Dear OFO Members,
The latest issue of OFO News will be mailed this week. Here are the
highlights of this 16 page issue.
1. Jim Rising - Distinguished Ornithologist: Jean Iron describes the
accomplishments of Jim Rising of the University of Toronto, who will be the
seventh recipient of the Distinguished Ornithologist Award. The award will
be presented to Jim at the OFO Annual Convention and Banquet in Oakville on
Saturday, 2 October 2004.
2. Jaeger Watching at Van Wagners Beach: Brandon Holden, 17, tells how and
when to watch jaegers on Lake Ontario at Hamilton with tips on identifying
the three species. There are two photos by Brandon and one by his father,
Eric Holden.
3. Atlas Relative Abundance Maps - Hot off the Plotter: Mike Cadman
explains the importance of "point counts", which sample the numbers of most
species at specific points in a square. Using point counts, Mike shows how
relative abundance is mapped for six breeding birds.
4. Harry Lumsden: Order of Canada: Stan Long outlines the achievements of
Harry Lumsden, retired MNR biologist and research scientist, which led to
his appointment to the Order of Canada. There is a photo of Harry.
5. To Catch a Trumpeter: Bev Kingdon tells an interesting story about Harry
Lumsden and the Order of Canada. There is a photo of Harry holding a
Trumpeter Swan.
6. OBRC Notes: Bob Curry, 2003 chair, reports on the March meeting of the
rarities committee held at the Royal Ontario Museum.
7. Fishing For New Birders: Is Ron Pittaway kidding us? He says that
Ontario's million plus anglers include thousands of potential new birders.
8. My Introduction To A Shrike: Bev Kingdon describes how a Northern Shrike
killed and ate a starling just outside her cottage window near North Bay.
9. New Field Guides to West Africa: Hugh Currie, having recently returned
from West Africa, discusses several field guides and books covering this
rich area for birds.
10. Bird Bills - ID Tip: Ron Pittaway notes that top birders often use bill
shape to clinch tricky identifications.
11. Birds From The Ground - The Record of Archaeology in Ontario: Geoff
Carpentier reviews the latest book by OFO member Doug Sadler and Howard
Savage, which gives findings and insights into the pre-history of the birds
in the province.
12. First Annual Little Gull Viewing Day: Chip Weseloh, Richard Joos, and
Tyler Hoar tell about viewing Little Gulls at Oshawa Second Marsh on Lake
Ontario, which is one of the best spots to see Little Gulls in North
America. There are two photos by Richard Joos.
13. Swallows Mob Northern Goshawk: Randy Horvath describes Tree and Barn
Swallows mobbing a juvenile Northern Goshawk.
14. Save More Carden Alvar - Windmill Ranch: Don Barnett tells about the
Nature Conservancy of Canada's agreement to purchase the 1600 acre Windmill
Ranch along Wylie Road, which will protect more of the Carden Alvar. Your
support is needed.
15. Birding Software Review - Birder's Diary v.3 World Edition 2003: Geoff
Carpentier reviews the latest software used to keep checklists of birds
ranging from day and backyard lists to world lists. It covers 10,241
species with built-in checklists for every country in the world.
16. OFO Financial Statement 2003: Eileen Beagan, treasurer, presents a
"Balance Sheet" and "Income and Expense Statement" for the year ending 31
December 2003.
17. Future OFO Field Trips: Don Barnett, field trips coordinator, outlines
the upcoming guided trips, leaders, locations and dates during August,
September and October to birding hotspots in Ontario.
18. OFO Annual Convention and Banquet 2004: Enclosed with this issue is a
registration form for the Annual Convention and Banquet in Oakville on 2-3
October 2004. Banquet speaker is Bruce Mactavish of Newfoundland and
Labrador. Bruce is an identification expert on North Atlantic seabirds and
European vagrants. He has a great sense of humour. The Annual Convention
also includes field trips on Saturday and Sunday, Ron Scovell's bird book
sale, displays, presentations, and a time to get together with birding friends.
We thank the many contributors to this issue and hope that you enjoy their
interesting articles and photos.
Jean Iron / Ron Pittaway
OFO News Editors
Jean Iron
President, Ontario Field Ornithologists
9 Lichen place
Toronto ON M3A 1X3
416-445-9297
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
