NORTHERN CARDINAL and EASTERN BLUEBIRD Dundas 27/02/02 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny  Temp +3

Sarah and I spent most of the day walking around the Royal Botanical Gardens just out side Dundas.   It truly was a glorious sunny day and just to show spring is on the way I saw my first Eastern Chipmunk spotted by my sharp eyed girlfriend.  We also saw: 1 GREAT HORNED OWL, 1 RAVEN, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE, 7 BROWN CREEPERS, 5 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 6 HAIRY and 8 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 NORTHERN FLICKER, 5 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS and lots of CARDINALS Etc.

WEATHER, Sunny temp +3

I spent the afternoon walking along the Rail trail back to Dundas.  I have been in this area now several times and it always seems quite for birds.  Today was no exception the Conservation area was almost dead.  However I did log 2 PILEATED WOODPECKERS, 1 DOWNY WOODPECKER, 2 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 2 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 5 PINE SISKINS, 3 COMMON REDPOLLS , 1 AMERICAN ROBIN and 5 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, but for five hours this was hard work!

GLAUCOUS GULL and GOSHAWK Christie Lake 26/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Mainly sunny temp +2

I got dropped this morning at Christie lake Conservation area just west of Dundas.  And I began to wonder if it was a good idea as I hadn't seen anything at all when a large raptor landed near me.  I nearly didn't raise my binoculars because the bird look like the size and coloration of  Red-tailed Hawk.  But when I did and saw a bright orange eye and a bold white line over the eye and small head with a short bill I  realized I was looking at a first winter female NORTHERN GOSHAWK.  I was so enthralled  looking at it I nearly forgot to take a photo, so I took a photograph through my bins just to be safe, then I began to set up my scope but the bird flew over me giving great views of what is normally a hard raptor to see up close! I then checked some water treatment pools and the gull flock contained 3 GLAUCOUS GULLS 2 adults and a first winter.  Also there a drake RING-NECKED DUCK, 2 BUFFLEHEADS, 3 COMMON MERGANSERS and 30 BLACK DUCKS. I then carried on through the Conservation area and saw: 5 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 2 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 3 COMMON REDPOLLS, 5 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 1 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, 1 HAIRY WOODPECKER and 10 RED-TAILED HAWKS.  But the long walk home produced nothing at all!!

LONG-EARED OWL and BALD EAGLE Hamilton 25/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Cloudy start then sunny temp +2

I spent most of the day birding around Hamilton harbour from the Inland water center.  A sub adult BALD EAGLE sat very distantly on the ice for a while before flying of very high.  Another  highlight was 2 RED-THROATED LOONS that fed in the middle of the harbour.  The harbour was crammed full of diving ducks with several thousand COMMON MERGANSERS, RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, GREATER SCAUP and GOLDENEYES. Also among these: 2 REDHEADS, 120 BUFFLEHEADS, 4 SURF SCOTERS, 300 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, 600 LONG-TAILED DUCKS.  And there was a noticeable increase in RING-BILLED GULLS and a lot of them were displaying on there breeding territory.  There were 2 adult GLAUCOUS GULLS  and 8 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS  amongst the  HERRING GULL flock.  And last but not least 3 LONG-EARED OWLS were still roosting by the Canal.

Raccoon 24/02/04 Dundas © J.Lees

WEATHER, Snow all morning then sunny all afternoon temp -5

I began my morning at the Desjardins Canal Dundas, all of the usual wintering birds were present and the only new birds were 3 MUTE SWANS.  I then walked up to the Olympic arena where a singing RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD and many singing NORTHERN CARDINALS made the idea of spring not quite so silly.  Also there today: 1 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 1 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, 1 BROWN CREEPER, 1 NORTHERN FLICKER, 6 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 20 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS and 10 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS. Also 5 White-Tailed Deer, and later in the night two Raccoons.

HORNED LARKS Dundas 23/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sun/cloud Temp -1

The highlights today were the snow is at last starting to  melt a bit, and the other was watching a pair of RAVENS doing there tumbling display flight over Falls View Road Dundas this afternoon.  Also there 10 HORNED LARKS were still showing well and singing.  I then walked along the top of the escarpment and dropped down to the Pinetum trail.  On the trail a pair of PILEATED WOODPECKERS showed well and the male even chased off one of the 5 RED-TAILED HAWKS. Also on there today: 5 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 8 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 1 NORTHERN FLICKER, 5 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 2 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 25 HOUSEFINCHES, 10 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 5 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 50 SLATE-COLORED JUNCOS. Also 2 RACCOONS showed well from my bedroom window.

