An impressive 182 species were reported at this year’s convention, held in Peterborough and Timmins. The latter northeastern Ontario group recorded 79 species, including five (Red-necked Grebe, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, American Three-toed Woodpecker, and Evening Grosbeak) not found by those on the 32 scheduled field trips near Peterborough and beyond to areas including Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Port Hope, Cobourg, Presqu’ile Park, Prince Edward County, and Algonquin Park. Those trips noted 177 species.
Several factors appear to have combined to produce the remarkable number of birds seen during the Convention. The weather over the three-day weekend was conducive to an influx of migrants in the south. A warm September had encouraged many species to linger. And as usual, a host of good birders leading and participating on the field trips resulted in some great finds. Notable species included Eared Grebe, King Rail, Red Knot, Wilson’s Phalarope, Forster’s Tern, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Nelson’s Sparrow. Total species reported for the following groups are shown in parentheses: ducks (20), shorebirds (21), gulls (5), warblers (21) and sparrows (12). The complete species list will be posted on the OFO website (www.ofo.ca<http://www.ofo.ca>). Thanks to all convention organizers, trip leaders and participants in the north and the south. Ron Tozer OFO Convention 2023 List Compiler -- Ontbirds and Birdnews are moderated email Listservs provided by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) as a service to all birders in Ontario. Birdnews is reserved for announcements, location summaries, first of year reports, etc. To post a message on Birdnews, send an email to: [email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Birdnews Moderators by email at [email protected]. Please review posting rules and guidelines at http://ofo.ca/site/content/listserv-guidelines During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Ontario birders should be taking extra precautions and following local, provincial, and federal regulations regarding physical distancing and non-essential travel. To find out more about OFO, please visit our website at ofo.ca or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists.
