Our Fall Field Day was held today, September 11, in the Durham region While the birds seemed to be sparse to most observers, the final tally was 143 which is about average for recent years. The highlight was definitely the Glossy Ibis seen by Alec Dobson at Cranberry Marsh. Because it was an all time first, it became the 252nd species in the 77 years of the count.
Another great bird was the Cackling Goose found near Bowmanville, our second. A Long-eared Owl at Long Sault was one of four owl species recorded and was the first since 1958. Birds in record high numbers included Great Egret at 21, Caspian Tern at 32, Trumpeter Swan at 19 and Hairy Woodpecker at 6. The two Goshawks seen equaled our all time high. We found 20 warbler species which is about normal, but only 14 shorebird species reflecting the lack of good habitat this year in the region. Everyone had a very enjoyable time. Many thanks to Brian Henshaw for hosting and conducting the roundup in his usual fine style. _______________________________________________ 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/
