Further to Brian Morin's posting of yesterday, large numbers of Greater and Lesser Snow Geese continue in Eastern Ontario. At Winchester, Paul and Michelle Martin and I saw several thousand Lesser Snow Geese, but this was eclipsed by a flock of several thousand Greaters near Chesterville (on the Berwick Road where it crosses the South Nation River). We did a 2hour watch at the bridge during which time we saw 1 Ross's Goose, 1 hybrid Ross x Snow (side by side with the Ross's), 5 Golden Eagle (4 in one binocular view. 3 adult, 2 imm, it is possible there were up to 7 present), 1 ad. Bald Eagle, 2 Turkey Vulture and a brown phase Gyrfalcon. The latter was following the South Nation River, headed north; it barrelled into the flock, making two attempts at a very lucky Snow Goose which only escaped thanks to some nimble flying. Also seen during the watch; a flock of Pine Siskins and, in a nearby crab apple, 70+ Bohemian Waxwing (which seem to be moving through the area this week). The Sno w Goose flock at the site is fluid, with small groups coming and going regularly during our watch. _______________________________________________ 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
