After 7 hours of camaraderie while birding at CMRW in southwest Whitby on Sep.3 as many as 25 observers shared in the delights of some great migraing raptors and nearby songbirds. Among the 56 raptors were 14 Turkey Vultures, 8 Ospreys, 6 N.Harriers, 11 Sharp-shinneds, 8 Kestrels and 1 Broad-wingeds AND the best bird--a juvenile Bald Eagle --it took 30 minutes to work its way from the east over us. We also delighted in the antics of a "local" juvenile Peregrine and the attempts made by a local juv. Merlin at trying to chase down Swallows.
Songbirds noted along the pathways-- Mourning, Redstart, Magnolia, Wilson's. Yellowthroats among warblers; Rose-breasted grosbeak, young MOCKINGBIRD, Great crested and Least Flycatchers, warbling vireo, blue-headed vireo, red-eyed vireo, WOOD THRUSH, MARSH WREN, AND over the wetlands-- GREAT EGRET, 2 N.Harriers. All day long we were "beseiged" by Hummingbirds and several dragonfly species. Monarch numbers lower than usual--but, at least 25 were counted. >From the west along the 401--exit 404 (Salem Rd.), south to Bayly, east through Lakeridge to the first street (Hall's Rd.), south to the second roadside parking area. >From the east along the 401--exit 410 (Brock St., Whitby), south to Victoria, west to Hall's Rd. Doug Lockrey, Whitby, coordinator CMRW www.pickeringnaturalists.org
