BLUE-WINGED WARBLER
Vermivora pinus
Paruline à ailes bleues
This species of the eastern nearctic is a relative newcomer to Kingston having been first found on 11 May 1957 Collins Creek, Bell, Warren, Mansfield & Quilliam, which was followed by a second on 8 Sep 62 along Sydenham L., Henry. Eight years passed until the next one was located on 25 Sep 70 Little Cataraqui Creek, Kingston, Nicholson. Beginning with this record, the Blue-winged Warbler has been found in the Kingston area annually for the past 37 years. The steady rise is best seen via the statistics for spring records viz. 21 birds 1971-80 or 2.1 per spring; 55 for 1981-90 or 5.5 per spring; 74 for 1991-2000 or 7.4 per spring; 66 for 2001-08 for 8.3 per spring.
Its appearance in our area is part of a continental range expansion northwards from the main breeding populations west of the Appalachians, and south of the Great Lakes (Gill 1980). This species and the more common Golden-winged Warbler prefer to nest along the edge of forests and in shrubby fields. Abandoned farmland in succession has provided more suitable habitat for both of these species (Confer and Knapp 1981). James (1991) considered it to be a rare to locally uncommon summer resident in southern Ontario. Average spring arrival in Kingston is 9 May (37 yrs), earliest 1 May 03 P.E.Pt., Okines, which was netted and banded. The species occurs every spring at the Point.
Records during summer have also increased viz. 8 birds 1981-90 or 0.8 per summer; 16 for 1991-2000 or 1.6 per summer; 24 birds 2001-05 or 4.8 per summer. At least one individual male is found in most years on three of our roadside Breeding Bird Surveys at Roblin, at Canoe Lake and at Perth Road. While the breeding study 1981-85 resulted in finding up to three territorial males, nesting was not confirmed. The repeat study 2001-05 provided confirmed evidence. The first was on 13 Jun 01, when young fledged a nest near L. Opinicon, Phelan. The second occurred on 23 Jun 03 with the location of a brood along Gould L., Weir. At another site along Canoe L. on 15 Jul 01, this author found an adult feigning injury to distract my attention from either a nest or young birds, but neither was located. Some (5 to 10) pairs of Blue-winged Warblers are thought to have nested annually 2001-05 in the Kingston region and all were along the southern margin of the Canadian Shield.
Records are on file during August and September for only five years that give an average last date of 10 Sep (5 yrs), latest 25 Sep 70 Kingston, Nicholson. It is probable that this species migrates within a similar time frame as the Golden-winged Warbler. One was found dead 23 Jun 2000 in Cartwrights Pt., Kingston, Kirkpatrick, but its whereabouts are unknown. Our only specimen evidence consists of the photographs of Blue-winged Warblers netted and banded at P.E.Pt.
SUMMARY: Uncommon spring transient. Rare summer resident.
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER
Vermivora chrysoptera
Paruline à ailes dorées
The Golden-winged Warbler is a species of the north eastern Nearactic that has been experiencing a range expansion in Ontario and elsewhere. It has a breeding range that extends from southern Manitoba, southeast to the New England States, and south to Georgia (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its range in Canada was limited to extreme southern Ontario (Macoun and Macoun 1909), and by the 1950s its expansion northwards was underway (Berger 1958). Snyder (1957) estimated the extension in Ontario to have progressed northwards by 240 km since 1900. The species has been aided by human changes in its habitat, with farms being abandoned, and the associated natural succession. Readers may be interested in the studies by Gill (1980) and Confer and Knapp (1981). By the late 20th century, James (1991) classed it as an uncommon to locally common summer resident in southern Ontario.
The first record for Kingston dates from 7 May 1954 Kingston, Erskine, which was followed by singles on 12 & 19 May 55 Kingston, Erskine & Boardman. Subsequently, it has been found every year and its numbers continue to increase.
Spring arrival occurs by 9 May (50 yrs) earliest 30 Apr 1970 Wolfe I., Weir, and 30 Apr 2004 Chaffeys Lock, Di Labio. The habitat of shrubby second growth and small hardwoods, especially moist areas, along the southern edge of the Canadian Shield provide ideal nesting areas for this species. This edge is formed by a line drawn from Brockville west to Godfrey and northwest to Madoc.
Our first confirmed nesting occurred on 14 Jun 1961 Canoe L., when Lowther, M.H. Edwards & Mansfield found a nest with four young. The nesting study 1981-85 revealed about 620 breeding pairs each year and the repeat study 2001-05 indicated that (1,025120) pairs nested annually, which represent a range extension, presumably in response to habitat changes. About 20% of this increase is due to an increased survey area and the remainder results from the expansion of range. This rise conforms to the modest rise in its numbers found on the roadside BBS in Ontario for the period 1980-2005 (Sauer et al. 2005). Brood dates for our local nests extend from 8 June to 19 July for 40 nests. Once singing has ceased, the species becomes more difficult to find. Autumn migration is underway during August with the average last date 2 Sep (25 yrs), latest 8 Oct 07 along the Little Cataraqui Creek, Kingston, Rayner. Ten were killed at the Lennox chimneys on 4 & 7 Sep 81. Specimen evidence in the National Museum and the New Brunswick Museum is documented by Weir (1989).
Where the Blue-winged and Golden-winged Warblers overlap in breeding range, some interbreeding occurs to produce two main phenotypes, hybrids that are easily recognised in the field viz. the “Brewster’s and the ‘Lawrence’s”. The Lawrence’s is the rarer of the two forms (Parkes 1951). One to three Brewster’s Warblers have been seen in our area in each of the 18 of the 37 years since 1961 with most as spring records. The single during July 1971 did not suggest nesting, but breeding was later confirmed with a nest on 27 Jun 01 near L. Opinicon, Phelan. Three Lawrence’s Warblers have been recorded here. They are singles on 20 Jun 1947 Morton (Stirrett 1952), a singing male seen on 23 May 81 near the Quilliam Sanctuary, Weir, and another migrant on 5 May 2000 P.E.Pt., Evans & Lemon. To date, there is no evidence that the Blue-winged Warbler is making significant inroads along the southern edge of the Canadian Shield in the Kingston region.
SUMMARY: Fairly common summer resident
TENNESSEE WARBLER
Vermivora peregrine
Paruline obscure
The summer range of the Tennessee Warbler extends from the west to east coasts of Canada, and within Ontario it nests to the north of the Kingston area in the central and northern parts of the province (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). This species adapts readily to insect infestations, such as the spruce budworm, by increasing clutch size and concentrating on the infected forests. The Tennessee arrives in Kingston by 10 May (55 yrs), earliest 17 Apr 02 Rideau Trail, Kingston, Fraser & Timpf. The males are already singing their loud three-part song when they appear. Their migration peaks during the 2nd and 3rd weeks of May when they are often found in most woodlots and urban gardens. The largest one-day totals are the 50 on 12 May 79 and 40 on 21 May 78 at P.E.Pt., KFN, and these numbers occurred at a time when the budworm was plaguing Ontario forests. Most have gone through by 27 May (41 yrs), but a few linger during summer along the northern border of our area.
There is no evidence that the Tennessee nests here and the few summer records probably involve unsuccessful breeders from areas to the north. However, the banding projects at P.E.Pt. have revealed that this species begins its migration very early with southbound migrants appearing in early July, on average 8 July at the Point. However, the main group does not appear until 17 Aug (42 yrs) and the largest numbers are grounded between late August and mid-September. The average last date is 1 Oct (44 yrs), latest 29 Oct 78 P.E.Pt., Hughes. A total of 928 was killed at the Lennox chimneys with the largest single nights of casualties occurring 4-5 Sep 81 and 5-6 Sep 81, when 298 and 207 went down, respectively. Extant specimens include 485 of these now deposited in the National Museum, too many to list in this species account.
SUMMARY: Common spring and autumn transient.
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
Vermivora celata
Paruline verdâtre
The Orange-crowned Warbler is a nearctic species whose nesting range in Canada is concentrated in the northwest and eastwards along the band that reaches northern Ontario and Labrador (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). It is known in the Kingston region as a spring and autumn migrant. The identification of this dingy, greenish-yellow warbler is further complicated by its skulking behaviour. There is evidence from banding studies that the species is under reported as many pass through without detection.
During the early years of the KFN, the numbers found were very few, but the situation has improved. The average number reported each spring is 2 during 1961-70, which increased to 5.2 during 1981-90, declined to 4.1 for 1991-2000, and increased again to 4.6 for the period 2001-08. The average spring arrival date is 9 May (44 yrs), earliest 1 May 1990 P.E.Pt., R.K & M.C. Edwards and 1 May 1995 Kingston, Stewart. Spring migrants have gone by 21 May (40 yrs), latest 31 May 97 P.E.Pt., Ellis & Weir. One was killed at the Lennox chimney on 28 May 71.
The average return date in autumn is 17 Sep (38 yrs), earliest 24 Aug 77 Kingston, Woods. The main body of Orange-crowneds pass through our area after 1 Oct, by which time the main flight of Tennessee Warblers has gone, a species with which it is easily confused during autumn. The average number of records of Orange-crowneds per autumn is 2 for 1961-70, which rose to 5.6 during 1971-80 thanks to extensive netting and banding at P.E.Pt., declined to 3.2 for 1981-90, to 2.1 for 1991-2000, and increased to 5.3 during 2001-07 thanks to another banding programme at P.E.Pt. A total of 11 has been killed at the Lennox chimneys, most of which are in the National Museum.
The average last date is 14 Oct (40 yrs), latest 20 Dec 98 Wolfe I., Hennige et al. Another very late occurrence is the single 19 Dec 86 Garden I., D.V. & L. Weseloh.
SUMMARY: Rare to uncommon spring and autumn transient.
NASHVILLE WARBLER
Vermivora ruficapilla
Paruline à joues grises
The nesting range of the Nashville Warbler extends across most of southern and northern U.S.A. in suitable open deciduous or coniferous woods (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). Young (Macoun and Macoun 1909) found this species to be not uncommon in the Kingston region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He located a nest with eggs during June 1893 near Lansdowne and on 25 May 1906 at Madoc. The data gathered since 1948 by KFN members show it continues to be a common migrant and summer resident.
Spring arrivals appear by 30 Apr (57 yrs), earliest 18 Apr 98 P.E.Pt., Machell. The Nashville Warbler is easily located in woodlots during migration when the males sing their two-part song, the first part of which is reminiscent of the Black-and-white Warbler. Daily maxima are the 150 on 20 May 84 Main Duck I., KFN, and the 117 on 16 May 72 P.E.Pt., Quilliam & Weir. The main flight has passed through by late May that leaves behind a number to nest here. The nesting study 1981-85 revealed about 1,100 pairs breeding each year and the repeat study 2001-05 found a similar nesting density, but the increased area of coverage accounts for all the increase to (1,500200) pairs annually. While the species nests within Conservation Authority lands inside our towns and cities, the nesting density is greatest in the bogs and habitat of the Canadian Shield. Egg dates are 25 May to 11 July (4 nests). Brood dates extend from 8 June to 25 July (43 nests). The local breeding population is considered to be stable, which fits with the results of the roadside BBS for Ontario 1980-2005 (Sauer et al 2005).
