[Ontbirds] RBA Buffalo Bird Report 22 Feb 2018

[David Suggs via ONTBIRDS]

- RBA
* New York
* Buffalo
* 02/22/2018
* NYBU1802.22
- Birds mentioned

  ---
  Please submit reports to
  dsu...@buffaloornithologicalsociety.org
  ---

  Bl.-cr. Night-Heron
  Tundra Swan
  GR. WHITE-FR. GOOSE
  Green-winged Teal
  American Black Duck
  Mallard
  Northern Pintail
  Gadwall
  American Wigeon
  Ring-necked Duck
  Hooded Merganser
  Ruddy Duck
  Bald Eagle
  Merlin
  Peregrine Falcon
  AMERICAN WOODCOCK
  Iceland Gull
  Glaucous Gull
  Mourning Dove
  Eastern Screech-Owl
  Snowy Owl
  Barred Owl
  Short-eared Owl
  Yellow-b. Sapsucker
  Northern Flicker
  Pileated Woodpecker
  Horned Lark
  Red-br. Nuthatch
  Brown Creeper
  Cedar Waxwing
  White-thr. Sparrow
  White-cr. Sparrow
  Lapland Longspur
  Snow Bunting
  Red-w. Blackbird
  Common Grackle
  Brown-headed Cowbird
  American Goldfinch

- Transcript
  Hotline: Buffalo Bird Report at the Buffalo Museum of Science
  Date: 02/22/2018
  Number: 716-896-1271
  To Report: Same
  Compiler: David F. Suggs
  Coverage: Western New York and adjacent Ontario
  Website: www.BuffaloOrnithologicalSociety.org

  Thursday February 22, 2018

  The Buffalo Bird Report is a service provided
  by your Buffalo Museum of Science and the
  Buffalo Ornithological Society. To contact the
  Science Museum, call 896-5200. Press the pound
  key to report sightings before the end of this
  report.

  Highlights of February reports from the
  Niagara Frontier Region.

  Waterfowl and blackbirds lead the transition
  toward spring. On the Niagara peninsula of
  Ontario, a record size flock of over 30, rare,
  GR. WHITE-FR. GEESE, east of Port Colbourne, on
  Miller and White Roads.

  Other arriving waterfowl included 190 TUNDRA
  SWANS on Maple Road in the Town of Wilson. In
  the Lake Ontario Plains and Iroquois Refuge,
  GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, AMERICAN BLACK DUCK,
  MALLARD, NORTHERN PINTAIL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL,
  RING-NECKED DUCK and HOODED MERGANSER.

  Also in the Lake Ontario Plains, 33 LAPLAND
  LONGSPURS with HORNED LARKS and SNOW BUNTINGS
  on Dickersonville Road in Porter, and SHORT-
  EARED OWLS in Orleans County.

  Small flocks of COMMON GRACKLES and RED-W.
  BLACKBIRDS widely reported during the past
  week.

  February 21, a real surprise at Dunkirk Harbor,
  an AMERICAN WOODCOCK in a patch of phragmites.

  SNOWY OWLS continue on the Buffalo waterfront.
  Up to six counted on the ice and structures off
  the Erie Basin Marina tower. Also, PEREGRINE
  FALCON, GLAUCOUS GULL and RUDDY DUCK at the
  marina. On the upper Niagara River, 50 TUNDRA
  SWANS, ICELAND GULL, GLAUCOUS GULL and multiple
  BALD EAGLES.

  Other recent reports - two reports of calling
  EASTERN SCREECH-OWLS. BARRED OWL in the
  Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area. MERLIN and
  abundant AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES and MOURNING
  DOVES in a sunflower plantation on Lockport
  Town Road south of Route 104. Another MERLIN
  report from Blasdell. PEREGRINE FALCONS at a
  nest site on the UB South Campus McKay Tower.

  Juvenile BL.-CR. NIGHT-HERON at Woodlawn Beach
  in Hamburg. YELLOW-B. SAPSUCKER on the ridge at
  Forest Lawn in Buffalo. PILEATED WOODPECKER at
  Sunset Beach on Lake Ontario. 51 CEDAR WAXWINGS
  at Mallard Overlook in the Iroquois Refuge.

  And at feeders - NORTHERN FLICKER and 6 BROWN-
  HEADED COWBIRDS in North Boston. RED-BR.
  NUTHATCH and BROWN CREEPER in Concord. WHITE-
  CR. SPARROW in Sanborne and WHITE-THR. SPARROWS
  at several feeders. And, a reported RED-HEADED
  WDPKR. at a Cheektowaga feeder.

