JOURNAL OF THE HAMILTON NATURALISTS’ CLUB Volume 67 Number 7 March, 2014

© photo Joanne Redwood Birders head out into a “winter wonderland” at Kerncliff Park, Burlington, to conduct the Hamilton Christmas Bird Count on Boxing Day, December 26, 2013. This was shortly after the amazing ice storm on December 22. The ice and snow seriously affected numbers recorded. See article on page 148 – photo Joanne Redwood. In This Issue: Member Profile – Alan Wormington 2013 Hamilton Christmas Bird Count War on Science Northern Lights This Spring? HSA Bird Records for Fall Season 2013 Eastern Whip-poor-will Status in Ontario Hoary Vervain in the Hamilton Study Area Good News About Rainbow Darters at Crook’s Hollow Table of Contents

Hamilton Christmas Bird Count - 26 December, 2013 Tom Thomas 148 Member Profile – Alan Wormington Bill Lamond 150 The Ontario Whip-poor-will Project with Audrey Heagy Michael Rowlands 152 Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta) in the Hamilton Study Area Bill Lamond 153 Dates To Remember – March & April 2014 Liz Rabishaw/Fran Hicks 156 Noteworthy Bird Records – September - November 2013 Rob Dobos 158 And Now For Some Good News – Rainbows Instead of a Dam Bruce Mackenzie 159 Bumblebee Watch has Launched! Please Visit BumbleBeeWatch.org ----- 160 Trivia For Nature Jen Baker 160 Member’s Outing to the Short Hills Nature Sanctuary Jen Baker 160 Astronomy Corner – We Could See Northern Lights this Spring Mario Carr 165 Book Review – Rejecting Science in Canada Don McLean 166 Land’s Inlet Nature Project: Growing the Nature Corridor Jen Baker 167 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch Begins March 1st Gord McNulty 168

© photo Joanne Redwood

Snowy Owl near Fifth Ave and Third Street, St Catharines This is certainly a good winter for Snowy Owls in the Hamilton area. They have been seen at several locations including: the Brantford Airport; Hamilton Harbour; Bronte Harbour; downtown Dundas; Burlington; Milton; Mud Street & First Road East; Fruitland Road & QEW; Peters Corners; Grimsby; and just outside the HSA: south of Burford and St Catharines where this bird was photographed. They come south only for food. Their arctic food source of lemmings is insufficient, so they instinctively move south to find food – to survive. Understandably when they travel that far, they often arrive in a starved condition and need to find food fast. Where they “set up shop” inland, they have found an area with lots of mice. When near water, they often feed on ducks. Usually it is the darker juveniles that come south (as shown above) as they are less experienced at finding food and may have difficulty competing for hunting territories with the adults within the breeding range. Enjoy them while they are here! - photo Joanne Redwood.

Page 146 The Wood Duck - March, 2014

Volume 67 Number 7 March, 2014 CN ISSN 0049-7886 - Publications Mail Contract No. 40048074 http://www.hamiltonnature.org [email protected]

Publications Committee: Anna Baranova, Christine Bishop, Rob Dobos, Kevin McLaughlin, Don McLean, Michael Fischer, Herman van Barneveld, Jean Stollard, Jim Stollard and John Struger. The Wood Duck is the official publication of the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club and produced by members of the Club. It is published nine times a year from September to May, inclusive. Deadline for receipt of material is the 5th of the month preceding publication date. As long as credit lines are included, articles may be reprinted without permission, unless otherwise specified. Opinions expressed in the Wood Duck are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or of the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. The Hamilton Naturalists’ Club promotes public interest in the study, conservation and appreciation of our natural heritage. Meetings are held monthly September to May inclusive and field events are scheduled throughout the year. Visitors are welcome. The HNC is a registered charity and all donations as well as membership fees are tax deductible. HNC BOARD 2013 - 2014 Executive Past President: Bill Lamond 519 756 9546 [email protected] President: Michael Fischer 905 526 0325 [email protected] Vice-President: Peter Scholtens 905 928 6415 [email protected] Secretary: Bronwen Tregunno 905 334 4013 [email protected] Treasurer: Chris Paton 905 538 6656 [email protected] Directors Bird Study Group: George Holland 905 945 3962 [email protected] Conservation & Education: Paul Smith 905 659 1482 [email protected] Field Events: Fran Hicks 905 528 6376 [email protected] Director-at-Large: Herman van Barneveld 289 426 5341 [email protected] Membership: Maggie Sims 905 331-1496 [email protected] Programs: Peter Scholtens 905 928 6415 [email protected] Publicity: Maggie Paton 905 538 6656 [email protected] Sanctuary: Warren Beacham 905 627 3343 [email protected] Volunteer: Doris Southwell 905 632 4358 [email protected] Wood Duck Editor: Bill Lamond 519 756 9546 [email protected] Coordinators

Website Coordinator: Lindsay Barr 289 389 9074 [email protected] Social Coordinator: Catharine Flatt 905 628 2030 [email protected] Junior Naturalists: Brian Wylie 905 627 4601 [email protected] Mailing: Jean Stollard 905 634 3538 [email protected] Land Trust Program: Jen Baker 905 524 3339 [email protected]

Report rare bird sightings to: Cheryl Edgecombe 905-637-5923 Send Noteworthy Bird Records to: Rob Dobos, 21 Sunrise Cres., Dundas, L9H 3S1 email: [email protected] MEMBERSHIP FEES – Please remit to The Membership Director, HNC PUBLICATIONS - To order contact Alf Senior Hamilton Naturalists’ Club P.O.Box 89052, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4R5 905 527 0905 or [email protected]

Life Membership $ 750.- Hamilton Nature Counts 2003 $ 75 Single Membership $ 45.- Checklist of the Birds of Ham./Wentworth $2.- Senior Single Membership $40.- Date Guide to Birds of Ham./Wentworth $1.- Student Single Membership (on-line-only free Naturally Hamilton - Guide to Green Spaces free access to Wood Duck; for those 25 or under) Checklist of Ontario Butterflies $1.50 Senior Joint Membership $45.- The Habitats of Hamilton and Halton Poster $4.- Family Membership $50.- A Monthly Guide to Nature and Conservation. $5.- Junior Naturalists - 1st child $80.- Hamilton Mammal Atlas $15.- Junior Naturalists - additional children $70.- Birds of Hamilton and Surrounding Areas $45.-

The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Page 147 Editor’s Note...... I always like getting feedback from readers. It helps to make a better Wood Duck. Please do not hesitate to tell me what can be done better. I welcome this. In discussion with Rob Dobos, the Noteworthy Bird Records editor, we have decided to publish the NBR four times yearly in the Wood Duck as opposed to the usual 8-9 times a year. There is a real advantage to this as it will create more space in the “Duck”; perhaps as much as three extra pages for other articles. Additionally, putting together the NBR is a very time consuming task and this will make it much easier for the NBR editor. The group- ing of the NBR will now be on a seasonal basis: the spring migration season (March - May), the summer (breeding) season (June - August), the fall migration season (September - November), and the winter season (December - Febru- ary). This matches how birds are reported in North American Birds. So, expect now to see the NBR every other month. Because of this, when the NBR do appear, they will be larger and will take up more space in each individual “Duck”. Thus variety will be a bit diminished in these NBR issues but the benefit of this new system I think is self-evident. In this issue there is lot of fine reading. The results of the Hamilton Christmas Bird Count are well detailed by Tom Thomas. Former HNC President Bruce Mackenzie gives us a “good news” story about the Rainbow Darter in Spencer Creek. Don McLean has written a fine book review of War on Science, detailing our current federal government’s attack on basic science – perhaps preaching to the converted to a large extent, but an issue that must be highlighted. Also, a member profile of Ontario’s top birder, Alan Wormington, and a botanical article on the little-known Hoary Vervain.

Hamilton Christmas Bird Count - December 26, 2013 by Tom Thomas

he 2013 Hamilton Christmas Bird Count was held on Boxing Weather always TDay, Thursday December 26th, and 92 enthusiastic birders plays a part in set off in great anticipation, either to count birds in the field, or any bird count, watch birds coming to their feeders. Some were out in the very and the 2013 early hours listening for owls. Count was o o affected by the Temperatures ranged from -4 C to -1 C, with only a slight breeze. CBC Compiler Tom Thomas scouting on 23rd December The day began with light snow falling, but by mid-morning the icy conditions 2013 for the Hamilton CBC - photo from cbc.ca/Hamilton. snow had trailed off, and the Sun peaked through. in the bay and local ponds. Sometimes this brings in more birds to feeders, and Most ponds were ice covered, and the western end of the harbour it certainly brought in Bald Eagles, much earlier than usual, as was frozen in a line from the Ship Canal to Stelco. Trails were icy they were seen in numbers sitting on the bay ice. and slick from the remnants of the ice storm on the weekend of December 21st and food sources such as Buckthorn, Multiflora We had record-high counts for the following species: Black- Rose hips, and even Staghorn Sumac were covered in a thick crowned Night-Heron with 11 - the old record was 10 in layer of ice. 1991; Bald Eagle, with 11 counted, beat the previous record of nine in 2008; the five Merlins observed eclipsed the old record Most comments from many of the participants were about of four in 2012; Lesser Black-backed Gull, with four, equaled the the remnants of the pre-Christmas ice storm, and the frozen record-count for this species; and Red-bellied Woodpecker at 83 conditions in general. The icy conditions and downed trees counted, surpassed the old record of 82. made for difficult walking. There was a lack of waterfowl due to the bay being partially frozen, and most inland ponds were ice As you can imagine with the icy conditions, we had low counts covered. Others found that the icy conditions brought more birds across the board for waterfowl, but the following species were to feeders, and those counting birds in the bay found they had well represented: Double-crested Cormorant (49), Great Blue more time to look for birds inland. One counter saw a Northern Heron (15), Trumpeter Swan (187), and Red-breasted Merganser Shrike chase a Downy Woodpecker, then watched it as it lifted (420). the woodpecker and flew off with it. Another group with much of It was an above average year for raptors, with good counts for their usual water-based territory ice covered, had time to watch a Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks, but the count for American Red-tailed Hawk harass a crow for several minutes. Kestrel again showed the marked decline in this species as only The total species count was 98, just shy of the ten year Count five were counted, which is near the all-time low. average of 101. The number of individual birds counted was Gull numbers were down, except for the previously stated Lesser 52,411, well below the ten year average of 67,228. Black-backed Gull. Great Black-backed Gull, with 354 counted, Page 148 The Wood Duck - March, 2014 far exceeded the ten year average of 85. White-winged Scoter 504 1,077 560 Birds on the comeback, after years of decline include: Blue Jay, Black Scoter 4 30 5 European Starling and Winter Wren (second highest count). Long-tailed Duck 4,110 24,304 8,479 Bufflehead 321 925 463 There were above average counts for Snow Bunting and Brown- Common Goldeneye 621 10,456 2,405 headed Cowbird, but overall passerine numbers were below Hooded Merganser 83 157 69 average. There were hardly any “winter finches”, which was Common Merganser 501 9,000 1,165 expected due to the good food supply in the north. Red-breasted Red-breasted Merganser 420 589 279 Nuthatch numbers were surprisingly low, with only nine counted Ruddy Duck 41 882 565 - the ten year average for this species is 49. “Duck” species 5,001 10,001 2,558 Noteworthy species on the Count include: Red-throated Loon, Wild Turkey 89 98 39 Thayer’s Gull, Pomarine Jaeger, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Tufted Red-throated Loon 1 2 0 Titmouse, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Chipping Sparrow. Double-crested Cormorant 49 74 41 Count Week birds (seen from Dec 23-29 but not on Count day): Great Blue Heron 15 32 9 Wood Duck, Common Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Horned Grebe, Black-crowned Night- 11 10 5 King Eider, Orange-crowned Warbler and Rusty Blackbird. Heron Bald Eagle 11 9 4 Due to the severity of the ice storm, I probably missed some calls Northern Harrier 2 15 2 from willing participants. If I failed to contact you, I apologize Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 21 12 and hope we can get together next time around. Cooper’s Hawk 16 23 15 My sincere thanks to all those who graciously volunteered their “Accipiter” species 2 9 2 time for this fun and worthy cause. Red-tailed Hawk 146 186 139 Counters in the field 93 Rough-legged Hawk 6 106 3 Number of hours feeder American Coot 53 167 90 watching: 34 Bonaparte’s Gull 4 111 1 Number of hours owling: 6.50 Ring-billed Gull 1,432 3,467 1,737 Number of hours walking: 123.80 Herring Gull 2,323 12,600 1,567 Number of hours driving: 58.40 Thayer’s Gull 1 2 0 Distance driven owling (km): 24.80 Iceland Gull 4 51 8 Distance driven daytime (km): 799.10 Lesser Black-backed Gull 4 4 1 Distance walked owling (km): 1.50 Glaucous Gull 8 70 12 Distance walked daytime (km): 140.20 Great Black-backed Gull 354 433 85 “Gull” species 18 213 33 The individual species count is as follows: (Current Pomarine Jaeger 1 1 0 average refers to average count over the last ten years) Rock Pigeon 1,210 5,140 1,991 Mourning Dove 1,023 2,180 1,202 Highest Eastern Screech-Owl 18 32 15 recorded 10 Year 2013 count Current Great Horned Owl 6 45 6 1954- Average Snowy Owl 2 9 0 2012 Northern Saw-whet Owl 1 2 0 Canada Goose 5,646 10,415 7,063 Belted Kingfisher 4 13 6 Mute Swan 31 138 86 Red-bellied Woodpecker 84 82 43 Trumpeter Swan 187 193 134 Downy Woodpecker 230 323 224 Tundra Swan 5 207 13 Hairy Woodpecker 61 126 73 Gadwall 4 278 54 Northern Flicker 5 52 9 American Black Duck 333 1,170 360 Pileated Woodpecker 4 14 7 Mallard 4,425 11,198 4,826 “Woodpecker” species 1 3 1 Mallard x American Black Duck 4 48 16 American Kestrel 5 50 16 Northern Shoveler 195 285 75 Merlin 5 4 2 Northern Pintail 2 72 17 Peregrine Falcon 4 6 4 Green-winged Teal 12 112 22 Northern Shrike 5 21 4 Canvasback 19 1,073 223 Blue Jay 449 527 346 Redhead 7 367 26 American Crow 471 7,000 1,153 Ring-necked Duck 4 205 73 Horned Lark 4 217 19 Greater Scaup 1,156 17,556 6,153 Black-capped Chickadee 961 2,228 1,732 Lesser Scaup 216 4,679 1,160 Tufted Titmouse 1 8 1 Surf Scoter 31 224 90 Red-breasted Nuthatch 9 98 49 The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Page 149 White-breasted Nuthatch 135 286 215 Pine Siskin 3 800 57 Brown Creeper 15 97 21 American Goldfinch 677 1,358 879 Carolina Wren 38 52 34 “Finch” species 3 46 10 Winter Wren 25 38 16 House Sparrow 1,802 3,500 2,144 Golden-crowned Kinglet 48 213 40 Total individuals 52,411 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 6 0 2013 Participants: Eastern Bluebird 42 52 23 Anna Baranova, Gerten Basom, Brad Bloemendal, Barrie Boatman, Hermit Thrush 2 11 3 Laurel Boatman, Jody Bootsma, Mike Boyd, Alex Breitkopf, Trisia American Robin 478 1,587 577 Breitkopf, Hazel Broker, Wayne Bullock, Alexis Buset, Ron Campeau, Northern Mockingbird 13 44 22 Sue Carson, Heather Cashin, John Cashin, Shena Chisholm, Michael European Starling 13,407 73,000 11,187 Clark, Mark Cranford, Tim Cranford, Bill Crins, Ian Darling, Jenny Cedar Waxwing 180 1,136 386 Darling, Sandy Darling, Sherry Darling, Ewout Degelder, Jan Degelder, Snow Bunting 188 1,150 126 Eric Deruiter, David Dinniwell, Edward Dinniwell, Graham Dinniwell, Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 8 2 Kate Dinniwell, Robert Dinniwell, Rob Dobos, Bryan Drown, Ernie American Tree Sparrow 487 2,640 661 Dunston, Barney Dutka, Helene Dutka, Cheryl Edgecombe, Denys Chipping Sparrow 2 4 1 Gardiner, Lynn Hanna-Folkes, John Hannah, Connie Hendry, Ian Song Sparrow 21 290 32 Hendry, Kyna Intini, Wilma Jairam, Mark Jennings, Andrew Keaveney, Manfred Kolster, Ursula Kolster, Gordon Lewer, Joyce Litster, Tim Lucas, Swamp Sparrow 3 73 5 Robert Maciver, Stuart Mackenzie, Len Manning, Heather McBrien, White-throated Sparrow 51 213 91 Marlene McBrien, David McCorquodale, Owen McGregor, Sheldon White-crowned Sparrow 2 52 13 McGregor, Spencer McGregor, Barb McKean, Kevin McLaughlin, Dark-eyed Junco 852 1,954 1,277 Gord McNulty, Matt Mills, Frank Morley, Chris Motherwell, George Northern Cardinal 486 672 539 Naylor, Josh Nieuwenhuis, John Olmsted, Rob Porter, Bill Read, Joanne Red-winged Blackbird 2 68 6 Redwood, Caleb Scholtens, Peter Scholtens, Yves Scholten, Alf Senior, Common Grackle 1 25 1 Bill Smith, Robert Stamp, Barb Strang, Chris Street, Mike Street, Neil Brown-headed Cowbird 27 182 13 Taylor, Lisa Teskey, Tom Thomas (compiler), Phillip Waggett, Rob Purple Finch 1 84 8 Waldhuber, Angie Williams, Ken Williams, Heather Wilson, Ross Wood, Brian Wylie. House Finch 406 1,669 487

