Muskoka Bird Board - Archived Reports from October - December  2003
 
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Redpolls and Evening Grosbeaks
Posted on December 31, 2003 at 10:07:49 AM by Ron Stager

Diversity at our feeders has given way to abundance. There are more than 50 Evening Grosbeaks and more than 50 Common Redpolls feeding together at the same time this morning. I have seen a couple of Hoary Redpolls among the bunch.

Best Wishes to All

 

 

Barred Owl in Arrowhead PP
Posted on December 29, 2003 at 03:49:40 PM by Burke Korol

Today around 11:15 a.m. a Barred Owl was seen in the park at the Central Zone Office, which is the first left turn north of the Big East River. It was first noticed outside of our office and was easily found perched in the nearby forest for several minutes afterwards.

Arrowhead Provincial Park is on Hwy. 11, about 5 km north of Huntsville. It is open to the public (permit requried) from 8 am to 5 pm daily.

 

 

Re(1): hibernation ?
Posted on December 28, 2003 at 11:08:18 PM by Paul Smith

That's a sad tale about the wee raccoon. I raised a couple several years ago for the Aspdin Valley people and I'm partial to them.

Why not snare the little guy in an old-fashioned rabbit trap and (with the help of some heavy gloves / blanket / net) take the can off and let him go ??

 

 

hibernation ?
Posted on December 28, 2003 at 07:48:47 PM by mary willmott

We have three young racoons out in the daytime and at night. They are feeding mostly off the ground but one has climbed around the squirrel baffle and has been feeding on the sunflower seeds. One poor guy has a coke can on his paw. I saw him in the fall up a tree with the can on his foot. Wish I could help him. The feeders have the same crew. Only about 5 redpolls with the usual bunch.

 

 

Woodpecker Drumming
Posted on December 28, 2003 at 04:35:51 PM by Bob Burt

Yesterday along the TransCanada Trail, between Stephen's Bay Road and the Henry Road Marsh we saw and heard a female Hairy Woodpecker repeatedly drumming on a dead tree limb. Very loud and distinctive sound which travelled a great distance through the hardwood forest. It even had a few replies.
Today we saw a hawk sitting in plain view along the south side of the wetland area between "the ponds" and Henry Road - probably a Cooper's Hawk. Also two circling ravens (very vocal), plenty of chickadees, and two Golden Crowned Kinglets, all enjoying very Spring-like weather.Walking was okay, but a little slippery in spots.

 

 

Pileated Woodpecker
Posted on December 26, 2003 at 02:01:36 PM by Barbara Taylor

This morning at the Bracebridge Resource Management Centre (BRMC) we saw a Pileated Woodpecker. Also many Chickadees, a Red-breasted Nuthatch, a Raven, and 4 deer. One of the deer came bounding out of the woods onto the trail just ahead of us. It seemed very surprised we were there, but soon regained its composure and circled back to catch up with the others.

The BRMC is on the east side of Hwy. 11, just a short distance north of High Falls Rd.

 

 

Redpolls in Uffington
Posted on December 23, 2003 at 12:02:09 PM by Doug Smith

approx. 30 redpolls invaded our feeder yesterday mid-morning, staying for just a short time. I last saw them heading south -- what a great idea!

 

 

Muskoka Field Naturalists meeting
Posted on December 21, 2003 at 10:12:14 PM by Challis-Carlyle

 

MONTHLY MEETING OF THE MUSKOKA FIELD NATURALISTS; Guest speaker Dr. Bruce Hunter will talk about the impact of West Nile virus on wild bird populations, specifically the research done on the population crash of owls in 2002, and the parasitic fly that may have brought the virus to the owls. Dr. Hunter is a avian and wildlife pathologist with the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, and works at the bird rehabilitation clinic at the college as well. Meetings are open to the public. Thursday, Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m. at The Pines auditorium, Bracebridge.   Online information about the Muskoka Field Naturalists

 

Barred Owl
Posted on December 19, 2003 at 08:49:31 AM by Barbara Taylor

This morning as I was replenishing the bird feeders, a Blue Jay suddenly screamed an alarm call. When a second jay joined in along with several chickadees and nuthatch, I decided I better take a look. With the help of dive bombing jays, I quickly located a Barred Owl just a few feet into the wooded area behind our house, Bracebridge.

