Ten enthusiastic birders met in Pakenham to sample the edge of the Canadian Shield in eastern Ontario. As the group gathered, we had Chimney Swifts circling and calling overhead, although it was difficult to hear them over the high water on the Mississippi River this year. This trip involves a short drive and then 3-4 hours of walking through a mix of old field, alder swamp and shield woodlands. It was rather chilly at the start of the walk, but at least the low temperatures discouraged the biting insects!
We had the first really sunny day in several days and birds were singing actively, so it was a good trip. Of course, a lot of the birding was by ear in mature forest areas this time of year. We had a total of 65 species, of which 9 were new for this trip, which started in 2015. Don't ask me how we have missed Downy Woodpecker, Least Flycatcher and House Sparrow up to now! Highlights were good looks at Broad-winged Hawk, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Seven species of warblers remained voices in the tree tops, as did many other birds. All in all, a great morning with a great group of people. Thanks to all who participated. Ken Allison Almonte, ON _______________________________________________ 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
