When the Smew wasn't found at Whitby Harbour this morning, Declan Troy and I checked the ducks on Lake Ontario off Oshawa Second Marsh. We were told that a Barrow's Goldeneye has been there for a while. Declan spotted the goldeneye but thought it didn't look right for Barrow's and on examining my digiscoped photos Ron Pittaway confirmed that it is a hybrid Common x Barrow's Goldeneye. See photos and captions: http://www.jeaniron.ca/2011/hybridcoba.htm
We returned to Whitby Harbour about 2:45 but the Smew had not been seen all day. Directions to Berm Trail at Oshawa Second Marsh: >From Harmony Road exit in Oshawa on Highway 401, go south on Harmony to Colonel Sam Drive. Turn left, east, for about 500 metres. On east side of bridge over the creek is a rough trail along the top of a berm that leads to Lake Ontario. The trail has a gate at the beginning but this is to keep out vehicles not pedestrians. It's a pleasant 20 to 25 minute walk. Do not walk down the paved trail on the west side of the bridge as this does not go to the lake. Jean Iron Toronto, Ontario _______________________________________________ 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/
