Long Point Area Past Field Trips

Fisherville AreaTop

7 February 2009 Fisherville Area, Haldimand‐Norfolk County

Leader: David Milsom.

On 7 Feb, 26 birders enjoyed a windy 5 degree day in the Fisherville area and along Lake Erie. An early visit to Ruthven Park produced several Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin, Tufted Titmouse and Red‐bellied Woodpecker (the first of 7 for the day).

On River Road near Indian Line south of Cayuga another Tufted Titmouse, Chipping, White‐throated and Song Sparrows were seen. Two flocks of Snow Buntings and a number of Horned Larks were found along the sideroads.

Raptors as usual were a highlight: Cooper’s and Sharp‐shinned Hawks, many Red‐tailed and Rough‐legged Hawks, American Kestrels, Northern Harrier, a Golden Eagle (1st‐year), and 6 Bald Eagles near Nanticoke.

Over 100 Wild Turkeys, 2 more Tufted Titmice, a Flicker and 3 Eastern Bluebirds were other good finds.

At the warm water area off Nanticoke in Lake Erie were 6 male and a female Canvasback. Along the creek were 6 Great Blue Herons.

At Nelles Corners at the feed mill were at least 10 Brown‐headed Cowbirds. Unable to find owls at the Fisherville Raptor Reserve, the group waited patiently behind the Hagersville Dump until just before dusk when 6 Short‐eared Owls were seen hunting. 56 species were seen for the day.

Many thanks to Wayne Bullock for his assistance with this trip, and to those who sent me emails.

2 February 2008 Fisherville Area, Haldimand‐Norfolk County

Leader: Dave Milsom.

21 birders enjoyed a cloudy but snow‐free day in the Haldimand‐Norfolk area today finding 49 species of birds, 8 White‐tailed Deer and a Beaver. Bird highlights included 2 Short‐eared Owls at the Fisherville Raptor Reserve, an Eastern Screech‐Owl seen by all the group along River Road near Cayuga, 500+ Snow Buntings in a field off RR # 3, 1 Tufted Titmouse, an adult White‐crowned Sparrow, 10 Red‐bellied Woodpeckers, 8 Bald Eagles around Nanticoke, 4 Song Sparrows, a Carolina Wren at Selkirk Provincial Park, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 50+ Horned Larks, 24 Cedar Waxwings, 6 Rough‐legged Hawks (both light and dark morph), 3 Northern Harriers, 14 American Kestrels and 2 Northern Shrikes.

We were pleased to show several life birds to Betty, visiting from New Jersey, and many of our OFO members.

Reported by Dave Milsom.

3 February 2007 Fisherville Area, Haldimand‐Norfolk County

Leader: John Miles.

We knew it would be very difficult to attempt to follow in John Miles’ footsteps but we never realized just how difficult.

Eighteen OFO birders set out from Cayuga on a never‐to‐be‐forgotten day. After good views of Tufted Titmouse and Red‐bellied Woodpecker (also Song Sparrow) on River Road in the driving snow, we attempted to drive south to the next stop. A brief look at a light morph Rough‐legged Hawk and a flock of Snow Buntings was followed by nothing ‐ we could not even see the road. A tortuous crawl south and west mercifully ended at the village of Selkirk and a wonderful restaurant. At this point we decided to abandon the area. At Nelles Corners a female Brown‐headed Cowbird was seen fleetingly in the swirl. Bypassing Hagersville, we headed for Hamilton Airport. No birds there either but we did see a WestJet plane make a difficult landing.

On to LaSalle Marina where we could finally bird. Great views of Eastern Towhee, Brown Thrasher, Carolina Wren, two Pied‐billed Grebes, American Coots, Trumpeter Swans, Canvasback, Redhead, Hooded Merganser, and a flying Red‐throated Loon. Eastport bridge over Red Hill Creek provided Ring‐necked Duck, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Double‐crested Cormorant and Black‐crowned Night‐Heron. A first year Glaucous Gull flew near the lift bridge but we saw no Peregrine Falcon. We then drove to Humber Bay Park East, Toronto, where we had superb views of the male Harlequin Duck, three Surf Scoters, a Ruddy Duck and a Beaver.

Total species: 56.

Reported by Dave Milsom.

5 February 2005 Fisherville Area, Haldimand-Norfolk County

Leader: John Miles

Once again John Miles provided OFO birders with a memorable trip through the Haldimand area. Fifty-four birders in 20 cars managed to traverse the back roads without a hitch thanks to John's leading and the use of radios.

We saw forty-five species despite heavy fog shrouding the fields in the first part of the morning. As soon as the sun broke through, an Eastern Screech-Owl was found "sunbathing". Other good finds before lunch included a Common Grackle, Horned Larks, two Cooper's Hawks, many Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks, several American Kestrels, a Tufted Titmouse, a Red-bellied Woodpecker, a Brown-headed Cowbird, and a Glaucous Gull. Afternoon birding along Lake Erie resulted in all three mergansers and all three swans being seen, plus a Northern Mockingbird and two immature Bald Eagles harassing a dark morph Rough-legged Hawk near Nanticoke. Our final stop at the Fisherville Raptor Reserve was probably the highlight of the day: first, a Northern Harrier, then nine Short-eared Owls all perched along the road in full sunlight.

Reported by Dave Milsom

7 February 2004 Fisherville Area, Haldimand-Norfolk County

Leader: John Miles.

Around 40 OFO members and friends met at the Cayuga High School for a tour of the back roads and byways of Haldimand County and a side trip into Norfolk. The roads were in good shape and the blue sky was peeking out as we left the school and headed towards the Fisherville area in a convoy of 20 vehicles. Except for a cold northwest wind, a pleasant day. Unfortunately nice days often make birding tough and birds were not plentiful today.

Near the raptor preserve a Short-eared Owl was found and remained perched for all to see. Along the road were several Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks. We headed towards Hagersville finding more red-tails and several rough-legs. Alone the 10th concession 300 Rock Pigeons, Horned Larks and Snow Buntings were on a field with a fresh coating of manure. At the edge of Hagersville a Northern Mockingbird flew across the road and perched out in the open. The group then headed west towards LaSalette. On the way several species were encountered including a Red-bellied Woodpecker but overall it was quiet. The LaSalette Gray Partridge were lying low today and despite checking the usual spots they were not in evidence.

Then we headed south and east checking out another usual spot for Gray Partridge but again drew a blank. We headed down to near Turkey Point and then east checking several bird feeders. At the feeders we added several species to the day's list including Common Redpoll, Brown-headed Cowbird, both nuthatches and White-throated Sparrow.

Off Port Ryerse were nine Mute Swans, a female Hooded Merganser, two Black Ducks, a Common Goldeneye and several Canada Geese in a small patch of open water, while several hundred metres off shore in a large section of open water were Greater Scaup and Common Mergansers. In the eagle tree near the Nanticoke hydro plant perched eight Bald Eagles of various ages. Across the road and over three fields out in the open eight Wild Turkeys made excellent viewing through the scopes. We finished up on the Sandusk Rd. with a couple of hundred Snow Buntings skipping over a corn stubble field. The group recorded 37 species for the day.

Reported by John Miles

8 February 2003, Fisherville Area, Haldimand-Norfolk County

Leader: John Miles

Nearly 80 OFO'ers and friends assembled at the Cayuga High School and after car pooling, 28 cars and vans departed at about 9:15 a.m. but not before a Cooper's Hawk flew by. Despite the mainly sunny conditions, there were near gale-force winds blowing making it bone chilling to be out of the cars too long. Many birds kept out of sight and hunkered down. At our first stop, where there are very good feeders, a fortunate few caught sight of a female pheasant before it faded back into the underbrush. A White-throated Sparrow was a little more co-operative. Along the town line, a Northern Shrike was in the bottom of a bush beside the road but took off for parts unknown very quickly. Further down the road a Northern Flicker flew into a woodlot and disappeared past a perched Red-tailed Hawk, one of many seen during the day. Many Red-tails were perched, often low down on the leeward side of the woodlots out of the wind. Along the 5th concession, the group saw many Short-eared Owls, several which were close enough for photo opportunities

Even with poor lighting conditions thousands of Common Mergansers were seen tucked in beside the power plant dock, but there were no eagles.

Heading north, we stopped below the dam at Caledonia where Common Goldeneye and Buffleheads were in fairly close. Across the river was a male Hooded Merganser. Leaving Caledonia, we took the back roads south and a fortunate few caught a quick glimpse of a male Eastern Bluebird along the 3rd concession.

