Swainson's Thrushes predominated with an estimate of up to 7000/hour passing overhead. On the ground there are a few reports of interest. The Amherstview lagoons continue to have variety if not large numbers of shorebirds. There were 2 Stilt Sandpipers and a Wilson's Phalarope yesterday, along with a few Greater Yellowlegs and several Lesser Yellowlegs.

In that period I would estimate their number at several hundred ( 400+). The ones flying over our house were lower moving quickly in a southwest direction until they linked up with another stream- a bit higher- just to the south of our house moving directly west. As the sky openned up they caught thermals and gathered in kettles of 25 to 50+.

Counting was difficult due to light conditions in late afternoon but about 5,000 birds was a reasonable estimate. Flooded fields just south of Green Valley on Cty Rd 34 had a massive flock on the ground and in the water. There were at least 12,000 and they were present into the evening. The birds occasionally lifted off but were mainly on the ground.

We estimated (conservatively) that the first flock numbered well over 50,000. It was in the same area as reported by Geof Burbidge (et al) two days ago, & was best viewed from Vallee Road (off Concession Road 12, east of Hwy 9). At least two of the geese had visible neck collars which will be reported for identification to the Canadian Wildlife Service.

My estimate of 25,000 birds may be a gross underestimate. From half a kilometre away the sound of the ducks pattering along the surface to take off sounded like a big approaching storm. So what was in there?

I estimated the flock to be 200 to 250 individuals. In the hand they were much bigger than I expected at around 25 grams. Many regions in Ontario set records for precipitation in 2008 which has produced abundant wild fruit and cone crops.

Today I estimated it at well over 200 birds with a third being blue morph birds. I saw at least 2 blue Ross's and 10+ white Ross's. To-day the flock took to the air from corn fields to the south, circled a few times and then landed in the major flooded section south of Greenway Road, east of Hwy#21.

We estimate that there were a minimum of 800,000 Greater Snow Geese present today, perhaps as many as a million birds. We saw 3 Ross's Geese in the mix, but mostly we just sat back and marvelled at the numbers. We were present from 10am to 1pm.

I estimate the bird was 12 to 15" long with the tail being approximately 1.5 times the length of the body. The flight was reminiscent of a Shrike or Mockingbird, with 2 or 3 pumps, except the overall path was very steep and fast.

It was hard to estimate the numbers due to the constant movement of birds but there were around 500+, mainly juveniles. Highlights included 14 Baird's Sandpiper, 3 White-rumped Sandpiper, 1 Stilt Sandpiper, 1 Short-billed Dowitcher, 11 Ruddy Turnstone, 68 Semipalmated Plover, 4 Pectoral Sandpiper, 37 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, and 2 Black-bellied Plover.