28 eager birders showed up for the long Point OFO trip this morning despite the terrible driving conditions. However as the day progressed the weather became better and better, but cold and windy. The 3 target birds Tundra swans, Bald Eagle and Sandhill Cranes were all seen. Spectacular views of 19 Sandhills very close to the road was the high light of the trip. Other birds reported by the group included N. Shrike,Rusty Blackbird. Meadowlark, E. Screech Owl, turkey Vulture,16 species of ducks, Cackling Geese and Chipping Sparrow. Everyone had Spectacular views of Fox Sparrow at the Old Cut Banding Station. In all 60 species of birds were identified but as usual in an outing like this not everyone saw every bird. Thanks to Stu McKenzie of Bird Studies Canada for the use of the Old Cut Visitor Centre for lunch and a pit stop. thanks also to my Co-leaders Barry Jones, Jim Heslop and Bob Stamp. The members of the group were all encouraged to sponsor Cheryl Edgecomb in the upcoming Baillie Birdathon. Cheryl is this years OFO birder and eveyone is encouraged to sponsor her either with a flat donation or so much per species seen on her Birdathon day. George E Pond
