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The fourth census of the spring season was completed this morning. Weather was warm and calm with overcast skies. A singing male Ruby-crowned Kinglet was the first species recorded, a good sign that some new migrants had filtered into the area. A total of 32 species were noted, which included eight newly arrived species. The most noteworthy amongst the arrivals was a group of four Double-crested Cormorants flying low toward the north. Cormorants nest in the region in small numbers. Golden-crowned Kinglets (3) and Brown Creepers (1) did make first appearances as did Tree Swallow (1) and Chipping Sparrow (2).

As promised, an attempt was made to survey for nesting owls in the study area, which was quickly thwarted by the incredible abundance and vocal prowess of local frogs. Spring Peepers, Leopard Frogs, Wood Frogs and Chorus Frogs, all seemed to be singing from every lake, pond, pool and puddle along Canoe Lake Road. I could easily hear Barred Owls answering my iPod, however the soprano-like tones of Eastern Screech Owl and Northern Saw-whet Owl would have been very difficult to detect. We will plan to revisit this study in early spring 2010. A trip to a favourite mixed-forest plot on Devil Lake Road revealed a Barred Owl, which I strongly suspect has a nest nearby. I am planning a return visit to determine if this individual is nesting or simply a “lone wolf”.

Results (new arrivals in bold)

Canada Goose    47
Common Loon    5
Double-crested Cormorant    4
Turkey Vulture    1
Red-shouldered Hawk    1
Ring-billed Gull    2
Mourning Dove    2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker    4
Downy Woodpecker    1
Northern Flicker    3
Eastern Phoebe    6
Blue Jay    7
American Crow    7
Tree Swallow    1
Black-capped Chickadee    13
Red-breasted Nuthatch    4
White-breasted Nuthatch    1
Brown Creeper    1
Golden-crowned Kinglet    3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet    1
American Robin    11
European Starling    2
American Tree Sparrow    1
Chipping Sparrow    2
Fox Sparrow    1
Song Sparrow    6
Dark-eyed Junco    4
Red-winged Blackbird    19
Common Grackle    18
Brown-headed Cowbird    2
Pine Siskin    5
American Goldfinch    5

Spring Species Total: 40

Census #3 was once again very quiet for migrants. An increase in abundance of Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was noted along with the first appearance of Eastern Meadowlark for the season. Being well into April and with three completed surveys under our belt, it is surprising that we haven’t encountered a single Brown Creeper or Golden-crowned Kinglet in 2009 along Canoe Lake Road. Both of these species are abundant early spring migrants in the Great Lakes and also breed in the FBS study area.

An active Osprey nest was discovered on Kingsford Lake this afternoon. The nest is within Frontenac Provincial Park boundaries. I was able to capture the pair copulating on high-definition video and will attempt to upload this clip to the site in the next few days. The next migration census is scheduled for April 18, 2009. This evening I will be out lurking around in the dark listening for owls in the FBS study area. A summary of this adventure will be posted tomorrow!

Results (new arrivals in bold)

Canada Goose 11
Common Loon 2
Turkey Vulture 1
Mourning Dove 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 5
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 3
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 5
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 9
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
American Robin 7
European Starling 5
Song Sparrow 4
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Red-winged Blackbird 11
Eastern Meadowlark 2
Common Grackle 11
Pine Siskin 4
American Goldfinch 6

Season Species Total=32

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