Bird Studies Canada

Banding Totals
Spring - 2013	Old Cut	Breakwater	Tip
Number banded for the period	1165	900	3401
2013 banded	2186	1412	5857
2012 banded	3181	2116	4164

COUNTDOWN TO 1,000,000!
Grand Total Banded to Date: 907,127

Current Weather at Long Point

After a week of warm sunny weather, some spring showers brought an array of migrants. The bone chilling winds, rain and ice pellets that followed put a halt on migration but things quickly picked up when the temperatures reached 10 degrees once again.

Waterfowl diversity and numbers have been in steady decline over the past few weeks. Remarkably, eight species were observed on Long Point's Inner Bay on the Long Point Birdathon Weekend. Many hundreds of White-winged Scoters were still present on Long Point's Outer Bay though numbers of Surf Scoters and Long-tailed Ducks declined substantially. Gull diversity was still relatively high at the Tip with Iceland, Glaucous, and Lesser Black-backed observed almost daily.

On the passerine front, Least Flycatchers were the most numerous of that group with the first Trail's Flycatcher of the season was banded at the Tip on May 10 followed by individuals at Old Cut and Breakwater May 11. The first Yellow-bellied Flycatcher of the season was also banded at the Tip on May 10. Thrush numbers remained low with Wood Thrushes the most numerous among the remaining Hermits, Veerys and the first few Swainson's Thrushes. Warbler diversity continued with 30 species observed. New arrivals included Wilson's, Canada, and Blackpoll.

Common Goldeneye - One male was observed on Long Point's Inner Bay from the BSC HQ overlook May 13 (TL, M.obs.).

Rough-legged Hawk - One was observed flying over Breakwater on May 7 (LPBO) and over Old Cut on May 8 (GEM).

Hudsonian Godwit - One definitive alternate bird was observed at Bluff Bar on May 15 (SAM, AXA).

California Gull - One third cycle bird was observed along the South Beach near the old' Long Point Provincial Park on May 10 (PDT).

Laughing Gull - One definitive alternate bird was observed at the Tip on May 9 (APT).

Least Tern - One definitive alternate bird was observed flying adjacent to the beach over the new' Long Point Provincial Park on the evening of May 14 (DJL). If accepted by the Ontario Bird Records Committee, this will be the 395th species for the Long Point Area checklist.

Common Nighthawk - The first of the season was observed at Old Cut on May 11 and remained until May 12 (EP).

Yellow-billed Cuckoo -The first of the season was observed during census at the Tip on May 11, and was banded later that day (DLL).

Black-billed Cuckoo - The first of the season was heard at Old Cut on May 15 (SAM).

Tufted Titmouse - One was observed at the Tip Cabin on May 5 and was banded May 6 and observed until May 9. A banded individual was subsequently observed at Breakwater on May 12 and was captured and confirmed to be the same individual on May 13 (LPBO).

Orange-crowned Warbler - A first alternate male was banded at Breakwater May 9 and two were banded at Old Cut May 15 (LPBO).

Yellow-throated Warbler - A first alternate female was banded at the Tip on May 7 (LPBO).

Cerulean Warbler - One individual observed at Old Cut on May 9 (SAM) and another was observed at the Tip May 15 (LPBO).

Hooded Warbler - Males were observed at Breakwater on May 6, 7, and 15, and one was observed at Old Cut May 9. A definitive alternate female was banded at Old Cut on May 15 and another male was observed (LPBO).

Yellow-breasted Chat - One individual was banded at Breakwater on May 11 (RD, BEM, KAF), and another was observed at Old Cut on May 15 (RR et al.).

Harris's Sparrow - A definitive alternate bird was observed daily in new' Long Point Provincial Park, and more recently on the lawn of the Old Cut lighthouse between May 3 to 15 (M.obs.).

Summer Tanager - A female was observed at the east end of the new' Long Point Provincial Park on May 9 (BF, EH).

Orchard Oriole - One was banded at Breakwater May 10, four more on May 11, and six on May 15 (RD, BEM, KAF). There have been many at the Tip and a few at Old Cut throughout the week (LPBO).

Dickcissel - One female was observed at the Mud Creek Tree Swallow Research grid near the corner of the East Quarter Line Rd and Queen St. West on May 11 (DB, TL), and a male was observed nearby on May 14 (GP).