 

 

Huntsville CBC
Posted on December 18, 2003 at 04:27:16 PM by Ron Tozer

*This report originated on ONTBIRDS (Dec. 18, 2003) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.


The 10th Huntsville Christmas Bird Count was conducted by 17 field
participants yesterday (December 17), under mild and mostly acceptable
conditions. The 35 species (average, 37) and 2,205 individuals (average,
2,497) were lower than usual, as expected in this year of poor seed and
berry crops, and frozen lakes.

Infrequently observed species:
Canada Goose (1)
Bufflehead (1)
Bald Eagle (1)
Long-eared Owl (count week; one seen to crash onto a driveway during the
day; apparent broken wing; taken to rehabilitator; not previously recorded
on this count)
Black-backed Woodpecker (1)

All-time Highs:
Ruffed Grouse (15)
Downy Woodpecker (31)
White-breasted Nuthatch (70)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (25)

All-time Low:
Blue Jay (28) They migrated due to lack of food.

Finches:
Pine Grosbeak (1)
Common Redpoll (164)
American Goldfinch (9)
Evening Grosbeak (count week only)


Ron Tozer and Terry Spratt
Co-compilers
rtozer@vianet.on.ca

 

 

Beaumaris Birds
Posted on December 17, 2003 at 09:03:01 PM by mary willmott

Very happy to have had 20 or so redpolls at the niger food today. I think they like the plastic tube feeders better than the metal type.

 

 

Common Goldeneye
Posted on December 16, 2003 at 03:16:53 PM by Virginia Pray

The have been 30 to 40 Commom Goldeneye on the Indian River here in Port Carling just below the IGA all day to-day.

 

 

Gravenhurst-Bracebridge CBC...Short report
Posted on December 15, 2003 at 08:40:45 PM by Al Sinclair

Number of species 33 (Gravenhurst 28, Bracebridge 25)
Total individuals 1788
Participants 35
Some species seen:
Hooded Merganser
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Barred Owl
Wild Turkey
Brown Creeper
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Northern Shrike
Northern Cardinal
Snow Bunting
Pine Grosbeak
Common Redpoll
More detailed report coming soon!

 

 

Common Loon, Lake Joseph
Posted on December 14, 2003 at 10:33:07 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

After living at Orgill's Point on Lake Joseph since 1992 and recording by photography as well as reporting for the Great Lakes Loon survey, my final view of a my favourite birds on Lake Joseph before moving to Bala in January, is of a loon frozen in the ice in full view of my window 100 ft off shore.

After talking to Michael Enright it was agreed that there was no way of getting to the bird befoe it was frozen in. Its pool closed in about 1/2 hr. ago.

 

 

Pileated Woodpecker
Posted on December 13, 2003 at 05:45:54 PM by Ted Gardner

Twice today my wife spotted a Pileated Woodpecker on our suet feeder. Finally after hearing him for the last year or so! Magnificent!! (120 Meadow Heights) Also saw our niegborhood male Cardinal, really nice to see brilliant Red this time of the year!!

 

 

Bald Eagle at Skeleton Lk, Dec. 5
Posted on December 11, 2003 at 08:50:30 PM by Al Sinclair

A probable Bald Eagle was reported by Bruce & Marj Wilson who live on the east side of Skeleton Lake near the Salvation Army Camp Newport. Below is Bruce's description of the sighting.

Friday Dec.5 about 10 Am I saw a large black bird at low height circling then diving toward the ice near the shore. It kept up this procedure for at least 5 minutes so I decided to see if something was trapped in the ice.
When I reached the shore the bird was gone, and there was no evidence of anything it may have been interested in.
The bird was quite large, black, had blunt wing ends, and the head seemed to be lighter in colour. I believe it was a Bald Eagle.

