The first weekend of the Huron Fringe Birding Festival was successful on all accounts. The Warblers poured through bringing with them a wide variety of species. A Yellow-throated Warbler was reported by a reliable observer for a short time only in the Kincardine Sewage Lagoons (Friday, May 23). Some of the highlights were Mourning Warbler, Hermit, Blue-winged, Golden-winged, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted and of course the logo bird of the festival - the American Redstart.
The Herons were well represented with the rare Snowy Egret still parading close to the road in Horseshoe Bay (seen this morning at 9:45 AM). A Least Bittern paraded out in the open for Marshal Byle's hike, ad nauseum. One digital camera buff took 200 pictures of it. American Bitterns keep turning up regularly on hikes in both the DU pond at MacGregor and at Isaac Lake. Black-crowned Night Herons have also been reported. The ducks have contributed their share with 10 different species Raptors have played their part in the festival including Bald Eagles, Red-shouldered Hawks, Broad-winged, etc. Sora and Virginia rails have regularly entertained participants at the Tower at the DU ponds. Semipalmated Plovers, Dunlin, Common Snipe, Woodcock and Spotted Sandpipers were viewed by participants on trips outside the Park. Caspian, Common, Black Terns were seen as well. 7 species of Woodpeckers have been reported. Olive-sided and Eastern Wood-Pewee were some reported in the Flycatcher Family. Veery, Gray-cheeked, Swainson's, and one late Hermit Thrush were viewed along with Wood Thrush and Brown Thrasher. Blue-headed, Philadelphia, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireo were viewed and heard. The colourful Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Bunting, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Eastern Towhees put smiles on many faces. Brewer's Blackbirds, Eastern Meadow Larks and Bobolink were seen as well. Eleven species of sparrows were spotted, Clay-colored, Lincoln's and Swamp to name a few. The second week end of the Festival is coming up starting Thursday with 19 presentations still left to go. A wide variety of interests are being covered, ranging from birds, photography, astronomy, plant life, insects, owl prowls, history, geomorphology, reptiles and amphibians. For detailed information on the 7 remaining birding activities and other areas of interest, please consult the following web site. http://www.friendsofmacgregor.org For information on places to stay in this area, check these two web sites. http://www.ontarioparks.com/ http://www.sunsets.com . Fred & Beth Jazvac <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
