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When the Birds Watch the Birders |
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Written by Terry Spraque
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May 23, 2013 at 03:00 AM |
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BIRDING FESTIVAL WHEN BIRDS WATCH THE BIRDERS Thursday, May 23, 2013 There is seldom any singing or dancing at these festivals. But, there might be if a rare enough bird shows up. These “birding festivals” across the country focus on some aspect of the bird world, whether waterfowl, cranes, shorebirds, or in the case of Prince Edward County, the phenomenal migration of spring songbirds, particularly warblers. So, in a sense, it is a true festival, of little coveys of observers joyfully celebrating new sightings, or a lone birder exclaiming vocally with nary a care if anyone nearby hears, that a long sought after species has just been seen. At Prince Edward County’s famed Prince Edward Point, we detect these invisible voices occasionally sifting through the trees as yet another new species has been seen. For me, it was a blue-winged warbler that everyone else had seen, but failed to cooperate for me, until later in the day when it appeared in a grove of prickly ash. I quickly looked over my shoulder to see if anyone had heard me when I blurted out a holy expletive in response to the unexpected sighting. Since 1997, the Prince Edward County Spring Birding Festival has focused its attention on the extraordinary annual May migration of songbirds, with special attention to its warblers. There are over 30 species of these little neotropical migrants and as we watched them seeking insect larvae from the emerging tree foliage, we couldn’t help but marvel that just days earlier, they had been rubbing shoulders with bananquits and motmots in Central America. It is a migration just short of incredible – thousands of miles from the tropics, to here. This southeastern tip of Prince Edward County is but a refueling station; it is still a long way to the boreal forests where they will raise their young. For others, like the dapper white-crowned sparrows that showed up during the festival, their journey will not end until they reach the James Bay Lowlands, well beyond the boreal forests. The festival during the week of May 11-20 drew the attention of the curious to these long distance travellers, under the guidance of experienced birders. There were early morning walks along a network of groomed trails in a roadside wooded area, known in birding circles as the Point Traverse Woods, only a half kilometer or so from Prince Edward Point proper. Benches placed at strategic viewing areas where migrants have been known to concentrate, allowed the weary to simply sit and wait for birds to come to them. The week also became a festival of photos where birds enjoyed few private moments as thousands of dollars’ worth of sophisticated cameras and accessories recorded their every move. Novice birders from across Ontario, Quebec, and occasionally, the United States, left with a greater appreciation for this migratory hotspot, the first peninsula of land that exhausted migrants see after battling treacherous conditions in the race across Lake Ontario. This peninsula is also the location for the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, a legion of volunteers that catch hundreds of these migrants every day in almost invisible mist nets, weighing them, checking them for fat content, sexing them and, finally, placing a unique band on their leg and sending them off on their journey. Under the direction of licensed banders, including a few every year from other countries, they band several thousand birds every spring and fall. The number banded is infinitesimal, given the millions that pass over, but enough to serve as an important sample of what’s really out there and, statistically, providing vital information on how different species are making out, population-wise. As part of the Canadian Bird Migration Monitoring Network, a daily census provides additional data on populations here. To complement the banding demonstrations and guided walks, workshops giving tips on sorting out the plethora of warbler species through field marks and unique songs were given along with a workshop on identifying those hawk specks high in the sky. A special birding tour to other areas of interest, wildflower walks, and a new “Boot Camp for Birders” was offered, as well as a session on how we have progressed way beyond cumbersome field guides into the electronic age. In addition to providing an opportunity for enthusiastic birders to celebrate the spring arrival of birds, the Festival is also an important tourism draw during the shoulder season when this remote peninsula of land suddenly comes alive with the voices of both birds and birders. Birders watching birds, and birds watching birders. Where three thousand dollar binoculars and $10,000 telephoto camera lenses blend together with birding beginners in a sort of happy kind of madness that the world could use a lot more of these days. Yet, the gala event seldom attracts the attention of the press, and a disappointingly infinitesimal percentage of local birders ever attend, except for the volunteers who organize it. The hundreds who do attend are birders, both novice and experts, who travel many hours to get here, returning home with a treasure trove of memories. The birds, however, don’t seem to mind all the attention, and seem to rather enjoy the sudden interest in their arrival from the tropics, if only for an intense period of a week or two. |
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Going Somewhere Else To See New Things |
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Written by Terry Spraque
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May 22, 2013 at 03:00 AM |
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GOING SOMEWHERE ELSE TO SEE NEW THINGS Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Readers are well aware of the wind turbine issue down here in Prince Edward County. I would be happy to provide you with my opinion on the topic, but you would need to buckle up. Mostly, it is an issue that I don’t get too involved in as I tend to stay away from issues that involve mudslinging and schoolyard name-calling. Why can’t opposing parties have an informed exchange of opinions without being referred to as “windies” or “anti-winds”. It’s disrespectful of differing opinions and suggests that we are so illiterate that we must resort to childish name calling. This is why, on a recent bus tour I had the pleasure of leading, I backed out of what started as a reasonable dialogue about dandelions. As we stood outside gazing over a dandelion-free lawn, and I extolled the virtues of the dandelion as a tasty ingredient in salads, the perpetrator suddenly went off on his own tirade about dandelions spreading from lawns where weed sprays are no longer permitted and being allowed to spread onto agricultural fields. When I used to farm, we never gave dandelions a second thought; we had more serious invasive weeds to worry about. The conversation was going quite well actually, more of a friendly jousting than anything else. Then he used the term “tree-huggers”, and that’s when I backed away and boarded the bus. This person had used up his limited vocabulary, and now it was time for name calling. The incident was forgotten as I re-immersed myself in the light-hearted banter that was already underway in the bus. I enjoy my work as a step on guide for bus tours that come into our area, and I do quite a few through the year. Despite all the guided hikes that I also do as a professional naturalist, I tend to put on weight, as each bus tour involves a hearty meal at either the Waring House Inn in Picton or the Restaurant on the Knoll near Sandbanks for this is where many of the tours begin, or take a break midway through the day. There are probably 40 to 50 tour buses that come into our area every year. And with over 30 wineries in the area and a plethora of other attractions, that number is sure to increase. It was during my tenure as a Park Naturalist at Sandbanks many years ago, when I suddenly realized that, until then, I had taken our local attractions for granted. It probably took 30 or more queries from campers about Lake on the Mountain for me to realize that, but it did happen eventually. We are all guilty of that, and no matter where one lives, there are features and landscapes that most of us have grown up with, but other visitors want to see. I never tire of talking about the Napanee River’s famous “tides”, or Presqu’ile’s tombolo, or the Holleford Crater near Verona, or Frankford’s two billion year old, seven metre high glacial erratic. These are all special places and visitors to our area want to see these things, the same as we want to see attractions when we visit new areas. We are losing many of these special places to development and now is the time to see them before it is too late. We tend to think these special places are protected, and some do manage to survive intact through legislation or special designation. But at the end of the day, few places are really safe, for legislation can be bought, if the price is right, including critical habitat and wildlife inhabitants, no matter how rare or endangered. We have already seen that with the wind turbine fiasco here where legislation in place to protect means absolutely nothing and is conveniently changed or totally ignored if you are the highest bidder. It’s a dirty game, and government ministries in place to protect, play it best. Never before has there been so much interest among the public though in learning and seeing our natural and cultural attractions and this is reflected in tour companies being fully booked during the entire operating season. Check out some of the birding specialty tours, bus tours, and others online. With many of these, one needs to move quickly if they want a spot. Friend Joel Coutu from Montreal always has a full group and they travel to our area frequently. At least a couple birding tour companies from Ottawa offer specialty tours to this area, and all are always quite full. Two years ago, I was hired to provide four private tours of Prince Edward County for couples from Los Angeles, Edmonton, Colorado and Pickering. In each case it was a filler, to fill in a day, between visits to Niagara Falls and the Montreal area. The Internet is filled with tour companies and leaders vying for attention, and by just using the “click and pick” method, can establish an itinerary within minutes. Another retired friend of mine from the Toronto area started his business through a query from Australia. “Have you ever been to Antarctica?” the caller asked. “No, but I’ve seen it on the map,” my friend retorted. He has since done several trips to Antarctica, has written a resource guide about the continent, and has since moved on to tours to Brazil, Borneo, Norway, Galapagos, and Venezuela through his business Avocet Nature Services. People are on the move, visiting new places, and seeing new things. They are riding bicycles, mules, horses, buses, kayaks, canoes, white water rafts, cars, trains, and are hiking, like never before. How I got caught up in all this, is but a blurred memory now, but in my “retirement”, I am glad to be aboard. And I will even talk about dandelions, provided we can keep the discussion on a level playing field. |
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Written by Terry Spraque
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May 19, 2013 at 03:00 AM |
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The Quinte Area Bird Report with sightings from Prince Edward County and Area
We welcome Stéphane Menu with his weekly report from the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory
  REPORT FROM
Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory courtesy of Stéphane Menu FOR THE WEEK OF May 03 - May 09
This past week, major movements happened in the first two days, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures and strong west wind that neatly stopped migration in its tracks for at least 3 days. Only in the last 2 days that migration resumed in earnest, with clear, calm nights inducing heavy flights. Only 6 new species were detected for the spring this week, a reflection of where we stand in time now: there are still new birds to show up but the bulk of arrival has now happened. The first RED-EYED VIREO was in our nets on the 11th. The first SWAINSON’S THRUSH was detected on the 10th.  Four new species of WARBLERS complete the new weekly arrivals : BLACK-THROATED BLUE and BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS on the 11th, WILSON’S and CANADA WARBLERS on the 16th. On the 10th, there was an amazing, diverse movement of birds, with many ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS (including 16 banded), BALTIMORE ORIOLES, and SCARLET TANAGERS. The following day, heavy movements continue, with, notably, MYRTLE (YELLOW-RUMPED) WARBLERS. On the best day so far of the spring in terms of banding, 134 birds of this species were banded! Eighteen species of WARBLERS were detected on that day, including the two “WINGED” species - BLUE-WINGED and GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS ( photo by Ian Dickinson of Belleville ), NORTHERN PARULA, and BAY-BREASTED WARBLER.
