Today John Schmelefske and I birded along Lake Erie. Despite missing the Yellow-headed Blackbird (seen Dec. 21 by Ken Burrell) and the Gray Partridge seen yesterday at Brantford Airport, we still had a successful day. The Yellow-throated Warbler (white lores) showed at the suet/peanut butter feeder after only 15 minutes at Port Burwell. Also here were 40 Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Carolina Wren and N. Flicker. Near the Prov. Pk. we searched the area where the Black-thr. Gray Warbler was last seen 6 days ago. The warbler has probably gone but our efforts were rewarded with Savannah, White-crowned and Song sparrows amongst the many Tree sparrows. Also on the beach a Merlin and on Lake Erie a male WW Scoter. Heading east to Long Point we encountered a flock of Eastern Bluebirds just outside Port Burwell, as well as a Mockingbird and a Field Sparrow. At Hahn's Marsh (Long Pt) we found 12 Sandhill Cranes, Red-winged, Rusty blackbirds, Cowbirds, Swamp Sparrows, 4 Rough-legged Hawks, 2 N Harriers, 1 N Shrike. On the nearby cornfields were many Horned Larks and 3 Lapland Longspurs. A Tufted Titmouse visited a feeder close by. Common Grackles were seen at Long Point and many White-throated Sparrows. At Big Creek were 4 Pied-billed Grebes, 7 Ruddy Ducks, 2 Bald Eagles, and along the bay over 170 Tundra Swans. A Great Blue Heron was at Port Royal on the river. Directions: Take Highway 19 south from # 401 all the way to Port Burwell. At the bridge go west to the 1st street, which is Bridge St. Park to the right and walk uphill to the house at the top. For the sparrows, go south at the next street along from Bridge St. Drive to the end and go left on a gravel rd. to the parking area. Check long grass and weeds for sparrows. Hahn's Marsh is signposted as you reach the Long Point Biosphere on RR # 42. Walk the trail at west end of parking lot. Dave MilsomWebsite : http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]@hotmail.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