  The Bird Report will be updated in later
  February. You may report sightings after the
  tone. Thank you for calling and reporting.

- End Transcript
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[Ontbirds] Common Redpoll at TTP, Toronto

[Jack Alvo via ONTBIRDS]

The Common Redpoll reported a few days ago on e-Bird was present again
today, in the same general area and once again in a flock of Goldfinches.
Following the main road south toward the lighthouse, this flock was very
close to the turn-off for Peninsula B (look for the big rocks by the edge of
the road).  

 

As a reminder Tommy Thompson Park (TTP) is not open to the public between
9:00 and 4:00 on weekdays, except holidays. 

 

Directions: TTP is at the foot of Leslie Street.

 

Jack Alvo

  a...@sympatico.ca

 

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[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 22 February 2018

[Ron Tozer via ONTBIRDS]

Algonquin Park began to experience “pre-spring” by the end of the week as 
temperatures went up and snow depth went down. American Crows, the first 
migrants, were spotted on February 19 and 21. Researchers found the first 
Canada Jay nest under construction on February 19. And a Northern Saw-whet Owl, 
that likely spent the winter here, was heard calling near dawn in Mew Lake 
Campground the same day.

 

Despite the influx of birders on Family Day Weekend, no Boreal Chickadees were 
reported again this week. Seventy-six observers on the Algonquin Christmas 
Count found only four. Is there a real population decline here? Boreal 
Chickadees in the Western Uplands of Algonquin Park are on the southern edge of 
their Ontario breeding range. The species is virtually absent from the East 
Side of the Park. Elevations are lower and temperatures are higher there. Could 
climate warming now be exerting a negative effect on this chickadee in the 
western part of Algonquin? Time will tell.

 

Here are some locations where birders observed the listed species during the 
past week:

-Spruce Grouse: one or two were found along Spruce Bog Boardwalk.

-Ruffed Grouse: continue to be seen along the Visitor Centre driveway and under 
the feeders below the viewing deck.

-Wild Turkey: about seven are still coming to the Visitor Centre parking lot 
feeder, and two continue in Mew Lake Campground.

-Black-backed Woodpecker: a male and a female were reported fairly regularly on 
Spruce Bog Boardwalk.

-Canada Jay (Gray Jay): look for them at Opeongo Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and 
the Logging Museum.

-Bohemian Waxwing: three were seen briefly at the Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking 
lot on February 17.

-Evening Grosbeak: a flock of 30 to 40 came daily to the Visitor Centre 
feeders, and a few were observed on Opeongo Road as well. 

-Pine Grosbeak: from one to four were observed at the Visitor Centre, Spruce 
Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road and Hemlock Bluff Trail parking lot.

-Purple Finch, Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill and Pine Siskin: moderate 
numbers continue to be seen throughout the Highway 60 Corridor.

-Common Redpoll: a few were along Opeongo Road on two days, but they remain 
scarce.

-American Goldfinch: common.

 

Ron Tozer, Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired), Dwight, ON.

DIRECTIONS: Algonquin Provincial Park is three hours north of Toronto, via 
Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs which start in Toronto on Highway 
400. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the 
park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 
0) to near the East Gate (km 56). The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at 
km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm; and are also open with limited 
services through the week from 9 am to 4 pm. Get your park permit and 
Information Guide (with a map of birding locations mentioned above) at the East 
Gate, West Gate or Visitor Centre. Locations are also described at: 
www.algonquinpark.on.ca

 

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[Ontbirds] Ross's Goose - Stratford

[Carol Berney via ONTBIRDS]

Three Canada Geese and one Ross's Goose spent a few minutes at the Stratford 
Stormwater Pond (mostly ice) this afternoon before flying off again. I posted 
some photos to Ontario Birds Facebook group to confirm the identity of the 
white goose, and one person replied she thought she had seen the same group of 
geese in Thorold on Tuesday.
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[Ontbirds] Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending February 22, 2018.

[Fred Helleiner via ONTBIRDS]

In sharp contrast to last week, there is plenty to write about as spring 
birds have arrived at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, which is THE place to 
be to see hordes of waterfowl.


