Ontbirders,
There was an excellent fall-out of migrants along the Beachville River Trail
this morning, as good as any local day in years. I had 21 species of warblers,
about 300 individuals, most noteworthy was a persistently singing Connecticut.
[my earliest record by 10 days]
The protracted spring has created a mash-up of early and late migrants. I had
many Yellow-rumps, Palm's, White-throated Sparrows and Ruby-crowned Kinglets
mixed in with first-for-spring Blackpoll, Bay-breast, Wilson's, Philadelphia
Vireo etc.. Many Red-eyed Vireo's and Swainson's Thrush as well.
To reach the trail....from Beachville Road take Domtar Line over the tracks and
river, then turn immediately right [east] and park at the trail entrance. Walk
about 800 m along the river, to the 1st Red Pines on your left. The Connecticut
was singing along the river slope, and gave a few furtive peeks as well.
PS - I thought I should update shorebird numbers at Hillman from yesterday, as
the reported numbers were so low. Ross Snider and I were there in the afternoon
and there was a tremendous number of birds on the flats. Something spooked the
whole flock [most of which didn't return] while we were scoping, so the numbers
were hard to assess but we estimated 1200 Black-bellied Plover and 300
Short-billed Dowitcher, some of which may have dispersed to the onion fields. We
also had 3 White-rumps with the many Dunlin.
Cheers,
James Holdsworth, Biological Consulting Services
14 Marian St,
RR#1 Woodstock, On, N4S-7V6
[519]537-2027
226-228-0093 [NEW][cell]
jmholdsworth@rogers.com