Paletta Park, Bronte Harbour, Shell Park, La Salle Park May 3, 2009

North Shore of Lake Ontario
Paletta Park, Bronte Harbour, Shell Park and La Salle Park
May 3, 2009

We left home at 08:30h on a beautiful sunny morning. The temperature was around 8 degrees C with a predicted high of 18 degrees C. Spring migration is now far advanced and we looked forward to a glorious day of migrants. How grand it is to be a birder!

Paletta Park, Burlington

Situated just west of Appleby Line along Lakeshore Boulevard in Burlington, this restored 19th century mansion on the shore of the lake, is a migrant magnet at this time of the year. There is a small wood lot with a creek running through it, as well as manicured lawns and other ornamental plantings. Since it is right on the lake, it is an ideal location for waterfowl, gulls and terns. It is also a welcome spot, especially for a mixed group of birders, for it has clean, warm washrooms!
Immediately upon arriving, we located a couple of Yellow Warblers and at least three Blue-grey Gnatcatchers, a species not so many years ago considered quite rare. We had hoped for more warblers and vireos but we could find none. A birder we encountered at the head of the trail advised that he had seen Chestnut-sided Warbler, Warbling Vireo and Philadelphia Vireo, but we neither heard nor saw any of these species and conversations with other birders revealed that they didn’t either. However, it was very pleasant to be there and we were charmed by a female Mallard with eleven young. There were lots of Red-winged Blackbirds and Northern Cardinals and numerous other common species.

Bronte Harbour, Oakville

Bronte Harbour always merits a visit for the variety of waterfowl and gulls often found there, but especially so in recent years for the Red-necked Grebes that have nested on tires in the inner harbour. I believe that every year but one they have successfully raised young. There were two tires anchored in the water and one was occupied by a sitting grebe. As far as we could tell, the second tire had not been used.
Traditionally the walls of the Lighthouse Restaurant hosted a large number of Cliff Swallow nests, but the ones that have not been sealed off by wire mesh have been entirely expropriated by House Sparrows. We saw many Barn Swallows but there was not a Cliff Swallow in sight.
Three Caspian Terns were fishing outside the breakwater and when one dived and came up with a fish it was harassed by the others, but finally succeeded in swallowing the fish while in flight.
It was pleasant to see so many people out and about taking in a fine spring day. People walked their dogs, children were pushed on swings, young lovers clung to each other as they promenaded around the harbour, kites were flown. It was invigorating to be close to the water.

Shell Park, Oakville

Over the years Shell Park has produced several rarities, but regardless of the success or failure of a day’s birding, it is always a pleasant place to visit. We enjoyed a great hour and a half there, the highlight being two Brown Thrashers. We also saw a couple of Ruby-crowned Kinglets. I doubt that we have ever seen so many Northern Cardinals in one area, and their song constantly filled the air.
We had lunch at Shell Park and a fine repast it was. Before leaving I had made sandwiches of a superior French ham with a fine Gruyere cheese, layered together on a crusty toasted garlic bread lightly coated with Dijon mustard. How wonderful! We also had a quantity of fresh blueberries. The trees are all coming into leaf, tulips were resplendent in the gardens, birds were singing and the sun was warm and inviting. What could be better?

La Salle Park and Marina, Burlington
The road to the park was closed due to the boats that had been stored all winter being deposited by crane into the water, so we parked on a nearby road and walked down.
We saw both Barn Swallow and Northern Rough-winged Swallow, as well as a variety of waterfowl including both Mute and Trumpeter Swans.
People thronged the area. We saw everything from ancient citizens with walkers and canes to youngsters barely able to keep their balance enjoying the weather. Even non- birders seemed to enjoy the plentiful waterfowl and despite injunctions not to feed the birds, many were doing so. I am sure that some inner need to connect with nature is satisfied by so doing.
Had we been able to drive right into the parking area at the marina, we would have missed the highlights of the visit to La Salle. On the way out we heard and then located a Carolina Wren lustily singing for all its worth and in the same tree both Northern and Orchard Orioles. What a fine farewell to a delightful day of birding.