The best place to view ducks is from the government dock or the calf 
pasture, where thousands of them have newly arrived in the past few 
days.  Among them were two GADWALLS today, the first of the year except 
for a possible GADWALL/MALLARD hybrid seen flying past
Gull Island on Monday.  Yesterday about 35 AMERICAN WIGEONS were riding 
an ice floe as it drifted past the lighthouse.  Some of them remained in 
the water long after the ice had moved out of sight.  Two others were at 
the government dock yesterday and at least five were in that part of 
Presqu'ile Bay this afternoon. Over a dozen MALLARDS could also be seen 
from there yesterday, the first of the year in the Park.  Normally 
NORTHERN PINTAILS also arrive among the first dabbling ducks, but none 
has been spotted yet.  Two small ducks among the MALLARDS yesterday may 
have been GREEN-WINGED TEAL, but the distance was too great for a 
confirmed identification.  Allthough these dabbling ducks were of 
interest, they are vastly outnumbered by diving ducks.  A dozen or two 
of CANVASBACKS are among the thousands of REDHEADS and GREATER SCAUP in 
Presqu'ile Bay, and a dozen RING-NECKED DUCKS were also there yesterday, 
only one of which could be found today.  WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS continue 
to be found on most days, with eight seen on Monday.  The first HOODED 
MERGANSER of the season, a female, was near the lighthouse yesterday.


Five WILD TURKEYS were near the calf pasture today.  The 800 RING-BILLED 
GULLS at Gull Island on Monday represent the highest total yet this year 
at this breeding site.  Single BALD EAGLES have been seen on four of the 
last seven days.  A COOPER'S HAWK and a BARRED OWL were seen this 
morning.  Single SNOWY OWLS were in a tree on High Bluff Island and on a 
dock beside the water at 178 Bayshore Road.  A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER 
was at 83 Bayshore Road yesterday, and a very early NORTHERN FLICKER was 
at the calf pasture on Sunday, perhaps having over-wintered undetected 
despite frequent visits to the area by birders.  On Friday morning, 
several birders were able to watch a MERLIN patiently and unconcernedly 
consuming a MOURNING DOVE over a period of at least an hour on the lawn 
of 186 Bayshore Road, where people were regularly walking past.  A 
NORTHERN SHRIKE was in a backyard at the north end of the beach at the 
park boundary.  COMMON RAVENS continue to be seen.  The record early 
date for EASTERN BLUEBIRD in the Park was established on February 18, 
1993.  On the same date in 2016 and again this year another of that 
species was recorded, the latter at the calf pasture, where it was seen 
again on the following day.  It can not be determinjed whether the 
AMERICAN ROBINS that were appearing all over the Park this week were 
among the birds that had spent the winter there or whether they were 
newly arrived migrants.  There were still 18 SNOW BUNTINGS on Gull 
Island on Monday.  Both SONG SPARROW and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW have 
been at 83 Bayshore Road, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS showed up there 
yesterday.  A COMMON GRACKLE on Monday was another early spring arrival.


To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton. 
Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid 
that is available at the Park gate. Visitors to Gull Island not using a 
boat should be aware that the ice between Owen Point and the islandmay 
or may not support the weight of a human.  They may also encounter 
aslippery coating of ice on the rocks. Ice cleats are recommended. 
Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird 
sightingsboard provided near the campground office by The Friends of 
Presqu'ilePark and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed 
there.


Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be 
directed to: fhellei...@trentu.ca .




--
Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
613-475-5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park

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[Ontbirds] Snow goose Milton

[John Adams via ONTBIRDS]

Snow goose found in field close to road on James snow parkway between Louis st 
Laurent and Britannia on east side with geese and mallards 

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] Red-throated Loon at NOTL

[Margaret Kelch via ONTBIRDS]

Spotted a Red-throated Loon in the water at the mouth of Niagara where it 
empties into Lake Ontario. About 10:00am. Constant diving but good views.

Once in Niagara on the Lake turn left on King St and so right down to the water 
about three blocks.

Sent from my iPad
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[Ontbirds] Greater White-fronted Geese on Stoney Creek mtn.

[Joanne Redwood via ONTBIRDS]

There are six Greater White-fronted Geese on Stoney Creek mtn in a flooded 
field across from the Vinemount sign on Ridge Rd. between 10th Rd. E and 8th 
Rd. E.  No doubt these are the same 6 found by Mike MacLeod at a nearby 
location yesterday.  The number of waterfowl has greatly increased since 
earlier this morning, including many (60+) Northern Pintails and American 
Wigeons etc.  Earlier there was also a Ring-necked Duck in the mix.

