WEATHER, Snow flurries, deep snow cover windy  -26

A dull windy cold day only inspired me to stay local.  So I started at the Desjardins Canal and then headed up to the Olympic ground.  On the Canal today; 1 BUFFLEHEAD, 2 GOLDENEYES, 1 REDHEAD, 1 WOOD DUCK, 5 HOODED MERGANSERS, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 1 AMERICAN COOT, 8 TRUMPETER SWANS.  And behind the Olympic ground; 2 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 8 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 3 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 1 NORTHERN FLICKER, 25 HOUSEFINCHES, 30 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 50 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 15 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 3 BLUE JAYS, 12 RED CARDINALS and a single WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH.

PILEATED WOODPECKER Dundas 29/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny deep snow cover windy -24

A change in the weather today saw a nice sunny day, but bitterly cold.  This morning I walked along  Spencer creek Dundas.  It was a bird free zone! then just as I reached the end of the trail there a few meters away was a stunning male PILEATED WOODPECKER.  What a huge bird it was fantastic and showed very well feeding low down on the trees.  But the bitterly cold wind froze my hands solid, I was only able to take a few photographs before I lost all feeling in my fingers!  It looked spectacular in flight as it undulated along slowly, Showing a white bar on the wing and pure white under wing.  It had been well worth the wait to see one of the most impressive woodpeckers in the world.  After that I headed back along the Desjardins Canal which was partly  frozen.  And it was sad to see a DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT still alive but frozen in the Ice.  And there was nothing I could do to help, Also a dead MUTE SWAN now lays next to yesterdays TRUMPETER SWAN under the power lines.  Why aren't there disks on the lines so the birds can see where they are?? Or does the government not care about the thousands of birds that get killed!  But on a better note the drake WOOD DUCK and BUFFLEHEAD appeared to be feeding well.  Also there today; 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 1 AMERICAN COOT, 3 HOODED MERGANSERS, 1 COMMON MERGANSER, 130 BLACK DUCKS, 8 TRUMPETER SWANS, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK and 5 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS.

BELTED KINGFISHER and BUFFLEHEAD Dundas 28/01/03 © J.Lees

WEATHER,  Snow flurries very deep snow cover windy -18

I was able to go out again today,  though the weather has improved most birding areas have several feet of snow.  I spent several hours down at the Desjardins Canal in the morning.  And the bad weather seemed to have bought in a few new birds.  New in today a single SNOW BUNTING and on the Canal it's self, 2 drake REDHEADS and a 1st winter drake BUFFLEHEAD.  Also on the Canal today; 1 AMERICAN COOT, 3 HOODED MERGANSERS, 1 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, 130 BLACK DUCKS, 1 AMERICAN HERRING GULL, 18 RING-BILLED GULLS, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 MUTE SWAN and 5 TRUMPETER SWANS but sadly there was a dead adult under the power lines.

WEATHER,  Heavy snow all day very deep ground cover -8

For the fist time since my arrival in Canada I didn't go birding.  With heavy snow fall over night it got even worse today.  In fact it was a complete white out. The ground snow is now several feet deep.  I did try and go out, but I couldn't even see through my bins!

With the threat of a severe weather warning for the next few days, I braved the cold for a short walk around the Desjardins Canal Dundas.  With the strong winds blowing snow everywhere it was hard going. The only things of note on the Canal today; 1 NIGHT HERON, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 GOLDENEYE, 3 GADWALL, 3 HOODED MERGANSERS, 125 BLACK DUCKS, 1 MUTE SWAN, 9 TRUMPETER SWANS.

GREAT HORNED OWLS and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER Dundas 25/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny thick snow cover -12

I started the day just out side Dundas near the escarpment.  The area was very quite though.  However, my many hours of tree top owl searching finally paid of today.  To my amazement I located 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS roosting in a tree. Finding these huge owls was even more exciting than I imagined it was going to be!  The two cryptic roosting birds gave excellent views.  Then, I headed back to Dundas along the Hopkins Trail.  The highlights there were a single GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET and a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER.  Also, a supporting cast of: 1 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 8 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 6 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 20 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 50 AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 NORTHERN FLICKER, 30 JUNCOS, 5 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 10 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 10 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES and 15 BLUE JAYS.

