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Hamilton, Ontario. February 26th and 27th 2004
By Martin Eccles (martin.eccles AT doctors.org.uk)
At the end of a trip to Ontario I had two days for birding around Hamilton.
| The lake held huge numbers of duck – Greater Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Bufflehead - and I have never seen so many Long-tailed Duck. |  |
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| In the UK I am used to seeing Long-tailed Ducks off the Northumberland coast. During the winter they are present in relatively small numbers and are invariably a long way offshore- to have them in close and in such numbers was a rare treat. |  |
| Away from the lake shore a walk along the Hendrie Valley Trail in Burlington was very productive. With the daytime temperatures now constantly above freezing the valley felt surprisingly mild despite the snow that was still thick on the ground. Migrating American Robins and Red-winged Blackbirds were moving through the valley while large numbers of Tree Sparrows and Black-capped Chickadees fed on the seed that was put out along the boardwalk. | |
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However, it was the woodpeckers and nuthatches which caught my attention. By just standing still they would approach to within 10 metres, seemingly unconcerned by my presence. Downy Woodpecker (right) |
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| Red-bellied Woodpecker (right)
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