The spring migration is an annual event that every birder looks forward
to. Please remember that Ontbirds is provincial list with over 2800
subscribers. We cannot and should not try to report every aspect of the
migration.
Weekly reports (often sent on Thursdays) from a number of locations
across the province present a good general overview of migration's progress.
Please report significant migration events. The first bird of the year
is only significant if it is well outside its expected arrival date.
Killdeer, Blackbirds are returning in numbers that are already building.
Tundra Swan and other waterfowl have also begun to move. Really large
swan concentrations in fields and on the lake are noteworthy and should
be reported. Not sure you can say the same thing about the passage of
40 birds in season overhead along established migratory routes even if
it puts a grin on your face.
A couple of examples... The first Great Blue Heron might be significant
if it is trying to break through a frozen lake otherwise it is expected.
If the woods are 'dripping with hundreds of warblers', report it
promptly. A fallout of large number of songbirds in an infrequently
birded location is probably symptomatic of a larger regional event.
While there are not hard rules, probably the only birds that should be
reported from well visited migrant traps like Point Pelee are vagrants.
As always remember to include the location in the subject header and
directions in the message itself. End of your message with your name.
--
Mark Cranford
ONTBIRDS Coordinator
Mississauga, Ont.
[email protected]
905 279 9576
_______________________________________________
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/