EASTERN BLUEBIRD 24/01/04 Dundas © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny thick snow cover -24

After yesterday's excitement it was back down to the Desjardins Canal in the early morning.  Most of the Canal has iced over, but there were still a few birds around.  On the Canal today: 2 BLACK CROWNED NIGHT HERONS, 1 GREAT-BLUE HERON, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, 2 SWAMP SPARROWS, 5 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 2 HOODED MERGANSERS, 4 GADWALL, 1 AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, 2 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, 9 TRUMPETER SWANS, 6 DOWNY WOODPECKERS and 1 HAIRY WOODPECKER.  Then midmorning, Sarah's dad took the family to the arboretum in the RBG.  On route I was treated to a well marked ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK flying around the roadside.  The TUFTED TITMOUSE was still there and showing really well.  Also in the RBG: 1 SONG SPARROW, 1 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 23 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 6 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and lots of DOWNY WOODPECKERS, CHICKADEES and JUNCOS.

Adult GLAUCOUS GULL, 2nd year THAYER'S GULL and drake HARLEQUIN DUCK © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny snow flurries -27

Met up with Dave Don this afternoon and headed up to Port Credit near Toronto.  It was one of the best days ever but nearly became one of the worst days of my life!! My photographs were almost lost!! On arrival the snow filled clouds parted and glorious sun shone over the bay.  My first check through a close flock of Goldeneyes produced 2 HARLEQUIN DUCKS:  A female and an absolutely stunning adult male. They were actively feeding and showing really well.  The dark skies, and the bright blues and reds of the male shone.  It was a photographer's dream.  At times they more than filled the frame.  Then a scan through the Gull flock first produced a cracking adult summer plumaged GLAUCOUS GULL  and next to it a second winter THAYER'S GULL. Both Gulls were very close giving amazing views. We were joined by Cheryl Edgecombe  and all enjoyed very close views of this smart bird.  At one time I had a frame filling shots of the Thayer's stood with the Glaucous Gull.  The bird showed an all dark black eye, a large brown tail bar, brown primaries, purple legs, and a heavy build. Comments on this bird are welcome by emailing me.  Also at Port Credit: 6 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 40 BUFFLEHEADS, 150 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 2 COMMON MERGANSERS, 35 LESSER SCAUP, 120 GREATER SCAUP, 6 REDHEADS, 25 BLACK DUCKS, 130 RING-BILLED GULLS, 30 AMERICAN HERRING GULLS.

Drake WOOD DUCK Dundas 22/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Snow flurries and sunny spells windy -21

Overnight snow added to the already deep cover.  The strong winds were the main problem today.  Today, around the Desjardins canal and the Olympic ground,  birds were generally hard to find in the wind.  The most noticeable sighting was at least 1, if not 2, drake WOOD DUCKS and a pair of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS.  Also on the patch today: 1 female COOPERS HAWK, 2 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 35 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 2 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1 NORTHERN FLICKER, 1 HAIRY WOODPECKER, 8 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 6 AMERICAN ROBINS, 4 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 4 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 6 HOUSEFINCHES, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 4 GADWALL, 1 GOLDENEYE, 3 COMMON MERGANSERS, 3 HOODED MERGANSERS, 1 MUTE SWAN, 9 TRUMPETER SWANS, 1 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT and at least 120 BLACK DUCKS.

AMERICAN TREE SPARROW and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW Dundas 21/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny/Cloudy thick snow cover -17

My injured tripod and I spent the morning around the Desjardins Canal and the Olympic sports ground.  The highlight of the day came in the form of 2 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS , which were very vocal and showy behind the Olympic ground. And late afternoon produced a MERLIN. Also there toady; 3 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 36 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 30 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 15 HOUSEFINCHES, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 4 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH and 10 BLUE JAYS.  And down at the Canal today; 1 AMERICAN COOT, 1 GOLDENEYE, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 130 BLACK DUCKS, 1 MUTE and 5 TRUMPETER SWANS, 4 GADWALL, 3 HOODED MERGANSER, 1 COMMON MERGANSER and a DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT.

GREAT-BLUE HERON and SWAMP SPARROW Dundas 20/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny thick snow cover -17

Today the cold weather got to my tripod, And part of my Manfrotto snapped like a cracker! So there might not be any photographs till Friday. But it wasn't all bad news, The BLUE-WINGED TEAL was still present this morning on the Desjardin's Canal and showing well.  Also around the Canal today; 2 SWAMP SPARROWS, 5 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, 2 GREAT-BLUE HERONS, 2 BELTED KINGFISHERS, 1 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT,9 TRUMPETER SWANS, 1 MUTE SWAN, 4 HOODED MERGANSERS, 100 BLACK DUCKS, 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 1 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 2 DOWNY WOODPECKERS and 2 AMERICAN CROWS.

