In the approaching darkness, I could make out the outline of a vehicle along the shoulder of the highway, and a crouched human figure near the centerline. With something in his clutch, he darted to the shoulder of the highway beside his car and placed the object on the ground and kept looking at it, nudging it ever so gently with his foot. Likely, a turtle, I thought.
Curious, I turned around and drove back and pulled in behind the parked vehicle. The person who had taken the trouble to park, and rescue this animal, and now stared at it compassionately, was an OPP officer. The animal he now gazed upon was a young cottontail rabbit. He had either witnessed the rabbit getting struck, or had come across the animal writhing on the asphalt. In either case, he took the time to rescue the animal, but seemed to be in a quandary as to what the next move should be.
“I certainly can’t leave it here like this. It won’t stand a chance,” the officer said as he continued to look at the rabbit, alive, but remaining motionless, and breathing heavily. The limp body I now held in my hand showed no sign of broken bones, or injury other than a slightly bleeding foot. A drop of blood still clung to its nose, and hair was shedding from its body like leaves from a tree. The miracle rabbit seemed to have escaped death or injury by a speeding car and came out of it with nothing more than a cracked toenail !
I placed the hit and run rabbit in the back of my car, and took it the remaining few kilometres home. Although it was late, I treated its injured foot, prepared a large box and lined it with an old bed sheet and placed the animal in one of my outbuildings for the night. Next morning I opened the door to find the rabbit staring at me with glistening eyes. It appeared to have enjoyed a complete recovery, rare for any road casualty these days.
I questioned the rabbit’s complete recovery, at least, psychologically, as it hopped down the driveway, and then sat out in the middle of the road. Was it now invincible? I ushered it back into the yard where it continues to enjoy the rest of our backyard menagerie that has called our property home. It was one of the lucky ones that somehow managed to survive the daily carnage that is our highways today.
A few other hit and run victims become lucky survivors too. They are the ones that turn up at the Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre in Napanee, all of them brought in my volunteers. Turtles with cracked carapaces, birds with broken wings, foxes with fractured legs, birds of prey with shotgun wounds, and others with unknown trauma. Weekly, I get e-mails from this rehabilitation centre announcing new arrivals and recent releases. It never stops, and neither do the volunteers.
According to their website www.sandypineswildlife.org , over 2,000 mammals, birds and turtles were admitted to the well known wildlife centre last year. Many of these were roadside casualties. Ribbons of death. Says one website on the subject, “Meanwhile the only road with no roadkill is the information superhighway. When you are searching on your computers, database searches yield few citations and provide fewer clues. Humorous cookbooks dish out roadkill recipes, but no food for thought. ‘Flattened Fauna,’ a satirical field guide, offers barely one page of straight facts. Even some dictionaries fall silent.”
Another source gives statistics on human deaths in traffic accidents. But it neglects to reveal data on the animals whose deaths it does not even define as accidents. In our lexicon, humans are living flesh and traffic deaths. But animals are little more than dead meat and roadkills.
Few drivers today slow down or attempt to avoid animals that make their way onto a highway. If they are hit, a few may stop to remove the carcass from the highway out of respect, but most don’t. By the end of day, they become flattened fauna and unceremoniously join the plethora of raccoons, turtles and other roadside hit and runs. And few will take the time to stop and show any concern if an animal is seen on the highway, injured.
This driver did. And if this OPP officer from the Picton detachment is reading this, I want him to know that at least one person noticed his unselfish gesture to save the life of a helpless animal that had made an error in judgment and decided to dart out into traffic.
Last Updated ( May 23, 2013 at 10:04 PM )
A Rose By Any Other Name
Written by Terry Spraque
May 29, 2013 at 03:00 AM
A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD SMELL SO SWEET
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
I met Mowgli near Napanee last summer. No, not the fictional character in Kipling’s The Jungle Book. This was Mowgli, a Shih-tzu who makes his home, with his human parents, along the Napanee River. He was the spitting image of our dog and right away, we warmed up to each other.
Mowgli is certainly an original name that suited the dog well, and the name obviously involved far more forethought than the usual names of Rover, Spot or Fido. Over the course of my years as an inveterate dog lover, I have met many dogs with somewhat original, if not, unusual names. I well remember two golden labs named Carter and Norman. Pets are so-named because of some endearing quality, or because they may remind us of someone. Usually, a lot of consideration goes into a name.
