The last two mornings I have been observing and counting cormorants as they depart their overnight roosts on Farre Island and Eastport (Pier 27) in eastern Hamilton Harbour. There were approximately 2500 and 3500, respectively, at the two sites. This morning birds from Eastport flew south, crossing over the QEW at Pier 25 (between North and South Gateways), and thewn continued eastward along the south shore of Lake Ontario. They sat down at several points along the shore to feed...and I eventually followed them east as far a Casablanca Blvd, where they fed and then rested on the water for more than an hour, from before 0700 to after 0900. A feeding flock of over 2000 cormorants is an impressive sight.
In years past, cormorants also have roosted at the west end of Hamilton Harbour...near Shirley's Point. I have not had a chance to visit that area yet this autumn...if anyone can give me any information on whether they are using that area or not, I'd appreciate it..........alternatively, I'll meet you there tomorrow morning, 30 minutes before sunrise!!!!! Farre Island and Pier 27 are located along the QEW near the Skyway Bridge, or near the Lift Bridge along Eastport Drive. Driving south on the QEW take the Eastport Drive exit. Farre island is located immediately on your right, as you are exiting...it is the more distant of the two islands visible. Continue on Eastport Drive, cross over the lift bridge and go another 0.5 km or so; the constructed birms and ponds on your right, at right angles to the QEW, are Eastport. Cormorants roost on the first, northmost, birm. Cheers, Chip D.V. Chip Weseloh, Ph.D. Wildlife Biologist Canadian Wildlife Service-Ontario Region 4905 Dufferin St. Downsview, Ontario M3H 5T4 Ph=416-739-5846 Fax=416-739-5845 [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Canadian Wildlife Service-Ontario Region web site: > http://www.cciw.ca/green-lane/wildlife/ Ornithological Council Website: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET "Providing Scientific Information about Birds" [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.
