The Blue Bill

Quarterly Journal of the Kingston Field Naturalists

ISSN 0382-5655

Volume 64, No. 1 March 2017

Contents President’s Page Alexandra Simmons..............1 Kingston and Area Christmas Bird Count Mark D. Read........................2 KFN Yearly List of Birds Mark D. Read........................6 Why Not eButterfly Bruce Ripley........................14 Mid-Winter Waterfowl Inventory Mark D. Read......................16 Kingston Region Birds Winter (Dec 1 2016 – Feb 28 2017) Mark D. Read......................19 KFN Outings Amherst Island Field Trip J. Scott, B. Bailey.................25 Wolfe Island Snowy Owls Gaye Beckwith.....................27 Rideau Locks Birding Tour Ken Robinson ......................28 Lemoine Point Field Trip Janis Grant ..........................28 Bird Nerd Bonus James Barber........................30

The Blue Bill is the quarterly journal (published March, June, September and December) of the Kingston Field Naturalists, P.O. Box 831, Kingston, ON (Canada), K7L 4X6. Website: http://www.kingstonfieldnaturalists.org Send submissions to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to the month of publication (i.e. by the 15th of February/May/August/November) to the address above, or to the editor via e-mail to: jamesrdbarber@gmail.com. Please include contact phone number. Submissions should be in MS Word format or in “plain text” format (PC or MacIntosh) or unformatted in the body of an e-mail. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement

#047128

2017/2018 Officers President: Alexandra Simmons 613-542-2048 alerwin@xplornet.ca Honorary President Ron D. Weir 613-549-5274 weir-r@rmc.ca Vice-President: Speakers Past President: Kurt Hennige 613-876-1804 khennige@xplornet.com Treasurer: Larry McCurdy 613-389-6427 larrymcc@kingston.net Recording Janis Grant Secretary: 613-548-3668 janis.grant@ICloud.com Membership John Critchley Secretary: 613-634-5475 johnecritchley@bell.net

Nature Reserves Erwin Batalla 613-542-2048 alerwin@xplornet.ca Conservation Chris Hargreaves 613-389-8993 hargreavescp@sympatico.ca Blue Bill Editor James Barber 613-484-0594 jamesrdbarber@gmail.com Junior Naturalists Anne Robertson 613-389-6742 n8ture.anne@sympatico.ca Education Mark Read 613-217-1246 markdread@gmail.com Field Trips Gaye Beckwith 613-376-3716 beckwithb@sympatico.ca Bird Sightings Mark D. Read 613-217-1246 markdread@gmail.com Bird Records Ken Edwards 613-544-6457 rkfe@queensu.ca Newsletter Janet Elliott 613-547-2674 daphodilly@hotmail.com Website Mike Burrell 613-442-0020 mike.burrell.on@gmail.com Slideshow Gaye Beckwith 613-376-3716 beckwithb@sympatico.ca Ontario Nature Ken Robinson 613-766-4782 ken.robinson546@gmail.com Member-at-large Ken Robinson 613-766-4782 ken.robinson546@gmail.com Publicity Jackie Bartnick 613-531-3736 thegrump@kos.net Facebook, flickr Polly Aiken 343-363-1342 p_rutlege08@hotmail.com Archives Peter McIntyre 613-548-4738 klamp@cogeco.ca

The Blue Bill Volume 64, No. 1 Page 1

President’s Page Alexandra Simmons

We are all familiar with some of the excellent nature programming on the CBC, from The Nature of Things on TV, to Quirks and Quarks on radio. In the last few months, I noticed another type of story on CBC radio which should also interest us as naturalists. One was a lunchtime program discussing baiting of wild owls by amateur photographers to bring them closer and enable photos of the birds hunting. Another was a number of interviews about whether the decision of Parks Canada to eliminate entry fees to their sites this year was a good one, considering the added number of visitors it will generate. The question these topics address is: how much should we disrupt/impact nature for our own enjoyment of it? There are many types of activities that involve interaction with nature, from walking to birdwatching to photography to snowmobiling to hunting and fishing, to nature-based travel. We can do these things in an urban park or in a remote pristine rainforest. You may be surprised to learn that even in a relatively homogenous group as the executive of the KFN, individuals have different answers to this question. Yet it is something a naturalist should think about, since it basically boils down to how we see human beings in relation to the rest of the natural world. It has been said that any way of experiencing nature which brings a person pleasure will cause him/her to value nature and the environment more and therefore wish to preserve it. One thing is certain: this is not an opinion one can form only by reading books or watching brilliant documentaries, or even by listening to the engaging speakers at KFN monthly meetings. There is no substitute for time in the field observing the components of natural systems and how they work in order to develop insight into how we fit in as individuals and as a species. So on Canada’s 150th birthday I urge you to take advantage of initiatives to get more

people to experience nature on federal lands. The Parks Canada Discovery pass allows free entry to all the sites they operate whether National Parks, Historic Sites or Marine Conservation Areas. There are many within a day’s drive of Kingston such as Bruce Peninsula NP, Point Pelee NP, Georgian Bay Islands NP, La Mauricie NP and Saguenay-St Lawrence Islands NP, and the brand new Rouge National Urban Park, all “protected by law for public understanding and enjoyment and maintained in an unimproved state for future generations” (Parks Canada). The 2017 KFN BIoblitz will take place at a local jewel, Thousand Islands NP. It is an area of rich biodiversity situated on ancient granite bedrock which forms part of the Frontenac Arch. Please join us there June 16-17 to observe and tally species from insects to plants to mammals, including several at risk. Another type of federal lands worth exploring are the National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries operated by the Environment and Climate Change Canada. The 54 NWAs were chosen to protect prime examples of specific habitat types, or land with special significance to wildlife. ECCC has selected 10 of them for its Connecting Canadians to Nature initiative including Big Creek NWA on the north shore of Lake Erie, Prince Edward Point NWA, and Lac St Francois and Cap Tourmente on the north and south shores on the St Lawrence in Quebec. A little farther afield are 3 NWAs within 100 km of Moncton: Cape Jourimain, Shepody and Chignecto. Canada’s federal lands provide an embarrassment of riches for us to better understand and appreciate Canada’s ecosystems. So go to the Parks Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s websites and start planning where and how you will celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday in Nature!

Page 2 March 2017

Kingston and Area Christmas Counts Mark D. Read

Kingston’s first Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was held in 1964. Others inaugurated the same year were Moscow and Westport, with Napanee following in 1965. Over the years, other CBCs have been established within the Kingston area; Thousand Islands (1974), Prince Edward Point (1977), Amherst Island (1990), Delta (2000), and most recently Gananoque (2014) and Frontenac (2015). Just one fell by the wayside (Moscow in 1994) but it was back in 2016! CBCs take place within a fixed 24km circle and always take place on a single day between the dates of 14th December and 5th January. The Kingston count always falls on the first Sunday within that time frame, so mark your calendars today – the next count is Sunday 17th December 2017. A mild autumn followed by a relatively benign beginning to the winter resulted, once again, in very little ice formation on the main water bodies. However, the week immediately preceding the count

was exceptionally cold, meaning most inland areas were frozen. It would appear than diversity was up this year but numbers were down. Some notable trends across all counts were record/high counts of American Robin, Snow Bunting and Dark-eyed Junco. Noticeable lows included owls in general, as well as Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks and Northern Harrier. Other highlights included an amazing 9 Tufted Titmice on the 1000 Island count, a Golden Eagle in Frontenac, Grey Catbird in Gananoque, 9 Cackling Geese in Napanee, 2 Harlequin Ducks in Kingston, 10 Bohemian Waxwings (the only ones) in Westport, and 7 Wild Turkey on Amherst. I would like to thank the coordinators and participants of all local counts for their continued efforts, often in less than ideal weather. Table 1 shows a selection of statistics for the 10 counts held within our area. Unfortunately, results for PEPt were not available when compiling this report. Table 2 illustrates the average over the last 15 years.

