32 OFO Bird Finding Guide #6

A Birder's Guide to Southern James Bay, Including Moosonee and Moose Factory

Stephen 1. Scholten

Introduction in the region. This guide is intended to introduce Birding this area most effec­ experienced birders and naturalists, tively requires coverage of the as well as casual visitors, to the bird­ range of habitats found near the vil­ ing opportunities available in the lages, as well as on the coast. southern James Bay area. It pro­ Walking the townsites of Moosonee vides directions to, and descriptions and Moose Factory will yield birds of, different locations and habitats of disturbed habitats, willow thick­ that may be of interest to birders ets' shorelines, upland spruce and and naturalists. It also describes poplar woods, and freshwater some of the trail systems which, marshes. A trip to the coast, either though not intended for birding, for a day to Shipsands Island or offer easily accessible walks White Top, or for several days of through a variety of habitats in the camping at a more distant site, will area. The main attractions of the offer more extensive freshwater Moosonee area to birders are the marshes, as well as brackish and salt wide diversity of habitats, many of marshes, the open waters and van­ which are uncommon or non-exis­ tage points of James Bay, and tent in other parts of the province, potentially large numbers of and the relatively easy access con­ migrants associated with these sidering the northern location. habitats. If your visit coincides with Habitat types include boreal forest spring or fall migration, you can on coastal beach ridges and well­ expect large numbers of sparrows, drained river banks, bogs and fens warblers and finches in the dis­ in the lowland interior, coastal habi­ turbed habitats, thickets and wood­ tats such as freshwater and salt lands, and large numbers of shore­ marsh, mud flats, and ponds. Finally, birds, gulls and waterfowl on the the townsites' riverbank locations river and along the coast. During offer good views of the tidal waters the summer months, numbers will of the Moose River, and the open be lower, but specialties such as terrain and human development Nelson's Sharp-tailed and Le attract birds otherwise uncommon Conte's Sparrows, Three-toed

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1999 33

Woodpecker and Connecticut is by train from Cochrane, a 298 km Warbler can be found in appropri­ (186 mile) journey. From the last ate habitats. Vagrant passerines are weekend in June until the Labour possible, especially around the Day weekend, a daily (except townsites, and rare seabirds are Sunday) excursion train, the Polar possible on the coast. This guide Bear Express, makes the round trip outlines the best and most easily from Cochrane. A mixed passenger­ accessible birding sites of the south­ freight train (the Little Bear), which ern James Bay region of Ontario, will carry checked baggage and and provides a brief outline of some canoes, travels north on Monday, of the birds that may be expected in Wednesday and Friday, and south these places, as well as some of the on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, rarities that have occurred in the all year. Information on train sched­ past. ules is available from Ontario This guide is a companion to Northland Rail Services (1-800-461­ the Field Checklist of Birds for the 8558). Moosonee is also accessible Southern James Bay Region (Moose by scheduled air service. Air River Naturalists 1992). This check­ Creebec (1-800-567-6567) and list shows 292 species that have Commercial Aviation (705-336­ been recorded in the region, along 2520) have flights from Timmins, with notations for rare species and Cochrane, and other locations. breeding status. The checklist is Access to the coast can be available at the Ontario Ministry of made by canoe, boat, helicopter Natural Resources (OMNR) office (when available), and fixed-wing and other locations in Moosonee aircraft (North Pointoniy). Local for a fee of $1.00. air carriers are Huisson Aviation (705-336-2725), HeliCree (705-658­ GENERAL INFORMATION 5185), and Bushland Airways (705­ Area Covered 336-2966). Travel by canoe or boat The Field Checklist ofBirds for the is cheapest, but beyond the mouth Southern James Bay Region defines of the Moose River, travel should the boundary as the Ontario­ be attempted only with a guide Quebec border on the east, the 51st familiar with the area. Shallow parallel (mile 159 on the railway) water, tides and unpredictable on the south, the 81st meridian to weather can make conditions haz­ Cockispenny Point on the west, and ardous. Helicopter travel is expen­ the near-shore waters of James Bay sive, but several good birding loca­ on the north and east (Figure 1). tions are located relatively close to Moosonee. The interior of the Access Hudson Bay Lowland is best No roads lead to Moosonee. Access accessed by canoe. Several large

