The 2003 Rainy River OFO Birding Tour was held May 30 and 31. 14 really tough birders braved high winds, horizontal rain and cold temps on Friday morning to start the tour. By noon things had improved and Sat. dawned clear, mild and windless. A collective total of 131 species were found. Arm's length views of LeConte's Sparrow, Connecticut Warbler and Mourning Warbler were exciting as were the half-hearted attempts at dancing by a group of Sharp-Tailed Grouse on a gravel road Area specialties found by the group included Eared Grebe, American White Pelican, Sharp-Tailed Grouse, Sandhill Crane, Piping Plover (perhaps the last bird in Ontario), Wilson's Phalarope (200+ on Rainy River sewage ponds), Franklin's Gull, Black-Billed Magpie, Sedge Wren, Connecticut Warbler, LeConte's Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Yellow-Headed Blackbird and Brewer's Blackbird. A Red-Bellied Woodpecker was seen by some participants staying at the Oak Grove Campground but could not be found on the tour. It is the 3rd RR District record for the species.
Dave and Mary Elder Atikokan, Ontario [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.
