Hi there, Just back from the OFO outing and here are the highlights and etc. Weather ranged from partly sunny to overcast, but the constant was the strong southeast winds. Temperature seemed to be in the single digits, but we felt colder due to windchill. Highlights at Hawk Cliff included the flight itself, with many hundreds of crows, jays and blackbirds, and a dabbling of other migrants such as American Pipits, American Goldfinches and American Robin (some Canadian birds such as Canada Goose were spotted later). An immature Bald Eagle flew by earlier than most people had arrived, but a Peregrine coursed along the edge of the cliff after most of the 20 or so people had gotten there. One Merlin was spotted streaking by, and 20 or so Sharpies along with a few Coopers winged westward over the 3 or so hours we were there. Several Common Loons flew over, heading into the winds. It was a good day for Turkey Vulture. Our best bird of the day was Brant, 2 of which flew right over us and landed in a field to the east, just out of sight. We added several species in the woods, including Bluebird, Pine Siskin, and Hermit Thrush, and several down at the beach such as Black-backed Gull, at Port Stanley. At the sewage lagoons, we were able to add many waterfowl, including both scaups, Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal, N. Shoveller, Hooded Merg, and lots more. Several species of shorebird lingered including Dunlin, Pectoral Sandpiper, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. And a quite late Semi-palmated Sandpiper was present. Prior to the arrival of the main group, a few of our trip members scouted the lagoons and saw 4 dowitchers, but at this time not sure which species(Long-billed more likely at this time?) and the main group tried hard over the next hour or so, but couldn't refind them. Our list totaled 68 as far as I could tell. If you saw anything interesting on the way home, let me know. If you want a complete list, let me know.
Pete Read (and for Ian Platt)
