Our group of 22 birders was greeted by near perfect weather and some pleasant surprises during our tour of northern York and southern Dufferin Counties on Saturday. Perhaps our biggest highlight was a roosting Common Nighthawk in plain view in the Palgrave Conservation Area as we entered. The bird even revealed its wing bars by taking off just as we were exiting the park! Nearby was a very accommodating Black-billed Cuckoo.
Also seen were several other species including Philadelphia Vireo, Brown Creeper, Black and White, Black-throated Green and Tennessee Warblers, and both nuthatches. Surprisingly, we were unable to turn up a single Pine Warbler! At a nearby Humber Station Road swamp we were happy to hear, but not see, a Virginia Rail, and Belted Kingfisher. After a quick lunch break (I got to check out a spiffy Tesla owned by one of our group members) we headed to the Everett Gravel Pit. On the way we stopped briefly to view a couple Trumpeter Swans and a Vesper Sparrow at the Horse Ponds. At the Everett Gravel Pit water levels are currently low, which is conducive to shorebirds. Unfortunately, the distances involved and the heat haze made IDing small peeps quite challenging. Both Yellowlegs were present as well as Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers. Also present were Green-winged Teal, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Great-blue Heron and Mute Swans. Our group disbanded at this point. Recent reconnaissance, had indicated that the Beeton Sod Farm area was bone dry and unproductive. Some more dedicated group members checked out the Schomberg Sewage Lagoons on their way home and reported two Sandhill Cranes and Baird’s Sandpiper. All in all a very enjoyable and productive outing. Thanks to Ken Morin and Brian Roberts for logistical support along the way. John Schmelefske j.sc...@gmail.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