Table 1: Overall statistics for Kingston Area, 2016 18 Dec

Kings 20 Dec

West 27 Dec

Napa 20 Dec 1000 Is

17 Dec PEPt

30 Dec Amherst

14 Dec Delta

21 Dec Gan

17 Dec Front

02 Jan Mosc

Species 96 39 59 64 - 50 44 74 37 36 Birds 34,396 2,820 13,115 8,439 - 5,039 5,284 10,680 2,256 2,796 Participants 49 15 18 25 - 35 16 17 24 11 Rain/Snow Light None None None - None None None Heavy None Low °C -6 -5 -3 -7 - -3 -8 -2 -5 -8 High °C 0 0 4 -1 - -2 -3 2 0 4 Sun/Cloud C/PC C C C - C/PC C/PC PC C S

The Blue Bill Volume 64, No. 1 Page 3

Table 2: Results of last 15 years, with average (*no count held) ‘02 ‘03 ‘04 ‘05 ‘06 ‘0

7 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘1

3 ‘14 ‘1

5 ‘16

Av

Kingston 109

103

103

103

104

* 106

101

102

105

108

96 104

84 96 102

Westport 47 * * * 52 34 36 33 37 51 47 39 42 44 39 42 Napanee 56 51 58 50 56 51 57 60 59 59 58 51 66 66 59 57 1000 Is 51 61 57 60 64 60 55 50 63 54 55 55 55 59 64 58 PEPt 58 82 71 76 71 65 63 55 55 69 70 63 74 61 - 67 Amherst Is

60 53 36 64 54 54 57 56 57 69 61 54 74 51 50 57

Delta 40 38 43 38 48 40 42 42 40 38 44 41 41 46 44 42 Gananoque

- - - - - - - - - - - - 56 63 74 64

Frontenac - - - - - - - - - - - - - 37 37 37 Moscow - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 36 36 Table 3 has a breakdown of species for each count. Where a record is underlined, this indicates a high count. The abbreviation ‘cw’ indicates a species seen during ‘count week’, the 3 days preceding and following the actual count date. An interesting statistic not included in the table is the combined total number of species for all counts. This year (including count week Turkey Vulture, Northern Goshawk, Yellow-rumped Warbler and White-crowned Sparrow), 112 species were seen, providing an excellent snapshot of the diversity of species that can be found in the area during the winter months. This is comparable to last year’s total of 111. Table 3: Kingston Area Christmas Bird Counts 2016-17 18 Dec

Kings 14 Dec West

27 Dec Napanee

20 Dec 1000 Is

19 Dec PEPt

28 Dec Amherst

16 Dec Delta

23 Dec Gan

19 Dec Front

02 Jan Mosc

Snow Goose 95 - 5 - - 1 - - - - Cackling Goose - - 9 - - - - - - - Canada Goose 15952 13 5056 1218 - 1367 1371 727 352 78 Mute Swan 98 - 9 30 - 5 - 43 - - Trumpeter Swan 6 9 - - - - 6 - - - Tundra Swan 568 - 12 34 - 48 - 73 - - Swan sp. 45 - - - - - - - - - Wood Duck - - 1 - - - - - - - Gadwall 418 - - - - 4 - 3 - - A. Wigeon 26 - - - - - - 2 - - A. Black Duck 215 - 36 13 - 51 1 13 10 4 Mallard 2004 5 194 308 - 155 204 192 25 1 N. Pintail 1 - - - - - - 7 - - Green-winged Teal 2 - - - - - - - - - Canvasback 2 - - - - - - - - - Redhead 597 - - - - - - - - - Ring-necked Duck 75 - - - - - 6 - - - Greater Scaup 1583 - 11 1 - 1 - - - - Lesser Scaup 16 - - 14 - - - - - - Harlequin Duck 2 - - - - - - - - - WW Scoter 2 - 1 - - - - 1 - - Long-tailed Duck 1320 - 11 - - 9 - - - - Bufflehead 73 - 21 - - 41 - 9 - -

Page 4 March 2017

18 Dec Kings

14 Dec West

27 Dec Napanee

20 Dec 1000 Is

19 Dec PEPt

28 Dec Amherst

16 Dec Delta

23 Dec Gan

19 Dec Front

02 Jan Mosc

Common Goldeneye 1102 cw 67 224 - 294 16 24 - - Hooded Merganser 42 - - 2 - 1 8 3 - - Com. Merganser 193 cw 23 1438 - 63 204 2535 - - RB Merganser 928 - 4 74 - 1 - 38 - - Merganser sp. - - - 2 - - - - 2 - Ruddy Duck 2 - - - - - - - - - Duck sp. 63 - 10 2 - 4 - - 35 - Ruffed Grouse 1 2 - 1 - - 5 1 2 4 Wild Turkey 185 261 75 198 - 7 82 133 183 38 Common Loon 2 - 3 12 - - 1 1 - - Pied-billed Grebe 1 - - - - - - - - - Horned Grebe 2 - - - - 2 - - - - DC Cormorant 8 - - 1 - - - - - - Great Blue Heron 3 - - - - - - 2 - - Turkey Vulture cw - - - - - - - - - Golden Eagle - - - - - - - - 1 - Northern Harrier 14 - 2 - - - - - - - SS Hawk 1 - 1 1 - - 1 2 - cw Cooper’s Hawk 6 - - 2 - - 1 1 1 3 Northern Goshawk - cw - - - - - - - - Accipiter sp. - - - - - - - - 2 - Bald Eagle 16 8 2 31 - 20 2 33 10 - Red-tailed Hawk 11 2 6 12 - 3 5 20 2 9 RL Hawk 5 - 2 3 - 4 - - - 1 Hawk sp. - - - 1 - - - - 2 - Eagle sp. - - - - - - - - 4 - American Coot 25 - - 2 - - - - - - Ring-billed Gull 266 - 11 34 - 13 23 15 11 3 Herring Gull 107 2 66 330 - 33 15 491 82 - Iceland Gull 2 - - - - - - - - - Lesser BB Gull 1 - - - - - - 1 - - Glaucous Gull 1 - - 1 - - - 1 - - Great BB Gull 19 - 1 45 - 4 - 3 1 - Gull sp. 1 - 81 - - 2 - - 10 - Rock Pigeon 627 153 293 177 - 91 113 260 41 275 Mourning Dove 297 81 175 157 - 116 62 307 146 161 E. Screech-Owl 3 - - - - - - - - - Great Horned Owl 3 - - - - - - - - 2 Snowy Owl 6 - - - - 1 - - - - Barred Owl 4 - - 1 - - - 1 1 - Owl sp. - - - - - - - - 1 - Belted Kingfisher 1 - - 2 - - - 2 1 - RB Woodpecker 5 2 2 8 - 1 1 9 2 1 YB Sapsucker 1 1 - - - - - - - - Downy Woodpecker 59 34 17 53 - 15 15 41 24 12 Hairy Woodpecker 36 31 3 19 - 3 10 15 28 9 Northern Flicker 4 - 1 1 - 1 - 1 - - Pileated Woodpecker 8 3 1 9 - - 2 7 2 6 Woodpecker sp. 1 - - - - - - - 2 - American Kestrel 4 - 3 - - 2 - - - 2 Merlin 1 - - 1 - 3 1 2 - 1 Peregrine Falcon 2 - - 1 - - - - - - Northern Shrike 1 - 3 3 - 1 1 - 2 2 Blue Jay 175 91 72 126 - 83 130 165 58 199