Member Profile - Alan Wormington by Bill Lamond

lan Wormington has been an HNC member since 1968, Alan has been Aand a Life Member since 1970. Currently he resides in one of the most Leamington and has lived there since 1980. He lives there as it active birders in is close to Point Pelee, and no birder is more closely linked to Ontario for the Point Pelee than Alan is. past 40 years, and still is. He knows Alan was born in 1954 in Hamilton. In the mid-1960s his as much about the family moved to Haddon Avenue North in Westdale, where he status and Ontario attended Dalewood School, soon followed by a short stint at bird distribution and Alan Wormington at his Leamington residence, 23 Westdale High School. I say short stint, as he was more than status as anyone, and August 2013 - photo Bill Lamond. happy to quit school after getting just his Grade 10. Schooling this is also the case with his knowledge of Ontario butterflies. often got in the way of Alan’s eager pursuit of butterflies and birds. Alan – when he was only 16 – published his first article Despite Alan’s lack of “formal” education, this has not held him in the Wood Duck (1970) entitled “Butterflies of the Hamilton back. He is an accomplished author and has many published articles, from his Ontario Seasonal Summaries in the journal Area and Other Interesting Areas.” Although butterflies were North American Birds, to several papers published in Ontario his original passion, birds soon superseded all of his other Birds, and editorship of Point Pelee Natural History News from interests. It was on Haddon Avenue where Alan met Alf Epp, 2001 to 2003 inclusive. Alan is currently working on three who introduced him to birding and then he soon met local different books — The Birds of Point Pelee; The Butterflies of Point birder and artist Robert Finlayson who he was good friends Pelee National Park, Ontario; and The Rare Birds of Ontario: with until Bob’s death in 2000. Alan also learned much about A Catalogue of Distributional Records. Many of us hope these birds from additional Hamilton-area birders including George are all soon in print. In 1982 Alan was a founding member of North and Bob Curry, oftenaccompanying them in the field. It the Ontario Bird Records Committee (of the Ontario Field doesn’t hurt to have great mentors! Ornithologists), and he is the longest-serving member.

Page 150 The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Other than Point Pelee, Alan routinely makes trips to northern Alan never finished High School, but he did earn a diploma in Ontario for birding. For example he has made many trips to the Historical/Natural Interpretive Services from Seneca College north shore of Lake Superior (at least 20), and just as many trips in 1979 which he put to use for a few years, first as a seasonal to southern James Bay to visit locations such as Moosonee and naturalist at Quetico Provincial Park (1978-79) and then working Netitishi Point. At these locations he has made many exciting at the desk as a seasonal park interpreter at Point Pelee National discoveries. He also frequently visits Texas, and with 528 species Park from 1980 to 1984. However, “desk work” never suited Alan seen there, he has the largest life-list of any out-of-state birder. and thereafter he worked as little as possible to free up time to Over the years, Alan has had an enviable number of rare finds. look for birds and butterflies when it suited him. To date he has found and documented seven species that are new He has worked for the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club twice on the to the “Ontario Checklist of Birds” namely Lesser Nighthawk Natural Areas Inventory of Hamilton-Wentworth in 1991 and (1974), Royal Tern (1974), Fish Crow (1978), Cave Swallow again in 2001-2002, as well as the Halton NAI in 2004. Alan was (1989), Plumbeous Vireo (1997), Sooty/Short-tailed Shearwater also a field biologist with the original Natural Areas Inventory in (2010) and Kelp Gull (2012). Alan was also a finder of the first Hamilton-Wentworth back in 1976, and he worked on the Kent- (and only) nests of Chuck-will’s-widow (1977) and Cinnamon Teal Elgin Natural Areas Inventory in 1986. For several years (1987- (1983) in Ontario. Of course he has found many other rarities as 1997) he worked seasonally for the OMNR as a fisheries research well, including in 1969 the second record of Kirtland’s Warbler for technician at Wheatley Harbour. Outside of Ontario, Alan has the Hamilton Study Area. Outside of Ontario in 2010, he found worked on a number of exotic projects. For three migration and documented an Amazon Kingfisher at Laredo, Texas, the first seasons (1999-2000) he was stationed on an oil platform offshore record of this species for North America. He is tops in Ontario from south-most Texas, where he was part of the “Migration- with his Ontario list which currently stands at at 443 species and he Over-The-Gulf-Project”, a study by the U.S. Department of the has the largest all-time Ontario winter list at 287 species. Interior. In 2002, he was selected by Zeiss Optics to be part of a Likewise for butterflies, Alan has discovered many rarities and team to search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Louisiana – out-of-range species, including the first Ontario records of Great he didn’t see any! Southern White (1981), Funereal Duskywing (1990), Brazilian Today, Alan works as a biological consultant, often contracted Skipper (1991), Marine Blue (1993) and Long-tailed Skipper to work on a variety of projects including those involving wind (1994). All of these were at Point Pelee! turbines, highway and bridge construction, or natural areas Alan is an excellent photographer, and many of the rare species surveys. He continues to spend as much time outdoors as he finds are documented in detail. possible, always on the lookout for rare or unusual species.

At the March BSG Meeting 17 March (Monday) 7:30 p.m. This month, long-time HNC member Brian Wylie will tell us about his nature experiences in the Dry Tortugas. The Dry Tortugas is a paradise for birders. It is an important nesting colony for several species of pelagic birds such as Bridled Tern, Sooty Tern, Brown Noddy, Roseate Tern, Magnificent Frigatebird and Masked Booby. Knowing Brian, he will work some reptiles into the talk and indeed the Dry Tortugas derived their name from the abundance of sea turtles that can be found in the area. Lucky visitors can spot Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, and Leatherback Turtles plying the waters. Come at 7:00 for bird-friendly coffee and conversation. Burlington Seniors Centre (beside Burlington Public Library) 2285 New St., Burlington. One of the several Snowy Owls that has graced the area this winter. A real treat for area naturalists! Appleby L i n e a n d T a y w o o d D r i v e , B u r l i n g t o n . 1 F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 4 . photo Eugene Jankowski.

The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Page 151 Bird Study Group Meeting Summary – January 20, 2014 The Ontario Whip-poor-will Project With Audrey Heagy By Michael Rowlands

t our January meeting, the Bird Study Group was fortunate difficult to see, especially when it Ato have another excellent guest speaker from Bird Studies perches parallel to a tree limb or is Canada (BSC) give an interesting presentation. Audrey Heagy on the ground in leaf litter, unless is a bird conservation planning biologist at BSC and works on it’s flushed. Audrey said it once took diverse assignments that include focused species-at-risk projects, a crew of four people 40 hours to co-ordinating communications for the Canadian Migration find a single nesting Whip-poor- Monitoring Network, and co-ordinating volunteers for the will! At night, an adult’s eyes shine Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) in Ontario. red due to reflection of light from membranes behind its retinas called Her current species-at-risk work includes co-ordinating the the tapetum lucidum, an adaptation Ontario Whip-poor-will Project, Eastern Whip-poor-will to make it easier to see at night. banding and monitoring at the St. Williams Conservation Audrey Heagy from BSC webpage Reserve near Long Point, and being lead author of the Ontario About the size of a robin, the Eastern Barn Swallow Recovery Strategy. She has also done field work and Whip-poor-will has a large head, short stubby legs, and a wide prepared reports focused on Hooded Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, mouth with rictal bristles around it to help catch flying insects. and Louisiana Waterthrush. In the 1990s, Audrey worked for Males have a white collar and white outer tail feathers; females are the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, co-ordinating the Hamilton- more buff in colour and have only tan tips on their tail feathers, Wentworth Natural Areas Inventory. She’s past president of the to provide better camouflage while on the nest. Norfolk Field Naturalists, St. Williams Conservation Reserve The Eastern Whip-poor-will is an aerial foraging insectivore and Community Council, and Ontario Bird Banding Association, feeds on moths, flying ants, beetles, katydids, and other insects and is on the boards of the Long Point Basin Land Trust and using a “sit and sally” technique: it will sit on the ground or perch Carolinian Canada Coalition. Her talk to us – entitled “Where on a branch and watch for a moth or beetle to fly overhead – Are the Whip-poor-wills?” – was appropriate because many visible against the sky – and swoop from below with mouth agape people have noted the absence of this iconic bird’s familiar song to engulf its prey in mid-flight. in cottage country and other places where they always used to be. Whip-poor-wills are named after their call, which they’re capable Audrey first gave us some background on her employer to of repeating up to a thousand times without tiring! Usually, they establish that BSC engages more than 20,000 volunteers nationally call only at dusk and dawn. But on nights from May through July, to participate in various “citizen science” programs. Through when the moonlight is bright, they may call steadily, which has monitoring activities and targeted surveys, these volunteers caused many cottagers insomnia over the years. submit data to help BSC detect trends in bird populations. For example, the annual Project FeederWatch, held in February each The female lays two eggs, not in a proper nest but in leaf litter year, quantifies individual species of birds seen at feeders all over on the ground. The eggs take 20 days to hatch and the parents North America. When these sightings are mapped, it’s possible to will move the young if the nest site is disturbed. It takes 18 days compare the distribution pattern from one year to another. before the young can fly. Sometimes there will be two sets of young in a year. The parents return to the same nest site year after In the case of the Eastern Whip-poor-will, in the 20 years year; some adults may live to be 15 years of age or more. Habitats between the first and second editions of the Atlas of the Breeding used in Ontario include rock barrens, alvars, sand barrens and Birds of Ontario (i.e., from the early 1980s to 2001–5), there was dunes, open mixed woodlands, open pine plantations, pine-oak a 50% decline in its breeding distribution. (Similar declines exist savannah, and open wetlands (bogs and fens). Hence, Eastern for other nightjars such as the Common Nighthawk and Chuck- Whip-poor-wills are found at Rondeau Provincial Park and will’s-widow.) Data from various breeding bird surveys confirm Pinery Provincial Park; in the Bruce Peninsula; at the Wainfleet a population decline in Canada of 75% between 1970 and 2011; Bog; and around Kingston, Haliburton, and Muskoka. eBird reports for the Whip-poor-will are also very scattered. The exact cause of the decline of the Eastern Whip-poor-will In 2009, COSEWIC (Canada’s Committee on the Status of in Ontario is not really known and is probably due to several Endangered Wildlife) designated the Eastern Whip-poor-will as factors. There has been loss of breeding habitat due to widespread a “threatened” species under the Species at Risk legislation; it’s changes in habitat, such as intensive agriculture in the southwest also recognized as “threatened” in Ontario under the Endangered and natural forest succession farther north. The food supply Species Act. This designation ensures special protection for the of flying insects has also declined in recent years, affecting species and its habitat, as well as the allocation of resources to numerous aerial insectivores. Mortality rates may have increased find the reasons for its decline, see whether this can be reversed, due to road kills and predators such as raccoons and cats locally, and plan a recovery program. and problems on their wintering grounds and migration routes. The Eastern Whip-poor-will is distinguished by a well- In 2010, BSC initiated a five-year Whip-poor-will project with camouflaged, cryptic, grey and brown plumage; it’s extremely funding from Ontario’s Species at (continued on page 155) Page 152 The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta) in the Hamilton Study Area by Bill Lamond