 

 

Gravenhurst-Bracebridge Christmas Bird Count this Sunday Dec. 14
Posted on December 11, 2003 at 08:41:53 PM by Al Sinclair

Below is a copy of the press release issued by the Muskoka Field Naturalist to publicize the Gravenhust-Bracebridge Christmas Bird Count this Sunday, December 14. Everyone is welcome to participate. Expert birding skills are not a requirement as participants divide into small groups each with an experienced leader. You can also participate by counting birds at your feeder. Contact me by phone or email if you think you might like to join us on this holiday tradition for over 50,000 birders each year.


Muskoka Field Naturalists

2003 President –Art Clark

PRESS RELEASE

(Dec. 11, 2003)

Contact:

Al Sinclair, Bracebridge-Gravenhurst Christmas Bird Count coordinator

645-2848 (evenings)



Bird watchers head outdoors for Christmas Bird Count

Bird watchers will be hitting the back roads and backyards of Bracebridge and Gravenhurst this Sunday, Dec. 14, as the annual Christmas Bird Count takes place.

In past years the number of participants in the South Muskoka count has ranged from 20 to a high of 37. The number is important, because it affects the final outcome of the count. The count itself averages about 36 species of bird and close to 3,000 individual birds.

In fair weather or foul, they count bird species and flock numbers continually from about 9 a.m. to nightfall.

More than 50,000 birders across North America and Latin America now join in the counts, which have been held regularly since 1900 when American ornithologist Frank Chapman challenged birders across North America to help in a census of birds on Christmas Day.

This year, nearly 2,000 individual counts are scheduled to take place from Dec. 14, to Jan. 5. Each count works within a 24-kilometre circle.

The focus of this year’s count is on the 288 species of birds that breed within the North American boreal forest, extending from Alaska to eastern Canada, and winter in the United States and southern Canada.

Numbers from counts in Muskoka and the rest of Ontario will be added into the National Audubon Society’s records in the United States in a major attempt to study the health and status of boreal-breeding birds.

For a list of Ontario’s Christmas Bird Counts, you can visit the Bird Studies Canada website list at www.bsc-eoc.org/national/cbcontario.html .

You can also find last year’s South Muskoka bird count data at http://www.muskoka.com/~sinclair/news.html . This year’s results will be posted as soon as coordinator Al Sinclair has the numbers compiled.


Muskoka Field Naturalists
President, Art Clark, 645-3100
Publicity chair, John Challis, 645-5369

 

 

Redpolls & Tree Sparrows, Bala
Posted on December 11, 2003 at 07:23:47 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Eight common redpolls arrived at my Bala feeders this afternoon about 3 pm. The tube feeder I have out has only 3 perches. Time for a 6 seater.

Two tree sparrows have been visiting the same feeder sporadically for the past week or so.

 

 

Pine Grosbeaks
Posted on December 10, 2003 at 06:40:12 AM by Mark McAnally

Five Pine Grosbeaks in my back forty the morning of Dec. 9/03. Passing through.

 

 

Re(2): Flying Squirrels at our feeder tonight...picture
Posted on December 20, 2003 at 01:38:21 AM by sylvia and jim maguire

We have five Flying Squirrels coming regularly at 5:30 every evening. They are very accommodating to each other moving over a bit to let the other one in to eat the sunflower seeds. No fighting amongst these little guys.

 

 

Re(1): Flying Squirrels at our feeder tonight...picture
Posted on December 5, 2003 at 01:35:22 PM by Terry Whittam

Hi Al, we continue to have them at our Cottage feeder (10k east of Washago)....last winter they seemed to stay with us every weekend night that we had feed out. I thought they hibernated!!