The Blue Bill Volume 64, No. 1 Page 5

18 Dec Kings

14 Dec West

27 Dec Napanee

20 Dec 1000 Is

19 Dec PEPt

28 Dec Amherst

16 Dec Delta

23 Dec Gan

19 Dec Front

02 Jan Mosc

American Crow 407 61 204 141 - 17 130 141 46 75 Common Raven 9 16 7 52 - 20 26 28 13 14 Horned Lark 107 - - 13 - - - 92 - - BC Chickadee 809 349 215 395 - 136 233 436 273 237 Tufted Titmouse - - - 9 - - - 1 - - RB Nuthatch 10 8 1 2 - - - 6 - 1 WB Nuthatch 104 56 34 79 - 24 22 63 38 30 Brown Creeper 7 - 1 4 - - - 3 2 - Winter Wren 1 - - - - 1 - 2 - - Carolina Wren 2 - - - - - - - - - GC Kinglet 13 - 4 7 - - 1 5 - - RC Kinglet - - - - - - - 1 - - Eastern Bluebird 1 - 4 - - - 7 4 - 3 Hermit Thrush - - - - - - - 1 - - American Robin 1036 35 1798 499 - 363 461 637 74 86 N. Mockingbird 1 - - - - - - - - - Grey Catbird - - - - - - - 1 - - Eurasian Starling 2142 286 2635 888 - 1106 1009 2390 178 1170 Bohemian Waxwing - 10 - - - - - - - - Cedar Waxwing 32 20 37 142 - 5 53 48 10 8 Lapland Longspur 1 - - 1 - - - 2 - - Snow Bunting 1246 530 1066 680 - 625 549 438 2 61 YR Warbler cw - - - - - - - - - A. Tree Sparrow 181 103 138 153 - 48 92 236 78 32 Fox Sparrow 4 - - - - - - - - - Dark-eyed Junco 340 267 321 366 - 31 177 478 239 65 WC Sparrow - - cw - - - - - - - WT Sparrow 23 - 4 10 - 2 - 28 - - Savannah Sparrow 1 - - - - - - - - - Song Sparrow 8 - - 2 - - - 7 - - Swamp Sparrow 2 - - - - - - 1 - - Northern Cardinal 32 7 15 24 - 6 6 10 14 1 RW Blackbird 10 - 8 5 - 1 - 30 - - Eastern Meadowlark - 1 - - - - - - - - Rusty Blackbird 1 - 1 - - - - 2 - - Common Grackle 1 - cw 5 - - - 1 - - BH Cowbird 1 - cw - - - 1 9 - - Blackbird sp. 2 - - - - - - - - - House Finch 46 9 37 22 - 28 1 15 2 - Purple Finch 3 3 - 7 - - 15 4 - cw Common Redpoll 1 26 - - - - - 1 - - Pine Siskin - - - - - - - 1 - - American Goldfinch 309 265 180 188 - 53 159 262 217 152 Evening Grosbeak - - - 7 - - - - - - House Sparrow 163 45 114 146 - 119 58 112 - 50 Passerine sp. - - - - - - - - 14 - TOTAL SPECIES 96 39 59 64 - 50 44 74 37 36 TOTAL NUMBERS 34396 2820 13115 8439 - 5039 5284 10680 2256 2796 Further information regarding dates and locations of counts within Canada can be found on the Bird Studies Canada website (http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/cbc/). To view or download historical results from any location, please visit the Audubon website (http://netapp.audubon.org/cbcobservation/).

Page 6 March 2017

Yearly List of Birds - KFN 2016 Mark D. Read

There were 263 species of birds seen within the Kingston Area in 2016, a 50km radial circle centred on MacDonald Park, Kingston. Compared with the 36-year average of 278 (1980-2015), 2016 was not only down on species but also the lowest yearly total in the last 36 years. The distribution over the past 36 years is given in the following table.

Table 1: Annual total bird species for the Kingston Area 1980 to 2016 Year Total Year Total Year Total Year Total 1980 278 1990 279 2000 282 2010 281 1981 277 1991 281 2001 285 2011 277 1982 276 1992 281 2002 287 2012 273 1983 282 1993 293 2003 282 2013 264 1984 285 1994 283 2004 280 2014 272 1985 271 1995 280 2005 278 2015 264 1986 277 1996 285 2006 274 (2016 263) 1987 279 1997 283 2007 272 1988 270 1998 283 2008 272 1989 273 1999 278 2009 281

Av. 277 283 279 272

(271) Pink-footed Goose was added to the list in 2016 which now stands at 381. Some may notice that the number has actually decreased and this is due to a minor readjustment that was necessary to remove a couple of species erroneously added in the past. Major rarities reported during 2016 include Pink-footed Goose, and Townsend’s Solitaire. Other good finds, requiring review by the KFN Rare Birds Committee, included Greater White-fronted Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, King Eider, Harlequin Duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye, American White Pelican, Long-billed Dowitcher, Barn Owl, Gyrfalcon, Worm-eating Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, Henslow’s Sparrow, Nelson’s Sparrow, Harris’s Sparrow and Summer Tanager. Other notable records included Whimbrel, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Little Gull, Sedge Wren, Red Crossbill, and White-winged Crossbill. Table 2. List of bird species seen in the Kingston area during 2016 with date of first sighting and associated observers.

Species Date Observer

Pink-footed Goose Greater White-fronted Goose Snow Goose

11 Mar 13 Jan 01 Jan

EPB, DD, VPM, AS KJH JET

Brant 05 May JRB Cackling Goose 08 Jan JRB Canada Goose 01 Jan KFN Mute Swan 01 Jan KFN

The Blue Bill Volume 64, No. 1 Page 7

Trumpeter Swan 06 Jan BGB Tundra Swan 01 Jan KFN Wood Duck 06 Jan JRB Gadwall 01 Jan KFN Eurasian Wigeon 24 Sep DW, OFO American Wigeon 01 Jan KFN American Black Duck 01 Jan KFN Mallard 01 Jan KFN Blue-winged Teal 15 Mar RKFE Northern Shoveler 02 Jan MDR Northern Pintail 04 Feb BLM, HvZ Green-winged Teal 09 Jan CN Canvasback 01 Jan WTD Redhead 01 Jan KFN Ring-necked Duck 01 Jan KFN Greater Scaup 01 Jan KFN Lesser Scaup 01 Jan RKFE, NAK King Eider 05 Nov JPR Harlequin Duck 08 Jan MDR Surf Scoter 15 Jan JSB White-winged Scoter 01 Jan MDR Black Scoter 30 Jan RB Long-tailed Duck 01 Jan KFN Bufflehead 01 Jan KFN Common Goldeneye 01 Jan KFN Barrow’s Goldeneye Hooded Merganser

24 Jan 01 Jan

RB KFN

Common Merganser 01 Jan KFN Red-breasted Merganser 01 Jan KFN Ruddy Duck 03 Jan KJH Ring-necked Pheasant 05 Jan GO Ruffed Grouse 01 Jan TAN Wild Turkey 02 Jan JET Red-throated Loon 22 Jan PJB Common Loon 01 Jan RKFE, KJH Pied-billed Grebe 20 Jan WTD Horned Grebe 08 Jan CN, MDR Red-necked Grebe 07 Jan ADH Double-crested Cormorant 01 Jan KFN American White Pelican 28 Nov WF American Bittern 01 Apr BGB Least Bittern 18 May PJB Great Blue Heron 05 Jan BM Great Egret 14 Apr DD

Page 8 March 2017

Green Heron 16 Apr MVAB Black-crowned Night-Heron 17 Apr WTD Turkey Vulture 02 Feb B&JM Osprey 25 Mar MDR Golden Eagle 22 Jan PJB Northern Harrier 01 Jan KFN Sharp-shinned Hawk 01 Jan WTD Cooper’s Hawk 01 Jan KFN Northern Goshawk 16 Jan CHB, MAJ Bald Eagle 01 Jan WTD, DM Red-shouldered Hawk 13 Mar SLD, CTH Broad-winged Hawk 16 Apr PJB Red-tailed Hawk 01 Jan KFN Rough-legged Hawk 01 Jan BLB, MDR Virginia Rail 02 Apr CTH Sora 22 Apr JSB Common Gallinule 22 Apr JSB American Coot 01 Jan KJH Sandhill Crane 17 Mar SLD, CTH, KJH Black-bellied Plover 16 Apr TLH American Golden-Plover 16 Apr TLH Semipalmated Plover 12 May RB Killdeer 09 Mar KJH, BM, MDR Upland Sandpiper 17 Apr DGDR Whimbrel 21 May VPM Ruddy Turnstone 15 Aug VPM, DVCW Red Knot 21 May KJH Stilt Sandpiper 22 Aug AE, DE Sanderling 14 Aug KFN Dunlin 17 Apr OFO Purple Sandpiper 05 Nov BDL Baird’s Sandpiper 14 Aug KFN Least Sandpiper 29 Apr VPM White-rumped Sandpiper 15 Aug BER Buff-breasted Sandpiper 25 Aug JSB Pectoral Sandpiper 24 Apr KFN Semipalmated Sandpiper 21 May KFN Short-billed Dowitcher 17 May RKFE Long-billed Dowitcher 09 Sep KJH Wilson’s Snipe 16 Mar KJH American Woodcock 06 Mar CPR Wilson’s Phalarope 05 May JRB Spotted Sandpiper 21 Apr KRG Solitary Sandpiper 27 Apr KJH Greater Yellowlegs 02 Apr BLB Lesser Yellowlegs 25 Apr JRB

