The Painted Bunting at the Hidden Valley campground has not been seen since Monday of this week. Ian Barnes, owner of the campgrround phoned this morning and asked that I post this request to Ontbirds: While birders are still welcome to visit the Hidden Valley campground to look for the Bunting, Ian requests that you not leave the vicinity of the washrooms just inside the campground gate. He has received complaints from park residents about a number of birders wandering randomly around the campground looking for the bird. His concern is for their privacy (which they pay for), which is understandable. At this point in time, given that the bird has not been seen in 3 days, might I suggest that anyone intending to look for the bird postpone the trip for now. I have expressed our gratitude to Ian for his hospitality and he has been pleased to host us over the past week. I think it's time to give it a rest while we're still welcome. I will check in with the owner of the trailer (and feeder) and Ian this weekend to see if there is any news. If the bird reappears, I will post news of it to Ontbirds (with their permission). Ian would like to thank the 300 or so birders for their cooperation and good company over the past week. I expressed our sincere thanks in return.
Ron Ridout Bird Studies Canada P.O. Box 160, Port Rowan. ON N0E 1M0 519-586-3531 [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
