Hi all,
?? I took the day off work today and made a run up to the "greater Toledo area." It was cold, but the birding was good.

My first stop was the Pine Grosbeak spot at Obee Rd. At almost exactly 8:45, I heard the bird call, and then observed as it flew out of a large conifer north of Obee rd (behind the gate with the no Trespassing sign). It flew across the road to a tall tree along the creek, and began calling. It provided great looks for everyone as it made a circle of the area, calling and perching. Then it was joined by another Pine Grosbeak! at a tree above the gate. I only observed the second bird briefly before they both dove into the honeysuckle thicket- it appeared to be another female/immature. What a cool way to start to the day!!

I decided to work my way east along the lake. Highlights included:

Maumee Bay SP:
Rough-legged Hawk-1
Pine Siskin- 1
I couldn't find the Shrike or the Cackling Goose that have been reported.

Rte 2 near Ottawa NWR:
12 Sandhill Cranes (flyover)

I drove thru parts of Ottawa, Magee and East Harbor SP and had nothing of note

Huron Harbor:
Black Scoter- 1
Little Gull- 1 (a beautiful adult!!)
Thousands of Ring-billed and Bonaparte's Gulls.
Thousands of Red-breasted Mergansers
In about 2 hrs, I was not able to locate the
Sabine's Gull, but a birder leaving when I arrived said he had the
Sabine's as well as a Black-legged Kittiwake

Good birding to all





Steve Landes



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