), 164 Brant (in 3 separate flocks), 120 White-winged Scoters, 78 Horned Grebes, 3000+ Red-breasted Mergansers and 2200 Long-tailed Ducks. Several flocks of distant shorebirds have been just out of range for identification. First birds I saw at first light were a group of 16 very confused looking Ruddy Ducks standing at the edge of the lake below my house. Most importantly, there has been very little damage to the trees around Thickson's Woods or to the surrounding properties - I doubt that the same is likely true on the south shore of the lake. Winds are quite light now and there has been no rain for over an hour now. Going back out front for the next several hours to see what else Hurricane Sandy has offered up. Glenn CoadyWhitby, Ontario To view Lake Ontario off Thickson's Woods, take highway 401 to exit 412 (Thickson Road) and take Thickson Road S. south about 2 km. and park at the cul-de-sac at it terminus. Walk further south off the cul-de-sac on Thickson Rd. until you reach the private road (Crystal Beach Boulevard). Birders are welcome to observe from the benches in front of my house (#330). However, please do not drive onto Crystal Beach Boulevard. _______________________________________________ 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/