Andy Ashley (AXA), David Bradley (DB), Richard Dobbins (RD), Brett Fried (BF), Katie Fuller (KAF), Erika Hensth (EH), Dayna LeClair (DLL), Don-Jean Leandri (DJL), Tim Lucas (TL), Stu Mackenzie (SAM), Ted Maddeford (GEM), Bev Mcloud (BEM), Colin McShane (CM), Eleanor Page (EP), George Pond (GP), Ron Ridout (RR), Phil Taylor (PDT), Adam Timpf (APT), Mick Townsend (MJT), Doug Tozer (DT).

Updates of the birds in the area can be viewed through eBird on LPBO's main web-page www.birdscanada.org/lpbo . Help to contribute to sightings in the Long Point area by submitting your sightings to eBbird at www.ebird.ca or by sharing them with us at lpbo@birdscanada.org. The Old Cut Research Station is open to the public every day until June 1. For more information on the research, education, and training programs of LPBO visit us at www.birdscanada.org/lpbo and check out the 2012 LPBO Program Report. Your best source for information about the birds and birding sites around Long Point can be found in A Birding Guide to the Long Point Area by Ron Ridout available here.

It was an exhilarating week in the Long Point Area. The first substantial wave of migrants arrived on April 28 and continued strong until May 3 when north-easterly winds slowed things down substantially on the mainland at least. Numbers of migrants at the Tip remained strong throughout the week. Diversity was exceptional with close to or over 100 species observed at the research stations on most days. Banding wise, Old Cut and Breakwater were slow but steady while the Tip was nothing short of phenomenal with close to 2500 birds of 75 species banded.

Waterfowl continued to decline though there were substantial numbers of divers including over 1,000 White-winged Scoters as well as a couple hundred Surf Scoters and Long-tailed Ducks on Long Point' s Outer Bay. Numerous Common Loons and Horned Grebes were also present on the Outer Bay.

Virginia Rails and Soras were heard in Big Creek WMA and other marshlands while a Yellow Rail was observed scurrying through the reeds at the Tip May 3. Shorebird diversity slowly increased on the Point with Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin, Sanderling, and Least Sandpiper observed. Numbers of Little Gulls declined and there were a few lingering Iceland and Glaucous gulls at the Tip and Bluff Bar. An adult Laughing Gull was observed off Port Ryerse on May 2. An adult, light morph Parasitic Jaeger was observed being mobbed by Herring Gulls on the Outer Bay on April 29. The first Black Terns of the season were observed at Big Creek WMA on May 5.

There was a remarkable woodpecker movement at the Tip with a high of 26 Red-bellied Woodpeckers (16 banded), and 14 Red-headed Woodpeckers (5 banded) on May 1. There was also a good mix of songbirds. Not surprisingly White-throated Sparrows were the most numerous species accompanied by small numbers of Least Flycatchers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, Veerys, and Wood Thrushes, over 25 species of warbler, all of the vireos, and a mix of other sparrows. There were a number of warbler highlights but a Swainson's Warbler, one of 19 warbler species banded at the Tip on May 2 took the prize of bird of the week.

Snow Goose - One was observed at Lee Brown Waterfowl Management Area on May 4 (JL).

Red-throated Loon - Four birds over Old Cut April 27 (DLL) were noteworthy for that location.

Little Gull - A pair was observed courting over the Long Point Provincial Park on May 3 (SAM).

Iceland Gull - Three 2nd cycle birds were observed at the Tip April 28 (RR). Two were still present May 5 (LPBO).

Lesser Black-backed Gull - One third cylce was observed at the Tip May 5-6 (DLL).

Glaucous Gull - One 2nd cyle and one third cylce were observed at the Tip April 28 (RR). An dult was seen there May 5 (DLL).

Parasitic Jaeger - A light morph adult was observed being mobbed by Herring Gulls on Long Point Outer Bay on April 29 (SAM, DLL).

Yellow Rail - One was observed scurrying through the sedges at the Tip May 3 (MJT).

Red-headed Woodpecker - There was an exceptional migration at the Tip of Long Point with a high of 14 estimated on May 1 (LPBO).

Red-bellied Woodpecker - There was an exceptional migration at the Tip of Long Point with a high of 26 estimated on May 1 (LPBO).

Pileated Woodpecker - A female, seen at the Tip on the morning of April 27 (RR, AMR, RD, BM), provided only the third record for that remote location. Possibly the same bird was observed flying east along Hasting Dr. an hour earlier the same morning (BF). Presumably the same bird was seen again at the Tip April 30.