Autumn migration is underway by mid-August when passage birds appear at P.E.Pt., and by the first week of September about 40% of the flight has gone through. The remaining flight has gone by 13 Oct (49 yrs) on average, latest 11 Nov 73 P.E.Pt., Wormington & Burk. Daily maxima at the Point are typically 25 to 40, but the 100 reported by Sprague on 18 Sep 05 are noteworthy. At the Lennox chimneys, 172 Nashvilles have been killed of which 51 are in the National Museum, too many to list their accession numbers in this account.
SUMMARY: Common spring and autumn transient. Common summer resident.
NORTHERN PARULA
Parula americana
Paruline à collier
The Northern Parula (warbler) is a species of the eastern nearctic whose nesting range extends from southern Canada, south through the U.S.A to Florida and Texas (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). It is another among our beautifully plumaged warblers with a distinctive song, ‘zee-ee-ee-ee-ip’, which once learned enables one to find the birds easily. However, its nest building depends on habitat that provides the Usnea lichen that the female uses to weave the basket-like dangling cup.
Spring migrants are present for a brief period arriving by 8 May (53 yrs), earliest 20 Apr 90 Kingston, Yarkka, and they leave us for areas further north by 24 May (44 yrs). Reliable locations where they can be found include the Cataraqui Cemetery among the tall mature trees, Cataraqui River Conservation Authority lands in Kingston and Brockville, ‘Owl Woods’ on Amherst I., and P.E.Pt., where the concentrations are greatest. Typical one day tallies at the Point are up to 12 Parulas, but the maxima are the 20 on 15 May 05, Ellis & Weir, and 18 each on 18 May 03, L.& G. Paul & 18 May 05, R.K. Edwards. The totals from the Spring Round-up are more indicative of the numbers passing through Kingston on a specific day e.g. 71 on 25 May 97 and 44 on 19 May 86, KFN.
Conifers with Usnea moss are scarce in the Kingston area so the Parula is not expected to nest here. However, there are two summer occurrences. The first is of a singing male during June 1983 at Actinolite, in the NW corner of our area, where conifer forest is present. The second is of a mated pair with the male singing on territory through June 2004 at Long Point, Amherst I SW, Weir. The habitat at this latter site appeared perfect, but a nest was not found.
Fall migrants reappear by 4 Sep (48 yrs) and by the 3rd week of the month about half the flight has passed by. Normal daily numbers are 1 to 3 birds each day so the 10 on 21 Sep 97 at P.E.Pt., Ellis & Weir, are noteworthy. The date of last sighting is 4 Oct (44 yrs) latest 2 Nov 80 P.E.Pt., McRae. Specimen evidence in the National Museum is documented by Weir (1989).
SUMMARY: Uncommon spring and autumn transient.
YELLOW WARBLER
Dendroica petechia
Paruline jaune
The Yellow Warbler is a nearctic species whose breeding range includes most of Canada and the U.S.A. (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). It prefers open sunny areas with bushes, second growth, and urban gardens as it shuns shaded forest. This all yellow, easy to identify, cheery songster is our commonest breeding wood warbler. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Young (Macoun and Macoun 1909) also found this species to be the most common breeding warbler in eastern Ontario.
Spring arrivals return from the tropics by 2 May (57 yrs), earliest 20 Apr 2001 P.E.Pt., K.F. & R.K. Edwards. Tremendous numbers arrive in our area throughout May, many of which pass on farther north, but many remain to nest. During a three week period in May, singing males seem to be everywhere. Typical daily tallies in suitable habitat on our offshore islands and at P.E.Pt. involve groups up to 100 birds. Daily maxima at the Point are 300 each on 16 May 88 & 8, 24, 29 May 93, KFN. The 2,900 counted on the Spring Round-up on 25 May 97 involved migrants on Wolfe I., Amherst I., and P.E.Pt. Even while these migrants are racing on northwards, our local Yellow Warblers have begun to nest with egg dates from 17 May.
The nesting study 1981-85 determined that about 55,000 pairs nested each year. The repeat study 2001-05 revealed an increase in density in parts of our region and also involved an increased area. The rise to (81,50011,500) nesting pairs annually is accounted for by 8,500 pairs within the density rise and 18,000 pairs in the additional area. The Yellow Warbler is our most common breeding species of warbler and the 4th most common nesting songbird. Egg dates are 17 May to 24 July (111 nests) and brood dates extend from 26 May to 10 July (43 nests). Evidence is on file that this species frustrates the parasitism of the Brown-headed Cowbird by building successive layers in the nest and laying a new clutch. However, there is also evidence that some Yellow Warblers are fooled and raise young cowbirds. Our local roadside BBS show a steady increase in numbers of breeding Yellow Warblers 1968-87 (Quilliam 1987) and subsequently. Robbins et al. (1986) and Sauer et al. (2005) reported significant increases throughout Ontario for the period 1965-79. The increase in abandoned farmland in the Kingston area, with the associated subsequent second growth, has provided greatly increased habitat for this species. For the period 1980-2005 in Ontario, Sauer et al. (2005) noted a slight decrease.
Southbound migrants are moving through during mid-July. Their flight is heavy late in the month, which places this species with the waders for early passage. The 300 on 4 Jul 93 P.E.Pt., Ellis & Weir, contained many migrating birds, an unusually large numbers for the early date. Their peak is reached from 1-15 August and by the end of the month, most have disappeared. The average last date is 9 Sep (51 yrs), latest 5 Nov 89 Perch R., Worona. It is noteworthy that only 90 have been killed at the Lennox chimneys, a small number for such a common species. The 85 specimens in the National Museum are too many to list here.
SUMMARY: Abundant summer resident.
CHESTNUT- SIDED WARBLER
Dendroica pensylvanica
Paruline à flancs marron
The Chestnut-sided Warbler is a New World species whose nesting range extends across southern Canada from Alberta to Nova Scotia, as well as south through much of eastern U.S.A. (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). It prefers open second growth areas, and deciduous thickets, often sharing the same habitat with the Yellow Warbler. The range of the Chestnut-sided Warbler has expanded greatly as a result of the clearing of forest by the European settlers. J.J. Audubon saw only one during his lifetime of field work in eastern North America (Bent 1953). In the Kingston region, Hadfield (1859) considered the species to be rare during spring. By the end of the 19th century, its status had begun to change as Young (Macoun and Macoun 1909) located a nest with 4 eggs on 3 Jun 1896 at Landsowne. In sharp contrast to this historical status, the species has become common during the late 20th and early 21st centuries in our area.
The average return date is 8 May (58 yrs), earliest 22 Apr 04 P.E.Pt., Okines. By the third week of the month, they become common and typical daily numbers at P.E.Pt. are 50 birds, when males are heard singing throughout the area. High tallies include the 100 on 2 May 81 Main Duck I., KFN, and the 80 on 21 May 78 P.E.Pt., Stewart & Weir. Nesting is underway by early June with egg dates from 3 June to 15 June (4 nests). Brood dates for 53 nests extend from 2 June to 16 July, more numerous since the nests are more easily located when the parents carry food.
Robbins et al. (1986) noted that the roadside BBS done in Ontario 1965-79 have resulted in the highest average counts of the Chestnut-sided Warbler for any state or province in North America. The Kingston BBS consistently show high numbers for this species. The nesting study 1981-85 showed there were about 1,865 breeding pairs each year, and the subsequent study 2001-05 resulted in this total being raised to (2,750300) nesting pairs annually. An increased density accounts for 32% of the rise in numbers and the expanded area surveyed accounts for the remaining 68% increase.
Southbound Chestnut-sided Warblers are among the early migrants during mid-August that move through our area. By 31 August, about 30% have passed through and by 15 Sep, 75% have gone. Typical concentrations during the autumn involve 10-20 birds and the 40 on 3 Sep 89 & 24 Aug 91 P.E.Pt., KFN, are exceptional. The average last date is 21 Sep (47 yrs), latest 16 Oct 78 P.E.Pt., KFN.
Some 349 have been killed at the Lennox chimneys. At least 138 specimens from the Kingston area are housed in the National Museum, too many to list the accession numbers in this account.
SUMMARY: Common summer resident.
MAGNOLIA WARBLER
Dendroica magnolia
Paruline à tête cendrée
The Magnolia Warbler nests from Alaska and Yukon, southeast across the northern prairies of Canada, eastern Ontario, to Atlantic Canada, and south in the mountains of New England (AOU 1998, Godfrey). Within Ontario, this range includes the northern and central parts of the province, south into the Ottawa and Kingston regions (James 1991). This species prefers young conifers in a mixed or evergreen forest, and it replaces the Chestnut-sided Warbler where young evergreens succeed deciduous bushes. The beautiful plumage allows easy identification by sight, but its soft song is often overlooked by observers on the nesting grounds.
Spring migrants arrive by 8 May (56 yrs), earliest 22 Apr 77 Chaffeys Locks, Phelan. The species is among the most common warbler migrants to move through the Kingston region and peak numbers pass through during the period 15 to 31 May. Some 1,325 were counted during the Spring Roundup 25 May 97, KFN, which is an extraordinary number, as were the 600 tallied on 24 May 81 on the small island Main Duck I., KFN. More typical are the 100 or more per day at P.E.Pt., e.g. 23 May 74; 17 May 77; 24 May 81; 20 May 82; 24 May 93. Most migrants have gone by the end of May to leave behind a breeding population.
The nesting study 1981-85 determined that some 125 pairs nested each year and the repeat study 2001-05 uncovered a significant range expansion, probably as a result of habitat change. The revised number of annual breeding pairs is (400100), most of which is accounted for by the range expansion. Sauer et al. (2005) reported an increase in Magnolia Warbler numbers based on the roadside BBS in Ontario for 1980-2005. Egg dates for three nests are 30 May to 1 July. Brood dates extend from 2 June to 17 July (43 nests).
Autumn migrants are on their way by mid-August and 75% of the flight has passed through by 21 Sep each year. During fall, daily maxima at P.E.Pt. frequently exceed 100 birds and include the 500 on 17 Sep 82, K.F. & R.K. Edwards; 125 each on 24 Aug 91 & 18 Sep 05, KFN. The average date for last sighting is 3 Oct (54 yrs) latest 3 Nov 91 P.E.Pt., K.F & R.K. Edwards. The Magnolia Warbler suffered very heavy casualties at the Lennox chimneys, where 2,485 are known to have been killed during the years 1972 to 1982, with one night totals of 230 and 760 on 5 & 6 Sep 81, respectively. At least 622 of these are now specimens in the National Museum as skins, skeletons and specimens in alcohol. Their accession numbers are too numerous to list here.
SUMMARY: Common to very common spring and autumn transient. Fairly common summer resident.
CAPE MAY WARBLER
Dendroica tigrina
Paruline tigrée
This colourful and smart plumaged species ranges during the nesting season from extreme northwest Canada eastwards along the Canadian Shield, through northern Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. The Cape May Warbler is a species of the spruce forests and spruce bogs, where it forages at tree top height, seemingly almost always in the tallest tree. Such habitat is absent in the Kingston region and this species is known here only as a spring and autumn migrant. Like the Tennessee and Bay-breasted Warblers, the Cape May is a Spruce Budworm species and its numbers fluctuate from year to year (Godfrey 1986).
