Just a little more information on this bird since I have had several emails asking its status. Barb Charlton, Dave Don, Rob Dobos and myself found this bluebird sallying from the fence posts to the ground about 11:50 a.m.. The bird was noticeably structurally different from a male Eastern Bluebird nearby and extremely pale in comparison to a female Eastern. Barb Charlton was able to digiscope a few pictures of the bird while we viewed it for about 50 minutes. It disappeared to the tree line at the east and then returned to the vineyard behind the winery. It then flew west into the field where it was seen for a bit going down to the ground to take insects and then perching on the fence posts, twigs in the fields and old farm equipment. We lost sight of the bird shortly before 1:00 p.m. and to my knowledge it has not been refound. It is possible that it could be back to the same location in the morning.
We had four rather early Wilson's Snipe, two at 3rd Rd. E. just south of Highland Rd., and two at Green Mt. Rd. just west of 6th Rd. E., both pairs flushed from wet fields. There was a male Ring-necked Pheasant at 1st Rd. E. just south of Mud St. along the west side of the road. Eastern Meadowlark was singing on 10th Road East. Tundra Swans were numerous today along the escarpment and there was also a good hawk flight. With the approaching rain on Monday, there could be a good flight tomorrow. It may be worth looking for this bluebird in the vineyards to the east and west of the property. Ridge Road Winery is a new winery up in this location of 1205 Ridge Road. Wine tasting are on the weekends and Sean who was doing the tasting today was extremely hospitable. They have a trail along the escarpment. Wines were also good so give them a try. Just wanted to update on the bird and give names and due credit to all those who found the bird today. I hope the bird returns. Regards, Cheryl Edgecombe Directions: QEW niagara to fifty road and up the escarpment. Turn right at Ridge Rd. The winery is on the north side, west of 10th road east at address 1205 Ridge Road. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