Along the West River Road, just south of the Indiana Line, a woodpecker landed high up in a tree around 150 metres away where it remained. Through the scopes, the white patches on the wings and a tint of red on the head revealed an adult Red-headed Woodpecker. Before turning off the Rickert Rd. onto the Indian Line, a light-phase Rough-legged Hawk cruised by the group. Back to the raptor preserve, where the Short-eared Owls were again observed and by now the Northern Harriers were out hunting. Three were noted, including an adult male that even perched on the ground while our second Rough-legged Hawk flew by.

We continued onwards to the eagle tree, picking up our fourth Northern Harrier for the day perched on the ground in a hay field. At the eagle tree, an immature Bald Eagle was perched for all to see. From here we broke up and headed our separate ways after a tough birding day. The group was fortunate to record about 35 species for the day under very trying conditions.

Reported by John Miles

9 February 2004 Fisherville Area, Haldimand-Norfolk County

Leader: John Miles.

The host assembled at the high school in Cayuga and some carpooling was arranged. After John Miles reviewed our basic convoy protocol, 27 vehicles turned north on Highway #54. We stopped to view a pair of adult Bald Eagles, perched along the Grand River, south of York. We crossed to the west driving downriver to the rapids, where we saw only Common Mergansers, Mallards and Canada Geese.

The convoy continued south on River Road but somehow the back 16 became separated from the front 11. Eventually, after a short discussion, the back 16 decided to head to the Smith's Longspur location on Concession 2 north of Hagersville in hopes of reattaching the tail to the head. The surgery was successful as the tail arrived from the north, whilst the head came from the south. Within an hour, just about everyone had satisfactory looks at the star attraction and a facilities break was called for. From the Hagersville Tim Hortons, 20 vehicles headed off to the back of the Cayuga Speedway, where an incredible 10 or 12 Short-eared Owls flew and perched in the bright sunshine. We had ample chances to study these fabulous birds with binoculars and telescopes. From here we continued on to Taquanyah Conservation Area to eat lunch and enjoy the company of two Northern Mockingbirds. We tried for the Common Snipe and Killdeer that were last seen prior to the snow and ice storm at the open water/mud, but only managed to disturb a Song Sparrow.

At the feeders on Reg. #9 we saw only the usual feeder birds and so we carried on to the Erie shore. Here we had a good number of Tundra Swans, several duck species and a couple of Bonaparte's Gulls with the more usual ones.

At Selkirk Provincial Park we found 5 Long-eared Owls, the first of which was particularly skittish, but by slowly and carefully approaching these birds, we were all able to get decent looks at them.

After the trip was officially over, 3 or 4 vehicles proceeded to the Raptor Preserve at dusk and we saw 3 or 4 female and 1 male Northern Harriers as well as about another 4/5 Short-eared owls - can you ever see too many owls?

The day was a great success and we had about 40 species in total.

Reported by Maris Apse

10 February 2001 Fisherville Area, Haldimand-Norfolk County

Led by John Miles.

Seventeen brave souls gathered at the Cayuga High School parking lot despite winter storm warnings, high winds and dropping temperatures. The first stop was at Ruthven Park where the bander-in-charge of the Haldimand Bird Observatory field station there told the group some of the better species of birds that have been found there. A Bald Eagle was spotted in the distance soaring over the Grand River. Some of the sharp-eyed birders spotted the Red-bellied Woodpecker flying back and forth below the eagle.

The next stop was the 4th line where over 20 Red-tailed Hawks were spotted. A few Horned Larks were spotted as we went around the country block on onto the MacKenzie Road. Just west of Reg. Rd. #9 on Reg. #20, we pulled over as the field was full of Snow Buntings with a few Horned Larks and some Lapland Longspurs mixed in. Here we were hit with another snow streamer that again reduced visibility to 100 feet or less. We retired to Tim Horton's to wait for the streamer to subside. We returned back along Reg. Rd. #20 and stopped at the first field west of where we had been earlier. It too was full of Snow Buntings, a few Horned Larks and Lapland Longspurs. The next field to the east still was full of birds. An estimate of 5000 Snow Buntings may have been low.

We meandered the back roads to the 6th concession of South Cayuga where a Short-eared Owl was located in a Red Cedar. It took off landing in an apple tree and then flew around for all to see. Continuing east we were again hit with another heavy snow streamer but safely made our way into Selkirk where it cleared and then headed west stopping at the eagle tree. Here a 1st year Bald Eagle was perched fairly close to the road. It was joined by a second bird and they took to the air and played tag over the wood lot while in the back ground two more eagles were spotted.

Along the lake east of the Nanticoke Power Generating Station we spotted our 6th Bald Eagle for the day that came fairly close during its fly by. Several hundred Common Mergansers were tucked in close to shore near the power plant. At Peacock Point a male Red-winged Blackbird and several Brown-headed Cowbirds were mixed in with a flock of Starlings.

We headed east along the lakeshore picking up several species of waterfowl including both species of Scaup. Another Short-eared Owl was spotted in the trees between the road and the lake. This bird flushed and flew around out over the lake.

Near Dunnville an immature male Snowy Owl was spotted sitting on the ice. This bird flew a couple of times giving the group good looks of a Snowy Owl in flight. Along King's Row a light phase Rough-leg gave the group a good view as it sat on the ground before lifting up and coming across the road in front of us. We headed into Dunnville and to Tim Horton's to warm up again where nearly 200 cowbirds flew over as we got out of the cars.

Long PointTop

7 February 2009 Long Point

Leaders: Bob Stamp, John Olmsted and Jim Heslop .

On Saturday 14 March, about 40 birders met at St. Williams Forestry Station for a day of birding the Long Point area. The day dawned sunny and mild and this year Long Point Bay was ice‐free making for a great day for waterfowl viewing.

Birding highlights: Thousands of ducks and Tundra Swans peppered and salted Long Point Bay. Especially rejuvenating were the uplifting calls of the swans as groups flew low overhead, while we walked and waded a portion of the A Concession in particular. At least 25 Snow Geese of both blue and white morphs also were on the bay. From the viewing stand on the causeway, we watched as a “flock” of eight cavorting immature Bald Eagles put on an awe‐inspiring aerial show.

From the viewing stand at Lee Brown's Waterfowl Sanctuary the group was especially appreciative of a half dozen Sandhill Cranes that circled and landed in the adjacent field.

Kinglets and creepers, recent early spring migrants such as Great Blue Herons, Killdeer, Horned Larks, and four species of blackbirds, lingering American Tree Sparrows, juncos and Pine Siskins as well as resident Wild Turkeys and Eastern Bluebirds added to our grab bag of species for the day.

A special thank you to:

Bird Studies Canada for again permitting us to lunch at their Old Cut Banding Station,

Steve Thorpe for finding the group a Glaucous Gull through the heat haze on a flooded field on Lakeshore Road,

Diane Salter for allowing us to finish the day enjoying the parade of species coming to her many well‐stocked feeders near Walsingham and, last but not least, to those in the group who car‐pooled, making the “train” through the countryside much more manageable.

Good birding from your reporter Jim Heslop.

15 March 2008 Long Point

Leader: George Pond.

49 people in 23 cars (after pooling) traveled from Wild Turkey Point to Long Point. The group identified 59 species but as usual in a group of this size everyone missed several species seen by others. Highlights included thousands of Tundra Swans sitting on the ice in the bay, swimming in any open water, sitting in the fields and flying overhead. Against the blue of the sky they made an impressive sight indeed. Several Sandhill Cranes were seen by all as was a mature Bald Eagle sitting on the ice. Some saw a Hermit Thrush at Old Cut. As usual on this trip some saw their first American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Grackle and Killdeer for the year. Spring was certainly in the air.

Many thanks to Barry Jones, Jim Heslop and Bob Stamp for leading the large convoy of vehicles and to Diane Salter for her bird feeders where we saw our only Pine Siskins and Common Redpolls and later Red‐bellied and Hairy Woodpeckers and White‐throated Sparrows. Thanks also to Bird Studies Canada for the use of the Old Cut Visitor Centre for lunch and washroom facilities.

Reported by George Pond.

17 March 2007 Long Point Area

Leaders: George Pond, Barry Jones, Jim Heslop, Bob Stamp.

28 eager birders showed up for the Long Point OFO trip despite the terrible driving conditions. However as the day progressed the weather became better, but remained cold and windy.