oary Vervain (Verbena stricta) is a rare plant in the Hamilton creating multiple flowering spikes. As HStudy Area (HSA), being known only from a few locations this species is showy, Hoary Vervain in Brant County. Although it is not officially considered a “Rare” could be cultivated as a garden plant. plant in Ontario (Oldham and Brinker 2009), it is definitely an In fact, I do that in my garden. This uncommon plant in the province, with many naturalists never plant readily self-seeds, and I have having observed it. There are four species of Verbena that occur had this species in my garden for in the HSA, and stricta is by far the most attractive. It has racemes many years now, as the seedlings are (spikes) of intensely coloured lavender flowers, and while only easy to recognize and cultivate. I am a small portion of each spike is in flower at any one time, the a bit surprised that I have never seen flowers are large enough (5/16”) to make for an arresting display. a cultivar of this plant offered for sale I first saw Hoary Vervain in 1991 in Brantford along the Lake in a garden centre. Nonetheless, this Hoary Vervain in Brantford Erie and Northern Railway bed near Hardy Road. Subsequent species is now offered in catalogues garden from seeds collected of nurseries that specialize in native at Brantford Prairie. 18 Aug. to this, I have seen it along other railway tracks within Brantford 2013 - photo Bill Lamond. and Brant County, and I have seen it in few old-field areas as wildflowers. It does have its drawbacks well. In southern Ontario, it is very scarce plant although it is in the garden as it tends to be quite susceptible to “flopping-over” very widespread. Michael Oldham, of the Natural Heritage as it gets top-heavy with rainfall, therefore needing some staking. Information Centre (OMNR), considers Verbena stricta to be In nature – being more deprived of nutrients and moisture – it a very interesting species. In his experience, it is certainly rare does not get quite so robust and does remain more upright when to uncommon almost everywhere in southern Ontario, but it is exposed to heavy rains. known from virtually all counties south of the Canadian Shield. The other three species of Verbena in our area are not nearly as Even where it occurs, Mike has seldom seen large populations. In attractive as V. stricta. Blue Vervain (V. hastata) is a beauty too. spite of this, it sometimes behaves as a “weed”, being frequently It has racemes of intensely coloured dark blue flowers, however, found in weedy situations such as roadsides, railways, old fields these flowers are small, and each spike only has a few florets in and other disturbed situations (pers. comm.). Why it is not more flower at any one time, diminishing what could be a spectacular common is difficult to explain. effect if the whole spike was in flower simultaneously. This is Within its southern Ontario range, it is much easier to list the a wetland species that can be found routinely near wetlands, especially in disturbed soil. White Vervain (V. urticifolia) is the counties where it has not been found: Hamilton-Wentworth; most common but least showy of the four species, and it has Halton; Perth; Prince Edward; Prescott a sparse inflorescence of small white flowers. Narrow-leaved & Russell; and Stormont, Dundas Vervain (V. simplex) is the other species that occurs locally, and it & Glengarry. It is a southern species is the least well-known as it is much smaller than the other three as delineated by its absence from species and is the rarest, being found at only a few sites. Manitoulin, Muskoka, Parry Sound, Nipissing, and Renfrew (Riley 1989, As stated above, Hoary Vervain has yet to be recorded in Oldham et al. 1991, Oldham 1993). Hamilton-Wentworth or Halton Counties. Perhaps searches of Even in the counties where it does railway right-of-ways in these areas will uncover this species and occur, it is usually listed as rare, with fill in the few remaining gaps of this species’ range in southern many county floras listing just a few Ontario. or sometimes even one location for Literature Cited: the region. Only in Northumberland County is it considered somewhat Oldham, M.J., D. McLeod, W.G. Stewart and J.M. Bowles. 1991. Preliminary Annotated Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Elgin, Middlesex common in weedy, sandy fields (Wasyl and Oxford Counties, Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Bakowsky, pers. comm), and in Peel OMNR. Aylmer. Hoary Vervain. Close- and Haldimand-Norfolk it is considered up of flowering raceme. “uncommon to very uncommon” (Don Oldham, M.J. 1993. Distribution and Status of the Vascular Plants of Information as above. Southwestern Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. OMNR. Sutherland, pers. comm). Aylmer. Hoary Vervain – although it has lovely flowers – is a rather Oldham, M.J., and S.R. Brinker. 2009. Rare Vascular Plants of Ontario. coarse-looking plant. Both the stem and leaves are quite hairy, Fourth Edition. Natural Heritage Information Centre. Ontario Ministry and the leaves are rather rough-looking due to the impressed of Natural Resources. OMNR. Peterborough. veins. The opposite leaves are oval shaped, coarsely serrated and Riley, J.L. 1989. Distribution and Status of the Vascular Plants of Central about 2” long. This species is a short-lived perennial, up to a Region, Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources. OMNR, Richmond Hill. metre tall, which branches frequently near the terminus, often

The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Page 153 Photos by Bonnie Kinder

Mute Swan family, Cootes Paradise, Hickory Island, 27 June 2013. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher nest, Valley Inn Road, 21 June 2013.

Caspian Terns, Hamilton Harbour, 3 June 2013. Juvenile Eastern Bluebird, City View Park, 6 June 2013. Tree Swallows, Grindstone Creek along Valley Inn Trail, 3 April 2013 At the March Monthly Meeting “Roots and Rocks - From Darkness To Light” - with speaker Lorraine Roy 10 March 2014, Monday - 7:30 p.m. Royal Botanical Gardens, Plains Road, Burlington In her textile art work, Lorraine Roy has long been inspired by dark geological and biological activity beneath the soil’s surface and how it affects the plant community. Upon moving to the Dundas area in 2005, she was struck how the exposed rock of the escarpment provided a tantalizing glimpse of the enormous forces that shaped it. Much of her work since then blended her love of native trees and their particular challenges in clinging to those harsh surfaces. More recently, new research in mycorrhizal communication between roots of trees has now become the subject of an entire new and ongoing body of work. Our soil and rock scientists are literally bringing dark secrets to light. Lorraine asks, what can we learn from these rich and relevant messages from the earth? These topics will be illustrated with images and real pieces that mark her process through various concepts from idea to finished work, highlighting her passion for making connections between art and science. Raised in rural southwestern Ontario, Lorraine Roy completed a B.Sc. in Horticultural Sciences before opting for a career in art textiles. Originally devoted to hand-embroidery, she later developed a unique form of machine collage that permits her to ‘paint’ with fabric. This technique incorporates a mixture of machine sewing, collage, embroidery and quilting, integrating thousands of bits of fabric and threads with fine transparent tulle and machine stitching. Each piece is one of a kind (see below). In recent work, the Niagara Escarpment area and its native trees and plants are Lorraine’s main inspirations. Her work is featured in collections throughout Canada and abroad. www.Lroytextileart.com

“Autumn” - 2011. Private Collection. 18” x 36”. Lorraine Roy - photographed by Januscz Wrobel. Page 154 The Wood Duck - March, 2014 (continued from page 152) Risk Stewardship Fund. The Silke Nebel et al. (Avian Conservation and Ecology, 2010) ultimate goal is to understand why Whip-poor-will numbers found a geographical gradient in the AI population trends, with have declined, and to determine how to stop further declines. the highest declines being most likely in highly populated and The immediate goal is to find out more about their distribution industrialized northeast North America. Declines became most and abundance patterns in Ontario. This is an ideal “citizen noticeable after 1980 and are most acute in species migrating the science” project because volunteers can easily detect and identify farthest – to and from South America. the Whip-poor-will’s loud, distinctive call and effortlessly tell if the species is present or absent. Rural residents and cottagers, as Several suspected causes for AI declines have been proposed. well as several birders, have all shown interest in this project. Birds that forage while in flight have high metabolic demands and are particularly susceptible to negative disruption during key stages of their life history, such as breeding, incubation, Data have been collected by three methods: development of young, and migration. Human development, 1) Casual observations – More than 500 volunteers using a pesticide uses, and global climate change are also other possible simple survey form reported more than 1,000 Eastern Whip- causes for AI declines. These events can affect the birds directly poor-wills, many from Atlas squares, where they had not (e.g., when the birds are blown off course by storms during been observed in 2000–2005. migration or are disrupted by increasingly unfavourable weather 2) Roadside surveys – Using routes established for a BSC noc- events) or indirectly through changes in insect/prey diversity and turnal owl survey, mostly secondary roads with some forest abundance. It seems likely that there are multiple interconnected cover, more than 2,000 roadside survey points were sampled reasons for the declines of the Whip-poor-will and other AI. (10 stops of three minutes each) and more than 1,200 Eastern Whip-poor-wills were heard at 709 points. There were also more than 1,500 points where no birds were heard. 3) “Where in the square” exercises – This pilot study involved detailed surveys of 22 Atlas squares and more than 250 point counts, turning up 229 Eastern Whip-poor-wills, with up to 39 birds in a square. 4) Overall, the findings indicated the species was widespread but locally common in some places where the habitat was ideal. It seems it has been under-reported by the latest Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas and other bird surveys, so it’s unknown whether it’s still declining or stable. Next steps include continuing to col- lect casual observation data to develop a habitat model and see Eastern Whip-poor-will with chicks, Ganaraska Forest, Durham Region whether there’s support for starting a long-term monitoring 23 June 2010 - photo Mike McEvoy. program for Eastern Whip-poor-wills in Ontario and elsewhere. Audrey encouraged us all to get involved in helping solve the mystery of the missing bug eaters by educating ourselves about A collaborative research project (involving Environment Canada, the problem (e.g., by reading The State of Canada’s Birds 2012 the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and BSC) was launched report), familiarizing ourselves with the declining species to find out where Ontario Eastern Whip-poor-wills go in the that may be living in our own neighbourhoods, and reporting winter. Suspected destinations were the Gulf Coast (Florida, Texas, sightings of these threatened birds, especially via eBird Canada, or Mexico) and Central America (Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, or where the data will be easily accessible to researchers. We can El Salvador). There have been no band recoveries, and the birds also make our properties and communities safe and secure for are too small for conventional satellite transmitters. Instead, the insectivorous birds and species at risk by minimizing pesticide researchers are using miniature geolocators attached to the backs use, keeping pet cats indoors, planting native plants, and using of about 45 birds from Long Point, Muskoka, north of Kingston, “bird-friendly” products. Of course, getting involved with one of and Rainy River, to determine migration routes and wintering BSC’s “citizen science” projects that help monitor and conserve grounds. The geolocators record the time of sunrise and sunset bird populations (e.g., Barn Swallow NestWatch, Project where the birds are each day, allowing their daily movements to SwiftWatch, and the Great Backyard Bird Count) is an ideal way be tracked. However, the method is not that precise, especially for to show personal commitment. a nocturnal species that roosts in dense cover. So far, it appears that Guatemala is an important wintering ground, though some Our guest speaker then concluded her presentation with a slide birds may go to Mexico. that thanked all the volunteers, collaborators, and supporters of the project. She in turn was thanked by the audience with a Audrey then stated the decline of the Eastern Whip-poor-will is warm round of applause and by Cheryl Edgecombe, our emcee, really just part of a larger issue: the general disappearance of aerial who expressed her appreciation to Audrey for making the trip insectivores (AI), or flying bug eaters, across North America. The from Port Rowan to educate us about this worthwhile project. State of Canada’s Birds 2012 (http://www.stateofcanadasbirds. After a refreshment break and a sightings report, the meeting was org/) says that AI have declined the most of any group of birds in the last 40 years. The troubling part of this trend is that we adjourned and some of us no doubt left wondering when (or if) don’t know exactly why! A peer-reviewed research paper by we would next hear a Whip-poor-will’s call.

The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Page 155 DATES TO REMEMBER - March 2014 1 Mar. to 15 May — The Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch’s 40th season of monitoring raptor migration at Beamer Memorial Conservation Area, Quarry Road, off Ridge Road West, Grimsby. Except in very bad weather, counters are present every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST / 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. Best times are from 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m. See http://www.niagarapeninsulahawkwatch. org/MoreAboutNPH.php. Information: Mike Street - 905-648-3737, [email protected] or Sandy Darling - 905-689-7481, [email protected]. Also see article on back page of this issue.

March - 13 April. Savage Gardens/ Nature’s Ninjas, RBG’s Winter Exhibit Double Feature, combines science, botany, and hands- on activities during its run until April 13, 2014. Please see www.rbg.ca for exhibit information.

2 Mar. (Sunday) 2:00 p.m. Get Back to Nature Hikes. Free RBG Nature Hike (donations welcome). This week: Hendrie Valley. Meet at Cherry Hill Gate parking lot on Plains Road.

2 Mar. (Sunday) 2 to 3:30 p.m. RBG - Nature’s Ninjas: Reptiles and Amphibians of Ontario at RBG Main Centre. Stealth, deception, assassination, even open combat; critters that display ninja abilities to survive, and live on RBG property.Fee: $10, Family $25.

8 Mar. (Saturday) 8:00 p.m. Hamilton Association Lecture. The Human Host: Microbial Communities of the Body in Health and Disease — Michael Surette. The human body is home to a complex community of microbes, the microbiome, that inhabits almost all surfaces on the human body. The number of bacterial cells on or in us outnumbers our own cells 10 to 1. These bacteria influence most aspects of human health and disease, from infections to chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, even depression. Dr. Michael Surette is a microbiologist and professor in the McMaster Department of Medicine. Room 1A1 Ewart Angus Centre. McMaster University Medical Centre. haalsa.org.

8 Mar. (Saturday) 9:00 a.m. - noon. RBG Outdoors Club, ages 12 to 15, every other Saturday February 8 to June 7. At the Nature Centre. Winter/Spring fee: $235 (RBG Members 10% off). Explore the ecosystems that make the RBG a biodiversity hot spot.

9 Mar. (Sunday) 2:00 p.m. Get Back to Nature Hike: Free RBG Nature hike. Meet at Princess Point parking area.

10 Mar. (Monday) 7:00 p.m. HNC - Monthly Meeting. “Roots and Rocks - From Darkness To Light”. In her textile art work, Lorraine Roy has long been inspired by dark geological and biological activity beneath the soil’s surface and how it affects the plant community. (see full summary on page 154). Royal Botanical Gardens, Plains Road, Burlington.

15 Mar. (Saturday) 7:00 a.m. HNC - Spooky Hollow Work Party. Rain date (snow date?) is March 16th. We will be meeting at “The Egg and I” restaurant, corner of Hwy 2 and 53, behind the Tim Hortons, west of Ancaster, at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast. We will proceed to Spooky at about 8:00 a.m. This event involves moderate to heavy physical activity. Please wear old clothes. Chili and sausages will be provided for lunch. Contact Warren Beacham, Sanctuary Director, [email protected] or 905- 627-3343.

16 Mar. (Sunday) 2:00 p.m. Get Back to Nature Hike: Free RBG Nature hike. Cootes North Shore. Meet at Nature Centre.

16 Mar. (Sunday) 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. HNC - Waterfowl and Other Early Spring Migrants. Leader Rob Dobos will take us on a tour around our waterfront to look for late wintering and early spring migrant waterfowl and other birds. About 28 species of regularly occurring ducks, geese and swans, plus another potential six or so rarer species are possible. Meet at LaSalle Marina in Aldershot at the foot of LaSalle Park Dr./Waterdown Rd. Rob can be emailed at: [email protected]​a

16 Mar. (Sunday) 2 to 4 p.m. RBG Geo-Quest, Family program at RBG Nature Centre. Learn to use a GPS unit, then head outdoors on a high-tech treasure hunt. Suitable for over 5 year olds. Fee: Single rate $12, Family rate $30

17 Mar. (Monday) 7:30 p.m. HNC - Bird Study Group meeting. This month, speaker Brian Wylie will tell us about his nature experiences in the Dry Tortugas. Come at 7:00 for coffee and conversation. Burlington Seniors Centre (beside Burlington Public Library) 2285 New St., Burlington.