On that fantastic day, we banded an AMERICAN WOODCOCK, a treat enjoyed by the many Saturday visitors. The following few days brought a sharp drop in temperatures. But we were the lucky ones, since it didn’t snow here! With a strong west wind, there was very little activity around the Point. Of note, there were 2 male ORCHARD ORIOLES in the maple tree next to the station on the 14th. Finally, the weather turned and migration resumed during the last 2 days. In the morning of the 16th, the woods were filled with the rainbow colours of spring birds, from AMERICAN REDSTARTS and INDIGO BUNTINGS to BALTIMORE ORIOLES and SCARLET TANAGERS. The bird of the day was definitively MAGNOLIA WARBLERS: 22 were banded and many, many more were observed.
To reach Prince Edward Point, follow County Road 10 from Milford, or County Road 13 from Black River Cheese, and follow for 17 km to the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area.
(Photo Credits can be seen by "mousing over" the photos.)
SIGHTINGS FROM ELSEWHERE IN THE PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY AND QUINTE AREA  Saturday, May 18: The Point Traverse Woods at Prince Edward Point were really hopping early this morning, and it was mainly birds along with the greatest number of birders to have been seen in the history of the Point. Twenty-seven species of warblers were present including CERULEAN, BLACKPOLL, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, BLUE-WINGED and GOLDEN-WINGED, ORANGE-CROWNED, CANADA, HOODED and MOURNING. In the Point Traverse Woods, this COMMON NIGHTHAWK (photo by Ian Dickinson of Belleville) was seen, and two SANDHILL CRANES were observed flying over. Over 30 BRANT did a flyby at Prince Edward Point. SCARLET TANAGERS often collected in two and threes in single trees, and BALTIMORE ORIOLES were also abundant, and ORCHARD ORIOLES were also tallied. The mystery bird, seen yesterday, thought to be a LARK BUNTING remains a mystery and I have photos if anyone would like to view them for their interpretation. The general consensus is that it may be an escaped caged bird.
Friday, May 17: The spring migration at Prince Edward appears to have hit its peak, but the high numbers from yesterday are still present. Added today was a HOODED WARBLER. Thirty species of warblers so far this May. Today, what was perhaps a LARK BUNTING was seen by an Ottawa birder along the gravel roadway directly across from the banding station. The usual warblers species like BLACKBURNIAN, PALM, both BLACK-THROATED GREEN and BLACK-THROATED BLUE, BAY-BREASTED and CAPE MAY were all present in good numbers. At Presqu’ile Park, the WILLET and a small group of DUNLIN were along the beach today. East of Adolphustown, a SANDHILL CRANE was seen. A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was heard at Lake on the Mountain. Thursday, May 16: Twenty-three species of warblers were present today in the Point Traverse Woods at Prince Edward Point, among them, a CEULEAN WARBLER, CANADA WARBLER, BAY-BREASTED, CAPE MAY, both GOLDEN-WINGED and BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS, and MOURNING WARBLER. Also present were up to 6 ORCHARD ORIOLES, many BALTIMORE ORIOLES, SCARLET TANAGERS and INDIGO BUNTINGS. Along Long Point Road, a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was seen, and at Jackson’s Falls Road, both LEAST and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, and a GREATER YELLOWLEGS were present. About a dozen SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS were present at Wellington Harbour, a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was heard along Gorsline Road near Demorestville, and an EVENING GROSBEAK was at Fry Road. At Beaver Meadow Conservation Area, the wetland there produced COMMON GALLINULE, BLACK TERNS, VIRGINIA RAIL, SORA, MARSH WREN, GREEN HERON and SWAMP SPARROW. Present at the Danforth Road Wetland were BLUE-WINGED TEAL and AMERICAN COOT. At the Hamilton Wetland near Crofton, there were GREAT EGRETS, NORTHERN SHOVELER and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. Wednesday, May 15: There were few warblers today in the Point Traverse Woods at Prince Edward Point. Among the species seen were PALM, YELLOW, YELLOW-RUMPED, TENNESSEE, BLACK THROATED GREEN, BLACK-AND-WHITE. There was an unconfirmed report of a YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. A pair of LEAST BITTERNS have been present at Smith’s Bay. The COMMON RAVEN at Big Island brought along a few others this morning when an impressive seven ravens flew over Sprague Road, all of them calling and cavorting in the sky together. Needless to say, this species is now well established in Prince Edward County. Miscellaneous sightings elsewhere n the County include NORTHERN FLICKER at North Beach, YELLOW WARBLERS and BOBOLINK at Pleasant Bay. On Fry Road this afternoon, a WILSON’S WARBLER appeared, first of the spring season. Tuesday, May 14: Twelve participants attended the 8:00 a.m. guided bird walk in the Point Traverse Woods this morning as part of the Spring Birding Festival activities. Lots of great warblers, and leading the list was a WORM EATING WARBLER. Also present were BAY BREASTED, PALM, CAPE MAY, YELLOW, YELLOW-RUMPED, BLACK THROATED GREEN, BLACK-AND-WHITE, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, to name just a few. SCARLET TANAGER was present near the banding station as well as CEDAR WAXWINGS. At Big Island this morning, a COMMON RAVEN was heard. The Spring Birding Festival continues this week. Join us on our guided bird walk tomorrow morning. Monday, May 13: It was jacket, gloves and toque weather in the Point Traverse Woods at Prince Edward Point today, and a tough go to find even small pockets of migrant warblers in the gusty winds. However, the BLUE-WINGED WARBLER was re-found again this morning, and others included BLACK-THROATED BLUE, plenty of PALM WARBLERS, NASHVILLE WARBLERS, MAGNOLIA WARBLER and a single TENNESSEE WARBLER. Also, present, a male EVENING GROSBEAK, RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, several BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, BROWN THRASHER and two SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS. At the Prince Edward Point lighthouse this afternoon, there were 2 INDIGO BUNTINGS, a WARBLING VIREO, and the flash of what was likely a CERLULEAN WARBLER. The Spring Birding Festival continues this week. Guided bird walks every morning at 8:00 a.m. Sunday, May 12: Windy and very cool conditions contributed to the relatively poor birding luck on this morning’s guided bird walk in the Point Traverse Woods at Prince Edward Point at 8:00 a.m. There was a pocket at the east end where several species of warblers were present including a very cooperative BLUE-WINGED WARBLER. Gone seemed to be the scarlet tanagers and the bulk of the orioles, but we did round up a respectable 16 species of warblers. Some of the more interesting species included several PALM, a half dozen BLACK-THROATED BLUE, NORTHERN PARULA, CHESTNUT-SIDED, BLACKBURNIAN, MAGNOLIA, NASHVILLE, CAPE MAY, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. Also seen were BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, GRAY CATBIRD, EASTERN TOWHEE, BROWN THRASHER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and HOUSE WREN. The Spring Birding Festival continues this week. Join us if you can. Saturday, May 11: Despite the wind and the threat of rain, 23 birders joined us at 8:00 a.m. in the Point Traverse Woods at Prince Edward Point for a guided bird walk. Seen and heard were 19 species of warblers, among the more interesting CAPE MAY WARBLER, BAY-BREASTED WARBLER, TENNESSEE WARBLER both GOLDEN-WINGED and BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, NORTHERN PARULA, NASHVILLE WARBLER, PALM WARBLER and CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER. Unexpected was a lingering DARK-EYED JUNCO and the first RED-EYED VIREO (at least, for me.) Also present were several SCARLET TANAGERS, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS, LEAST FLYCATCHERS, several EASTERN TOWHEES, FIELD SPARROWS and a MERLIN. Seen at the H.R. Frink Centre, north of Belleville today, were NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, BLACK TERN and VIRGINIA RAIL. A VEERY showed up today in Wellington. Grab your binoculars and celebrate the arrival of new migrants with some of our activities in this week’s Spring Birding Festival. Friday, May 10: There were 16 species of warblers at Prince Edward Point today. (85% YELLOW-RUMPED) with CAPE MAY WARBLER being the second most common! Among them were AMERICAN REDSTART, NASHVILLE, GOLDEN WINGED, BLUE-WINGED, BLACKBURNIAN, OVENBIRD, BAY-BREASTED, BLACK–AND-WHITE , and TENNESSEE. Lots of SCARLET TANAGERS and BALTIMORE ORIOLES. A male ORCHARD ORIOLE at Point Traverse, and in a pond west of Ducks Dive Charters, an AMERICAN PIPIT was seen. A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was seen on Babylon Road. At 23 Sprague Road, a COMMON RAVEN flew over, and a pair of MERLINS are now nesting in a red cedar just two field west. A VESPER SPARROW was heard in that area as well early this morning. An EVENING GROSBEAK was at a feeder in Napanee today, and another was spotted at Prince Edward Point. A RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD was at a nectar feeder on Fry Road. It would appear that