This afternoon at Humber Bay Park East we met two birders who said they'd
just seen a Red-throated Loon off the east point on Lake Ontario. A few
minutes later we saw a juvenile Common Loon there. We wondered. Then we saw
the Red-throated Loon thus proving the two bird theory. This Red-throated
is in basic (winter) plumage; it's not a juvenile. Also of note near the
east point is a tame male American Kestrel with a crossed bill like a
crossbill. We didn't see the Purple Sandpiper or the Harlequin Duck. We
were told that the Harlequin is often near the bridge at the mouth of the
Humber River, sometimes swimming upriver from the bridge.

Directions: Humber Bay Park is the south extension of Park Lawn south of
Lake Shore Blvd West. Then take the first driveway on the right and
continue to the main parking lot, and walk to the eastern side of the park.

Jean Iron & Ron Pittaway
9 Lichen Place
Toronto ON  M3A 1X3
416-445-9297
jeaniron@sympatico.ca

Hi

Today (Around 4:30) I found a lone SNOW GOOSE near the Cargill Grain Elevators
near Sarnia Bay. It was associating with a small flock of Canada Geese. I am
always hesitant to report unusual waterfowl from this area because of the high
delinquency rates at the nearby "Animal Farm" in Canatara Park. The bird was on
the lawn in the southeast corner of the Cargill property, and was seen from the
access road leading from Harbour Road between the train tracks and teh
Harbourfront Inn.

Also seen on the Bay were several Great Black-backed Gulls, Common Goldeneye,
Redhead, and Red-breasted Merganser (all typical for this area and season).

A lone Long-tailed Duck was also seen on the lake as viewed from the end of Fort
Street ("the Point Edward lighthouse"). The strong (and bitterly cold)north
winds made it difficult to wait and watch for anything else.

Direction (from previous ONTBIRD posts w/ some modifications)

To get to the grain elevators, take the 402 westward and take the last
exit. That leads onto Front St. Turn Rt. (South) Continue to the first set
of traffic lights and turn West on Exmouth St. Just past the SPCA building
turn left onto Harbour Road. Proceed until you are just past the train tracks,
and look for teh access road leading toward the river (and the massive MS
Chi-Cheemaun) on the right.

Directions to Point Edward lighthouse:  Find Front St. in Sarnia (along
river in downtown) and follow it to its very north end,1.2 km from 402
overpass.  Turn left onto Victoria Ave. and travel 1.1 km to Fort St.
(right, north side).  Go to end of street and you will see parking lot.