Lark Sparrow in Fort Erie, ON

Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus

in Fort Erie, ON
30 November 2013

    Remarkably, a Lark Sparrow, not normally seen north of the Great Lakes in eastern and central North America, has been present at the feeders of Patrick Baichoo at 801 Niagara River Parkway in Fort Erie.

    As might be imagined, this striking member of a large and diverse family, has caused great delight among the many birders who have been fortunate enough to see it.

    On Saturday last, while taking part in the annual Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists' outing to the Niagara area, principally in search of gulls, we stopped to see this rarity. For many participants it was a lifer.

    The neighbours of Patrick's property left their gate open so that birders could walk across their yard to view the feeders over the fence at Patrick's house, affording very good looks at the bird. 

    Patrick came out to see us and beckoned us over to a good vantage point from which to observe the bird. In the process he engaged us with a great deal of pleasant conversation and showed us pictures that he had taken. These pictures are used on this blog entry.

    On behalf of the birding fraternity, I wish to extend sincere thanks to Patrick and his wife for the hospitable and friendly manner in which they welcomed birders to their home. Their kindness was very much appreciated.

Niagara River at Fort Erie

Niagara River at Fort Erie, ON

30 November 2013

    The Niagara River from Fort Erie all the way to the Falls had great concentrations of both waterfowl and gulls. 

Lone American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus with Ring-billed Gulls Larus delawarensis

    This Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus had found what seemed to be a dead merganser, probably Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator, and was busy feeding on it. I am sure that by the end of the day this carcass would have provided a fine meal for this opportunistic gull.