White-eyed Vireo - From April 27, birds were reported at Old Cut and both sections of Long Pint P.P. (var. obs.).

Yellow-throated Vireo - One was observed at Breakwater and the Old Cut and one was banded at the Tip on April 30 (LPBO). Others were observed throughout the week at all three stations.

Golden-winged Warbler - A definitive alternate male was banded at the Tip on May 5 (LPBO).

Yellow-throated Warbler - One individual was observed around Old Cut from April 28 (JRA, m.obs.) through May 4, and a first alternate male was banded at the Tip on May 1 (LPBO).

Cerulean Warbler - A definitive alternate male was observed at Breakwater on April 28 (CAS, CAR), and one was banded at the Tip May 2 (LPBO).

Worm-eating Warbler - A definitive alternate bird was banded at the Tip May 2 (LPBO).

Swainson's Warbler - A definitive alternate bird, banded at the Tip May 2 (LPBO), provided Long Point's third record. There has now been one banded at each research station.

Louisiana Waterthrush - One was observed at the Tip on April 28 (SAM, RR), and another was banded at Breakwater the same day (CAS, CAR).

American Tree Sparrow - One was recaptured at the Tip on May 1 (LPBO) and another was observed at Old Cut May 3 (SAM).

Summer Tanager - A female was observed at Old Cut on April 29 and remained until May 3 (LPBO)

Clay-colored Sparrow - Individuals were banded at Breakwater April 30 and were observed at the Tip from May 1 to 3 (LPBO).

Harris's Sparrow - One male was observed in the 'new' Long Point Provincial Park from May 3 to 6 (TL, m.obs).

Evening Grosbeak - One individual observed and then banded at the Tip from April 28 to 30 (LPBO).

Observers: Jody Allair (JRA), Alvin Buckley (AB), Richard Dobbins (RD), Brett Fried (BF), Mira Furgoch (MF), John Lamey (JL), Dayna LeClair (DLL), Tim Lucas (TL), Stuart Mackenzie (SAM), Bev McLeod (BM), Anne Marie Ridout (AMR), Ron Ridout (RR), Cody Rowe (CAR), Barbara Scott (BS, Jim Scott (JS), Chris Sukha (CAS), Mick Townsend (MJT), Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO).

Dynamic weather this past week which included bouts of rain, sleet, and snow continued to delay any real push of migrants. Despite the uncooperative weather, there were a number of great birds and we were able to open the Breakwater Research Station on April 21 which banded 72 birds of 17 species on their first morning of operation.

There were excellent viewing opportunities for waterfowl at Big Creek Marsh NWA, Lee Brown Waterfowl Management Area, Port Rowan Wetlands (sewage lagoons), and the flooded fields at Big Creek and the East Quarter Line Rd. As many as two male Eurasian Wigeons were observed at Lee Brown WMA this past week. Thousands of waterfowl still occupied Long Point Inner and Outer bays. Over 1,100 White-winged Scoters were observed on the Outer Bay April 21 along with small numbers of Surf and Black Scoter and Long-tailed Ducks. A second basic, light morph Pomarine Jaeger was also observed on the Outer Bay that day.

On the songbird front, White-throated Sparrows were the most numerous migrant accompanied by good numbers of Hermit Thrushes, Eastern Towhees, and Chipping Sparrows. Still lingering were American Tree Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos including one Oregon Junco observed in the Old Cut census area April 24 and 25. Both species of kinglet and Brown Creepers continued to trickle through. The first Blue-headed Vireo of the season was observed on April 19 and a White-eyed Vireo was observed at the BSC headquarters in Port Rowan April 23. Warbler diversity slowly crept upwards with 9 species observed including: Nashville, Yellow, Black-throated Green, Black-and-White, Yellow-rumped, Pine, Western' and Yellow' Palm warblers, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Common Yellowthroat.

There were two exceptional finds at the Tip this week. A male Chuck-will's-Widow was observed on April 22, and the highlight of the week was, without a doubt, a Bewick's Wren that was banded on the morning of April 25. This is the first record for the Long Point area since May 1, 1997.

Tundra Swan - Four were observed in the new' Long Point Provincial Park on April 23 (RS, AJ).

