By far the most plentiful ducks around Presqu'ile this week are the Red-breasted Mergansers, with an estimated 10,000 in Popham Bay on October 20. Two very late Osprey sightings occurred this week, one on October 18 and the other on October 20.

November 7 and 8, an estimated 10,000 BONAPARTE'S GULLS on the river. And a PURPLE SANDPIPER, plus several DUNLIN, above the stranded barge at the falls. BLACK-LEG. KITTIWAKES were reported on both Lake Erie and Ontario. November 5, 2 or 3 KITTIWAKES, plus SABINE'S GULL and LITTLE GULL on Erie at Athol Springs in Hamburg.

A surprisingly large aggregation of Red-throated Loons, estimated at 35, was at the lighthouse on November 8, along with a few Horned Grebes. On November 9, a Red-necked Grebe was swimming among the Mallards in that part of the marsh that had not frozen over the night before.

Another estimate by another observer a few days earlier had placed the number of swans at 150. Food placed out for the waterfowl there had attracted about 20 SNOW BUNTINGS. Southwest of the Murray Canal Bridge, a NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen consuming an AMERICAN ROBIN.

An estimate of about 200+ birds would be quite conservative. How many additional birds already incubating full clutches are already fallen silent?

Gulls at the falls included an estimated 15,000 HERRING GULLS, plus 4 ICELAND GULLS, 7 L. BLACK-B. GULLS, GLAUCOUS GULL and a probable THAYER'S GULL. On the upper Niagara River in Buffalo, a LITTLE GULL among several thousand BONAPARTE'S GULLS at Rich's Marina in Riverside, and at the Bird Island Pier, DUNLIN and L. BLACK- B. GULL.

On his return trip, the field had become invaded by a large flock of blackbirds, but also noted that a large component of the flock were EUROPEAN STARLINGS, estimated to be about 100 or more.

Estimates for visitors to the hawkwatch over the 2 days were 600+.

Hundreds of Pine Siskins have discovered the wealth of nyjer seed at 83 Bayshore Road, one estimate being 300 birds. To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton. Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid that is available at the Park gate.

From the Tower, there was an estimated 20-25 warblers passing overhead per minute during this time. Already juggling a number of counting tasks, I was left shaking my head in awe.