By Erwin Batalla
The format for the 55th KFN Fall Round-up was the same as last year, with the focus on obtaining a better picture of the birds in the whole study area in early November. Birds were recorded between noon Friday November 6 and noon Sunday November 8.
Following the trend in the past few years, birders alone or in very small groups visited locations near Kingston. Most checklists were submitted for two counties: Frontenac and Lennox and Addington. Few people visited Prince Edward Point, a marked departure from past practices. The weather was fabulous throughout the 48 hours period. Temperatures hovered near 20 C, setting local all-time records.
The most unusual find was a Common Nighthawk seen by Wallace and Karen Rendell near Ellisville. This bird broke the record for the latest sighting of this species by two weeks. Other findings of note were:
Snow Goose by Ken Edwards on Amherst Island
11 Cackling Geese by Mark Read on Wolfe Island
Blue-winged Teal by Phil Harvey on the K&P trail
Canvasback by Mark Read on Wolfe Island
4 White-winged Scoters by Ken Edwards on Amherst Island
5 Black-bellied Plovers by Kevin Bleeks at Martin Edwards reserve
American Woodcock by Barbara O’Neill near Marble Rock
Lesser Black-backed Gull by Erwin Batalla, Alexandra Simmons and Jane Revell at Cataraqui Bay
Turkey Vulture by Tom Wheatley near Tamworth
Eastern Screech Owl by Peter Waycik on Howe Island
Snowy Owl by Paul Mackenzie, John Licharson and Janis Grant at Prince Edward Point
Barred Owl by Steve Coates at Lemoine Point Conservation Area
12 Short-eared Owls by Anthony Kaduck, Cecile Yarrow and Jon Ruddy on Amherst Island
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker by Linda Nuttall and Mark Chojnacki near Bedford Mills
Tufted Titmouse by Sharon David and Peter Waycik on Howe Island
Horned Larks, missed last year, where seen by everyone, everywhere
Ruby-crowned Kinglet by Kathy Webb and William Depew at Gananoque Prov. Wildlife Area
Carolina Wren by Chip Weseloh on Garden Island
Gray Catbird by Cole Gaerber at Marshlands Conservation Area
Eastern Bluebirds by Gaye Beckwith and Jane Revell on the mainland and Howe Island
Pine Grosbeak by Paul Martin near Glenburnie
Hoary Redpoll by Mark Read at Big Sandy Bay Management Area
Red Crossbills by Todd Norris near Verona
White-winged Crossbill by Martin Roncetti in Kingston
Savannah Sparrow by Dianne Croteau and Richard Brault at Martin Edwards Reserve
American Redstart by Kathy Webb and William Depew at Millburn Creek
Northern Parula by Phil Harvey at Lemoine Point Conservation Area
South of the border, a Pectoral Sandpiper was found at the El Dorado Nature Reserve.
Contrary to last year, Common Redpolls, Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Siskins were reported at several locations this year. They may be present throughout the winter.