PURPLEFINCH and BOHEMIAN WAXWING Flamborogh 22/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Cloudy and sunny   Temp -4

Sarah and I met up with Cheryl, Gerard and Charlene early this morning and headed up to Mountsberg.  But we headed off after drawing a blank at Mountsberg but didn't get far before Cheryl gave the shout to stop.  And we looked out the window to see a flock of waxwings, but it got better when we realized we were looking at 21 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS. These stunning birds gave good views feeding in someone's road side garden on Millborough Line.  We then went to an undisclosed site to view some feeders, and we were very kindly allowed to have good views of: 3 PURPLEFINCHES, 50 COMMON REDPOLLS, 5 PINE SISKINS, 5 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 1 HAIRY WOODPECKER, 15 SLATE-COLORED JUNCOS. Also on route  we had great views of a 1st winter NORTHERN SHRIKE and 4 RED-TAILED HAWKS and 7 HORNED LARKS.

BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS Flamborough 22/02/04 © J.Lees

HORNED LARK Dundas 21/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Snowing and very windy temp-8

This morning I went for a short walk on the top of the escarpment behind Dundas.  The weather was really bad on the top and  I would go as far as saying it was a blizzard.  This did not keep a flock of 18 HORNED LARKS from going about there business on the fields of Falls View road, and amazingly they were singing in an almost whiteout! These super little birds showed  well but the vertical blowing snow had me heading home for a warm coffee earlier than I had planned.

AMERICAN KESTREL Dundas 20/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Dull and overcast  temp 0

I spent the morning birding around the Desjardins Canal Dundas.  A miserable dull day was brightened up by the presents of a male AMERICAN KESTREL hunting along the Canal.  Also 20 COMMON REDPOLLS and a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD were notable for the Canal.  There was a small increase in diving ducks today with 4 BUFFLEHEADS, 4 RING-NECKED DUCKS and 2 COMMON MERGANSERS.  Also on the Canal today: 1 WOOD DUCK, 1 HOODED MERGANSER, 1 GOLDENEYE, 100 BLACK DUCKS, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 1 AMERICAN COOT, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 1 DOWNY WOODPECKER and 5 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS,

WEATHER, Sunny and very mild with a temp of +2

WHITE BREASTED NUTHATCH and SONG SPARROW Dundas 18/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Su/cloud deep snow cover Temp -5

Although we are due more snow over the weekend, today there was a hint of spring in the air with many birds in song.  I started my day at Hendrie Valley and found 4 singing SONG SPARROWS and a GRAY CATBIRD.  Then I walked back to Dundas through the Arboretum , but due to a lot of chainsaw work birds were thin on the ground.  Another SONG SPARROW and a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER were to most interesting.  Totals of the commoner birds from the two sites today were : 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 1 SWAMP SPARROW, 10 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 100 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 10 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, 7 HOUSEFINCHES, 2 NORTHERN FLICKERS, 10 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 3 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 70 JUNCOS, 30 MOURNING DOVES and 30 NORTHERN CARDINALS.

PINES SISKINS and COMMON REDPOLLS  Flamborough 17/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny deep snow cover   Temp-9

I spent the morning with Cheryl and Tom and Jim birding around Flamborough.  First we paid a visit to Patterson's tract, the highlight there was 3 PURPLE FINCHES feeding with at least 50 CEDAR WAXWINGS.  Also there:2 AMERICAN ROBINS,  3 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES and a NORTHERN FLICKER.  Then we went to an undisclosed site to look at some feeders,  and we were treated to 35 COMMON REDPOLLS, 5 PINE SISKINS and 4 PURPLE FINCHES all taking turns to grace the feeders.  Also fighting for the seed a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 1 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 1 HAIRY WOODPECKER, 3 DOWNY WOODPECKERS and lots of JUNCOS.  And we spotted various birds on route : 3 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 8 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 40 HORNED LARKS and 50 SNOW BUNTINGS.