the peak of the spring migration is upon us. Grab your binoculars and celebrate their arrival with some of our activities in this week’s Spring Birding Festival. Thursday, May 09: For the second day in a row, no one was birding today in Prince Edward County. However, a birder at the Brighton Constructed Wetland found SORA, BELTED KINGFISHER, and COMMON GALLINULE. Birders at the H.R. Frink Centre this morning heard and observed both VIRGINIA RAIL and SORA, AMERICAN BITTERN, BELTED KINGFISHER, and PIED-BILLED GREBE. There was a possible CLAY-COLORED SPARROW at the Menzel Nature Reserve north of Deseronto, although the observer was unable to locate it and it was heard only once. Wednesday, May 08: A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was heard earlier today at the H.R. Frink Centre, in the forested area near the boardwalk. There tonight during a training exercise for Marsh Monitoring Program volunteers were at least two VIRGINIA RAILS that responded to the call CD. Also present, AMERICAN BITTERN, WILSON'S SNIPE, SWAMP SPARROW, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT and ALDER FLYCATCHER. In the coniferous forest along the path leading to the boardwalk, a WOOD THRUSH was heard singing. Across the road in the main parking lot, a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was heard. Tuesday, May 07: At Prince Edward Point, the FISH CROW was back in the harbour area. Also seen by several obervers today - GOLDEN WINGED WARBLER, NORTHERN PARULA, YELLOW WARBLER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, BLACK THROATED GREEN WARBLER, TENNESSEE WARBLER, NASVILLE WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, PALM WARBLER. Also present, BLUE HEADED VIREO, GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER, INDIGO BUNTING and three RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS. There was an immature ORCHARD ORIOLE today near Prinyer’s Cove. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD at Pleasant Bay. At Napanee, a female EVENING GROSBEAK was at a feeder. Monday, May 06: The FISH CROW, first seen at Prince Edward Point on May 2nd, was there again this morning at the harbour. And another piece of great news at Prince Edward Point – a WORM-EATING WARBLER was banded there today. In Belleville, an adult GREAT HORNED OWL was watching over its 2 owlets in a nest at the east end of Station Street, Belleville, near the occupied OSPREY nest. Sunday, May 05: There was great excitement at Prince Edward Point this morning when a CERULEAN WARBLER dropped by. Overall, a great morning at the Point with lots of early migrants present. All three mimids (catbird, thrasher & mockingbird) and both BALTIMORE and ORCHARD ORIOLES were present as well as a good number of warblers. The best warblers were BLUE-WINGED, CERULEAN and PRAIRIE. Just north of the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area, there were 8 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS tallied today. At Kaiser Crossroad, the waterfowl migration has ended. Here come the shorebirds. In addition to the GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS that have been present for some time, today saw the arrival of a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER and some LEAST SANDPIPERS. A SANDHILL CRANE was seen flying over Wellers Bay and an ORCHARD ORIOLE came to a nectar feeder at Pleasant Bay. Saturday, May 04: CHIMNEY SWIFTS circling and calling over Main Street in Picton today. A SCARLET TANAGER in Wellington was quite a treat for one resident there. At the Quinte Conservation Area this morning in Quinte West, a GREAT HORNED OWL was seen. In the Point Traverse Woods this morning, a few of the birds seen included CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, MAGONIA WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, OVENBIRD, several NASHVILLE WARBLERS, lots of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, WARBLING VIREO, at least two RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, BROWN THRASHER, EASTERN TOWHEE, FIELD SPARROW, LEAST FLYCATCHER and GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER. Numerous LONG-TAILED DUCKS, COMMON MERGANSERS WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, and a pair of SURF SCOTERS. Friday, May 03: Two GRAY CATBIRDS were seen at North Beach Provincial Park today. Also seen at North Beach, but by another observer, EASTERN TOWHEE, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER and BROWN THRASHER. At Pleasant Bay: OSPREY, AMERICAN BITTERN and NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS. BALTIMORE ORIOLE at Wellington, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD at Point Traverse, and very high numbers of DARK-EYED JUNCOS at both Sandbanks Park and Prince Edward Point. Also at Prince Edward Point this morning - NASHVILLE WARBLER, NORTHERN PARULA, LEAST FLYCATCHER (first of the season) , YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, , BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH AND BALTIMORE ORIOLES, WOOD THRUSH AND HERMIT THRUSH, VEERY (first of season) , and LOTS of WHITE THROATED SPARROWS, and a few WHITE CROWNED SPARROWS. A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER was seen on Lighthouse Lane at Prince Edward Point. At Roslin today, two FOX SPARROWS were seen at Lesley Road near Roslin. Thursday, May 02: Two BALTIMORE ORIOLES along North Shore Road at Big Island were the first reported individuals of the spring season. An AMERICAN BITTERN was reported from Pleasant Bay. A FISH CROW turned up in the Prince Edward Point Harbour this morning, raising our official Prince Edward County from 351 to an impressive 352 confirmed species. EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER on Leslie Road, near Roslin. The Point Traverse Woods at Prince Edward Point produced singles of BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, PURPLE FINCH , BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS, and a couple of BLUE-HEADED VIREOS as well as more common species. A GANNET that showed up at Presqu’ile yesterday, may have been seen at Prince Edward Point, but disappeared too quickly to be confirmed. Wednesday, May 01: We’ll start today’s report from afar, at Frontenac Provincial Park where three of us tackled the inner 9 km loop of the Slide Lake Loop on the park’s far eastern side. Present were lots of PINE WARBLERS, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER AND a number of NASHVILLE WARBLERS . PILEATED WOODPECKER was also seen. Closer to home, a NORTHERN GANNET flew past the lighthouse at Presqu’ile Park today. Chuckery Hill Road east of Picton had a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, and at Lake on the Mountain, NASHVILLE WARBLERS were seen. Lots of BOBOLINKS at Big Island right now, although very sparse elsewhere in Prince Edward County just yet. Demorestville Conservation Area which yields little most days except for ATVs, had YELLOW-RUMPED, YELLOW, PALM, and NASHVILLE WARBLERS, along with a WARBLING VIREO. At Beaver Meadow Conservation Area at East Lake, AMERICAN BITTERN and COMMON GALLINULE were seen. LEAST FLYCATCHER today in the Consecon area. Both RED-HEADED and RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS at Presqu’ile Park today. A BLUE-WINGED TEAL put in an appearance on the north wetland of Kaiser Crossroad today. This long-distance migrant always signals that the waterfowl migration is nearing its end. With it on the wetland were 2 GREATER and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 2 CANADA GEESE, 22 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 3 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 1 MALLARD, 1 NORTHERN PINTAIL, 4 BUFFLEHEADS and 4 NORTHERN SHOVELERS. On the south wetland: 16 CANADA GEESE, 3 MALLARDS, 1 NORTHERN SHOVELER, 1 HORNED LARK and 70 BONAPARTE’S GULLS. Tuesday, April 30: Hard to imagine, given the weather, that no one was out birding today in Prince Edward County! New birds today elsewhere in the Quinte region included 4 CHIMNEY SWIFTS above Church Street in Belleville. A pair of MERLINS continues to be present two fields west of Sprague Road on Big Island. Also on Big Island, on the north shore, a female EVENING GROSBEAK appeared at a feeder there. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was still present today at Presqu’ile Park. Lots of CASPIAN TERNS. COMMON TERNS and GADWALL were also seen there. GREEN HERON at Vanderwater Conservation Area near Thomasburg, and at Frankford, an immature BALD EAGLE was seen. A juvenile PEREGRINE FALCOM was present this morning at 11:30 a.m. in West Zwick's Park, Bellveville. Monday, April 29: A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK showed up at a feeder northwest of Bloomfield today. A GREAT EGRET was seen south of Wooler and, along the Cedar Sands Trail at Sandbanks, a WHIP-POOR-WILL was seen. A pair of MERLINS appear to be nesting at Hanna Park in Trenton, at the entrance to the trail system. LITTLE GULLS are becoming regular visitors to Kaiser Crossroad. This morning there were 8 in a flock of about 600 BONAPARTE’S GULLS on the south wetland. Also on this wetland: 2 LESSER and 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 5 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 1 MALLARD and 6 GREEN-WINGED TEAL. On the north wetland: 7 GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 8 CANADA GEESE, 2 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 9 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 2 MALLARDS and 6 BUFFLEHEADS. Sunday, April 28: HOUSE WRENS and a BLACK TERN were new arrivals today. HOUSE WRENS were seen at Fry Road and at Sandbanks, while the BLACK TERN was found at Kaiser Crossroad. The Dunes Trail at Sandbanks this morning produced FIELD SPARROWS, EASTERN TOWHEE, COMMON RAVEN and BROWN THRASHER, and a cacophony of AMERICAN TOADS in the pannes. Presqu’ile Park today had PINE WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. At the H.R. Frink Centre north of Belleville, there was a late AMERICAN TREE SPARROW. At Prince Edward Point today, YELLOW-RUMPED YELLOW and PALM WARBLERS were present along with NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, EASTERN KINGBIRD, and several others. And along Sprague Road at Big Island, a pair of MERLINS seems to settling in. The star at Kaiser Crossroad today was, of course, the BLACK TERN, mentioned above, hiding in a flock of about 100 BONAPARTE'S GULLS. Now rare, the black tern is definitely a VIP visitor to t the south wetland. Also on the wetland: 4 CANADA GEESE, 1 OSPREY,2 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 2 LESSER and 13 GREATER YELLOWLEGS. On the north wetland: 4 LESSER and 10 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 4 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 8 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 9 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 4 MALLARDS, 4 BUFFLEHEADS, 8 CANADA GEESE and 1 SAVANNAH SPARROW. Saturday, April 27: The season’s first BOBOLINK bubbled its song at Sprague Road, Big Island this morning, and a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was present at 23 Sprague Road, as was a pair of MERLINS a field west of there. The Point Traverse Woods at Prince Edward Point had nothing new this morning. Present there were BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BLUE-HEADED VIREO and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER. A BELTED KINGFISHER was seen at Rossmore. The first SAVANNAH SPARROW of the year for Kaiser Crossroad was singing near the north wetland. On that wetland this morning: 8 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, a pair of NORTHERN HARRIERS, 7 CANADA GEESE, 1 NORTHERN SHOVELER, 1 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 2 MALLARDS, 8 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 18 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 11 BUFFLEHEADS. On the south wetland, BONAPARTE’S GULLS were back in full force – all 500 of them, with 3 LITTLE GULLS in the noisy flock. Also on the south wetland: 8 GREATER and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS , 1 AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, 1 AMERICAN WIGEON, 10 GREEN-WINGED TEAL and 4 NORTHERN SHOVELERS. Friday, April 26: The long awaited OSPREYS have returned to the nest platform at Massassauga Point Conservation area. The platform sat empty for several years and finally hosted a pair last year. SWAMP, SONG and WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were the order of the day at Prince Edward Point where several EASTERN TOWHEES and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were heard singing. A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was banded there today. This morning there was a pretty impressive showing of big gulls from Owen Pt. at Presqu'ile Park according to Doug McRae of Brighton. The birds were moving around quite a bit but were either on the tip of Owen Pt., the few remaining gravel bars offshore, or the east tip of Gull Island. In total there were four species - LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS (3 ad., one 2nd summer), at least 8 ICELAND GULLS of all ages, at least 3 imm. GLAUCOUS GULLS, plus a presumed adult or near adult “NELSON’S” GULL - (Glaucous x Herring). Another gull showing some characters of an adult THAYERS (black wingtips with extensive white, what looked like a dark eye) was seen on Gull Is. but mantle colour was the same as adjacent Herrings/Ring-bills so it likely has ICELAND GULL elements to it. The LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS are especially interesting since the adults appear to be of both sexes, based on size and head shape, and the sub- adult was moving around with a small branch in its beak for 5 minutes. Today, Kaiser Crossroad provided an excellent illustration of the differences between GREATER (10) and LESSER (2) YELLOWLEGS, with both very close to the road on the north wetland. Also present on the wetland: 5 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 3 CANADA GEESE, 21 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 12 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 3 MALLARDS, 5 NORTHERN SHOVELERS and 7 BUFFLEHEADS. On the south wetland: 20 BONAPARTE’S GULLS and 1 LITTLE GULL, 2 CANADA GEESE, 4 AMERICAN WIGEON, 4 DUNLIN, 10 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 1 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, 1 AMERICAN BLACK DUCK and 11 GREATER YELLOWLEGS. Thursday, April 25: A FOX SPARROW was in a Belleville backyard today. The season’s first VIRGINIA RAIL was heard, seen and photographed today at the H.R. Frink Centre, north of Belleville. Also present were AMERICAN BITTERN, GREATER YELLOWLEGS and SWAMP SPARROW. At Prince Edward Point, birders there saw NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER and 30 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS. At Kaiser Crossroad today, a variety of waterfowl, with shorebird species definitely on the uptick. On the north wetland: 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 GREAT BLUE HERON, 6 NORTHERN PINTAILS,14 CANADA GEESE, 6 BUFFLEHEADS, 28 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 4 MALLARDS, 2 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 1 TURKEY VULTURE. On the south wetland: about 50 BONAPARTE’S GULLS and 15 LITTLE GULLS, closely pursued by a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 12 GREATER and 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 4 DUNLIN, 8 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 2 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 16 CANADA GEESE, 5 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 8 AMERICAN WIGEON, 8 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 1 OSPREY, 1 HORNED LARK and 2 TURKEY VULTURES. Wednesday, April 24: Only one person was out birding today, and he found a CAROLINA WREN this morning at the Belleville Tennis Club, corner of Queen St and Dufferin Ave. It may be the same one that been along the Bayshore Trail for several days a short time ago. Tuesday, April 23: The number of BONAPARTE’S GULLS at Kaiser Crossroad this afternoon grew to 1,000 birds – and hiding in the noisy flock, there were three LITTLE GULLS and the year’s first DUNLIN and CASPIAN TERNS. Also on the south wetland: 4 CANADA GEESE, 4 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 4 MALLARDS and 2 BLACK DUCKS. On the north wetland: 24 CANADA GEESE, 6 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 1 OSPREY, 10 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 30 RING-NECKED DUCKS, and 6 BUFFLEHEADS. Big Island birds today (North Big Island Road) included a male and female PURPLE FINCH, 6 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 7 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, BELTED KINGFISHER, AMERICAN KESTREL, and a confused looking AMERICAN BITTERN standing in the Bay of Quinte in front of a residence. A new arrival on the south shore of the island was a single WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW at 23 Sprague Road. Meanwhile at the Quinte Conservation Area in Quinte West, the season's first GREEN HERON showed up. Monday, April 22: The absolute best bird today was, of course, the SNOWY EGRET at Campbellcroft, just north of Port Hope that has been around for a few days. New arrivals at Big Island this morning were SWAMP SPARROW and FIELD SPARROW. At Lake on the Mountain, the season’s ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK appeared at a feeder there. A nice bird at Demorestville’s Black Road was the season’s first EASTERN KINGBIRD. Big Island birds today included NORTHERN HARRIER at the Big Island Marsh, CASPIAN TERNS at Robinson Cove, and COMMON LOON along North Big Island Road and BROWN THRASHER along South Big Island Road. BONAPARTE’S GULLS (500) returned to Kaiser Crossroad today. Joining them on the south wetland were 3 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 3 CANADA GEESE, 4 MALLARDS, 4 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS and 4 AMERICAN WIGEON. On the north wetland: 3 CANADA GEESE, 13 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 4 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 2 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 34 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 10 BUFFLEHEADS, 2 MALLARDS, 1 TURKEY VULTURE and 1 OSPREY. Sunday, April 21: Pretty good birding today everywhere, it would seem. EASTERN TOWHEE today in a Napanee backyard and another at a Black Road residence, near Demorestville. Prince Edward Point was once again hopping. Lots of FOX SPARROWS in the