18 Mar. (Tuesday) 7:00 p.m. Environment Hamilton AGM. Speaker is Dr. Laurence Packer from York University and his talk is titledBee Biodiversity. In this talk, Dr. Packer will give an overview of the morphological, ecological and behavioural diversity of bees and stress their potential for helping us understand the state of the environment. This is a very timely lecture. He is the author of the book ‘Keeping the Bees’ published in 2010. Location is the Hamilton Room at the Central Library.

22 Mar. (Saturday) 9:30 a.m. to noon. Junior Naturalists Club, ages 7 to 12, 4th Saturday of the month, to May 2014 at RBG Nature Centre. Learning experiences to generate a life-long respect and love of the natural world. Parents must be either HNC or RBG Members. Annual Fee: $80/child, $70/siblings. RBG Nature Centre, Arboretum Old Guelph Road.

22 Mar. (Saturday) 9:00 a.m. - noon. RBG Outdoors Club, ages 12 to 15, every other Saturday February 8 to June 7. At the Nature Centre. Winter/Spring fee: $235 (RBG Members 10% off). Explore the ecosystems that make the RBG a biodiversity hot spot.

22 Mar. (Saturday). HNC - Long Point Waterfowl Bus Trip. The HNC will lead another bus trip to see Long Point waterfowl if numbers warrant. See back cover of February Wood Duck for details or call Bill Lamond at 519-756-9546 or [email protected]

Page 156 The Wood Duck - March, 2014 23 Mar. (Sunday) 2:00 p.m. Get Back to Nature Hike: Free RBG Nature hike (donations welcome). Cootes South Shore. Meet at Aviary parking lot on Oak Knoll Road.

25 Mar. (Tuesday) 1 to 3:00 p.m. RBG Homeschoolers Afternoons: Maple Syrup at the Nature Centre. Homeschooler Afternoons are 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.Session fee: $65 (February to June). Single class: $15 / student.

29 Mar. (Saturday) 2 to 4:00 p.m. RBG - Capture a Ninja: Exhibit Photography for Kids at RBG Centre. Photography techniques to capture a ninja or savage beauty. Fee: $30

30 Mar. (Sunday) 2:00 p.m. Get Back to Nature Walk. Free RBG Nature hike (donations welcome). Rock Chapel, meet at the parking lot. If the weather is inclement, call RBG Program Update Line.

DATES TO REMEMBER - April 2014 5 Apr. (Saturday) 9:00 a.m. - noon. RBG Outdoors Club, ages 12 to 15, every other Saturday February 8 to June 7. At the Nature Centre. Winter/Spring fee: $235 (RBG Members 10% off). Explore the ecosystems that make the RBG a biodiversity hot spot.

6 Apr. (Sunday) 2:00 p.m. Get Back to Nature Hikes. Free RBG Nature Hike (donations welcome). This week: Hendrie Valley. Meet at Cherry Hill Gate parking lot on Plains Road.

8 Apr. (Tuesday) 1 to 3:00 p.m. RBG Homeschoolers Afternoons: Sings of Spring at the Nature Centre. Homeschooler Afternoons are 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.Session fee: $65 (February to June). Single class: $15/student.

9 Apr. (Wednesday) 7:15 p.m. HNC - American Woodcock Outing. Join Sheldon McGregor on an American Woodcock outing in the early spring to hear woodcock calls and see them in flight. Bring a flashlight and wear waterproof boots and warm clothing. We will be viewing the birds at dusk and returning to our cars in the dark. Contact Sheldon McGregor at 905-304-8282 or sheldonbirder@h​otmail.com. Meet in Dundurn Castle parking lot to carpool.

13 Apr. (Sunday) 2:00 p.m. Get Back to Nature Hike: Free RBG Nature hike. Meet at Princess Point parking area.

14 Apr. (Monday) 8:00 p.m. HNC - Monthly Meeting. This month speaker Sandy Smith’s talk is entitled “Invasive Species in Our Forests: In Defence of Nature?” After some background on what has been arriving in our forests (insects, plants, diseases) and their impacts, we will discuss the measures that have been taken to emulate nature to disrupt these invasives, and bring our invaded systems back into better ecological equilibrium so they are more resilient to future disturbance. Dr. Sandy M Smith is a Professor in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Toronto, former Dean (2010-2012), and cross-appointed to the university’s School of the Environment and Dept. Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Her research addresses the ecology and biological management of invasive species to better understand invasion processes in forest systems. She actively participates in a number of professional organizations and invasive species control panels at international, national, and provincial levels.

19 Apr. (Saturday) 9:00 a.m. - noon. RBG Outdoors Club, ages 12 to 15, every other Saturday February 8 to June 7. At the Nature Centre. Winter/Spring fee: $235 (RBG Members 10% off). Explore the ecosystems that make the RBG a biodiversity hot spot.

20 Apr. (Sunday) 2:00 p.m. Get Back to Nature Hike: Free RBG Nature hike. Cootes North Shore. Meet at Nature Centre.

22 Apr. (Tuesday) 1 to 3:00 p.m. RBG Homeschoolers Afternoons: Planet Earth at the Nature Centre. Homeschooler Afternoons are 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Session fee: $65 (February to June). Single class: $15/student.

26 Apr. (Saturday) 9:30 a.m. to noon. Junior Naturalists Club, ages 7 to 12, 4th Saturday of the month, to May 2014 at RBG Nature Centre. Learning experiences to generate a life-long respect and love of the natural world. Parents must be either HNC or RBG Members. Fee: $80/child, $70/siblings. RBG Nature Centre, Arboretum Old Guelph Road.

26 Apr. (Saturday) 9:30 a.m. RBG -Spring Wildflower Walk at Rock Chapel. Geared to intermediate hiking level.Fee: $10 per walk.

27 Apr. (Sunday) 7:00 a.m. RBG - Spring Bird Walk at Hendrie Valley (meet at Cherry Hill Gate). Geared to intermediate hiking level. Fee: $10 per walk.

27 Apr. (Sunday) 2:00 p.m. Get Back to Nature Hike: Free RBG Nature hike (donations welcome). Cootes South Shore. Meet at Aviary parking lot on Oak Knoll Road.

28 Apr. (Monday) 7:30 p.m. HNC - Bird Study Group - Members Night. This is our final meeting of the season and annual members night. We will have interesting presentations by some of our members. Come early at 7:00 for coffee and conversation. Burlington Seniors Centre (beside the Burlington Public Library) 2285 New St., Burlington.

30 Apr. (Wednesday) 6:30 p.m. HNC - Crerar Urban Forest Outing: Join Sheldon McGregor to explore this small but significant patch of urban forest within Hamilton. We will explore the public portion for various tree species, spring wildflowers, and a few migrating birds. This woodlot gained local notoriety in November 2012 as the privately held portion was dramatically and unexpectedly cleared of many large trees. We will be joined by Dr. Giuliana Casimirri, Ph.D., an urban forest enthusiast, who will share her insights on the benefits of urban patches. Meet in the parking lot of Bethel Gospel Tabernacle, 1355 Upper Wellington St, Hamilton.

The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Page 157 NOTEWORTHY BIRD RECORDS – SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2013 by Rob Dobos

Total number of species recorded in the HSA during 2013 to November 30: 286. Underlined species or dates require documentation by the Hamilton Bird Records Committee. Capitalized species require documentation by the Ontario Bird Records Committee. For species marked with “#”, all reported records are listed. For all other species, only highlights are listed. Note that the species order follows the most recent American Ornithologists’ Union checklist and supplements.

Observers: Bruce Aikens (BAk), Glenn Barrett (GBa), Hazel Broker (HB), Duane Brown (DBn), Ken Burrell (KBu), Ron Campeau (RCa), Barb Charlton (BC), Barry Cherriere (BCh), Shena Chisholm (SCh), Helen Colvin (HCo), Barry Coombs (BCo), William Crins (WCr), Robert Curry (RC), Janet Dance (JDa), Ken Dance (KDa), Sandy Darling (SD), Karl Dix (KD), Rob Dobos (RD), Andrew Don (AD), Dave R. Don (DD), Chris Dunn (CDu), Cheryl Edgecombe (CE), Gavin Edmondstone (GE), Sue Edwards (SE), Luc Fazio (LF), Joanne Fleet (JFt), Brett Fried (BF), Nancy Furber (NF), Denys Gardiner (DG), Alex Gray (AG), Athena Gubbe (AGu), Bill Harris (BHa), Jim Heslop (JH), Fran Hicks (FHi), Clive Hodder (CHo), Brandon Holden (BH), George Holland (GH), Ellen Horak (EHo), Sandra Horvath (SHo), Jackson Hudecki (JHu), Matthew Iles (MI), Jean Iron (JI), Mourad Jabra (MJa), Jarmo Jalava (JJa), Beth Jefferson (BJe), Mark Jennings (MJ), Barry Jones (BJ), Colin Jones (CJo), Aaron Keating (AKe), Andrew Keaveney (AK), Tim King (TK), Ethan Kistler (EK), Ursula Kolster (UK), Karl Konze (KK), William Konze (WK), Billi Krochuk (BKr), Bill Lamond (BL), Denis Lepage (DLp), Dennis Lewington (DL), Gwen Lewington (GL), Joyce Litster (JLi), Rick Ludkin (RL), Garret Luft (GLf), Ron Luft (RLf), Bruce Mackenzie (BM), Laurie Mackenzie (LM), Len Manning (LMa), Arlene McCaw (AMC), Sheldon McGregor (SMG), Spencer McGregor (SpMG), Kevin McLaughlin (KM), Matt Mills (MM), Frank Morley (FM), Ken Newcombe (KN), Ben Oldfield (BO), Gavin Platt (GPt), Richard Poort (RPo), Rob Porter (RPr), John Prescott (JPr), David Pryor (DPr), Bill Read (BR), Joanne Redwood (JRe), Kory Renaud (KRn), Garth Riley (GRi), Greg Salter (GSa), Caleb Scholtens (CSc), Peter Scholtens (PSc), Alf Senior (AS), Elaine Serena (ES), George Sims (GSi), Glenda Slessor (GS), Bill Smith (BS), Nancy Smith (NS), Paul Smith (PS), David Smzyr (DSm), Chris Street (CS), Mike Street (MS), Lisa Teskey (LTe), Peter Thoem (PT), Tom Thomas (TT), Matt Timpf (MT), John Tomins (JTo), Michelle Tomins (MTo), Dave Trumbell (DT), Josh Vandermeulen (JV), Mike Veltri (MV), Rob Waldhuber (RW), Phil Walker (PWa), Jim Watt (JWa), Angie Williams (AWi), Ken Williams (KWi), Stu Williams (SWi), David Wood (DWo), Ross Wood (RWo), Brian Wylie (BW), many observers (m.obs.).

Legend: Plumages, etc.: County/Region/City: * -first occurrence for the year m. -male Brant [BR] F -first occurrence for the f. -female Haldimand [HD] migration ad. -adult Halton [HL] L -last occurrence for the ba. -basic Hamilton [HM] migration alt. -alternate Niagara [NG] HSA -Hamilton Study Area imm. -immature Peel [PL] SM –singing male juv. -juvenile Waterloo [WT] terr. –territorial bird 1st yr. –first year Wellington [WL]

Snow Goose#: 14 white morph + four blue morph past the Lake at American Wigeon: 12 off Green Rd Sep 16 and 18 there Oct 28 (BH); Fruitland Rd [HM] Oct 27 F (RD,CE,DD); 13 past Van Wagners Beach 33 past Van Wagners Beach Oct 4 (RD,CE), and 22 there Oct 5 (RD et [HM] (WCr,BC,BF) and one W of Copetown [HM] (FM,BHa) Nov 3. al.); four at Windermere Basin Oct 13 (RD). Brant#: One off Fifty Point C.A.HM/NG [ ] Oct 28 F (CE); one at Blue-winged Teal: 21 off Shoreacres [HL] Sep 12 (RWo). Windermere Basin [HM] Oct 31 (RPo; LMa,LTe); one off Burloak Northern Shoveler: 25 at Tollgate Pond [HM] Sep 14 (RD et al.); 12 at Waterfront Park [HL] Nov 2 (DD); two past Van Wagners Beach Nov 3 Princess Point [HM] and 25 at Windermere Basin Oct 13 (RD). (WCr,BC,BF); 21 past Sam Lawrence Park [HM] Nov 7 (LMa). Northern Pintail: Birds past Van Wagners Beach: 10 –Sep 5 Trumpeter Swan: Four past Woodland Cemetery [HM] Oct 20 F (RD et al.). (RD,CE,BCh), 11 –Sep 13 (RD,CE), 20 –Sep 17 (RD et al.), 20 –Oct 4 Tundra Swan: Two at the Lake at Green Rd [HM] Oct 28 F (BH); three (RD,CE); 93 off Green Rd Sep 16 and 175 there Oct 28 (BH). at Dundas Marsh [HM] Nov 11 (JHu). Green-winged Teal: Birds past Van Wagners Beach: 50 –Sep 8 (RD et al.), 20 –Oct 4 (RD,CE), 23 –Oct 11 (RD); eight at Red Hill Parkway & QEW Stormwater Pond [HM] Sep 15 (RD,CE,BC); 18 at Windermere Basin Oct 13 (RD); 195 off Green Rd Oct 28 (BH). Canvasback: One on Harbour off at LaSalle Marina [HM] Sep 12 (TT), and 50 there Nov 11 (LMa); 49 at Tollgate Pond Nov 16 (RD,CE,DD). Redhead: Three m. at Tollgate Pond Sep 14 (RD et al.); six past Van Wagners Beach Oct 4 (RD,CE). Greater Scaup: 11 past Van Wagners Beach Sep 17 F (RD et al.). Lesser Scaup: 20 past Van Wagners Beach Oct 4 (RD,CE). King Eider#: One 1st yr. m. off Van Wagners Beach Nov 3 F (WCr et al.); one f. off Millen Rd [HM] Nov 28-30 (BH; m.obs.). Harlequin Duck#: One m. off Fifty Rd [HM] Nov 30 F (SHo). Surf Scoter: Birds off Van Wagners Beach: 1 –Sep 1 F (RD et al.) tied the record early fall date for the HSA, 1 –Sep 8 (RD et al.), 7 –Sep 28 (RD,CE); Tundra Swan at LaSalle Park, 1 November 2013 - photo Joanne Redwood. 3500 off Green Rd Oct 28 (BH) provided a new record high count for the HSA. Wood Duck: 42 at 11th Conc E of Centre Rd [HM] Sep 29 (HCo). White-winged Scoter: Five off Van Wagners Beach Sep 1 F (RD et al.), Gadwall: 52 at Windermere Basin Oct 13 (RD); 15 at Valens C.A. [HM] and 40 there Sep 28 (RD,CE); 5500 off Green Rd Oct 28 (BH). Oct 19 (RD); 294 at Cootes Paradise [HM] Nov 3 (RD,CE). (continued on page 161) Page 158 The Wood Duck - March, 2014 And Now For Some Good News ! Rainbows Instead of A Dam by Bruce Mackenzie