The Blue Bill Volume 64, No. 1 Page 9

Bonaparte’s Gull 18 Jan JET Little Gull 02 Apr JCG, VPM, MDR Ring-billed Gull 01 Jan KFN Herring Gull 01 Jan KFN Iceland Gull 01 Jan MDR Lesser Black-backed Gull 06 Jan KJH Glaucous Gull 05 Jan JRB Great Black-backed Gull 01 Jan KFN Caspian Tern 14 Apr RB Black Tern 03 May JSB Common Tern 25 Apr LD Rock Pigeon 01 Jan KFN Mourning Dove 01 Jan KFN Yellow-billed Cuckoo 12 May GS Black-billed Cuckoo 10 May PJG Barn Owl (10?) 12 Sep SH, MM, DVCW, LW Eastern Screech-Owl 01 Jan SED Great Horned Owl 02 Jan CPR Snowy Owl 01 Jan KFN Barred Owl 02 Jan KSB Long-eared Owl 03 Jan JW Short-eared Owl 02 Jan RB Northern Saw-whet Owl 05 Jan CN Common Nighthawk 18 May PJB Eastern Whip-poor-will 28 Apr BC Chimney Swift 17 Apr MVAB Ruby-throated Hummingbird 08 May EDB, MDR Belted Kingfisher 01 Jan KR Red-headed Woodpecker 12 May RKB Red-bellied Woodpecker 01 Jan KFN Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 13 Jan MEC, LJN Downy Woodpecker 01 Jan KFN Hairy Woodpecker 01 Jan KFN Northern Flicker 05 Jan GO Pileated Woodpecker 01 Jan KFN American Kestrel 01 Jan BB, MDR Merlin 05 Jan GO Gyrfalcon 24 Jan MT Peregrine Falcon 07 Jan CJG Olive-sided Flycatcher 09 May RKB Eastern Wood-Pewee 13 May VPM Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 23 May DB Alder Flycatcher 19 May LR Willow Flycatcher 18 May KFN

Page 10 March 2017

Least Flycatcher 22 Apr RKFE Eastern Phoebe 20 Mar TAN Great-crested Flycatcher 03 May TAN Eastern Kingbird 28 Apr CTH Loggerhead Shrike 20 Apr BLB Northern Shrike 03 Jan JET Yellow-throated Vireo 03 May CPR Blue-headed Vireo 22 Apr JRB, VPM Warbling Vireo 28 Apr DGDR Philadelphia Vireo 10 May DB Red-eyed Vireo 10 May DGDR Blue Jay 01 Jan KFN American Crow 01 Jan KFN Common Raven 01 Jan KFN Horned Lark 01 Jan KFN Northern Rough-winged Swallow 16 Apr KFN Purple Martin 16 Apr KFN Tree Swallow 13 Mar AEK Bank Swallow 17 Apr MB Barn Swallow 05 Apr JET Cliff Swallow 16 Apr C&MY Black-capped Chickadee 01 Jan KFN Tufted Titmouse 01 Jan DM, JW Red-breasted Nuthatch 22 Jan JI White-breasted Nuthatch 01 Jan KFN Brown Creeper 02 Jan TAN, JTS House Wren 17 Apr EDB, MAJ Winter Wren 17 Mar MDR Sedge Wren 22 Jun TAN Marsh Wren 25 Apr TAN Carolina Wren 08 May VPM Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 24 Apr JRB, JB Golden-crowned Kinglet 02 Jan TAN, MDR Ruby-crowned Kinglet 13 Apr VPM Eastern Bluebird 04 Jan BER Veery 08 May JRB, MDR Gray-cheeked Thrush 18 May RKFE Swainson’s Thrush 11 May JRB Hermit Thrush 21 Jan JRB Wood Thrush 01 May JRB American Robin 01 Jan MDR, JET Gray Catbird 20 Apr DLFF Brown Thrasher 13 Apr EDB Northern Mockingbird 24 Jan MDR European Starling 01 Jan KFN

The Blue Bill Volume 64, No. 1 Page 11

American Pipit 05 Jan JRB Bohemian Waxwing 03 Jan TAN Cedar Waxwing 01 Jan KFN Lapland Longspur 02 Jan KFN Snow Bunting 01 Jan KFN Ovenbird 02 May JRB Worm-eating Warbler 04 May TMW Louisiana Waterthrush 23 Apr VPM, MJP Northern Waterthrush 23 Apr TAN Golden-winged Warbler 07 May KFN Blue-winged Warbler 12 May JRB, RKB Black-and-white Warbler 29 Apr PRM Tennessee Warbler 08 May SJC Orange-crowned Warbler 08 May SJC Nashville Warbler 22 Apr RKFE Connecticut Warbler 17 Sep TAN Mourning Warbler 16 May BGB, JK Common Yellowthroat 30 Apr LG American Redstart 03 May CPR Cape May Warbler 22 Apr RKFE Cerulean Warbler 07 May BDL Northern Parula 05 May SB Magnolia Warbler 08 May KFN Bay-breasted Warbler 09 May VB, BT Blackburnian Warbler 05 May TAN Yellow Warbler 01 May SK, VPM Chestnut-sided Warbler 06 May RKB Blackpoll Warbler 11 May RKB Black-throated Blue Warbler 01 May JRB, VPM Palm Warbler 22 Apr JRB, RKFE Pine Warbler 16 Apr KFN Yellow-rumped Warbler 13 Jan ET Prairie Warbler 18 May LR Black-throated Green Warbler 01 May JRB, VPM Canada Warbler 13 May KFN Wilson’s Warbler 12 May JRB Grasshopper Sparrow 05 May JRB Henslow’s Sparrow 14 May WF Nelson’s Sparrow 23 Sep OFO American Tree Sparrow 01 Jan KFN Chipping Sparrow 07 Apr RKFE Clay-coloured Sparrow 09 May JET Field Sparrow 01 Apr WTD Fox Sparrow 02 Jan GO Dark-eyed Junco 01 Jan KFN White-crowned Sparrow 22 Jan WP

Page 12 March 2017

Harris’s Sparrow 15 Dec CM White-throated Sparrow 01 Jan KFN Vesper Sparrow 05 Jan JRB Savannah Sparrow 02 Jan JET Song Sparrow 01 Jan DM Lincoln’s Sparrow 08 May JRB Swamp Sparrow 07 Jan JRB, TAN Eastern Towhee 01 Jan JET Summer Tanager 21 May MDR Scarlet Tanager 09 May TAN Northern Cardinal 01 Jan KFN Rose-breasted Grosbeak 28 Apr CM Indigo Bunting 08 May BCa Bobolink 01 May VM Red-winged Blackbird 01 Jan JET Eastern Meadowlark 16 Jan JTS Rusty Blackbird 01 Jan MDR Common Grackle 01 Jan SED Brown-headed Cowbird 01 Jan SLD, CTH Orchard Oriole 08 May SJC Baltimore Oriole 03 May CHB House Finch 01 Jan KFN Purple Finch 01 Jan SED Red Crossbill 02 Feb MVAB White-winged Crossbill 23 Oct TAN Common Redpoll 07 Jan MVAB Hoary Redpoll 22 Jan JPR Pine Siskin 02 Jan JTS American Goldfinch 01 Jan KFN Evening Grosbeak 28 Feb DGDR House Sparrow 01 Jan KFN

