April 5 2025 (Saturday) Long Point

Leader: Stewart MacDonald.

OUTING REPORT FOR APRIL 5, 2025 EXCURSION TO LONG POINT AND PORT ROWAN

On April 5, 2025, 7 people joined Stewart MacDonald for this excursion. Although there was a prediction of heavy intermittent showers, the majority of the outing was conducted without rain falling.

The group observed 57 Species of birds, including 20 Waterfowl.

The outing started at the Birds Canada Office, where several species of Dabbling Ducks were observed to start the day off on the right foot. The group then drove west on Lakeshore Road where we observed more Waterfowl along the way. Heavy rains on the prior Wednesday created many temporary ponds in the local fields, so the birds had many places to go.

One of the highlights of the morning was observing several Sandhill Cranes together, with display behavior from some of the birds.

Off we went to the Long Point Causeway with stops to observe diving ducks in Long Point Bay. There were large rafts of Greater and Lesser Scaup, Canvasbacks, Redheads, Ring-Necked Ducks and others which were observed. The highlight was several Horned Grebes which gave the group excellent views. Some of these birds were developing their breeding plumages.

The group then took an excursion by foot and observed Greater Yellowlegs, Bald Eagles and other Ducks.

Off to Old Cut Observatory, for a walk in the woods and into Long Point Provincial Park, where Hermit Thrush, Eastern Phoebe and Field Sparrow being the highlights. Many Golden-Crowned Kinglets were observed.

The final stop was Port Rowan Harbour, where a Red-Throated Loon and Osprey were observed!

Many Thanks to Barb O'Neill for her photography and to all the participants for a Fun day of Birding!

February 22 2025 (Saturday) Haldimand & Norfolk counties

Leader: Barry Coombs, Mike Norton, Cody Bassindale.

Fifteen birders, all OFO members, joined co-leaders Cody Bassindale, Barry Coombs and Mike Norton on a beautiful but very windy day. We met at Kinsmen Park in Caledonia and the day got off to a flying start when Rob Palin sighted a male Barrow's Goldeneye in the Grand River, a stunning bird and a first record for Haldimand County. Over the course of the day, we observed 51 species, which was pretty good considering the condition of the roads. The strong winds blew drifting snow on north/south roads. The wind also prevented us from hearing any potential responses when we tried for Eastern Screech-Owl with playback. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Geoff Olaveson, who dug our lead vehicle out of a snowdrift at one point.

Highlights of the day begin with the male Barrow's Goldeneye and include a Short-eared Owl, Rough-legged Hawks, Snow Buntings, Tufted Titmouse, Eastern Bluebirds and one Lapland Longspur near day's end. Participants enjoyed a very good mix of waterfowl and scored a trifecta with swans (Mute, Trumpeter, Tundra) and mergansers (Common, Hooded, Red-breasted).

Thanks also go to Rob Palin for assisting with communications and Caledonia resident George Naylor for scouting the parking lot conditions and birds prior to our outing.

Barry Coombs