Posting on behalf of Jeanne Norris who attempted to post Ontbirds late
last night (Saturday)
Mark Cranford
Ontbirds Coordinator
___________________________
No photo, but I am confident of the sighting. Verified by my companion
on Saturday.
1. Friday, May 20, about 8 am. Two birds seen flying low over Cootes
Drive, from West to East
2. Friday, May 20, about 5 pm. Two swimming in Desjardins Canal, King St
E, at Olympic Drive, Dundas side. Distinct yellow, long, very sharp
bill; swimming low in the water. (sighting by eyesight alone, no
binoculars, about 30 feet away)
3. Saturday, May 21, about 1:30 pm. Pair sighted again swimming on
canal. One clearly very dark/black, speckled back, second distinctly
light brown. Clear view of yellow, sharp bill. Swimming very low, only
neck showing some of the time. This time I had my binoculars and bird
book with me.
I do understand how rare this sighting is, but clear repeated view
through binoculars, checking against bird book, confirms what I saw.
Also there was a pair of cormorants at the same time making for a clear
comparison. Cormorants with dark, blunt bill and reddish neck patches
were clearly distinguishable from the pair that I am sure are anhingas.
Birds distinctive posture is also characteristic -- holding bill pointed
upwards.
I welcome any confirmations.
Jeanne Norris
Dundas, ON; tel. 905-628-9282
[email protected]
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