On this chilly spring day, some 50+ birders attended the Long Point OFO trip today in search of Tundra Swans, Sandhill Cranes, waterfowl, and other early migrants. Participants were not disappointed as Tundra Swans were in no short supply with flocks flying continuously throughout the day. It appears some birds were moving onwards, while other birds were just arriving. Several fields contained large concentrations with as many as 3000 in the field west of Port Royal along Front Rd. The East Quarterline Rd between Concession 1 and the Front Rd also had a large group of birds and made for nice viewing on a less busy road.
Large flocks of dabblers (expected species) and redhead accompanied the swans with smaller numbers of geese mixed in as well. Small numbers of Sandhill Cranes, Horned Larks, and Killdeer were present at most stops. No Cackling Geese or Greater White-fronted Geese were seen during the tour, but both species were still in the area today. I found (re-found?) a single Greater White-fronted Goose just west of Lee Brown's along Front Rd before a swirl of birds took off and I lost track of it. The waterfowl were moving around a lot today so it's worth checking all the fields, and sometimes checking them twice. The inner bay and lake are still frozen, with the only open water being where Big Creek goes under the causeway at Long Point. Several Pied-billed Grebes were present here, along with Canvasback and other diving ducks. Swans and ducks will remain concentrated here until the bay opens. Many thanks to Doug Tozer, Diane Salter, and Tim Lucas for co-leading this trip, and to all the other experienced birders who lent their eyes, ears, and scopes. Many thanks to St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre for providing parking and carpooling space, and to Bird Studies Canada and Old Cut Bird Observatory for providing washroom facilities and a warm place to eat lunch. Directions: From Port Rowan, travel west along Front Rd to the flashing light at Hwy 59. Continue west along Front Rd to reach Lee Brown's and to search the agricultural fields for waterfowl. Heading south of the intersection of Front Rd and Hwy 59 you will travel along the causeway and reach the Big Creek bridge. Take care parking in the area as traffic can be busy on weekends, and ditches can be deep along Front Rd. Feel free to email me for more information or if you have any questions. Adam Timpf [email protected] _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