The first birds appear in spring by 6 May (51 yrs), earliest 29 Apr 1969 Cataraqui Cemetery, Cooke & Grant; 29 Apr 1987 Cataraqui Golf Course, Mackenzie; 29 Apr 1990 P.E.Pt., KFN. Some tall evergreens grow at all these sites. Numbers vary annually. Seasonal lows during spring are 18 & 4 in 1979 & 2002, respectively and highs of 200+ & 104 in 1982 & 1996, respectively, KFN. One of the best places to see Cape May Warblers is at P.E.Pt., where the absence of tall trees forces the species to lower viewing levels. Noteworthy daily maxima there include the 150 each on 21 May 75, Quilliam & Weir and 16 May 82 Edwards family; 78 & 75 on 25 May 97 & 19 May 96, KFN. The last of the spring migrants is seen on average 22 May (51 yrs), latest 1 Jun 96 P.E.Pt., K.F. & R.K. Edwards.
Autumn migrants arrive back by 21 Aug (31 yrs), earliest 3 Aug 87 Little Cataraqui Creek, Kingston, Burke. Their peak migration occurs between late August and early September. The largest one day totals found at P.E.Pt. are the 50 each on 4 Sep 72 and 20 Aug 79; 25 on 31 Aug 91, KFN. Casualties during a single night at the Lennox chimneys are the 231 and 176 killed on 5 & 6 Sep 81. Extant specimens from our area include the 452 in the National Museum and 50 in the New Brunswick Museum. None is listed by accession number in this species account.
Autumn migrants are gone by 25 Sep (38 yrs), latest 27 Nov 83 Kingston, Reynolds.
SUMMARY: Fairly common spring and autumn transient.
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER
Dendroica caerulescens
Paruline bleue
The Black-throated Blue Warbler is another New World species whose breeding range is confined mainly to eastern Canada and northeast U.S.A. (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). Its range within Ontario extends south to Georgian Bay and east to Ottawa (James 1991), which includes the northerly sections of the Kingston region. Its nesting habitat is mainly deciduous or mixed woodlands that contain an under storey of shrubs or saplings. My own successes in finding nests have been within mature stands of birch with numerous young saplings in which the nest is normally placed.
Among the early ornithologists in the Kingston area, Hadfield (1859) found the species rarely during spring, but this probably reflects an inadequate study time to determine its true status. Later Beaupre saw quite a few between 1898 and 1927, as did Merriman from 1927 to 1934. The data gathered by the KFN since 1948 have allowed a proper assessment of its status in all seasons. The average return date from the wintering areas within the West Indies is 5 May (56 yrs), earliest 26 Apr 90 Little Cataraqui Creek, Kingston, Rogers. Our studies show that the males precede the females in their return to Kingston and typical ratios among the vanguard are 25 to 30 males for each female. As the females arrive, daily maxima rise sharply and include the 495 on 25 May 97, KFN; 125 on 16 May 82 Edwards family; 122 on 19 May 96, KFN; 75 on 15 May 03, G. & L. Paul. Most have moved on to the north by late May, thereby leaving behind a small population of breeders.
Snyder (1941) found a pair in suitable habitat on 27 Jun 1930 at Woodrous Prince Edward and Evans located a summering male on 27 Jun 1971 along the Canoe Lake Road. Subsequent searching in this latter area and within the Quilliam Sanctuary revealed annual summering pairs. For the first time, the detailed nesting study of 1981-85 provided a quantitative assessment of the numbers of nesting pairs of about 140 pairs annually. Armed with the knowledge of the nesting areas, the repeat study 2001-05 involved a thorough census of established sites and searches of typical habitat with the result of (21040) breeding pairs annually. This total is composed of 125 pairs from the established sites and 85 pairs from sites in a range expansion. Dates for eggs in four nests are 28 May to 6 June. Brood dates for four nests range from 27 June to 17 July. The highest density of nesting in the Kingston region occurs along the edge of the Canadian Shield, which is located in the northerly sector of our area.
Autumn migrants are moving southwards by the third week of August, and like many species of wood warblers, the Black-throated Blue moves through steadily without the concentrations of the spring. The 75 and 40 on 21 Sep 97 and 28 Sep 01, respectively at P.E.Pt., KFN, are exceptional numbers. By late September, most have departed and the average last date is 11 Oct (51 yrs) with the latest 8 Nov 81 P.E.Pt., Vance and Weir. Some 318 of the 567 killed at the Lennox chimneys are extant specimens in the National Museum, accession numbers too many to list here.
SUMMARY: Common spring and fairly common autumn transient. Uncommon summer resident.
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER
Dendroica coronata
Paruline à croupion jaune
The nesting range of the Yellow-rumped Warbler extends across forested Canada from the Yukon to Newfoundland (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). This species is the most common migrant among the 38 species of wood warblers that pass through or nest in the Kingston region. The subspecies involved is the ‘Myrtle Warbler Dendroica coronata coronata’. The western subspecies ‘Audubon’s Warbler Dendroica coronata auduboni’ continues to be unknown in our area.
The first spring migrants are males that appear by 9 Apr (55 yrs) followed by the females on average by the third week of April. About 75 % of the flight has passed through by mid-May, during which time, the species is found in most large and small woodlots, where typical daily counts involve 100 to 150 birds. At P.E.Pt., where the geography of the peninsula concentrates the migrants, their numbers can be impressive, especially when adverse weather forces the birds to ground along this first landfall after they have crossed L. Ontario. Leading totals include the 4,500 on 8 May 82; 3,000 on 6 May 82; 2,000 on 7 May 99; 1,500 on 9 May 93, KFN. Most move on to the north but a few remain to nest here.
The nesting study 1981-85 found about 310 breeding pairs each year of the work. The repeat study 2001-05 revised this total upwards to (510100) nesting each year. About 75 pairs of this rise are accounted for by a modest range expansion into new pine plantations and 55 pairs as a result of an expanded survey area. Egg dates range from 29 May to 16 June (5 nests). Brood dates are 29 May to 25 July for 48 nests.
Fall migration is underway by mid-August and 50% of the flight has gone through by 15 Sep. From late September to mid-October, a heavy influx arrives from the north every year. Impressive concentrations at P.E.Pt. include the 10,000 on 4 Oct 92; 5,000 each on 11 Oct 87 & 30 Sep 89; 2,500 each on 8 Oct 95 & 29 Sep 02; 2,000 each on 10 Oct 93 & 16 Oct 05, KFN. The tally of Yellow-rumpeds in the five hour night flight 10-11 Sep 2001 over my Kingston home reached 12,000 birds.
It is intriguing that among the 22,779 songbirds killed at the Lennox chimneys from 1972-82, only 55 Yellow-rumped Warblers were among the casualties, in spite of the huge numbers that migrate by night through the Kingston region. For some unknown reason, this species managed to avoid the obstacle. Quilliam (1973) described the findings of Beaupre, who discovered 13 that hit the glass in his front door in Kingston on 7 Oct 1921. These were some among a number of migrants that lay dead on the streets of Kingston when over taken by cold rain. The average date of last sighting is 25 Nov (55 yrs).
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is one of the few wood warblers able to subsist on berries and seeds for extended periods. As a result, some spend the winter in the Kingston area, although the numbers vary annually. Since 1980, the species has been found on 17 of the P.E.Pt. Chistmas Counts and 9 of the Kingston Christmas Counts. During the 26 winters since 1980, it has been present during January of 20 years and February of 8 years. Extant specimens in the National Museum are documented by Quilliam (1973) and Weir (1989).
SUMMARY: Abundant spring and autumn transient. Fairly common summer resident. Irregular uncommon winter resident.
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER
Dendroica virens
Paruline à gorge noire
The nesting range of the Black-throated Green Warbler extends from the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, eastwards across Canada to the Maritimes and Newfoundland (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). Its lazy song is a familiar sound in the coniferous forests where the species builds its nest. Its winter range includes Florida south to Panama and the Greater Antilles. Among the early ornithologists in our area, both Beaupre and Merriman found this species nesting as well as in migration.
Spring migrants are here by 30 Apr (55 yrs), earliest 17 Apr 81 P.E.Pt., KFN and 17 Apr 2002 P.E.Pt., Bree. It is not unusual to find 30 to 40 each day at the Point during spring, and exceptional numbers are the 125 on 23 May 76 P.E.Pt., Weir; 60 on 24 May 81 Main Duck I., KFN; 50 each on 13 May 92 P.E.Pt., Stewart & 11 May 95 Amherst I., A. Scott. About 25% of the flight has passed through by 12 May, 50% by 18 May and 75% by 24 May. Some remain to nest here.
The nesting study 1981-85 revealed about 200 nesting pairs annually. The repeat work 2001-05 revised this number upwards to (500125) pairs each year. Range expansion into maturing evergreen plantations accounted for 217 pairs and 83 pairs were the result of an expanded survey area. Nesting was found to occur in both coniferous forest and mixed deciduous-coniferous woods, often preferring stands of Hemlock Tsugu canadensis. The Quilliam Sanctuary of the KFN hosts some nesting pairs every summer, where the males continue to sing into mid-August, long after the young have fledged the nest. Brood dates are 6 June to 25 July for 49 nests. The increase in the breeding numbers for this species in the Kingston region is mirrored by the results from the roadside BBS in Ontario for the period 1980-2005 (Sauer et al. 2005).
Autumn migrants appear by the 3rd week of August and their flight is strong until about mid-September. Normal daily numbers from a number of locations match those of the spring at 30 to 40 individuals. However, the daily maxima, all at P.E.Pt., are higher at 300 on 21 Sep 97 & 150 on 11 Sep 93 Ellis & Weir; 100 on 25 Sep 93 Weir. The average last date is 4 Oct (51 yrs), latest 8 Nov 92 Treasure I., Kingston. G. Paul et al. A total of 435 was killed at the Lennox chimneys during the period 1972-82, of which 186 are extant in the National Museum. Their accession numbers are too many to list here.
SUMMARY: Common spring and autumn transient. Fairly common summer resident.
HERMIT WARBLER
Dendroica occidentalis
Paruline à tête jaune
The nesting range of the Hermit Warbler lies only along the Pacific coast from southwest Washington to California. It winters in Central America (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). During the night of 10 Sep 1978, an immature Hermit Warbler struck one of the chimneys at the Lennox Generating Station and was killed. This record provided the first ever for Ontario and the bird, which was very fat, is in the National Museum as 78708. James (1991) lists three subsequent sightings for Ontario.
SUMMARY: Accidental. One record.
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER
Dendroica fusca
Paruline à gorge orangée
The Blackburnian Warbler nests in a range that extends from Alberta east to Maritime Canada, and south through the Appalachians of the U.S.A. (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). The species prefers tall trees of Hemlock Tsuga canadensis, Spruce Picea (sp), and Fir abies (sp) in which it forages within the upper levels. The flame-coloured breast and throat worn by the male in spring are very impressive, especially, when viewed against the background of the green conifers.
Hadfield (1859) found only one in the Kingston region, but Young (Macoun and Macoun 1909) judged the species to be a common migrant in Leeds and in the vicinity of Queensboro and Madoc Hastings. Since 1948, the KFN records show the Blackburnian Warbler to be a fairly common, later becoming a common migrant during spring and autumn, and an uncommon summer resident.
The brightly plumaged males appear by 6 May (58 yrs), earliest 28 Apr 90, Canoe Lake Road, north of Kingston, Mackenzie. They are joined soon after by the females, and about 50% of the flight has passed through by 23 May, and 75% by 27 May. Typical daily numbers in suitable habitat at P.E.Pt. are 30 to 40 birds. Daily maxima at the Point are the 100 on 16 May, KFN and 60 on 24 May 81 at which time the males are singing vigorously. Females continue to pass through into early June. Most birds move on north of our area where more concentrated suitable nesting habitat is available, but some remain here for the summer.
