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20 NORTH LEEDS LANTERN BIRDS OF A FEATHER by. M. Hendrick By the latter half of March migration was well underway. Horned Larks had already appeared at the roadsides by Feb. 20; soon thereafter large flocks of European Starlings and American Crows turned up in open areas. During April the pace of migration will quicken and by the end of May most birds will be on their breeding grounds. Two years ago the Rideau Valley Field Naturalists (RVFN) started an annual May bird count. They felt if this were done over a period of years, they would obtain a clearer picture of bird life within their prescribed territory. This year the count will be held over a 24 hour period, starting at 17:00 hours on Fri. May 21. Members of the North Leeds Birdwatchers (NLB) plan to- participate, and the RVFN invite any others with a knowledge of birds to join in this endeavour. If you would like to help, please call Nora Mansfield 283-1173 or Marg Hendrick 359-5178. It was interesting to learn that Nancy Hayes saw a covey of Gray Partridge near Athens about a month ago. There have been no others reported this winter. Road, had an early Eastern Bluebird appear at his feeder. It is hoped that the bird survived the harsh weather conditions that we had shortly thereafter. On March 4 Bruce Ready saw the first Red-winged Blackbirds. Moreen Ready reported the first Brown-headed Cowbird and Ray Cheetham the earliest American Robin. A Loggerhead Shrike was sighted near Lyndhurst on March 8. This species nests in our area whereas the Northern Shrike, (our winter Shrike) breeds farther north. In latter years there has been a dearth of Loggerhead Shrikes in Ontario. This year a special study has been launched in an effort to find the cause for the decline in the numbers of this species. If you should see a Loggerhead Shrike I would appreciate a phone call advising me of its location. Snow Buntings nest farther north and were last reported on March 12 by Annette Mess. She also saw a Northern Harrier on March 8 and 12. Around the same date a Red-shouldered Hawk was wheeling and calling over a woods near Morton. Don Robinson spotted 2 Great Blue Herons at Smiths Falls on March 11. Early returning herons will stand for hours near fissures in of "Gimpy", the lame grackle that disappeared from his yard during the winter. Alas, it was not to be, for the above-mentioned grackle was not lame! A number of people, including Myrtena McVean, have had flocks of Common Redpolls at their feeders. These more northern nesters will be leaving soon, though there are still some around at the time of writing (March 22). Darkâ€"eyed Juncos and Purple Finches have been in short supply this winter. However the former have been present at Glady's Burt's feeder, and the latter have visited Katherine Side's and Mary Anne Legget's yards. Gladys has also had another interesting bird - an aberrant European Starling. It is mainly white, with some black in the wings and has the usual long yellow bill. Bernie Burtch has had a pair of Northern Cardinals visiting his year, which brings to six the number of cardinals seen in this area during 1987. John Goodman reported a Mourning Dove at his feeder and Janet Mills has had a number of doves at hers. She also had a "mystery bird" which I was unable to identify over the phone. Unfortunately, when I tried to check it out the bird ' have had This species if much whiter than the Common Redpoll, and is considered to be a rare winter visitor here. On the same day John Allen, who lives on Cedar Valley Katherine Sides reported the first Song Sparrow on March 14 and Nancy Hayes saw a‘ Killdeer on" March 15. Ron and Marjorie Guthrie Ruffed Grouse at their feeder. Soon the drumming of male grouse will be heard throughout the forests as they try to attract females. With the approach of spring, members of the NLB gradually saw a greater number of species on their field trips. Male Hooded Mergansers, flashing the white in their crests, were a welcome sight on one outing. A Great Horned Owl on the nest, viewed from a safe distance through a telescope, was the most interesting sighting on another. However, NLB members had their greatest thrill on their field trip to Brockville. There they watched in awe as 3 Bald Eagles soared over the St. Lawrence River. One came down to rest in a tree; another flew directly over their heads, enabling the birders to have a perfect view of its immature markings! By the time you read this more species will have returned, and soon the woods Ralph Dillabough, whose the. ice hoping to catCh refused to appear! will be filled with bird song. sighting of a Northern Flicker a f15h° . Dick and Mollie Ussher Why not find some time was mentioned in last months JOhn G°°dman nonced a were most fortunate to to go out and enjoy the Common Grackle at his have a group of 7 Hoary return of spring? Redpolls sit in a tree outside The number to call with their window on Feb. 28. your ' sightings is 359-5178 and until next month _ GOOD BIRDING! Question: I heard the other day that a person who , 5,5,5. CONTRACTORS not declare it at customs did not get his claim paid when the jewelry was stolen. even though it was Box 15 PORTLAND, ONTAQlo Kocx \vo column, saw 2 flickers in his yard shortly thereafter. feeder on MarCh 13‘ He was hoping for the return INSURANCE ANSWERS TO KNOW specifically scheduled on the policy. Is this correct? Answer: Every home insurance policy has a wording stating that goods illegally acquired are not covered. in the example you are giving. the person can be deemed to have smuggled the goods into the country and thus has illegally acquired them. 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