 

 

Flying Squirrels at our feeder tonight...picture
Posted on December 3, 2003 at 07:51:45 PM by Al Sinclair

 

This picture is a frame grab taken from a video(mpeg mode)we took tonight at 7pm. There were 3 squirrels, one is inside the feeder behind the glass, they push up the hinged roof. We live near Uffington, west of Bracebridge about 8km.

 

 

Re(1): Osprey? Maybe Rough-legged Hawk?
Posted on December 7, 2003 at 06:21:10 PM by Al Sinclair

After talking to Janice at the Nature Club meeting this week I think the bird was likely a Rough-legged Hawk. It had black patches at the wrists and black wingtips. Ron Stager saw 2 Rough-legs near Barkway on Nov 23.
Osprey are not likley to be seen in Muskoka after mid October. The Cranberry marsh Hawk Watch ran from Aug 21 to Nov 30 this year and had 123 Osprey total: 25 in August, 79 in September, 15 in October, and 1 in November on Nov.1st.

 

 

Osprey?
Posted on December 2, 2003 at 07:42:51 PM by Janice House

Walking the dogs this morning about 8 am I noticed a "gull" soaring over the Dinsmore Farm. The wings were patchy white and black. I checked the Peterson Flash Guide for Hawks and it says the Osprey resembles a gull in flight. Is it possible the bird is late leaving for the south?

 

 

Re(1): Cardinals
Posted on December 13, 2003 at 06:03:24 PM by Ted Gardner

Hi
I very much agree. We have 9 feeders in our yard and have been fun Birders for as long as I've been alive. We also have 3 cats who have been tethered their whole lives. These 3, who are family members, will stop at the door and wait for their "Coats" to be put on.
They know nothing different! So YES you can do both!! Bird and have Cats.

 

 

Re(2): Cardinals
Posted on December 3, 2003 at 10:37:23 AM by Al Johnston

We're on the same page on this one, Garth.

 

 

Re(1): Cardinals
Posted on December 3, 2003 at 10:26:25 AM by Garth N. Baker

Hi Virginia;

If you know the owners of the Cats ,perhaps you could speak to them about containing them.If they are Ferral Cats or you don't know the Owner,you could Live Trap them and take them to the local Humane Society.
I am not a Cat owner,but I do think that Owners of cats should be a little more responsible with their "Family Pets".I don't feel that it is fair to others that either don't have Cats,or those who tether their Cats when outside.I don't enjoy a Cat using my Feeder Station for a Restaurant,nor do I feel I should smell them when they Spray on my House or use my Garden for their "Litter".
Sorry, I am getting a little "Carried Away Here".

Cheer's Garth/Innisfil,On.

 

 

Cardinals
Posted on December 2, 2003 at 02:13:21 PM by Virginia Pray

We have a male and female cardinal in the neighbourhood here in Port Carling. They have been seen regularly at 20,22 Bailey St on the west side at our feeders. You will remember that a cat got a female last winter and the same cats roam the yards here this winter. Any suggestions as to how we can protect these birds?

 

 

Bald Eagle
Posted on December 2, 2003 at 09:05:55 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

An adult bald eagle just flew west up Lake Joseph. Saw it only for a few seconds.

 

 

beaumaris sightings
Posted on December 1, 2003 at 08:07:15 PM by mary willmott

Today 8 buffleheads fished in front of our home. Thought they had all passed through. On Sunday I saw a female Pine Grosbeak eating sand on the road.I was hoping it would come to my feeder so I could count it for the Feeder Watch Program. I have 8 Mallards hanging around for corn every morning. At night 4 flying squirrels entertain us at a feeder near the window.

 

 

Updates and reminders
Posted on December 1, 2003 at 11:39:00 AM by Barbara Taylor

All reports from October through November are now available as a single file in the Archived Reports. Thanks to everyone for all your posts.

Just a reminder to bookmark (save to your favourites list) the back-up webpage. All recently posted reports are copied and stored there. In the event of any major problems with the Bird Board hosting service, important notices will also be posted there.