Eurasian Wigeon - Two drakes were at the Lee Brown Waterfowl Management Area on April 20 (RD, MRI, JJP, EG), and one was observed there on April 21 (DLL).

White-winged Scoter - A high count of 1,100 on Long Point's Outer Bay was made on April 21 (SAM).

Surf Scoter - Eighteen were observed on Long Point's Outer Bay on April 21 (SAM), and 23 were observed at the Tip on April 22 (LPBO).

Long-tailed Duck - Fifty-six were observed on Long Point's Outer Bay on April 21 (SAM), and 49 were observed at the Tip on April 22 (LPBO).

Ring-necked Pheasant - One was at the Sinclair-Campbell fields on April 22 (JRA).

American Bittern - Up to three individuals were heard calling daily from Old Cut (LPBO).

Green Heron - The first of the year was observed from the dyke at Old Cut on April 19 (MTW, JGK) which increased to three individuals observed from the dyke by April 21 (AB, DLL).

Rough-legged Hawk - One light morph was observed at Breakwater on April 21 (SAM, CAR, CAS, AJN).

Dunlin - The first of the season was observed at Turkey Point beach on April 19 (MTT). Seven were observed on Bluff Bar on April 21 (SAM).

Little Gull - Nineteen were observed at Turkey Point on April 20 (DB, MRI, JJP), and two were observed from Old Cut on April 23 (RR).

Glaucous Gull - One second-basic individual was at the Tip April 21 to 24 (LPBO).

Pomarine Jaeger - One second basic, light morph, Pomarine Jaeger was observed on Long Point's Outer Bay on April 21 (SAM, RD).

Eastern Screech Owl - One gray-morph individual was observed at Old Cut on April 23 (LPBO).

Red-headed Woodpecker - One was observed in the new' Long Point Provincial Park on April 21 (AB).

White-eyed Vireo - One was observed at the BSC headquarters property on April 23 (JRA, DL).

Blue-headed Vireo - The first of the season was observed in the new' Long Point Provincial Park on April 19 (MT), and have been observed at Old Cut almost daily since April 20 (LPBO).

Bewick's Wren - One first alternate bird was banded at the Tip on April 25 (LPBO). This is the 7th one banded, the first one since 1982, and the first record for Long Point since May 1, 1997.

Swainson's Thrush - One unbanded individual was observed along Hasting's Drive on April 20 (KGB, AB).

Wood Thrush - Up to two individuals frequented the Old Cut woodlot since April 18 (LPBO).

American Robin - Significant migrations were observed at the Tip this week with 76 on April 20 and 241 April 23 (LPBO).

Louisiana Waterthrush - Two were observed in a slough south of Hwy 59 adjacent to Old Cut on April 23 (SAM).

Nashville Warbler - The first of the season was banded at Old Cut on April 20, and another was observed at Breakwater on April 24 (LPBO).

Common Yellowthroat - The first of the season was observed at Big Creek marsh on April 23 (DG).

Yellow Palm Warbler - One probable adult male was banded at Breakwater on April 22 (LPBO).

Pine Warbler - A regular visitor to the Old Cut woodlot with a high of seven individuals on April 21, three of which were banded (LPBO).

Black-throated Green Warbler - The first of the year was observed in the new' Long Point Provincial Park on April 24 (AB, MJF).

Black-and-White Warbler - The first of the year was observed at Breakwater on April 25 (LPBO).

Vesper Sparrow - One was observed the new' Long Point Provincial Park on April 24 (AB, MJF).

Rose-breasted Grosbeak - An adult male was observed in South Walsingham on April 25 (DS).

Observers: Jody Allair (JRA), Janice Chard (JJC), Daivd Bradley (DB), Alvan Buckley (AB), Ken Burrell (KGB), Richard Dobbins (RD), Mira Furgoch (MJF), David Gascoigne (DG), Eric Giles (EG), John Glazebrook (JCK), Matt Iles (MRI), Adrian Juurilnk (AJ), Dayna LeClair (DLL), Denis Lepage (DL), Stuart Mackenzie (SAM), Ted Maddeford (GEM), Beverly McLeod (BM), Alexandre J. Nicole (AJN), Jesse Pakkala (JJP), Ron Ridout (RR), Cody Rowe (CAR), Diane Salter (DS), Chris Sukha (CAS), Richard Skevington (RS), Adam Timpf (AT), Matt Timpf (MTT), Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO).