The Blue Bill Volume 64, No. 1 Page 13

Table 3: Contributors for 2016

B.L. Bailey J.R. Barber E.D. Batalla B.G. Beckwith P.J. Blancher J. Blaney R.K. Blaney K.S. Bleeks J.S. Bolsinger C.H. Bonta V. Boudreau S. Braithwaite D. Bree R. Brouse M. Burchat M.V.A. Burrell B. Campbell M.E. Chojnacki S.J. Coates B. Coyne S.E. David S.L. Davison W.T. Depew L. Dietsche B. Di Labio D. Dilamarter R.K.F. Edwards A. Emlin D. Emlin W. Fidler D.L.F. Fiegen P.J. Good J.C. Grant K.R. Gregoire L. Grieves C.J. Grooms S. Hamilton C.T. Heffernan K.J. Hennige T.L. Hoar A.D. Hywarren J. Iron M.A. Johnson N.A. Kaduck S. Kelling A.E. Keaveney J. King V.P. Mackenzie V. Marcoux P.R. Martin C. McCrosky M. McDougal B&J. McMahan B. Miller D. Miller B.L. Morin C. Muller T.A. Norris L.J. Nuttall Gayle Owen M.J. Patry W. Purcell D.G.D. Rayner M.D. Read B.E. Ripley C.P. Robinson L. Rowse J.P. Ruddy K. Ruelland G. Saunders A. Simmons J.T. Staszak J.E. Thompson M. Thompson B. Touesnard E. Truskowski D.V.C. Weseloh L. Weseloh T.M. Wheatley J. White D. Worthington C&M. Yarrow H.v. Zweep KFN – more than 3 members of Kingston Field Naturalists OFO – Ontario Field Naturalists

Page 14 March 2017

Why Not eButterfly Bruce Ripley

It's quite amazing how eBird has become so popular around the globe and it's also amazing how popular it has become right here in the Kingston region. This online checklist program not only allows researchers, educators and conservationists to use your sightings for scientific studies and land management, it also allows you to keep your records in a nice format, help to quickly get the word out of a rare sighting, explore bird sightings and to easily download your photos. Most of all it's fun and easy to use.

Researchers, educators and conservationists can also use your help with butterfly sightings through the use of the online checklist and photo storage program eButterfly http://www.e-butterfly.org/. Because butterfly observing is not as popular as birding, range distributions and abundance of butterflies are not as well known as of birds, so your sightings and photographs on eButterfly can be very useful. With the famous Monarch Butterfly listed as "Special Concern" and with the effects of global warming , habitat depletion and pollution among other factors, your sightings on eButterfly can contribute some useful information. Using eButterfly can be done at home on your computer or by using your hand-held device in the field. Just like eBird, eButterfly is fun and very easy to use.

A photograph of a butterfly is one of the best ways to confirm an identification. Most nature enthusiasts now are carrying a camera during their nature walks. Just as in birding, it's good to get a clear, focused photo from as many angles as possible including the upperside and underside of a butterfly so you can see some of the fine details towards identification. In order to get a good photograph of a butterfly you've spotted, stay still until the butterfly is relaxed, feeding or resting, then take a record shot from where you are standing. Then, as slowly as possible, inch your way towards the subject moving to a position for the optimum angle, taking shots along the way. Avoid sudden movements and try not to cast your shadow over the subject.

Butterfly identification can be as tough as bird identifcation. Duskywings, blues, crescents and skippers can all be challenging to identify. But if you get excited when you see a large flock of gulls or shorebirds to determine age and species, you'll get that same feeling of excitement when you see a flower-filled meadow with lots of skippers. Keep in mind that sometimes there are individual variations and possible hybrids and learn to look closely for the fine details which could be the key to identification. Identification is not always based on clear-cut field marks!

The Blue Bill Volume 64, No. 1 Page 15

Baltimore Checkerspot

Look for a wet sedge area with Turtlehead plants in June to find this beauty.

Canadian Tiger Swallowtails

Common around Kingston during May but can be difficult to distinguish from the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail which it often hybridizes with.

Common Buckeye

Always exciting to find this late season migrant. Amherst Island and Prince Edward Point in late August and September are good places to look.

Olympia Marbles

One of the first butterflies of the new year to be seen during the warm days of May in the Shield Country. Start looking when the Trilliums are out.

Great Spangled Fritillary

Common in the Kingston area. You have to look at the fine details of this butterfly to separate it from the similar looking Aphrodite Fritillary. Cannot be identified in flight.

So if you feel comfortable outside on a sunny day wearing shorts and a t-shirt, then it's a great time to look for butterflies. You can go far afield or right in your own backyard. Check out the Butterfly Atlas http://www.ontarioinsects.org/atlas/index.html and look for squares near you that you would like to explore to add new species. If you enjoy using ebird, you will probably also enjoy using eButterfly.

Page 16 March 2017

Happy Lepping!

Recommended Field Guides:

John S. Poland, Pictorial Pocket Guide to the Butterflies of the Kingston Region

Peter W. Hall, Colin D. Jones, Antonia Guidotti, Brad Hubley, ROM Field Guide to Butterflies of Ontario

Jeffrey E. Belth, Butterflies of Indiana (good collection of skipper photos).

Other sites:

Mission Monarch http://www.mission-monarch.org/

iNaturalist http://www.inaturalist.org/pages/about

Mid-winter Waterfowl Inventory: Kingston Region - Jan 2017

Mark D. Read

The Mid-Winter Waterfowl Inventory (MWWI) is carried out throughout North America during the first weeks of January. In Canada, a coordinated ground survey of Lake Ontario takes place on the first Sunday during the period 5th-11th January. CWS offshore aerial data is then added to the shoreline ground counts to form the final Lake Ontario count. This gets added to the other lower Great Lakes data to form the Ontario contribution to the entire Mississippi Flyway totals. These numbers are then used in waterfowl management decisions on a continent-wide basis (bag limits, habitat restoration, etc.). Fourteen observers surveyed the Kingston region, all the way from Ivy Lea to Prince Edward Point, as well as north along the Rideau to Westport. Everything in the Napanee, Hay Bay, and Glenora area was frozen, as was the majority of the Rideau, Cataraqui River, Collin’s Bay and immediate northern shores of the islands. The south shores of the islands and the main body of Lake Ontario were open (including the Kingston waterfront, most of Hwy 33 and the shoreline of Prince Edward Point). Participants were

Shannon Badzinski (CWS), James Barber, Sharon David, Stephanie Davison, Bill Depew, Ken Edwards, Chris Heffernan, Jack Hughs (CWS), Mark Read, Bruce Ripley, Amanda Roncetti, Martin Roncetti, Jim Thompson, and Kathy Webb. Sincere thanks go to all participants. Table 1 shows results of the combined ground and aerial survey for the Kingston area as provided by Barbara Campbell (CWS). In total, 74,739 individuals were counted of 25 species. 45 Bald Eagles were also tallied by the ground survey. Local results were then submitted to the Lake Ontario compiler (Glenn Coady) who then returned the overall data found in Table 2. These results do not include any of the aerial data. Areas surveyed along Lake Ontario from east to west were Kingston, Quinte, Presqu'ile, Port Hope, Durham, Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara.

As noted by Glenn, “This year we tallied 39 different species which ties our second best ever totals in 2008 and 2011 and is just one behind our best ever of 40 species in 2000.

The Blue Bill Volume 64, No. 1 Page 17

This is the fourth count in a row in which no Barrow's Goldeneye was found. Also missed was Eurasian Wigeon. We set a record high count of 9 Harlequin Ducks and a new high count of 62 Bald Eagles as well. Two species for which the numbers are well down in the last couple of counts are Long-tailed Duck and Greater Scaup and we should watch closely the trend for these species in the coming years.

Another obvious ongoing trend is the movement of peak numbers of Mute

Swan to the east end of the lake from the traditional strongholds at the west end. With concerted egg oiling efforts at the west end of the lake being undertaken it is hard to tell whether this is a result of reduced recruitment of young into the population or emigration of frustrated adult birds to new territory (or some of both).”

