Our 3rd OFO trip in Smooth Rock Falls was held on Saturday, May 21. We had a group of five adults and three children. Despite cold, rainy weather, there was lots of migration activity and good birds. We had a total of about 50 species. We started our day down a track southeast of town, where we demonstrated how to conduct a Northern Hawk Owl survey. No Hawk Owls responded, but we did call in a pair of inquisitive Canada Jays. Our next stop was the landfill, where we counted about 30 Common Ravens, and were amused by their many different vocalisations. Seven species of warblers were seen along the roadside, including a number of Cape May Warblers in their stunning breeding plumage. A handsome Eastern Bluebird serenaded us from his various posts. We were treated to spectacular views of an adult and an immature Bald Eagle, and a Sandhill Crane. Following that, we visited a pond in town, and saw a Common Goldeneye and also my first-of-year Yellow Warbler. After a break for lunch and hot beverages, we hiked in the ski club, where we saw a Broadwinged and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. We were surrounded by the songs of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Winter Wren, and drumming Ruffed Grouse. Lisa Bacon took a gorgeous photo of a Blue-headed Vireo. We finished up the afternoon on my deck looking out over the golf course. A flock of at least 25 Purple Finches were hanging out at my feeders. As we held our breath, we watched our first-of-year Ruby-crowned Hummingbird repeatedly perch and drink from the hummingbird feeder. Then, among the Herring and Bonaparte’s Gulls on the golf course, we spotted an unusual looking gull. Thanks to Lisa’s photography skills, we get to mentally extend our birding trip as we study photos of it and muse over its identification. -by Angie Williams [image: OFO trip.jpg] L to R: Lisa Bacon, Rhonda Donley, Ken Williams, Angie Williams