Birders, following is a report for the OFO Trip to Skunk's Misery yesterday:
Ideal weather conditions (sunny, low wind, not overly humid, but warm) met the group in the town of Newbury, very close to Skunk's Misery, which is one of the largest remnants of Carolinian forest in Ontario. Our first stop did not disappoint, with Cerulean Warblers heard almost immediately, and eventually seen very well, since a nest was located by Donald Pye, and focused on in a scope to show the female apparently feeding young birds in the nest (though they were not visible). A male Cerulean later landed on the road in front of our line of cars and gave some excellent, though brief, views. After this fine start, we went on to see, or in some cases only hear, our target birds. Hooded Warblers were heard in several locations, but not seen well. Blue-winged Warbler and Mourning Warbler were also only heard, but great views of Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and later Yellow-throated Vireo, made up for this. Acadian Flycatcher was also seen exceptionally well. A Broad-winged Hawk was seen (and later heard) attacking a Turkey Vulture by diving at it repeatedly. One of the most exciting birds of the day, though unfortunately not seen by all, was a Ruffed Grouse. Reported very rarely in Middlesex County in the past 10-15 years, a grouse was also heard drumming in the same area two weeks previously. We are unsure whether this bird is related to human-assisted re-introduction programs, or whether such programs are active in the area, though it is possible. A total of 58 species were seen or heard. An abundance of butterflies were in flight in the later morning, including large numbers of Giant Swallowtails and smaller numbers of Spicebush Swallowtails. A total of 17 butterfly species were seen. Thanks again to all who braved the mosquitoes - which were less than usual, but still a fierce force. Gavin Platt and Rob Read Skunk's Misery is located near the town of Newbury in very southwestern Middlesex County. From the 401, exit at Furnival Road (exit 129) and go north to Wardsville. Continue north out of Wardsville on Hagerty Rd. The first east-west road north of Wardsville is Trillium, the second is Centreville. Turning left (west) on either will take you into Skunk's Misery. The main roads for birding are Centreville, Dogwood, Sassafrass and Trillium. Please email me privately for directions to specific species. _______________________________________________ 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/