Point Traverse Woods, according to one observer. Three species of warblers have managed to brave the cooler than normal weather – YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, PINE WARBLER and PALM WARBLER. Also present was a BLUE-HEADED VIREO. Also seen at the Point were TREE, BARN and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS. EASTERN TOWHEE and BROWN THRASHER were also present. At Little Bluff Conservation Area, 2 HORNED GREBES were seen from the picnic area. And along County Road 4 through the Big Swamp, a dead red morph EASTERN SCREECH-OWL was found. The 2 COMMON REDPOLLS seem to have disappeared from the feeder at Wellington, replaced by CHIPPING SPARROWS and a female PURPLE FINCH. At least 4 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS at a feeder along Fry Road. At Amherst Island today, the Owl Woods had a nice variety of land birds including 12 EASTERN TOWHEES, 3 BROWN THRASHERS, 2 HERMIT THRUSH, 1 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, 3 PINE WARBLERS, and 3 RING-NECKED PHEASANTS were heard. A SANDHILL CRANE was spotted flying over the woods calling and an adult LITTLE GULL was seen off the South Shore Road along with 750+ BONAPARTE'S GULLS. On the KFN property a late lingering immature SNOWY OWL was observed along with an early adult BLACK TERN. The north wetlands at Kaiser Crossroad hosted a mixed back of waterfowl today: 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 68 CANADA GEESE, 2 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 6 BUFFLEHEADS, 4 MALLARDS, 3 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 6 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 14 NORTHERN PINTAILS and 34 RING-NECKED DUCKS. On the south wetland: 26 CANADA GEESE, 4 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 6 MALLARDS, 4 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 12 AMERICAN WIGEON, 2 GREEN-WINGED TEAL and 2 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS. Saturday, April 20: Interesting sightings today included a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in a Napanee backyard and CHIPPING SPARROWS at Big Island and near Lake on the Mountain. The NORTHERN SHRIKE west of 23 Sprague Road seems destined to stay all spring instead of migrating north and was present again today. The newly constructed “Sprague Pond” in the Big Island Marsh at the foot of Sprague Road, continues to attract an increasing number of species. Today, there was a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, several CANADA GEESE, MALLARDS, RING-NECKED DUCKS and an AMERICAN BITTERN. Work will begin soon with a sandsucker/dredging unit to blow out the sealed ends of the connecting canals thereby joining the new pond to the existing main channel. When 11 NORTHERN SHOVELERS get together, they’re certainly eye-catching. That was the sight on the north wetland today at Kaiser Crossroad, with 9 males and 2 females. Also on the north wetland: 5 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 5 BUFFLEHEADS, 10 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 11 CANADA GEESE, 40 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 6 NORTHERN PINTAILS and 2 MALLARDS. On the south wetland: 14 AMERICAN WIGEON, 6 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 7 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 8 CANADA GEESE, 14 BONAPARTE’S GULLS, 7 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 4 MALLARDS and 1 TURKEY VULTURE. Friday, April 19: A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD has been singing up a storm along Goodrich Road, north of Brighton. Another NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was at Prince Edward Point today. At Point Traverse, there was a WILLET today. It flew past the tip of Point Traverse then circled and landed in the marsh. A BLUE-HEADED VIREO also turned up at Point Traverse. There were at least 20 CLIFF SWALLOWS at the lighthouse. A BELTED KINGFISHER at the corner of Allison Road and North Big Island Road. BROWN THRASHER this morning at 23 Sprague Road, Big Island. Two COMMON REDPOLLS and a male PURPLE FINCH coming to a feeder in Wellington. EASTERN TOWHEE near Milford. At Kaiser Crossroad today, BONAPARTE’S GULL numbers were down considerably to 300 birds on the south wetland, but the sight was still impressive. To make up for this, the first REDHEADS (one pair) of the year showed up on the north wetland and another first, 3 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, were present on the south wetland. Also on the south wetland: 3 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 HORNED LARK, 3 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 6 AMERICAN WIGEON, 4 CANADA GEESE and 4 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS. Also on the north wetland: 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 29 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 1 MUTE SWAN. 3 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 2 CANADA GEESE and 3 BUFFLEHEADS. Thursday, April 18: Prince Edward Point was hopping this morning and it was mainly for the birds. An estimated 150 BROWN CREEPERS and the same number of NORTHERN FLICKERS were present at both the Observatory area and especially in the Point Traverse Woods where the first BROWN THRASHER of the season was seen. Also present, BELTED KINGFISHER, both GOLDEN-CROWNED and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and seven FOX SPARROWS, all of them singing and flitting about about midway along the east/west shoreline trail. Both COMMON and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, LONG-TAILED DUCKS and about a dozen WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS also present. There was also an EASTERN BLUEBIRD and a pair of PURPLE FINCHES seen near the Observatory. The south wetland at Kaiser Crossroad was white with birds today as about 800 BONAPARTE’S GULLS touched down. Four GREATER YELLOWLEGS were the first of the year. Also on the south wetland: 3 AMERICAN WIGEON, 6 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 6 MALLARDS, 4 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 4 CANADA GEESE and 4 NORTHERN PINTAILS. On the north wetland: 4 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 8 CANADA GEESE, 4 BUFFLEHEADS, 26 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 2 MALLARDS, 2 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 2 GREEN-WINGED TEAL and 1 BONAPARTE’S GULL. Wednesday, April 17: This SAVANNAH SPARROW was present today at the foot of Farley Avenue in Belleville. Out at Big Island early this morning, a GREATER YELLOWLEGS was calling in the new Sprague Pond. WILSON’S SNIPE winnowing above and two COMMON LOONS flew over as did 3 COMMON RAVENS, and a NORTHERN HARRIER was coursing to and fro over the marsh itself. NORTHERN FLICKERS calling, a single MERLIN, and the now getting very late NORTHERN SHRIKE still present two fields west of 23 Sprague Road. In the backyard, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET and a couple PURPLE MARTINS. And in the Big Island Marsh, an AMERICAN BITTERN “singing” this evening. At Rock Dunder,south of Jones Falls today, a HERMIT THRUSH and a PINE WARBLER. At Point Traverse today, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER. Today at Marmora, PILEATED WOODPECKER and YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS. Tuesday, April 16: Today’s new arrival was a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW on Fry Road, and 2 SAVANNAH SPARROWS happily singing west of 23 Sprague Road, Big Island. AMERICAN KESTREL on Fry Road, EASTERN TOWHEE at Cobourg. The PURPLE MARTIN arrivals along Massassauga Road, have now increased to five. Today’s south wind must have encouraged many Kaiser Crossroad migrants to move on, leaving only a small number of waterfowl. On the north wetland: 4 CANADA GEESE, 26 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 6 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 6 BUFFLEHEADS and a pair of NORTHERN SHOVELERS. On the south wetland: 6 AMERICAN WIGEON, 4 CANADA GEESE, 18 BONAPARTE’S GULLS, 2 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 1 OSPREY, 6 NORTHERN SHOVELERS and 2 MALLARDS. Monday, April 15: The year’s first PURPLE MARTIN turned up today along Massassauga Road at 7:45 a.m. A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was seen at Pesqu'ile Park this morning. At Kaiser Crossroad this morning, 50 BONAPARTE’S GULLS visited the south wetland, joining 15 CANADA GEESE, 16 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 2 AMERICAN WIGEON, 1 NORTHERN SHOVELER, 1 OSPREY, 16 MALLARDS and 1 COMMON RAVEN. The year’s first TREE SWALLOWS at Kaiser were seen overhead. On the north wetlands: 9 MALLARDS, 19 CANADA GEESE, 6 male NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 5 BUFFLEHEADS, 3 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 36 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 4 NORTHERN PINTAILS and a female NORTHERN HARRIER. Sunday, April 14: The PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were still present today at Kaiser Crossroad, but otherwise, quiet. On the north wetland: 14 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 4 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 3 BUFFLEHEADS,16 CANADA GEESE, 8 MALLARDS, 2 AMERICAN WIGEON, 2 