Chirps and Cheeps

Ontario Rarities

Published: November 24, 2019
Tags: Rarities, king eider, western kingbird, long-tailed duck, black duck

I often check the Ontario listserv to find out what’s being seen to our north, always hoping that the amazing birds they get up there will filter down our way. Bit that seldom happens! So, when I read a Western Kingbird was giving good looks and was only an hour and a half away, I thought I should just take the drive up and see this guy. Some local birders had just seen him minutes before I arrived, which was good news. I walked the area and soon had my eyes on this beautiful bird. He was a long way from home and had been giving the Ontario birders thrilling views for at least a couple of weeks by now. I found out later, I had one of the last few looks at him. I’m glad I went when I did!

On my way there, I made a quick stop at the Burlington Ship Canal. A King Eider had also been continuing in the same county as the kingbird - and I couldn’t resist stopping for a quick look. I had a very nice view at one point when the immature male eider approached the cement pier where I was standing. I was thrilled to watch him catch a fish and then watch the gymnastics it took for him to swallow it. Several people, including some serious photographers, were all gathered around and the sound of camera clicks was rather entertaining as well!