e all know something about fish but what always strikes news. What better Wme as funny is that we never ever see most fish that live judge of how we around us. This is unfortunate because there are so many neat are helping the fish in our neighbourhood. Spencer than to be told by a small One of prettiest fish in our area is the Rainbow Darter (Etheostoma Rainbow Darter. From Ohio Department of Natural caeruleum). You just have to look at them to see where they got but interesting fish Resources webpage. www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/species their name. Interesting thing about Rainbow Darters, the males species that says are brighter in colour then females just like most birds are. Males that the water is of good quality and the flow is just right for their just like to show off I guess. healthy stream. So what are darters? Darters are a group of small fish species The Rainbow Darter is just one species of many wildlife species comprising about ten different species in Ontario. They are in that has been advantaged in this new section of the Spencer. the perch family so related to Yellow Perch and Walleye. They Spotted Sandpipers, Belted Kingfishers and water snakes have all are almost always found on or near the bottom. All darters dart taken up residence here. If you have not visited the new section around. They swim for short distances in a hurry. Some live in of the Spencer Adventure Trail and bridge by this restored section the Great Lakes in shallow waters and some choose deeper water. of the Spencer you might like to make a trip to see how the creek Some prefer smaller bodies of water while some live in streams. here has been given a new chance at life. Streams are the choice of the Rainbow Darter. Now you are not likely to see Rainbow Darters, they are small Darters are small fish and most of us would simply call them and like to hide but you will see the different sections of the minnows if we did not look closely at them. They might get to Spencer Creek with its currents flowing over and around rocks. about 7 cm in length but most are well under 5 cm. A child’s little You will see where the water bubbles over structures and gets finger in size. The darters that live in rivers and fast flowing water re-oxygenated. The new vegetation communities are moving can hold their position in the current. They have large and strong in towards the creek providing shade and habitat for fish and pectoral fins for their size. Think about where arms would be on other wildlife. The Rainbow Darter is just one species of many a fish if fish had arms. Well that is where their pectoral fins are. wildlife species that has taken advantage of this new section of They use their pectoral fins for strong short bursts of speed or to the Spencer Creek. And all this in a year or two. just hold onto the creek bottom in the current. Rainbow Darters feed on very small aquatic insects and invertebrates. Invertebrates are animals without backbones. Think of worms, crayfish and creepy crawlies. If they are really small, and like to live around small rocks in the water, then they just might be the food of Rainbow Darters. Rainbow Darters are generally found throughout the Spencer Creek watershed. If you find Rainbow Darters then you know the water quality is pretty good otherwise Rainbow Darters would not be living there. They don’t do well with pollution or heavy sediments in the water. Today, the Rainbow Darter has a new home in the Spencer Creek where the old Crooks Hollow Dam was along the Spencer Adventure Trail. In 2012 the dam was removed for safety reasons and an innovative design project was undertaken to rehabilitate this section of the Spencer Creek that used to be affected by the old dam and millpond. This rehabilitation project has had wonderful results within its first year. From land it is easy to see the change in the habitat. In the river are riffles, shallow spots and deep spots for the different fish to enjoy. Recently, ecologists of the Hamilton Conservation Authority, What’s Wrong With This Picture? in their monitoring project of Spencer Creek, found Rainbow That’s one confused tom Wild Turkey! 14 May 2012. Pleasant View area, Darters in this new section of the creek. This is wonderful Dundas - photo Peter Hurrell.

The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Page 159 Bumblebee Watch has Launched! Please Visit BumbleBeeWatch.org The Xerces Society, in collaboration with the University of Ottawa, Wildlife Preservation Canada, the Montreal Insec- tarium, the Natural History Museum of London, and BeeSpotter, will be launching a citizen science initiative to track all species of North American bumblebees. This project will help us to follow the status of these essential pollinators and inform effective conservation actions. With our new website, you will be able to upload photos, use an interactive identification tool, and submit geo-referenced records of all North American bumblebees. In the last issue of the Wood Duck (Vol. 67, No. 6, page 139), two articles highlighted some encouraging news for this group of bees. Nonetheless, bumblebees still need our help. There is still so much to learn about their distribution before meaning- ful programs can be put in place to protect them. We have to know where they are before we can protect them. This is where volunteers come in: to gather the baseline data regarding distribution. Bumblebees are easy to photograph, and with the interactive website, you can make a solid contribution in the preservation of these very important insects.

TRIVIA FOR NATURE Join the HNC’s land trust program for its popular annual Trivia Night! We will be raising funds to enable us to continue to provide our popular outdoor education program.

There are questions for everyone during this evening of general knowledge trivia, so gather a group of friends to form a team of 8, or join a team at the event. Please feel free to bring your own snacks. Snacks and drinks will also be available for purchase (see poster below).

When: Saturday, April 26, 2014, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Where: St. Paul’s United Church, 29 Park Street West, Dundas Tickets: $10 each or $70 for a table of 8 For reservations or more information please contact Jen Baker at 905-524-3339 or [email protected]. photo Jen Baker Studying forest ecology and listening for birds at the members’ outing to Spooky Hollow Sanctuary on 1 June 2013. This year, to Short Hills (see below).

Members’ Outing to the Short Hills Nature Sanctuary The HNC acquired the Short Hills Nature Sanctuary in 1967. It is located on the Niagara Peninsula and contains a rare example of old growth Carolinian forest known as the “Valley of the Big Trees” which includes huge Tulip Trees, oaks and American Beech. It provides habitat for several species “at risk” including the Cucumber-Tree, Broad Beech Fern, Hooded Warbler, Cerulean Warbler and Southern Flying Squirrel. We invite HNC members to join us on Saturday, June 7 for a special guided field day to visit the sanctuary when the forest is alive with birds and wildflowers among enormous Tulip Trees! There will be a $25 fee to help cover bus costs and a minimum number of 20 registrants are needed for the trip to go ahead. To register, please contact Jen Baker at 905-524- 3339 or [email protected]. Specific transportation details will be sent to you closer to the event.