The nesting study 1981-85 indicated that about 200 pairs bred each year. The repeat study 2001-05 revised this total upwards to (27575) as a result of more thorough searching of the suitable habitat rather than any range expansion. Nests are placed high within conifers and are difficult to locate while the females are incubating the eggs, even though the males sing from a nearby exposed perch. Even when they are found, it is impossible to know how many eggs are present. On file, egg dates for one nest extend from 8 June to 13 June. However, once the parents begin to feed the young in the nest, the location is more readily revealed. Brood dates for 20 nests range from 25 June to 25 July. The distribution of the nesting species is similar for the two studies and is closely tied to the presence of tall conifers.
Fall migrants reappear at P.E.Pt. and other lakeshore sites by the third week of August, and the flight is heaviest from 1-15 Sep. Typical numbers and daily maxima compare with those of the spring passage and the 50 on 3 Sep 89 P.E.Pt., KFN, are an exceptional number. The species suffered heavy casualties at the Lennox chimneys where 1,491 died during the period 1972-82. Large numbers were killed there on only three nights when 136, 500 and 291 died 2, 5, & 6 Sep 81, respectively. Extant specimens from among these are the 732 in the National Museum, many of which are in superb condition. Their accession numbers are too many to list here. The average date of last sighting is 26 Sep (45 yrs), latest 7-8 Jan 82 Cartwright Point, Kingston, Hoyle, photo.
SUMMARY: Common spring and autumn transient. Uncommon summer resident.
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER
Dendroica dominica
Paruline à gorge jaune
The Yellow-throated Warbler, named for its bright yellow throat plumage, is restricted to the eastern nearctic, nesting in suitable habitat from southern Wisconsin southeast through southern New York, south to Texas, the Gulf states of the U.S.A. and Florida (AOU 1998). Within Ontario, Godfrey (1986) ranked it as a rare visitor to southern Canada, and James (1991) considered it a rare straggler in southern Ontario based on about 30 records from 1981 to 1990. Dunn and Garrett (1997) wrote of over 100 records in Ontario, mostly in spring. The Kingston area lies well to the north of its established normal nesting range. Yellow-throated Warblers in the Kingston area are overshoots beyond the nesting areas farther south.
Spring records number 14 over 51 years 1958-2008. The first occurrence is dated 19-20 Apr 1958, Little Cataraqui Creek, Kingston, K.F. Edwards. All the sightings involved single birds with two different singles in May 1991 and May 1996. Of these, ten have been found at P.E.Pt., of which two were netted, banded and photographed, three in Kingston and one opposite Wolfe I. along Pt. Peninsula, N.Y. The influxes seem to fall into two arrival periods, viz. mid-April and 3-24 May. The first group defines an average arrival of 19 Apr (3 yrs) and the second group an arrival of 11 May (6 yrs) and departure 22 May (6 yrs). The Yellow-throated Warbler has a characteristic behaviour of creeping along tree branches and trunks like the Pine Warbler and Black-and-white Warbler, which is an aid in its identification.
Four sub-species are recognised (Dunn and Garrett 1997, Curson et al. 1994). One occurs only in the Bahamas, a second along the U.S. Gulf coast and two extend well north in eastern U.S.A., viz. Dendroica dendroica dendroica that is the nominate race distributed from Florida northeast to Long I., N.Y. and that has a larger bill with a yellow supraloral stripe; Dendroica dendroica albilora that is distributed from Texas northeast to Ohio along the western edge of the nesting range and has a smaller bill and an all white supraloral stripe. Five of the Kingston records are of the D.d. albilora race viz. 14-16 May 78 (netted, photo) Stewart; 4 May 91, 11 May 91, 22 May 88 all P.E.Pt., Weir; 28 Oct 99 Bath (photo) D.& G. Gault. The subspecific information for the other records is not known. These support the thesis by Dunn and Garrett (1997) that spring over shoots in the Great Lakes region are D.D. albilora, which is the race breeding along the south shore of L. Erie in Ohio.
Three singles have been found during autumn. The first occurred on 23 Nov 1982 at a feeder in Kingston, Spettigue. This was followed by a single that lingered from 9 to 25 Nov 1992 at a feeder in Sydenham, S. & A. Treganza. The third remained at a feeder from 28 Oct to 7 Nov 1999 in Bath, D. & G. Gault et al. This species is prone to appear suddenly north of the breeding areas during late autumn. Although outside our traditional area, it is noteworthy that one spent the period 18 Dec 1987 to 5 Jan 1988 in Trenton, photo by Sprague, video tape by Gray. Perhaps these birds were migrants that headed northwards instead of southwards.
SUMMARY: Irregular very rare spring and casual autumn visitor.
PINE WARBLER
Dendroica pinus
Paruline des pins
The Pine Warbler is a nearctic species whose breeding range extends from southern Manitoba to central and southern Ontario, eastern U.S.A to the Gulf coast (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). Its distribution is tied closely to the distribution of pine forest, especially, White Pine Pinus strobus, although other species of tall pines are also used. The Pine Warbler is the only warbler for which the entire population normally summers and winters within North America.
Prior to settlement by the Europeans, extensive stands of pine covered Ontario and this wood warbler was probably very common, perhaps more so than is the case today. Eagles (in Cadman et al. 1987) notes that its numbers are assumed to have dropped as the pines were systematically removed during the period 1801-1850 by the square timber loggers. Until fairly recently, the species has had a spotty distribution throughout Ontario, but maturing pine plantations have greatly assisted in the restoration of the species, which has had a major positive impact on the species in the Kingston area. James (1991) considered it to be an uncommon to locally common summer resident in southern Ontario. At Kingston, Beaupre found the Pine Warbler during the springs of 1923-27 inclusive and in autumn 1927. Quilliam (1965) assessed its status here as a rare spring migrant, rare summer resident and very rare autumn transient. She did not assign a status in her next publication (Quilliam 1973). Subsequent studies in the Kingston area have focussed on a number of species to define their status, among which is the Pine Warbler. These studies led Weir (1989) to upgrade the status to a fairly common summer resident.
Because of its dull plumage and habit of foraging high in tall pines, the Pine Warbler is easily overlooked. However, once its song is learned, it is more easily detected. Spring males return to Kingston by 22 Apr (53 yrs), earliest 7 Apr 2005 RMC, Kingston, Weir. As noted by Quilliam, there is no known local site where large numbers can be readily viewed during migration. The group of 12 on 6 May 87 on Grenadier I., Robinson, is noteworthy and were probably nesting birds. The 20 singing males on 30 Apr 94 were found in the pine stands along the Canoe Lake Road, Ellis & Weir. Most pine stands in our area host at least one nesting pair. The roadside Breeding Bird Surveys show excellent numbers of Pine Warblers wherever the pine stands lie within hearing distance of the roadway. Typical high counts on the Perth Road survey are the 19 on 21 Jun 98; 15 on 11 Jun 94; 14 on 15 Jun 97.
The nesting study 1981-85 determined that about 900 pairs nested each year. The repeat study 2001-05 revised this total upwards to (1,150150) pairs annually. The modest rise is attributed to expanding pine stands and pine groves in the area and our increased efforts to visit as many as possible. During both studies, the greatest density was recorded in the sections east and northeast from Kingston through the Thousand Islands, Rockport, Ivy Lea, Seeley’s Bay, Morton; north of Kingston City along the many lakes bordered by pines; and northwest through the extensive stands south of Flinton Creek, Kaladar, and Puzzle Lake. Human access to nests placed high in pines without damaging the structure of the nest limits acquisition of data on egg dates. The only egg date on file is 9 Jun 85 near Godfrey, Weir & Ellis. This nest had fallen naturally from a pine tree and spilled the eggs. As is the case for some other warblers, once the adults begin feeding the young, the nests are more easily located. Brood dates for 36 nests extend from 8 June to 14 July with one very late nest that contained young dated 2 Aug 04, perhaps a second brood.
Autumn migration is underway during September and, from an observer’s point of view, is subtle with reports of migrants as only singles or two at a time. Only two were killed at the Lennox chimneys, both females dated 16 Sep 87 and 8 Oct 78.
Another was found dead at P.E.Pt. on 11 Sep 79. All are extant in the National Museum as 63935, 88717 and 69602, respectively. The average date of last sighting is 13 Oct (34 yrs). However, there are some very late dates for this species that suggest it attempts to over winter in some years. The latest record was a single that lingered until 23 Jan 2005 Cartwrights Pt., Kingston, Sachs & MacDougall. There are occurrences in December of 1988, 1989, 1998, 2000 and 2004.
SUMMARY: Fairly common summer resident.
KIRTLAND’S WARBLER
Dendroica kirtlandii
Paruline de Kirtland
The Kirtland’s Warbler nests only in the State of Michigan, and only in stands of young Jack Pine Pinus banksiana. Formerly, it nested in southern Ontario at Petawawa. About 20 sightings are on record for southern Ontario north to Georgian Bay, Kingston, and Petawawa up to 1986 (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). James (1991) notes it “now as a rare straggler and (non-breeding?) summer resident in the south (north to Georgian Bay and Renfrew County”.
Two reliable sightings are known for the Kingston area. The first occurred on 12 May 1974, when Evans, Smith and McCowan located a single in the Cataraqui Cemetery, Kingston. Their field notes were described by Quilliam (1966). Through an oversight, this record was omitted by Quilliam (1973), but listed by Weir and Quilliam (1980). The second record was of a male seen on 9 Sep 1981 in the pines at Morton, M. & T. Hendrick. Their field notes leave no doubt that this tail-wagging species was identified correctly.
SUMMARY: One spring and one autumn record.
PRAIRIE WARBLER
Dendroica discolor Paruline des prés
The Prairie Warbler’s nesting range includes south eastern U.S.A., north to southern New England, and west to Illinois (AOU 1998). The northerly edge of the breeding range just reaches southern Ontario where the species occurs along Georgian Bay, Mazinaw L. Frontenac and Westport. Godfrey (1986) considered it to be a rare breeder in the province, while James (1991) classed it as rare to uncommon local breeder. Its preferred habitat includes dry scrubby, rocky areas, which contain scattered oaks and pines, but excludes prairies contrary to what its name implies. Lambert and Smith (1984) and Lambert (in Cadman et al. 1987) concluded that not more than 500 pairs bred within Ontario during the years 1981-85.
The first known record for the Kingston region dates from summer of 1948 when Broley found a colony at Devil L. Strong (Quilliam 1973) independently found Prairie Warblers in this area. This site lies along the cliffs that overlook the lake and is covered with oaks and cedars. The colony remained active from 1948 to 1988 inclusive. Other breeding colonies include the northwest side of Canoe L., discovered by Blades in 1961, which hosted birds until 1987 inclusive; Clear L., found by Curtis in 1961 and active to 1977; Westport in 1955 active intermittently until 1991; Frontenac Provincial Park 1982 until 1996 inclusive; sites along the Opinicon L. Road 1984 to 2000; Charleston L., Crotch L., Gould L., Hart L., Kaladar, Lower Rock L., Puzzle L., Round L., Salmon L. The appearance of this species is irregular and erratic at most of these sites. The largest numbers at any one site are the 22 males on 10 Jun 73, counted along the west side of Canoe L. by Rockwell as he canoed along the shore.