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N 1

JAMES BAY

Figure 1: Southern James Bay Region. rivers converge in the Moose River season (September), it is wise to (including the Missinaibi, Matta­ reserve rooms in Cochrane and gami, Abitibi, North French, and Moosonee. In other seasons, there Kwetaboahigan Rivers), and all are shouldn't be any problem getting a suitable for canoe trips. room. Polar Bear Lodge (705-336­ 2345) and Moosonee Lodge (tourist Accommodation season only, 705-336-2351) are During the tourist season (end of located on the waterfront. The June to Labour Day), and probably Osprey Inn in Moosonee (705-336­ also during the peak of the hunting 2226) and Trappers Lodge in Moose ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1999 35

Factory (705-658-4440) also have Moose River at Moosonee usually hotel-style accommodation. There breaks up between the third week are several Bed & Breakfast estab­ of April and the second week of lishments, as well. Tidewater Park is May. Freeze-up occurs in late in operation for tent camping dur­ November. The average July highs ing the tourist season (water supply, and lows are 23°C and 11°C, respec­ garbage collection). You may camp tively. The temperature difference there in the off-season as well, but between town and the coast can be you will have to bring your own 10-15°C, so it is wise to be prepared water from Moosonee and take for cold, even if it is warm in town. garbage with you when you leave. In the winter, the bay freezes over The campground is on an island and the climate is more continental. between Moosonee and Moose The average January highs and lows Factory, offering easy access to both are -15°C and -25°C, respectively, communities by canoe or water with lows in the -30°C range com­ taxi. The park provides overviews mon. Often, it is windy, especially of the river from several locations on the coast, where it is flat and and good birding in the poplar­ treeless, and because of the temper­ spruce forest. Another good camp­ ature differential between the cold ing location is the Baptist camp just water of James Bay and inland south of the old check station site areas. on the north bank of the Moose River, just before Wavy Creek and Hazards Shipsands Island. This site is always James Bay and the lower Moose accessible, regardless of the tides. It River experience tides that average is also possible to camp at White about 2 m (6 ft) in height. One Top (adjacent to Shipsands Island), must be aware of potential tide but it is sometimes difficult to height when anchoring boats, access due to the tides. White Top is choosing campsites, and travelling. a popular campsite for hunters in In particular, the fall is known for the fall, but birders also have extremely high tides that can drown camped there during the hunting sites that are usually dry. Onshore season. This site provides excep­ winds and storms, again especially tional birding, as well (A. in the fall, can disrupt travel plans. Wormington, pers. comm.). Allow for extra days in case of weather-caused delays. It is best to Weather hire a boat driver in town who is Weather in the Lowland can be familiar with the area. unpredictable. In the open water Walking trails are not main­ season, it is strongly influenced by tained. Use them at your own risk. the cold waters of James Bay. The No matter what your mode of trav-

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Figure 2: Yellow Rail. Drawing by Ross D. James. el might be, let someone know where you are going and when you Reporting Observations expect to return. Be sure to carry The OMNR office in Moosonee adequate supplies of food and maintains databases of bird, mam­ water. From June to October, biting mal, amphibian, reptile, and plant insects can be bad at any time. On observations. We encourage visiting the coast, salt marsh mosquitoes naturalists to submit lists of their can be particularly bothersome in observations to the office. Infor­ late summer. Appropriate clothing mation required includes species, and repellent are essential. date, location (as specific as possi-

