My apologies for this late post, hopefully it will help others going to look on Tuesday. This morning (Monday) at Whitby Harbour myself and a few others observed not only 1 but 2 Greater White-fronted Geese swimming together and calling when first found at 9:00 AM. This seems to fit in perfect with Michael Ferguson's report earlier on Ontbirds "
8:50am Monday Feb 13 - Whitby harbour - Departed alone from the creek on east side of the Brock Rd bridge, flying west. Did not appear to travel far, coming down on the west side of the harbour." One goose appeared to have more white on it's 'front' than the other, slight size difference as well. Not sure if male and female. At 9:50 AM one of them flew up to the field just north of the boat launch to feed on the exposed grass. Many Canada Geese where already feeding there. This is probably a good place to check if you can't find the 'White-fronts' in the water. BTW - Lots of Canada Geese in the water as reported previously.
The Cackling Goose was also easily seen as it swam around just to the left of the boat launch begging to have it's picture taken.
Photos of the above 2 species are in the 'Photo' section.
Other birds of note: 1 Greater Black-backed Gull on the ice, 1 Iceland or Glaucous Gull flying west, small flock of Snow Buntings flying west. Many 'usual' duck species swimming in the harbour.
Directions:Exit 401 at Brock Street in Whitby. Follow Brock Street south to Victoria Street. Follow Victoria Street west to Gordon Street. Follow Gordon Street south to the Whitby Boat Launch. It's approx, halfway down Gordon Street on the left-hand side.
Walter Fisher
