[Ontbirds]Spring Caspian Tern - Port Burwell Harbour

[Joe Stephenson]

11 April 2008

Hello All,

Ron Allensen and I spotted the first spring Caspian Tern in Port  
Burwell today at 2:30 pm April 11th, 2008,  It was overcast and about  
15C with light winds.

It came into the harbour and landed immediately with a group of  
Bonaparte's Gulls.

The large size, thick orange bill, and black legs confirmed it as a  
Caspian (photo available).

According to the BIrds of Elgin County, this represents a new early  
spring siting date.

Other birds in the harbour at the time included an American Coot and a  
male Horned Grebe and seven Wood Ducks.

Purple Martin and Tree Swallows were  also observed in flight overhead.

Total species for our day of local birding included 65 species,  
including six late Pine Siskins, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow,  
Chipping Sparrow, Northern Mocking Bird, Yellow-rumped Warbler,  
Carolina Wren, Eastern Meadowlark,  Canvas Back, and Green-winged Teal.


Happy Birding,
Joe Stephenson & Ron Allensen


Directions,

Port Burwell is at the south terminus of Highway 19 on the northern  
shore of Lake Erie.  This is south of Tillsonburg.