Next year’s ground survey is scheduled to take place on Sunday 7th January. Please contact me if interested in taking part.

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Page 18 March 2017

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The Blue Bill Volume 64, No. 1 Page 19

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Kingston Region Birds – Winter 2016/17 (Dec 1st – Feb 28th) Mark D. Read

The KFN reporting area is centred on MacDonald Park, Kingston and extends for a radial distance of 50km. An interactive map showing the KFN circle is available on the website. If errors are noted or significant observations omitted in the following report, please do contact me and I will update accordingly. We also encourage you to submit all sightings, so that a better understanding of our region’s birdlife can be achieved. Members already using eBird can very easily share their sightings with the username ‘Kingston FN’. Alternatively, please email, phone or post records directly to me (contact details are found inside the front cover). In total, 138 species of bird were recorded in our region during the reporting period; two more than last year’s winter total of 136. The vast majority of the following sightings

were obtained from eBird – 56.0% of which were shared with the KFN account (compared to the 44.0% in the autumn and 41.0% shared in the summer). In total, 248 observers logged 3378 checklists, equating to 23,545 sightings. Just a handful of these checklists were received via phone/email/word of mouth, indicating the continuing popularity of eBird (www.ebird.ca). Just over 550,000 ‘individual birds’ were recorded, though many of these were, of course, birds counted/seen again on subsequent days. A huge thank you goes out to every observer, without whom our understanding of bird distribution would be far more limited. Unfortunately, only observers with sightings in the current report are noted below. The winter of 2016/17, like the previous one, was remarkable for being so mild, encouraging many birds to stay around into December

Page 20 March 2017

and even longer. Unfortunately, the reverse could be said of traditional wintering birds with the number and diversity of finches noticeably down. Due to so much open water, waterfowl were rather spread out and birds in general stayed away from feeders until our first real cold snap in mid-January. Wintering raptors and owls had a poor season due to a low population of voles on the islands though an irruption of Great Grey Owls was a highlight for many. Several genuine rarities including Greater White-fronted Goose, Ross’s Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, King Eider, Black Vulture, Boreal Owl, and Harris’s Sparrow were recorded during the period. Here are the highlights of Winter 2016/17: Greater White-fronted Goose: Last year’s remarkable number of sightings continued into the winter with 2 birds seen on the Napanee River on 10th December (KeM). Interestingly, another bird was seen on 25th December (BER, KJH) at Millhaven. What was presumably the same bird was then seen on several occasions by many observers through to 8th January along the Bath waterfront. Snow Goose: The mild conditions kept Snow Geese in the area for much longer than normal with numerous records throughout the entire winter. Most were just ones and twos but good numbers were still lingering in the US where 8000 were reported from Henderson on 21st January (RiB). Returning birds were reported on 22nd February at Brownville, NY where 200 were seen (CoN) and on 24th February when 400 were seen on Wolfe Island (MDR). Ross’s Goose: A great find for mid-winter was this diminutive species,

seen at Lower Brewers Lock on 1st February (NLB). Cackling Goose: The mild conditions combined with an apparent increase in actual numbers of the species meant birds were seen throughout the period. In total, 22 records were received. Highs included 6 at Centennial Park, Bath on 3rd December (KJH) and another 6 (possibly the same birds) at Finkle’s Shore Park, Bath on 27th December (MiB). Trumpeter Swan: Not as many birds around this year, likely due to the milder conditions. The high count of 50 came from the Bedford Mills area on 1st December (AlB). Tundra Swan: As last year, birds continued throughout most of the winter, though a drop in numbers was noted in the late season. A high count of 296 was made in Kingston’s Inner Harbour, north of Belle Park on 4th January (ADH). Wood Duck: A single male was seen throughout the period at Springside Park, Napanee. Returning birds (2) were first seen on Amherst Island on 24th February (MiG), and Kaiser Cross Road, Prince Edward County on 25th (VPM). Eurasian Wigeon: What was possibly the same male bird as first seen back in September at Cataraqui Bay and then in October in the Inner Harbour, was seen on 4th (RKFE) and 6th December (BER) off Belle Park, Kingston. Northern Shoveler: Birds continued right through to January 19th, when the last was seen at Springside Park, Napanee (JET). As last year, the best place to see them during December was Kingston’s Inner Harbour. The first returning birds were seen at Amherstview Sewage Lagoons on 26th February (MDR).

The Blue Bill Volume 64, No. 1 Page 21

Northern Pintail: There were multiple records due to the mild winter. However, the first returning birds were seen at Kaiser Cross Road, Prince Edward County on 23rd February (BER) where 120 were present on 25th (JET). Green-winged Teal: The last birds of the winter were a pair, seen on Wolfe Island on 18th December (MDR, JaR). Returning birds (3) were first noted at Kaiser Cross Road, Prince Edward County on 27th February (KJH, JET). Canvasback: Far fewer records this winter with singles noted at Cataraqui Bay, Kingston throughout December and early January. A high of 6 was seen at Gananoque on 25th February (SLD, CTH). King Eider: An immature male was found at Amherstview Sewage Lagoons on 1st December (VPM), remaining until 4th. Other records came from Henderson Bay, NY where 2 birds were found on 22nd January (NiL), with one still present on 29th. Harlequin: The 2 females continued in the area of Beechgrove Complex, Kingston until 18th January (JRB). Surf Scoter: Just 3 records this winter, all from Prince Edward Point and likely the same bird. It was seen on 2nd and 8th January (RKFE), and 7th January (VPM, BER). Black Scoter: Three records: 2 birds were at Prince Edward Point on 2nd January (RKFE); 5 were at Henderson on 22nd January (RiB); and 2 were seen at Prince Edward Point on 20th February (KJH, VPM). Ruddy Duck: Birds continued at their traditional location of Hay Bay until 3rd December though a high of 75 was noted there on 1st (KJH). Other records include a single off Belle Park, Kingston on 6th December (VPM) and 1-2 birds at Cataraqui

Bay, Kingston 28th December to 1st January (multiple observers). Ring-necked Pheasant: Only a handful of records this winter coming from 5 locations; Amherst Island, Hwy 33, Stone Mills, Millhaven and Lyme, NY. Red-throated Loon: Just one record of a lone bird seen on the Wolfe Island ferry crossing on 11th January (MDR). Common Loon: Birds were reported throughout December and, to a lesser extent, January. The last report was of 4 birds off Amherst Island on 6th February (PRM). Pied-billed Grebe: An unusual year for this species with 7 records, the last on 31st January off the waterfront near Crerar Park, Kingston (KFN). Horned Grebe: Several birds lingered into late January though the last record was of a single bird in Chaumont Bay, NY on 6th February (CoN). Red-necked Grebe: There were several scattered records throughout December but the last was of a single bird at Prince Edward point on 2nd January (BER). Double-crested Cormorant: The last record came from Portsmouth Olympic Harbour where one was seen on 27th January (CTH, ErP). Black-crowned Night-Heron: An immature bird was still present at Hillview Pond, Kingston on 2nd and 3rd December (KJH et al.). Black Vulture: A single bird was photographed near the town of Lyme, NY on 6th February (LeE). Turkey Vulture: There were 10 reports this winter from a variety of locations. A high count of 3 was noted at the town of Pamelia, NY on 23rd February (RiB). It is likely these were early-returning birds. Golden Eagle: Just 3 records over the winter period; 1 near Lyndhurst on

Page 22 March 2017

25th December (SLD, CTH) and another 2 individuals caught on camera traps at Queen’s University Biological Station on 15th and 22nd February. Northern Goshawk: At least 2 immature birds were in the Kingston area for much of the winter, being seen on 7 occasions. Red-shouldered Hawk: A single bird was found just west of Napanee along the 401 corridor on 25th January (NaM). It continued until 18th February at that location. Rough-legged Hawk: A poor year for this species with very few reports. Killdeer: A surprise find, on 1st January, was a single bird at Heritage Point, Bath (JRB, MDR). The first spring arrival showed up on 22nd February, when 1 was seen in Kingston (MJR). American Woodcock: Birds arrived early this year, with the first of the season seen at Queen’s University Biological Station on 25th February (PRM). Bonaparte’s Gull: Despite the mild conditions, this species made a swift departure with the last bird seen at Heritage Point, Bath on 13th December (MDR). Iceland Gull: A bumper year, with 47 records. A high count of 5 birds together was made at the Lennox and Addington Generating Station on 14th February (RKFE). Lesser Black-backed Gull: The nine records received this winter came from a number of locations including Bath, Lansdowne, Kingston, Joyceville, Gananoque, and Pillar Point, NY. Glaucous Gull: A good season for this species too, though the number of individuals was lower than for Iceland Gull. A high of 3 was noted at Heritage Point, Bath, on 3rd December (KJH).