Joanne

Sent from my iPhone
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[Ontbirds] Johnstown: Barrow's Goldeneye

[Jon Ruddy via ONTBIRDS]

I have just located a first winter drake Barrows among Common Goldeneye. A
week ago I observed this same age/sex class about 5 km W of my current
location. Perhaps the same bird. It is roosting and is one of the closest
goldeneyes. Great views!

Location: I am parked in the Johnstown United Church parking lot, which is
200 m E of the USA/CAN bridge.

Regards
-- 
Jon Ruddy
Eastern Ontario Birding
eontbird.ca
Cell: 1-613-558-6821
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Re: [Ontbirds] Mountain Bluebird - Gananoque

[Mark Read via ONTBIRDS]

Unfortunately, no luck with the bluebird. The home owner has not seen it since 
Sunday. Lots of potential habitat out that way (but not much in the way of red 
cedar) so may still be around.
Home owner has my number and will call if refound.

Mark.


Sent from my iPhone

> On 22 Feb 2018, at 07:11, Mark D. Read  wrote:
> 
> Thanks to Tony Leukering, a Mountain Bluebird that had slipped under the 
> eBird radar (flagged as ‘passerine sp.’) was brought to my attention 
> yesterday. The report – with photo – was updated late last night to show the 
> correct species (https://ebird.org/gbbc/view/checklist/S43036433). It was 
> seen on private property (no access) on Sunday 18th February on Hwy 2 near 
> the junction with Macalpine Road (between Kingston and Gananoque). In her 
> original report no location details were given but she was happy to share 
> them so long as people are aware that folks will need to stay on the road, 
> and to be careful/respectful of the highway (busy at times).
>  
> I will be out there this morning to have a look and will update later.
>  
> Directions: The bird was seen near civic address 4157 Highway 2, which is 7km 
> west of Gananoque or 20km east of Kingston. The closest exits off the 401 are 
> 632 at Joyceville and 645 at Napanee.
>  
> Mark.
>  
> Mark D. Read
> 337 Button Bay Road,
> Wolfe Island,
> Kingston, Ontario
> K0H 2Y0
> Canada
>  
> Mobile: +1 (613) 217-1246
> Email: markdr...@gmail.com
> eBird Guidelines for Reporting Sensitive Species
>  
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[Ontbirds] Yellow-headed Blackbird - NO

[Judy Robins via ONTBIRDS]

I and a few others were at the YHBL location in Smithville for over an hour 
this morning with no success. The homeowners graciously allowed us to park at 
the end of their driveway and along the property line to watch the feeders 
which are numerous, well-stocked, and host to a number of species - including 
newly arrived Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and a Tufted Titmouse - 
but no YHBL. Still worth a visit if you are local, I suppose.


Address is 2060 Port Davidson Road, just outside of Smithville proper, as per 
Willie's initial post.


Good birding,

Judy Robins


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Re: [Ontbirds] London Blackbirds

[Will Van Hemessen via ONTBIRDS]

 Sarah Bonnett and I saw five early Rusty Blackbirds near Delaware on
Sunday. Keep an eye on blackbird flocks for Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty
Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, etc
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[Ontbirds] Mountain Bluebird - Gananoque

[Mark D. Read via ONTBIRDS]

Thanks to Tony Leukering, a Mountain Bluebird that had slipped under the
eBird radar (flagged as 'passerine sp.') was brought to my attention
yesterday. The report - with photo - was updated late last night to show the
correct species (https://ebird.org/gbbc/view/checklist/S43036433). It was
seen on private property (no access) on Sunday 18th February on Hwy 2 near
the junction with Macalpine Road (between Kingston and Gananoque). In her
original report no location details were given but she was happy to share
them so long as people are aware that folks will need to stay on the road,
and to be careful/respectful of the highway (busy at times).

 

I will be out there this morning to have a look and will update later.

 

Directions: The bird was seen near civic address 4157 Highway 2, which is
7km west of Gananoque or 20km east of Kingston. The closest exits off the
401 are 632 at Joyceville and 645 at Napanee.

 

Mark.

 

Mark D. Read

337 Button Bay Road,

Wolfe Island,

Kingston, Ontario

K0H 2Y0

Canada

 

Mobile: +1 (613) 217-1246

Email:   markdr...@gmail.com

eBird Guidelines for Reporting Sensitive Species
 

 

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