The three target birds, Tundra Swan, Bald Eagle and Sandhill Crane, were all seen. Spectacular views of 19 Sandhill Cranes very close to the road were the highlight of the trip. Other birds reported by the group included Northern Shrike, Rusty Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Screech‐Owl, Turkey Vulture, 16 species of duck, Cackling Goose and Chipping Sparrow. Everyone had spectacular views of a Fox Sparrow at the Old Cut Banding Station.

In all, 60 species of birds were identified but as usual on an outing like this not everyone saw every bird.

Thanks to Stu McKenzie of Bird Studies Canada for the use of the Old Cut Visitor Centre for lunch and a pit stop. Thanks also to my co‐leaders Barry Jones, Jim Heslop and Bob Stamp.

Reported by George E. Pond.

17 June 2006 Long Point

Seventeen enthusiastic birders, led by John Miles and assisted by George Pond, enjoyed a hot, sunny day in the Long Point area, with a tally of 98 species. That’s just the number of bird species. Of course, when you are with John, you are also introduced to a wide range of the plants and trees that help make Long Point such a pleasure to visit.

The birds seemed unusually quiet, but the sharp ears of John and others in our group were still able to identify a lot of great birds. Here are just some of the highligh

ts:

• Cerulean, Golden‐winged, Blue‐winged, Hooded and Prothonotary Warblers, among a total of 14 of that family.
• Such dazzling favourites as Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Rose‐breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Meadowlark and Bobolinks.
• A Ruby‐throated Hummingbird doing its back and forth display flight.
• Ruffed Grouse and Wood Duck families.
• Broad‐winged Hawks.
• Pied‐billed Grebe, Common Moorhen and Great Egret; Forster’s and Black Terns.

At the end of a long, rewarding day, Jean Iron thanked John on behalf of the OFO and of all of us who participated for sharing his breadth of knowledge of the natural history of the area.

Reported by Ian Cannell.

18 March 2006 Long Point Area

19 car‐loads of OFO members eager to beat the cold and find some interesting birds were not disappointed. A total of 71 species were recorded despite the cold and wind. Narrowly missing the Eurasian Wigeon at Lee Brown’s was our only real setback. Best finds were a Lesser Yellowlegs with Killdeer and 2 Tree Swallows along Concession 1, a Pectoral Sandpiper along Concession A road, and in the woods at Big Creek along the same road: Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Brown Creeper, Red‐bellied Woodpecker, and Golden‐crowned Kinglets. 19 species of ducks were seen, including Canvasback, Blue‐winged and Green‐winged Teal, Redhead and 15 Ruddy Ducks. Other good finds were Pied‐billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Rough‐legged Hawk, Northern Harrier, 5 Bald Eagles, about 250 American Coots, Great Horned Owl, Fox and Chipping Sparrows, and a flock of Rusty Blackbirds.

Many thanks to George Pond who led this outing, ably assisted by Jim Heslop and Bob Stamp.

Reported by Dave Milsom.

19 March 2005 Long Point Area

Led by Jim Heslop and Bob Stamp

About 40 OF members in 19 cars toured Long Point region looking for early migrants and viewing the Tundra Swan migration spectacle. The swans were everywhere, more than 10,000 in the fields and in the air all day. Just to hear their calls was worth the trip. Altogether counting any bird seen by at least one participant, we tallied 58 species on the day.

Highlights: Golden Eagle seen sitting in a tree, then flying south of 2nd Concession 2 km west of Highway 59; two groups of Sandhill Cranes among the swans in the corn fields on the north side of Front Road west of Highway 59; a grey morph Eastern Screech-Owl in a Wood Duck box at Big Creek on A Concession; two adult Bald Eagles; a Green-winged Teal at Silver Lake in Port Dover; and White-crowned Sparrow and Carolina Wren in Fishers Glen. There was a surprising number of waterfowl considering the lack of open water and the cold weather this month. Three Horned Grebes were at the bridge on the causeway. We watched Pine Siskins and a Red-bellied Woodpecker at a feeder near Old Cut and on the 6th Concession.

Long Point is located at the south end of Highway 59 and most of the area covered was on the west side of Highway 59. Fishers Glen is on Lake Erie between Port Dover and Port Rowan. Report by Barry Jones. OF thanks Barry Jones and co-leaders Jim Heslop and Bob Stamp for an enjoyable day.

19 June 2004 Long Point Area

Leader: John Miles.

Cool temperatures and gusty winds diminished song, but we saw and heard many elusive woodland species thanks to John's keen eyes and ears. We birded mainly the trails in Backus Woods and the famed Wilson Tract, which were sheltered from the strong wind. Highlights were 2 singing Prairie Warblers, 2 singing Acadian Flycatchers, 5 singing Hooded Warblers, a singing Mourning Warbler in full view and a singing Yellow-throated Vireo. Other interesting sightings were a male Scarlet Tanager at eye level probably keeping low because of the high winds in the treetops, 4 Blackburnian Warblers, an Orchard Oriole, a Vesper Sparrow, a Grasshopper Sparrow, and all six species of regularly occurring swallows in southern Ontario. The group enjoyed a visit to the farm of Mary Gartshore and Peter Carson, who grow Carolinian plants to restore the natural vegetation of southern Ontario. Late in the afternoon from the viewing stand overlooking Big Creek Marsh, we had a fine view of a flying Least Bittern, which was an excellent way to end the field trip.

Reported by Ron Pittaway and Jean Iron

20 March 2004 Long Point and Vicinity

Leader George Pond.

More than 20 stalwart birders met George Pond at the icy St.Williams Forestry station parking lot. It was raining/sleeting as George went over the day's plans. Barry Jones and Jim Heslop had seen a flock of Wild Turkey on their way, so we first drove around the corner, north on County Rd. #16, but could not relocate these.

The caravan then headed to Hwy #59, where we stopped to observe a large mixed flock of blackbirds made up of Common Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds and European Starlings. Horned Larks and Mourning Doves were also seen here. There were at least four Rusty Blackbirds at the marsh on Conc. A. plus a Song Sparrow and Downy Woodpecker. On both sides of the West 1/4 Line, south of Conc. A. we encountered many Tundra Swans, Canada Geese, Northern Pintail and other "puddle" ducks. A highlight was seeing 13 to 15 Sandhill Cranes, a pair of which eventually landed close to our position.

We next stopped at Lee Brown's on County Rd. #42 and watched many American Wigeons and Green-winged Teals, Ring-necked Ducks, some Wood Ducks and Killdeer. At the Port Rowan lagoon, we had Ring-necked Duck, and added Lesser Scaup and Bufflehead and then drove down to the bay. Here we saw many American Coots, Redheads and more. On the causeway we had at least six Pied-billed Grebes, Hooded and Common Mergansers, Canvasback and Common Goldeneye and a Bald Eagle way out on the ice. We made a welcome lunch stop at the Long Point Bird Observatory Old Cut banding station, which gave us a chance to dry out and warm up. Two Eastern Meadowlarks obligingly flew into a tree across the road for all to admire.

On the return trip over the causeway, a Bald Eagle was seen in flight and everyone was able to see this adult bird well, when it landed in a tree out in the Big Creek marsh, in spite of the raw wind and rain. We headed east towards Turkey Point, stopping once or twice to view waterfowl. At TP we saw another Bald Eagle at a great distance and a Mink crossing the marina ice. Just west of Fisher's Glen, George spotted an Eastern Bluebird, but in the driving rain we could not re-locate it, however there were many American Robins trying to shelter from the weather here. Our last stop was at Port Ryerse, where a fourth Bald Eagle was seen by some and here we bid each other our farewells. Another successful field trip in somewhat challenging weather conditions and enjoyed by all.

On the return to the Forestry Station to pick up cars a remnant group of us finally got to see 21 Wild Turkeys as they grazed in a field. Another group found the Barrow's Goldeneye at Lasalle Park in Hamilton on the way home.

Reported by Maris Apse

22 March 2003 Long Point and Vicinity

Leader: George Pond.

Despite a raw, damp, misty and rainy day 35 birders in 16 vehicles toured the Lake Erie shoreline from Port Ryerse to Long Point. Long Point bay is still frozen but there was lots of open water at Port Ryerse and Turkey Point where there were thousands of Greater Scaup with some Redhead and Canvasback mixed in. Later we came across a small group of Ring-necked Ducks. In all, some 56 species of birds were seen or heard by the group. Highlights included Tundra Swans on the fields and flying, a Bald Eagle, great looks by all of Sandhill Cranes, a Great Horned Owl on a nest, 18 species of ducks and geese, Eastern Bluebirds, a singing Carolina Wren and a calling Red-bellied Woodpecker. Although not as good as last year's 69 species, it was considered a fairly successful day by all.