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 64 RING-NECKED DUCKS and a female NORTHERN HARRIER devouring her prey (a bird, perhaps one of the small ducks) by the water’s edge. On the south wetland, 14 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 60 CANADA GEESE, 2 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 8 MALLARDS, 4 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 1 COMMON RAVEN and 2 GREEN-WINGED TEAL. At both Napanee and Wellington feeders, a handful of COMMON REDPOLLS are still present, and at some feeders, an increasing number of DARK-EYED JUNCOS, likely reflecting a spring movement of this species through the area. AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS still present, a species that may hang around until early May. EASTERN PHOEBE at 2800 County Road 1. At Frontenac Provincial Park, two hikers there saw a flock of GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS and BROWN CREEPERS as they headed out for a hike along the Hemlock Trail, and later, a male YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. At the Gibson Lake sign a pair of PILEATED WOODPECKERS, also HOODED and COMMON MERGANSERS, BUFFLEHEAD, MALLARDS, RING-NECKED DUCKS,GREAT BLUE HERON and AMERICAN BLACK DUCK. Two COMMON LOONS called while flying over an east end Belleville marsh, where an AMERICAN BITTERN was flushed. Saturday, April 13: NORTHERN SHOVELERS were the surprise of the day at Kaiser Crossroad today. A dozen were present, including the first two females of the year. On the north wetland: a pair of CANADA GEESE and a pair of NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 2 AMERICAN WIGEON, 66 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 4 MALLARDS, 4 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 2 BUFFLEHEADS and overhead, 4 GREAT BLUE HERONS. On the south wetland: 16 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 2 CANADA GEESE, 4 AMERICAN WIGEON, 10 NORTHERN SHOVELERS (one female) 2 TURKEY VULTURES and 1 HORNED LARK. COMMON REDPOLLS this morning at a feeder in Napanee along with AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES whose plumage is starting to take on the yellow breeding colours. A reappearance of the NORTHERN SHRIKE near 23 Sprague Road. An adult BALD EAGLE has been seen at Huff’s Island. COMMON REDPOLLS and male and female WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS in Bloomfield. An AMERICAN AVOCET showed up today at the Oshawa Second Marsh. Friday, April 12: Water levels were up and numbers of waterfowl were down substantially at Kaiser Crossroad today. The shorebirds disappeared completely. On the south wetland: 13 CANADA GEESE, 2 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 1 AMERICAN WIGEON, 8 GREEN-WINGED TEAL. On the north wetland: 20 CANADA GEESE, 56 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 2 BUFFLEHEADS, 2 AMERICAN WIGEON, a pair of NORTHERN HARRIERS and 2 NORTHERN SHOVELERS. Prince Edward County was hit with an ice storm last night and the Pectoral Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers which were present earlier in the week were no longer there today. COMMON REDPOLLS still coming every day to feeders at Napanee and in Wellington, where there has also been a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. The newly dredged 12-acre “Sprague Pond” at Big Island is now filled to capacity and we are waiting for the first waterfowl to find it. Thursday, April 11: At Kaiser Crossroad today, variety was the spice. On the south wetland, 5 BONAPARTE’S GULLS, 5 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS and 4 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS joined 6 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 4 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 16 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 4 MALLARDS, 4 male NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 2 CANADA GEESE and a female NORTHERN HARRIER. On the north wetland: 52 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 7 BUFFLEHEADS, 58 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 22 MALLARDS, 2 KILLDEER, 1 male NORTHERN HARRIER, 84 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 4 CANADA GEESE and 6 BLACK DUCKS. Two immature BALD EAGLES have been seen on Adolphus Reach east of Lake on the Mountain. Four COMMON REDPOLLS are still coming every day to a feeder in Wellington. 5 PURPLE FINCHES at a Fry Road feeder where a COOPER'S HAWK also flew through. OSPREYS have returned to nest on the communication tower on Allison Road, Big Island. Do OSPREYS ever nest in trees anymore? Wednesday, April 10: A FOX SPARROW singing energetically at 23 Sprague Road, Big Island, this morning. In Wellington, a BROWN CREEPER was seen in a backyard. A SNOWY OWL was present along the shoreline at Horse Point, across from Massassauga Point Conservation Area. Tough birding today at Kaiser in the pouring rain. On the north wetland at Kaiser Crossroad today: 16 MALLARDS, 52 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 2 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 60 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 4 BUFFLEHEADS, 8 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 8 AMERICAN WIGEON, 4 CANADA GEESE, 64 GREEN-WINGED TEAL. On the south wetland: 22 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 5 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 3 CANADA GEESE and 2 MALLARDS. Tuesday, April 09: Glorious birding at Kaiser Crossroad today. The unquestionable star was a GREAT EGRET (a second one was seen by another observer) which emerged from the cattail marsh of the north wetland, grabbed a few frogs and disappeared into the marsh again. Also on the north wetland: 10 AMERICAN WIGEON, 2 male NORTHERN SHOVELLERS, 70 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 10 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 48 MALLARDS, 58 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 102 NORTHERN PINTAILS and 26 CANADA GEESE. On the south wetland: a male NORTHERN HARRIER, 4 male NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 3 male WOOD DUCKS, 2 GADWALL, 10 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 6 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 2 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 70 BONAPARTE’S GULLS, 1 COMMON RAVEN, 8 KILLDEER and 5 very early SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, the first of the season. An AMERICAN WOODCOCK was spotted along County Road 7 near Rose’s Crossroad and an EASTERN MEADOWLARK was singing on County Road 7 east of Lake on the Mountain. AMERICAN ROBINS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS and SONG SPARROWS remain numerous at Prince Edward Point after a fallout there yesterday. Seen on the roadway to the Prince Edward Point lighthouse, over 20 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, and at least 5 EASTERN PHOEBES. Eight GREEN-WINGED TEAL in the harbour and 10 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS off Point Traverse. Monday, April 08: At Kaiser Crossroad, the mystery plovers were there again – and gone by the time an observer there got her binoculars raised. Kaiser Crossroad was again quiet today. On the north wetland: 54 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 1 MUTE SWAN, 28 CANADA GEESE, 26 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 50 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 2 BUFFLEHEADS, 24 MALLARDS, 8 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 1 KILLDEER, 1 COMMON RAVEN. On the south wetland: 1 HORNED LARK, 14 CANADA GEESE, 6 BLACK DUCKS, 3 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 4 MALLARDS, 4 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 1 NORTHERN SHOVELER, 2 KILLDEER and 1 COMMON RAVEN (possibly the same bird seen on the north wetland). RING-NECKED DUCKS and BUFFLEHEAD were seen with CANADA GEESE on Black River. An EASTERN MEADOWLARK was seen and heard along County Road 7 east of Lake on the Mountain. An OSPREY was seen on the nesting platform at County Road 8 near Kaiser Crossroad, and at Belleville, 100+ DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS are present on Snake Island, north of Massassauga Point.This afternoon a male RIING-NECKED PHEASANT around some bird feeders near Madoc. PILEATED WOODPECKER at Victoria Road and a NORTHERN HARRIER on County Road 14, and also at the latter location – a GREAT EGRET in the Hamilton Wetland. Sunday, April 07: One observer witnessed a fall-out of AMERICAN ROBINS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS and SONG SPARROWS all along the road to the Prince Edward Point. There were a few NORTHERN FLICKERS and at least one EASTERN PHOEBE... lots of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS in the lake along with LONG-TAILED DUCKS, COMMON GOLDENEYE, and BUFFLEHEAD. High numbers of DARK-EYED JUNCOS turned up at Sandbanks Provincial Park where an estimated 350 were counted along County Road 12 at Athol Bay. Also present there were 65 WILD TURKEYS. This morning, with the wind blowing like crazy, there was a flock of at least 250 TREE SWALLOWS staying close to the ground on an agricultural 5-acre field adjacent to Adolphus Reach along Loyalist Parkway. WOOD DUCKS and HOODED MERGANSERS at Peat’s Point near Massassauga. And in the Codrington area, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK and a GREAT EGRET. Still 10 EVENING GROSBEAKS coming to a feeder on Goodrich Road. Strong winds brought new migrants and birding challenges to Kaiser Crossroad today. BONAPARTE’S GULLS were present on both wetlands, 7 (1 in breeding plumage) on the north and 10 on the south. Also on the north wetland: 108 CANADA GEESE, 26 MALLARDS, 7 AMERICAN WIGEON, 8 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 24 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 8 BLACK DUCKS, 88 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 1 BUFFLEHEAD, 2 GADWALL, 1 KILLDEER, 1 COMMON RAVEN and 2 TURKEY VULTURES. On the south wetland: 9 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 8 BLACK DUCKS, 8 MALLARDS, 2 GADWALL, 31 CANADA GEESE and 8 KILLDEER. The big excitement was the early arrival of four plovers. Unfortunately, the high wind caused serious viewing problems and the birds could not be identified with certainty. Saturday, April 06: A nice flock of 63 TUNDRA SWANS passed over Sprague Road early this morning at Big Island. At Peat’s Point, 15 female HOODED MERGANSERS were seen......but no males. TREE SWALLOWS at West Lake. Two FOX SPARROWS today – one along Burr Road in Prince Edward County and another near Castleton. EASTERN PHOEBE near Codrington. Four SANDHILL CRANES were seen in flight at Marmora. At Presqu’ile Park today – CASPIAN TERN, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, GREAT BLUE HERON, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT and TREE SWALLOWS. TREE SWALLOWS as well at Waupoos and Trenton. At Kaiser Crossroad - a male NORTHERN SHOVELER was the standout on another quiet day at the wetland. Joining him on the north wetland were 7 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, a female NORTHERN HARRIER, 20 MALLARDS, 4 AMERICAN WIGEON, 3 BUFFLEHEADS, 90 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 46 CANADA GEESE, 12 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS and 22 RING-NECKED DUCKS. On the south wetland: 9 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 18 MALLARDS, 2 CANADA GEESE and 10 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS. Friday, April 05: Although water levels are high, the waterfowl migration continues to be sparse at the Kaiser Crossroad wetland. On the north wetland today: 10 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 2 CANADA GEESE, 76 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 22 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 6 AMERICAN WIGEON, 3 BUFFLEHEADS, 12 MALLARDS, 2 GADWALL, 1 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 1 NORTHERN SHOVELER, 1 female NORTHERN HARRIER. On the south wetland: 7 CANADA GEESE, 6 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 8 MALLARDS, 1 AMERICAN WIGEON, 6 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 2 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 4 TURKEY VULTURES, 2 RAVENS and 8 KILLDEER. Although a bit removed from the “Quinte” area, it is interesting to note that a TUFTED TITMOUSE was seen today at Merrickville. Thursday, April 04: Today at Trenton’s Hanna Park, a NORTHERN FLICKER, PILEATED WOODPECKER and lots of NORTHERN CARDINALS. A record early (by 4 days) CASPIAN TERN showed up today in with a group of gulls at the mouth of the Moira River in Belleville. One by one the OSPREY nest platforms are being claimed. The platform at Zwick’s Park is the latest on the list. GREAT BLUE HERON at Big Island, three TURKEY VULTURES over Ferris Provincial Park at Campbellford and two others at the Oak Hills near Stirling. Wednesday, April 03: Near the west end of Victoria Road, another WILSON’S SNIPE heard this morning. Along nearby Snider Road, a pair of EASTERN BLUEBIRDS seen checking out a nest box. Two NORTHERN HARRIERS coursing to and from over the Big Island Marsh and adjacent meadows today, and the Sprague Road NORTHERN SHRIKE seen again today. The OSPREY is back at its nest at the Carrying Place ball field. At Coltman Road, east of the Brighton Wildlife Area, an AMERICAN WOODCOCK was seen strolling about on a private driveway. Along the Millennium Trail at Consecon Lake today - 50 COMMON GOLDENEYE, 20 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 10 BUFFLEHEAD, 2 HOODED MERGANSERS, 30 GREATER SCAUP, 20 LESSER SCAUP, 2 MALLARDS, 6 MUTE SWANS, NORTHERN HARRIER and GREAT BLUE HERON. Also seen, a male AMERICAN GOLDFINCH in full alternate plumage, a bit early for this plumage. Tuesday, April 02: Cold winds have kept new migrants at bay today. Another OSPREY has returned, this time, to Belleville’s Moira River near the Station Street and Eddie Street nest platform. The CAROLINA WREN along the Kiwanis Bayshore Trail is still going mental east of the hospital. Last night's cold snap froze the south Kaiser Crossroad wetland completely and the north wetland somewhat. Fortunately, there was enough open water for 300 CANADA GEESE, 16 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 18 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 20 MALLARDS, 1 hybrid MALLARD x BLACK DUCK, 2 AMERICAN WIGEON, 20 NORTHERN PINTAILS and 1 male NORTHERN HARRIER. Monday, April 01: OSPREYS continue to return to the Quinte area. There was one sitting on the platform today at County Road 8 and Kaiser Crossroad. No other new arrivals today and given the wind and temperatures today, it is little wonder. Those that have arrived are increasing in numbers, so just be patient. I think I hear the first warblers on their way now.
BEYOND THE BIRDS: Have you seen anything else of interest, other than birds? Be sure to e-mail your sightings of other wildlife, including mammals, insects, herptiles, fish - anything that you found was especially interesting, and we will try to include it in this space.
 WOOLY BEAR: This is the Isabella Tiger Moth. Well, in the caterpillar stage anyway. Probably better known to many in the caterpillar stage than the adult stage. Wooly Bear Caterpillars are usually seen in the fall as they search about for a perfect place to curl up and spend the winter, which is usually under bark, a rock, a log, etc. Their heavy coats, along with producing natural organic antifreeze, help them over-winter. In the spring, they warm back up, begin to feed for a while and then form a cocoon, pupate and emerge as the Isabella Tiger Moth. Wooly worms have very tiny eyes and a limited range of sight. They pass through up to 6 larval stages before reaching the stage most see in the fall; during which the color and size of its bands on the 13 body segments may change. It is those 13 bands that folklorists use to help predict the weather. Don’t pay any attention to the folklore about the width of the bands predicting the severity of the winter. Through the years, research has shown us that the Wooly Bear caterpillar’s coloring is actually based on how long the caterpillar has been feeding, its age and, of course, the species. The better the growing season, the bigger it will grow and this results in a narrower red-orange band in its middle. So, the width of the banding is really an indicator of the current or past season’s growth, rather than an indicator of the severity of the upcoming winter. And as these caterpillars may moult as many as 6 times before reaching adult size and the colors will change with each moult, they become less black and more reddish.
Photo by Ian Dickinson
. For a short video on the Wooly Bear, click the link below. |
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Last Updated ( May 19, 2013 at 06:32 AM )
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NatureStuff Website Photographers |
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Written by Terry Spraque
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May 17, 2013 at 10:28 PM |
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THE PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO HELP MAKE THE NATURESTUFF WEBSITE POSSIBLE Daily, I receive comments on the quality of photos that appear on various pages of this website. This kind of quality would not be possible, were it not for the generosity of a number of photographers who contribute regularly to this website. Readers have asked for more information about them, so here are our photographers in no particular order.
JEFF MOORE & KASSANDRA ROBINSON We were both born and raised in Prince Edward County. Kassandra lives on Smiths Bay, near the Black River Cheese Factory and Jeff lives on a farm in Ameliasburg. Kassandra works at the Glenora Fisheries as an Assistant Fisheries Technician and is a nursing student. Jeff is a Park Warden at Sandbanks Provincial Park and a Fish and Wildlife graduate.
We decided to start wildlife photography in October, 2010 as a couple, and have been avid young wildlife photographers ever since. We have always enjoyed the outdoors and the wildlife within it. We love experiencing wildlife by canoeing and kayaking. The equipment we use is the Nikon D7000, and recently purchased a Sigma 120-300mm f 2.8 OS and a 2x teleconverter. Also, we use the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR1 with a 1.4x teleconverter. For landscape and macro/micro pictures we use the Nikon 40mm f2.8. Our favourite photography sites are in Smiths Bay area, Jeff’s family farm, Point Traverse, Sandbanks Provincial Park and Algonquin Provincial Park.