The nesting study 1981-1985 resulted in locating about 65 pairs in our region. Rights-of-way for high voltage transmission lines in our area were used as high singing perches for the males. The repeat study 2001-2005 concluded that (2010) pairs bred annually. The decline is attributed to the normal fluctuation of a species at the northerly edge of its range. Egg dates for two nests are 10 May to early June. Newly fledged young at three sites were found being fed by parents from 4 to 10 July in the years 1985, 2001 and 2004.
Spring migrants arrive by 11 May (46 yrs) earliest 27 Apr 82 P.E.Pt., Weir. The birds are usually first reported from the area of the nesting colonies, but a few migrants appear at P.E.Pt. to rest and feed. The daily spring maxima at the Point do not exceed three birds. Six males over summered there in 1979, but nesting was not confirmed. The birds did not remain for summer in subsequent years (Sprague and Weir 1984).
The Prairie Warbler migrates from our area during late summer and does so almost without detection. The average date for last sighting is 28 Aug (10 yrs), latest 16 Oct 06, Montreal St., Kingston, Ellis. Our only specimen is the individual killed at the Lennox chimneys during the night 7-8 Sep 81, now in the National Museum as 71723.
SUMMARY: Rare, sometimes locally uncommon, summer resident.
PALM WARBLER
Dendroica palmarum
Paruline à couronne rousse
The Palm Warbler occurs during the breeding season from the Yukon east through northern Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada south into northern U.S.A. and southern Ontario (AOU 1998). The status of the species within Ontario is rare south of Timmins to the Bruce peninsula and Ottawa (Godfrey 1986, James 1991). Its favoured habitat includes bogs and/or barren lands with shrubbery and scattered trees. Such open habitat is frequented by this species during its passage through the Kingston area, especially at shoreline sites and offshore islands. The Palm Warbler is one a few species of wood warbler that flick or wag the tail, thereby making the identification easier.
Spring migrants appear by 23 Apr (54 yrs), earliest 16 Apr 03 P.E.Pt., G. Gault. Their stay in our area is brief and most have gone by 18 May (51 yrs), latest 28 May 95 P.E.Pt., KFN, excluding the occasional rare summer stray. Normal daily numbers are in the range of 10-20 birds and exceptional are the 50 on 7 May 83 & 10 May 96 and the 35 on 11 May 84 & 5 May 00 all at P.E.Pt., KFN. At the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries, Young (Macoun and Macoun 1909) found this species to be common during late April and early May, dates that are similar to those of today.
Breeding is unknown in the Kingston area, but it is noteworthy that summer occurrences are on file for three years. The first is a single found on 16 Jul 90 at Ellisville, Orr. The next are a pair on 18 Jun 04 southwest of Kaladar off highway 7, and a pair on 17 Jul 04 east of Madoc, Weir. The former pair may have been late migrants.
Fall migrants return to our region by 15 Sep (50 yrs) earliest 11 Aug 82 Collins Bay, C.A. Edwards. During this season, their numbers greatly exceed those of spring, a result of nesting successes. Groups containing up to 30-50 birds are typical on our offshore islands and at P.E.Pt. The daily maxima are 200 on 28 Sep 85 P.E.Pt., Mackenzie, and 150 on Wolfe I., R. & E. Sachs. The average date for last sighting is 12 Oct (52 yrs), latest 12 Nov 89 P.E.Pt., Ellis & Weir. Two subspecies are recognised for the Palm Warbler. The Dendroica palmarum palmarum, sometimes called the ‘Western’ Palm Warbler, is the normal subspecies that migrates through Kingston during spring to its breeding areas to our north and west. The Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea or ‘Yellow’ Palm Warbler occupies the eastern portion of the nesting range. A few ‘Yellow’ Palms have been identified here e.g. 20(1), 26(1), 29(1) Apr 03; 25 Apr 07, all netted and banded at P.E.Pt., Okines, and a single on 8 Nov 81 P.E.Pt., KFN. Extant specimens in the National Museum are documented by Weir (1989).
SUMMARY: Fairly common, sometimes common, spring and autumn transient.
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER
Dendroica castanea
Paruline à poitrine baie
The Bay-breasted Warbler nests within a range that extends from Alberta across Canada to the Maritimes, and south into parts of northern U.S.A. (AOU 1998). Within Ontario, this breeding range extends rarely south to Renfrew (Godfrey 1986, James 1991). Brightly plumaged, male Bay-breasted Warblers arrive in our area by 12 May (55 yrs), earliest 1 May 84 P.E.Pt., Avis & M. Brown. During this time, the males sing their high frequency song with vigour and are joined by females by the third week of May, when the flight peaks and the species becomes common. Finding 20-30 Bay-breasteds at one time is not unusual. Daily maxima include the 300 on 22 May 83 P.E.Pt., KFN and 200 on 24 May 81 Main Ducks I., KFN. The species departs our area by 27 May (53 yrs), latest 18 Jun 03 Devil L., Weir.
The Bay-breasted Warbler returns to Kingston on its way to tropical America by 23 Aug (45 yrs). The earliest is one netted and banded on 19 Jul 78 P.E.Pt., KFN. The main group arrives near the end of August and the first week of September, by which time, the smart plumage of spring has changed into a drab dress. At this time, the dark legs and buff coloured under tail coverts are helpful field marks. Up to 40 birds per day are normal numbers during the peak period. Daily maxima include the 100 on 8 Sep 88 at P.E.Pt., Mackenzie & Weir, and 75 on 6 Sep 86 at P.E.Pt., KFN. The average last date is 28 Sep (50 yrs), latest 20 Oct 94 Kingston, G. Paul.
Casualty numbers at the Lennox chimneys were high and provide an index of its very common status. During the period 1972-82, some 2,408 were killed at the station. Peak nights saw 831 and 758 Bay-breasted Warblers killed on 5 & 6 Sep 81, respectively. Of these, 1,109 are extant in the National Museum preserved as skins and specimens. These are too many for the accession numbers to be listed here.
SUMMARY: Common spring and very common autumn transient.
BLACKPOLL WARBLER
Dendroica striata
Paruline rayée
The Blackpoll Warbler is a New World species of the coniferous forests whose nesting range extends from Alaska eastwards through north and central Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). This nesting range lies well to the north of the Kingston area, and the species is known to us as a common spring and autumn transient. It is among the latest of the migrants to pass through here on its way northwards during late May and June, although the first arrivals appear by 18 May (56 yrs) earliest 4 May 69 P.E.Pt., Sprague & Wallwork. The peak flight occurs during the last week of May, when most leaves have opened and
only the high pitched song of the male betrays its presence among the leaves. Daily maxima at P.E.Pt. include the 150 on 23 May 99; 50 on 29 May 94; 40 each on 21 May 92 & 25 May 00, KFN. Although the average last date is 1 Jun (55yrs), passage continues during the first two weeks of June, when many females move through, latest 16 Jun 85 Bellrock, Weir. One summer occurrence is noted on the file, which is a single that tarried 1-10 Jul 67 Napanee, A. E. Bell. Whether it was northbound or southbound is unknown.
Autumn migrants return by 30 Aug (39yrs), earliest 24 Jul 77 P.E.Pt., Weir, at which time the species sports a totally different plumage from that of spring, which requires some extra care for correct identification. The pale legs and white under tail coverts help rule out the similar-plumaged Bay-breasted Warbler moving southwards at the same time. The peak period for Blackpoll passage here is 24 Aug to 18 Sep, when daily totals match those of the spring. Daily maxima at P.E.Pt. include the 125 on 11 Sep 93; 100 on 18 Sep 05; 80 on 5 Sep 98; 75 on 30 Aug 98, KFN.
The ornithologists in our area during the 18th and 19th centuries probably had some difficulty in identifying this species during autumn given the absence at the time of modern field guides and optical equipment. Young (Macoun and Macoun 1909) seldom found it and Beaupre reported only two Blackpolls. The average last date is 1 Oct (42 yrs), latest 20 Nov 70 Collins Bay, K.F. Edwards, and 19 Nov 00 Garden I., Weseloh. Fifty-eight were killed at the Lennox chimneys 1972-82 of which 30 are extant in the National Museum. Their numbers are not listed here.
SUMMARY: Common spring and autumn transient.
CERULEAN WARBLER
Dendroica cerulea
Paruline azurée
The Cerulean Warbler, a nearctic species, breeds in eastern North America within mature deciduous forest. The northerly limit of its nesting range is reached in southeast Ontario that includes the Kingston area (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). The species prefers to forage high in the mature trees where the nest is usually located. Males return to Kingston by 13 May (49yrs), earliest 1 May 91 Chaffeys Lock, Connor. The first Ceruleans are normally found in the traditional nesting areas and relatively few are seen at the shoreline migrant traps. While the species appears at P.E.Pt. each spring, their seasonal numbers at that location are usually fewer than six birds.
Historically, the first record for the Kingston area is credited to C.L. Broley (1929), who found it during June 1928 at Delta. The next record on file is dated from 1950. Since 1961, it has been found annually here within Shield habitat where it nests. It has taken members of the KFN a few years to track down the exact locations within the Shield where it nests but this mapping has been done thanks to numerous local studies. The nesting study 1981-85 provided the first quantitative assessment of the breeding numbers. About 130 pairs were found to have bred annually during this period. The repeat study 2001-05 yielded (25050) pairs nesting each year. The increase is accounted for by a modest range expansion, perhaps encouraged by the expanding mature deciduous forest in our area. During both studies, the nesters were found in stands of mature deciduous trees along the edge of the Canadian Shield.
Egg dates are 8 Jun to 23 Jun (2 nests) and brood dates range from 6 Jun to 13 Jul (4 nests). Because the nests are placed high in the trees and are inaccessible, it is not possible to provide additional dates for eggs and broods. Many other nests have been seen with attendant adults, but it has not been possible to determine what contents were present. One nest was viewed under construction on 2 Jun 63 near Canoe L., Lamb (Quilliam 1973). Young birds have been seen just outside the nest being fed by parents from 16 Jul to 28 Jul. Two of our area’s roadside routes for the BBS yield significant numbers of singing males, viz. Perth Road up to 12 males annually, and Canoe L. Road up to 11 males each year. Separate from the fixed route and stops for the BBS, some 25 males were found singing 15 May 79 along the road from the Quilliam Sanctuary of the KFN to Canoe L.
Once the males cease their song during July, the species is difficult to locate because they continue to remain high in the tree tops. Its absence from the Lennox chimney kills during September, and its absence from the banding totals at P.E.Pt. suggest that the birds move south early during late July and August. Of the 27,779 birds killed at Lennox, only two Ceruleans have been casualties. The one killed on 6 Sep 81 is in the New Brunswick Museum, and the one killed 7 Sep 81 is numbered 71726 in the National Museum. The average date of last sighting is 21 Jul (25 yrs), latest 7 Sep 81, Lennox kill.
SUMMARY: Uncommon summer resident.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER
Mniotilta varia
Paruline noir et blanc
In contrast with the previous species, the early ornithologists in the Kingston region, Beaupre and Merriman often found the Black-and-white Warbler, although Hadfield, before them, considered it to be rare (Quilliam 1973). This wood warbler is a quiet, unobtrusive resident of the forest that conceals its nest skilfully on or near the ground. The ‘wee-see wee-see wee-see’ song of the male often is the first tell tale sign that the species is nearby. The Black-and-white Warbler breeds across Canada from the Yukon east to Newfoundland, and south through southeast U.S.A. (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986).