Our backyard, Waterloo
We made for the patio as soon as we had unloaded the car. How lucky we were to see a glorious adult White-throated Sparrow in full courtship plumage, several Pine Siskins, an abundance of American Goldfinches, Chipping Sparrows, American Robins bathing in the bird bath, House Sparrows, Black-capped Chickadees, a male Downy Woodpecker and others. We decided to dine al fresco, so we had a fine French Roquefort cheese aged in caves in the Pyrenees slathered on crusty bread and an oriental salad, accompanied by a superb bottle of Masi Campofiorin. A mixture of ethnicities no doubt, but a wonderful repast nonetheless.
Once again, birding and its attendant delights had provided us with a day of rich pleasure.

All Species

Red-necked Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Trumpeter Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
Lesser Scaup
Long-tailed Duck
Common Goldeneye
Red-breasted Merganser
Turkey Vulture
Red-tailed Hawk
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Caspian Tern
Common Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Carolina Wren
Brown Thrasher
American Robin
Blue-grey Gnatcatcher
Black-capped Chickadee
Blue Jay
American Crow
European Starling
House Sparrow
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
Yellow Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole

North Shore Lake Ontario Second Marsh to Cranberry Marsh

To view larger image click on picture.

North Shore of Lake Ontario
Second Marsh to Cranberry Marsh
April 19, 2009

The day was cool with a keen wind when we left home at 09:37h, but it was sunny and we looked forward to a great day of early spring birding. There were Dark-eyed Juncos, American Goldfinch (now gloriously yellow), American Robins and "wine-dipped" House Finches in the yard when we departed.

Thickson's Woods, Whitby, ON

Representing the last stand of white pine which formerly graced the entire north shore, Thickson’s Woods represents a migrant trap which at times can serve up spectacular birding. A meadow of about 4 hectares is located immediately to the north, providing a buffer between the woods and the industrial development just beyond. Corbett Creek also abuts the woods and contains typical marshland birds and a variety of waterfowl.
Immediately upon entering the woods we were greeted by a splendid chorus of Red-winged Blackbirds, Northern Flickers, Common Grackles and other species. We quickly located both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets and a couple of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. It was enjoyable to watch four Brown Creepers work their way methodically up a tree and move over to the next one. On one trunk a couple were jousting with each other. We saw our first Yellow-rumped warbler of the year and two wonderfully rufous Fox Sparrows.
Looking out over Lake Ontario, there were many ducks, but without benefit of a scope (which was in the car!) Many of them went unidentified. However, we were able to identify Bufflehead and several Bonaparte’s Gulls flew in to rest on the water.
In the meadow many Tree Swallows were present along with American Goldfinch and a couple of Blue Jays. We also saw a single Song Sparrow and our first White-throated Sparrow of the spring.

Second Marsh, Oshawa, ON

Second Marsh is known for its Little Gulls and this was our target bird of the day. Alas, none were to be found despite about twenty of them being reported the previous day. There was not even a Bonaparte’s Gull to be seen. Two Caspian terns entertained us and were having great success in catching fish. There was a nice variety of waterfowl and about twenty Double-crested Cormorants.

Whitby Harbour, Whitby, ON

Bird life was sparse, but the parking lot was full and there were many people taking advantage of a fine spring day. We did see seven Caspian Terns and a single Double-crested Cormorant. As always Mute Swans were present in the harbour and out into Lake Ontario.

Cranberry Marsh, Whitby, ON

This marsh has had its ups and downs over the years, but now under the stewardship of the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority(CLOACA) its future seems assured. It has also been joined up with the waterfront Trail and represents a great birding area. In the fall the Greater Toronto Raptor Watch monitors hawk migration from the south platform on Hall’s Road. I had the great pleasure of being part of the group that formed this organisation at a meeting in my family room about 15 years ago, and I was pleased to serve as its first President.
We saw a pair of spectacular Northern Harriers in the field on the west side of Hall’s Road and a superb selection of waterfowl out on the marsh, including a small flock of Ruddy Ducks. There were numerous Ring-necked Ducks and a lone male Green-winged Teal was our only sighting of that species for the day.

