Hello folks: Eleven participants made a go of it amid on and off rain throughout the day. Limited visibility across the lake made long-distance viewing challenging. That, combined with bouts of torrential rain, contributed to a lower-than-usual species count of 37. All the same, it was a solid day of early November birding.
*Cobourg Harbour* The most notable bird here was a BRANT that fed close to five DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS perched on the breakwater rocks. Lots of waterfowl were congregated in the harbour, including many AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS and BUFFLEHEADS. Five AMERICAN COOTS were also in the mix. From the pier, we spotted two COMMON LOONS and several distant flocks of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS and LONG-TAILED DUCKS. Eight GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS loafed on the sand beach just before 8:30 a.m. *Chub Point Nature Reserve, Grafton* A heavy downpour, accompanied by distant lightning, preceded our arrival, and then steady rain continued as we scanned across the lake. The most notable birds were five WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and another Common Loon. Again, there were distant rafts of Long-tailed Ducks, as well as several Buffleheads and Red-breasted Mergansers. *Presqu'ile Provincial Park* We stopped by Beach 1 during a break in rainfall, and had a brief look at a RED-NECKED GREBE in Popham Bay, as well as several distant and one close look at a COMMON LOON. Six SANDERLINGS flew across the bay towards Gull Island. At Owen Point, we scoped three Sanderlings on the eastern point of Gull Island where several gulls rested. A large raft of scaup congregated off the island's north shore. We started to leave as another wave of rain hit, but paused as a first cycle ICELAND 'KUMLIEN'S GULL' drift overhead and roosted on the eastern point of Gull Island such that everyone got scope views. Two REDHEADS were among hundreds of scaup at Salt Point. Immediately north of the Park gate, we stopped at The Birdhouse Nature Store and enjoyed a collection of common feeders birds. ----- Thanks to Doug McRae for keeping us posted throughout the morning, and thanks to all who participated. Good birding! Ian and Sofia Shanahan p.s. If you would like me to share the ebird lists from the outing, please send me your email address. _______________________________________________ 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
