Today 10 birders joined me the Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC) outing along the Durham waterfront. We found 71 species of birds, one turtle (a very young Painted), several dragonfly species (nothing unusual) and many many hundreds of Monarchs + Viceroy, Red Admiral, Clouded Sulphur and Mourning Cloak.
Birds included the ever-present White Pelican at Second Marsh, as well as several Pied-billed Grebes, American Wigeon and a Coot there. A Bald Eagle and osprey overhead were a treat. The Cranberry Hawk Watch was underwhelming due to unfavourable winds, but a few warblers were found. At Krosno Creek in Pickering we found several shorebirds, including about 5 Stilts, several Pectorals, lots of Lesser Yellowlegs, two Solitary Sandpipers. We also refound the previously reported Long-billed Dowitcher here. Just before the walk, when I was scooting the areas I found a red-necked Phalarope but could not locate it on the walk. At Duffin's Creek we added Northern Pintail, Trumpeter Swan, Merlin (one of several we saw today) and a latish Caspian Tern. Tomorrow's Durham TOC round-up premises to be good! Directions: Krosno Creek - exit 401 at White's Rd and go south to Bayly and then east to Sandy Beach Rd and then south until you cross over a small bridge. Park in the lot just south of there and follow the woodland trail along the creek until it opens up into a large mash. The shorebirds were all at the jct. of the creek and the marsh area. Duffin's Creek - continue east on Bayly to Westney and then south to Lake Driveway and follow this west and then south to Rotary Park. Go into the park and follow the waterfront trail westward (on foot) to the bridge - all the birds were seen near the bridge. Cranberry Hawk Watch - continue east on Bayly to Whitby and watch for Hall's rd. on your right, just after you pass Lakeridge Rd (Cty 23) and go south to south platform. Second Marsh ... go to Brock St in Whitby by following Bayly eastward and then take 401 east to exit 419 (Harmony and Bloor) and follow Farewell Rd south to Wentworth and then follow Wentworth east to GM parking lot. Te marsh is visible to your west. Geoff Carpentier www.avocetnatureservices.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