BLUE-WINGED TEAL Desjardin's Canal 19/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Dull snow flurries -20

Spent the morning around the Desjardin's Canal Dundas.  The highlight was a BLUE-WINGED TEAL, Which im told is a very rare winter record.  Also around the area today; 1 male WOOD DUCK, 2 BELTED KINGFISHERS, 1 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, 4 GADWALL, 1 MUTE SWAN, 9 TRUMPETER SWANS, 1 COMMON MERGANSER, 3 HOODED MERGANSERS, 4 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 2 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 5 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 6 AMERICAN ROBINS, 30 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 15 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 50 JUNCOS, 30 MOURNING DOVES, 5 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 3 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 25 HOUSEFINCHES, 10 RED CARDINALS, 1 AMERICAN CROW and 6 BLUE JAYS.

WEATHER, Sunny Snow flurries -8

Spent the day with Sarah and family, But did see 30 AMERICAN ROBINS and 11 CEDAR WAXWINGS in the RBG.

AMERICAN HERRING GULL top left GLAUCOUS GULL top right and THAYER'S GULL bottom Adam Beck 17/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Snow flurries -15

Today I spent four hours at Sir Adam Beck hydro plant near Niagara.  There were plenty of birds around, But not really close enough for photography hense the poor images.  Trawling through the roosting gulls was great fun, The highlight was an unexpected find, A first winter THAYER'S GULLS which showed very well for over an hour.  Unlike the Iceland Gulls it did not stand out, It was a subtle bird but once studied obvious.  The primaries were a solid chocolaty brown and a solid brown tail band.  The breast was a defused mottled brown, Not the striking pale colour on an Iceland Gull. The bill was black and the feet a dull purple.   It looked superb in flight and really stood out from the Iceland gulls once you got your eye in.  Also around the area 1st winter GLAUCOUS GULL and 9 ICELAND GULLS (Kumlien's) and they came in a variety of ages; 4 Adults, 2 1st winters, 2 2nd winters and 1 3rd winter.  There were at least 25 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS in the thousands of AMERICAN HERRING GULLS and RING-BILLED GULLS.  Also; a male BELTED KINGFISHER, 4 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS and a GREATER SCAUP.

1st year THAYER'S GULL Adam Beck 17/01/04 © J.Lees

WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and SONG SPARROW Dundas 16/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny thick snow cover -23

Once again it was a really sunny day, In fact to sunny as the reflected light from the snow was so bright.  As of the last few days it was still very cold, Especially on the feet, which were stood in thick cold snow.  Spent the morning around a part of the RBG which was generally quiet. The most interesting bird was the TUFTED TITMOUSE which is still around and showing well.  Also 2 SONG SPARROWS were in a flock of 20 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS.  Also in the RBG today; 15 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 4 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 12 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 20 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 3 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, 45 JUNCOS, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 10 BLUE JAYS and around 150 CHICKADEES.

AMERICAN GOLDFINCH Dundas 15/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny, Thick snow cover -27

It was a really sunny day but bitterly cold, so again I just stayed around the patch in the morning. The bird of the day was a GRAY CATBIRD behind the Olympic sports ground Dundas.  Also on the patch today; 35 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 30 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 10 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, 8 HOUSEFINCHES, 14 RED CARDINALS, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, 1 GREAT-BLUE HERON, 1 MUTE SWAN , 120 BLACK DUCKS, 1 COMMON and 4 HOODED MERGANSERS and 7 DOWNY WOODPECKERS.

MOURNING DOVE in the snow Dundas 14/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Snowed all day, Thick snow cover -23

Today felt very cold on the feet so I stayed local.  Even walking around the patch was hard work in the snow.  The most interesting thing today was a 1st winter female COOPER'S HAWK, That showed well sitting out the snow in low bush.  Also the drake WOOD DUCK was just visible in the steaming Desjardin's Canal  and pair of displaying RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS was a treat.  Totals from the patch today; 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 9 TRUMPETER SWANS and new in today a single MUTE SWAN, 40 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, 35 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 2 COMMON REDPOLLS, 1 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 6 AMERICAN ROBINS, 7 DOWNY and 3 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 50 JUNCOS and 12 RED CARDINALS.

AMERICAN TREE SPARROW Dundas 12/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Snow flurries sunny -15

Spent the morning walking up the south shore trail Dundas with Sarah's brother Ian.  Although we were out all morning we hardly saw a bird!  So in the afternoon I went down to the Patch Desjardins Canal.  The highlight was a stunningly graceful 1 st winter female NORTHERN HARRIER which showed very well in the late afternoon sun hunting over the reed bed at the Hydro pool.  Also there the drake WOOD DUCK remained on a small unfrozen patch. Totals from the canal today 1 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 GREAT-BLUE HERON, 122 BLACK DUCKS, 3 HOODED MERGANSERS, 1 COMMON MERGANSER, 9 TRUMPETER SWANS, 5 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 WINTER WREN, 2 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 3 HOUSEFINCHES, 8 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES and 10 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS.

