[ONTBIRDS] Black Vulture Markdale

Currently perched on dead tree on Eastside hwy 10 at Chapman's trucking terminal south of Markdale, Grey county Mark Cranford Toronto, ON -- Ontbirds and Birdnews are moderated email Listservs provided by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) as a service to all birders in Ontario. Ontbirds

[Ontbirds] Ontbirds and COVID-19

Birders These are challenging times for everyone, many Ontbirds still want to hear of rare, unusual or significant bird activity. As such Ontbirds has decided to modify our posting guidelines, for the duration of Covid-19 public emergency we no longer demand directions with every post. If

[Ontbirds] OFO Membership Challenge

Posting on behalf of Jim Richards All members: As a Founding Life Member, I challenge all other ‘Life Members’ to make a donation to OFO at this point (2019-2020) equivalent to or better than a regular membership. It has been a number of years now since I issued this challenge and like an

[Ontbirds] Western Grebe NOT Humber Bay

I was unsuccessful in my attempt to relocate the Western Grebe reported earlier Christmas Day at Humber Bay East.  There was a nice assortment of waterfowl including 2 winter plumage Red-necked Grebes that flew east from the east end of Humber with notable white in the trailing edge of the

[Ontbirds] Western Grebe Humber Bay East

Reported by Martin Belman at noon Christmas Day martinbel...@rogers.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] South Peel Christmas Bird Count Preliminary Results

Possibly the most unpleasant weather ever on a South Peel CBC, rain did not let up the entire day. Numbers aren't available but the overall number will be lower than average despite abnormal concentrations of geese away from the lake with no observed movement between lake and field. Overall

[Ontbirds] Ontbirds Owl Policy

Birders The Ontario Field Ornithologists, sponsors of Ontbirds, have a Code of Ethics with respect to field birding and reporting http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/aboutus.ethics The first and key point of the Code of Ethics is the welfare of birds come first. That principle must guide any

[Ontbirds] Western Kingbird Dundas

Western kingbird observed at 8am today (Nov 6) in and around the trees near the chimney. Aaron Schat ??To get there from out of town, take the York Rd exit from Hwy 6 N (between Hwy 403 and Clappisons Corners) and follow it west into Dundas where it turns into Olympic Dr.?? Just north of

[Ontbirds] Western Kingbird in Dundas continues

Western Kingbird continued today in Dundas (suburb of Hamilton) and was photographed around 3pm at "the chimney". It is hanging around the Desjardins Canal, the adjacent Canal Park and the Urquhart Butterfly Gardens. It may linger.  To get there from out of town, take the York Rd exit from

[Ontbirds] Common Ground-Dove Toronto

A better view is desired so I will be back first thing tomorrow. For a period of 10-15 minutes at dusk we (about 10 of including the finder Don Graham) followed the tiny Dove that D G saw well earlier. I saw a very small dove but was only able to pick out a small but stocky bird with?? a

[Ontbirds] OFO AGM Materials and Convention # for pictures

For OFO Members and Convention Attendees The OFO Annual General Meeting (AGM) materials are now posted o the OFO website at: http://ofo.ca/ofo-docs/OFO_AGM_Package_2019.pdf. Please take a few minutes to read the package and send comments and questions to Lynne Freeman, President at

[Ontbirds] Curlew Sandpiper DIRECTIONS

I am not going for this bird and have NOT seen the reported Curlew Sandpiper but it was seen this morning by Burke Korol but I would like to see directions continuing with every report of a continuing rarity. Mark Cranford Ontbirds Coordinator Toronto, ON Directions courtesy of Dan MacNeal

[Ontbirds] OFO Field Trip - Sunday Apr 21 - Minesing Swamp southwest of Barrie

Today Andrew Don and myself lead an annual early spring trip to the Minesing Swamp area north of Angus and CFB Borden for the Ontario Field Ornithologists.  13 birders in nine car participated.  The trip started at 8:30am and wound down around 3pm.   After a couple days of rain the day started

[Ontbirds] Wild Turkey - Christie Pits area Toronto

The previously reported Wild Turkey continues in the same general Garrison Creek neighborhood.  It seems to be more active at dawn but disappears behind lane way fences and garages as the day progresses. I found it immediately upon reaching the intersection of Grace and Harbord at 8am today. 

