One of these last Sunday, near Lansdowne, lasted over an hour and contained an estimated 40,000 Common Grackles, 5000 Red-winged Blackbirds, 3000 European Starlings, 1200 Rusty Blackbirds and 1000 Brown-headed Cowbirds. In much smaller numbers, several observers reported Hermit Thrushes and there were 7 E. Bluebirds northeast of Gananoque on Sunday.

They were a distance estimated to be about 200 to 300 meters but with front lighting. At 12:20 pm they flushed with a half dozen Killer, flew sw over Brock Road and landed in a cultivated area when a new subdivision is going, still visible from the bidge.

The rail was smallish with a short bill, no noticeable tail and a wingspan I'd estimate at about a foot or so. The key field mark however, was two box-shaped white patches on the bird's secondaries that contrasted quite brightly against what otherwise appeared to be a relatively dark bird as it flew away from me. It did not vocalize.

I estimated they were about 200 meters from my observation point. They all had plain grey backs with black outer coverts and on the longer three primaries; the underwings very pale except for gray edging on the primaries and secondaries.

Today between 5:30 and 7:20 pm, the following were present in the flooded field to the south of West Dumfries Road: Tundra Swan - estimated 250; possibly more Snow Goose - 4 adults counted; no Ross' Goose Greater Scaup -  7 drakes Ring-neck Duck - 3 drakes Canvasback - 2 drakes Mallard - pair A good scope and stable tripod were necessary for good views.

An estimated 32 counters and 1 feeder watcher participated in the St. Catharines CBC. We counted 81 species (slightly above average) and 13,654 individuals (below average). A few highlights: Turkey Vulture - 1st record!

Based on reports, I estimate between 100-130+ Snowy Owls are either present or have passed through eastern Ontario moving further south in search of food. This movement coincides with a large movement in Newfoundland and in northeastern United States. Please remember to review OFO's birding code of ethics.

I estimated 3000 of each species when I left with more still coming in. At one point I looked up because of the sound of wings (around 6:20) and there were a massive number of birds in the air coming in to land. There were 8 Snow Geese at the far side and I found 1 Cackling Goose though there could have been more in the masses.

Last estimate I heard was 9 trips across the road!! After the Cliff we went over to the Port Stanley Lagoons where we found the 2nd lagoon with low water and lots of shoreline and shorebirds. At the harbour we had 18 Black-bellied Plover on the breakwater which was a nice surprise. Thank you to Rebecca for joining us.

The hull is conventionally constructed for type (inland service) with approx. 3" x 2" angle frames on about 24" to 28"" centers, with estimated 5/16" shell plating. New Paint stem to stern... pure white.