I got a call from Harold Morrin, who asked me if I'd be interested in going with him to Toronto, Ontario to see a Eurasian Siskin. Harold is a great birder from Lancaster County whom I'd met and spent days with atop Hawk Mountain's North Lookout. He has co-written a book called "A Guide to the Birds of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania" and has mentored Ted Parker III, a fantastic young birder who has been conducting invaluable research in South America. I had been increasingly venturing outside Pennsylvania to see 'life birds', so I jumped at the chance when he asked.
The bird was coming to the feeder of Toronto birder Ron Scovell. The 430-mile drive to there was about seven hours, so we left around midnight. The weather did not cooperate as we ran into periods of sleet and snow, making the roads pretty slippery in spots, but we eventually got to the house located in the Rexdale suburb of Toronto. Ron, the homeowner, welcomed us into his house and we set up at one of his living room windows where the feeders were located. It wasn't that long after when the Eurasian Siskin showed up at a thistle feeder, allowing us great looks. While there, a Hoary Redpoll, a frosty-looking bird with a stubby bill and no markings on the undertail coverts, came in to feed among several Common Redpolls. It was another bonus 'lifer' for me! After an hour or so, we thanked Ron for opening his house up to us and started the long drive back home.
No comments:
Post a Comment