[Ontbirds] South Peel CBC Saturday, Toronto Island Phoebe Bluebirds and Kinglets Today

South Peel Christmas Bird Count was held yesterday Saturday December 15. Average diversity with low total numbers of both waterfowl and land birds. Most of better birds had previously been reported. At Sedgewick Park in Oakville  female Hooded Warbler, mulitple Orange-crowned Warbler and a

[Ontbirds] Wild Turkey sightings sought

Posting for Jennifer Baici - all questions to her Calling all Ontario birders and naturalists, I am a PhD student at Trent University studying wild turkey populations in the Peterborough area. Part of my research is to investigate the usefulness of platforms such as eBird and iNaturalist in

[Ontbirds] ONTBIRDS Posting Guidelines LIMITS on DISCUSSION

Birders Earlier today I was asked to review and approve a post about proposed hunting of Double-crested Cormorants.  I could have suggested that the post be rephrased in a more neutral information only format.  I did not. Regardless,  Ontbirds is a very large list that has Posting Guidelines 

[Ontbirds] Black-throated Warbler LaSalle Burlington

The Black-throated Warbler was briefly relocated today at 7:15 from the boardwalk at LaSalle Marina. Mark Cranford Toronto, ON ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports

[Ontbirds] Great Kiskadee Rondeau

Posting for Mike Norton . The Kiskadee was showing well 150 m south on Marsh Trail at 12:15 pm today inside Rondeau Provincial Park Mark Cranford Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the

[Ontbirds] Dickcissel Etobicoke

Female type Dickcissel is currently being. Seen and heard (short zeert call). In clump if thick shrubs immediately south of two benches in second bay north of whimbrel point .  Directions to col Sam park  - south on Kipling past Humber College to end of roadMark CranfordToronto,

[Ontbirds] Reddish Egret Oliphant

I saw the Reddish Egret fly (11:20am) into the wetlands opposite 127? Shoreline.  Directions from north end on Wiarton on Hwy 6  >  > Take first left at top of hill on to Bruce Rd 13. Continue straight on to  > Oliphant T-intersection turn right north on to Shoreline Rd . Most  > consistent

[Ontbirds] Reddish Egret Oliphant

Is currently (10:50am) standing on a swimming raft off 507 Shoreline.Directions from north end on Wiarton on Hwy 6 Take first left at top of hill on to Bruce Rd 13. Continue straight on to Oliphant T-intersection turn right north on to Shoreline Rd . Most consistent location has been west side of

[Ontbirds] Reddish Egret Oliphant

Chip Weseloh just called he and other birders have Reddish Egret at 165 Shoreline. Weather is blustery. Chip is happy.Directions from north end on Wiarton on Hwy 6 Take first left at top of hill on to Bruce Rd 13. Continue straight on to Oliphant T-intersection turn right north on to Shoreline Rd

[Ontbirds] Reddish Egret NOT Oliphant

I covered Shoreline Rd from the government dock to the north end of the gravel road and back. No luck. Lots of Great Egret . Possible one other birder looking so bird likely still in area. Directions from north end on Wiarton on Hwy 6 Take first left at top of hill on to Bruce Rd 13. Continue

[Ontbirds] Reddish Egret update

It flew while writing previous email probably south Mark Cranford Toronto, ON ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about

[Ontbirds] Reddish Egret Oliphant continues

I am currently looking at the Reddish Egret 6:45 am across the street from 487 Shoreline Rd about 100 m from the road. It's not raining right now but Directions from north end on Wiarton on Hwy 6 Take first left at top of hill on to Bruce Rd 13. Continue straight on to Oliphant

[Ontbirds] Reddish Egret Oliphant

Moving around a bit. Currently being seen on west side road between 165 Shoreline Rd and Fen Boardwalk. Has been as close as 30 ft from road to a couple hundred meters. Today between 95 and 334 Shoreline DirectionsDirections from Wiarton continue north on Highway 6. Take first left at top of hill

[Ontbirds] Reddish Egret Oliphant

I did a brief search for the Reddish Egret around 7:30 pm. I could NOT relocate it. Other birders on site stated that it disappeared flying west around 5:30 pm. It seen more or less continuously from dawn until its disappearance. This seems to follow the same pattern of the previous day. While

[Ontbirds] Directions with every post

BirdersIn the past I have contacted people privately about posting guidelines but it seems bad habits are contagious.  Currently there are a number of very good birds being reported that others would like to see.  Any report is appreciated but please consider your readers and include directions

[Ontbirds] Fish Crow - Paletta Park Burlington

Yesterday at approximately 7:30 pm a pair of calling Fish Crow flew east past us (Jim Watt, Donna Sheppard and myself) at the north end of Paletta Park. They were not flying in a straight line but no indication that they were lingering. This was near the end of an all day Baillie Birdathon -

[Ontbirds] Piping Plover Volunteer Guardians - Darlington and Prequ'ile Provincial Parks

Posting for Allison Slater My name is Allison Slater. I am the Piping Plover Biologist and Volunteer Coordinator for Ontario Parks Southeast Zone. We have started to see the arrival of Piping Plovers at Darlington and Presqu’ile Provincial Parks and are hopeful to spot them at nearby

[Ontbirds] Le Conte's Sparrow Col Sam Smith Park Etobicoke

I am in transit and have not seen this bird. A Le Conte's Sparrow is currently being viewed by Mike Norton and a South Peel Naturalists' Club field trip in the dogwoods on the east side woodlot east of the Humber College sportsfield. From the southern most parking lot at the base of Kipling

[Ontbirds] OFO Minesing Wetlands Field Trip Apr 22

I had the privilege of leading about 20 OFO members on our annual trip to the Minesing Swamp.   We basically followed Dave Milsom's self-guiding tour of the wetland available from the Ontario Field Ornithologists website http://www.ofo.ca/ofo-docs/Minesing.pdf We focused on three main sites

Re: [Ontbirds] Stolen Spotting Scopes

For everyone's information, Ontbirds remains informally moderated after the fact. As a poster you are expected to have read and follow our posting guidelines. If you ignore posting guidelines you should hear about it from me. In this case if the poster had asked for permission it would have

[Ontbirds] Fish Crow Mississauga

Just heard and saw two Fish Crows at Lakefront promenade in front of new treatment plant. Active moving aroundMark CranfordToronto, ON___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird

[Ontbirds] Barnacle Goose Sunday Schomberg

Posting for Andrew Don who texted at 7:30 am - The Barnacle Goose at Schomberg lagoons now. Direction (from Greg Stuart) on the ice of the pond by the Trisan Centre. Best viewing is from the road on the north of the pond. Dillane Drive can be accessed off highway 27, just south of the hwy

[Ontbirds] Responding to Ontbirds messages

Ontbirders A reminder, readers would like to keep Ontbirds reports focused on sightings in Ontario so that others might be able to relocate (responsibly) the birds reported. As such, commentary or discussion about a post should probably be taken off line. When responding privately please

[Ontbirds] Tufted Duck Mississauga relocated

East of hurontario by Luc Fazio I have not seen ask Luc for details Mark Cranford Sent from my BLU smartphone device ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to

[Ontbirds] South Peel CBC Preliminary Results

South Peel held its 67th Christmas Bird Count (56th using standardized Audubon protocols aka 15 mile circle) yesterday Dec 17.  Approximately 18 parties with 40 participants were in the field with an additional 14 area feeders being monitored. Aside from the previously reported male Tufted

[Ontbirds] Anna's Hummingbird continues Carleton Place

Just received a text from Luc Fazio who can't find a Hortons with wifi. 10 birders are currently viewing the female Anna's Hummingbird in Carleton Place. The bird can be viewed from 61 McKenzie St between Thomas and Dufferin St. looking south over two wire fences to a standard (red)

[Ontbirds] Black Vulture Hawkcliff

George Prieksaitis wrote: Hi Mark, Unable to post for some reason. A single bird was seen north of Dexter Line east of Fairview  Road at about 3pm.  Heading slowly west alone. Hawk Cliff is located south of St. Thomas and east of Port Stanley along the north shore of Lake Erie. Cheers,

[Ontbirds] American Avocet Blenheim

We, Gray Carlin, Owen Yates and  myself just saw a previously reported American Avocet. In a pond at the northeast corner of the Blenheim Landfill on Eireau Rd north of hwy 3 west of both Blenheim and the Blenheim LagoonsMark CranfordToronto, ON___

[Ontbirds] Cackling Goose Cranberry Marsh Whitby

Mike Norton called to report a Cackling Goose seen with Canada Geese off the south (lakeside) viewing platform on Hall's Road at Cranberry Marsh. From Toronto, exit Salem Road south then go east on Bailey past Lake Ridge Road turn right onto the first road (Hall's Road) past Lakeridge. From

Re: [Ontbirds] Wood Stork - Point Pelee - for real!!!!!!

Hi Jeremy Congrats on 317 anything over 300 requires commitment. However I am really writing to point out the obvious. Words like 'fucking' are just not acceptable on a public forum like Ontbirds. Please think of 3500 readers of this list. Many do not appreciate crude behaviour. Mark Cranford

[Ontbirds] Whimbrel Watch Col. Sam Smith Park, Last for this season, May 31, 2017

From Tim McCarthy - tmmcarth...@hotmail.com We've sure had an up-and-downer this spring. We learned a few important new things. (New to me, anyway) One was that Whimbrels appear to be able to fly over a storm, like the one we had last Thursday. That's taking advantage of a favourable tailwind

[Ontbirds] Whimbrel Watch - Col. Sam Smith Park, May 30, 2017

From Tim Mccarthy,

[Ontbirds] Whimbrel Watch, Col. Sam Smith Park May 28, 2017

Posting for Tim McCarthy Last night the folks down in Machipongo, Va. suggested that perhaps there might be a few straggling Whimbrels yet to start the journey due to the recent storms they'd been having and sure enough first thing this morning (between 5:20 and

[Ontbirds] Whimbrel Watch Col. Sam Smith Park, May 26, 2017

posting for Tim McCarthy Yesterday was horrible weather with no migrating Whimbrels. You'd think today, with nicer weather, especially in the early morning, with all those birds out there somewhere would be productive. But all we got was a total of 39. The little

[Ontbirds] Col.Sam Smith Whimbrel Watch May 24, 2017

From Tim Mccarthy Hello fellow Whimbrel chasers. Not only did the weather stay nasty and windy but the only Whimbrels that showed up was a flock of 36 stragglers from yesterday (my opinion if I'm ever allowed to have another one). If you'll recall. May 24th is the

[Ontbirds] Whimbrel Watch at Col.Sam Smith Park, May 23, 2017

From Tim Mccarthy Hello to the ever growing group of Whimbreleers Today was a bit of a letdown compared to the action yesterday. There were no big flocks , the biggest consisting of 64 birds seen at 5:40 am. Many of the total , 188 birds in all, flew quite low,

[Ontbirds] Whimbrel Watch, Col. Sam Smith Park, May 22, 2017

From Tim Mccarthy Today was one of those days that really makes a sunburnt nose worthwhile. Wayne was the first guy out at around 5:15 this morning and was surprised to find 85 Whimbrel resting on the stone pier just north of Whimbrel Point. They were surprised to

