Program outline:

• Learning basic birding techniques
• Quick identification of species in field using field marks
• Location and identification of species by habitat
• Identification and appreciation of species native to Halton
• Audio recording of birdsong with parabolic microphone
• Learning to identify bird species by sound
• Examination of local ecosystems(woodland, farm, field, etc.)

Background Notes on the Halton Region, by Brian Westland

Halton Region, found 30 miles west of the metropolis of Toronto, holds one of the last remaining samples of heavy forestation in southern Ontario. This natural beauty is concentrated around the town of Milton, a short hop from Pearson Intl. airport. So close to the urban center, this beauty is extremely accessible for visiters from far away.

The region features a diverse variety of habitats that support an impressive number of bird species. Over 400 species of birds have been identified in the area over the years. While a visiter could not expect to see this many species in one short trip, it is reasonable to expect to see enough to make the trip worthwhile.

If the traveler comes in summer, he/she could expect to see Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Flicker, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Bobolink, Savannah Sparrow, Blue Jay, Northern Oriole, Eastern Meadowlark, Yellow Warbler, Yellowtroat, Great-Creasted Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Great Blue Heron, Double Crested Cormorant, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Wood duck, Ruddy duck, Bufflehead, Widgeon, Red Tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Turkey Vulture, and many, many, more species. While the visiter may not expect to catch a glimps of the following species he/she could expect to be serenaded in the early hours by: Wood Thrush, Veery, Red-eyed Vireo, Eastern Wood Pewee, Indigo Bunting, Field Sparrow.

Milton is located just under the gaze of the Niagara Escarpment, the most prominent geomorphic feature of the area. A spectacle in itself, the escarpment provides nesting grounds for the hundreds of Turkey Vultures that soar above the town during summertime.

As the area is a natural gem, surrounded by urbanization, many conservation areas exist to provide sanctuary for the many species of flora and fauna that exist here. The local authorities have provided well-groomed and maintained trails through woodland - a must for serious birders. Mountsberg Conservation Area provides great habitat diversity, featuring a man-made lake that is home to many species of waterfowl. Crawford Lake Conservation Area features Crawford Lake - a pristine glacier lake formed thousands of years ago, and as pristine today as then. Kelso Conservation Area provides access to the escarpment for close examination. The region also features some species not found anywhere else in southern Ontario. These species are rare here, and may not be counted upon as species that one could expect to see, but their discovery would provide an unexpected treat. Tufted Titmice and Northern Ravens, species found to the south and north, respectively, are local features to be sought.

If the birds fail to co-operate, and refuse to show themselves in large numbers, the town provides enough spots of historical interest to amuse the traveler.

Although birds are ostensibly the focus of interest for this destination, many species of mammal, reptile, and amphibian life are also prominent in the Milton area. Opposum, White-tailed deer, Porcupine, Racoon, Red Fox, Ermine, Red Squirrels, Chipmunk, Garter Snake, Leopard Frog, Bullfrog, and Spring Peeper are sure to make themselves known. As Milton is located above the 49th parallel, local bird species are subject to great change as seasons turn. Many of the species listed previously are summer residents only. These species migrate far to the south come winter, and thankfully are replaced by wintering species come November. (Wintering species include Evening Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin, White-wing and Red Crossbills, and Dark-eyed Junco.)

Visit Practicalities:

Visitors should bring:

• Binoculars
• Hiking shoes
• Field Guide to bird species of Easter N. America
• Warm Clothing (Oct. through May)

To begin the day, I would suggest a rendezvous at Crawford Lake Conservation Area. This conservation area is located on Guelph line, just 5 minutes south of Hwy.401 (Hwy.401 is the main traffic artery running east-west through the Toronto area - visitors to Milton could land at Pearson Intl. airport and take the 401 20 minutes to town; hotel accomodation would be provided by Quality Inn-401 and Hwy. 25.) I would suggest an 8 o'clock meeting at Crawford Lake, as this would allow visiters enough time to sleep and have breakfast before heading out. I feel about two hours at Crawford Lake would be ample time to take in the songbird life at this location. From Crawford lake, I would suggest that the group move on to Mountsberg Conservation Area, as it is here that the group would be exposed to the best waterbird viewing in the area. At Mountsberg, the group could expect to see various species of ducks, shorebirds, etc.

In the afternoon, we would explore the fields and orchards of Milton to view the bird species found in these areas.