Got an email from a local birder, Jason McGuire, who was out in west Middlesex, near Glencoe and then over at Seed and Cuddy area, previously posted this past week about two snowy owls.
He didn't mention the snowy owls but found two Lapland Longspurs in amongst a large number of snow buntings. Also he noted a Northern Shrike in the area. NW of Glencoe @ 9:25 am., an 'older-looking' sub-adult, Golden Eagle was flying tree-top level right into the SW winds and right in front of his car-this was on Old Airport Rd just south of Argyll Dr. Then on the way back to London, he had to pull over again @ 11:35 am, a (juvenile, maybe 2nd yr Golden Eagle was flying over the 402 between the Komoka & Delaware exits, again, right into the blistering SW winds. The second one sounds like the one seen on our CBC, reported earlier. It might be a bit of work, but possible to re-find these eagles, as I was reading that they tend to locate themselves in an area, though it can be a large area, for the whole winter. It may be that these birds are moving through, but the Delaware one, now has been there two days, despite being harassed by the local Bald Eagles. Good luck, and let me know if you re-find them, or see any other interesting species in Middlesex County. Pete Directions. Shrikes and Longspurs (and potentially Snowy Owls) One would likely take the highway 81 exit, aka Centre Rd, off of the 402, or take that road out of Strathroy to the north to get to highway 22, aka Egremont. Then turn left, taking Egremont west three roads to Seed Rd. Alternatively, Egremont is also known as Fanshawe Rd coming west out of London. For the owls and these posted birds, head north on Seed, keeping an eye sharply pealed (sounds painful). Once you meet the intersection with Cuddy road, try east and west on Cuddy. Should you be there at or near dusk, watch that area also for Short-eared Owl. Golden Eagle Glencoe. >From Glencoe, southwest of Strathroy, head north on highway 80, 5 roads to Argyll Dr, then west to Old Airport, one road over. The roads in this area have lots of habitat that might be good for raptors. Glencoe can be attained from the 401 direction as well as the 402. Check Mapart or Googlemap the area to get familiar with the roads so you can wander around looking. Golden Eagle Delaware. Delaware is southwest of London. There is an exit off the 402, number 86. Once off, inspect the roads running along the Thames River, such as Gideon (comes out of the west end of Delaware). Also check along Glendon Drive, exit 82 off the 402, as it goes over to Komoka. And then down the Komoka Rd, where it goes over the Thames and meets Gideon. This is a circle around the area the eagle was seen in. There are roads on the other side of the river which one could also inspect. That is the Mt. Brydges side. The river valley has little if any easy access, but can be with permission. Let me know if interested in searching the river valley. Check Mapart or Googlemap the area to become familiar with the roads so you can wander around effectively. _______________________________________________ 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