8 June 2002 Long Point and Vicinity

Leader: John Miles.

Eighteen OFO birders assembled on Saturday at 6:00 a.m. at the parking lot of the St. Williams Forestry Station. We proceeded north up the east side of the Forestry Station to the sand road and started west. Just past where the cold water creek crosses the road we had a singing Dark-eyed Junco, while at the corner a Blue-winged Warbler was singing. Along the sand road Scarlet Tanagers and Indigo Buntings were singing almost everywhere. At the 1/4 Line the singing Prairie Warbler was quickly found perched in the open. A Chestnut-sided Warbler put on similar performance and even a Yellow-rumped Warbler appeared. Kitty corner across the intersection, an Eastern Towhee was playing robin on the lawn of the old cemetery (an old name for towhee is ground robin), and a pair of Eastern Bluebirds was in the oak tree. A Green Heron flew over.

Proceeding west towards Walsingham, a Bay-winged Bunting (an old name for Vesper Sparrow) was singing from the top of an irrigation nozzle in a field where we scoped it, while Boblinks were in the field on the other side of the road. We took the 2nd road west of Walsingham south to Regional Road 60, stopping at the old iron bridge, where a Blackburnian was heard up the creek. A Blue-winged Warbler dropped by for a second or two before moving off into the underbrush.

Turning south off Regional Road 60 towards the Wilson Tract we stopped at the Timpf's farm and walked back to their ravine where Louisiana Waterthrushes are resident alone the creek, but they did not put in an appearance. The Timpf's orchard produced 6 species of sparrows: Vesper, Savannah, Field, Chipping, Song and Grasshopper.

The walk into the Wilson Tract produced singing Scarlet Tanagers and Ovenbirds. On the way back out an Acadian Flycatcher was heard numerous times and brief glimpses were obtained, while overhead was a Yellow-throated Vireo. A walk into the tract on the south side of the road flushed a Ruffed Grouse. A couple of members located a Mourning Warbler and a couple of Louisiana Waterthrushes along the road.

We continued west and then south to the Front Road stopping for lunch at Lee Browns where we added such exotics as Mallard and Rock Dove to the day's list. Three Cliff Swallows were on the wires just west of the picnic tables, while Purple Martins were around the martin houses across the road.

A walk around Old Cut produced Carolina Wren and Willow Flycatcher. A Black-billed Cuckoo flew over pursued by a Common Grackle. A Ruby-throated Hummingbird sat in the open. Next stop was the Long Point dykes. At least a cool breeze was coming off the lake. There were numerous Marsh Wrens and a dozen or so Black Terns. A few Common Moorhens were heard but not seen. On the way back an first summer Little Gull flew by closely several times.

There were only Tree Swallows at the Port Rowan sewage lagoons. The pond beside the new Bird Studies Canada headquarters had 5 species of shorebirds: Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Dunlin. On the road through Backus Woods, a Cerulean Warbler was singing and finally located high up in a tree along the edge of the pond where it was out on a dead branch. At 4:30 p.m. we headed back to the Forestry Station where the pooled cars had been left and called it a day. About 90 species, including 14 species of warblers, had being located by the group, but not one single hawk or eagle.

Reported by John Miles

23 March 2002 Long Point and Vicinity

Leader: George Pond.

Thirty participants saw a total of 69 species. We visited Port Ryerse, Fishers Glen, Turkey Point, St. Williams, several viewing points along Lake Erie, Old Cut Banding Station (banding starts April 1), the Long Point Causeway, Big Creek Marsh and Lee Brown Wildlife Area.

Highlights were:

7 Pied-billed and 2 Horned Grebes

Thousands of ducks of 20 species

Hundreds of Tundra Swans along the causeway and in the fields to the north

1 immature Bald Eagle

1 Sandhill Crane beside the causeway

+20 adult Little Gulls at Turkey Point

1 Eastern Screech-Owl on Concession A

1 Red-bellied Woodpecker at Fishers Glen

Reported by Jean Iron

10 June 2000 Long Point

Led by John Miles

Ann White reports: John Miles led an excellent trip in this area. We started at the St. William's Forestry Station, where the first thing we noticed was the smallness of the group compared with most O.F.O. trips. We thought perhaps the early start, 6.30 a.m., had discouraged all but the most dedicated. About 12 birders were there all day, with some others coming and going through the morning, as we explored the Backus woods area.

Although the weather was fine, there was a strong wind, which made birdsong scarce, but in a lull we were able to pick up Prairie, seen well by everyone, but not the Wormeating Warbler on its territory. A Blue-winged Warbler obligingly sat on a wire for us, and other birds such as Scarlet Tanager, Towhee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee and Rose-breasted Grosbeak made their presence known in the woods. A large shape in a tree turned out to be a vulture, and its red head showed well in the sun, as we watched Chimney Swifts fly high above it. Surprisingly, the lack of warbler song turned into a bonus, because we started to look around us, and though birds of course were the main focus, we started to study trees, butterflies, and ferns. Our trip turned into a wonderful "nature outing". We smelled the Sassafras leaf, and that of the Spicebush, (nice), and then the Carrion flower, and Skunk Cabbage, (yuk), and John introduced us to the Dwarf Chinquapin Oak, at its only location in Canada. Mature oaks barely 6 feet tall! In contrast were the Tulip trees, tall and stately, reaching high into the canopy before branching. We saw their tulip-like flowers, and distinctive leaves. Lots of Tiger Swallowtails were patrolling the sandy roads, and this was the most prevalent butterfly species. The best sighting however was that of Red-spotted Purples. A group of three very fresh ones, clustered together on a tree trunk and became a photographer's dream, with one basking with open wings, and one right beside it with wings closed; all the field marks in one view. Then there were the ferns. We saw 10 species through the day. John identified them and told us how to remember different species. The Cinnamon with its fruiting body that colour, the Interrupted, with the fruiting bodies "interrupting" the leaflets on the stem, the Lady, with hairy legs, and the delicate Ebony Spleenwort with its black central rib.

But back to birds. An Acadian Flycatcher was heard, and we all watched. Below us was a wooded creek, and soon someone's sharp eyes spotted the bird, for the rest of us to see. Then we drove to a spot where a Prothonotary, and Ceruleans were nesting. No singing, so about to leave we got back into our cars, when I inadvertently set off my car alarm. The Prothonotary sang quite close to us, and the Ceruleans started to sing overhead! Brief looks were seen of them high in the canopy. We went to the Gartshore-Carson farm for our picnic lunch, picked up hummingbird and Grasshopper Sparrow, then moved on to another area. We had heard secret mutterings about a treat in store for us for some time. Here it was. A scope was set up, and three by three we went into the wood. On the way we saw a Blue-headed Vireo nest, and listened to the male singing. When we reached the scope we found it was trained on a Hooded Warbler nest, with young in, and the parents feeding them. We were able to watch visits by both male and female. Many thanks to those who planned that. That was the highest highlight of the day, but we went on to visit the marsh, with Black Terns, Marsh Wrens and an American Bittern doing an obliging flypast, Port Rowan lagoons and the lake overlook in town, finishing the day with 103 species in total. Great for a breezy June day. Thanks to John Miles for leading us.

When I reached home there was a message- a hotline call- “A Black Vulture at Backus woods, hanging around, eating a dead raccoon.........

Niagara River Gull WatchTop

29 November 2009 Niagara River Gull Watch

Leaders: Ron Tozer, Jean Iron.

Today’s annual OFO field trip to the Niagara River was a great success. Between 50‐60 birders attended the outing in fine balmy weather and ideal viewing conditions. We saw a respectable 10 species of gulls. Most people were interested in learning the fine points of gull identification. We had excellent views of perched Thayer’s Gulls at Adam Beck Lookout allowing the group to compare them to Herring Gulls and “Kumlien’”’ Iceland Gulls.

