Hi there, The band-tailed pigeon was near the feeders at #120 Lynngate, but only from 10:10 until about 11:25 am today. While it sat in the trees above the full feeders and at one point landed on a feeder, it never fed during that time and eventually flew off to the west. Thus it has visited these feeders for at least the last three days at about the same time, no sooner than 10 am, and staying there for from 40 minutes to 2 hrs. It must be getting food from feeders to the west. It didn't come down to the feeders, likely due to the scads of birders that were lingering under the patio, at the back of #116, where, as I mentioned yesterday, is the place I have arranged for viewing. The bird is VERY wary of people and is easily frightened off. Rather than standing at the back, you could stand out on the road and watch for the bird to fly in. Good news is that for the last two days, at 4 pm or later, it has been seen coming into the large spruce trees next to #112, and #108, very near our staked out feeders at #120. Tonight for instance, the last remaining birders on site saw it arrive from the west at 4:50 pm, swooping into the top of a large spruce and then dropping lower and they felt that it may be roosting for the night. They aren't sure where it ended up, but the spruces are thick and could hide it well. It did not visit the feeders at #120 before roosting. Standing out on the road is how the birders saw it. Unfortunately, one of the local people went up to the trees where it disappeared. Hopefully, he didn't scare the bird away. Other interesting news is that our hosts at #116, Tammy and Ted, report hearing a hooting type morning call for the last few weeks, indicating that the bird may have been present for a while. It hasn't called lately, but it has been rainy and cold.
Please do not enter the area around the spruces, as I haven't been able to get permission at those residences. These people aren't too receptive. It wouldn't be good to scare the bird in there either of course. Standing out on the road, or waiting at the back of #116, as the directions below indicate, would be best. The neighbours and the hosts, including of course the identifier, Gerry Meacham (#120) have told me how pleased they are with the birders and are feeling comfortable in continuing to host the event. I was there all day, and we have all shown excellent birding ethics. With patience, luck and good timing this bird should be sighted by all. Ann White brought in the guest book, it is in a pail at the back of #116. Please sign it and we will see that Gerry gets it. It will also brighten her husband's day, as he is in hospital, and has kept the feeders for years. To see if the bird is still in the area call me, Pete Read at 519-472-2887 (cell 519-871-1752), or Anne White at 519-457-6586. Pete Directions to access the area... If from Toronto...come west on 401, and take the 402 towards Sarnia, exiting very soon at the Wonderland exit (100) to London, and head north. About 3-4km north on Wonderland is the Westmount Mall, a large sprawling mall on the west side of the road. Keep going north just past the mall to a streetlight indicating Village Green Avenue(one light before Commissioners Road). Turn left, to the west and proceed for about 4 streets, some from left, some from right, till you get to Lynngate Place. Do not park on this quiet street. Park on the north(right) side of Village Green. Walk up Lynngate Place to number 120. Go to the RIGHT side of the house, and walk up the driveway of the nextdoor neighbour's house (#116), along the stone path to the large patio, at the back of that house. PLEASE STAY OFF LAWNS. Coming from west, come east on 401 to Highway 4, and head north to the 402, then east to Wonderland exit (100), turning north . About 3-4km north on Wonderland is the Westmount Mall, a large sprawling mall. Keep going north just past the mall to a streetlight indicating Village Green Avenue(one light before Commissioners road). Turn left, to the west and proceed for about 4 streets, some from left, some from right, till you get to Lynngate Place. Do not park on this quiet street. Park on the north (right) side of Village Green.Walk up Lynngate Place to number 120. Go to the RIGHT side of the house, and walk up the driveway of the nextdoor neighbour's house(#116), along the stone path to the large patio, at the back of that house. PLEASE STAY OFF LAWNS. >From London, Village Green is one light south of intersection of Commissioners and Wonderland. Go west (right) about 4 streets and park on Village Green. Walk up Lynngate Place to number 120. Go to the RIGHT side of the house, and walk up the driveway of the nextdoor neighbour's house, along the stone path to their large patio, at the back of that house. PLEASE STAY OFF LAWNS. "Peter Read" <[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.