Eastern Screech-Owl: A worrying trend is emerging of a decline in this species. Only 4 records were received; 2 separate birds on Wolfe Island on 18th December (MDR/JaR & JRB/VPM); 1 near Murvale on 31st December (CJG); and 1 near Chaumont, NY on 7th February (CoN). Snowy Owl: A poor year for this species after 3 great ones. The highest count this season was of 9 seen on Wolfe Island on 1st January (JRB, MDR). Great Grey Owl: An irruption of birds into the area has allowed many observers to catch up with this beautiful species. It is currently unclear how many were in the area this winter but about a dozen wouldn’t be an over-estimate. Long-eared Owl: There was just one record this season, of 2 birds seen at Marshlands CA, Kingston on 4th December (KFN). Short-eared Owl: It was a tough year for this species too with just 3 observations: 2 at Cape Vincent on 15th January; and 2 individual sightings on Wolfe Island on 15th and 19th January (MDR). Boreal Owl: A chance encounter along Taylor Kidd Boulevard, near Amherstview, allowed a handful of observers to catch up with this beauty on 6th February (KJH et al.). Northern Saw-whet Owl: Just 2 sightings, both from Kingston where 1 was seen at Belle Park on 6th December (VPM) and another, possibly the same bird, from the east side of the harbour opposite Belle Park on 29th December (ABL). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: There were records of 5 different birds this season: 1 was present at a feeder near Lower Brewers Lock on 9th December, 25th December and 25th January (WTD, KaW); 1 was at

The Blue Bill Volume 64, No. 1 Page 23

Wilton Creek, Morven on 11th December (BER); 1 was at Adolphustown, also on 11th (BER); 1 was at Bedford Mills on 1th December (MEC, LIN); and 1 was at Big Sandy Bay, Wolfe Island on 22nd January (BLB, BiH) and 20th February (MJR). Peregrine Falcon: Other than singles on Wolfe Island, all sightings came from Kingston and, other than 2 birds on 15th January (MDR) and 28th February (JCH), all pertain to singles. Northern Shrike: A good year for this species though, as last year, no birds stayed in one spot for very long, making them relatively hard to pin down. However, 103 records were received from locations across the region. Tufted Titmouse: Birds were seen consistently at Gananoque (JET) and Beadles Point Road, near Cedar Point State Park, NY (DanJM) throughout the season. Other birds were seen at Belle Park, Kingston, on 6th December (VPM), 31st December (TAN) and 1st-2nd January (JRB, MDR) when 2 birds were seen, and also at Marshlands CA, Kingston on 10th January (JET). Marsh Wren: One late bird was seen at Marshlands CA, Kingston on 18th December (RKFE). Carolina Wren: Three separate records: 1 on Simcoe Island on 18th December (JRe); 1 off Middle Road on 18th December (IrP); and 1 near Ravensview, Kingston on 26th January (VPM). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: Birds were noted at 2 locations this winter: A single was seen at Belle Park, Kingston on 6th December (VPM), 8th December (JET) and 20th December (JET); and another single was on Washburn Road on 21st December (AEK). Hermit Thrush: Three observations were made this winter. One was seen

on Howe Island on 21st December (SLD, RMW); 1 was at Marshlands CA, Kingston, on 5th January (AmR, MJR); and 1 was seen near Dexter, NY on 29th January (JSB). Grey Catbird: Four observations of single birds with 1 at Gananoque on 21st (JET) and 22nd (VPM) December; 1 in Balsam Grove, Kingston on 25th December (CHB, MAJ); and 1 near Camden East on 9th February (BER). Northern Mockingbird: A long-staying bird was first seen at Westbrook on 22nd December (JaR). Other records include birds at Button Bay, Wolfe Island on 9th and 15th December (MDR); Fawcett’s Lane, Wolfe Island on 18th December (JRB, VPM); Hwy 96, Wolfe Island on 2nd January (MDR); Brownville, NY on 24th December and 16th January (JSB); and singles at Big Sandy Bay and 7th Line, Wolfe Island on 20th February (MJR). American Pipit: There were 2 records this winter. One was at Invista on 6th December (NiW); and 1 was at Belle Park on 19th February (TAN). Bohemian Waxwing: Lots of records this winter, though most sightings were made from mid-January onwards. The highest count came from Long Swamp Road, Bellrock, where 100 were seen on 19th January (EDB). Lapland Longspur: Not a great year for this species. The high count of just 4 birds came from Point Peninsula, NY on 5th February (CoN). Pine Warbler: A single bird was seen at Prince Edward Point on 17th December (TLH). Yellow-rumped Warbler: There were 8 records received but a mid-winter count of 6 came from Hay Bay on 22nd January (BER). Fox Sparrow: Four records this winter with singles seen at Prince Edward Point on 4th December

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(VPM) and near Camden East on 15th December (BER). The other two records of 2 birds each were all made on a single day, 18th December, just north of Kingston (CJG). White-crowned Sparrow: A good year with 9 records received. A high count of 3 was received from Waupoos, Prince Edward County, on 10th December. Harris’s Sparrow: A single bird was photographed coming to a feeder on 15th and 16th December (CaM and family). Savannah Sparrow: Just one record this season, of a single bird seen on Amherst Island on 4th February (NaH). Swamp Sparrow: Plenty of reports with many coming from Big Sandy Bay, Wolfe Island and Marshlands CA, Kingston. Eastern Towhee: One bird was seen irregularly all winter near Napanee (WaE). Rusty Blackbird: Just 6 records this winter, all but 1 in December when a high of 8 was seen on the Cressy Peninsula, Prince Edward County (TeS, MKF). Five birds arrived with Red-winged Blackbirds at a location near Elginburg on 25th February (EDB). Red Crossbill: A female was seen on private property near Harrowsmith on 6th February (VPM). Common Redpoll: A poor winter for this species with just 2 records. One bird was seen at Marshlands CA, Kingston on 4th December (KFN), and 1 near Verona on 8th January (TAN). Pine Siskin: As last year, there were certainly more Pine Siskins than redpolls this winter but most were to be found in the more northern areas of the circle. A total of 18 records were received. Evening Grosbeak: There was just a single record of 7 birds, seen near

Charleston Lake on 20th December (KJH). Other species observed during the reporting period: Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Mallard, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Merlin, Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Horned Lark, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Snow Bunting, American Tree Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow. Observers: Bonnie L. Bailey (BLB), James R. Barber (JRB), Erwin D. Batalla (EDB), Alison Bentley (AlB), North Leeds Birders (NLB), Jeffrey S. Bolsinger (JSB), Carolyn H. Bonta (CHB), Richard Brouse (RiB), Anita Brunet-Lamarche (ABL), Michael Butler (MiB), Mark E. Chojnacki

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(MEC), Sharon E. David, (SED),Stephanie Davison (SLD), William T. Depew (WTD), R. Ken F. Edwards (RKFE), Walter Edwards (WaE), Lee Ellsworth (LeE), Michel Gauthier (MiG), Chris J. Grooms (CJG), Chris T. Heffernan (CTH), Kurt J. Hennige (KJH), Bill Hiemstra (BiH), Tyler L. Hoar (TLH), Nathan Hood (NaH), Aaron Hywarren (ADH), Michael A. Johnson (MAJ), Andrew E. Keaveney (AEK), Nick Leone (NiL), V. Paul MacKenzie (VPM), Paul R. Martin (PRM), Keith

Matthieu (KeM), Carl McCrosky (CaM), Daniel J. Miller (DanJM), Nathan Miller (NaM), Kingston Field Naturalists (KFN), Cody Nichols (CoN), Todd A. Norris (TAN), Linda J. Nuttall (LJN), Irene Phillips (IrP), Erik Pohanka (ErP), Mark D. Read (MDR), Jane Revell (JaR), Bruce E. Ripley (BER), Amanda Roncetti (AmR), Martin J. Roncetti (MJR), James E. Thompson (JET), Nicole Watson (NiW), Kathy Webb (KaW), Robert M. Worona (RMW).

