8 replies to this topic

[smerchly]

I saw these birds sitting on the rocks near the north lighthouse at P.Dal. today . I have seen them a few times in the past & when they are in flight they have beautiful markings on their backs & wings . They walk like a sandpiper but without the bobbing heads & they were feeding on the clouds of gnats . The minnows & swallows were also having a feast on these bugs . Here is a shot I got with them sitting on the rocks.........



This strange bird has got me stumped ! Weird ......

[riverfisher22]

they look tastey

[bigugli]

The group of birds are Ruddy Turnstones

[chilli]

Nice paint job on the second one eh?

[smerchly]

chilli, on May 15 2010, 10:01 PM, said:

Nice paint job on the second one eh?

Ya chills ....a slight touch up job on that swanass bird .......

Lots of info on Google about the ruddy turnstones .......I think they are a gorgeous bird . Here's a Google Image shot of one in flight .......very nice markings !

[Coachman]

I don't think I've ever seen them in the Great Lakes region. I have seen many of them back home in Nova Scotia, and I know that they are spread almost world-wide, but they are predominately a coastal species. I guess I shouldn't be surprised to see them here; just never noticed them around before.

[smerchly]

They are a world wide bird & they migrate from Australia to the pacific coast (Taiwan) which is 27000 kms. Like coachman said , they are an arctic bird & migrate to the coastal regions of N.A . So it was a treat to see them here at Port Dalhousie while they are on their way back to the arctic .

some more info about them .......


http://www.seattleaudubon.org/birdweb/bird...ils.aspx?id=161

[hammercarp]

I was at Port Colborne today and while I was talking to another angler a pair of Black Brants flew right over us. I have never seen them before.

[bigugli]

For one reason or other, many unusual sightings occur in the Niagara area. Arctic fowl, like the Turnstone, often make for the Great Lakes and Niagara R. as a pit stop on the migratory path. Many of the waterfowl will even over winter here.