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1999 37 ble), breeding evidence, number most of the open water season, with and sex, observer(s) name(s), and peaks for migration occurring in any other comments. Of particular late May and July-September. The interest are species highlighted as spring shorebird migration is brief, being rare on the checklist, breed­ with most species passing through ing evidence, and arrival, departure by early June. The fall migration is and peak migration dates. more extended. Failed breeders Observations can be dropped off in begin to show up in late June, and person at the OMNR office, or other adults appear shortly after­ mailed to: Area Supervisor, Ontario wards. Juveniles arrive later, with Ministry of Natural Resources, Box individuals of many species linger­ 190, Moosonee, Ontario POL 1YO. ing well into October, and some­ It would also be a good idea to send times even as late as freeze-up. a trip summary to Ron Ridout, August probably is the best month Ontario's field editor for Field for species diversity and numbers. Notes (formerly American Birds), at Disjunct populations of Bird Studies Canada, Box 160, Port Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Rowan, Ontario NOE IMO, to assist Clay-colored Sparrow, Le Conte's in his compilation of seasonal sum­ Sparrow, Wilson's Phalarope, and maries. Marbled Godwit breed here. The western element of the fauna is Maps enhanced by occasional sightings of The southern James Bay area is cov­ Yellow-headed Blackbird and ered by the following National Western Meadowlark. Marsh birds Topographic Series maps (1:250,000): include American Bittern, Sandhill 32M (Fort Rupert), 42P (Moosonee). Crane and Yellow Rail. Among the The map index and maps can be raptors, Peregrine Falcon, ordered from the Canada Map Gyrfalcon, Rough-legged Hawk Office, 615 Booth St., Ottawa, and Short-eared Owl are seen regu­ Ontario KIA OE9 (Phone 613-952­ larly during migration, and Ospreys 7000; FAX 613-957-8861). nest in the area. Parasitic Jaeger is fairly regular in the fall, especially WHERETO GO in August, and there is a November The Coastal Zone record for Pomarine Jaeger. For Known for its large concentrations seekers of rarities, late fall has seen of migrant waterfowl and shore­ occurrences of Northern Fulmar, birds, and occasional observations Northern Gannet and King Eider. of seabirds, the southern James Bay Black Guillemot is somewhat regu­ coast is an exceptional area for lar, this being the best accessible birding. A variety of shorebirds and location in Ontario to see this waterfowl occurs here through species.

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White Top and Shipsands Island to cross, especially at high tide. Soft Migratory Bird Sanctuary clay can swallow rubber boots. Located at the mouth of the Moose Waterfowl hunting occurs in River, White Top, on the north the areas adjacent to Shipsands mainland, and Shipsands Island are Island. We discourage visits to the the most easily and cheaply island longer than day trips during accessed points along the coastal periods of hunting activity, to mini­ zone. They can be accessed by mize disturbance in this much need­ canoe. A water taxi also can be ed sanctuary. The peak time for hired at the public boat dock in hunting is from late August to late Moosonee for a charge of about September. $20/person for a boat load (4-8 peo­ pIe) for a day trip. The 45-minute North Point trip (by water taxi, much longer by North Point is situated about 30 km canoe) follows the north shore of northeast of Moosonee. An the river, where waterfowl, gulls, unmaintained airstrip is located and shorebirds can be seen. White there, making for relatively cheap Top is accessed by travelling the access by fixed-wing aircraft. tidal channel (Wavy Creek) Because of this, it is a popular area between the island and the main­ with hunters, and is recommended· land, but knowledge of the tides is for visiting between June and mid­ essential. To visit Shipsands Island, August (outside the hunting sea­ it is best to get dropped off on the son). The site is located on a coastal river side of the island, past the last ridge with trees and shrubs for shel­ willows. Some birders consider ter from the elements and dry White Top the place to go on the campsites. Freshwater marshes are coast. Shipsands has some of the found on the inland side and salt same habitats, but because it is an marshes and mudflats occur on the island, the amount of area and seaward side. range of habitats that can be cov­ ered is more restricted. Also, White Netitishi Point and East Point Top is better suited to camping, and These two sites are among the best the Baptist camp near the old check birding places in Ontario. They are station is an even better camping located roughly opposite each other location. Inexperienced visitors on the west and east sides of should consult with local people Hannah Bay, east of Moosonee. regarding camping sites that are Both locations provide exceptional above the reach of high tides. In late vantage points for viewing the fall summer and fall, mosquitoes can be migration in southern James Bay, troublesome. Small tidal ditches and have access to inland habitats drain the island and can be difficult (marsh, conifer forest), as well.