JEFF HAFFNER - Napanee I am a full time Blacksmith and part time welder in Napanee. I have been a birder for over 40 years and just got into bird photography in the last three years. I love the quest for "new to me" birds and, to get that once in lifetime shot, is very exciting! [Red Foxes just seem to find me too which I love!] I shoot with a Nikon D90 and Sigma 150-500mm. With much help from Garry Kirsch, Barry Kant, Ian Dickinson, Terry Sprague, John Vieira, and others, I have been constantly refining my photography skills. Oh, and I'm pretty much the only one in the woods dressed in all, or mostly all....CAMO!
My favourite places to bird are Prince Edward Point and the Point Traverse Woods (Prince Edward Point) , Presqu’ile Provincial Park, and the H.R. Frink Centre.
GARRY KIRSCH - Belleville I am a nature photographer living in Belleville. Together, with my wife, Elaine, we pursue our passion in wild birds, landscapes, insects, flowers and more. My main interest is wild birds. I have had this hobby since 2008. My favourite places to shoot are Prince Edward Point and the H.R. Frink Centre. My preference is to seek the birds in their natural habitat, so my images usually feature birds in a natural setting. I love the challenge that is inherent to bird photography. Finding and capturing these elusive animals continues to bring me countless hours of joy. I use the Canon 60D with a Canon 400 mm 5.6 L
Be sure to check out Garry's websites: Birding and More website Kirsch Photography
GILLES BISSON - Belleville  I am a retired Chartered Accountant and moved to Belleville from Kapuskasing in the summer of 2010. I had dabbled in photography for a few years but never really got into it until retirement. With a little more time on my hands I decided to take a few photography courses and finally started to learn how to use my camera equipment. Learning photography combined with my love of nature and kayaking is all I needed to develop a great hobby.
I enjoy nature photography, and the surrounding conservation areas/provincial parks provide me with an incredible area to explore. I use a canon T3i and a 6D with canons EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L and EF 24-105mm f4L lenses. Carting all this stuff around in a kayak can sometimes be a bit of a challenge but so far I have managed to remain right side up and dry. Now that I have discovered the amazing variety of birds that reside in and migrate through the area I am eager to learn more about birding. It's proving to be a great supplement to my photography and kayaking. Be sure to check out Gilles' photo website: Gilles Bisson Photography
IAN DICKINSON - Belleville  I enjoy capturing some of the incredible beauty of the country we live in and the creatures that inhabit it - with my camera. These creatures are all free so it's up to me to locate and get close to them - like hunting without lethal consequences. Most of my photographs are of birds but stay tuned as I start to explore the world of insects and arthropods.
This collection started in 2009 when I bought my first DSLR -- a Nikon D5000 with a 55mm-200mm kit lens. I now have a D7000, several prime telephoto and zoom lenses. Most of the bird and insects are shot with the Nikon 300mm f4. Most of the time I have the Nikon TC-14E teleconverter attached. This lens can focus as close as 1.8m allowing s 1:3.5 reproduction ratio. For even closer images I use a Canon 500D close-up attachment. Someday I will get a real Macro lens. I have recently acquired a Nikon 300mm f2.8 which is amazingly sharp. Not many images with this yet and I am still learning to use this lens effectively. I sometimes use it with the Nikon TC-20E III teleconverter when it becomes a 600mm f5.6 lens. For wide angle I use the Nikon 18mm - 105mm zoom. I am fortunate to live halfway between two incredible birding areas -- .Presqu'ile Provincial Park and Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area and most of my photographs are from these two locations. I haven't done much travel (for photography) yet but that should change next year when I plan to visit more hotspots in North America in my RV. Be sure to check out Ian's photo website: PhotoBirding
LOUISA IELO - Pleasant Bay  Until January 2006 I had never owned more than an instamatic camera, as a 10 year old. As an adult, I borrowed cameras from family and friends to take a few pictures of special things in my life – my puppy when I was 17, my trip to the British Isles when 21. I wasn’t fond of or inclined towards the technical knowledge, which I couldn’t seem to get on top of, when using my husband’s film camera. The camera I use is a digital, Nikon Coolpix L120. The quality of the pictures and the ability to obtain the images I really am after, keep me happy with this point and shoot. That first month – a month of snow and cold and little daylight – enabled me to take a gorgeous picture of two swans in a setting sun, on an icy patch of the eastern end of the Bay of Quinte. To this day this is my favourite picture, and it has kept me motivated to seek more and more opportunities to capture life in stills.
With my camera I gravitate to any areas where nature seems the most unaltered – conservation areas, the Millennium Trail near my home in Gardenville, and even into my own gardens often, for macros of plants, flowers, and insects. I’m drawn to landscapes and water and dramatic vistas, sunrises and sunsets included, and my camera goes with me everywhere. You never know what you’ll come across on a grocery shopping outing! There is drama in every moment of every day – most moments are uncapturable. Many are, and I often stop on the drive to work to take sunrises, mist lifting from fields, uniquely textured panoramas, or swans emerging ethereally from thick fog on a marsh. These are the scenes that make me stop and stare in awe. And then I raise my camera.
BARRY KANT - Brighton  I am a retired banker having spent five years in branches and 34 years in computer systems. Enjoying biking, fishing, walking, golf and curling, we retired from Markham to Brighton in 1999. I have always had a camera but it was mainly used to record family events and the growing up of our two daughters. Being on the doorstep to Presqu’ile Provincial Park provided ample opportunity for forays to observe nature and it was during one of my walks in September of 2010 when I came across a number of colourful birds feeding in the trees near the park office. I took some pictures with my then Canon Point & Shoot and, not knowing the species, referred them to a birder friend of my wife. The answer came back as an immature Bay-breasted Warbler and I was hooked on photographing birds. I then invested in a Nikon D3000 with Nikkor 18-55mm and 55-200mm kit lenses and followed this up with the purchase of a Sigma 150-500mm zoom lens. I have since added a Nikkor 40mm f/2.8 Micro lens, a Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5 zoom lens and a second D3000 camera so I don’t have to change lenses so often. In the process of trying to identify birds I photographed, I became aware of Garry Kirsch through his web site and Terry Sprague and his Bird ID course. Jeff Haffner, Ian Dickinson and Gilles Bisson attended that course and through Garry’s initiative an informal bird photography club was formed. Being a rank amateur in cameras and lenses and in nature photography, these guys and other club members have been a god send to me in providing tips, advice, and constructive comments on my shots. While my interest started with birds, it has since branched out to basically any nature subject that moves including flowers, dragonflies, butterflies, fungi and other wildlife. I am just amazed at the colours and beauty of my subjects finding that, for me, closer seems to be better hence the recent experiment with micro photography. Photography is just a pleasant pastime for me seeking only to enjoy my time in the field, the camaraderie with the guys, the pics I take, and in the process, learn more about nature and the outdoors.
Be sure to check out Barry's Photo website BARRY KANT'S GALLERY
DEREK DAFOE - Marmora  I started into photography in 2002, self-taught, trail and error and lots of help from the Internet forums.
I shoot with a Canon EOS 50D and soon to be EOS 7D. My favourite lenses include Canon's 300 mm 2.8L IS, and Canon's 500 mm F4L IS lenses. My favourite place to shoot is the H.R. Frink Centre at Plainfield, where I shoot many different species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and plant life. There is nothing I really enjoy more than hitting the road with camera in hand searching for that next great shot. Be sure to check out Derek's photo website: PhotoFroggy
DAVE BELL - Belleville  I have been intrigued with photography for as far back as I can remember, but most enthusiastically since buying my first SLR in 1983. I went digital in 2002 and never looked back, currently using a Canon XTi with an assortment of Canon and Sigma glass. I would have to say that I find nature and landscape photography to be the most satisfying, as they offer me a kind of excited calmness, if that's possible. That's what it feels like. My favourite places to shoot are anywhere away from crowds and noise, where the moss grows and the wind blows (but preferably not at that time). By far the most challenging subjects, worse than children, are critters, especially birds. They rarely cooperate and almost never respond to a suggested pose.
SUSAN SHIPMAN - Wellington  I have been taking pictures for almost 15 years. One of my favourite locations is Algonquin Provincial Park and I have also taken numerous photographs at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Mainly, I shoot wildlife - and love Red Foxes. I live at Wellington in Prince Edward County. The camera that I use is a Pentax K20 with sigma lens 70-300mm.
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Last Updated ( May 17, 2013 at 04:32 PM )
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