Greetings folks: Two months removed from the rarity-filled September OFO outing at Presqu'ile, rarities once again highlighted the day at this inaugural mid-November outing to Cobourg, Presqu'ile and points between. 19 birders arrived at Cobourg Harbour at 8:30am and were immediately drawn to a sleeping, dark bird that, upon awakening, was revealed to be a dark morph POMARINE JAEGER. As reported earlier, the bird was clearly moribund. Regardless, all groups members got excellent views of the bird and many photographs were taken.
Other notable sightings at Cobourg Harbour included two BONAPARTE'S GULLS, 1 late DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, two small groups of SNOW BUNTINGS, several species of waterfowl, 2 COMMON LOONS and an odd-looking DUNLIN atop the breakwater. Less-known Chubs Point directly south of Grafton proved windy, but very productive for deep-water ducks. Here, the aforementuioned scoter sweep was completed when a female BLACK SCOTER appeared amidst tossing waves and several WHITE-WINGED and SURF SCOTERS. Some observers also got brief looks at a RED-THROATED LOON and a HORNED GREBE. Huff Road in Brighton on route to Presqu'ile was oddly disappointing, but Presqu'ile was typically productive. Several DUNLIN and SANDERLINGS were seen distantly from Owen Point and many active BONAPARTE'S GULLS delighted all observers. The often-seen EURASIAN WIGEON was seen exceptionally well from the newly-constructed viewing deck in the calm shallows of the section of the marsh across the road from the Camp Office. 2 male WOOD DUCKS, 1 male NORTHERN PINTAIL, many GREEN-WINGED TEAL and a GREAT BLUE HERON were also present here. Calf Pasture was quiet save for a late DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT and a COMMON LOON; Bill Gilmour's cottage was yet again a treat with 2 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS (singing partial songs!), a late COMMON GRACKLE and several AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES. Cobourg Harbour is easily accessible south of Highway 401 exit 474 where it runs parallel to King Street; Chubs Point is directly south of Grafton; Presqu'ile is well-signed south of Highway 401 exit 509. I would like to thank Dave Milsom, Maureen Riggs and Bill Gilmour for their assistance during today's outing. Best wishes, Ian Shanahan Toronto/Brighton p.s. Trip participants can contact me regarding photos of the jaeger. _______________________________________________ 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/