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1999 39

Figure 3: Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. Drawing by Ross D. James.

Astounding numbers of regular care and consideration of the migrants such as Brant, Oldsquaw, hunters' activities and needs will be King Eider, and Gyrfalcon, rarities reciprocated. such as Northern Fulmar and Black Guillemot, and unexpected passer­ Townsites ines including Great Crested Moosonee Flycatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Stretched out along the bank of the and Field Sparrow have been seen Moose River, Moosonee has an here. Because they are more diffi­ excellent waterfront overlook (see cult to access, visits to these areas Figure 4). From the first appearance require more planning and prepara­ of open water in mid to late April tion, and are more suited for longer until early June, the waterfront stays. East Point is in the Hannah should be a high priority for birders. Bay Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Waterfowl seen here include all However, Netitishi Point and adja­ three species of scoter, Brant, and a cent areas have no restrictions on wide assortment of dabbling and hunting. If you are visiting these diving ducks. Herring, Ring-billed, sites during the hunting season, and Bonaparte's Gulls are common

VOLUME 17 NUMBER 1 40 at most times. Little Gulls are com­ Island. It can be seen from mon for about a week in late May Moosonee. Please do not disturb it. or early June, with over 20 being The willows and alders on the bank present at times. Various unusual or of the river are good for songbirds vagrant species have been seen during spring migration as the river (Ross's, Great Black-backed, and seems to be a migration corridor. Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and Proceeding south from the others). Terns (mainly Arctic, but waterfront, Revillon Road curves also Common, Black, and Caspian) to the right and becomes First also occur regularly. Street. A road on the left begins The townsite has a great deal of behind the Fire Hall, and goes potential for interesting landbirds, behind the main street. The road especially during the migration parallels Store Creek and has a periods. Empty lots, willow thickets, mixture of open areas, willows and and weed patches can hold numer­ poplars. The road ends at the main ous landbirds, and have produced bridge that crosses the creek. many rarities, including Prothono­ Between this road and the railroad tary, Blue-winged, and Yellow­ tracks, there is an excellent feeder throated Warblers, Northern that is maintained year-round. The Wheatear (several), Blue-gray owner is an avid birder (and the Gnatcatcher, Harris's and Lark dog is friendly). At the Fire Hall, Sparrows, Western Tanager, North­ you can also cross the bridge to the available in Ontario from Open Air south side of Store Creek. Open Books & Maps in Toronto at 416­ fields on the left lead to the water­ 363-0719, or in the U.S. from ABA front and through scattered willows Sales, toll free at 800-634-7736, or that are good for songbirds during from Buteo Books, toll free at 800­ migration. 722-2460. Have your credit card Walking north from the water­ ready.ern Mockingbird, and others. front, you will encounter the barge Common breeding species in town landing.The Ontario Northland are Yellow Warbler, Tree and Cliff Railway track loops back from here Swallows, Least Flycatcher, Song, to the train station, with a spur Lincoln's, Fox, and Chipping going to the airport. The airport is Sparrows, and Purple Finch. In win­ located at the far north end of town. ter, Pine and Evening Grosbeaks, Follow Ferguson Road North about Common Redpoll (with occasional 2 km from downtown or follow the Hoary), and Downy and Hairy railroad tracks. The large cleared Woodpeckers, are common at feed­ area is good for raptors, Horned ers. A small Great Blue Heron Lark and other species of open rookery recently has become estab­ areas. An Upland Sandpiper was lished at the upstream end of Butler found here once.

