Posting on behalf of Peter Burke: "Jim Coey kindly informed me Saturday that a male Kirtland’s Warbler is on territory at the Packard Tract. The bird is being observed in the same general vicinity as most folks saw birds in 2022 on the central east-west pathway directly in from the parking area at the end of 9th Concession Essa. We ask that birders use the same ethical behaviour as introduced last year [see visiting rules below] to provide the birds the space and protection needed. It has been reported that a second singing bird is present close to this individual. Volunteers are needed to assist with the ambassador program. Please see below to volunteer and get more info. Simcoe County is preparing to provide a viewing trailer that will help get observers up to the tree top height to more easily see the birds when singing. More details to come.
Right now, we'd like to have an Ambassador on site each morning, from 7 am to 10 am. If you're interested and able to help, please contact [email protected] with the days you are available. If you're interested in helping as an Ambassador, please consider registering with OFO as a Rare Bird Ambassador: https://ofo25.wildapricot.org/event-4784690 By registering, you’ll be on our roster to be called for the next time we need volunteers for a rare bird in your area. If you have any questions, please direct them to [email protected] (goes to the entire OFO Rare Bird Ambassador team) IMPORTANT FOR 2023: There are active “audio lures” going at two locations in the southern portion of the property. This is a speaker playing the song of Kirtland’s Warbler in an attempt to attract more birds to the site. They run approximately 6-9 am, 1-2 pm, and 11 pm-5 am. Visiting rules: 1. Parking: 1. Drive south from Highway 90 on 9th Line Essa to the dead end, turn around and park on the east side of the road between the turnaround and the driveway to the north. This will result in you parking on the right-hand side of the road with your vehicle facing the exit. 2. Please do not park in the turn-around area unless you have mobility issues. 3. Under no circumstance should you block traffic or park in front of private property/driveways. 1. No playback or vocal imitations of any kind. This includes: 1. Playback of Kirtland’s Warbler vocalizations; 2. Playback or imitations of owl calls or other sounds designed to draw birds out; 3. Any sounds designed to agitate or draw birds out. 1. Stay on forest access roads and out of closed areas: 1. Remain on the forest access roads that loop around the perimeter of the site; 2. Do not enter the area marked closed on the map. 1. Minimize noise and do not leave anything behind, including eaten fruit which attract predators such as squirrels or foxes. Please restrict visiting to between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm from May 1 to September 30 Kirtland’s Warblers may be present. -- Ontbirds and Birdnews are moderated email Listservs provided by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) as a service to all birders in Ontario. Birdnews is reserved for announcements, location summaries, first of year reports, etc. To post a message on Birdnews, send an email to: [email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Birdnews Moderators by email at [email protected]. Please review posting rules and guidelines at http://ofo.ca/site/content/listserv-guidelines During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Ontario birders should be taking extra precautions and following local, provincial, and federal regulations regarding physical distancing and non-essential travel. To find out more about OFO, please visit our website at ofo.ca or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists.
