The second spring census of migrants along Canoe Lake Road was remarkably similar to the first, clear, cool and windy with just a handful of migrants recorded. Turkey Vultures have been numerous in the area, particularly along ridges in the afternoons during daytime high temperatures. A single individual flew over during this morning’s census. Another highlight was observing territorial behaviour exhibited by a male and female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. On a similar note, a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks are nesting within 100m of where the route starts and will likely be regular contributors to the spring migration census!

The next spring migration census is scheduled for April 16th. This week we will also begin nocturnal surveys of breeding owls along secondary and tertiary roads in the study area.

Results (new arrivals in bold)

Turkey Vulture 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 3
Mourning Dove 3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Eastern Phoebe 6
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 8
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 11
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
American Robin 8
European Starling 2
Fox Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 4
Dark-eyed Junco 6
Red-winged Blackbird 27
Common Grackle 12
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
Pine Siskin 10
American Goldfinch 2

2009 Species Total- 30