I try to monitor the Bird Board on a regular basis. If you want to bring something to my attention, just send me an email and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Barbara Taylor
muskoka_birder@hotmail.com

 

 

abundance of critters
Posted on November 25, 2003 at 04:46:39 PM by Challis-Carlyle

There were at least four, maybe five, flying squirrels on our feeders last night, and around about midnight they erupted into a game of rugby in the outside stairwell beside our bedroom.
This morning (prompted by the snow, I guess) a flock of close to 40 evening grosbeaks descended on the feeders. The gang of 15 or 20 mourning doves that have been hanging around seemed to find the bedlam too much to handle; they did not show.
Not sure whether they feel I am made of money, but this is going to get costly.

 

 

Otter at Wilson's Falls
Posted on November 21, 2003 at 05:18:09 PM by Barbara Taylor

This afternoon we saw an otter come ashore near the trailhead gate at the end of Wilson's Falls Rd. in Bracebridge. Large numbers of Canada Goose were floating down the Muskoka River out of Bracebridge Bay. Recent rains have created beautiful waterfalls, every bit as wonderful as with the spring melt.

 

 

Bird Board Hints and Tips
Posted on November 20, 2003 at 06:31:08 PM by Barbara Taylor

Does the Bird Board sometimes seem slow to load in your browser window? It could be due to some of the ads that load along with the message board. The Boards2Go hosting service provides the message board at no cost because they fund the service through advertisements. I have no control over the placement or content of the ads that appear when you visit the Bird Board.

If you want to try to speed up your browsing, you can disable "active scripting" in your browser's security settings. This stops most pop-up ads from loading. Be aware that some websites require you to have active scripting enabled in order to function properly, but you can quickly re-enable it with a few clicks when needed. (see instructions below for Microsoft Internet Explorer browser)


Go to the Guidelines webpage for more tips about using the Bird Board.


Barbara Taylor
muskoka_birder@hotmail.com



To disable Active Scripting:
1.Open Microsoft Internet Explorer browser.
2.On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
3.Click the Security tab.
4.Click the Internet zone, and then click Custom Level.
5.Scroll down to the Scripting section and choose to disable Active Scripting.
6.Click OK.
7.Click OK.

 

 

Re(1): ringed necked phesant
Posted on November 20, 2003 at 05:44:50 PM by Garth N. Baker

Hi Kevin;

Where are you located? My sister lives in Humphrey Township on Turtle Lake Road.They have Pheasants there,although these birds have been released in the area for Hunting.It is possible that your Pheasant was also of a similar release in your area.Pheasants can survive quite abit of weather if they can find adequate Food and Shelter.

Cheer's Garth/Innisfil

 

 

ringed necked phesant
Posted on November 20, 2003 at 04:33:42 PM by kevin carpenter

I noticed this bird on my front lawn at 3:30 pm Nov 20 2003. I searched the web and found the range of this bird to be south of my town. I just thought it was something of interest.I took a few pictures of it.

 

 

Re(2): gray toned fox
Posted on November 19, 2003 at 11:32:52 PM by Garth N. Baker

The Grey Fox is about the same size as a Red Fox,maybe slightly smaller.One characteristic of the Grey compared tothe Red is the Tip of the Tail.The Red Foxes Tail is tipped in White,where the Grey Fox is not tipped,but has a Black Mane along the top of the Tail.
It is known to Breed in the New England States,so It is quite possibly in Ontario.

Cheer's Garth/Innisfil

 

 

Re(1): gray toned fox
Posted on November 19, 2003 at 03:01:04 PM by Al Johnston

There are 3 colour phases of the red fox and one of them, the cross fox which is greyish brown might be your suspect. It is normal red fox size, however. There is also the grey fox,Urocyon cinereoargenteus but I don't know that it's range extends as far north as Muskoka. Let us know if you have any more sightings.

 

 

gray toned fox
Posted on November 19, 2003 at 12:28:42 AM by Leslee Tassie

My sister Lynn Jennings and some friends of hers saw a small gray fox in Meadow Heights subdivision on Saturday, November 15th. Apparently others have seen it too. How common are gray toned foxes in Muskoka. She described it as being smaller than other foxes she's seen.

