[Ontbirds] Northern Gannet, Barrow's Goldeneye, Pacific Loon - Gray Road, Stoney Creek

[Cheryl Edgecombe]

On the lunch hour, Rob Dobos and myself were at the end of Gray Road with
excellent viewing conditions on the lake.   There was a large feeding frenzy
on the lake not too far out and three Northern Gannets were swirling around
amongst the mergansers and gulls feeding out there.  Nice looks at flying
birds and birds on the water.

The Barrow's Goldeneye and the Common x Barrow's Goldeneye were out at close
distance in front of Grays Road.  We also had a number of loons swimming
near the frenzy. While scanning, I was able to get on a small dark loon
which after careful study we surmized to be a Pacific Loon.  The bird was at
a distance but it was swimming with some Red-throated Loons for a good
comparison of size, bill structure, stature and colouring.  The bird was
preening at first but then started to dive and moved out further but may
come back in again, conditions are ideal with good lighting and calm waters
for looking out on the lake today.

Other birds of note included 2 Glaucous Gulls (1 imm. & 1 adult), Horned
Grebe, flocks of 17 and then 30 Common Redpolls.

Directions:

>From the Toronto direction exit the QEW highway at Centenial Parkway on the
south end of the Burlington Skyway. Drive under the QEW and drive a short
distance to the North Service Road, turn right and drive along the Service
Road to Drake Drive (just past the Gray Road overpass). Turn left on Drake
and drive the short distance to Frances Avenue and turn left, drive to Gray
Road and turn right and drive to the lake.

Cheers,
Cheryl Edgecombe
cheryle29 at cogeco.ca