Leslie Spit, Feb 26

[jackbreakfast]

Hello folks
In addition to the usuals at the L. Spit, I spotted a handsome northern flicker, hiding in a short tree not far from the lighthouse. I was pleased to see it, and wondered if this is quite early in the year to see a flicker around here?

[Trillian Flummox]

I spent Sunday morning at the Spit but missed the Flicker - haven't seen, heard or read about any reports of flickers since the late Fall, so let's hope it's an early sign of Spring!
I did however enjoy the sight and song of an optimistic young Red-winged Blackbird in the baselands - another early spring arrival I should guess. My little list for the day included:

Northern Shrike
Golden-crowned Kinglets
Downy Woodpeckers
Red-winged Blackbird
Chickadees
Widgeon (pair)
Common Goldeneye (lots of courtship behaviour)
Redhead
Bufflehead
G. Scaups
Longtail
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser

Also of note at the spit is a new construction project. They are building a "berm" to enclose "embayment D" (the little bay on the west side before you reach the road to the banding station) and turn it into a wetland area. It was very strange to suddenly see a road where there used to be only water just three short weeks ago. Hopefully this project, as well as the three new buildings will all be completed before spring migration really kicks into gear!

[jackbreakfast]

Indeed! I saw those but missed the shrike and would add American Tree Sparrows to the list...

[Photowyzard]

Have the Snow Owls gone?  I haven't noticed anyone posting sightings of these at the Spit.  Just curious.

[bosh]

I had one Flicker there in January. I guess it's possible that one stayed for the winter?

[cloaca]

Check out eBird.  Not only is it a really helpful tool for keeping track of you own observations, but it lets you see what is being seen by others, and where and when it is being seen.

A quick look shows that some flickers overwinter in the GTA, and that a Snowy Owl was observed on the 20th on the spit.

The more people use it, the more useful it is!

www.ebird.ca