Hi all, I was stunned this afternoon to see 11 (10 ad., 1 imm) Ross’ Geese with Canada’s at the Barcovan Channel today. Ross’ Geese are still pretty rare in this part of Ontario and 11 is remarkable, especially on 1 Feb.! Hard to know which way they are going. I have no idea if they will stay there, but most geese in the area move around to corn fields for much of the day. These birds could also easily locate to Presqu’ile Bay or even the Presqu’ile Beach so if you try and don’t see them, check other sites if you can.
POSTSCRIPT - I just heard that they flock was seen flying east late this afternoon, so they might come back, but if they are not at Barcovan it would be good to check Wellington Harbour, another good winter waterfowl site. Seeing them with my eye, I assumed they would be Snow Geese but with binoculars it was clear they all appeared to be Ross’. Features noted include small size, very small - almost dainty - bill, a clean straight line where bill and facial feathering meet, a “cute-eyed" look on a very rounded head, and obvious vertical neck ruffles. Directions: The Barcovan Channel is the gap separating Weller’s Bay and Lake Ontario at the west end, roughly half way between Brighton and Trenton. It is about about 5 km east of the Presqu’ile Lighthouse as the crow flies. The area is a residential area, and all land is private property so viewing from the road itself is the only option. The road is also very narrow with no shoulders so please be thoughtful and don’t block traffic or park there. The best bet might be to park on Carter Rd. just away from the lakeshore and walk the short distance to the channel. The best way to get here is (if coming from west) travel east from Brighton on Cty Rd. 64, go over the Murray Canal and veer left with the main road. Continue past the Barcovan Golf Course then turn right on Carter Rd. This will take you to the lake. Park just before the lake and walk to the shore. The geese were roosting with Canada’s on a large fenced flat area at the channel narrows, about 75m west from the bend. If coming from the east, take Cty Rd. 33 in Trenton and follow to Carrying Place, then go right at the main intersection (Kente Portage Rd.), then right on Cty Rd. 64 to Carter Rd. as above. Cheers, Doug Doug McRae P.O. Box 3010 Brighton, Ontario K0K 1H0 613-475-5014 H 613-243-4161 C _______________________________________________ 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
