Today is "Atlassing Day" across Ontario, so I went out to do some point counts east of Aurora with the assistance of Kevin Shackleton and Paul Cottenden. Most species we observed were common ones, but of regional interest were NORTHERN GOSHAWK (calling from the southwest side of Kennedy and Vandorf Roads) and PURPLE FINCH (calling from the northeast side of Kennedy and St. John Roads). Best bird of the day, however, was a BREWSTER'S WARBLER which caught at our attention as it sang from the east side of Warden Avenue north of the Wellington/Aurora Road.
We at first thought it to be a Golden-winged Warbler because of the "bee buzz buzz buzz" vocal pattern, but due to hybridization between the latter species and Blue-winged Warbler, we made it a point to track the bird down for visual identification. Aside from the song, this bird also had a golden wing panel (vs. two gold bars) like the Golden-winged, but its head pattern was that of a Blue-winged Warbler: a bright yellow crown and dark black eyeline. The distinctive throat and auricular markings of GWWA were absent. The throat, breast and undersides were white. Based on the guides we consulted (Sibley & Peterson), we believe it be a male Brewster's backcross. This bird was, at least for awhile, easily heard from the roadside. To access this location, turn north from the Aurora/Wellington Road onto Warden and follow it about two kms until you see the railway crossing sign on the east side of the road. Stop and listen. The bird spent a short time in the large tree south of the roadside lilacs (east side of Warden). There is a laneway just south of the RR tracks that is shared by a private residence and the Trails Youth Initiative Centre (which is part of the Pangman Springs property once owned by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority). Permission is required to enter this area, but with patience, the bird could be heard and, for a while, seen from the roadside. You can also see an active Bank Swallow colony if you look northeast (a pair of Kingfishers shares this nesting bank), and you may hear or see the ALDER FLYCATCHER which is on territory on the perimeter of the grassy field. The Brewster's Warbler flew as far away as the easternmost reaches of this field, but was singing from the deciduous trees on the south side of the field (behind the small conifers and within 20 meters of the roadside) when we left. Ron Fleming, Newmarket The areas described above are east of Hwy. 404, not very far north of Toronto. "Ronald J. Fleming" <[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.