Page 160 The Wood Duck - March, 2014 (Noteworthy Bird records - continued from page 158) Sep 24, 24 –Sep 27, 6 –Oct 15, 1 –Oct 25 L (fide BR); two at Stormwater Black Scoter: Two f. off Grays Rd [HM] Oct 14 F (RD); 225 off Green Pond at Hwy 407 S of Britannia Rd [PL] Sep 12 (RD); one at Rattray Marsh Rd Oct 27 (RD,CE,DD); 15 off Millen Rd Nov 28 (RD). Sep 14 (GRi et al.); birds at Dundas Marsh: 10 –Sep 18 (UK), 18 –Sep 27 Long-tailed Duck: Seven off Van Wagners Beach Sep 28 F (RD,CE); (CE), 14 –Oct 13 (RD); up to five at Confederation Park [HM] Sep 11-Oct 10000 off Green Rd Oct 28 (BH). 22 (JRe; m.obs.); 25 roosting at Carroll’s Point [HM] Oct 10 and four there Bufflehead: One at Tollgate Pond Sep 14-Oct 13 (RD et al.); birds on Oct 27 Oct 22 (PS); up to three at Valley Inn Sep 18-Oct 25L (KN; m.obs.). F: 4 –Van Wagners Beach, 10 –Green Rd, 3 –Fifty Point C.A. (RD,CE,DD). Green Heron: One at Windermere Basin Sep 9-15 (RD); three at Valley Common Goldeneye: One past Van Wagners Beach and three off Inn Sep 18 (KN), and one there Oct 14 L (RD); one at Confederation Green Rd Oct 27 F (RD,CE,DD). Park Sep 23 (CE); two at Dundas Marsh Sep 23 (LMa), and one there Hooded Merganser: Nine at Valley Inn [HL] Oct 25 (RD). Sep 29 (RD,CE,DD). Common Merganser: 23 juv. off Fifty Rd Sep 1 (KM); one at NE Shore Black-crowned Night-Heron: One juv. at Gairloch Gardens, Oakville of Harbour [HM] Sep 4 (RD), and 10 there Oct 13 (RD); nine off [HL] Sep 11 (CE); six at Dundas Marsh Sep 23 (LMa); five ad. + one juv. Shoreacres Sep 12 (RWo). at Red Hill Creek at Eastport Dr [HM] Nov 24 (RD). Red-breasted Merganser: One m. at NE Shore of Harbour Sep 8 (LMa PLEGADIS IBIS Species#: One over Millgrove Loam Pits [HM] Oct 8 * (CDu). et al.); one off Shoreacres Sep 12 (RWo); 10 past Van Wagners Beach Oct Turkey Vulture: 52 past Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Aldershot [HL] Oct 4 F (RD,CE); 17 off Grays Rd Oct 14 (RD). 20 (RD et al.); 50 over N Shore of Cootes Paradise [HM] Oct 21 (RD); one over Sedgewick Forest Park [HL] Nov 20 (LMa,JRe); four over Hwy 403 at Garden Ave, Brantford [BR] Nov 27 (MS). Osprey: Six at Woodland Cemetery Sep 2 (RD,CE); four over Aurora Cres, Burlington [HL] Sep 3 (CE); one at Clappisons Corners Wetland [HM] Oct 30 L (TT). Bald Eagle: Five at Woodland Cemetery (RD,CE) and one 2nd ba. over Aurora Cres, Burlington (CE) Sep 2 F; two ad. past Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Aldershot Oct 20 (RD et al.). Northern Harrier: One f. at Globe Park, Hamilton [HM] Sep 10 (GBa); one at York Rd, Dundas [HM] Nov 26 (RD). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 22 past Woodland Cemetery Sep 2 F (RD,CE); 11 over Aurora Cres, Burlington Sep 2 F and 15 there Sep 3 (CE); 15 past Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Aldershot Oct 20 (RD et al.). Northern Goshawk#: One at Dundas Marsh Sep 29 F (TT); one over Red-breasted Merganser at LaSalle Park, 23 November 2013 - photo Joanne Redwood. Blyth Cres, Oakville [HL] Oct 25 (JWa); one at Bronte Creek Prov. Park Ruddy Duck: One m. + two f. at Windermere Basin Sep 1-15 (RD; m.obs.); [HL] Nov 3 (AD). 60 at Tollgate Pond Oct 13 (RD); 23 off Woodland Cemetery Oct 14 (RD); Red-shouldered Hawk: One at Dundas Marsh Oct 14 F (AWi,KWi); 12 at Valens C.A. Oct 19 (RD); 235 at Cootes Paradise Nov 3 (RD,CE). one over Aurora Cres, Burlington Oct 27 (CE). Ring-necked Pheasant#: One at 10th Rd E & Dofasco Trail [HM] Oct Broad-winged Hawk: One past Woodland Cemetery Sep 2 F (RD,CE), 5 (BM,LM). and one there Sep 22 L (RD et al.); two over Aurora Cres, Burlington Ruffed Grouse#: One at Ruthven Park, Cayuga [HD] Sep 23 (RL); one Sep 2 F and 15 there Sep 13 (CE). f. at Westover Rd N of Conc 8 [HM] Nov 26-29 (PS). Red-tailed Hawk: 26 over Aurora Cres, Burlington Oct 27 (CE); one Wild Turkey: 22 at Hwy 20 & Westbrook Rd [HM] Nov 26 (DL,GL). dark morph at Hwy 6 S of Oneida Line 4 [HD] Nov 2 (CJo). Red-throated Loon#: One past Van Wagners Beach Sep 16 (RD,CE), Rough-legged Hawk: One over Red Hill Parkway & QEW Stormwater and one there Oct 27 (RD,CE,DD); three past Fifty Rd Oct 20 (KM); one Pond Oct 1 F (BS,RCa). past Woodland Cemetery Oct 20 (RD et al.); two off Green Rd Oct 23 Golden Eagle#: One juv. at Escarpment at Kenilworth Access [HM] Oct (GH), and four there Oct 28 (BH); three off Fifty Point C.A. [HM/NG] 30 F (LMa,LTe); birds on Nov 3: 1 –North Burlington [HL] (RLf,GLf), Oct 27 (RD et al.); three over Cootes Paradise Nov 3 (RD,CE). 1 –Bronte [HL] (GE,SE), 1 –Beverly Swamp [HM] (DG), 1 –Dundas Common Loon: Four past Van Wagners Beach Sep 1 (RD et al.), and 10 [HM] (BW), 1subad. –Galt [WT] (JTo,MTo); one imm. at Morriston there Oct 27 (RD,CE,DD); nine off Fifty Point C.A. Oct 27 (RD et al.); [WL] Nov 13 (MV). 45 off Green Rd Oct 28 (BH). Sora#: Two at Dundas Marsh Sep 23 L (LMa). Pied-billed Grebe: Two at Windermere Basin Oct 5 F (TT et al.); two Common Gallinule#: One at Dundas Marsh Sep 23-29L (LMa; RD,CE,DD). at Grimsby Sewage Ponds [NG] Oct 6 (AWi,KWi); three off LaSalle American Coot: 48 off Bayshore Park Oct 13 F (RD); 21 off LaSalle Marina Oct 21 (RD,CE). Marina Oct 22 (JRe). Horned Grebe: One at Cootes Paradise Oct 13 F (RD); five off Green Sandhill Crane#: Three at East River Rd S of Glen Morris [BR] Sep 29- Rd Oct 14 (RD); nine off Fifty Point C.A. Oct 27 (RDet al.); five off Oct 1 (GSi); 50 over Dundas Valley C.A. [HM] (RPr) and 154 over Brant LaSalle Marina Nov 1 (JRe). C.A. [BR] (DBn) Nov 24. Red-necked Grebe: 40 off Rattray Marsh [PL] Sep 14 (GRi et al.); one WHOOPING CRANE#: Two reported over Brant C.A. Nov 24 * (DBn) on Harbour off Bayshore Park [HM] Oct 13 (RD); one off Fifty Point were likely strays from the introduced flock summering in Wisconsin C.A. Nov 16 (JH et al.). and wintering in Florida. NORTHERN GANNET#: One ad. past Green Rd Sep 1 * (BH), and Black-bellied Plover: One juv. at Tollgate Pond (RD,CE) and one juv. at again past Van Wagners Beach Oct 5-6 (JI; m.obs.) provided the first Windermere Basin (RD,BC) Sep 6; one juv. at NE Shore of Harbour Sep 14 record of an adult for the HSA and the earliest fall record. It was likely (RD et al.); one at Red Hill Parkway & QEW Stormwater Pond Sep 19 L (CE). the same individual that had been present on Lake Ontario off New American Golden-Plover: 40 at Glancaster & Haldibrook Rds [HM] Sep York and eastern Ontario since May. 4 (MJa), and 19 there Sep 6 (CE); 25 at Mines & Haldibrook Rds [HD] American White Pelican#: One at Cootes Paradise /W End of Harbour Sep 6 (CE), and 30 there Sep 9 (JH); five juv. at Windermere Basin Sep 6 [HM] Sep 29-Oct 19L (TT; m.obs.). (RD,BC), and one ad. + seven juv. there Sep 15 (RD,CE,BC); one juv. at Great Blue Heron: 30 at Dundas Marsh [HM] Sep 23 (LMa), and 35 Red Hill Parkway & QEW Stormwater Pond Nov 13-16L (KM; m.obs.). there Oct 13 (RD). Semipalmated Plover: Seven at NE Shore of Harbour Sep 4 (RD); seven Great Egret#: One at Dundas Hydro Pond [HM] Sep 1-Oct 17 (RD); up to at Windermere Basin Sep 6 (RD,BC); eight at Red Hill Parkway & QEW four at Red Hill Parkway & QEW Stormwater Pond Sep 5-19 (LMa,CSc,JRe; Stormwater Pond Sep 11 (CE), and five there Sep 19 L (CE). m.obs.); birds at Grand River above Parkhill Dam [WT]: 8 –Sep 10, 29 – (continued next page) The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Page 161 Killdeer: 120 at Mines & Haldibrook Rds Sep 29 (RD,CE,DD). Spotted Sandpiper: Two at Red Hill Parkway & QEW Stormwater Pond Sep 15 L (RD,CE,BC). Solitary Sandpiper: One at Ruthven Park Sep 3 (MT); two at Bronte Marsh [HL] Sep 25 L (CE). Greater Yellowlegs: 34 counted throughout the HSA on Nov 3 L (m.obs.). Lesser Yellowlegs: 21 at Confederation Park Sep 11 (JRe); 10 at Red Hill Parkway & QEW Stormwater Pond Sep 19 (CE); seven counted throughout the HSA on Nov 3 L (m.obs.). Whimbrel#: One at NE Shore of Harbour Sep 4 (RD); one at Windermere Basin Sep 6 L (BC; m.obs.). Hudsonian Godwit#: One at N Shore of Cootes Paradise Sep 28 * (AGu). Red Knot#: One juv. at Tollgate Pond Sep 1-2 (CE; m.obs.); one juv. at Windermere Basin Sep 6 L (RD,BC). Sanderling: Birds at Van Wagners Beach: 6juv. –Sep 1 (RD et al.), 11 –Sep 8 (RD et al.), 2 –Oct 5 (RD et al.), 2 –Nov 3 L (WCr et al.); five at Burlington Beachstrip [HL] Sep 9 (BO). Semipalmated Sandpiper: 11 at NE Shore of Harbour Sep 4 (RD); one at Confederation Park Sep 23 L (CE). Lesser Black-backed Gull at Van Wagners Beach, 12 October 2013 - photo Brandon Holden. Least Sandpiper: Six at Red Hill Parkway & QEW Stormwater Pond Glaucous Gull: One 2nd ba. off Green Rd Nov 28F-30 (BH; m.obs.). Sep 19 L (CE). Great Black-backed Gull: One juv. off Van Wagners Beach Sep 23 White-rumped Sandpiper: One at Tollgate Pond Sep 1 F (AWi,KWi). (RD,CE); eight off Green Rd Oct 28 (BH); 12 at CCIW [HL] Nov 26 Baird’s Sandpiper: One at Red Hill Parkway & QEW Stormwater Pond (RD). Sep 1 (AWi,KWi); one juv. at NE Shore of Harbour Sep 5 (CE); one at Caspian Tern: Five at NE Shore of Harbour Sep 14 L (RD et al.). McPherson Rd Stormwater Pond, Oakville [HL] Sep 6 (MJ); one juv. at Black Tern#: One found dead at Ruthven Park Sep 8 L (PT et al.). Windermere Basin Sep 8-9L (LMa et al.). Common Tern: Birds off Van Wagners Beach: 35 –Sep 1 (RD et al.), 10 Pectoral Sandpiper: Three at Windermere Basin Sep 8 (LMa et al.); –Oct 4 (RD,CE), 1 –Oct 5 (RD et al.); two ad. + three juv. at Windermere three at Tollgate Pond Sep 14 (RD et al.); three at Confederation Park Basin Sep 6 (RD,BC) were a very late brood; 14 past CCIW Oct 3 (RD); Sep 23 (CE); three at N Shore of Cootes Paradise Nov 3 L (MM). one at N Shore of Harbour Nov 3 L (BH). Dunlin: One past Van Wagners Beach (RD,CE) and two at Dundas Marsh Forster’s Tern#: One at Burlington Ship Canal Oct 1 (BS,RCa); one off (JHu) Oct 4 F; two at Windermere Basin Oct 5 (TT et al.); two past Green Van Wagners Beach Oct 5 L (RD et al.). Rd Oct 28 (BH); 180 at Cootes Paradise Nov 3 L (MM,AKe; RD,CE). Pomarine Jaeger#: Birds off Van Wagners Beach: 1juv. –Sep 8 * (CE et Stilt Sandpiper: One juv. at Tollgate Pond Sep 1 L (RD et al.). al.), 1juv. –Sep 13 (LMa), 2juv. –Sep 16 (RD et al.), 6ad. –Oct 4 (RD,CE), Buff-breasted Sandpiper#: One at Mines & Haldibrook Rds Sep 6-10L 1ad. –Oct 5 (RD et al.), 1 –Nov 3 (GPt,MJa); one off Burlington (CE; m.obs.) and two there Sep 9 (DL,GL). Beachstrip Sep 9 (BO); three juv. off Green Rd Sep 9 and one juv. there Short-billed Dowitcher: One juv. at Tollgate Pond Sep 1 (RD,CE,BC); Oct 28 (BH); one off Arkendo Park, Oakville [HL] Oct 4 (JWa). one at Confederation Park Sep 15 L (RD,CE,BC). Parasitic Jaeger#: Birds off Van Wagners Beach: 4juv. –Sep 1 (RD et Wilson’s Snipe: One at Millgrove Loam Pits [HM] Oct 1 L (DD). al.), 9 –Sep 5 (CE,BCh,RD), 7 –Sep 8 (RD et al.), 2 –Sep 9 (SWi,BAk), American Woodcock: One at Ruthven Park Oct 15 (RL); one at 14 Mile Creek Trail, 1ad. + 1juv. –Sep 13 (LMa et al.), 5 –Sep 14 (BCh), 2ad. + 2juv. –Sep 16 Oakville [HL] Oct 23 (SCh); one at Dundas Valley C.A. Nov 3 L (SMG,SpMG,JFt). (RD et al.), 1ad. + 2juv. –Sep 17 (RD et al.), 1 –Sep 23 (CE,MJa), 4 –Sep Wilson’s Phalarope#: One juv. at Windermere Basin Sep 1-3L 27 (CE), 1 –Oct 4 (RD,CE), 1juv. –Oct 5 (RD et al.), 1ad. + 1juv. –Oct (AWi,KWi; m.obs.); one at Hespeler Mill Pond [WT] Sep 3 L (MI). 15 (CE,DD,BCh), 1 –Oct 29 L (LMa); one juv. off Spencer Smith Park Red-necked Phalarope#: Three juv. at Tollgate Pond Sep 1-2 (CE; m.obs.), [HL] Sep 5 (DD); birds off Green Rd: 1 –Sep 5 (BH), 2juv. –Sep 9 (BH), and one there Sep 5 (LMa,CSc,JRe); three off Green Rd Sep 9 L (BH). 2 –Sep 13 (GH), 1juv. –Sep 16 (BH); one off Burlington Beachstrip Sep Phalarope species#: Birds off Van Wagners Beach: 1 –Sep 5 9 (BO); one juv. off Rattray Marsh Sep 17 (JV,KRn,DSm), and one juv. (RD,CE,BCh), 2 –Sep 8 (RD et al.), 2 –Sep 16 (RD et al.). there Oct 25 (fide AK). Red Phalarope#: One juv. off Van Wagners Beach Sep 5 * (BCh,CE,RD). Long-tailed Jaeger#: Birds off Van Wagners Beach: 1juv. –Sep 1 (RD Black-legged Kittiwake#: One ad. off Green Rd Sep 8 (GH), and one juv. et al.), 6 –Sep 13 (LMa et al.), 1juv. –Oct 5 L (RD et al.); one ad. + one there Oct 6 (GH); birds off Van Wagner Beach: 1juv. –Sep 14 (KM), 1juv. juv. off Green Rd Sep 9 (BH); one subad. off Rattray Marsh Sep 17 –Oct 5 (LMa), 2juv. –Oct 12 (DLp et al.), 1juv. –Oct 15 (BCh,CE,DD), (JV,KRn,DSm). 1 –Oct 29 L (LMa); two juv. off Fifty Point C.A. Oct 27 (RPo,MJa). Jaeger species#: Birds off Van Wagners Beach: 7 –Sep 1 (RDet al.), 9 Sabine’s Gull#: Two ad. off Green Rd Sep 5 * (BH); birds off Van –Sep 5 (CE,BCh), 5 –Sep 8 (RD et al.), 3 –Sep 16 (RD et al.), 1 –Oct 4 Wagners Beach: 7juv. –Sep 5 * (CE,BCh,RD), 4juv. –Sep 8 (RD et al.), (RD,CE), 2 –Oct 5 (RD et al.), 1 –Oct 6 (AWi,KWi), 1 –Oct 22 (RD,CE), 2juv. –Sep 14 (BCh), 3juv. –Sep 16 (RD et al.), 1juv. –Sep 18 (NS et al.), 1 –Oct 29 (JJa); two off Rattray Marsh Sep 17 (JV,KRn,DSm); one off 3juv. –Sep 23 (MJa,CE), 1ad. –Oct 15 (CE,DD,BCh). Green Rd Oct 14 (RD). Bonaparte’s Gull: Nine at Burlington Ship Canal [HM/HL] Oct 1 WHITE-WINGED DOVE#: One at Upper Wentworth Ave & Lincoln (BS,RCa); 12 off Van Wagners Beach Oct 5 (RD et al.); nine past Fifty Alexander Parkway [HM] Oct 3 (LMa,LTe) provided the fifth record for Rd Oct 20 (KM); 16 off Fifty Point C.A. Oct 27 (RD et al.); 36 off Green the HSA and second this year. Rd Oct 28 (BH); 28 at Dundas Marsh Nov 3 (RD,CE); two at Dundas Yellow-billed Cuckoo#: Birds at Ruthven Park: 1 –Sep 7 (MT), 2 –Sep Hydro Pond Nov 16 (RD). 10 (NF), 1 –Oct 4 L (RL); one at Shoreacres Sep 12-14 (BKr; EHo). Iceland Gull#: One juv. at N Shore of Cootes Paradise Nov 3 F (MM,AKe). Snowy Owl#: One at Fifty Point C.A. Nov 23 F (MV); one at Tollgate Lesser Black-backed Gull#: Birds off Green Rd: 1ad. + 1juv. –Sep 16 st st Pond Nov 24-30 (MV; m.obs.); one at 1 Rd E & Highland Rd [HM] (BH), 1 1 ba. –Oct 11 (BH), 1ad. –Nov 29 (GH); birds off Van Wagners th st Nov 29 (fide GSa); one at Windermere Basin and one at 10 Rd E & Beach: 1juv. –Sep 16 (RD et al.), 1ad. –Sep 23 (MJa,CE), 1 1 ba. –Sep Dofasco Trail Nov 30 (MJa). 28-Oct 27 (RD,CE; m.obs.), 1ad. –Oct 5 (RD et al.); one juv. past Fifty Short-eared Owl#: Birds off Van Wagners Beach: 1 –Oct 11 F (RD), 1 Rd Oct 20 (KM), and one ad. there Nov 30 (RD); one at Hagersville –Oct 15 (GPt), 2 –Oct 29 (JJa); two off Green Rd Oct 14 (RD); one past [HD] (JH,BJ) and one at Van Wagners Beach (WCr et al.) Nov 3. Woodland Cemetery Oct 18 (DD,CE). Page 162 The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Northern Saw-whet Owl#: Birds at Ruthven Park: 3 –Oct 15 F, 1 –Oct Northern Shrike#: One at 10th Rd E & Dofasco Trail Nov 2F-30 (RPo; 19, 3 –Oct 24, 7 –Oct 29, 5 –Nov 3, 4 - Nov 4, 2 –Nov 8 (NF et al.). m.obs.); six counted throughout the HSA on Nov 3 (m.obs.); one at Van Common Nighthawk: One at Ruthven Park Sep 1 (MT); two over Wagners Ponds Nov 30 (DD). Hidden Valley Park, Aldershot [HL] Sep 29 L (CS). Eastern Whip-poor-will#: One at Dundas Marsh Sep 22 L (KK,WK). Chimney Swift: 45 past Woodland Cemetery Sep 2 (RD,CE); 12 over Aurora Cres, Burlington Sep 4 (CE); five at Dundas Marsh Sep 29 L (TT). Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Six past Woodland Cemetery Sep 2 (RD,CE); seven at Shoreacres Sep 11 (CE); four at Shoreacres and six at Shell Park [HL] Sep 12 (AMC); two at LaSalle Park [HL] Oct 3 (TT); two at Ruthven Park Oct 6 (RL); one m. at Riverwood Park, Mississauga [PL] Oct 30-Nov 2L (fide LF). Red-headed Woodpecker#: One imm. at Dundas Marsh Nov 3 (RD,CE). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: One at Woodland Cemetery Sep 22 F (RD et al.); five at Confederation Park Oct 3 (EK,BKr); one near St. George [BR] Nov 3 (DWo et al.); one at N Shore of Cootes Paradise Nov 18 (ES et al.); one at Sedgewick Forest Park Nov 27-28 (LMa,JRe). Immature Northern Shrike at 10th Rd East at railway tracks, Stoney Creek, Northern Flicker: 20 at Woodland Cemetery Sep 14 (RD et al.). 13 November 2013 - photo Mike Veltri. American Kestrel: 21 over Aurora Cres, Burlington Sep 12 (CE); 17 White-eyed Vireo#: One at Shoreacres Nov 3 L (RC,GS). past Woodland Cemetery Sep 22 (RD et al.). Yellow-throated Vireo#: One at Ruthven Park Sep 1-7 (MT), and one Merlin: Birds at Woodland Cemetery: 1 –Sep 2 (RD,CE), 1 –Sep 22 there Sep 9 L (NF). (RD et al.), 1 –Oct 20 (RD et al.); one at Fiddlers Green Rd S of Book Blue-headed Vireo: One at Woodland Cemetery Sep 22 F (RD et al.); Rd [HM] Sep 6 (RD); one at Rock Chapel [HM] Sep 6 (SD); one at one at Burlington Beachstrip [HL] Nov 3 L (RC,GS). Ruthven Park Sep 7 (MT) and one there Sep 22 (RL); one at McPherson Warbling Vireo: One at Shoreacres and one at Shell Park Sep 12 L (RWo). Rd Stormwater Pond, Oakville Sep 6 (MJ); one at Windermere Basin Philadelphia Vireo: Seven at Woodland Cemetery Sep 22 (RD et al.); Sep 8 (LMa et al.); one at Plains Rd W, Aldershot [HL] Sep 30-Oct 18 one at Ruthven Park Oct 5 L (RL). (RD); one at Montgomery Park, Hamilton [HM] Oct 11 (LMa); one at Red-eyed Vireo: 11 at Shoreacres Sep 12 (RWo); 12 at Woodland SE Oakville Sewage Treatment Plant [HL] Nov 19 (CE). Cemetery Sep 22 (RD et al.); one at Dundas Valley Nov 3 L (HB,JLi,FHi). Peregrine Falcon#: Birds at Woodland Cemetery: 1 –Sep 2 (RD,CE), Common Raven#: One at 5th Conc E of Brock Rd [HM] Sep 6 (BC); 1juv. –Sep 22 (RD et al.), 1 –Oct 20 (RD et al.); two over Aurora Cres, birds at Westover Rd N of Conc 8: 2 –Sep 25-26, 1 –Oct 3, 1 –Oct 11, 1 – Burlington Sep 2 F (CE); the resident pair remained at Burlington Lift Nov 12, 1 –Nov 19 (PS); one at Ruthven Park Oct 22 (RL); nine counted Bridge [HL/HM] Sep 1-Nov 30 (RD; m.obs.); one at Van Wagners Beach throughout the HSA Nov 3 (m.obs.); one at Hwy 403 & Johnson Rd, Oct 4 (RD,CE), and one ad. + one juv. there Oct 5 (RD et al.); two at Brantford [BR] Nov 7 (DD); two at Vinemount Quarry, 10th Rd E Nov Vinemount Quarry, 10th Rd E [HM] Nov 24 (AWi,KWi). 24 (AWi,KWi); one at Hwy 97 W of Freelton [HM] Nov 30 (PSc). Olive-sided Flycatcher#: One at Ruthven Park Aug 29 (MT); one at Horned Lark: 50 at Mines & Haldibrook Rds Sep 29 (RD,CE,DD). White church & Miles Rds [HM] Sep 9 (CE); one at Blyth Cres, Oakville Purple Martin: Two at Burlington Beachstrip Sep 1 L (RD). Sep 9 (JWa); one at Shell Park Sep 12 (AMC); one at Edgelake Park BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN#: One reported off Green Rd Sep 9 * (BH) [HM] Sep 17 L (AD). would be a first record for the HSA and Ontario if accepted by the OBRC. Tree Swallow: 29 past Woodland Cemetery Sep 2 (RD,CE). Eastern Wood-Pewee: Four at Woodland Cemetery Sep 14 (RD et al.); Northern Rough-winged Swallow: Two past Green Rd Oct 5 (GH); one at Princess Point Oct 1 L (RPr). one at Fifty Point C.A. Nov 11 L (TK). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: One at Ruthven Park Oct 2 L (RL). Cliff Swallow: Six past Woodland Cemetery Sep 2 L (RD,CE). “Traill’s” Flycatcher: One at Woodland Cemetery Sep 14 L (RD et al.). Barn Swallow: Six at Confederation Park Sep 15 L (RD,CE,BC). Least Flycatcher: One at Woodland Cemetery Sep 22 L (RD et al.). Swallow species: Two at Windermere Basin Oct 31 (LMa,LTe); one at Eastern Phoebe: Two at Clappisons Corners Wetland Sep 22 F (RD QEW E of Guelph Line [HL] Nov 14 (DD). et al.); four at Confederation Park Oct 3 (EK,BKr); one at SE Oakville Tufted Titmouse#: Birds at Ruthven Park: 1 –Sep 3 (MT), 1 –Sep 24 Sewage Treatment Plant Nov 3 L (LF). (RL), 1 –Oct 13 (RL), 3 –Nov 3 (RL); birds on Nov 3: 2 –Haldimand Great Crested Flycatcher: Two at Woodland Cemetery (RD et al.) and (JH,BJ), 1 –Brantford (BL), 1 –Glen Morris [BR] (KDa,JDa). one at Shoreacres (EHo) Sep 14 L. Red-breasted Nuthatch: One at Woodland Cemetery Sep 14 F (RD et al.). Western Kingbird#: One at White Church Rd & Miles Rd [HM] Sep Brown Creeper: Five at Confederation Park Oct 3 F (EK,BKr). 6-9L (DD; m.obs.) provided the ninth record for the HSA. Carolina Wren: 101 counted throughout the HSA Nov 3 (m.obs.). House Wren: One at North Waterdown Wetlands Trails [HM] Oct 3 L (TT). Winter Wren: One at Blyth Cres, Oakville Aug 27 F (JWa); 12 at Shell Park Oct 6 (EK); two at Sedgewick Forest Park Nov 15 (CE). Marsh Wren#: One at Valley Inn Sep 18 (KN), and one there Nov 3-4 (KM,RW; DD); two at Dundas Marsh Sep 22 (KK,WK), and three there Sep 27 (CE). Golden-crowned Kinglet: Two at CCIW Sep 23 F (RD); 62 at Confederation Park Oct 3 (EK,BKr); 100 at Shell Park (EK) and 100 at Blyth Cres, Oakville (JWa) Oct 6. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: Two at Woodland Cemetery Sep 14 F (RD et al.), and 23 there Sep 28 (RD,CE); 20 at Confederation Park Oct 3 (EK,BKr); 200 at Shell Park (EK) and 100 at Blyth Cres, Oakville (JWa) Oct 6; two at Sedgewick Forest Park Nov 15 (CE) and one there Nov Western Kingbird, 8 Sep. 2013, White Church & Miles Roads - photo Joanne Redwood. 20-28 (LMa,JRe). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: One at Woodland Cemetery Sep 14 L (RD et al.). Eastern Kingbird: One at White Church & Miles Rds Sep 8-9 (EHo; Eastern Bluebird: Ten past Woodland Cemetery Oct 14 F (RD), and 32 CE); one at Frances Ave Woods [HM] Sep 14 (BH); one at Eramosa Karst there Oct 20 (RD et al.); 21 at Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Aldershot Oct C.A. [HM] Sep 19 (LMa); one at Confederation Park Oct 5 L (TT et al.). 20 (RD et al.); 12 at Olympic Park, Dundas Oct 23 (LMa).