• Little Gull: 1 adult at the Whirlpool and another adult above the Falls near the barge.
• Bonaparte’s Gull: Abundant.
• Ring‐billed Gull: Common.
• California Gull: Third basic (winter) individual seen at about 3 p.m. from Adam Beck Overlook flying around in front of American dam on the right side.
• Herring Gull: Abundant.
• Thayer’s Gull: 2 adults and 1 juvenile at Adam Beck Overlook and an adult at Chippawa in a feeding frenzy.
• “Kumlien’s” Iceland Gull: 6+ adults and 2 juveniles at Adam Beck, 1 juvenile at Chippawa and 1 juvenile at barge area.
• Lesser Black‐backed Gull: 8+ at Adam Beck, Chippawa and Goat Island on the American side.
• Glaucous Gull: 1 at Chippawa and 1 at Adam Beck.
• Great Black‐backed Gull: Many.

Some other birds seen were Hooded Mergansers at Dufferin Islands reservoir, Tufted Titmouse and Red‐bellied Woodpecker at feeders in Chippawa seen by some of the group, and 1 Tufted Titmouse at Dufferin Islands with Black‐capped Chickadees.

Gulls were very common today along the Niagara River. The anglers at the Queenston Boat Launch told us that Shiners (minnows) are plentiful this fall so the gulls have lots of food. The gull season often extends well into January, usually until there is a deep freeze.

We thank the many people who attended the trip and hope that you had an excellent day.

30 November 2008 Niagara River Gull Watch

Leaders: Ron Tozer, Jean Iron.

Today’s annual OFO field trip to the Niagara River was a huge success. We saw very respectable 10 species of gulls. Even with the threatening weather forecast close to 80 birders attended the outing. Most people were interested in learning the fine points of gull identification and how to age them.

• Little Gull: Adult at the Whirlpool.
• Bonaparte’s Gull: Abundant including one probable leucistic individual.
• Ring‐billed Gull: Common.
• California Gull: Second basic individual seen by members who stayed behind at Adam Beck when most of us went to the Whirlpool.
• Herring Gull: Abundant.
• Thayer's Gull: Adult at Adam Beck Overlook.
• Kumlien's Iceland Gull: 8+ at Adam Beck.
• Lesser Black‐backed Gull: 7+ at Adam Beck and Chippawa.
• Glaucous Gull: 2 at Chippawa.
• Great Black‐backed Gull: Many.

Other birds of note seen today were a Cackling Goose at Chippawa, Pied‐billed Grebe at Dufferin Islands reservoir, Tundra Swans at Bakers Creek, juvenile Common Loon south of Chippawa, Tufted Titmouse and Red‐bellied Woodpecker at feeders in Chippawa.

We thank the many people who attended and hope that they had an excellent day. There are still several weeks of good gulling at Niagara. The season often extends well into January usually until there is a deep freeze.

Reported by Ron Tozer and Jean Iron

Sunday, 2 November 2008 Grand Bend, Pinery Provincial Park, Kettle Point

Leader: Maris Apse.

Several flocks of birds including approximately 20 White‐winged Crossbill flew over as we assembled at the Sobeys in Grand Bend on a cool but sunny morning. Twelve vehicles with some 20 participants proceeded to the end of River Road as the main beach is closed until spring for ‘enhancements’ – major construction and landscaping. We scanned the lake and found two or three Red‐throated Loon with one eventually coming fairly close. There was relatively little movement of waterfowl and gulls, but we did see three distant Tundra Swan southbound.

Our second stop was at the Grand Bend lagoons on Mollard Line south of #81, where we walked to the third lagoon seeing some 14 species of waterfowl, including a Cackling Goose, some Ring‐necked Duck and Lesser Scaup, a few Gadwall and Long‐tailed Duck, 1 White‐winged Scoter(!), 12 to 15 American Coot and about 80 Bonaparte's Gulls. Two Pine Siskin, two American Goldfinch and a mixed blackbird flock flew over. We also saw two Song Sparrow here.

On the way to Greenway Road several Horned Lark were seen and we left some cars at the Lambton County Heritage Museum to reduce the convoy in Pinery Provincial Park. At our first stop at the big burn north of Burley Bridge, we located both juveniles and an adult Red‐headed Woodpecker, while a Red‐tailed Hawk soared over us. It was quiet at the bridge but Blake Mann was able to hear a Swamp Sparrow and a group photo was taken. I spotted a Ruffed Grouse sneaking off the roadside a bit before the Nippissing Beach trailhead and most of us were able to get some decent views of it as it hopped up on a log before flying off. The feeders at the Visitors Centre were not as busy as the ‘facilities’ but we saw House Finch and Tufted Titmouse here, before a ‘gate party’ lunch in the parking lot where we enjoyed the sun. We drove to Beach area #9 (no Pacific Loon) but Donald Pye spotted a soaring Bald Eagle with two Red‐tailed Hawk and a female Purple Finch landed near us.

While driving towards Kettle Point Blake heard Pine Siskin. Along Ipperwash Beach we saw a White‐winged Scoter and several female Black Scoters, a Killdeer as well as an adult and juvenile Great Black‐backed Gull. An adult Bald Eagle was perched out on the point and we found about 40 Black‐bellied Plover and a Dunlin on the shingles–some of the plovers were quite active giving us great looks at their black axillaries. En route south we all watched a female Northern Harrier. As we played hide and seek with several Horned Grebe, two sub‐adult Bald Eagles put on an aerobatics show.

Cedar Cove was our next stop, where we re‐found the adult Lesser Black‐backed Gull with many Horned Grebe, a closer Common Loon, Common Goldeneye, Greater Scaup, Hooded Merganser and the fifth Bald Eagle of the day. We were down to five or six vehicles at the Forest lagoons where we saw 10 Green‐winged Teal and the only Double‐crested Cormorant of the day.

Thanks to all the participants from near and far for their participation and contribution to a very enjoyable day of birding, walking and talking. The day's total species count was 66.

Reported by Maris Apse

2 December 2007 Niagara River Gull Watch

Leaders: Ron Tozer, Jean Iron.

The weather was much better and milder than expected for the 40 OFO members and friends who met this morning for the annual Niagara Gull trip. Viewing conditions were excellent. We saw 8 species of gulls: Bonaparte’s, Ring‐billed, Herring, Thayer’s, Iceland, Lesser Black‐backed, Glaucous and Great Black‐backed. Highlights were:

Adam Beck
1 adult Thayer’s Gull
5 adult and one juvenile "Kumlien’s" Iceland Gulls
2 adult Lesser Black‐backed Gulls

Above the Falls from Toronto Hydro Building to Chippawa
1 juvenile Glaucous Gull
5 adult Lesser Black‐backed Gulls

Feeders at Chippawa
1 Tufted Titmouse. The friendly homeowner on Thomas Street near Peter Street has 5 Tufted Titmice coming to his well‐stocked feeders
2 Red‐bellied Woodpeckers
1 first winter White‐crowned Sparrow

Numbers of large gulls are high and there are thousands of Bonaparte’s Gulls on the River. A large feeding frenzy off Chippawa suggests that emerald shiners (minnows) are plentiful.

We thank everyone who came from many parts of Ontario, including the Bruce Peninsula, Ottawa, London, Algonquin Park and Toronto.

Reported by Ron Tozer and Jean Iron.

3 December 2006 Niagara River Gull Watch

A large group of about 60 birders met at Sir Adam Beck lookout at 9:00 a.m. There we had excellent views of the adult California Gull, an adult Thayer’s Gull and several adult “Kumlien’s“ Iceland Gulls, an adult Lesser Black‐backed Gull and an adult Little Gull. Some were fortunate to see a juvenile Black‐legged Kittiwake. We next checked the gorge below Niagara Falls where we narrowly missed two Black‐legged Kittiwakes seen by others, but saw an adult Little Gull, another adult Thayer’s Gull and an adult Lesser Black‐backed Gull. Above the Falls on a large boulder in the river were the two Purple Sandpipers in first basic plumage. They were life birds for many of the group. About noon the Slaty‐backed Gull in third basic plumage was relocated on the concrete wall at Chippawa. It flew to the middle of the river to feed, but returned briefly to the wall where most of the group had great views through their scopes. The Slaty‐backed Gull was a lifer for most of the group. At Niagara‐on‐the‐Lake we could not find the Razorbill seen earlier in the day, but had excellent views of an adult Red‐throated Loon molting into basic (winter) plumage still with some red on its throat. We also saw two adult Little Gulls, and a few members of the group saw a juvenile Black‐legged Kittiwake. Bonaparte’s Gull numbers were low at the fly‐past. The trip ended about 4:30 p.m.

