March 8 2026 (Sunday) Durham Marshes

Leader: Kale Worman, Jax Nasimok.

On March 8th, a group of keen birders, led by Kale Worman and Jax Nasimok, explored and birded along the Durham lakefront. The day started out fairly windy and cool, however as the day progressed the wind died down and the sun came out, warming us all up.

We started at Lynde Shores Conservation Area, finding the famous Barry the Barrows Goldeneye as well as a good number of newly arrived Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles. The Marsh was partially frozen, however, the open water that was present gave us good looks at Wood Ducks, Green Winged Teal, Northern Pintail, and others. We could also hear a Killdeer calling from deeper in the marsh. Many sparrows were scattered along the path, including the continuing Eastern Towhee, which many of us could hear calling.

After Lynde Shores, we set off to Whitby Harbour in the hopes of finding some gulls. We found many interesting species among the normal Ringed bill and American Herring Gulls. These included a Glacous Gull, Iceland Gulls (both Kumlieni and Thayers), and a Great Black-backed Gull.

We then moved on to Oshawa Harbour and found two more Iceland Gulls among the gull flocks before continuing along to McLaughlin Bay.

At McLaughlin, we found a large raft of Greater Scaup and a few of us spotted 4 flying Harelequin Ducks very far out over the lake.

It was great to see both familiar faces and new faces this day. Thank you to every one who came out and to the trip leaders for an excellent day!

Trip Report stats 49 Species Observed

March 7 2026 (Saturday) Long Point

Leader: James Lees, Emma Buck, Samuel Perfect.

Ontario Field Ornithologist Long Point Field Trip March 7 2026

Guides: James Lees, Emma Buck, Samuel Perfect

Attendees: 14

eBird trip report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/485524

Bird species: 39

A largely blue sky greeted our start to the OFO Long Point Field Trip much to the relief of all given that an intense thunderstorm had passed through earlier that evening. It was surprisingly mild with a warm south westerly wind elevating the air temperature causing the last of the snow patches to melt rapidly. After a meet and greet, fresh coffee and tea, and a relay of the mornings birding plan we were off out around the Birds Canada HQ property to make the most of the dry weather whilst it lasted. The air was thick with the sound of Red-winged Blackbirds, flyover Tundra Swans on their commute from the bay to the stubble fields, and displaying Hooded Mergansers in the ponds viewable from the HQ deck. The ground was squelchy underfoot, but spirits were high with the first of several flyover Killdeer being the first of the year for many. On arrival at the southern overlook of the Inner Bay, we were greeted by the sight and sound of thousands of diving ducks (a mixture of Redhead, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, and both scaup species), Sandhill Cranes, and more Tundra Swans. Thanks to the overnight rain the edge of the marsh had melted significantly revealing a bounty of feeding opportunities for the first wave of dabbling ducks, most notably Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal. We all enjoyed sifting through the mass of feeding activity for some time, getting to grips with some of the subtleties of duck identification, learning about their annual cycle, and hearing about where they migrate to and from.

Once we were back at HQ, we set off westwards for a drive around the fields in search of Sandhill Cranes, geese, and more swans. We had barely made it as far Sinclair-Campbell Marsh when we spotted a Golden Eagle cruising low across the fields immediately north of Lakeshore Road. We were fortunate enough to all obtain length good views of this majestic raptor as it flushed many hundreds of Northern Pintail and Mallard in its wake. As it floated about amongst the masses it eventually noticed a Mallard carelessly separate from the group, the opportunity was ceased and soon the Golden Eagle was flying off with a late morning breakfast in it?s talons. This, understandably, proved to be the highlight for many, and an awesome start to our check of the farmland. After getting our fill of raptors, adding both Red-tailed Hawk and Bald Eagle to our growing day list, we continued to Port Royal for a brief check of Big Creek. Here we added Wood Duck and American Robin to the list before making a hasty retreat to the cars as some distant claps of thunder were headed our way. Fortunately, we beat the rain and were back in our mobile hides (aka cars) before the first drops of rain descended. The rest of Lakeshore Road, West Quarterline, and 1st Concession were surprisingly devoid of activity (perhaps because of an earlier visit by the Golden Eagle). Nevertheless, we were luckily to catch up with two Trumpeter Swans by 1st Concession, and a scattering of Horned Larks (American Birding Association Bird of the Year! The 2026 ABA Bird of the Year: Horned Lark! - American Birding Association) across varies spots.

After our mosey about the fields in our mobile hides, deliberately avoiding the heaviest of the showers, we gravitated back to Port Rowan Marina for a final look at some of the days stars of the show, the duck. Here, we were offered yet more great views of Redhead, and Ring-necked Duck, this time with the addition of Red-breasted Merganser, American Coot, and Bufflehead. Our tour ended at the Birds Canada HQ in time for a late lunch, a hearty exchange of stories from the day?s highlights, and a fond farewell to all attendees.

Thanks

Emma Buck

February 21 2026 (Saturday) Haldimand & Norfolk

Leader: Barry Coombs, Mike Norton, Cody Bassindale.

Fifteen keen birders joined co-leaders Cody Bassindale, Barry Coombs and Mike Norton at Kinsmen Park in Caledonia on a breezy, drizzly morning. Fortunately, the precipitation cleared but the wind continued. A recent, brief warm spell opened up the water at Silver Lake and a few other spots, which allowed us views of a good collection of waterfowl. Lake Erie, however, was still ice.

Much to our dismay, the thaw had also melted a lot of snow and we weren't able to find any Snow Buntings, although we saw several Horned Larks. Our co-leaders had scouted the route on the previous Saturday and had found many Snow Buntings.

Overall, we observed 41 species. Not all individual raptor sightings were saved to eBird but we kept a tally of 4 Bald Eagles, 20 Red-tailed Hawks, 2 Northern Harriers in the same field, 5 American Kestrels and a very welcome, single Rough-legged Hawk. A notable species, found at Caledonia, was White-winged Scoter, which is rare for Haldimand County.

Tufted Titmouse are always a crowd pleaser. We heard one or two at Ruthven but didn't see them. Luckily, we were able to get eyes on two of them on Irish Line.

Thanks go to our co-leaders and to all participants for their contributions. Also, we're grateful to Rob Palin who assisted Mike Norton in the tail car and kept us all together all day long.