The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Page 163 Veery: Six at Shoreacres and four at Shell Park Sep 12 L (RWo). two at Dundas Marsh Sep 29 L (RD,CE,DD). Gray-cheeked Thrush: Six at Shoreacres Sep 12 (RWo); one at Lewis Rd Pine Warbler: One at Edgelake Park Sep 22 F (AMC); one m. at at Lake [HM] Nov 3 L (BS,AS,PWa). Sedgewick Forest Park Nov 20-30 (LMa,JRe; m.obs.). Swainson’s Thrush: One at Shoreacres Yellow-rumped Warbler: 20 at Sedgewick Forest Park Sep 25 (CE), and Sep 4 F (CE); 10 at Edgelake Park Sep 12 there Nov 27-30 (LMa et al.); 24 at Dundas Marsh Sep 27 (CE); 35 at 12 (GH); one at Shell Park Oct 6 L (EK). Woodland Cemetery Sep 28 (RD,CE), and 26 there Oct 20 (RD et al.); 25 at Hermit Thrush: 12 at Shell Park Oct 6 Olympic Park, Dundas Oct 12 (RD); four at Port Credit [PL] Nov 27 (DPr). F (EK); 10 at Confederation Park Oct Black-throated Green Warbler: 20 at Woodland Cemetery Sep 22 (RD et al.). 14 (RD); seven at Sam Lawrence Park Canada Warbler: One at Grand River Trail S of Glen Morris [BR] Sep 27 L (GSi). Oct 28 and one there Nov 13 (LMa). Wilson’s Warbler: One at Woodland Cemetery Sep 22 L (RD et al.). Wood Thrush: One at Sedgewick Yellow-breasted Chat#: One at Confederation Park Sep 17* (AD; CE,RD). Forest Park Sep 26 L (ES). Eastern Towhee: One at North Waterdown Wetland Trails Sep 29 F Brown Thrasher: Two at Confederation (TT); one at Van Wagners Ponds Nov 16 L (CS). Park Sep 17 (RD,CE); one at Aurora American Tree Sparrow: Two at Dundas Marsh Oct 5 F (TT et al.); 20 Cres, Burlington Sep 19 (CE). at Woodland Cemetery Oct 25 (JRe). American Pipit: One at 5th Conc Chipping Sparrow: 80 at Confederation Park/Van Wagners Ponds Oct W of Brock Rd [HM] Sep 1 F (BC); 27 (RD,CE,DD); three at Lynden Ave, Dundas [HM] Nov 8 (JLi); one at eight at Mines & Haldibrook Rds Sep Sumach Dr, Aldershot [HL] Nov 13 L (CS). 15 (JRe); 60 E of Burloak Dr/Great Clay-colored Sparrow#: One E of Wyecroft & Burloak Rds, Oakville Lakes Blvd [HL] Oct 14-15 (MJ), Marsh Wren at Valley Inn, 18 September Oct 15 L (MJ). and 100 there Oct 17 (BJe,JLi); one 2013 - photo Ken Newcombe. Field Sparrow: One at Gates of Heaven Cemetery Sep 22 F (RD et al.); at West Harbour Waterfront Trail 12 at Confederation Park Oct 14 (RD). [HM] Nov 27 (DT); one at NE Shore of Harbour Nov 30 (KBu et al.). Vesper Sparrow: One at Sam Lawrence Park Oct 24-25L (LMa; EHo). Bohemian Waxwing#: 75 at University of Guelph [WL] Nov 26 F (JPr). Lark Sparrow#: One at Fifty Point C.A. Oct 28 * (KD; DD,RD). Lapland Longspur#: One over Dundas Marsh Nov 3 F (RD,CE). Nelson’s Sparrow#: Birds at Dundas Marsh: 1 –Sep 23 * (LMa), 2 –Sep Snow Bunting: One at Van Wagners Beach (CE,DD) and 80 at Green 27 (CE), 2 –Sep 29 (RD,CE,DD). Rd at the Lake (RD,CE,DD) Oct 27 F. Fox Sparrow: One at Sam Lawrence Park Oct 23 F (LMa); two at SE Ovenbird: One at Confederation Park Sep 15 (RD,CE,BC). Oakville Sewage Treatment Plant Nov 29 (CE). Northern Waterthrush: One at Shell Park Sep 12 L (RWo). Song Sparrow: 25 at Princess Point Oct 13 (RD). Blue-winged Warbler: One at Ruthven Park Sep 1 L (MT). Lincoln’s Sparrow: One at Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Aldershot Sep 22 Black-and-white Warbler: Eight at Woodland Cemetery Sep 22 (RD et F (RD et al.), and one there Oct 14 L (RD). al.); one at Sedgewick Forest Park Sep 25 L (CE). White-throated Sparrow: Five at Confederation Park Sep 17 F Tennessee Warbler: One at Ruthven Park Oct 6 (RL); one at Rattray (RD,CE), and 76 there Oct 3 (EK,BKr); 30 at Shoreacres Sep 23 (AMC); Marsh Oct 7 L (JWa). 30 at Spencer Creek Woods [HM] Oct 6 (RD,CE); 30 at Van Wagners Orange-crowned Warbler: One at Aurora Cres, Burlington Sep 12 F Ponds Oct 7 (RD); 30 at Valley Inn Oct 25 (RD). (CE); one at Sam Lawrence Park Oct 24-27 (LMa); one at Ruthven Park Harris’s Sparrow#: One imm. at Hopkins Tract [HM] Oct 28 (UK). Nov 1 (RL); two at SE Oakville Sewage Treatment Plant (LF) and one White-crowned Sparrow: One imm. at Woodland Cemetery Sep 22 at Shoreacres (RC,GS) Nov 3; two at Sedgewick Forest Park Nov 15-20 F (RD); 20 at Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Aldershot Oct 14 (RD); one (CE; LMa,JRe) and one there till Nov 30 at least (m.obs.). imm. at Red Hill Parkway & QEW Stormwater Pond Nov 14 (LMa,LTe). Nashville Warbler: Ten at Woodland Cemetery Sep 22 (RD et al.); one Dark-eyed Junco: One at Van Wagners Ponds Oct 5 F (TT et al.); 60 at at Sedgewick Forest Park Nov 20-30 (LMa,JRe; m.obs.). Confederation Park/Van Wagners Ponds Oct 27 (RD,CE,DD). Connecticut Warbler#: One imm. at Woodland Cemetery Sep 5 F Scarlet Tanager: One f. at Woodland Cemetery Sep 14 (RD et al.); two (MM); one at Ruthven Park Sep 11 and two there Sep 13 L (NF). at Ruthven Park Sep 22 (PT); one at North Waterdown Wetlands Trails Mourning Warbler#: One at Edgelake Park Sep 12 (GH); one at Frances Sep 29 L (TT). Ave Woods Sep 17 L (BH). Rose-breasted Grosbeak: One f. at Ruthven Park Oct 16 L (RL). Common Yellowthroat: Six at Confederation Park Sep 15 (RD,CE,BC). Indigo Bunting: One at Ruthven Park Oct 2 L (RL). American Redstart: 11 at Forty Mile Creek, Grimsby [NG] Sep 15 Bobolink: One at Shoreacres and two at Shell Park Sep 12 L (RWo). (RD,CE,BC); 14 at Woodland Cemetery Sep 22 (RD et al.). Red-winged Blackbird: 1750 past Woodland Cemetery Oct 20 (RD et Cape May Warbler: Eight at Confederation Park Sep 5 (LMa,CSc,JRe); al.); two at SE Oakville Sewage Treatment Plant Nov 29 (CE). one at Aurora Cres, Burlington Sep 12 and one there Sep 17 (CE); four Eastern Meadowlark: One past Woodland Cemetery Oct 14 (RD), and at Woodland Cemetery Sep 22 L (RD et al.). one there Oct 20 (RD et al.); one at Great Lakes Blvd & Rebecca St Nov Northern Parula: One at Woodland Cemetery Sep 1 F (AWi,KWi); one 3 (AD); one at 10th Rd E & Dofasco Trail Nov 13-30 (MV; CHo). at Aurora Cres, Burlington Sep 19 (CE); seven at Woodland Cemetery Rusty Blackbird: One m. at Dundas Marsh Sep 23 F (LMa); 132 past Woodland Sep 22 (RD et al.); one f. at LaSalle Park Nov 11 L (LMa,JRe). Cemetery Oct 14 (RD); 700 at Ruthven Park Nov 1 and 200 there Nov 6 (RL) Magnolia Warbler: 14 at Shell Park Sep 12 (RWo); 15 at Woodland Common Grackle: 3000 at Ruthven Park Oct 25 (RL); 5000 over Cemetery Sep 22 (RD et al.); three at Ruthven Park Oct 7 (RL). Sunrise Cres, Dundas Nov 2 (RD). Bay-breasted Warbler: One at SE Oakville Sewage Treatment Plant Brown-headed Cowbird: Eight at Burlington Beachstrip Nov 30 (DD). Nov 3 L (LF). Baltimore Oriole: One at Sherwood Forest Park [HL] Sep 13 L (CE). Blackburnian Warbler: One at Queensway Dr, Burlington [HL] Nov 5 Purple Finch: One at Confederation Park Oct 5 F (TT et al.). L (RPo) was record late for the HSA. Pine Siskin: One at Windermere Basin Nov 3 F (BH). Yellow Warbler: Three at Aurora Cres, Burlington Sep 4 (CE); one at Woodland Cemetery Sep 14 (RD et al.), and one there Sep 22 L (RD et al.). Chestnut-sided Warbler: Ten at Woodland Cemetery Sep 22 (RD et Please send your bird records for December 2013 al.); one at Rattray Marsh Nov 3 L (AG). – February 2014 by March 5 to: Rob Dobos, 21 Blackpoll Warbler: 45 at Shoreacres and 40 at Shell Park Sep 12 (RWo); Sunrise Cres., Dundas, Ont., L9H 3S1; ph: 905-628- one at Ruthven Park Nov 10 L (RL). 0297; e-mail: [email protected] Black-throated Blue Warbler: One at Ruthven Park Oct 13 L (RL). Palm Warbler: One at Shoreacres and one at Shell Park Sep 12 F (RWo);