Total of 11 gull species:

• Little Gull
• Bonaparte’s Gull
• Ring‐billed Gull
• California Gull
• Herring Gull
• Thayer’s Gull
• Iceland Gull (subspecies kumlieni)
• Lesser Black‐backed Gull
• Slaty‐backed Gull
• Great Black‐backed Gull
• Black‐legged Kittiwake

We had much help finding the Slaty‐backed Gull and thank everyone who came out for an exciting day of gull watching along the Niagara River.

Reported and led by Jean Iron and Ron Tozer.

27 November 2005 Niagara River Gull Watch

Leaders: Jean Iron and Ron Tozer.

Today's OFO gull trip to the Niagara River was a success, and the warm temperatures and no wind made it a pleasant day. We found 8 species of gulls. Franklin's Gull: One in first basic plumage in late afternoon flew by the Flypast with a group of Bonaparte's Gulls at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Thayer's Gull: One adult at Adam Beck and another adult on the wall at the control gates at Chippawa. Kumlien's Iceland Gulls: Two adults at Adam Beck and one adult on the wall at the control gates at Chippawa. Lesser Black-backed Gull: one adult and two juvenile/first basic birds at Adam Beck; two adults above the falls, four adults at Chippawa. We also saw Herring Gull (abundant), Ring-billed Gull (abundant), Bonaparte's Gull (abundant), Great Black-backed Gull (uncommon). At Fort Erie we hoped to see the 1000s of Bonaparte's Gulls and 6 Little Gulls that were seen on Saturday and much of last week, but the Bonaparte's had all but disappeared overnight. Where did they go? During the Flypast at Niagara-on-the-Lake only about 750 Bonaparte's Gulls went out to roost on Lake Ontario this evening - a much lower number of Bonaparte's Gulls than usual for this date. We did not see California Gull this year so Ron Tozer checked his records to see how long we have been finding California Gull on the November Niagara trip. We observed California Gull every year back to 1995, except for 2000 and 2005.

Other Sightings: One Purple Sandpiper and one Spotted Sandpiper on the rocks straight out from the north side of the Toronto Hydro building just north of the barge above the Falls. Tundra Swans including young of the year at Bakers Creek between Chippawa and Fort Erie. Red-bellied Woodpecker and two Tufted Titmice were at feeders at Chippawa. Carolina Wren (heard), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Horned Grebes, two Red-necked Grebes, 1000s of Bufflehead, plus Black, Surf and White-winged Scoters at Fort Erie.

Ron Tozer and I thank the 40 plus participants who enjoyed gull watching today along the Niagara River.

Reported by Jean Iron

28 November 2004 Niagara River Gull Watch

Leaders: Ron Tozer and Jean Iron.

The trip was a great success: despite the rain we sighted 10 species of gulls plus one hybrid gull.

California Gull: One at Adam Beck.

Black-legged Kittiwake: One juvenile at Niagara-on-the-Lake which floated by with a raft of Bonapate's Gulls.

Little Gull: One adult winter above the Falls near the barge.

Thayer's Gull: One adult at Adam Beck.

Kumlien's Iceland Gulls: One adult and one juvenile at Adam Beck.

Lesser Black-backed Gull: One adult at Chippawa , and an adult and first winter at Adam Beck.

Nelson's Gull (Herring x Glaucous hybrid) One adult at Adam Beck.

We also saw Herring Gull (abundant), Ring-billed Gull (abundant), Bonaparte's Gull (abundant), Great Black-backed Gull (fairly common). We had good telescope views of a Purple Sandpiper on a small rocky island in the rapids near the barge above the Falls. After lunch we saw two Tufted Titmice at Chippawa and the Rufous/Allen's Humingbird at the home of Janice and Art Haines. The rarest bird of the day was a male Common Teal, which is the Eurasian subspecies of Green-winged Teal. It was with Green-winged Teal in the concrete ponds south of the Old Pump House Building, opposite Dufferin Island. At Niagara-on-the-Lake, thousands of Bonaparte's Gulls went out to Lake Ontario in the flypast.

Other reports: At the mouth of the river at Niagara-on-the-Lake were two Red-throated Loons, a Little Gull and a Glaucous Gull; Carolina Wren at Queenston Boat Launch; and a Glaucous Gull in the gorge below the Falls.

Reported by Jean Iron

30 November 2003 Niagara River Gull Watch

Leaders: Ron Tozer and Jean Iron

About 50 Ontario Field Ornithologists members enjoyed a fine day of birding along the Niagara River today. The trip began at Niagara-on-the-Lake, where highlights were several Red-throated Loons and a Red-necked Grebe. Then Sir Adam Beck produced great views of Iceland Gulls, an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and an adult Nelson's Gull (Glaucous x Herring hybrid). The group proceeded upriver to the greenhouse parking lot above the falls, and enjoyed the hundreds of perched and flying gulls there, including two or three adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls. A walk around the hydro building to see the Brant also resulted in Jean Iron spotting a Purple Sandpiper on a small island upstream from the barge. This bird was closer than is usual for the species at this location, and it was enthusiastically viewed by everyone.

After braving gale-force winds near the control gates while scoping hundreds of gulls and ducks, the group proceeded back downriver to the Whirlpool. During much scanning of wheeling Bonaparte's Gulls, we were able to pick out an adult winter Little Gull and a Bonaparte's Gull with a complete black hood there. Then we went back to Sir Adam Beck where everybody got wonderful views of the adult California Gull, and some noted an apparent second winter Thayer's Gull. We made a quick trip back to Whirlpool to look for the Black-headed Gull found by Kevin McLaughlin, but had to settle for the "thrill of the chase" on that one. We had found nine gull species for the day, but this would not be our tenth.

Later at Sir Adam Beck again, some were fortunate to see a second winter Lesser Black-backed Gull. In late afternoon, the last intrepid members of the group viewed the fly past of gulls at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Over ten thousand Bonaparte's Gulls flying downriver to roost on Lake Ontario were accompanied by three Little Gulls.

Reported by Ron Tozer

24 November 2002 Niagara River Gull Watch

Leaders: Ron Tozer and Jean Iron.

OFO's trip to the Niagara River attracted about 80 birders. We saw 11 species of gulls: Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, California Gull, Herring Gull, Thayer's Gull, Kumlien's Iceland Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull and Black-legged Kittiwake.

Highlights:

Sir Adam Beck: one adult winter (basic) California Gull, juvenile and adult winter Lesser Black-backed, adult winter Thayer's, juvenile and adult winter Kumlien's Iceland Gull.

Below the Falls: one first winter Black-legged Kittiwake.

Above the Falls: three adult winter Lesser Black-backed Gulls, one juvenile Thayer's Gull, one juvenile Kumlien's Iceland Gull.

Below the Control Gates at Chippewa: one adult winter California Gull, one adult winter Lesser Black-backed Gull, one adult winter Thayer's Gull, and a large gull almost Great Black-backed size whose mantle shade was midway between Herring and Great Black-backed, probably a Great Black-backed X Herring hybrid.

Fly-past at Niagara-on-the-Lake: one adult winter Black-headed Gull and one adult winter Little Gull.

Other birds of interest:

A Red-throated Loon at the mouth of the River, an adult Bald Eagle on the Niagara Parkway near Queenston, a pair of Carolina Wrens at Queenston Dock, one Red-necked Grebe and about six Common Loons below the Falls, one Red-necked Grebe above the control gates at Chippewa among the hundreds of scaup and Canvasbacks, many Northern Rough-winged Swallows below the control gates at Chippewa.

We'd like to thank Doug Tozer, Kevin McLaughlin, Maris Apse, Gordon Bellerby, Barbara Mann and all the birders for helping to spot the birds and make this a great day on the Niagara River.

Reported by Jean Iron and Ron Tozer

2 December 2001, Niagara River Gull Watch

Led by Ron Tozer and Jean Iron.

58 members and guests met at Niagara-on-the-Lake. The weather was perfect at about 14 degrees celsius. Total species of gulls 10: Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, "Kumlien's" Iceland Gull, Thayer's Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Bonaparte's Gull, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, California Gull. Niagara-on-the-Lake: White-winged Scoters, one juvenile Common Loon, a flock of 10 Snow Geese, one Brant and a flock of Common Redpolls.

Queenston: Thousands of Bonaparte's Gulls, the majority were adults in basic (winter) plumage. Also one Gray Catbird, one Belted Kingfisher (male), one Bald Eagle with the green tag on the right wing.

Sir Adam Beck lookout: one California Gull, one first basic and four adult Kumlien's Iceland Gulls, three Lesser Black-backed Gulls, one Thayer's Gull.

Whirlpool: Thousands of Bonaparte's Gulls, two adult Little Gulls.

Chippewa and above the falls: six Lesser Black-backed Gulls, four Iceland Gulls including two adults, one second basic and one juvenile/first basic.

Fly-past at Niagara-on-the-Lake: One Black-headed Gull, four Little Gulls, and an estimated six to 10 thousand Bonaparte's Gulls. 40 birders attended the fly-past.

3 December 2000 Niagara River Gull Watch

Led by Jean Iron and Ron Tozer.

About 50 birders were led by Ron Tozer and Jean Iron in fine early December weather. Thanks to a tip from Gordon Bellerby, we went first to the Control Dam above the Falls after meeting in Niagara-On-The-Lake, then birded north along the river ending at the Boat Launch at Queenston. We saw 9 species of gulls. The Niagara and world record is 14 species set along the river on 25 November 1995. We missed Glaucous Gull, California Gull and Black-legged Kittiwake that were seen recently.

Highlights were:

Horned Grebe: Two in winter plumage at the Control Dam.

Harlequin Duck: A female on a rock ledge below the Control Dam.

Dunlin: One in winter plumage on the rock ledge below the Control Dam.

Little Gull: One adult above the Falls near the Toronto Hydro Building seen by some of the trip participants.

Bonaparte's Gull: Several thousand along the river.

Ring-billed Gull: Hundreds along the river.

Herring Gull: Hundreds

Thayer's Gull: An adult seen perched and in flight from the Sir Adam Beck Overlook.

Kumlien's Iceland Gull: Several at Sir Adam Beck including an adult and a second winter bird. One juvenile at the Queenston Boat Launch.

Lesser Black-backed Gull: Four adults at the Control Dam, two adults in the gorge below the Falls, and one adult and a second winter bird at Sir Adam Beck.

Great Black-backed Gull: Dozens along the river with a concentration around the Falls.

Sabine's Gull: A juvenile in the gorge below the Falls and a second juvenile at the Whirlpool.

Reported by Jean Iron

Rock Point Provincial Park
and Lake Erie ShoreTop

9 August 2009 Rock Point Provincial Park and Eastern Lake Erie Shore

Leader: John Black.

The trip began at Rock Point at 0800 hours. An adult Bald Eagle flew overhead just after we reached the beach. Excellent shorebirding. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the vicinity. There are some extensive algae flats in the area around the point which are attracting the shorebirds. Over 200 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 2 White‐rumped Sandpipers and a Stilt Sandpiper. From Rock Point we went to the Mosaic Esterhazy Lagoons. Only a few shorebirds but there were 10 Great Egrets and we did add Greater Yellowlegs to the list. Finally we visited the sod farms on Poth Road where we had 10 Black‐bellied Plovers.

56 species total. Shorebirds were

• Black‐bellied Plover 10
• Semipalmated Plover 12
• Killdeer 50
• Spotted Sandpiper 10
• Greater Yellowlegs 3
• Lesser Yellowlegs 15
• Ruddy Turnstone 5
• Sanderling 20
• Semipalmated Sandpiper 200+
• Least Sandpiper 10
• White‐rumped Sandpiper 2
• Stilt Sandpiper 1
• Short‐billed Dowitcher 8

There were 16 participants. The weather was excellent, mostly sunny, until shortly after we left the sod farms. By 1230 hours the rain was intense, but by then we were having lunch. Special thanks to Brandon Holden and Kevin McLaughlin for their keen eyes and help in identifying shorebirds and to George Madsen for getting us into the Mosaic Esterhazy property.

10 August 2008 Rock Point Provincial Park & Eastern Lake Erie Shore

Leader: Dan Salisbury.

Sunday’s outing was attended by 25 participants. We saw a total of 71 species. The trip started at 8:00 am and ended at 2:30 pm.

We began at Rock Point where we had 9 species of shore birds. Notable were 1 White‐rumped Sandpiper and 2 Ruddy Turnstones. From there we went to the Mosaic Esterhazy Lagoons and added 3 Short‐billed Dowitchers, a Pectoral Sandpiper and about 10 Greater Yellowlegs. Unfortunately there was no sign of the Hudsonian Godwit seen earlier in the week. Marsh Wren was a lifer for one group, and at the exit we had excellent looks at a Yellow‐billed Cuckoo, a lifer for another group. After lunch in Stromness we visited the sod farms and had about 10 Black‐bellied Plovers in one field. Then it was on to Morgan’s Point and there the rain finally caught up with us as we studied a Cooper’s Hawk. We persisted in the rain to a rocky point just east of Morgan’s Point where we had good looks at a group of Semipalmated and Least Sandpipers.

Special thanks to Mosaic Esterhazy for permitting us to enter their lagoons.

Reported by Don Salisbury, John Black.

11 August 2007 Rock Point Provincial Park & Eastern Lake Erie Shore

Leader: Dan Salisbury.

A group of 25 avid birders met at the Rock Point Provincial Park this morning. Two of the group saw a six Wild Turkeys between the roadway and the park entrance. On the shore we were rewarded with some excellent observations of numerous shorebirds including one Black‐bellied Plover, six Semipalmated Plovers, two Lesser Yellowlegs, numerous Least Sandpipers, mostly in juvenile plumage, as well as one Pectoral Sandpiper, one juvenile Baird’s Sandpiper and a White‐rumped Sandpiper. Some of the group had an exotic bird, a probable escapee that was thought to be a White‐eared Bulbul from Asia.

Following the Provincial Park walk, we met Georg Madsen from Mosaic Esterhazy Holdings Limited who opened the gates to the evaporation ponds and allowed us to bird this area. We would like to thank Georg who drove in on his days off and the Mosaic company for inviting us into this area for the second year in a row. We were fortunate enough to find a few other shorebirds including a Short‐billed Dowitcher, one Stilt Sandpiper, four or five Greater Yellowlegs and a couple of Solitary Sandpipers. Other birds of interest included an Osprey, two Great Egrets and numerous ducks.

After leaving the Mosaic property, the group found another area across from Port Maitland that had shorebirds and Green Herons. Leaving this area, we checked the sod farms along the feeder canal but had only a few Killdeer. The trip ended at Morgan’s Point where we had a few more shorebirds at the base and some early migrants at the tip. These included Black‐and‐white Warbler and Blackburnian Warbler.

The total number of birds seen by the group was 82 including 14 shorebird species. It was a great day of August birding.

Reported by Dan Salisbury.

5 August 2006 Rock Point Provincial Park and Eastern Lake Erie Shore

The OFO Field trip to the Lake Erie shore began at Rock Point Provincial Park. There were 26 participants.

At Rock Point we had: Killdeer (5), Lesser Yellowlegs (3), Solitary Sandpiper (1), Spotted Sandpiper (15), Sanderling (3), Semipalmated Sandpiper (5) and Least Sandpiper (16). A single meadowlark briefly joined the shorebirds on the beach. A number of Caspian Terns were observed flying beside the beach.

From Rock Point we went to the large property managed by Mosaic Esterhazy Holdings Limited. Georg Madsen, Operations Superintendent, met us at the gate to the property and opened gates on both the north and south sides of Rymer Road for us. We spent a very profitable time in this area adding Black‐bellied Plover (1), Semipalmated Plover (2) Greater Yellowlegs (10) and Pectoral Sandpiper (5) to our shorebird list for the day. About 20 Lesser Yellowlegs, 12 Green Herons, and several Marsh Wrens were also observed. A lone Bald Eagle flew overhead as we were walking out of the area.

We next visited the sod farms at the intersection of Hutchinson and Poth Road where we had 9 Black‐bellied Plovers. We then went along the Canal Bank Road to Wainfleet and over to Morgan’s Point where there were no shorebirds. After lunch at Morgan’s Point we carried on to Harborview Road (just east of Morgan’s Point) where we had 22 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 3 Least Sandpipers and one Lesser Yellowlegs. At 13:30 we arrived at the Erie Peat Road entrance to Wainfleet Bog and spent about 90 minutes walking in the bog. No unusual birds but we did have a Smooth Green Snake and various butterflies. A total of 67 species of birds were seen by the participants.

We would like to thank Georg Madsen and Mosaic Esterhazy Holdings Limited for the opportunity to visit the Mosaic property. The property looks to be an excellent spot for shorebirds and waterbirds in the fall. For permission to enter visit the Mosaic Office at the corner of Canal Bank Road and Rymer Road. Office hours are Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:30 hours. For pre‐arrangements of visits or field trips to the area contact George Madsen at 1‐905‐774‐7681 during office hours. (From Rock Point Provincial Park turn right at the entrance to the park and then take the first left on Downy Road.) The road intersects Rymer Road. Turn left on Rymer Road and you will come to the mosaic property with evaporation lagoons on the right and an embankment on the left, which hides two large lagoons, before reaching Canal Bank Road.)