It is hard to know though what was going through the minds of our early ornithologists who named some of our birds. Why would anyone name a bird a phainopepla or a pyrrhuloxia. I mean, how to you joyfully tell your friends that you saw one of these things? Fortunately, they rarely turn up in our area to worry much about.
There are misnomers among bird names. Science does not "correct" popular names although it may alter common names in the interest of genetic clarification. Science provides "scientific" names, which are not intended to replace popular names, but to clarify them for technical purposes.
Plants are even more subject to this sort of reapplication of popular names to wildly divergent phylogenetic groupings. New World "cedars" are in an entirely different clade from Old World "cedars", and they don't even resemble each other, except for being large conifers. Old World cedars are actually in the pine/fir/spruce group. Our cedars are in the cypress/juniper/redwood group. Old World cedars have needle-leaves. Our cedars have flat splays of short leaves instead, like an arbor-vitae. Probably the only connection is the smell of New World incense-cedar wood, which is similar to that of Old World cedars.
When it comes to misnomers though, birds are certainly the best examples. More locally, red-bellied woodpecker would seem to have been given by someone who had been wishing for something that just wasn’t there. There is a subtle, rosy-colored blush on its belly at certain angles, but if someone actually went looking for a woodpecker with a red belly, this would be the last bird they’d focus on during a search.
The era of shotgun ornithology (where birds were shot, examined dead in the hand, then named for some physical attribute or a fellow ornithologist or the tree they were in or where they were shot) also has given us ring-necked duck. But have you ever seen the ring on the neck of a ring-necked duck? Even a duck hunter with the bird in the hand approach has a difficult time seeing it. The ring around the bill, however, jumps out at you.
Now, enter the Connecticut warbler, Tennessee warbler, Nashville warbler and Cape May warbler. They have no ties at all with any of these locations, except in passing through while on spring migration from Central America to the boreal forests of Canada, where they nest. In fact, the Connecticut warbler is rarely recorded in its namesake. Magnolia warblers are rarely found in magnolia trees, palm warblers are never found in palm trees and prairie warblers actually avoid the prairies. Similarly, worm-eating warblers don’t eat worms, and sapsuckers drink sap – they don’t suck it. And while we are on the subject, the family of birds known as goatsuckers (whip-poor-wills, nighthawks, etc.) don’t suck goats. Their unfortunate family name came from early goat herders seeing these birds following around herds of goats. The goatsuckers were actually after flying insects around the goats, but since two plus two equals three and a half, the birds were after the goats’ milk.
Screech owls don’t really screech – they whinny, like a horse. Bald eagles are not bald ( the name is a shortening of the word “piebald,” which describes something that is spotted or patchy, referring to the eagle’s contrasting dark body and white head and tail).
Double-crested Cormorants spend most of their lives showing no crest whatsoever, never mind two of them. However, during late winter/early spring they undergo a partial head molt and acquire a set of specialized feathers that form bushy tufts or crests along each side of the crown. Purple finches aren’t purple – more of a raspberry colour. In fact, there are many species where there has been a lack of care in distinguishing colour when naming our birds – green heron is a good example, purple sandpiper is another. Other misnomers are meadowlark (not a lark, but a blackbird), waterthrush (not a thrush, but a warbler), and house sparrow (not a sparrow but an old world weaver finch).
And is the naming of the Sprague’s pipit accurate? It was named after Isaac Sprague who shot the first specimen near Fort Union in 1843. Sorry – but despite it being a frequent question, the Sprague’s pipit was not named after me. I am not even related to the man and I have never seen the bird.
Picton Farm Supply
Written by Terry Spraque
May 25, 2013 at 05:45 PM
PICTON FARM SUPPLY
(contact information at bottom of page)
BAT HOUSES FOR BATS - the best insect control we can provide !
Forget the myths and fables about bats! Bats are not dirty, they are not blind, they don't suck blood, and they do not have a fondness for your hair! Instead, welcome them and encourage them to your premises by providing them with a home, from Picton Farm Supply. Prince Edward County's most common species, the Little Brown Bat, devours up to half its weight in mosquitoes every night! Because bats hunt at night, they don't rely on their eyesight to find insects, but actually "see" with their ears, by using echolocation. The high frequency notes (that we can't hear) bounce off obstacles and insects in their path. The bats are able to determine the type, size and location of their prey. Picton Farm Supply's selection of bat houses are specially designed to provide the necessary shelter for these small flying mammals. Be sure to mount your box 15 feet or so off the ground where it will receive at least 7-10 hours of direct sunlight. The box never needs cleaning as the droppings simply fall out onto the ground below. Get yours today!