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW and female PILEATED WOODPECKER 16/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, sun/cloud deep snow cover temp -17

Today I walked around the arboretum in the RBG just out side Dundas.  The highlight was a  WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW showing characteristics of a western form.   Another photograph of this bird is on my photos page at the bottom. Also at the arboretum today 1 BROWN THRASHER, 1 TUFTED TITMOUSE, 1 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, 1 CAROLINA WREN, 1 BROWN CREEPER, 1 PILEATED WOODPECKER, 1 RED-BREASTED WOODPECKER, 7 NORTHERN FLICKERS, 5 HAIRY WOODPECKER, 12 DOWNY WOODPECKER, 1 SONG SPARROW, 12 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, 30 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 AMERICAN ROBINS, 60 SLATE-COLORED JUNCOS, 1 HOUSEFINCH, 15 BLUE JAYS and 35 NORTHERN CARDINALS.

BROWN CREEPER Dundas 15/02/04  © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny   Temp -22

Spent the afternoon down at the Desjardins Canal Dundas.  It was a beautiful  sunny afternoon  with hardly a breath of wind.  My totals from the Canal this afternoon : 2 BROWN CREEPERS, 3 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 15 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 25 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1 female SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 2 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 2 REDHEADS, 1 COMMON MERGANSER, 3 HOODED MERGANSERS, 1 BUFFLEHEAD, 1 WOOD DUCK , 2 GOLDENEYES, 1  PIED-BILLED GREBE, 1  AMERICAN COOT, 5  TRUMPETER SWANS.

WEATHER, sun/cloud and lots of snow flurries  temp-8

No birding today, Valentine's day !!

FOX SPARROW Hendrie Valley inn 13/02/04  © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sun/cloud very windy temp -12

I met up with Dave Don, Cheryl Edgecobe and Tom Crooks.  First we saw 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS at a un named site.  Then we headed to Hendrie Valley Inn Burlington.  I was surprised we saw anything as the wind was very strong.  But we did and the interest came in the form of a FOX SPARROW that showed briefly by the broad walk.  Also there : 1 WINTER WREN, 12 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 25 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, 3 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 35 SLATE-COLORED JUNCOS and around 12 NORTHERN CARDINALS.

WEATHER, Sun/cloud but very mild temp at -1

No birding today had other commitments!!

3 SURF SCOTERS and a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER Stoney Creek 11/02/04  © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny at times and snow flurries  temp -15

I grabbed a lift to Stoney Creek in the L P Sayers area.  As seems to be often the case most of the birds were quite distant.  But not all of them and the lighting was good.  The best bird was a first year male KING EIDER that showed reasonably well feeding with the scoters.  Also a pair of BLACK SCOTERS were tricky to find among what must of be at least 4000 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and 35 SURF SCOTERS .  Also there: 6000 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 1000 GOLDENEYES, 70 GREATER SCAUP, 85 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, 4 MALLARDS. But on the way home I bumped into a local birder who told me a SNOWY OWL had just been seen near the Burlington Canal, But I could not find anywhere !!.

NORTHERN SHRIKE Dundas 10/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Snow flurries very windy deep snow cover temp -5

I started my morning walking around the Hopkins trail just out side Dundas.  The strong winds and snow didn't help but I did manage to find 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS that showed well in some small pines.   Also on the Hopkins: 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 4 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 12 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 2 NORTHERN FLICKERS, 10 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 HAIRY WOODPECKER, 5 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and 16 NORTHERN CARDINALS.  Then I walked around behind the Olympic Arena the highlight here was a first winter NORTHERN SHRIKE, that showed well late morning.  Also in this area were 5 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS.  Then I had a very quick look at the Desjardins Canal on the way home totals there : 2 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 2 REDHEADS, 1 BUFFLEHEAD, 1 GOLDENEYE and a single AMERICAN TREE SPARROW.

LONG-EARED OWL Burlington 09/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER: Cloudy and very windy thick snow cover temp -2

I headed down to the Burlington Canal today to see 2 LONG-EARED OWLS which were found by Dave Don.  They gave very good views roosting in a pine tree.  And looking out from there onto lake Ontario produced: 12 SURF SCOTERS, 200 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 450 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 200 GOLDENEYES.

ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and WILD TURKEY Hamdimand County 08/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny thick snow cover temp -12

Sarah and I spent the day with Dave Don and Cheryl Edgecombe and a few other local birders.  We headed down to Haldimand County.  There were two main highlights for me: the first a WILSON'S SNIPE that gave two brief views, and a total of 6 WILD TURKEYS.    These really big birds were almost crane like in behavior and strutted around in the snow.  We did quite well for raptors with 4 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS including one bird that sailed just over the top of our car!  There was also a juvenile NORTHERN HARRIER and around 60 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK.  We also managed to find: 67 HORNED LARKS, 12 SNOW BUNTINGS, 2 SWAMP SPARROWS, 30 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 4 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 1 DOWNY WOODPECKER, 1 HAIRY WOODPECKER and a GREAT BLUE HERON.  All in all a good day out and great birding.

ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and HORNED LARKS Flambrough 07/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny and snow flurries temp -8

Sarah borrowed her mom's car for the afternoon, and we drove around Flambrough looking for Turkeys but dipped out.  On the up side we found a group of 10 HORNED LARKS and had nice views of 2 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 4 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 3 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and 30 SNOW BUNTINGS.

WEATHER, Snow over night turned to a lethal  persistent freezing rain today temp 0.

Only went for a short walk to the Desjardins Canal Dunads.  Totals from there today: 1 AMERICAN COOT, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 2 REDHEADS, 3 HOODED MERGANSERS, 1 WOOD DUCK, 154 BLACK DUCKS, 5 TRUMPETER SWANS, 1 AMERICAN HERRING GULL, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK and 3 AMERICAN ROBINS.

CEDAR WAXWINGS and NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD Dundas 05/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Cloudy deep snow cover temp -10

Today I walked behind the Olympic Ground and then around the Hopkins trail Dundas.  There were quite a few interesting birds around.  The pick of the crop being a NORTHERN SHRIKE which was chasing a large flock a Goldfinches.  And amazing after all the cold weather 3 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were still around also; 1 CAROLINA WREN, 4 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 7 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 70 AMERICAN ROBINS, 25 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 3 BROWN CREEPERS, 2 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, 4 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 14 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 7 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 28 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 30 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 70 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, 3 HOUSEFINCHES, 20 NORTHERN CARDINALS and 3 RED-TAILED HAWKS.

BROWN THRASHER RBG  Arboretum Dundas 04/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER,  Sun/Cloud deep snow cover temp -12

I managed to grab a lift with Susan to the arboretum in the RBG early morning.  I then gently strolled home enjoying a fairly bright day.  During my journey I had two birding highlights, the first was a very smart BROWN THRASHER which showed well on and off at a feeding station.  The second highlight was a superb dark morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK  that drifted slowly over me,  the bird plumage was practically all black from head to tail! I also saw; 1 TUFTED TITMOUSE, 1 CAROLINA WREN, 27 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 5 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 2 AMERICAN ROBINS, 3 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 18 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 7 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 30 HOUSEFINCHES, 25 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, 8 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 45 SLATE-COLORED JUNCOS, 28 NORTHERN CARDINALS.

RING-NECKED DUCKS Dundas 03/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Snow and freezing rain temp 0

Down at a very slushy Desjardins Canal today; 2 drake RING-NECKED DUCKS, 2 drake REDHEADS, 1 AMERICAN COOT, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 2 COMMON MERGANSERS, 3 HOODED MERGANSERS, 2 GOLDENEYES, 1 BUFFLEHEAD, 100 BLACK DUCKS, 8 TRUMPETER SWANS, 2 BROWN CREEPERS, 1 HAIRY WOODPECKER, 1 DOWNY WOODPECKER, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN TREE SPARROW ,  1 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.  Also had a really close view of a MINK.

02 Feb

GREAT HORNED OWLS  Dundas 02/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sun cloud thick snow cover -8

Today I walked up to and along the escarpment behind Dundas.  The only highlight was the 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS still roosting at a un named site.  Also today; 2 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 HAIRY WOODPECKER, 5 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, 3 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 2 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 6 RED CARDINALS, 8 BLUE JAYS and 15 AMERICAN CROWS.

01 Feb

WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and 1st winter and adult ICELAND GULLS 01/02/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny thick snow cover -15

Spent a few hours on the shore of Stoney Creek looking at lake Ontario.  Unfortunately the edges have began to freeze, So most birds were distant apart from a few groups which were close in unfrozen waters.  There were at least 9 SURF SCOTERS among around 2500 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS.  Also on the water; 2 LESSER SCAUP, 25 GREATER SCAUP, 7 CANVASBACKS, 1 BLACK DUCK, 1000 GOLDENEYES, 3 BUFFLEHEADS, and around 3500 LONG-TAILED DUCKS.  And among the Gulls sat on the ice a single adult GLAUCOUS GULL and 2 adult and one 1st winter ICELAND GULLS ( KUMLIEN'S). Also around the area; 2 SNOW BUNTINGS, 1 GREAT BLUE HERON, 4 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 10 GREAT-BLACK BACKED GULLS, 1 RED CARDINAL and 2 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS.