Just a note for winter listers. Flushed this bird today while walking the dog at Earl Rowe Park.
This was in the same area where a few weeks ago I had a lingering Wilson's Snipe and Hermit Thrush. The bird was foraging along the east shore of the Boyne river above the reservoir and maybe 100 metres from the bridge on the 6th concession. There is a thin band of open water between the shore and the ice cover. The bird appeared to be an adult male, entirely black with some brown scalloping primarily on the nap of the neck and shoulders. It seemed healthy. When flushed it would fly a short distance down the shore. At one point it seemed to have a white berry in it's mouth. Interestingly, inland from the river bank is a small wooded marsh where I often have seen Rusty Blackbirds in migration. Earl Rowe Park is just west of Alliston Ontario. Take Hwy 9 West and turn right on the 7th concession. The park entrance is just up the hill. Just a little further on is the Administrative Parking lot, which is open until about 3:30. It is closer to the location of the bird. It is a long walk up the east side of the reservoir and river. Entry from the west side of the park north of the bridge is closer, if you can find parking. Do not park on the road. _______________________________________________ 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
