Well up here in the hinterland, things were hopping early this morning. Starting about 6:00 the thrushes were flying over the house. Mostly Swainson’s as one would expect at this time of year, but several Grey-cheeked passed over as well. Surprisingly I did not hear any Hermits – also expected right now. A few warblers and sparrows went unidentified as they flew over in the dark. By dawn many birds were evident and about 40 species graced my yard by 9 a.m.
Highlights included: 9 Pine siskins, 3 loons, a couple of pipits, a Horned Lark, a Lincoln's Sparrow (behind the house by the neighbour’s lake), lots of both Kinglets, a Winter Wren, several Purple Finches, several Y.B. Sapsuckers, a couple of Black-thr. Green Warblers, a vireo spp. (by song likely a Blue-headed – but not a very good singer!). Behind the house two Otters cavorted in the neighbour’s lake. For those of you who want to listen for the nocturnal thrush flight, tonight could be good as conditions are similar to last night. I usually listen about 11 p.m. for a bit to see if they’re flying and then get up a 5-ish to start my count. Usually just before dawn they get quite vocal and some even start to call from stationary perches as opposed to in-flight calls by 6:30-6:45 a.m. at this time of year. If you’re unsure as to what they sound like, check out this website – I find it very accurate and useful ... http://pjdeye.blogspot.ca/2009/02/thrush-calls.html. They stop calling shortly after they settle down from the night flight and the calls are usually done by about 7 a.m. Remember if you enter the nocturnal data in e-bird there is a protocol that one should use. Good luck and sleep well. All sightings near Lakeridge and Reach in Scugog Twp. Geoff Carpentier AVOCET NATURE SERVICES Contact me at: 905-852-2011 or [email protected] Visit my website: www.avocetnatureservices.com Specializing in Environmental & Natural History Surveys and Expedition & Personalized Guiding Services _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