The males first appear in our area by 29 Apr (57 yrs) earliest 9 Apr 68 Fort Henry Hill, Kingston, MacGregor. The peak in the spring flight occurs around 15 May with the arrival of the females. The flight continues to pass through until late May and early June, the latest birds probably heading much farther north as local pairs have started to nest. Spring concentrations at P.E.Pt. include the 200 on 16 May 82; 60 on 8 May 82; 57 on 15 May 72; 50 on 10 May 96, KFN.
The nesting study 1981-85 revealed that about 1,310 pairs bred annually and these were well distributed through the area. The repeat study found (1,865225) pairs each year with the increase resulting from an increased area of survey. The overall nesting density was similar during both studies at about 2.5 pairs per 10 km2. Some areas sustained a much higher density of nesting Black-and-white Warblers. During June 1996, the Quilliam Sanctuary of the KFN held 25 nesting pairs per 10 km2. Egg dates are 28 May to 29 Jun (3 nests), and brood dates range from 29 May to 9 Jul (35 nests). The nests are more easily located when the adults are carrying food to the young. The local breeding population appears to be stable in spite of the results from the roadside BBS for Ontario as a whole, for which a modest rise was noted in singing males for the period 1966-79, followed by a slight decline 1980-2005 (Saurer et al. 2005).
Autumn migration is underway by mid-August and the largest numbers move through our region between 24 Aug and 7 Sep. Some 335 were killed at the Lennox chimneys from 1972-82 of which 176 are extant in the National Museum. Their accession numbers are too numerous to list here. The average date of last sighting is 26 Sep (50 yrs) latest 22 Dec 96, Garden I., Swainson.
SUMMARY: Common summer resident.
AMERICAN REDSTART
Setophaga ruticilla
Paruline flamboyante
The nesting range of the American Redstart is widespread throughout North America from Alaska to Newfoundland and south through much of the U.S.A. (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). The species is one of the most familiar of the wood warblers to occur in the Kingston area today. Its drooping wings, fanned brightly-coloured tail and continuous flitting among the leaves are characteristic of this energetic species that favours the under storey of deciduous woods and woodland edges. Young (Macoun and Macoun 1909), Beaupre and Merriman (Quilliam (1973) also found this species to be common during the 19th centuries.
Males arrive in Kingston by 7 May (58 yrs) earliest 29 Apr 90 P.E.Pt., KFN. However, the main influx does not appear until late May and these large groups of arrivals probably contain many that continue their journey well to our north. Daily maxima are the 662 on 25 May 97 and 220 on 19 May 96, KFN. By late May, the local redstarts have commenced nesting. The roadside BBS 1968-2006 in the Kingston region show this species to rank as our 4th most common nesting wood warbler. The nesting study 1981-85 determined that about 4,350 pairs nested annually. The repeat study 2001-05 revised that total upwards to (5,800900) nesting pairs annually. Most of the rise is due to an increased survey area and about 10% of the increase is a result of additional habitat being occupied. This rise is consistent with the modest increase noted from the roadside BBS for Ontario as a whole for the period 1980-2005 (Sauer et al. 2005). Egg dates extend from 31 May to 7 Jun (7 nests) and brood dates extend from 2 Jun to 18 Jul for 42 nests.
By late August, migrants from the north appear in our area. Sudden influxes at P.E.Pt. include the 40 on 24 Aug 91; 45 on 30 Aug 98; 60 on 31 Aug 76, KFN. Successive waves arrive and depart the Point e.g. 50 each on 6 Sep 96 & 11 Sep 93; 40 each on 3 Sep 89 & 17 Sep 95 & 14 Sep 97 & 21 Sep 97, KFN. A total of 625 was killed at the Lennox chimneys from 1972-82 of which 149 are extant in the National Museum. They are too numerous to list their accession numbers here. The average last date is 5 Oct (52 yrs), latest 9 Nov 78 Kingston, Norris.
SUMMARY: Common summer resident.
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER
Protonotaria citrea
Paruline orangée
The Prothonotary Warbler is a nearctic species of the Carolinean forest whose breeding range in southeast U.S.A. reaches extreme southern Ontario (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986, McCracken in Cadman et al. 1987). Its favoured nesting habitat is flooded or swampy woodland. Only seven (5 males, 1 female, 1 unknown) Prothonotary Warblers have been found in the Kingston region. All occurred during spring at P.E.Pt., one of which one was netted, banded and photographed.
The summary of these records is as follows, which define an average arrival of 15 May (6 yrs).
SUMMARY: Casual spring visitor.
WORM-EATING WARBLER
Helmitheros vermivorus
Paruline vermivore
The Worm-eating Warbler is an eastern nearctic species whose nesting range extends from southern New England to the U.S. Gulf Coast (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). It is considered as a rare spring transient in southern Ontario and a rare straggler during autumn (James 1991). It is not known to have nested anywhere within Canada and spring sightings are generally considered to be of migrants that have overshot their more southerly nesting areas.
Twenty Worm-eating Warblers are known for the Kingston region during the 36 spring seasons 1973 to 2008. Of these, 17 were found at P.E.Pt., three of which were netted, banded and photographed, and 3 were located in the City of Kingston. The first sighting was a male that appeared on 2-3 May 73 P.E.Pt., M. Evans & Weir. The 2nd and 3rd were found 19 Apr 76 P.E.Pt., K.F. Edwards (photo) and 9 & 13 May 76 P.E.Pt., Edwards family, Quilliam & Weir. The 4th occurrence is dated 16-26 May 79 P.E.Pt., KFN, which was netted, banded and photographed. The 14th and 15th, respectively, were of individuals that lingered at P.E.Pt. 16-27 May 93, Stewart, Weir & Beck and 18-25 May 96, Sprague & Hennige. All three records fro within the City of Kingston were of singles located on the lands that bordered Little Cataraqui Creek between the Bath Road and King Street.
These define an average arrival date of 17 May (8 yrs), earliest 6 May 91 Kingston, G. Paul, and an average departure date of 25 May (4 yrs) latest 28 May 88, netted, banded, KFN, photo (Clements).
Only one autumn sighting is on file. This single appeared on 29 Aug 92 at Cape Vincent, N.Y., just across the channel from Wolfe I.
SUMMARY: Very rare irregular spring visitor. One autumn record.
OVENBIRD
Seiurus aurocapilla
Paruline courronnée
The Ovenbird, so named in English for its habit of building an oven-like nest, is a New World species whose nesting range extends across Canada from northeast B.C. to Newfoundland, south through much of the U.S.A. east of the Rocky Mountains (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). Its genus Seiurus derives from Greek meaning ‘to move to and fro’, which describes its movement when it walks along the forest floor. The status of the Ovenbird in the Kingston region has continued unchanged from that of the 19th and 20th centuries when Young (Macoun and Macoun 1909) found it to be very common in the deciduous canopied forests of eastern Ontario. Its loud and easily identified calls ‘TEA-CHER, TEA-CHER, TEA-CHER’ are heard throughout our area during May and June.
Spring arrivals appear by 4 May (57 yrs) earliest 26 Apr 79 Little Cataraqui Creek, Kingston, K.F. & M.C. Edwards. The main influx occurs during the 2nd and 3rd weeks of May. One noteworthy concentration is the group of 50 on 10 May 96 P.E.Pt., R.K. & K.F. Edwards. Singing males occupy territory immediately upon arrival and significant early songsters are the 33 males on 12 May 93, Davis Lock Road, NLB; 30 on 12 May 90 Canoe Lake Road, Ellis & Weir; 27 on 16 May 90 Grenadier I., Bunbury. Our local roadside (50 stops) BBS 1968-2006 rank the Ovenbird as the 3rd most common breeding warbler after the Yellow Warbler and Common Yellowthroat. Here is a comparison of the results for the Ovenbird from the five local Surveys for the 10-year period 1990-99: 5 to 17 birds on the Abbey Dawn Survey, 10 to 43 birds on the Roblin Survey, 11 to 37 on the Perth Road, 12 to 69 on Canoe L. and 14 to 50 on Otter L. From the analysis of the roadside BBS for Ontario as a whole, Robbins et al. (1986) and Sauer et al. (2005) noted a significant increase from 1967 to 1979, and subsequently from 1980-2005, Sauer et al. (2005) found a slight but not significant decline in the number of singing males.
The nesting study 1981-85 showed that about 20,575 pairs nested annually and the repeat study 2001-05 revised this figure to (24,5004,500) pairs for each year of the study. The increase is a result of an increased area of survey and the density of nesting Ovenbirds was similar for both surveys. This total places the Ovenbird as the 3rd most common nesting warbler, which conforms to its ranking from the BBS, and our 16th most common breeding songbird. Egg dates are 29 May to 5 Jul (9 nests) and brood dates extend from 3 Jun to 15 July for 32 nests.
The first trickle of birds in southward passage begins as early as late July, but the main migration moves through during the first two weeks of September. Netting and banding studies at P.E.Pt. show a continual turnover of Ovenbirds through August and September. Because the males are not singing at this time, sight records probably underestimate the actual numbers of birds present. Some 1,127 Ovenbirds were killed at the Lennox chimneys 1972-82, of which 350 are extant in the National Museum, too many to list accession numbers here. The average last date is 7 Sep (53 yrs). Latest records are the singles at two Kingston feeders 24 Oct -7 Nov 81, Ellis and 4 – 18 Dec 83, Gray.
SUMMARY: Abundant summer resident.
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH
Seiurus noveboracensis
Paruline des ruisseaux
The breeding range of the Northern Waterthrush extends widely across Canada from the Yukon east to Newfoundland, and also south into parts of the U.S.A. (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). It chooses swampy forest, bogs and thick vegetation always near water. Godfrey (1986) noted it is better described as the water warbler. Its loud strident song emanates from dark, wet places where foot access is frequently impossible. The first migrants returning from the tropics arrive by 30 Apr (59 yrs), earliest 17 Apr 02 Kingston, Mackenzie. Congregations of migrants at P.E.Pt. rarely exceed ten birds, but the species becomes common within its nesting areas within a week of the average arrival date. The males are easily detected as they start to sing prior to sunrise and continue for several hours.
The nesting study 1981-85 found about 2,400 pairs nesting each year. The repeat study revealed an increase to (3,000350) pairs annually. The rise is due to an increase in survey area and the density is similar for both five-year studies. The local nesting population appears to be stable. For the period 1966-2005 for Ontario as a whole, the analysis of the roadside BBS by Sauer et al. (2005) showed the Northern Waterthrush to have declined very slightly, but the decrease is not significant. Egg dates for local nests are 27 May to 18 Jul for 7 nests. Brood dates extend from 29 May to 10 Jul for 20 nests and typical for the warblers, nests are more easily located when parents are carrying food to the young.
Their retreat southwards from our area starts early when a significant movement occurs during July, most easily detected at P.E.Pt. by means of the netting and banding studies. The main passage occurs during late August and early September. Some 189 were killed at the Lennox chimneys 1972-82 led by a one night kill of 80 birds on 6 Sep 1981. Of those killed, 93 are extant in the National Museum but these are too many to list their accession numbers here. The average last date is 7 Sep (45 yrs), latest 12 Oct 1955 Barriefield, Quilliam.