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1999 41

Moosonee Quarry Road fairly regular, and a wide variety of Follow Ferguson Road South out of vagrants has been seen. It is best to town (see Figure 5). At the first turn visit early in the day, before the traf­ (to the right), there is a driveway to fic disturbs them. However, be the weather station which is no aware that there is a population of longer in operation. The open field Black Bears in the vicinity of the and bordering willows are worth dump, so caution is advised. The checking for sparrows and warblers. dump has controlled access, and the The channel between Maidsmans road may be gated and locked. Island and the mainland also can be Continuing south about 200 m checked for waterfowl. A trail off past the quarry bridge, on the left, is the left side of the driveway on the a small turn-around area. A trail at north side of the small creek leads the south end leads past two small to the waterfront as well, through ponds, then up a small hill into a poplars, and comes out again on mature poplar grove. The ponds Revillon Road South. often have ducks, Spotted Past the old weather station, Sandpiper, Sora, etc. The poplar the road makes a left turn. About woods are known for woodpeckers 300 m farther on the right, there is a and other species of mature decidu­ short road that leads to the old ous forest. Common Goldeneyes dump. There is some debris to nego­ nest in the abandoned cavities. The tiate your way past, but the small trail loops through various habitats cattail-lined pond at the back can and ends back at the turn-around. have waterfowl and marsh birds. The quarry itself has a creek, pond The cut line on the right of the dri­ and open grassy areas. American veway leads back to town and can Woodcock is uncommon in the be good for small birds. area, but can be heard and seen dis­ The OMNR Junior Ranger playing here in the spring. It also is camp (no longer in operation) is a good area for collecting fossils. about 1 km south on the left. The Barn and Cliff Swallows nest under river can be viewed and there is a the bridge. short trail through poplar woods at A bicycle is a good way to visit the far end of the camp, where the Quarry Road. In many places, it Black-capped Chickadee,American is lined with willows and alders that Kestrel and Long-eared Owl can be contain a lot of songbirds during found. Three kilometres farther, migration. Another alternative to after crossing a small creek, the avoid having to walk the route dump road is on the right. The creek twice is to have a taxi drop you off can be checked for waterfowl. The as far south as you wish to go, and dump is good for gulls. Glaucous then to walk back to Moosonee. In and Great Black-backed Gulls are March and April, Boreal, Great

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Legend: 1. Ministry of Natural Resources 7. Tidewater Park dock 2. Fire Hall 8. Tidewater Park 3. Water Tower 9. Tidewater Trail 4. Old Weather Station 10. Moose Flats 5. Barge Landing 11. Moose Factory Island 6. Public Dock 12. Train Station

Figure 4: Moosonee road map and walking trails.

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Figure 5: Moosonee Quarry Road. VOLUME 17 NUMBER 1 44

Horned and Long-eared Owls will record of Brewer's Blackbird. respond to taped calls along the The dump is located at the Quarry Road at dusk. Great Gray north end of the island and can be and Northern Hawk Owl sometimes accessed from the Island Trail or are seen along this road in winter. the main road. Check it for gulls. Great and Lesser Black-backed Moose Factory Gulls have been seen. The exten­ Moose Factory is located on an sion of the road to the dump leads island in the Moose River (see to the water's edge. The shoal to the Figure 6). It can be accessed by southeast is exposed at low tide and water taxi from the public dock in holds gulls and terns. Moosonee ($5 one way). Taxis will The Island Trail emerges from stop at the Cree Village complex the forest near the Cree Cultural (restaurant and craft shop) or at the Organization visitor centre on the hospital. A walking trail starts at the southeast side of the island. This top of the hill on the left side of the trail is really a hiking trail and much road at the Cree Village. The trail of its length may not be highly pro­ follows the shoreline of the north ductive for birds, but it provides end of the island, avoiding the resi­ access to different parts of the dential area and passing the sewage island, and may be of interest to vis­ lagoons and dump. The trail passes itors who wish·to mix some birding through spruce and poplar forests in with their hiking. Following the and offers views of the river. For waterfront road, the high bank botanists, the well-drained alluvial gives an overview of Flats Island, a soils of the river's islands support low willow-covered shoal, and the species that are less common on the south channel of the river. During mainland. Just as in Moosonee, the migration, the riverbank willows open lots, weed patches and willow are good for songbirds. Fox and thickets are the habitats to focus on Swamp Sparrows and Common in Moose Factory. Landbird rarities Yellowthroat breed here. have been found here too. Continuing to the south end of The sewage lagoons are on the the island, you will pass the school southwest side of the island at the yard and eventually the hospital end of the road to the Moose-Cree grounds and residences. Mountain Complex (where the craft store is Ashes in this area have attracted now located). The walking trail Northern Mockingbird, Yellow­ passes the lagoons as well. billed Cuckoo and Bohemian Waterfowl and shorebirds occur Waxwing. Water taxis are available here. Nelson's Sharp-tailed at the hospital docks, or you can Sparrow has been seen in the continue on the road back to the adjoining field, and there is one Cree Village restaurant and docks.