Large Bat House (left): $51.45 Small Bat House (right): $29.95
The hummingbirds are back ! Attract them to your kitchen window with a Perky-Pet® Antique Bottle Hummingbird Feeder.
$17.95
Oriole feeders also in stock!
$16.25
* * * * * * *
Attract birds to your backyard by putting up a nest box. These nest boxes, depending on where they are placed, will attract anything from Tree Swallows to Eastern Bluebirds. Or, attract a pair of feisty little House Wrens with a smaller box, built especially to their specifications. These nest boxes are built with the proper sized entrance holes, drainage and ventilation.....and, no perch to attract predators. Cavity nesting birds don't need perches, so why provide them on nest boxes?
Picton Farm Supply - where good prices, excellent selection and customer service have always been our our motto
You can go into almost any store these days and pick up a bar of rendered suet for birds. But if you want a peanut butter suet cake, or a fruit and nut, or raisin crunch, or for those slow days at the bird feeder - high energy suet bars, then you have to go to Picton Farm Supply. It is about the first thing you see upon entering the store at 179 Talbot Street, just on the northern outskirts of town. Tray upon tray of suet cakes - a variety enough to rival the racks of chocolate bars at the local convenience store.
Picton Farm Supply celebrated its 25th year in business in 2012. For a facility that one would expect to spend more time concentrating its attention to feed mixes and agricultural supplies for local farmers, one might think that stocking supplies for birders would be a low priority. However, owner, Bryce Cronk, saw the exploding interest in birds, and especially bird feeding, years ago. Birding is North America’s second most popular hobby, and Bryce was determined to get in on the ground floor. The gamble paid off. There is no other location in Prince Edward County that stocks as many condiments for birds and birders as Picton Farm Supply.
Once your eyes begin to travel beyond the trays of suet cakes, you soon begin to appreciate the burgeoning popularity of birds. Tucked in a corner of the store beyond the work clothes, halters, bag balm and treatments for mastitis, are bird feeders - at least a hundred of them - from basic garden variety models to the creme de la creme of bird feeders, the Droll Yankees. Although bird feeders are available in Picton in hardware stores, and even supermarkets, Bryce is an exclusive dealer in the Picton area for this popular line of feeders, so well built, they are guaranteed for a lifetime.
However, it is the bird feed that has made Picton Farm Supply the county’s first choice when seeking out locations from which to purchase feed. Bryce carefully and attentively listens to his customers when deciding on a formula for his premium mixes, and takes a dim view of so-called budget feeds. Bryce knows that people do not feed birds because they have to, but feed birds because they are eager to have the best variety of birdlife they can around their homes. "It doesn’t make sense to offer a budget feed if you want something better than budget birds at your feeders." Bryce listened to his customers, did his homework and came up with a mix that is not only black with sunflower seed - both black oil seed and large striped seed - but all the necessary ingredients, including peanuts, to attract a colourful clientele.
Quantity is no object. If you are just starting out with a bird feeder and want to experiment with just a small plastic bag of mixed feed, that can be arranged as he will sell you whatever amount you want. If you multi-task with many feeders, he will sell you the jumbo bag, weighing in at a hefty 66 pounds. All ingredients in his popular mix can be purchased separately as well, including the option of buying bags of shelled peanuts or peanuts in the shell, or Nyjer seed. You can purchase a small bag of peanuts so small as to fit in your hand or a large bag that may require shuffling a few things around in your trunk, just to get it in.
With summer feeding now as popular as winter feeding, Bryce says he now sells many tons of bird feed a year. "I think we actually sell more feed in the summer than we do in the winter," he laughs.
The importance of offering high quality mixed feed at our feeders, free from fillers and questionable seeds, cannot be emphasized enough. Disappearing are the days when we seek out budget feeds from big box stores that need to move their product quickly, and have no expertise in dealing with today’s sophisticated bird conscious public. Bird feeding is big business today, and serious birders take their hobby seriously. Bryce Cronk and his staff at Picton Farm Supply enjoy nothing more than swapping stories and discussing your needs.
PICTON FARM SUPPLY'S FEATURED ITEMS FOR THIS MONTH !!
