I know a lot of birders are at the OFO Convention at Pt. Pelee but I was surprised that no Ontario pelagics birds have been posted, with the possible exception of Brandon Holden's Least Tern. So, here is an update which is probably very incomplete!
On Friday late afternoon, as winds were the strongest all day, John Lamey reported a BLACK-CAPPED PETREL, SOOTY TERN, AND GREATER SHEARWATER off of Crystal Beach on Lake Erie (Ridgeway, Ont.). Although many birders were out looking Saturday, these birds were not relocated. There have been several birds of note found in NY, including one WILSON'S STORM-PETREL off of Woodlawn Beach State Park in the Town of Hamburg. This park is on Lake Erie, only about ten miles south of the Peace Bridge (Buffalo-Fort Erie crossing). Presumably this same bird was found Friday a mile further south but on Saturday, it was viewed off of Woodlawn Beach for much of the morning, sometimes within 100 yards from shore. As with all the Wilson's Storm-Petrels reported so far, this bird was being harassed by gulls, including the normally docile Bonapartes. Further south, on Chautauqua Lake at Prendergast Point, five WILSON'S STORM-PETRELS were found Friday from the State Boat Ramp on the south side of the lake. On Saturday, two birds were still being seen there most of the day. These birds varied from 200 to 400 yards off shore. Look between the trees from the grassy area on the east of the boat ramp. Access from Rt 394 east or southbound - look for the State Fish Hatchery sign, turn left on that road and drive to the boat ramp (a mile?). Note that 2 SABINE'S GULLS were seen briefly flying north past Prendergast Point on Saturday morning. Other birds of note: Cayuga Lake - 2 WILSON'S STORM-PETRELS (one still being seen as of this writing), 1 LAUGHING GULL, several RED & RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, adult ARCTIC TERN. Oswego Harbor - juv. BLACK SKIMMER Saturday. Hamlin Beach State Park lake-watch - SOOTY TERN (Friday), BRIDLED TERN (Fri. & Sat.), 3 CAVE SWALLOWS (Sat.), 2 adult ARCTIC TERNS (Sat.). Good birding! Willie -------------- Willie D'Anna Betsy Potter Niagara Falls, N.Y. [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Willie D'Anna & Betsy Potter" <[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.