General Comment
Despite our disappointment in not locating Little Gull, which would have been a lifer for Miriam and our brother-in-law John Lichty who had joined us for the day, we had a really enjoyable day together and really got into the spirit of spring migration, surely the most wonderful time of year in any birder’s calendar - in the northern hemisphere anyway!

All species

Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Common Merganser
Turkey Vulture
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Caspian Tern
Common Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Tree Swallow
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
American Robin
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Blue Jay
American Crow
European Starling
House Sparrow
House Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird

Lake Erie, Port Dover to Long Point

Birding the North Shore of Lake Erie
from Port Dover to Long Point
March 22, 2009

We left home at 07:40h under cloudy skies, with the temperature around 2 degrees C. A couple of American Robins were picking their way across the front yard as we left.
The drive down was uneventful and we saw a predictable variety of species. We heard our first Killdeer of the spring and a single Wild Turkey flew across the road in front of us.

Port Dover
We arrived in the picturesque little port at 09:08h, well ahead of our scheduled 10:00h meeting time with Steve and Wendy.
Birding along the wharf we observed quite a mixture of waterfowl, the highlights being courting Red-breasted Mergansers and a few lingering Long-tailed Ducks in freshly-moulted plumage; so stunningly beautiful and distinctive.
Steve and Wendy arrived at the Tim Horton’s a little before 10:00h and we returned to the wharf to scope the waterfowl we had already encountered.
Soon we were on our way to Port Ryerse.

Port Ryerse
This is another of those delightful little settlements which are dotted along the north shore of Lake Erie.
As soon as we got out of the car, the fact of being in the Carolinian Zone of south western Ontario was imprinted on us. We heard the song of both Carolina Wren and Red-bellied Woodpecker. We were unable to locate the Carolina Wren visually as it quickly stopped singing, but we had stellar looks at a wonderful male Red-bellied Woodpecker which obligingly stayed on the same branch for an extended period. We also heard our first Song Sparrow of the spring.

Turkey Point Lookout
We stopped for a while and chatted to a local resident, an old timer (probably little older than I am!) who has lived just along the road from the lookout all his life. He was pointing out the changes that have occurred in the marshes over the years, and it was interesting chatting to him.
Two Sandhill Cranes flew directly over our heads.

Long Point - Big Creek
Without doubt, one of the highlights of a visit to Long Point, the observation platform was filled to capacity when we arrived. Careful scoping netted many species including numerous Tundra Swans, many Ring-necked Ducks and a whole variety of other waterfowl, including our only American Black Duck of the day, a lone male.
A particular delight was being able to help a family with three young children identify species and point out the characters they needed to know to learn them. We also were able to impart some general knowledge about birds and answer all the questions they had.
The entire family was "getting into" birds but one of the daughters was especially passionate. In the wonderful disarming way of children, she stated that she hadn’t decided whether she would have a career in Polar Bears, tigers or birds - but she loves them all! We ventured the opinion that birds might be a little more accessible! Actually we ran into the same family again at Old Cut and were able to help them with passerines also.
The parents expressed their appreciation and the father stated that he thinks his bird knowledge tripled that day, and made him anxious to learn more. It’s always humbling and immensely pleasurable to share birds with others and I think we served our community well today.
We walked along the dikes and added American Tree Sparrow and a couple of singing Song Sparrows.

Long Point - Old Cut
Old Cut was very quiet today, but it was a good place to find a picnic table and eat lunch.
There had been reports of Golden-crowned Kinglets, but we were unable to find any.
We spent our time to good advantage with our budding birding family. It’s amazingly rewarding to discuss Black-capped Chickadees and Common Grackles with people totally unfamiliar with anatomy, breeding biology etc. How fascinated they were to hear about the hyoid apparatus in a woodpecker! There is not the slightest doubt that this family will be in their local library in short order!