[Ontbirds] Sunday Whimbrel Watch - Col Sam Smith Park Toronto

From Tim Mccarthy via ontbirds. High winds from the East that soon brought driving rain were what closed down the watch early today. Before the rain came however, there were 276 Whimbrels in 4 flocks racing the weather. I wonder what happens when the rain

[Ontbirds] 477 Whimbrel - Col Sam Smith Park - Toronto

From Tim Mccarthy via ontbirds Whimbrel Point today was really cold with extremely high Northeast winds. So much for the bad part. Whimbrels seen today between 6 am and 1 pm totalled a slightly amazing 477. Most of the flocks were really high and were seen only

[Ontbirds] Whimbrel Watch Col. Sam Smith Park Toronto

From Tim Mccarthy via Ontbirds Today was the first official day of this year's Whimbrel Watch at Whimbrel Point, Col. Sam Smith Park. There were no Whimbrels to be seen although yesterday Wayne Renaud saw 5 birds fly over. We did have other shorebirds, though -

[Ontbirds] BioBlitz leader needed Saturday in north Pickering

Posting for Mikal Lawton - newcent...@rogers.com Hi everyone, we are looking for a taxon lead for the bird group in the very first Altona Forest BioBlitz hosted by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority in Pickering, Ontario. In case you are wondering, a BioBlitz is a survey kind of like a

[Ontbirds] Fish Crow Mississauga

Luc Fazio just phoned in a Fish Crow at Lakefront Promenade Mississauga (12:30pm). I could hear it calling over the phone. The bird is at the first parking lot on the lake (first left with gazebo as the road bends right. Lakefront Promenade is on Lakeshore Road in Mississauga between Dixie

[Ontbirds] 401 Weekend Closure Chatham

For those thinking of visiting Point Pelee from the east. It appears that Highway 401 at the Hwy 40 overpass in Chatham will be closed this weekend while they demolish the old overpass bridge. It might be an idea to take the Ridgetown exit from the 401 and go south to connect up with Talbot

[Ontbirds] OFO field trip to Minesing Swamp

Sunday I had the privilege to lead some 20 OFO members around the outer edges of the Minesing Wetland Conservation Area (aka Minesing Swamp). In total the group located 60 species and added multiple lifers for more than one participant. Starting from Angus we visited MacKinnon Road for

[Ontbirds] Yellow-headed Blackbird - Ressor Pond - Markham

Stan Long has reported a Yellow-headed Blackbird at Reesor Pond from yesterday. I have no other details. Reesor Pond is along Reesor Road between Highway 7 and Highway 407 (toll) on the east side of Markham. Exit north off the toll road at Donald Cousens Parkway (Hwy 48) then east on

[Ontbirds] Ontbirds Posting Guidelines

Birders For the most part Ontbirds works just fine. But every so often (mostly spring and fall) I feel obliged to remind readers about our posting guidelines, guidelines intended to keep Ontbirds focused on running smoothly. The purpose of Ontbirds is to provide a public platform for

[Ontbirds] Lark Sparrow Toronto continues

I relocated the Lark Sparrow yesterday at 3:45 pm just as I was about to give up. It was inside a shrub along the east-west fence beside a pile of discarded industrial rubber. It took about 30 minutes of searching in a small area. I did not inspect it but there appears to be a functioning

[Ontbirds] Fwd: [nysbirds-l] Willow Ptarmigan Watertown NY

Amazing bird for lower 48, within striking distance from Ottawa and Kingston Mark Cranford Mississauga, Ont. mark.cranford at rogers dot com Original Message Subject:[nysbirds-l] Willow Ptarmigan photos and eBird hotspot Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2014 00:01:22 -0400

[Ontbirds] Probable Spotted Towhee - Col Sam - Toronto

While looking at my first towhee of the year scuff away deep in leaf litter. I believe it is a Spotted Towhee. I saw it briefly in flight and saw a lot of white on its mantle. I also saw the same bird in another birder's camera screen. It didn't show as much white as I thought I saw but it