An inaugural "Northumberland Big Day" on May 29 was hampered by strong west winds and continuing unseasonably bone-chilling temperatures along the Lake Ontario north shore, but included some great birds. The team was Margaret Bain, Bill Gilmour, Doug McRae, and Richard Pope and the total a modest 149 species or perhaps 150 if we add it up again more carefully. An adult Arctic Tern patrolling the mouth of Cobourg harbour in early evening was the find of the day by Doug McRae. Shorebird numbers at Presqu'ile were spectacular - at least 240 Red Knot, most in glowing breeding plumage, 300-400 each of Dunlin and Semipalmated Sandpiper, 100 or more Semipalmated Plovers, over 60 Ruddy Turnstones, many Black-bellied Plovers and a scattering of other common species all along the main beaches and on Gull Island. >From dawn to dusk there was almost no bird song - warbler numbers were very low and we probably saw a total of 4 thrushes, though Veerys and Wood Thrushes were calling by evening. The only cooperative marsh birds were American Bitterns which were heard in a couple of locations. Four Common Nighthawks over the Murray Marsh salvaged a lacklustre end to the long day.
Directions: Cobourg harbour is at the foot of Division Street, Exit 474 off Hwy.401. To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton, Exit 509 from Hwy.401. Margaret Bain Cobourg [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ 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