 

 

Robin
Posted on November 18, 2003 at 09:43:46 AM by Carlyle-Challis

Tues, Nov. 18 8 am
Quite shocked to see and hear a robin up in the birch tree in front of our house. In amongst a flock of about a dozen mourning doves.
Perhaps the "mild" weather is keeping the poor robin around.
I don't recall having one hang around this late in the season.

 

 

More Pine Grosbeaks near Huntsville
Posted on November 16, 2003 at 10:21:57 PM by Burke Korol

Today (Sunday, 16th) there were 2 PINE GROSBEAKS on the south shore of Fairy Lake at the far west end of Swallowdale Road. This spot is about 5 km east of Huntsville off of Road 23.

 

 

Wild Turkeys
Posted on November 16, 2003 at 02:18:38 PM by Sylvia Brown

Saw 6 wild turkeys in a woodlot near Dwight. They were just ambling along scratching in the leaves--perhaps for beech nuts etc.

 

 

Beaumaris Long Tailed?
Posted on November 16, 2003 at 12:41:06 AM by Gerald Willmott

Floating around Milford Bay this morning was a curious duck - possibly a Long Tailed duck? It had a very distinctive white tear drop surrounding it's bright eye. It was mostly a mottled grey and brown with some white. It was diving quite regularly.

Also around the feeder are now 8 Mallards, up to 10 Rusty Blackbirds,

This a.m. at Butterfly Lake (the western end of 118) were several Buffleheads.

 

 

Re(2): unidentified owl
Posted on December 5, 2003 at 05:22:58 PM by Challis

Thanks to Paul Smith's message, I think the call comes closest to a female long-eared owl, as per the audio clip in owlpages.com/species/asio/otus/Default.htm.

 

 

Re(1): unidentified owl
Posted on November 20, 2003 at 11:00:41 PM by Paul Smith

A small digital recorder on your hikes, along with a Peterson bird song CD at home, solves a lot of those mysteries.

I'd go along with your idea that it was a long eared owl. I confirmed one on two occasions in the wee hours here in Glen Orchard in late September.

A little research shows that the long eared owl is widely (though thinly) distributed throughout North America - including here. The idea that it's 'regionaly rare' is nonsense.

There's some good info at http://www.owlpages.com/species/asio/otus/Default.htm with some calls you can download. Hopefully you'll encounter the beast again !!

Good luck ...

 

 

Re(4): unidentified owl
Posted on November 18, 2003 at 08:33:59 PM by Al Sinclair

A long-eared Owl was heard calling west of Henry Marsh in late May this year. The person reporting was good birder from outside Muskoka that was doing a birdathon and was in the marsh at 1AM. Because they are regionally rare and it may have been nesting the sighting was not posted. No other reports were received until now, thanks for posting it John.

 

 

Re(4): unidentified owl
Posted on November 18, 2003 at 06:25:45 PM by Barbara Taylor

Heh, I'll take it - Long-eared, or Great Gray! : )

We would love to see either of those along the trail by the Ponds. I'll definitely keep my ears open for those whoos you heard.

 

 

Re(3): unidentified owl
Posted on November 18, 2003 at 05:25:01 PM by Challis-Carlyle

It was definitely not a barred owl that we heard on the weekend, Barb. There have been enough around our house that I think I know every sound they could utter. (Saw one Sunday morning, actually, on Rocksborough Rd)
The CD at home had a long-eared owl that came closest to what we heard by the lagoons.

 

 

Re(2): unidentified owl
Posted on November 18, 2003 at 11:12:56 AM by Barbara Taylor

If the owl shows up again, tell your friend to try and get a good look at the eyes. This is often overlooked but can really help if the overall shape and colour of the bird still leaves one in doubt. Barred Owls have big brown eyes while the Great Gray has yellow eyes.

