I've been waiting for something big to change with the geese this fall but it hasn't happened. I haven't heard of a large gathering anywhere in the counties and following yesterday's messy weather there may not be any short-term influx.
The largest gathering is in the vicinity of the Embrun lagoons. The number varies but seems to be around 3-5,000. We can see into the front lagoons thanks to an extension to the fence beside the pumphouse on Route 400. They hang out on the eastern lagoon, not the one directly in front of the observer. There might be 2-3000 there with more in the back northwest lagoon where we see birds flying in and out but can't confirm unless they all take off. You can't enter the lagoons which is just as well because then you'd see no geese at all. Watch for a Ross's as well as Cackling Geese with Canadas. The flock heads into fields in the area, sometimes to Route 300 north of town and sometimes across the road beside the lagoons in the morning and later in the afternoon. Other than that there have been a few hundred to 1000+ around the Moose Creek lagoons off and on. Maybe 800-1000 at Winchester lagoons, also not accessible but the birds can be seen from the road, especially if they are out feeding. *Along the St. Lawrence*, the best duck show is from the Ault Island causeway west of Ingleside. Mostly divers with plenty of Lesser Scaup and Ring-necks, some Redheads as well as lots of Wigeon and Green-winged Teal. There can be swans, especially to the east – mostly Trumpeters, some Mutes and a couple of Tundras. Check the far end of the gravel bar on the east for Hudsonian Godwit. It is still in the area but not always present. There have also been a couple of Pectorals and a Greater Yellowlegs. *The Long Sault Parkway* was supposed to close next week but thanks to yesterday's weather they decided to close early. All they had to do now is shut the gates rather than bringing in heavy equipment. Brian Morin -- 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 To find out more about OFO, please visit our website at ofo.ca or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists.