Reported and led by John Black and Dan Salisbury.

6 August 2005 Lake Erie Shore

Leader: Willie D'Anna.

Today 14 birders joined Betsy and me for some great weather and birding in a tranquil and beautiful place - the Lake Erie shore of Ontario. The trip convened at Rock Point Provincial Park, south of Dunnville, and hit several spots between there and Fort Erie. As expected, Rock Point was the most productive for shorebirds with 10 species including 3 Short-billed Dowitchers, 2 Ruddy Turnstones, and a Sanderling. Semipalmated Sandpipers were the most common bird here as well as at every other stop along the shore. On the rocks around the shorebirds were Bonaparte's Gulls, 2 Long-tailed Ducks, and a Red-breasted Merganser. Flying over were lots of swallows, including one Cliff. In the trees along the shore at Rock Point we had good numbers of songbirds but all birds that could have bred in the area. Among them were Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a cuckoo, Trail's Flycatcher (Willow or Alder), and numerous Baltimore Orioles and Yellow Warblers. After Rock Point we headed inland slightly to the turf farms along Canal Bank and Poth Roads. Along Canal Bank Rd, we added Horned Larks, at least 10 Black-bellied Plovers, and a distant-in-the-heat-shimmer Whimbrel, about which someone remarked was probably the worst look they ever had at that species! Poth Rd added more Horned Larks and over a hundred Killdeer.

Our next stop was Morgan's Point, just southeast of the hamlet of Burnaby. Eight Common Mergansers were new but other than lots of gulls, there was little on the shore. We ate lunch at the park adjacent to the point and added a few more songbirds including one unidentified warbler, probably a Baypoll (Blackpoll or Bay-breasted) from the sounds of the description, and a Carolina Wren. We continued east, stopping at several more points along the shore and although we saw quite a few more shorebirds, we were unable to add any new shorebird species. There was still quite a bit to look at and among the many new species seen, we added 15 more Common Mergansers at the foot of Stonemill Rd as well as a Green-winged Teal - and a Northern Waterthrush at the foot of Buffalo Rd. Our list topped out at 73 species.

Reported by Willie D'Anna

7 August 2004 Rock Point Provincial Park and Eastern Lake Erie Shore

Leader: Willie D'Anna.

A large group of birders assembled at the gate at Rock Point Provincial Park. After paying the entrance fee, we headed straight for the southeastern corner of the park. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was spotted before we even got down to the beach. Only a few shorebirds were along the shore, but an early Dunlin in fading breeding plumage was nice. Two Ruddy Turnstones were also seen. Loads of Yellow Warblers and Baltimore Orioles worked the willows on the back edge of the beach. A probable Willow Flycatcher was seen but did not vocalize (virtually no eye-ring, short primary projection). We returned to our vehicles and while waiting to use the rest rooms, an immature Bald Eagle and an Osprey came over at the same time. Neither species is regular in the park though the eagle (and Osprey?) breeds on the nearby Grand River.

We left the park and headed to King Road, the first road east of the big bend in H-N 3. It must have been the group karma because finally, on my fourth attempt, the Cattle Egret was there on the edge of the pond. After watching it for a little while it flew back to the cattle and began to pick insects from their heads!

Next, we headed inland to Canal Bank Road in the Township of Moulton. There, in a sod farm on the north side of the road we found the early American Golden Plover we had scouted out earlier in the morning. With the plover were many Killdeer as well as several juvenile Horned Larks which bear little resemblance to the adults. While the group watched the plover, one birder noticed five shorebirds land in an adjacent dirt field. His precise directions enabled me to finally spot one of them. Putting it in my scope, I was delighted to see a WHIMBREL. Most of us saw one or two Whimbrel in the field where they were frequently out of sight behind a rise.

After this, we checked beaches at Morgan's Point, Harbourview Road, Windmill Point, Stonemill Road, and Kraft Road. The shorebirding at these spots was disappointing. We never saw a yellowlegs on the day! One birder that got separated from the group found a Red-headed Woodpecker but the rest of us were not so lucky.

Reported by Willie D'Anna

9 August 2003 Rock Point Provincial Park and Eastern Lake Erie Shore

Leader: Jim Heslop.

Twenty-seven enthusiastic birders and field naturalists met at 8 a.m. at the entrance to Rock Point Provincial Park east of Dunnville on the shores of Lake Erie. While sorting out entrance fees and car pools, a Black-billed Cuckoo flew in and landed for good views and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird buzzed by. An Osprey glided over our cars as we drove in to the east end of the park. A pleasant hike along the rocky shoreline produced a number of shorebirds, many of which allowed us leisurely study at very close range, including Semipalmated Sandpipers and Plovers, Ruddy Turnstones and Lesser Yellowlegs. Yellow Warblers were in abundance in the scrub along the shoreline but mixed in were a few other species, including Palm Warbler and Warbling Vireo. A few quick and lucky folks “got on” a Prairie Warbler before it flew. A number of Turkey Vultures were on the beach at the western terminus of our stroll along the park shore, undoubtedly adding a little bit of fish to their diets.

A walk to the Bird Banding Station at the west end of the park was an opportunity to enjoy a number of butterfly species as well as the resident avifauna while Purple Martins and various swallows hawked overhead. We heard and/or saw Eastern Kingbird, Willow Flycatcher, Cedar Waxwings. Butterflies included Spring Azure, Viceroy, Monarch, Red-spotted Purple and a bonus Giant Swallowtail. As we left Rock Point headed for Morgan's Point, some of the group spotted a small flock of Wild Turkeys. A couple of stops around the latter point allowed us to add to our day's list of shorebirds. We saw Short-billed Dowitcher and Black-bellied Plover. On the return drive, we added Stilt Sandpiper, Sanderling and White-rumped Sandpipers. Stops along Quarrie Road and Cement Road netted Green Herons and Great Egrets.

I would like to thank those members of the club that shared their telescopes and knowledge with the avid new birders. No, Spotted Sandpipers don't always have spots! A final tally for the day was over 70 species of birds including 13 shorebirds.

Reported by Jim Heslop

10 August 2003 Rock Point Provincial Park and Eastern Lake Erie Shore

Leader: Willie D'Anna.

About 30 birders met at the entrance to Rock Point Provincial Park, south of Dunnville, for the trip. There were good numbers and variety of shorebirds at the park (12 species), including one almost colorless adult Short-billed Dowitcher, at least one Black-bellied Plover (also seen at three or four other stops), two White-rumped Sandpipers, a single Solitary Sandpiper (seen by only a single solitary birder), and a fly-by Whimbrel. There were several Caspian and Common Terns, Bonaparte Gulls, and both Common and Red-breasted Mergansers. Lots of Yellow Warblers and Baltimore Orioles were flitting through the willows at the back of the beach, where we also had a Scarlet Tanager and many other songbirds. A Carolina Wren was singing as we returned to our cars. We skipped several spots that I had checked before the trip and found unproductive, stopping next at Reebs Bay (across from the cemetery, a few miles west of Port Colborne). There were quite a few peeps here including the first juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper of the day (and my first of the year). Our next stop was the pond on Cement Plant Road, where the juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Heron that Betsy and I had found earlier was still residing. I think we could have ended the trip there and sent everyone home happy! We also added two Great Egrets and two Great Blue Herons.

At Windmill Point, an adult and immature Red-headed Woodpecker called and a Carolina Wren sang as we ate our lunch. At the east end of the point, off Stone Mill Road, we had 13 Blue-winged Teal with one Green-winged, and our first Greater Yellowlegs. An eclipse male Bufflehead was a very unusual find in summer. An immature Black-crowned Night-Heron flew in, filling the last hole on our North American night-heron list.

At the foot of Buffalo Road, we added one more Blue-winged and one more Green-winged Teal and another Great Egret.

At the foot of Kraft Road, our last stop and just a couple miles west of Fort Erie, we had a nice mix of shorebirds, several dozen Common Terns, and a fairly close Whimbrel. Our 69th and last species of the day was a Great Black-backed Gull (actually two).

Lots of interesting butterflies were also seen, including two Giant Swallowtails.

Reported by Willie D'Anna