I saw the GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH this morning in Chelmsford. I arrived
about 8:15 a.m. to find three other cars of birders already there. The
Rosy-Finch appeared 5-10 minutes later, first in the tree tops behind
the house and shortly thereafter on the seed pile on the edge of the
driveway in front of the house. The Rosy-Finch and the numerous PINE
GROSBEAKS that were constantly present flew up into nearby trees several
times, but kept returning to this seed pile, feeding for about 5 minutes
in all before flying off. At this point, Kayo Roy (who was in one of the
cars) delivered a whacking big sack of seed to Mr. Somerset (way to go,
Kayo!) and I learned the Rosy-Finch had appeared three times already
this morning, at short intervals. Everyone else left, but I hung around
and was joined by Rob Waldhuber and his son. After almost another hour,
the Rosy-Finch returned again around 9:30 a.m. and spent 10-15 minutes
feeding in the driveway-edge seed pile, on the road and driveway pecking
up bits of gravel, and in a roadside bush pecking at buds.
Also, on my way into town at 8:00 a.m., just south of Chelmsford, I saw
a pair of WOLVES trotting away across farm fields. On arrival at 374
Seguin Road, I saw a NORTHERN SHRIKE in the small birch overlooking the
feeders -- it flew off after a couple of minutes, empty-clawed.
Directions:
When arriving at Sudbury, coming north on highway 69, take the
Trans-Canada Highway 17 to the west (before entering Sudbury). From the
Trans-Canada Highway 17, just past the Lively turn-off which is about 17
km west of Sudbury, take Highway 144 north to Chelmsford which is about
another 17 km. Continue through the lights (at highway 35) north on
County Road 15, follow it past a big curve (about 6.5 km beyond highway
35) and look for a street named Montee Principale on the left, in a
housing area. Turn left on Montee Principale (opposite direction from
the sign-posted Sudbury Downs Race track) and follow to the end, where
it curves off to the right as Seguin Road. The feeders are at the first
house on the left, number 374. The name on the mailbox is Somerset.
--
Christopher J. Escott
1 Shouldice Court, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M2L 2S3
Home phone: 416.444.8055 Cellular 416.788.8055