Sorry no photographs today having a problem with the card reader and all images were lost! which is a shame I had some nice shots of the Belted Kingfisher!!

MYRTLE WARBLER and RED-TAILED HAWK Dundas 12/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Snowed all morning at least 7 inches on the ground -1.

Dundas was completely covered in the white stuff today, with at least 7 inches on the ground.  So my first job of the day was a little snow clearing before heading out birding around Dundas.  Around the patch today the highlight was a  male YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER very briefly behind the hockey ground Dundas and a TUFTED TITMOUSE in the RBG.  Also today; 220 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 80 AMERICAN ROBINS, 8 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 3 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, 10 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 6 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 1 SWAMP SPARROW, 40 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 65 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 30 SLATE-COLORED JUNCOS, 10 HOUSEFINCHES, 8 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, 30 MOURNING DOVES, 1 GREAT-BLUE HERON, 18 RED CARDINALS and 15 BLUE JAYS.

First winter blue morph LESSER SNOW GOOSE Dundas © J.Lees

WEATHER, Snowed all day long -10

After spending a morning sledging with Sarah sisters I went down to the ' Patch ' the Desjardins canal.  Although the weather was dull the birding was far from it, Amazingly the Canada goose flock contained a first winter blue morph LESSER SNOW GOOSE which showed very well in the snow! Also on the canal today a female BLUE-WINGED TEAL and a drake WOOD DUCK were both good finds for this time of year.  The canal also produced; 1 AMERICAN COOT, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 4 GADWALL, 2 HOODED MERGANSERS, 9 TRUMPETER SWANS, 2 AMERICAN HERRING GULLS, 40 RING-BILLED GULLS, 40 BLACK DUCKS, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD and 10 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS.

Made it to page two of the Burlington Post!

TUFTED TITMOUSE, RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, SONG SPARROW, HERMIT THRUSH RBG 10/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny snow -25

Once again made a morning trip to Lasalle Park,  But the hole harbour had frozen over, Only leaving small patches of water.  Because of this the number of birds were reduced to; 300 GREATER SCAUP, 122 CANVASBACKS, 83 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 6 REDHEADS, 4 AMERICAN COOTS, 18 GOLDENEYES, 1 TUNDRA SWAN and 63 TRUMPETER SWANS.   Then walked back to Dundas through the RBG. There were plenty of birds, But photography was hard with frozen hands!  Despite the cold weather I came across two really good birds, The first was a TUFTED TITMOUSE which showed very well coming to a bird table.  But the second was much unexpected, Just as I was leaving a small thrush hoped out on the snow a few feet away.  To my amazement it was a stunning HERMIT THRUSH.  Also in the RBG today; 1 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 10 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 11 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 2 NORTHERN FLICKERS, 6 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 SONG SPARROW, 12 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 5 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 80 COMMON REDPOLLS, 6 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 16 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 50 JUNCOS, 120 CHICKADEES and 4 RED-TAILED HAWKS.

Lasalle Park in the freezing mist and PIED-BILLED GREBE 09/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER, Sunny with snow -32

Today was one of the coldest days this area has had for along time.  It was so cold the water temp was warmer than the air, Mist was poring of the lakes like they were on fire, it was a  spectacular  event ( see more pix on the Photo page ). Today I spent the morning at Lasalle Park Burlington. It was so cold that Ron Kuzyk a photographer from the Burlington Post, Took photographs of me birding for an article he was doing on the weather for the newspaper.  There were lots of bird around, But the mist and the strong sun light made it very hard to do the long range flocks. Totals from Lasalle Park today; 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 TUNDRA SWAN, 63 TRUMPETER SWANS, 2500 GREAT SCAUP, 250 CANVASBACKS, 25 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 40 BUFFLEHEADS, 12 HOODED MERGANSERS, 133 COMMON MERGANSERS, 1000 MALLARDS, 40 BLACK DUCKS, 4 AMERICAN COOTS, 400 CANADA GEESE, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 8 RED CARDINALS and 60 RING-BILLED GULLS.

NIGHT HERON Dundas 08/01/04 © J.Lees

WEATHER; Sunny Temp -18 Snow

I spent the morning birding around the Hydro pool Dundas.  The highlight was a first year BALD EAGLE that flew over mid morning.  This was a different individual from the last one. Also today I saw; 1 SONG SPARROW, 25 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 15 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1 WINTER WREN, 2 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS, 1 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 2 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 4 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 2 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 10 HOUSEFINCHES, 6 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 25 JUNCOS, 14 RED CARDINALS, 6 BLUE JAYS, 3 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 NIGHT HERONS, 1 GREAT BLUE HERON, 9 TRUMPETER SWANS, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 HOODED MERGANSER, 2 GOLDENEYES, 50 BLACK DUCKS and 45 RING-BILLED GULLS.