The dreary weather this past week slowed migration considerably, but there were small movements whenever breaks in the weather occurred. One of these allowed us to open the Tip station on April 9. A few thousand waterfowl, mostly Lesser Scaup and dabblers still occupy Long Point's Inner Bay. The best viewing location is from the Bird Studies Canada headquarter's overlook or the Causeway viewing stand. The highlight of the week, an American Avocet, was observed from the BSC headquarters on April 15&16.

As many as 5,000 scaup, all three scoters, and Long-tailed Ducks were observed on the Outer Bay this past week. Thousands of Bonaparte's Gulls were also occupying the Outer Bay primarily on Bluff Bar and the occasional Little Gull was found amongst them. Another excellent location for ducks as well as some shorebirds was the flooded fields adjacent to Big Creek along the East Quarter Line Rd where a Eurasian Wigeon was observed infrequently.

Swallow numbers increased throughout the week with all species except Cliff documented. Golden-and Ruby-crowned kinglets and Brown Creepers continued to move through accompanied by smaller numbers of Winter Wrens, Hermit Thrushes, and Yellow-rumped Warblers . Substantial movements of migrating Northern Flickers, American Robins, Chipping Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos were also observed. There was also an incredible surge of Northern Cardinals at the Tip of Long Point returning north following a strong movement last fall. Rusty Blackbirds continued to be observed daily at Old Cut.

Trumpeter Swan - A single bird occupied the marsh edges along the Long Point causeway for the majority of the week (RR, SAM).

Eurasian Wigeon - A male was observed again at Big Creek and the East Quarter Line Rd. on April 14 (JB, MVB), and April 15 (JN, RR).

Ring-necked Duck - There was a high of 164 observed on the Inner Bay April 9 (CAR).

Long-tailed Duck- Small numbers observed at the Tip since April 9 and up to 20 were observed on the Outer Bay April 16 (RR, SAM).

Wild Turkey - One individual was observed near the Tip on April 11, and two were observed on April 13 (JJC).

Red-throated Loon - Two were observed flying over Old Cut on the morning of April 16 (SAM).

Common Loon - Small numbers have been observed flying over the stations with a high of 16 at Old Cut on the morning of April 16 (SAM).

Red-necked Grebe - Two were observed flying south over Old Cut on April 14 (CAS).

American Bittern - One bird has been heard off the Old Cut dyke since April 14 (LPBO).

Great Egret - Single birds were observed throughout the week at Big Creek Marsh and at the BSC headquarters. A high of three was observed there April 14 (BF).

Osprey - Four individuals were observed flying over Old Cut on April 9 (GEM, LPBO).

Sandhill Crane - A count of 65 lingering birds April 9 (RR) was noteworthy for the date.

American Avocet - One definitive alternate bird was observed at the BSC headquarters April 15 - 16 (JN et al.). This is the Long Point area's earliest by 2 days and 20th record overall.

Greater Yellowlegs - Numerous individuals were observed flying over the stations, along the causeway, Port Rowan Wetland, and East Quarter Line Rd. Small flocks totalling 25 individuals were observed flying south-west over Old Cut on April 9 (LPBO).

Lesser Yellowlegs - One was observed along the East Quarter Line Rd. from April 14 on (JB, MVB).

Pectoral Sandpiper - The first of the season was observed along East Quarter Line Rd on April 15 (JN, RR).

Wilson's Snipe - Thirty-three individuals at the East Quarter Line Rd. and Big Creek on April 15 (RR) was a noteworthy Spring concentration.

Little Gull - Five were observed on the Inner Bay on April 15 (DL, SAM, RR, AT).

Lesser Black-backed Gull - One second-basic individual has been observed at the Tip throughout the week (JJC, AJN), and a definitive basic was observed at Bluff Bar on April 15 (RR, SAM).

Glaucous Gull - Up to three immature individuals frequented the Tip throughout the week (AJN, JCC, RR), and two were observed on Bluff Bar April 15 (RR, SAM).

Forster's Tern - The first three of the year were off the Causeway April 14 (RR, MVB, JB).

Iceland Gull - Singles were observed at the Tip throughout the week with a high of 4 on April 15 (RR).

Snowy Owl - One near-record late individual was observed at the Big Creek Marsh on April 13 (MT).

Northern Saw-whet Owl - Single birds were captured on the nights of April 15 and 17 (LPBO).

White-eyed Vireo - The first of the season was banded at Old Cut April 18 (LPBO).

