From Tim Mccarthy via Ontbirds <[email protected]>
Today was the first official day of this year's Whimbrel Watch at Whimbrel Point, Col. Sam Smith Park. There were no Whimbrels to be seen although yesterday Wayne Renaud saw 5 birds fly over.
We did have other shorebirds, though - 54 Dunlin, 3 Black Bellied Plovers and 2 Spotted Sandpipers. The Spotties aren't migrating so we will see them again tomorrow. I will only mention them once.
Each day as we get closer to May 24th increases the probability of seeing Whimbrels, and of course the peak day always seems to be the 24th. Sightings tend to taper off after that until the end of May.
So if you want to see one of Natures great migratory spectacles pass right over your head, come out at dawn to Whimbrel Point on May 24th. The birds tend to hang around that day so late arrival birders may have good luck also.
Whimbrel Point is the Southernmost point in the Park, the one with the old power pole standing. There should be other shorebirds to see, as well as plenty of passerines still to come through. Sam Smith Park is located at the end of Kipling Avenue in New Toronto. Accessible by car (2 hour time limit for parking on weekdays) or public transit.
Dress warmly. Excitement guaranteed. Tim -- --- Mark Cranford Ontbirds Coordinator Toronto ON [email protected] _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