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1999 45

Legend: 1. Cree Village and Dock 6. Cree Cultural Organization 2. Hospital 7. Moose Cree Complex 3. School Yard 8. Hospital Docks 4. Sewage Lagoons 9. Museum Grounds 5. Dump 10. Tidewater Park and Trails

Figure 6: Moose Factory road map and walking trail.

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Walking Trails Grouse, Ovenbird, Bay-breasted Store Creek Trail/Muskeg Walk Warbler and Blue-headed Vireo. The Store Creek Trail is a woodland The trail meets the tracks again trail that begins behind the water near a triangle of sedge and willow tower along the bank of Store formed by the tracks. Le Conte's Creek. It passes through riparian Sparrow and Eastern Bluebird have Black Spruce forest. The trail starts been seen here. to deteriorate after about 5 km, but can be followed farther before turn­ OldAirfield/Fen Trail ing around. Alternatively, a compass The Hudson Bay Lowland is the sec­ bearing (NE, 45°) can be taken to ond largest wetland complex in the get to the Fen Trail, which can then world. A large fen, which supports a be followed back to town. The trail stand of stunted Tamarack trees, can along the creek is fairly dry and be accessed from trails behind the many low areas have walkways, but railway station. The trail is suited for hiking boots are recommended. people willing to do some serious Typical boreal forest species such as slogging. High-cut rubber boots at a Golden-crowned Kinglet, Boreal minimum, or hip waders, will be Chickadee, Spruce Grouse, and required, as standing water is pre­ Three-toed Woodpecker occur here. sent at all times. This trail probably is The Muskeg Walk branches off most interesting during the breeding of the Store Creek Trail after about season, particularly to provide one kilometre, and makes use of an access to sites with Connecticut old cross-country ski trail, which Warblers (see below). It is not as loops back to town. A portion of the productive during the migration loop on this trail takes the birder periods. A tolerance for biting into fen habitats, as well. insects also is recommended. For your perseverance, you will get a Tacan Road/Poplar Woods/Butler glimpse of the type oflandscape that Creek dominates the Lowland interior. Butler Creek, at the north end of Starting behind the water plant, Moosonee, offers similar habitats as a trail in the back right corner of the those on the Store Creek Trail. An yard leads to an abandoned winter unimproved road (Tacan Road) fol­ airfield. Several interconnected side lows it for about 1 km. Then, a trail trails start from the northwest side continues for about 5 km farther. of the airfield and lead into the On Tacan Road about 50 m past the interior. railway crossing, a trail on the left Deep in the pure Tamarack fen parallels the railroad tracks through is a high breeding density of dry poplar forest. It is good for typ­ Connecticut Warbler (good luck ical upland species such as Ruffed seeing them!). Palm Warbler,

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1999 47

/

Figure 7: Le Conte's Sparrow. Drawing by Ross D. James.

