To satisfy those who may be wondering how far the waterfowl migration has progressed, I made an inquiry at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge which is in New York State south of Lake Ontario. Most of the Greater Snow Geese that migrate through Eastern Ontario arrive there first then head back east after a few weeks.
The biologist informed me that they have 100,000 birds present and that they have been on site for most of February. This is very early for them but not unexpected in this unusual year. There was a report a few weeks ago of about half a dozen birds passing overhead at dusk north of St. Andrews (north of Cornwall) heading towards the river. This took place on several nights. In 2011, the first flocks were noted on March 11 with the main flight at mid-month. It could come earlier this year given the conditions. Except for shallow bays and areas along the Long Sault Parkway, the St. Lawrence did not freeze this winter but fields are snow covered. Brian Morin Cornwall _______________________________________________ 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/