Northern Rough-winged Swallow - The first individuals of the season were observed over Old Cut on April 15 (SAM).

Bank Swallow - The first individuals were observed over Old Cut on April 16 (SAM).

House Wren - The first individual was observed in the Long Point Provincial Park on April 15 (BM).

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - The first of the season was observed at Old Cut on April 8 (CAS).

Hermit Thrush - Numbers increased during the week. Five individuals were banded at Old Cut with an additional five observed in the woodlot on April 8 (DLL, CAS, GEM).

Swainson's Thrush - A definitive alternate bird was banded at Old Cut April 19 (LPBO).

Yellow-rumped Warbler - Numbers slowly increased with a peak of nine at Old Cut on April 14 (LPBO).

Eastern Bluebird - One was observed from the Old Cut dyke (CAS, MJB), and a female was observed at the Tip on April 14 (JJC, AJN).

Northern Cardinal - An LPBO one day record 31 were banded at the Tip on April 17 (LPBO).

Rusty Blackbird - Small numbers were observed daily at Old Cut with a high of 65 on April 16 (SAM).

Observers: Jody Allair (JRA), Janice Chard (JJC), Mike Burrell (MVB), Jim Burrell (JB), Sarah Coulthart (SAC), Dayna LeClair (DLL), Stuart Mackenzie (SAM), Ted Maddeford (GEM), Beverly McLeod (BM), Alexandre J. Nicole (AJN), Josh Nieuwenhuis (JN), Meghan Robertson (MER), Ron Ridout (RR), Cody Rowe (CAR), Chris Sukha (CAS), Adam Timpf (AT), Matt Timpf (MT), Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO).

LPBO's 54th spring migration-monitoring season began on the March 27 at the Old Cut Research Station. Highlights from January 1 to April 7 are summarized below.

Tens of thousands of waterfowl filled Long Point's Inner and Outer Bay throughout most of February and March. Many thousands were still present on the bay and local wetlands this past week. Tundra Swans moved through en masse in the second week of March providing one of their best showings in recent memory. Many lingered into late March due to the wintery conditions.

The cool temperatures also kept most passerines at bay until the first week of April with the first major movement not materializing until April 7. Small numbers of Golden-crowned Kinglets and Brown Creepers were first observed in the woodlot March 27 and have been slowing building since. A substantial movement of these species on southerly winds on April 7 with 22 kinglets and 26 creepers banded at Old Cut. Subsequently, fewer numbers of American Tree Sparrows were observed. There was a steady flow of Dark-eyed Juncos and Black-capped Chickadees. High chickadee numbers are likely the result of returning individuals from last fall's large irruption.

The river of blackbirds over Old Cut every evening peaked at 72,000 on April 4 with 50,000 Red-winged Blackbirds and 12,000 Common Grackle estimated.

Small numbers of winter finches were observed including small flocks of Common Redpolls at Old Cut on March 29 and April 1. Individuals were still present this past weekend.

Greater White-fronted Goose - Two individuals, found at Lee Brown's Waterfowl Management Area March 16 (MP), remained until March 28 with one there until March 31 (RR). Another was observed at the Saunder's Property north of South Walsingham March 16 (EG,LF).

Snow Geese - Numerous observations of small groups and single birds were made throughout the region in March. A group of five were observed at the Lee Brown Waterfowl Management Area (LBWMA) on April 2 (RR) and a group of seven was observed flying west over the Long Point Crown Marsh from the Old Cut Research Station dyke on April 1 (AJN).

Cackling Goose - Two individuals observed at the LBWMA March 17 to 24 (DL, SAM, BF, EH).

Trumpeter Swan - A single bird observed from the Port Rowan Marina March 9 (BM). Two individuals were observed from the Long Point Causeway March 29 (RR), and a single bird was observed from the Bird Studies Canada Headquarters April 4 (BC, BF).

Long-tailed Duck - One individual was seen flying low on the Inner Bay on April 2 (CAS).

Eurasian Wigeon - One male was observed at the LBWMA March 24 (DS) and another was at the East Quarter Line Rd. and Big Creek March 26 (RS) and along County Rd. 45 at Big Creek March 30 (DF).

Blue-winged Teal - The first of the season were observed along the Long Point Causeway March 26 (RS).

Common Loon - The first individual was observed over Old Cut on March 30 (JJC, DLL) with seven observed flying from there March 31(DLL).

