The February issue of OFO News, newsletter of the Ontario Field
Ornithologists, was mailed today (Monday) to members who have paid
for 2007. This is the first issue of OFO's 25th Silver Anniversary.
Here are the contents of this 16 page issue.
New Breeding Bird Atlas - Essential Book For Every Birder: Jean Iron
and Ron Pittaway highly recommend that you pre-order a copy of the
new Atlas at a sizable discount. They guarantee the second Atlas will
be one of the most important and reputable bird books published in
North America.
Duck Songs and Calls: Ron Pittaway describes five of his favourite
duck songs. This is an excellent time to hear the songs and calls
made by displaying ducks.
Gulls of Point Pelee - Record 18 Species in 2006: Alan Wormington
authored the feature article in this issue. Alan provides an
annotated list and historical documentation of the gulls of Point
Pelee. He shows why the Point Pelee area is one of the best places in
North America for gull watching. The article also gives records of
the Ross's Gull, which was the only gull on the Point Pelee checklist
that was not seen in 2006. Includes five gull photos taken in the
Point Pelee area by Alan Wormington, Brandon Holden and Jean Iron.
Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario 2001-2005: Mike Cadman, Atlas
Coordinator, explains the many new changes in the second Atlas such
as lines on distribution maps showing the northern edge of the
Carolinian Region, southern edge of the Canadian Shield, southern
edge of the Hudson Bay Lowlands and more. The new Atlas will have
coloured breeding evidence maps for every species and coloured
relative abundance maps from point counts for many species, and
comparisons of breeding evidence from the two atlases. All of these
improvements over the first Atlas can be seen in the sample account
of the Pileated Woodpecker on the next two pages. The Atlas discount
presale has been extended to 31 March.
Pileated Woodpecker: OFO's logo bird is used as an example of an
Atlas species account. The two page centrefold of the Pileated
Woodpecker is in colour as it will appear in the Atlas. The colour
photo of a Pileated and young at the nest hole, detailed distribution
maps in colour, graphics and informative text demonstrate just how
impressive this new Atlas will be.
Book Review. Handbook of the Birds of the World Volume 11: Geoff
Carpentier reviews the latest volume of this authoritative series.
"Once upon a time...": Jim Richards wrote a guest editorial in the
first issue of Ontario Birds in April 1983. It is reprinted in OFO
News as an historical perspective of this year's 25th Anniversary of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Little Known Facts About Binoculars: Derek Lyon discusses weight,
field of view, eye relief and other information birders need to
consider when purchasing binoculars.
Sandhill Crane bonanza along the north shore of Lake Huron: Erwin
Meissner describes the impressive large flocks of cranes now staging
north of Lake Huron. Photo of Sandhill Cranes on Manitoulin Island by
Erwin Meissner.
Single White Female, Active, Social, 30s, Loves Birds: Audrey
Norwicki started birding a few years ago. She tells about the
learning experiences and resources, such as OFO and the birding
course given by the Royal Ontario Museum, which helped her become a
better birder.
OBRC Notes: Margaret Bain, OBRC Chair, provides an update of the
activities of the rarities committee. Margaret reports on the
progress being made on the OBRC electronic database of records. She
also discusses possible removals and additions to the provincial review list.
Black Guillemot and Bald Eagle: Ron Pittaway gives new information
about the dates when the guillemot was seen along the Spanish River in Massey.
Photos Wanted for OFO Anniversary: 2007 is OFO's 25th Anniversary.
Diane Henderson, OFO Archivist, asks for photographs for use in the
25th Anniversary and to expand the archival collection.
Future OFO Trips: Dave Milsom, OFO Trips Coordinator, describes the
locations, dates and leaders for upcoming field trips between 17
March and 23 June 2007.
OFO's Celebrity Birders 2007: Cheryl and Ben Edgecombe, mother and
son team, of Burlington are OFO's Celebrity Birders in this year's
Baillie Birdathon. A pledge form to sponsor Cheryl and Ben is
enclosed with this issue.
OFO Membership is $25 yearly in Canada. Members receive three issues
of OFO News and three issues of the journal, Ontario Birds. We are
planning a big 25th Anniversary celebration at the OFO Convention &
Banquet at Point Pelee in October. If you are interested in becoming
an OFO member, please email Eleanor Beagan, Membership Secretary,
etbeagan at sympatico dot ca
We are grateful to the authors, photographers and reviewers who made
this issue possible.
Jean Iron & Ron Pittaway
OFO News Editors
Ontario Field Ornithologists
www.ofo.ca
