Burford birds

[Bill Lamond]

Hello,

Birding with Eric and Sarah Lamond this morning and we visited two sites in Burford Twp. The first location was 9th Concession (Brant Tract/Misner Tract) west of Middle Townline Rd (the exit road at Princeton off Hwy 403). We were surprised to hear the returning male Hooded Warbler from last year in the same place towards the west end along the road. Perhaps it successfully bred here last year. There were five singing Morning Warblers and four singing Blue-winged Warblers along the road as well. A pair of Broad-winged Hawks was another highlight.

The other location was a fortuitous stop along Middle Townline Rd just S of Hwy 53. We stopped here on the way home as we had seen swallows flying around a bridge over a creek and we suspected Cliff Swallows. The swallows were quickly confirmed as Cliff (at least 20 nests under bridge) and we soon heard a Marsh Wren singing in the very long grass here. It turned out there were four males singing in close proximity on the west side of the road, very close to the road. A Virginia Rail was also heard calling here.

This road can be quite busy and the shoulder here is miniscule despite the speed limit likely being 80kph. Best to visit this site in the early morning I think.

Bill