Picton Farm Supply's wild bird feed and sunflower seed is also available at The County Depot, located at the corner of Highway 33 and Salem Road, at Consecon. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Phone 613-394-5818
Picton Farm Supply
179 Talbot Street
R.R. # 8,
Picton Ontario
K0K 2T0
Phone 613-476-7507
NEW to Picton Farm Supply - we have an email address and would love to respond to any questions regarding the feeders we have in stock, feeders we are able to order, etc. Feel free to email us at with any questions you may have
Last Updated ( May 25, 2013 at 07:02 AM )
Quinte Area Bird Report
Written by Terry Spraque
May 24, 2013 at 03:00 AM
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 17 - May 23
The songbird migration entered its last act this week, with only a few new species of the late migrants, like GRAY-CHEECKED THRUSH for example. A COMMON TERN (photo by Ian Dickinson of Belleville) was seen flying over the lake on May 18th. BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was heard in the morning of the 21st.
The most exciting bird of the week was a singing CHUCK-WILL’S WIDOW very near the banding station. It was heard briefly in the evening of the 18th and again on the 20th. It was the first record in the County since 1978. At almost the same time on the 18th, an EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL was singing too, as well as late LONG-TAILED DUCKS, an interesting combination.
The late flycatcher species arrived almost at the same time: EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE on the 20th and YELLOW-BELLIED and ALDER FLYCATCHERS on the 21st. The first PHILADELPHIA VIREO arrived on the 18th, with other observations on the 21st and 22nd. Surprisingly for the area and this time of year, a few RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were observed at the end of this week. The first GRAY-CHEECKED THRUSH was detected on the 20th, followed by a more important movement the following day (when 5 were banded). Many SWAINSON’S THRUSHES were moving through 18th and 20th of May, as well as GRAY CATBIRDS. After a few individuals seen earlier, the first flock of about 40 CEDAR WAXWINGS was seen on the 21st.
Like for the red-breasted nuthatches, quite a few YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were seen during this week, quite late for this species. It is possible that some reverse migration took place for this species. On the 20th, two rare species of warblers for Prince Edward Point were banded: a CERULEAN and a HOODED WARBLERS. The first WILSON’S WARBLER was detected on the 19th, but the main movement happened only on the 22nd.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen on the 20th on the lawn in front of the cottage. A BOBOLINK was singing in low brush on the 20th.
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.)
SIGHTINGSFROM ELSEWHERE IN THE PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY AND QUINTE AREA
Friday, May 24: Signs that the spring migration is winding down are reflected in the absence of any bird reports today. Now might be a good time to reflect on, at least, the warbler migration. An incredible 30 species of warblers turned up at Prince Edward Point this past week, and the only possibilities that did not show up included Connecticut Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler and Yellow-breasted Chat. These species have shown up in past springs. Today’s photo by John Vieira of Oakville (summer home at South Bay) is of one species that made several appearances in the past week – a CERULEAN WARBLER.
Thursday, May 23: At Presqu’ile Provincial Park, there were 50 WHIMBREL on the beach today this morning, until at last 12:30 p.m. BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS were calling this morning from both North Big Island Road and South Big Island Road. The BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was back along North Big Island Road again today. A small flock of BRANT flew over Wilson Road this morning, and at Burr Road, a COMMON RAVEN was heard calling.
Wednesday, May 22: A COMMON NIGHTHAWK was seen over Belleville's Northeast Industrial Park at dawn today. At Presqu'ile Park today ... fog and mist from the wet beaches...and a few shorebirds, including DUNLIN, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, LEAST SANDPIPERS and SPOTTED SANDPIPERS. Also a COMMON RAVEN. At Big Island. ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS are coming to a feeder at 698 North Big Island Road, and a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was seen at the same address.
Tuesday, May 21: This NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL has decided for reasons best known to itself, to set up housekeeping right beside a heavily used nature trail at Presqu’ile Park. Those who know about its location, we ask that you to give the owl some privacy; those who don’t know, we aren’t revealing its location. The entrance hole is eye level, and throngs of birders, photographers and park visitors have been seen crowding the tree and even peering inside with flashlights ! Not much hope for any success with this nest! An immature BALD EAGLE was seen today at Sandbanks Provincial Park. A pair of MERLINS are nesting in the South Bay area, and another pair has a nest along Sprague Road at Big Island. A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was calling along South Big Island Road early this morning. A HOODED WARBLER was seen at Prince Edward Point this afternoon.