Amherst Island Field Trip Janet Scott and Bonnie Bailey

We pride ourselves on a warm welcome to Amherst Island for all those who come to visit but that was not to be the case on Saturday. When Bonnie picked me up that morning my car thermometer was registering minus fourteen and with the north winds it was more like twenty-four below. The March sun was shining brightly but the breezy dock was not a good place to stand.

Photo: Gaye Beckwith

Gaye and Betsy Beckwith had managed to gather their flock into four cars which made the guided tour that much easier. As soon as they arrived a Glaucous Gull was pointed out flying east from the dock. As we looked eastwards a lot of the North Channel was frozen over and sea fog was rising from the open water. Mallards and Canada Geese were sleeping on the ice and I imagine that lots of Herring and Ring-billed Gulls followed the churning ferry across from Millhaven. The usual House Sparrows, European Starlings and Red-winged Blackbirds were visiting the village feeders but the drive through Stella was very quiet. At 4700 Front Road a beautiful flock of Snow Buntings took off from the laneway and circled in front of the cars and then lost themselves against the sky over the fields to the south of the road. Scanning those open fields brought

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nothing into view and as we have reported this year there is no evidence of voles so no wintering raptors. As we passed Poplar Dell and then drove up the hill a pair of Ravens/ Crows appeared beside us. That discussion was quickly ended when the birds cawed at us! Janis Grant spotted a large bird heading east and we drove to catch up. It was identified as a Bald Eagle. At the Lauret family home, the owners of the Owl Woods, who so kindly let so many of us visit, there are a myriad of feeders and bird houses. Here the many sets of eyes were quick to spot Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, Black-capped Chickadees, Tree Sparrows, Northern Cardinals, Downy Woodpecker, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbirds, Eurasian Starlings, House Finches and White-breasted Nuthatches. We continued east and spotted an Immature Bald Eagle circling with a Raven in pursuit or so I thought. As more eyes honed in on the pair we realized that they were both riding a thermal and climbing higher and higher into the sunlit sky. Susan Filson had kindly invited us to stop at Sandy bay Bed and Breakfast because a Snowy Owl hung out there this week just over her fence in the KFN property. It was not to be this morning. We travelled south then to see if the open water on the South Shore would give us some duck species. Right away we spotted some Goldeneye who are at present doing their breeding gymnastics that make you think that they will dislocate their necks. A little further along more Goldeneye. Next stop a few more Goldeneye and that continued to the Stella Forty-foot. A pair of Red-breasted mergansers were also seen. Where all the varieties of ducks were that morning is anyone’s guess but

they were NOT THERE! At the corner Gayes’ carload spotted an American Kestrel but our three cars ahead missed that sighting of the smallest of our Falcons.

Photo: Gaye Beckwith Fortunately when we stopped next we were all able to see a pair of Red-tailed hawks in the bush on the east side of the forty-foot. They were soaking up some rays and as I have noticed before the males in Spring seem to sit with white breasts towards the sun and they just glow white. While we were watching a White-tailed deer crossed the road and sped quickly east across the stubble. Now we turned west along the Third Concession Road and spotted two more deer from the top of the hill. I then guided the group to the home of Barb and Adam Miller. Adam has recently built a beautiful birdfeeder which I hear that the racoons like but was also of interest to we birders. The reason we had stopped there was to see the large holes that a Pileated Woodpecker is making in the Willow Tree south of the house. Perhaps Barb, Adam and Allan you are about to get new neighbours? By now it was 11:30 so we guided our friends back to my house and scared off about 200 Starlings, Blackbirds in a

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mixed flock. Our group warmed up and a group picture was taken.

Photo: Richard Brault

Many headed back for the 12:00 ferry that would take them home to civilization but some hardy souls stayed to try the Owl Woods and at least feed the chickadees. We had an awesome time hosting the Kingston Field Naturalists. Please come again (when it’s warmer)

Snowy Owls – Wolfe Island

Gaye Beckwith

Monday, February 20, 2017 Leader: Mark Read The winter of 2017 has not produced as many Snowy Owls in our area as in the previous few years. However on a beautiful sunny morning with the temperature just below freezing 20 participants (including several children) gathered at the ferry dock in Kingston for our trip to Wolfe Island to meet Mark and look for Snowy Owls and other winter birds. During the crossing we saw Mute swans, Bald eagles, American Coots, Redheads, Mallards, Common Mergansers, and one Common Goldeneye. Once on the island Mark led our convoy of seven vehicles to Reed’s Bay Road where we saw 3 Snowy owls including one which was right along the fence line. Everyone got good looks at this beautiful creature and for some in the group this was a first time experience.

As we travelled on we found a fourth snowy and two male Northern Harriers. Horned larks were also seen along the way. After a couple of hours on the island we caught the ferry back to Kingston and saw total of 6 Bald eagles sitting on the ice. Another wonderful family day outing. Thank you Mark.

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Rideau Locks Birding Tour

Ken Robinson Leader: Ken Robinson On February 5th at 9:00 AM, eleven KFN birders met at the Montreal Street carpool. We headed north to visit the following lockstations: Kingston Mills, Lower Brewers, Upper Brewers, Jones Falls and Chaffey's Locks. The day was overcast and cool, but free of precipitation.

Photo: Gaye Beckwith

Photo: Gaye Beckwith

Where there was running water, below dams and in open channels, a variety of bird species were sighted. These include a Kingfisher, duck species, swans, geese and bald eagles, among others. Detailed lists were submitted to Ebird.

Lemoine Point Field Trip Janis Grant

Sunday, December 22, 2017 Leaders: Janis Grant and Nancy Spencer In addition to the leaders, 6 KFN members met at the south parking lot at 8:30 am.

Photo: Richard Brault

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The day was overcast but fog from the previous day had cleared. The temperature remained just above freezing throughout the morning, which was helpful in melting the icy pathways along the route. The wind built up from the north east throughout the morning adding a bit of wind chill. The Conservation Area was snow free and wet. A total of 14 species were observed at Lemoine Point, the most common of which were Chickadees and White Breasted Nuthatches who enjoyed being hand fed. A Downy Woodpecker also participated in hand feeding.

Photo: Gaye Beckwith Three Long Tailed Ducks and 11 gull species were observed in Collins Bay.

The most remarkable birds seen were a pair of Ravens and a Merlin that appeared at the parking lot as we were leaving. Otherwise species were common birds although a few expected species were missing i.e. Blue Jay, Junco and Hairy Woodpecker. We were disappointed at not seeing the Cardinals or Pileated Woodpecker seen by the leaders on December 21 or a Barred Owl seen January 15 by Janis. At 10:30 all members of the group drove to the Invista Area where we were rewarded with 13 species including 2 Mute Swans, 50 Gadwall, 8 Redhead, 30 Common Goldeneye, 13 Hooded and 25 Common Merganser and 1 American Coot, among others. Our good luck at Invista inspired us to drive to the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour where 2 female Harlequin Ducks have been reported since before the New Year. Alas, they were not seen although we were amused by an Otter which kept diving in front of us and by 45 Mallards and 1 Canada Goose. The Field Trip finished at noon. Despite the low number of species recorded, I believe that the participants enjoyed the outing .

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Bird Nerd Bonus James Barber

1. What is this species? 2. What speed can this species dive (stoop) after prey? !" Where is the best place in the Kingston area to see this species?#

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