SUMMARY: Common summer resident.
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH
Seiurus motacilla
Paruline hochequeue
Of the two species of waterthrush occurring in North America, the Louisiana Waterthrush is the more southerly breeder. Its nesting range extends from eastern Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, southeast to southern Ontario, New York southern New England, south to the Gulf States. During the nesting season, it prefers shaded, fast-flowing streams within woodland, and also occurs locally in swampy areas (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). Frequently, the noise of the flowing water drowns out the song of the male, thereby contributing to observers overlooking the species.
Kingston’s first record dates from 2 May 27, when Merriman found one in downtown Kingston (Quilliam 1973). Some 24 years later, the next one was reported 1 Sep 51 Kingston, Hyde. These were followed by singles on 3 Aug 53 Kingston, Stewart; 4 Sep 54 Little Cataraqui Creek, Kingston, Stewart; and 15 May 66 Wolfe I. & P.E.Pt., K.F. Edwards et al. These five sightings over 40 years are placed within Phase I of the occurrence of this species here. Phase II is marked by five singles in each spring over the five-year span 1974-79. Phase III, 1980 to 2007, marks the period of annual occurrence and nesting in the Kingston area.
The average arrival date is 29 Apr (33 yrs) earliest 16 Apr 05 Canoe L. Road, Ellis & Weir. The first confirmed nesting record on file dates from 3 Jun 81. Quilliam and Weir located the nest that was hidden in the vertical bank at the top of a waterfall, the water from which flowed into Canoe L. The young were being fed by adults at the site. During June 1986, 1 to 3 pairs are thought to have bred in the Canoe L. area. The 2nd confirmed nesting was marked by the location of the parents feeding flightless young along the bank of a more-slowly moving stream on 26 May 85 at the Third Depot Lake, B.A. & R.D. Weir.
The nesting study 1981-85 determined that about 5 pairs nested annually. The repeat study 2001-05 found (155) pairs each year. The increase is a result of a combination of a modest range expansion and a more thorough search of suitable habitat. Brood dates extend from 26 May to 14 June for five nests. Flightless young out of the nest were found being fed by parents at six sites from 18 June to 13 July. The breeding pairs have been faithful to several sites along the Canoe L., Desert L., Otter L. in the Quilliam Sanctuary, Mitchell Creek near Snug Harbour, Frontenac P.P., and Lake Opinicon. During the 2001-05 study, isolated pairs in suitable habitat were found near Larkins, Tweed, Madoc, and Kaladar. Follow up work is required to determine if these sites are used on a regular basis. In adjacent New York State, Levine (1998) and Eaton (1981) document the return and range expansion of the Louisiana Waterthrush, which coincide with the return of the forests and clear-moving streams.
The males continue to sing for a short period when tending the fledged young, but once song is over for the season, the species becomes more difficult to locate. The species leaves the area during early August with the average last date of 21 Aug (6 yrs), latest 4 Sep 1953, Little Cataraqui Creek, Stewart. None has been killed at the Lennox chimneys. Photographs of individuals netted at P.E.Pt. are on file.
SUMMARY: Rare summer resident.
KENTUCKY WARBLER
Oporornis formosus
Paruline du Kentucky
The Kentucky Warbler is a relative newcomer to our area with the first sighting on 18 May 75 P.E.Pt., M.H. Edwards, Evans & Weir. This individual is thought to be the same one there 21 May 75, Quilliam & Weir. It is noteworthy that not one of our ornithologists of the 19th and early 20th centuries mentions finding it. At that time, the species was a common breeder in the lower Hudson Valley of adjacent New York State and some spring migrants are likely to have overshot their targets. Subsequently the species has declined drastically there (Eaton 1914, Bull 1974, Levine 1998).
The species name formosa is from the Latin for beautiful. Its current breeding range extends through the shady ravines of southeast U.S.A. north to Illinois, Indiana, east to Pennsylvania, and New Jersey (AOU 1998). The AOU (1998) assessment for Ontario is a casual visitor, while James (1991) classed it as a rare transient in the south.
All of the Kingston records are spring sightings that suggest they were migrants that overshot their nesting destinations 200-300 km farther south. It is not surprising that all but three of the sightings are from P.E.Pt. as follows.
Three sightings are on file from areas away from P.E.Pt., viz. 13 Jun 81(1 territorial) near Marlbank Hastings, Weir; 3 Jun 82 (1 agitated) Rockport Leeds , Hince; 27 May 03 (1) Little Cataraqui Creek, King St., Kingston, R.K. Edwards. These 23 birds during 19 of the 33 springs from 1975 to 2008 define an average arrival of 16 May (15 yrs) and departure 31 May (9 yrs).
At nearby Presqu’ile P.P., three sightings are on the file dated 19 May 56, 2 May 92, and 31 Aug 99 (Goodwin, Goodwin & Furino 2006).
SUMMARY: Very rare irregular spring visitor.
CONNECTICUT WARBLER
Oporornis agilis
Paruline à gorge grise
The Connecticut Warbler is known in the Kingston region only as a spring and autumn transient, although there are more occurrences during its autumn migration southwards. This species is among the most elusive of the wood warblers because of its behaviour of skulking and hiding among ground vegetation, and of ability to vanish instantly. The Latin species name agilis is translated as agile or nimble. Its nesting range extends from B.C. east through northern Ontario to south central Quebec and it winters within tropical South America, but the exact range is poorly understood (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). James (1991) considered the species to be locally uncommon as a nester across central Ontario and a rare migrant through the south. Allin (Griscom and Sprunt 1957) and Harrison (1984) wrote of this species’ circular route from the tropics to the breeding grounds and its return. The northward passage during spring is via the Mississippi Valley, but its southward journey after nesting follows a more easterly route, taking it to the Atlantic coast, which is then followed southwards. Levine (1998) and Bull (1974) report a continuing decline in autumn occurrences in New York State. Prior to 1910, it was considered to be a fairly common fall coastal migrant, but numbers for the entire New York State had fallen to only 16 per autumn during the late 1970s and to only six per autumn during the 1990s.
Only Merriman among Kingston’s early ornithologists found this species, and with only one sighting on 18 May 1927. During the 49 spring seasons 1960-2008, the Connecticut Warbler has been found in 20 springs and for the same period during 30 autumn seasons, although more individuals are reported during the fall migration. Average spring arrival is 18 May (12 yrs), earliest 3 May 93 Henderson, Chamberlaine, and departure 27 May (7 yrs), latest 31 May 72 P.E.Pt., Quilliam & Weir and 31 May 97 P.E.Pt., netted and banded by Machell, and a that eluded the nets, Weir.
The species returns by 2 Sep (18 yrs) earliest 18 Aug 90 P.E.Pt., Ellis & Weir, and 18 Aug 90 Cape Vincent, N.Y. opposite Wolfe I., Wood. To provide a meaningful comparison of the numbers actually migrating through the Kingston area with those seen is not possible. However, the kills at the Lennox chimneys during autumn 1981 provide some insight. Sight records numbered only 2, but 15 were killed. Seven each went down during the nights 5 & 7 Sep 81, and another was killed overnight 4 Sep 81. For the period 1972-82, 19 in all were killed there, of which 13 are extant. Ten are in the National Museum as 61286, 65998-99, 71735-40 and 74977. Two others are in the New Brunswick Museum. The average last date is 23 Sep (22 yrs), latest 2 Oct 65 along the Cataraqui R. near Barriefield, Woods.
SUMMARY: Very rare irregular spring transient. Fairly regular rare autumn transient.
MOURNING WARBLER
Oporornis philadelphia
Paruline triste
The nesting range of the Mourning Warbler extends from northeast B.C. east through central Ontario, all the way to Newfoundland and south into parts of northeast U.S.A. (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). This breeding range includes the Kingston area. The species is a ground loving wood warbler that prefers dense thickets and tangles, and its nest is well concealed on or near the ground almost always in a sunny opening of forest or woodlot. When not singing its distinctive chanting and rolling song ‘churry churry churry chorra chorra’ (the last two shorter and softer), it is difficult to locate as it skulks through the undergrowth. The Mourning Warbler was named by the early American ornithologist Alexander Wilson because the black on its breast suggested a symbol of mourning. However, there is nothing else about this energetic cheery songster to remind us of mourning.
Spring migrants return to Kingston by 17 May (52 yrs), earliest 7 May 64 at Barriefield, Woods & Quilliam. However, the main flight does not arrive until the last week of May at which time the males are singing on passage. Daily maxima at P.E.Pt. include the 15 ♂♂ on 31 May 97 and 8 ♂♂ on 29 May 94, both by Ellis & Weir. There were 8 banded on 25 May 77 and 16 during the period 20 May to 3 Jun 89, KFN. On nearby Main Duck I., 10 were located on 24 May 81, KFN. The majority of the migrants are thought to move well to the north of Kingston.
The first confirmed local nesting is due to Young, who located the eggs on 2 Jun 1892 at Lansdowne (Macoun and Macoun 1909), followed by Lindsay finding a female carrying food to a nest on 6 Jul 26 at Mountain Grove (Baillie and Harrington 1937). Quilliam (1973) commented on the scarcity of summer records for this species in the Kingston region and wrote ‘it is one of the warblers for which a concentrated search should be made in summer’.
The nesting study 1981-85 provided the opportunity for a systematic search over a wide area that resulted in locating about 45 breeding pairs annually. The repeat study 2001-05 raised that total to (90±30) pairs each year. The increase arises from seeking out habitat not visited during the first study. The density of breeding Mourning Warblers is similar for the two studies at about 3 pairs per 100 sq. km. The reliable nesting areas lay within the Shield sections of Kingston with only isolated pairs found in the woodlots of the agricultural sections. Egg dates extend from 31 May to 2 Jun for three nests. Based on my own experiences in New Brunswick and Ontario, the nest is very difficult to find during the incubation period, not only because it is well concealed on the ground, but also because the female does not fly directly to the nest, but rather she lands some distance away and walks to the site. While these characteristics remain in play when the young have hatched, the many more frequent visits by both the male and female allow for an easier location of the nest site. Brood dates range from 15 Jun to 14 Jul for 12 nests. At 11 other sites, flightless young were found being fed by parents during the period 27 June to 2 August, but the nests in these instances were not seen.
Migration is underway by early August, as the netting and banding studies by the KFN have shown. By early September, most Mourning Warblers have passed through before the main flight of the Connecticut Warblers arrives. The average last date is 14 Sep (47 yrs), latest 22 Oct 2005 P.E.Pt., Sprague. The netting and banding work at the Point show that the Mourning Warbler is more common than sight records would show, which fits with the skulking Oporornis genus.
Casualty statistics at the Lennox chimneys also support this conclusion. Some 202 were killed there from 1972-82. The greatest one night totals occurred during the nights of 6 & 7 Sep 81 when 82 & 74, respectively, were collected at the base of the stacks. Extant in the National Museum are 126 specimens numbered 61152, 63359, 63546, 60000-08, 69837, 69888, 70246, 71446-47, 71741, 76558-661, 88719-21, and 88902.
SUMMARY: Uncommon spring and autumn transient. Uncommon summer resident.