Page 164 The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Astronomy Corner We Could See Northern Lights this Spring by Mario Carr

ou can always depend on the coming of Spring to breathe life March 14 – Mercury is furthest from the Sun or at its great Yinto our forests. But this year’s vernal equinox has an added elongation and can be seen low in the morning sky. bonus and may breathe life into the skies. This year’s conditions March 16 – Full Moon. are perfect for us to see the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. March 18 – The Moon, Mars and Spica form a five degree triangle For starters, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights during the in the late night sky. Spring or Fall are almost doubled compared to any other time of March 20 – The long anticipated vernal equinox officially occurs the year according to a study of 75 years of Aurora watching. One at 12:57 p.m. bringing the first day of spring. The Moon is also explanation is that the Earth’s tilt during the equinox aligns the three degrees from Saturn in the midnight sky. magnetic fields of our planet with the Sun. March 21 – Hamilton Amateur Astronomers meeting 7:30-9:30 Also, historically a decline in solar activity, which is currently p.m., Spectator building, 44 Frid St., Hamilton. Free admission happening on the Sun and for the rest of 2014 can trigger solar with door prizes and everyone is welcome. An optional food storms and Northern Lights. Last summer we saw a maximum bank donation of non-perishable goods will be collected. in solar activity or the number of spots on the Sun. It’s hard March 22 – Venus is at its greatest elongation or furthest from to predict when solar storms occur but there are websites like the Sun and can be seen in the dawn sky. SpaceWeather.com that can tell you when one is about to happen. March 23 – Last quarter Moon. Here are March stargazer events. Most are listed in the Hamilton March 25 – Mars is five degrees from Spica in the late evening sky. Amateur Astronomers calendar. March 28 – The waxing crescent Moon is three degrees from Planet watching Venus in the morning sky. Mercury and Venus can be seen in the south eastern dawn sky. March 29 – Mercury is near the crescent Moon in the morning Mars rises in the mid evening. Jupiter can be seen in the mid sky. evening sky and Saturn rises near midnight. For more information, please see the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers web site at www.amateurastronomy.org or call March 7 – The waxing crescent Moon is two degrees above (905) 627-4323. If you would like to learn more about the night Aldebaran in the evening sky. sky, the club offers a basic astronomy course for new members. March 8 – First quarter Moon. Mario Carr is the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers director of March 9 – Daylight savings time begins so set your clocks ahead public education and can be reached at [email protected]. by an hour. Also, the waxing gibbous Moon is five degrees below Jupiter in the evening sky.

April Monthly Meeting - 14 April 2014 Speaker: Sandy Smith. Topic: Invasive Species in Our Forests: In Defence of Nature? Royal Botanical Gardens, Plains Road, Burlington. 7:30 p.m.

After some background on what has been arriving in our forests (insects, plants, diseases) and their impacts, we will discuss the measures that have been taken to emulate nature to disrupt these invasives, and bring our invaded systems back into better ecological equilibrium so they are more resilient to future disturbance.

Dr. Sandy M Smith is a Professor in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Toronto, former Dean (2010-2012), and cross- appointed to the university’s School of the Environment and Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Her research addresses the ecology and biological management of invasive species to better understand invasion processes in forest sys- tems. Sandy has supervised numerous graduate theses, and is a well-published author and editor. She also actively participates in a number of professional organizations and invasive species control panels at international, national, and provincial levels.

The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Page 165 Book Review Review: Rejecting Science in Canada by Don McLean

hris Turner is no stranger to Hamilton. Since early November he that the public good itself possesses a Chas given four public talks here – at McMaster and Mohawk, for value beyond the near-term profit any city staff and the annual Spirit of Red Hill Valley lecture. All but the given commercial enterprise, and the last have focused on the subject he is best known for – the rapid shift baseline assumption that economy to sustainable energy underway especially in Germany and other parts is an instrument in the service of the of Europe. His first two books – The Geography of Hope and The Leap public interest rather than a higher goal – optimistically explore those changes and the prospect they provide that humanity can avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change. to be protected against the needless intrusions of the public at large.” That hopefulness, however, is sorely tested in his most recent book as he turns his attention to Canada, where efforts to talk about or even Turner’s examination of the anti-science activity of the federal investigate solutions to our energy challenges are being throttled by a Conservatives however, is far from limited to its changes to legislation national government determined to increase fossil fuel extraction as fast or the impact on the natural environment. While he compiles numerous as possible. The result is what Turner dubs a war on science so extensive occasions where scientists were muzzled and prevented from speaking and intense that he characterizes it as a rejection of the enlightenment to the media about their findings and describes the elimination of and rationality itself as well as of the accomplishments of earlier hundreds of research projects and jobs, he also points to examples Canadian governments headed by conservatives, like Robert Borden, of a profound anti-intellectual bent that includes the cancellation of Joe Clark, and Brian Mulroney. the long-form census and the rejection of decades of research on the prevention of crime and the rehabilitation of criminals. He calls Prime Minister Borden the first true government champion of The campaign has included $8 million given to Revenue Canada to science who worked to “eliminate the crony capitalism, corruption and investigate the political activities and funding of charitable organizations crass patronage that defined Canada’s nineteenth century civil service like the HNC characterized as “radical” environmentalists – a witch- and replace it with rational, efficient modern agencies, established hunt that after nearly 900 audits in the first year found only one violating at arm’s length from the partisan Parliament and deploying ‘neutral government rules – a physicians’ group calling for nuclear disarmament. competence’ on matters of public policy.” On some examples, such as Industry Minister Gary Goodyear’s Turner details how that tradition of speaking truth to power began to direction that the National Research Council’s central mandate should be chipped away during the minority governments headed by Stephen be as a “concierge” for industry, Turner suspects the plain ignorance Harper and concludes that “once he had the ‘strong stable majority’ he’d of country-bumpkins. That could be the author’s optimism peaking sought for so long, Harper pounced on the opportunity to hack that through and assuming that the wreckage is all a mistake that will legacy to shreds.” ultimately be rejected, but he is blunt in his overall conclusions.

The natural environment has been the main casualty, along with the “Stephen Harper’s Canada is a country where policy determines the scientists who study it, and the civil servants charged with protecting facts and evidence is shaped to fit political goals, where everything from it. Virtually every environmental law has been weakened or completely the casual commentary of scientists to the substance of the Fisheries Act gutted. Environmental assessments, for example, have gone from 5000 has been massaged to forward a political agenda whose only real vision a year to less than 30. Waterways protected under Navigable Waters is the expansion of the government’s own power and exploitation of the legislation have shrunk from three million lakes and rivers to less than country’s natural wealth.” two hundred. The changes to the Fisheries Act, long considered the country’s premier environmental law, were so drastic that they drew It’s a book that carefully compiles how this is being accomplished and public opposition from four former Fisheries ministers including two it should be required reading for Canadians. However, it may well be that were members of the Mulroney PC government. wrong to lay the blame at the personal feet of the Prime Minister and a few of his cabinet colleagues rather than an ideological extremism that Whereas, before the act explicitly applied to all “fish habitat” – i.e. is showing up repeatedly across the continent – in ‘Ford Nation’, in the wherever there were fish – it now only covers fish deemed to be of Tea Party and in diatribes on the internet and in letters to the editor economic, cultural or ecological value – a definition so flexible that that bluntly reject rationality, education and serious investigation as it’s doubtful it can be legally enforced. Similarly, the previous ban on conspiracies against ‘common sense’. harmful alteration of fish habitat is now limited to “serious harm” – another term obviously open to definition and endless legal debate. Chris Turner. The War on Science: Muzzled Scientists “The revised Fisheries Act,” writes Turner, “is a categorical departure from and Wilful Blindness in Stephen Harper’s Canada, 2013. some of Canada’s deepest traditions: the recognition of the inherent and Greystone Books, Vancouver, 170 pp. $19.95 immutable value of nature; the vital role of government in representing and defending the public good against the excesses of industry; the idea

Page 166 The Wood Duck - March, 2014 Land’s Inlet Nature Project: Growing the Nature Corridor by Jen Baker or the last few years, the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club has been working to create a naturalized corridor in FHamilton’s “North End”, a heavily urbanized area with great potential. The HNC and neighbourhood partners see this potential and have been creating meadow-type habitats along the corridor. As a result, the local community, including students, have been noticing more birds and butterflies where previously there was essentially no wildlife. This is increasing their awareness of the natural world.

Thanks to the generous support from the ArcelorMittal Dofasco Corporate Community Investment Fund, the Hamilton Future Fund, and the Hamilton Industrial Environmental Association, we will be growing the corridor with the help of the local community. This will include planting 4,120 native wildflowers, shrubs and trees this June.

We will also be installing interpretive signs to provide educational opportunities for the numerous people who walk by the site. This will provide a guide for people to create a naturalized area in their yard. It will also add to the field trips that we offer to nearby schools. This festival takes its name from the migration corridor along the Bruce Penin- Stay tuned for more details about the volunteer planting sula. This “Huron Fringe” along the Lake Huron coastline offers birders, natu- days! If you would like to be involved in the planning for ralists and photographers unique opportunities to discover nature in the early this exciting project, or in the development of the education spring. At the end of the migration period, birds are on nest, migrants are every- program, please contact Jen Baker at land@hamiltonnature. where, insects abound and wildflowers are beginning to bloom. From our base at MacGregor Point Provincial Park we are uniquely placed to explore Lake Huron’s org or 905-524-3339 (also see article below). shoreline and the Bruce Peninsula to discover all that spring has to offer.

© photos by Alan Ernest Land’s Inlet – Before and After Imagine neighbours coming together to help turn former industrial land into a place for nature. Imagine a place where birds and butterflies can thrive and children can experience nature right in their own neighbourhood. Through the HNC Head-of-the Lake Land Trust Program’s “Land’s Inlet Nature Project”, this vision has become reality! Before the development of this part of the city, Hamilton’s inlets from the harbour were rich wildlife areas with vegetation lining their banks. By 1874 rail lines ran adjacent to, and crossed over Land’s Inlet. The inlet was filled in but a valley representing the route of the inlet remained with active rail lines present. The presence of the railway kept part of the Land’s Inlet corridor free from intensive development, creating an opportunity to restore natural vegetation in the corridor and share the history and geography of this part of the city. The Hamilton Naturalists’ Club identified nature restoration work in the urban core of Hamilton as one of the priorities for our Head-of-the-Lake Land Trust Program in 2001. When the Hamilton Community Foundation announced funding for environmental projects that involved local neighbourhoods, we developed a proposal to identify potential nature restoration sites in the urban core of Hamilton and work with local residents and landowners to naturalize the most suitable site. Our main objective is to contribute to the establishment of healthy open spaces that will provide local residents with opportunities to access and appreciate nature. (photos by Alan Ernest). Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch Begins March 1st This is certainly good news for all of you winter-weary naturalists. The hawkwatch at Beamer Memorial C.A. is a wonderful spot to welcome spring. It is more than just hawks; there are great views from the Escarpment too! HNC member Gord McNulty has summarized last year’s season below. Perhaps this year will be better! A litany of low numbers was recorded by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch for the 2013 spring migration at Beamer. The final tally, reported by NPH Past President John Stevens, showed 12,209 birds of 15 species. That’s the lowest total since the 11,665 birds in 2000, and is 16 per cent below the long-term (32-year) average. For the first time, and as John put it in the NPH Newsletter of August 2013, “hopefully the last,” Turkey Vultures constituted more than a half of the birds counted. Their numbers were consistent with the results of the last several years. With the low total count, the number of non-vulture migrants at 5,511 was just 48.5 per cent of the long-term average. This was by far the lowest count of non-vulture raptors in the history of the Beamer site, down from the previous record low in 2007 of 7,561 birds. Weather is thought to be an unlikely reason for the low numbers, as Turkey Vultures showed up in the third highest total for that species and an 11 per cent increase over 2012. Low coverage wasn’t an issue either as counters missed only four days. Perhaps the one bright spot mentioned by John was the American Kestrel count, where the total of 92 birds was the greatest since 2008 which is above the recent five-year average of 69. That’s an encouraging sign for this species. The 2014 Open House will be held on Friday, April 18, and as Newsletter editor Sandy Darling put it: “if all goes well we shall have light clouds and lots of Broad-winged Hawks.”

Birders look to the sky for raptors from the tower at Beamer Memorial Conservation Area during the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch Open House on 29 March 2013 - photo Gord McNulty. 40048074 Return undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: The Hamilton Naturalists’ Club

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