Dear OFO Members,
The December issue of Ontario Birds will be mailed this week. The cover and
most of the photographs are in colour. Highlights of this 52 page issue are:
A. Cover: Painting by Betsy Potter of an Eastern Screech-Owl roosting in an
old pear tree.
B. Two Articles
1. Twenty-five Years of the Detroit River (Michigan-Ontario) Christmas Bird
Count. Julie Craves and James Fowler, Jr., summarize 25 years of results
for this count, and discuss the trends over this period for Canada Goose,
American Black Duck, Ring-necked Pheasant, Carolina Wren, and House Finch
in southern Ontario.
2. Breeding Status and Nest Site Selection of Turkey Vulture in Ontario.
George Peck provides an update on this expanding species, including six
photos by the author of nesting habitat, eggs, young, and a range map.
C. Four Notes
1. Extended Incubation by a Tundra Swan. Ken Abraham describes a late nest
in Polar Bear Provincial Park. Photo of the nest and eggs by the author.
2. A Birder's Guide to Second Marsh Wildlife Area, McLaughlin Bay Wildlife
Reserve, and Surroundings: Update. Jim Richards and Tyler Hoar provide
revisions to the birds and breeding species of this superb wildlife reserve
in the Oshawa area.
3. Early First Prebasic Molt in Short-billed Dowitcher. Kevin McLaughlin
and Ron Pittaway document the first case of Prebasic I molt in this species
in Ontario. Photo by Ken Newcombe showing the new basic feathers.
4. Robert Curry: Distinguished Ornithologist. Bill Crins describes the
accomplishments of Bob Curry who received the Distinguished Ornithologist
Award for 2003 at the OFO Annual Convention in Leamington on 20 September
2003. Photo of Bob Curry being presented with the award by Bill Crins.
D. Two Book Reviews
1. Raptors of Eastern North America. Reviewed by Ron Pittaway.
2. Grebes of Our World. Reviewed by Geoff Carpentier.
E. In Memoriam: Jean Marianne Niskanen (1943-2003). Mark Cranford describes
some of his birding experiences with well-known and popular OFO member Jean
Niskanen.
F. Nikon Photo Quiz: December 2003 Quiz. Glenn Coady discusses the age and
identification of a rare species of gull in Ontario.
On behalf of co-editors Ron Tozer and Bill Crins, we hope that you find
much of interest in this issue.
Ron Pittaway
Co-editor, Ontario Birds
Jean Iron
President, Ontario Field Ornithologists
9 Lichen place
Toronto ON M3A 1X3
416-445-9297
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Jean Iron <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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