Long Point - Hastings Drive
This wild, windswept coastal road is battered by the full force of Lake Erie storms and the shoreline seems to change at every visit. The end of the road affords a wonderful view of Big Creek Marsh. We were royally entertained by an immature Bald Eagle buzzing the ducks on the water, no doubt seeking an injured bird which would be easy prey. Several Killdeer were on the beach. There were substantial numbers of Redhead and Canvasback, more Sandhill Cranes and three Northern Pintails, in addition to a delectable array of other species. It seemed as though a male Red-winged Blackbird called from every stalk.

Long Point Causeway
On the way out to Lee Brown Waterfowl Area we saw a male Common Pheasant at the side of the road.

Long Point - Lee Brown Waterfowl Area
The last few times we have visited Lee Brown it has been decidedly devoid of birds, other than Canada Geese and Mallards. Today made up for it. Just before arriving we saw a female Northern Harrier coursing across the fields and at Lee Brown proper there were Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Gadwall, a lone Trumpeter Swan and other waterfowl.

End of the day
We all returned to Port Dover to buy some Lake Erie perch. So we ended the day exactly where we had begun. Steve and Wendy left for Toronto and we enjoyed our drive home to Waterloo, We checked for Eastern Bluebirds in every likely spot, but were unable to locate any.
It had been a great day’s birding. Steve and Wendy always add a whole dimension of pleasure to any outing.

All species
Great Blue Heron
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Trumpeter Swan
Tundra Swan
Gadwall
American Wigeon
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Canvasback
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Scaup sp.
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Wild Turkey
Common Pheasant
American Coot
Sandhill Crane
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Common Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-headed Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Carolina Wren (heard)
American Robin
Black-capped Chickadee
Blue Jay
American Crow
European Starling
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
American Tree Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle

Long Point and Area March 15, 2009

Long Point and Area
March 15, 2009

On a beautiful morning, with spring in the air, we left for Long Point at 09:10h. We checked the feeders before leaving and saw a lone Pine Siskin, with Canada Geese honking overhead.
There was no shortage of birds on the drive down and especially pleasing were the large numbers of American Robin, Common Grackle and Red-winged Blackbird, all recent arrivals in our area. On getting close to the north shore of Lake Erie we saw our first skein of Tundra Swans. The arrival of these birds from their southern wintering grounds is always one of the great highlights of spring in southern Ontario and these early numbers presage the main cohort which should arrive in the next week or so.
We checked the pond at Bird Studies Canada which is still partly iced over but did contain a large aggregation of American Herring and Ring-billed Gulls.
By checking various points in Long Point Bay and panning the area from the Big Creek lookout we saw an astounding variety of waterfowl, including many more Tundra Swans and a small flock of Snow Geese. A juvenile Bald Eagle was cruising above the marsh and entertained us royally. Sandhill Cranes had been sighted earlier, but as much as we searched for the rest of the day, we were unable to locate them, and found no one else who had been successful either.
At Old Cut, where in a few weeks warblers will be much in evidence, we found a Brown Creeper, three Downy Woodpeckers, a Red-breasted Nuthatch, a lone American Tree Sparrow, ubiquitous Black-capped Chickadees and other common species.
It was a very pleasant day of birding in warm spring sunshine. We’ll go back again next week to check on the further arrival of Tundra Swans and to see what other species have arrived.

All species
Snow Goose
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Tundra Swan
Wood Duck
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Green-winged Teal
Canvasback
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Common Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Horned Lark
American Robin
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Blue Jay
American Crow
European Starling
House Sparrow
Pine Siskin
American Tree Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle

Winter Birding at Humber Bay Park and Colonel Sam Smith Park, Toronto, ON

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Winter Birding at the North Shore of
Lake Ontario, from Humber Bay Park
to Colonel Sam Smith Park, Toronto

February 8, 2009

It was a delightful day to be out and about. The temperature was 0 degrees C when we left home at 09:05h and the sun was already breaking through. As we drove into Toronto the cloud dissipated even more and it turned out to be a fine mid-winter day, perfect for birding.