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Hermit Thrush and Gray Jay also ly dry, passing through spruce forest occur here. The airfield itself is and stands of poplar, with frequent good for Lincoln's Sparrow and overlooks of the river. occasional raptors. Clay-colored The trail begins near the Sparrow has been heard singing on Moosonee airport and follows the the airfield. bank of the Moose River. The For the winter visitor, travel is entrance is near the fence on the easier, as many of these trails get east side of the road. The walking regular snowmobile traffic. Cross­ trail generally stays close to the country skis are useful to cover river bank where drainage is best. more distance. The species list will The trail passes through a clearing be short, but Northern Hawk Owl, at the end of one of the airport run­ White-winged Crossbill, Boreal ways. Always check for aircraft Chickadee and Sharp-tailed Grouse before crossing, cross quickly, and may be seen. cross at your own risk.

Coastal Trail The River Intended as an overnight backpack­ The shoals and islands of the Moose ing route to the coast, the Coastal River can be explored by canoe. Trail has not been developed at this Dredging in several of the shoals time, although plans are in the has left narrow channels. Charles works to open and maintain it in Island, part of Tidewater Park, the near future (check with the between Moosonee and Moose Moosonee Chamber of Commerce Factory, offers campsites and a Tourism Committee). Although it walking trail. The trail passes can be used for this purpose, travel through poplar-spruce forest and will be difficult, as creeks are not offers views of the river. When trav­ bridged and are subject to tides. The elling on the river, always be aware trail is not clearly marked and is of the tides and the weather. Strong poorly cleared. Considering the winds and reversing currents can ease of accessing the coast by boat make progress difficult and condi­ and the difficulties that may be tions dangerous for the paddler. encountered, it is recommended that only serious hikers attempt the Conclusion entire trip. Notwithstanding the This guide has provided you with a limitations, it is a good trail for day brief introduction to the birding trips. Serious birders will not find opportunities and facilities avail­ the trail very interesting, but visi­ able in the Moosonee/Moose tors with broader interests may find Factory area. I hope that you will this hike worthwhile. The first sev­ find it useful, and welcome any eral kilometres of the trail are fair- comments that you may have.

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1999 49

Acknowledgements McRae, R.D., Y.R. Tymstra, and S.J. I would like to thank the reviewers, Scholten. 1993. Notes on birds observed at Netitishi Point, southern James Bay. and particularly Alan Wormington, Ontario Birds 11: 11-17. Doug McRae and John Romanow Moose River Naturalists. 1992. Field for their valuable comments on the Checklist of Birds for the Southern James text. Dan Byers produced the maps, Bay Region. Moosonee, Ontario. Wilson, N.C. and R.D. McRae. 1993. and Ross James kindly provided the Seasonal and geographic distribution of drawings. birds for selected sites in Ontario's Hudson Bay Lowland. Ontario Ministry Literature CitedlReferences of Natural Resources, Moosonee. Goodwin, C.E. 1995. A Bird-finding Guide to Ontario. Revised Edition. University of Toronto Press, Toronto.

Stephen 1. Scholten, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 435 James Street S., Suite B001, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7E 6S8.

PUBLICATION NOTICE

Stopover ecology and habitat use of migratory Wilson's Warblers. 1998. By Wang Yong, Deborah M. Finch, Frank R. Moore and Jeffrey F. Kelly. Auk 115: 829-842.

This study ofWilson's Warblers (Wi/sonia citrina )in New Mexico illus­ trates how neotropical songbirds may suffer from disturbance to migration habitats, in addition to the widely documented negative effects of habitat disturbance and fragmentation on the breeding and wintering grounds. Migration habitat requirements may differ between the sexes in spring, and among age classes in fall. The implication for conservation of these birds is that a broad range of migratory habitat types may be required. When introducing this paper, Richard Hutto (Auk 115: 823-825) cau­ tioned that songbirds exhibit important "differences between the sexes in habitat use, foraging behavior, stopover length, fat stores, and other charac­ teristics during spring migration that appear to result from sex-related dif­ ferences in breeding-season duties". In addition, "immature warblers, which are inexperienced compared with adults, are especially vulnerable to habitat disturbance at stopover sites during fall migration", and the resulting "insuf­ ficient fat stores can lead to energy depletion and/or 'exhaustion' that causes mortality during long flights across inhospitable habitats". Ron Tozer

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