On this cold, windy, snow covered November 25th morning, shortly after 0700,
the NF Selasphorus hummingbird was observed feeding several times at the Haines
backyard feeders. As suggested by Buffalo area resident Penny Durnin, the
water in the feeders has been increased to a 3:1 water to sugar ratio, and we
are also following up on another suggestion she made, looking for a place where
we can buy Nektar Plus.
The fate of this bird is a huge concern to all of us, especially for homeowners
Art and Janice Haines. I have received MANY e-mails from birders inquiring if
we have considered having the bird captured and placed in a safe place over the
winter. It would be illegal to do this as it would clearly contravene The
Migratory Bird Act.
I was told by a very respected hummingbird expert that "of the 'illegally'
rescued Rufous Hummingbirds (if that is what this bird is) I know about,
roughly 90% have died within the first 2-3 days of captivity." He also told me
that "left alone, and with unfrozen sugar water, these birds have a better than
50-50 chance of surviving the weather in Niagara Falls."
We will continue to monitor the birds presence, and we thank the Haines family
for their tolerance and 'open door' policy towards visiting birders.
Happy Thanksgiving to our American birding families.
Directions:
Take the QEW to the Thorold Stone Road exit in Niagara Falls. Now turn left
(east) to Dorchester Road, then right (south) one block to Pettit Avenue. Take
a left here and continue for about 1/2 km to Sherwood Road (directly across
from First Baptist Church on the right hand side). Turn left and proceed one
block to Peach Avenue to 4579, the second or third house on your right.
Kayo
Kayo Roy
13 Kinsman Court
Fonthill, ON
L0S 1E3
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From: "Doug Lockrey" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2004 13:21:10 -0500
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Subject: [Ontbirds]
Golden-crowned Sparrow--day 19 at Cranberry-- Nov.25 (please read
about intent to transfer feeding area)
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It was cold and windy, but I stood on the CMRW platform from 0830 to 1000,
anxiously awaiting a few migrating hawks!!!!!!! If truth be known I was
there to note the first emergence of our recent arrival from the far-west.
All sparrows remained amongst the shrubbery until hunger pangs set in-- at
0930 and 0940 (then later in the AM as well), many birds came to feed--
House Finches, White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows and 30 Tree
Sparrows, along with the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (day 19--just a few visitors
braved the AM elemnts-- close to 2000 total since Nov.6).
Starting on Wednesday, December 1, winter feed ditribution will cease at the
south pathway; rather the placement will be in the bird-feeder path of the
north pathway, very near the roadside (the first roadside parking area).
>From the west--exit 401 at Salem (in Ajax), south to Bayly, east through
LakeRidge Rd. to the fiirst street (Hall's Rd.), south to the second
roadside parking area.
>From the east--exit 401 at Brock St., Whitby--south to Victoria, then west
over to Hall's Rd.
Doug Lockrey, Whitby, ON
