The past few days have yielded a real bumper crop of winter finches in the Clarington region.
Highlights:
-3m 9f evening grosbeaks- spotted them @ Long Sault- I thought I'd have to do some serious tracking to find these birds- even though they're irrupting I still figured I had my work cut out for me. I'm glad I was wrong- what a beautiful bird! I'd almost forgotten... This was only the second time I've ever seen evening grosbeaks and the last time I had to drive 1.5 hours to see them so this was a wonderful surprise.
-4f pine grosbeaks- spotted this gang the very next day- they first stopped in a tree directly above me- later they dropped down into the trees and were feeding on berries- they were largely unconcerned by my presence and considering this is only the second time I've ever seen these birds I was thrilled. I ended up watching them on and off for 15 mins- the highlight was a beautiful female (guess it could have been a juvenile male) with a bright orange rump and face and a bit of orange speckling his/her breast. An awesome bird! Hope to see many more this winter.
-13 common redpolls- these guys were feeding on catkins in a field- they were in no hurry and allowed me a long, leisurely look- first time I've enjoyed redpolls in 1.5 years
-4 bohemian waxwings- another bird that for m,e is traditionally very hard to find- yet there they were sitting in a hedge eating berries in my father-in-laws bakcyard- After only seeing one all of last winter- I'd forgotten how beautiful they are. THey were there all day. I sure hope this is a sign of things to come!
Other odds and ends
-1 adult golden eagle- Nov. 13- probably my last of the year
-1m harlequin duck in Whitby- another awesome bird
-1m red-bellied woodpecker- @ Cranberry- a beautfiul bird
-1 barred owl- @ Cranberry- poor guy/gal sure draws a lot of attention
-3 ravens- flying together- almot looked like they were playing
-1 gray catbird- it was @ Cranberry- just west of the hawk watch- the latest I've ever seen by close to a month
-1 N. shrike
Happy birding!
-Tim-
