Also on December 18, two Swamp Sparrows were behind the woodpile marsh, and, by a conservative estimate, six or seven Song Sparrows were on Gull Island. Although proving somewhat elusive, a White-throated Sparrow has been at 83 Bayshore Road, where there are also two Common Grackles. One Common Redpoll put in a brief appearance there on December 18.

The total number of BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS has been variously estimated between 500 and 1,000 birds. Also present were 9 SANDERLINGS, and 5 DOWITCHER species (too far for positive identification). Numbers seen there today were considerably reduced, but 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 2 SANDERLINGS, and 3 RUDDY TURNSTONES were observed.

One estimate put the total at 8,000 birds on that day. Included in that number were a few Black-bellied Plovers, 60 Whimbrels, a Marbled Godwit (the second godwit species in the Park this month and one of only very few records), six Red Knots, a rare-in-spring Purple Sandpiper, and 14 Short-billed Dowitchers.

A high count of nine GREAT EGRETS on High Bluff Island may still be an under-estimate because not all can be seen from the mainland. Up to three OSPREYS have been seen almost every day this month. Now that the nesting season for BALD EAGLES is over, birds of that species may soon be showing up at Presqu'ile.

It was conservatively estimated at over a thousand birds. Cheers, Peter Good Kingston Field Naturalists 613 378-6605

There are so many thrushes and sparrows in the bushes that it is impossible to estimate their actual numbers. A few interesting highlights were noted including more PURPLE FINCHES (both male and female), numerous DOWNY & HAIRY WOODPECKERS, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS, a few WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES & BROWN CREEPERS and 2 GREAT BLUE HERONS.

I would estimate at least 15 cranes. At the Old Cut Banding Station we had Brown Creeper, Pine Siskin, White-throated Sparrow, and a very obliging Winter Wren. The Inner Bay contained thousands of ducks of many species, with a dominance of both species of Scaup, Canvasback, and Redhead.

I estimate 2,000-3,000 more Red-tails and 30 Golden Eagles (need the adults) could pass in December. Non-raptor Observations: Very few songbirds. All night and day rain and snow sent them packing. Red-winged Blackbird-1, Am.

I would estimate about 4 dozen or more. People have reported one Hoary in the flock some time in the past several weeks. A regular to the feeders mentioned seeing a Brown Creeper a few days ago. I too have seen a Brown Creeper at the same feeders a couple of times in the past several months.

He estimates 40-50 Rusty Blackbirds were in the mix. I found a smaller flock of ten Rusties in those woods today. In the same area (specifically the laneway that runs east into Holland River Marina) there were ten Caspian Terns and 20 Bonaparte's Gulls this afternoon.