Horned Grebe - The first of the year was observed at Big Creek off the causeway March 23 (LF).

Great Egret - The first of the season was observed at Old Cut on April 1 (ATC) and the Crown Marsh April 2 (DLL, AJN).

Wilson's Snipe - The first of the season was observed at Long Point Provincial Park March 30 (RVT).

Little Gull - One adult was at the Tip January 9 (SAM). Numbers began building at Turkey Point in mid March with counts of 25 on March 17 (KGB), 30 on March 29 (KS) and 92 on March 31 (RR). Individuals were observed from the causeway, Hastings Drive, and Old Cut March 29 through April 4.

Lesser Black-backed Gull - Numerous sightings of individuals occurred throughout the winter. Four were observed at the Tip March 20 (SAM). Individuals were observed from Old Cut on April 3 (CAS, CAR), and at Turkey Point April 4 (BC, BF).

Iceland Gull - One individual was observed at Turkey Point March 17 and 29 (KGB). Another individual was at Old Cut April 2 (CAS).

Glaucous Gull - Single birds were on the Inner Bay and the Front Rd. area March 9 to 13 (M.Obs.).

Short-eared Owl - An individual was observed west of Hwy. 59 near Front Rd. February 23 (JRA), at BSC HQ March 4 and 24 (DL, RR), and roosting at Old Cut March 30 (DLL).

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - The first of the year was observed at Old Cut March 30 (JJ).

Eastern Phoebe - The first of the year was observed at Big Creek and Regional Rd. 60 March 26 (DS). Others were observed in the LPPP on March 31 (GF) and Hastings Dr. April 1 (RR). The first major pulse arrived on April 7 when 11 were banded at Old Cut (LPBO).

Purple Martin - The first two individuals of the year were observed at Old Cut April 3 (CAS, AJN, CAR).

Winter Wren - The season's first was observed in the Long Pt. P.P. March 9 (SD). Observations increased in frequency at Old Cut after April 1.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - The first of the year was observed at Old Cut April 7 (DLL).

Northern Mockingbird - One individual was observed flying east over Old Cut April 6 (CAS).

American Pipit - Three were observed on the causeway January 1 and at Port Rowan Marina February 28 (DL), two were at the Port Rowan Wetlands March 23 (SAM), and one was at Turkey Point March 31 (RR).

Bohemian Waxwing - Sixteen were observed in Simcoe March 28 (ED) while 43 were there April 7 (EG, KG).

Chipping Sparrow - The first of the year was observed at Old Cut January 1 (DL), while the first migrant was there on March 24 (SAM).

Field Sparrow - Overwintering birds were seen in Long Point P.P. several times (SAM). The first migrants appeared at Old Cut on April 5 (CAS).

Vesper Sparrow - One was found on the Charlotteville East Quarter Line Rd. January 28 (MT).

Fox Sparrow - The first migrants of the year were observed at Old Cut March 12 (JS, RS). The first individuals were banded at on April 7.

Eastern Meadowlark - The first of the year was observed in Frogmore March 16 (LF). Singles were observed almost daily in the region from March 28.

Rusty Blackbird - Small numbers were observed from late March in the blackbird flocks over Old Cut. Twenty individuals were observed on April 2 (DLL, CAS), and 10 were observed on April 4 (LPBO).

Pine Grosbeak - One was at the Turkey Point Picetum February 20 (EG) and 21 (JRA).

Common Redpoll - Migrants were observed at Old Cut March 29 and April 1 with a lone individual there April 6 (LPBO).

Observers: Jody Allair (JRA), Barb Charlton (BC ),Janice Chard (JJC), Shailyn Drukis (SD), Erica Dunn (ED), George Finney (GF), Doug Fluhmann (DF), Erika Hentsch (EH), Alexandre J.-Nicole (AJN), Dayna LeClair (DLL), Denis LePage (DL), , Brett Fried (BF), Lucas Foerster (LF), Eric Giles (EG), Kevin Giles (KG), Jarmo Jalava (JJ), Stuart Mackenzie (SAM), Ted Maddeford (GEM), Beverly McLeod (BM), Ron Ridout (RR), Cody Rowe (CAR), Denby Sadler (DS), Jeff Skevington (JS), Richard Skevington (RS), Chris Sukha (CAS), Matthew Timpf (MT), Rohan van Twest (RVT).

15 May 2013