Birders, The first thirteen days of the winter birding period are now behind us and 177 species of birds have been reported to me so far. This is about average when compared to the last few winters at this time. Some highlights include two birds that represent the first ever record (as far as I can discern) for the winter period in Ontario. These include a Eurasian Collared-Dove in Point Pelee National Park and at the usual spot in Leamington, and the long-staying Eurasian Tree Sparrow in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Additionally, the Tennessee Warbler continuing at Sedgewick Park in Oakville is one of very few records. Several other good birds have been reported including ten species of warblers, Great Egret, Red Phalarope, Pomarine Jaeger, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Baltimore Oriole. Some of the more likely species that have not yet been reported this winter include Gray Partridge, Dunlin, Wilson's Snipe, Black-legged Kittiwake, Great Gray Owl, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Gyrfalcon, House Wren, Marsh Wren, Pine Warbler and Brewer's Blackbird. As always, should you know of any additions to the list please let me know. The updated list can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/myyulvs Good (winter) birding,Josh Vandermeulen ----------------------------------------------- Josh Vandermeulen Aurora, Ontario joshvandermeu...@live.ca 289-221-4695 (cell) joshvandermeulen.blogspot.com (blog) _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca 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
