Ontbirders, There were 4 Cave Swallows in Port Burwell harbour early this morning, with one Tree Swallow. The Cave's looked near death early on, landing on the pier and flopping about weakly. By mid-morning they seemed to have perked up and were actively working the channel opposite the pier. I was able to show the birds to John Fenton at this time. By 1 pm I could only locate two of the birds. The Purple Sandpipers [3] were on the slimy rocks on the breakwall / jetty, past the old lighthouse station, also early in the morning. These birds were not evident when I checked again at noon. Also near the jetty were 2 Brant. Offshore, Red-breasted Merganser moved westward all morning, with a count of 18,000 in just three hours. Sadly no hurricane birds. Port Burwell Provincial Park was bustin' with birds, with finches in big numbers - 1100 Pine Siskin, 40 WW Crossbill and 10 Evening Grosbeak, along with lots of Yellow-rumps etc.. Overhead, raptors streamed by in the thousands - mostly Turkey Vultures, RT Hawks and Red-shouldered Hawks along with a Golden Eagle. Directions - from 401, take Culloden Road south to Port Burwell. Follow the signs to the harbour and Provincial Park. 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/