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT
Geothlypis trichas
Paruline masquée
The Common Yellowthroat, the only Geothlypis (meaning ground loving) species to occur in our area, is distributed widely across North America as a nester. Its range extends from southeast Alaska, east to Newfoundland, south through all of the U.S.A. and northern Mexico. Its has adapted to a wide variety of habitat for nesting that include marshes, swamps, and bogs, wet ditches, wet and damp fields. The males bubble over with excess energy, not unlike the wrens, and their ‘witchety-witchety-witchety’ calls pervade our region, although it is not always easy to see the singing male. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Young (Macoun and Macoun 1909) found this species to be very common at Lansdowne and it has remained so ever since then. However because of the increased habitat that has been created subsequently, today’s breeding numbers probably exceed those of Young’s time.
Spring arrival is 6 May (58 yrs), earliest 28 Apr 84 P.E.Pt., P.J. Good. However, the main influx occurs during the 3rd week of May during which time the males are singing vigorously on passage. The nesting study 1981-85 determined that about 57,200 pairs bred each year. The repeat study revised that total upwards to (74,000±10,000) pairs annually. The increase is a result of an additional area of coverage, rather than a range expansion. The average density of nesting pairs is about 10 pairs per 1 km x 1 km area. However, in some parts of our area so rich with very large and productive cattail marshes, the nesting density rises to 20 breeding pairs per 1 km x 1 km area. This total breeding pairs places the Common Yellowthroat as the 2nd most common breeding warbler species in our area and the 5th most common nesting songbird. Egg dates range from late May to 10 Jul (12 nests) and brood dates extend from 26 May to 25 Jul (62 nests). At another 37 nest sites, flightless young were found being fed by the parents.
Autumn passage begins by mid-August and continues throughout September and much of October. The species suffered heavy casualties at the Lennox chimneys, where 1,995 were killed during migration of the years 1972-82. During a single night 6 Sep 81, some 1,002 died at the stacks. Those that were not badly smashed are extant in the National Museum, which houses 599 of our specimens. Their accession numbers are too many to list here. The last date is 22 Oct (54 yrs), latest 26 Dec 94, P.E.Pt., Worona. The species has been found during December of 79, 93, 94, 03, and 06, respectively.
SUMMARY: Abundant summer resident. Several early winter records.
HOODED WARBLER
Wilsonia citrina
Paruline à capuchon
This species is one of three in the Wilsonia genus to occur in the Kingston area, named after Alexander Wilson. The main breeding range of this smartly-plumaged Hooded Warbler of the eastern nearctic extends from Iowa east through southern Michigan, extreme southern Ontario, central New York, parts of New England and south to the Gulf Coast (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). It prefers mature deciduous or mixed pine forest with a dense under storey. It is considered to be a rare to locally uncommon summer resident in the Deciduous Forest Region of Ontario (James 1991).
The first record for our area is the single male on 3 May 1954 along the Cataraqui R. near Barriefield, Stirrett, Stewart & Quilliam. This was followed by another in the same place on 14 May 1961, Bell, Warren & Quilliam. The prophecy by Quilliam (1965) of more future records of the Hooded Warbler was borne out beginning in 1974. Starting in spring of that year, some 94 individuals have been found here in 32 of the 35 subsequent spring seasons to include 2008. The greatest spring totals are the 7 birds in 2005, 6 in 2006 and 5 each in 1992, 1993, 1994 and 2008. These define an average arrival date of 13 May (31 yrs) earliest 3 May 54 noted above. A large majority of the sightings have been at P.E.Pt., but birds have been located on Amherst I., Wolfe I., along both the Great Cataraqui R., and Little Cataraqui Creek in Kingston, Lemoines Pt. in Kingston, and Lake Opinicon. One male was found well north on 2 Jun 90 at Ompah by J. Ewart.
Summer records are on file from Amherst I. in 1997 and at L. Opinicon in 2001, but there has been no evidence of nesting to date. This is surprising given the great increase in spring sightings, the intense nesting study 2001-05 in our area, and the fact that the species is an uncommon summer resident along the Great Lakes Plain of New York to our south (Levine 1998).
For the period 1973-2006, ten occurrences are known for the autumn, which define an average last date of 3 Sep (10 yrs) latest 21 Sep 80. None was killed at the Lennox chimneys, but several have been netted and banded at P.E.Pt. Photographs are on file.
SUMMARY: Rare regular spring and casual autumn visitor. Very rare summer resident.
WILSON’S WARBLER
Wilsonia pusilla
Paruline à calotte noire
The nesting range of the Wilson’s Warbler extends from Alaska across Canada through south-central Ontario east to Newfoundland and south within the mountains of New England and north eastern New York State (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). James (1991) noted the species to be a common summer resident across Ontario south to Algonquin P.P., and Ottawa, which is well to the north of the Lake Ontario shoreline of Kingston City. Macoun and Macoun (1909) listed one nest found by Young in the vicinity of Lansdowne Leeds in during June 1894, but Quilliam (1973) doubted the validity of this record based on the absence of other summer records this far south.
Spring arrival occurs by 14 May (55 yrs), earliest 1 May 04 P.E.Pt., P.J. Good. The largest numbers pass through during the 3rd and 4th weeks of May. Daily maxima at several locations typically reach 10-15 birds, but larger numbers are noted on file. These include the 125 on 25 May 97 P.E.Pt., KFN; 100 on 24 May 81 Main Duck I., KFN and the 50 on 23 May 23 Bell’s I., Kingston, E. Beaupre. The average spring departure date is 30 May (44 yrs). The latest date has no meaning given the discovery of a few summer records.
The nesting study 1981-85 resulted in the location of one over summering pair, which was in alder and willow shrubbery along a stream near Otter Creek in the NW part of our area near Highway 7. Nesting was not confirmed. The exploration of this area revealed some habitat of alder swales, willows, moss and bogs, which are preferred by this species for nesting. During the repeat nesting study 2001-05, this area was surveyed fairly thoroughly with the discovery of several summering pairs within ideal habitat. During June 2004, single pairs were found on territory near Elzevir, Flinton Creek, Kaladar and single birds were on territory along Lingham Lake and Flinton. Nesting was confirmed at two sites. The first is on the basis of a fecal sac being carried from and food being carried to a nest on 17 Jul 04 near Queensborough, Ellis & Weir. At the second site later the same day, flightless young were found being fed by the parents south of McKnight L., Ellis & Weir. This area contains extensive inaccessible habitat, probably rarely explored, that may host other interesting species, perhaps an extension of populations not far to the north.
Autumn migrants become obvious by 22 Aug (51 yrs) and the largest numbers pass through between late August and early September. Typical daily maxima at P.E.Pt. are the 20 on 3 Sep 89 and 15 on 5 Sep 05 and 10 on 30 Aug 98, KFN. At the Lennox chimneys, 78 were killed from 1972-82 of which 30 are extant in the National Museum. Their accession numbers are too many to list here. The average departure date is 27 Sep (48 yrs), although there are a number of sightings during October with the latest 1 Nov 80 P.E.Pt., R.K. Edwards & McRae.
SUMMARY: Fairly common spring and autumn transient. Rare summer resident in the most northerly sections of the Kingston region.
CANADA WARBLER
Wilsonia canadensis
Paruline du Canada
The Canada Warbler nests in moist woodlands with dense undergrowth across Canada to Nova Scotia, to include central and southern Ontario, and south in the mountains of the eastern U.S.A. to Georgia (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). Beaupre often found the species in our area during migration, as well as during summer (Macoun and Macoun 1909). Although Quilliam (1973) cited some summer records, the species had not been detected on the local roadside BBS. She noted that nesting should occur.
The first of the spring migrants arrives here by 14 May (56 yrs), earliest 1 May 04 P.E.Pt., P.J.Good. Like the other Wilsonia species passing through Kingston, the largest numbers occur during late May. The 100 on 24 May 81 Main Duck I., KFN, are an exceptional number, along with the 64 on 25 May 97 P.E.Pt., KFN. More usual are the 10-20 birds per outing at P.E.Pt. The nesting study of 1981-85 resulted in locating about 100 nesting pairs each year with a nesting density of about 4 pairs per 10 km x 10 km. The repeat study 2001-05 confirmed the same nesting density, but a modest range extension southwards was found, perhaps habitat overlooked during the first study, to yield (12535) pairs. Brood dates for nine nests range from 27 Jun to 18 Jul. All nest sites were near wet areas or along streams within woodland.
Post breeding migrants are moving south by mid-August and by late in the month and early September, large numbers pass through. At the Lennox chimneys, 131 were killed during one night 5 Sep 81. From 1972-82, 325 went down there and 134 are extant in the National Museum. Accession numbers are not listed here. The average departure date is 16 Sep (41 yrs), latest 11 Oct 64 Wolfe I., Hughes & Cameron.
SUMMARY: Fairly common spring and autumn transient. Uncommon summer resident.
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
Icteria virens
Paruline polyglotte
The Yellow-breasted Chat is double the size of the next largest warbler and it is most ‘unwarblerlike’ in several other ways, which include its thick bill and its habit of holding its food by a foot. Its main breeding range extends from Mexico northwards through most of the U.S.A. to reach the extreme southern parts of B.C., Alberta, and southern Ontario (AOU 1998, Godfrey 1986). Within Ontario, it is rare to locally uncommon in the Deciduous Forest Region north only to the Toronto area with summer sightings to Kingston (James 1991). Even though it is large, the species is usually secretive and remains hidden deep within thickets and tangles. The loud disjointed squawks that constitute a ‘song’ are normally uttered from a hidden perch within a thicket, sometimes at night. This distinctive ‘noise’ is the best way to detect its presence.
The earliest sightings on file for the Kingston region are the single on 4 Oct 1905 by Beaupre (Quilliam 1973), and one shot on 30 Jun 1930 near Picton (Snyder 1941). Since the formation of the KFN and regular coverage in 1949, the number of chats located has increased greatly during spring. One appeared on 13 May 1956 Amherst I., Erskine & Blades, followed by another on 15 May 62 Little Cataraqui Creek, Kingston, M.H. Edwards & Warren. The Yellow-breasted Chat has been found in 36 of the 38 springs 1971-2008 and the 71 birds are distributed 1970-80 (25), 1981-90 (22), 1991-2000 (13), 2001-08 (11). Of these, 57 were at P.E.Pt. and the remainder were on Amherst I. (5), Little Cataraqui Creek (3), and singles in Barriefield, Bath, Newboro, Jones Falls, Gould L., and Wolfe I. These define an arrival date of 15 May (35 yrs), earliest 5 May 85 P.E.Pt., K.F., M.C. & R.K. Edwards.
The first summer record is the adult female netted and banded on 28 May 76 at P.E.Pt. by Evans. This bird was re-trapped there three months later on 28 Aug 76, Weir. The next summer record is the individual netted on 24 Jun 80 at P.E.Pt., J. Dean. The nesting study 1981-85 revealed four pairs that over summered during 1981 and 1983, but without evidence of nesting. One of these spent the period 6-25 Jun 83 at Gould L., Connor. The repeat study 2001-05 failed to locate a single bird in spite of a greater effort exerted than during 1981-85.
Autumn records are on file for only six years. They involve seven birds of which five were netted and banded at P.E.Pt., KFN, Machell. The average date of reappearance during autumn is 29 Aug (2 yrs) with last date 25 Sep (5 yrs), latest 30 Sep 68 near Barriefield, Woods. Photographs are on file for a number of chats netted and banded at P.E.Pt.
SUMMARY: Rare regular spring visitor and rare summer resident. Casual visitor during autumn.