Monday, May 20: Point Traverse was bit quieter this morning, compared to the excitement of these past few days. Little pockets of warblers here and there, one of them producing a female CERULEAN WARBLER (banded), HOODED WARBLER (also banded today), BLACKPOLL WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER and an INDIGO BUNTING, all together in one spot. At South Bay, a kettle of TURKEY VULTURES revealed a second year BALD EAGLE in amongst them. The CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW was heard again tonight at 9:10 p.m.
Sunday, May 19: Best bird today at Prince Edward Point was a CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW that was seen near the lighthouse, and had been calling one day earlier right at the banding station! This southern species was last heard in Prince Edward County in 1976, 1977 and 1978 in the Ostrander Point area near the sharp corner along Babylon Road. Otherwise, Prince Edward Point today was a bit quiet with only 14 species of warblers found, including BLACKPOLL WARBLER . Lots of good birds in an old growth forest near Roslin along the Moira River today, including a vocalizing BARRED OWL, as well as SCARLET TANAGER, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, EASTERN PHOEBE, OVENBIRD, GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER and a very energetic singing WINTER WREN. Along Black Road near Demorestville, a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO has been frequenting a backyard there. The mystery bird at Prince Edward Point seen a few days ago, turned out to be a a RED-FRONTED SERIN, that breeds in the Caucasus and the higher mountains of Turkey and Iran. Apparently, it has become a popular caged bird and the one at Prince Edward Point was like a very happy escapee.
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 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 wetlandwere 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.
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Forget the myths and fables about bats! Bats are not dirty, they are not blind, they don't suck blood, and they do not have a fondness for your hair! Instead, welcome them and encourage them to your premises by providing them with a home, from Picton Farm Supply. Prince Edward County's most common species, the Little Brown Bat, devours up to half its weight in mosquitoes every night! Because bats hunt at night, they don't rely on their eyesight to find insects, but actually "see" with their ears, by using echolocation. The high frequency notes (that we can't hear) bounce off obstacles and insects in their path. The bats are able to determine the type, size and location of their prey. Picton Farm Supply's selection of bat houses are specially designed to provide the necessary shelter for these small flying mammals. Be sure to mount your box 15 feet or so off the ground where it will receive at least 7-10 hours of direct sunlight. The box never needs cleaning as the droppings simply fall out onto the ground below. Get yours today! 
The hummingbirds are back ! Attract them to your kitchen window with a Perky-Pet® Antique Bottle Hummingbird Feeder. 
You can go into almost any store these days and pick up a bar of rendered suet for birds. But if you want a peanut butter suet cake, or a fruit and nut, or raisin crunch, or for those slow days at the bird feeder - high energy suet bars, then you have to go to Picton Farm Supply. It is about the first thing you see upon entering the store at 179 Talbot Street, just on the northern outskirts of town. Tray upon tray of suet cakes - a variety enough to rival the racks of chocolate bars at the local convenience store. 
Once your eyes begin to travel beyond the trays of suet cakes, you soon begin to appreciate the burgeoning popularity of birds. Tucked in a corner of the store beyond the work clothes, halters, bag balm and treatments for mastitis, are bird feeders - at least a hundred of them - from basic garden variety models to the creme de la creme of bird feeders, the Droll Yankees. Although bird feeders are available in Picton in hardware stores, and even supermarkets, Bryce is an exclusive dealer in the Picton area for this popular line of feeders, so well built, they are guaranteed for a lifetime.
with many feeders, he will sell you the jumbo bag, weighing in at a hefty 66 pounds. All ingredients in his popular mix can be purchased separately as well, including the option of buying bags of shelled peanuts or peanuts in the shell, or Nyjer seed. You can purchase a small bag of peanuts so small as to fit in your hand or a large bag that may require shuffling a few things around in your trunk, just to get it in. 
Mini: $22.50
.jpg "Squirrel Buster Finch")
REPORT FROM 
The songbird migration entered its last act this week, with only a few new species of the late migrants, like GRAY-CHEECKED THRUSH for example. A COMMON TERN (photo by 
Friday, May 24: Signs that the spring migration is winding down are reflected in the absence of any bird reports today. Now might be a good time to reflect on, at least, the warbler migration. An incredible 30 species of warblers turned up at Prince Edward Point this past week, and the only possibilities that did not show up included Connecticut Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler and Yellow-breasted Chat. These species have shown up in past springs. Today’s photo by John Vieira of Oakville (summer home at South Bay) is of one species that made several appearances in the past week – a CERULEAN WARBLER. 
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.