Male RED CARDINAL and female HOUSEFINCH Dundas 07/01/04 © J.Lees

A glorious sunny morning, But bitterly cold with a strong cold wind bringing the Temp down to -22 , the snow remains.  I spent the morning around the Patch but it was really cold on the face today.  On the patch today; a female RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 6 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 3 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 25 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 40 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 5 HOUSEFINCHES, 6 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, 8 RED CARDINALS, 3 BLUE JAYS, 9 TRUMPETERS SWANS, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 NIGHT HERON, 1 GREAT-BLUE HERON, 1 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, 5 HOODED MERGANSERS, 20 COMMON MERGANSERS, 40 BLACK DUCKS, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS and 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK.  And a MUSKRAT ran across the frozen lake.

TUNDRA SWAN and AMERICAN COOT Burlington 06/01/04 © J.Lees

Today was more like winter, The wind made the Temp drop to -22 and yesterdays snow was still around with a few snow flurries today.  Today I went to Lasalle Park Burlington for a few hours.  The bird of the day was a 1 st winter TUNDRA SWAN in a group of 63 TRUMPETER SWANS and lots of MUTE SWANS. Also there; 8 AMERICAN COOTS, 159 CANVASBACKS, 1 REDHEAD, 550 GREATER SCAUP, 25 BUFFLEHEADS, 12 COMMON MERGANSERS, 150 GOLDENEYES, 10 BLACK DUCKS, 1200 MALLARDS, 80 RING-BILLED GULLS, 25 AMERICAN HERRING GULLS, 1 COOPERS HAWK and 4 RED-TAILED HAWKS.

BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, WHITE BREASTED NUTHATCH, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW and female SLATE-COLORED JUNCO  Dundas 05/01/04 © J.Lees

I woke up this morning to find Dundas covered in snow and it was chilly with a temp of-10, But the birding was "Red hot". I got dropped of at the arboretum and walked back to Dundas, The highlights were a stunning GRAY CATBIRD and a showy WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.  Also seen today; 60 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 1 SWAMP SPARROW, 1 SONG SPARROW, 55 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 160 SLATE-COLORED JUNCOS, 14 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 2 COOPERS HAWKS, 1 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 4 NORTHERN FLICKERS, 27 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 6 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 17 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 1 COMMON REDPOLL, 6 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 25 HOUSEFINCHES, 8 AMERICAN ROBINS, 35 RED CARDINALS, 15 BLUE JAYS, 1 GREAT-BLUE HERON, 260 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES and 25 COMMON MERGANSERS.

The weather stayed mild with a temp of 6 and a mix of cloud and sun.  Today was without a doubt the worst day's birding since my arrival. I spent all afternoon walking around Dundas Conservation area but only saw 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 1 HAIRY WOODPECKER, 1 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 2 HOUSEFINCHES and 50 CHICKADEES. But whilst I scanned the tree tops for those elusive owls I noticed a big lump 70 feet up in a pine tree.  Closer inspection revealed it to be my first RACCOON.  There were also many RED SQUIRRELS.

BLACK SQUIRREL and LONG-TAILED DUCK Hamilton 2/01/04 © J.Lees

The weather was still very mild with a nice sunny day and a temp of 9.  Today I spent the morning around the south east end of Hamilton harbour.  And to be honest it was disappointing; there were a few birds but they were all a long way off. However, there were 170 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 1510 GREATER SCAUP, 2506 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 1 LESSER SCAUP, 77 BUFFLEHEADS, 85 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, 1 SONG SPARROW, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 5 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 PEREGRINE and a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK.

EASTERN BLUEBIRD and CEDAR WAXWING Dundas 01/01/04 © J.Lees

The year 2004 kicked of in style with a cracking sunny morning with a temp of 2.  Today I bumbled around Dundas with Sarah and her dad Lawrie.  The highlights were 2 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and a nice flock of at least 150 CEDAR WAXWINGS and a 32 COMMON REDPOLLS.  Also noted today: 6 AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 10 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 2 HOUSEFINCHES, 40 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 35 JUNCOS, 50 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, 4 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 GREAT-BLUE HERON and plenty of RED CARDINALS and a few BLUE JAYS. Also, there were plenty of RED, GREY and BLACK SQUIRRELS and 2 WHITE-TAILED DEER.