Humber Bay Park

This location is always good for birding at any time of the year and is easily reached in less than a half hour from Toronto International Airport. It consists of two arms jutting out into Lake Ontario, called appropriately Humber Bay Park East and Humber Bay Park West, but it is really part of the same spit of land.
Immediately upon arrival we noted a great deal of activity on the water and were delighted to observe a pair of Hooded Mergansers close in to shore. There are many handsome waterfowl in the world, but surely this species must rank in the top echelon. There was also a dozen or so Redheads in addition to the Greater Scaup, Bufflehead and Common Goldeneye one might expect to encounter. Further out on Lake Ontario there were great rafts of ducks including hundreds of Long-tailed Ducks, a single male Common Merganser and several pairs of Red-breasted Mergansers. There were numerous Mute and Trumpeter Swans and at Humber Bay Park West two American Herring Gulls, eight American Black Ducks and a single Gadwall, in addition to the other species already seen at Humber Bay Park East. Ring-billed Gulls were everywhere - in the sky, on the water, on the land.

Colonel Sam Smith Park

Over the years many rarities have been located at this site and today was no exception. We had great looks at a first year male King Eider, albeit a little farther out than we would have liked. All of the bay ducks were feeding actively on what I assume are Zebra mussels and the eider was certainly claiming its share of the bounty. Many other ducks and gulls were present, but the second highlight of the day, just before leaving to head for home was a juvenile/female Snowy Owl perched on one of the docks at the marina. This cooperative bird stayed there for the twenty to thirty minutes we were there and was still in the same position when we left.

Total species

Canada Goose Abundant
Mute Swan Common
Trumpeter Swan 12
Gadwall 1
American Black Duck 8
Mallard Abundant
Redhead 12
Greater Scaup Abundant
King Eider 1
Long-tailed Duck Abundant
Bufflehead Common
Common Goldeneye Common
Hooded Merganser 2
Common Merganser 1
Red-breasted Merganser 10
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Ring-billed Gull Abundant
American Herring Gull 2
Common Pigeon Common
Snowy Owl 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
American Crow c 25
European Starling Common
House Sparrow c 25
Common Redpoll c 25
Pine Siskin 3
American Goldfinch c 10

Winter Birding Lake Ontario February 1, 2009

Winter Birding at the North Shore of
Lake Ontario, from Oakville to Burlington
February 1, 2009

It was a beautiful mid-winter day, sunny with no wind - a welcome relief from the bitter temperatures of late - and we decided to spend it birding along the north shore of Lake Ontario.
Before departing we checked the feeders at home and they were well patronized by the usual triumvirate of American Goldfinch, Common Redpoll and Pine Siskin.
We left home at 09:15h with a temperature of 2 degrees C with snow already melting under the bright sunlight. En route we added American Crow, Common Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, European Starling and House Sparrow.

Sioux Lookout - Burlington

This was our first stop, where Long-tailed Duck is usually a certainty at this time of the year, but today was the exception. In fact there were very few birds at all. Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, five Red-breasted Mergansers and a few Ring-billed Gulls were all that we saw. The mouth of the river that spills into Lake Ontario at that point was totally frozen which perhaps explains the dearth of Canada Goose and Mallard.

Paletta Park (Shoreacres) - Burlington

Always a pleasant stop, with warm indoor washrooms (!), this was our next destination. Almost immediately on entering the property a male Northern Cardinal was calling, situated in a cedar tree against a clear blue sky.
We walked down to the lake where we were greeted by large flocks of Canada Goose and Mallard, with about ten American Black Ducks interspersed among them. On the water was a single Greater Scaup, and Common Goldeneye and Bufflehead were common. Numerous Ring-billed Gulls wheeled in the sky, although there were no Herring Gulls or Great Black-backed Gulls, much to our surprise. In fact the only gull species we saw all day was ring-billed. Walking back through the woods we saw four more male Northern Cardinals, a single Black-capped Chickadee and heard a White-breasted Nuthatch.
The highlight of this location was a Cooper’s Hawk bathing in the icy water. The back part of the bird was totally immersed and it was vigourously thrusting its upper parts into the water and tossing water over its back. After several minutes of this behaviour it flew up onto a low overhanging branch and started to shake the water from its feathers. Unless my memory is flawed, this is the first time I have seen a raptor bathing in this fashion.

Bronte Harbour - Oakville

The harbour where Red-necked Grebes have nested for the past several years was completely frozen over, but there was open water at the mouth of Bronte Creek where it spills into Lake Ontario. There were abundant Canada Geese, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Greater Scaup and a single Mute Swan. Ring-billed Gulls were common and we saw two European Starling.

Coronation Park - Oakville

We had not initially planned to stop here but we saw huge rafts of ducks out on the water so decided it was worthwhile checking. There were literally thousands of birds on the water, chief among them abundant Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead and Greater Scaup. There were also many Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull and three Mute Swans. Our second Cooper’s Hawk of the day was perched high atop a tree.

LaSalle Park Marina - Burlington

Under conditions of open water, this location is a waterfowl magnet. Today it was frozen, but there were interesting birds nonetheless. Perhaps the greatest delight was a gathering of more than thirty Trumpeter Swans, most with large yellow wing tags. What a fitting tribute to Harry Lumsden who almost single-handedly brought about the reintroduction of this magnificent species to Ontario, extirpated by over-hunting in the early years of the twentieth century. There were about ten Mute Swans, together with abundant Canada Goose and Mallard, ten or so American Black Duck, many Ring-billed Gulls and along the paths Black-capped Chickadee, House Sparrow, European Starling and Northern Cardinal.
Many people bring food for the waterfowl which pass the winter here, despite admonitions from the town not to do so. It was encouraging to see kind-hearted citizens toting pails of corn and other grains, instead of the normal fare of stale bread and donuts one is accustomed to seeing. Others brought sunflower seed for the chickadees; one dear soul had peanuts for the squirrels.

Our Journey Homewards

We left at 14:25h and were home by 15.20h, the temperature having climbed to 4 degrees C. En route we saw our only Red-tailed Hawk of the day.

General Comment

As already mentioned we were surprised not to find a single gull other than the prolific Ring-billed Gulls and despite careful scanning with the scope no scoters at all. It was, however, delightful to be out on such a fine winter’s day. Many others had the same notion and it was gratifying to enjoy the spectacle of many young parents enjoying the outdoors with their children. Thank the Lord not everyone is addicted to the Super Bowl!

All Species

Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Trumpeter Swan
American Black Duck
Mallard
Greater Scaup
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Red-breasted Merganser
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Ring-billed Gull
Common Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue Jay
American Crow
European Starling
House Sparrow
Common Redpoll
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
Northern Cardinal

Amherst Island and Other Winter Birding

AMHERST ISLAND AND OTHER WINTER BIRDING SPOTS
10 -11 JANUARY , 2009
David M. Gascoigne and Miriam Bauman

10 January, 2009 

It was bright, cold and clear when we left home at 05:45h to drive to Millhaven to catch the Amherst Island ferry.
Traffic was light and we sailed across the top of Toronto without slowing down at all and made good time the whole way. We stopped just outside Port Hope at a Tim Hortons to get a coffee and, in what has now become part of our birding ritual, share an everything bagel, toasted, with herb and garlic cream cheese. Conventional wisdom says that you get set in your ways as you get older - we prefer to think that we are carrying on with our traditions!
Roadside thermometers along the highway bespoke of temperature varying from minus 11 C to minus 19C as we proceeded northeast.
We arrived at the ferry terminal just before 09:30h and the ferry was just readying for departure. We were permitted to drive on board and left the dock almost immediately. The very modest tariff of $8.00 for two passengers and a car must surely rank as one of the best deals on the continent. As the boat surged through the channel of open water we saw a lone Canada Goose dozing on the edge of the ice.
Our annual pilgrimage to Amherst Island has been a trip that we always anticipate eagerly, but this year will rank as our most successful so far. Aside from the birds it was such a classic mid-winter Ontario day; crisp, clean snow was everywhere, the sky a gun metal blue and the air clean and refreshing.
Upon driving off the ferry we turned east on Front40 Foot Road and in less than ten minutes came upon our first Snowy Owl. It was a juvenile/female with dark markings. If I lapse into anthropomorphic semantics when referring to these owls I offer no apology. No matter how often one sees them (and we are fortunate that in southern Ontario this is virtually an annual event) one never ceases to be left breathless at the unrivalled magnificence of these creatures. They are undoubtedly one of nature’s divine creations. Within minutes we saw a second juvenile/female type on the Kingston Field Naturalists’ property
and then on the opposite side of the road, perched atop a small tree, an ethereal male, white as the snow forming its backdrop, unconcerned at our presence and clearly aware that we were the inferior species!
Before leaving the island we would see nine Snowy Owls. If this experience thrills us beyond belief, how must it affect those fortunate souls who are seeing one for the first time?
We observed a female Northern Harrier coursing over the fields, hunting for its next meal. At a farm house with active feeders, we saw about forty Snow Buntings, some on the feeders knocking down as much grain as they ate, with the others content to wait below to feed on that which fell to the ground. House Sparrow were ubiquitous and there were three American Tree Sparrows. This is a species that seems to have declined significantly in recent years and we never have them at our feeders at home any more; nor do we find them on our local trails. There were Common Pigeons, American Crows, Blue Jays and House Finches, all common species but all adding in their own way to the delight of this grand birding experience.
The high point of any excursion to Amherst Island is to walk through Owl Woods. The owl populations that inhabit these woods in some winters is legendary and this winter merits elevated status on the honour roll! It bears mention that these woods are situated entirely on private property and the two landowners have very kindly consented every year for many years to permit birders access to their properties. It behoves all birders, and especially those photographers who think it quite acceptable to break branches and disturb the owls for a better shot, to remember that we are all visitors by the grace of the property owners and their permission can be withdrawn at any time. Good behaviour courtesy and respect for both the environment and other visitors is paramount at all times.
On the first section of the walk we were greeted by numerous Black-capped Chickadees and dark-eyed Juncos. After walking for a while one arrives at a clearing in the woods where numerous feeders are maintained. A Red-bellied Woodpecker (relatively rare in this area) was feeding on a peanut feeder and a Downy Woodpecker was hammering away at a tree branch. Other species present were White-breasted Nuthatch, American Goldfinch, Black-capped Chickadee, Dark-eyed Junco and a single American Tree Sparrow.
It was not far past these feeders that we located our first Northern Saw-Whet Owl. This was the bird that got my daughter into birding and it is easy to see why. What could possibly be more appealing than this little bundle of feathers and big eyes? Marching farther through the coniferous woods we located two Long-eared Owls and in the field at the edge of the trees five Short-eared owls were flying like giant moths. It resembled nothing so much as a sky dancing routine.
One the way back to the car we located a second Saw-whet Owl and (perhaps the prize of the day) a single Boreal Owl in a small spruce, perched at eye level, with our view unimpeded by branches or foliage. I think that for many this is the mystical northern spectre that scarcely exists! A friend in California always insists that we have been drinking when we tell her that we have seen one. She claims that it is a mere figment of our vivid northern imagination!
Before leaving the island we added ten Rough-legged Hawks, several Red-tailed Hawks, two of which were very dark morph birds. One Red-tail was feeding on the carcass of a White-tailed Deer and we witnessed another one catch a rodent. It quickly bit off two chunks and then swallowed the rest whole. A female American Kestrel was the only falcon of the day and in patches of ice-free water we added Common Goldeneye, Lesser Scaup and Bufflehead. Just before arriving at the ferry wharf we were thrilled by a male Northen Harrier, silvery and ghostly, patrolling the fields in search of food.
We left on the 16:00h ferry and were accompanied by sixteen Mallards.
It had been a very successful day indeed.
As has been our practice over the last few years we spent the night at the Best Western Hotel in Belleville. The price ($126.00 per night) is really quite ridiculous for Belleville in mid-winter. We may reconsider this arrangement next year, especially since on this occasion we had the misfortune to be staying at the same time as a bunch of youngsters in town for a hockey tournament along with their parents. I fully appreciate the boisterous nature of youth, but not when it involves running up and down the hallway of the hotel yelling and screaming! Our heater controls were erratic and mostly we could not coax hot air out of the register.
We find that after a day’s birding we don’t really feel like getting ready to go out for dinner, so we had taken food with us to eat in the room - and delicious it was too. Our feast comprised Asiago Cheese, Noah Martin’s Summer Sausage, Baba Ghanouj and rice crackers, all washed down with a fine Robertson Winery Shiraz which we had discovered in South Africa. For dessert we had a delicious selection of fresh fruit.

11 January, 2009
A continental breakfast was included with the room at the Best Western Hotel. It was served from 06:00h to 10:00h. We arrived there around 08:00h. One of the items was a miniature omelette filled with peppers and onions. It was quite tasty, but there was only one left - and when we say miniature we mean it - two perhaps three bites. Another fellow asked whether more were coming and he was simply told "No." No explanation, no justification, no logic nor reason - just "No;" this a full two hours before the termination of the "Complimentary Deluxe Continental Breakfast."
As a complete aside, the first hotel chain that offers breakfast food with real flatware, plates etc will receive my patronage. I am appalled at the amount of disposable items used at one of these breakfasts. Every single item is packaged in and served on throw-away material.
While driving down Highway 401 we decided to extend our trip a little by calling at Whitby Harbour and Cranberry Marsh to do a little birding before continuing on home.

Whitby Harbour

We had thought we might see both Great Black-backed and American Herring Gull at the harbour, with a chance for Iceland and Glaucous. None of these species were there! The highlight was a couple of Trumpeter Swans, but we also added Mute Swan and Red-breasted Merganser for the trip.

Cranberry Marsh

The first bird we saw was a stunning female Northern Goshawk. What a magnificent bird this is - big and powerful and regal.
It was very pleasant to run into some old friends and the birding was great too. At the feeders near the hawk watch platform there were large numbers of American Tree Sparrows much to our delight, as well as an over-wintering White-throated Sparrow. The local birders told us that Rusty Blackbirds had been frequenting the feeders occasionally, but none showed up while we were there.
There was a tree full of Mourning Doves, many of which had a decidedly pink hue. It was all very beautiful with the dark green of the conifers and the pristine white of the snow. Everywhere one looked next year’s Christmas card was waiting to be taken.
While driving out along Hall’s Road we were treated to the fine spectacle of about twenty-five White-winged Crossbills.

Benjamin Park Trail, Waterloo

Just minutes before arriving home, Miriam spotted a flock of birds fly into the top of a tree on the Benjamin Park Trail, in a location where she thought she might have had Common Redpoll on her walk a couple of days ago. Indeed, this is what they turned out to be - a first for the winter and a first for the year.

All Species Seen
Canada Goose Abundant
Mute Swan Common
Trumpeter Swan 2
Mallard 20
Lesser Scaup 40
Bufflehead 7
Common Goldeneye 50
Red-breasted Merganser 2
Northern Harrier 5
Northern Goshawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 8
Rough-legged Hawk 10
American Kestrel 1
Ring-billed Gull 10
Common Pigeon Common
Mourning Dove Common
Snowy Owl 9
Long-eared Owl 2
Short-eared Owl 5
Boreal Owl 1
Northern Saw-Whet Owl 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 5
Black-capped Chickadee Abundant
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Blue Jay 18
American Crow Common
European Starling Common
House Sparrow Common
House Finch 2
White-winged Crossbill 25
Common Redpoll 20
American Goldfinch 3
American Tree Sparrow 50
White-throated Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco Common
Snow Bunting 40
Northern Cardinal 4

Total species 38