A week ago we saw a beautiful Barred Owl along part of the Bracebridge Trans Canada Trail just west of Henry Rd. marsh. The bird didn't seem bothered by us at all. From its perch it continued to scan the woods, only peering over towards us every few minutes. Quite often we have come upon Barred Owls along the trail between the Bracebridge Ponds and Stephens Bay Rd.

 

 

Re(1): unidentified owl
Posted on November 16, 2003 at 05:59:08 PM by Mark McAnally

Hi Gayle
Re:your owl experience. A friend of mine who lives on Brunel road told me last week that they had what they thought was a Great Grey in a tree near their property. They couldn't verify their sighting but maybe.
Mark

 

 

unidentified owl
Posted on November 16, 2003 at 12:30:24 AM by Challis-Carlyle

In the woods on the west side of cell 2 at the Bracebridge lagoons, Saturday around 3:30 p.m., we heard an owl call we're not familiar with. Three hoots, the third fading out as though it had forgotten the lyrics. It sang higher than a great horned owl -- about the same pitch as a barred, actually -- definitely a "whooo, whooo, whooo". Doug Smith suggests it might have been a great grey?

 

 

Algonquin birds
Posted on November 16, 2003 at 10:47:09 AM by Eve Ticknor

*This report originated on ONTBIRDS (Nov. 15, 2003) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.



Hi all,
I took a brief trip up to Algonquin Park from Ottawa today. While visiting
Mew Lake Campground and the Visitor Centre, Species seen were Gray Jay,
Common Raven, Pine Siskin, and Red-breasted Nuthatch among others. There
seemed to be very few of any species. I had expected more somehow....

Also seen were 5 female moose between km 39 and 40.

Cheers, Eve

-Eve Ticknor
Coordinator, OFNC Peregrine Falcon Watch
sandbird@magma.ca

 

 

Siskins and Piliated
Posted on November 15, 2003 at 09:06:22 PM by Goodyear

We had a flock of 10 Pine Siskins at the feeders today and a stunning Piliated Woodpecker hanging from our suet feeder.

 

 

Re(2): Evening Grosbeaks
Posted on November 23, 2003 at 09:44:55 AM by Janice House

We have had a dozen here on the Doe Lake Rd for a week. They are here right now.

 

 

Re(1): Evening Grosbeaks
Posted on November 16, 2003 at 12:32:28 AM by Challis-Carlyle

We've had quite a crowd around our feeders on Rocksborough Road for about two weeks. Haven't seen them this weekend, actually.

 

 

Evening Grosbeaks
Posted on November 15, 2003 at 07:58:16 PM by Dan Burton

I heard Evening Grosbeaks in Gravenhurst Friday morning

 

 

Ring-neck Duck
Posted on November 14, 2003 at 06:33:13 PM by jim maguire & sylvia purdon

Wednesday November 12: Bufflehead m&f
Long staying Hooded Mergansers in several large rafts; One only Ring Necked duck: One Common Loon

Sparrow Lake at the end of Wenona Lodge Road;

 

 

Sparrow Lake-Southern Flying Squirrel
Posted on November 14, 2003 at 06:29:30 PM by jim maguire and sylvia purdon

Friday November 14, 2003: 6:15 p.m.

Southern Flying Squirrel at outside feeder at 6:15 p.m. Significant field mark is the large amount of white coloration on undersides, sides, and under the tail. Small size.

 

 

Winter Finches at Huntsville
Posted on November 13, 2003 at 10:11:16 PM by Burke Korol

Today (13 Nov) a single PINE GROSBEAK briefly visited Arrowhead Provincial Park. It was at the Ontario Parks Central Zone office, which is the first left turn after crossing the Big East River after entering the park, around 11 a.m. The park is about 5 km N of Huntsville on Hwy. 11. A pair of lingering HOODED MERGANSERS have been present on Mayflower Lake in the park throughout November.

This week, small flocks of REDPOLLS (probably all Common Redpolls) have also been present at 134 Hutcheson Beach Road in Huntsville. This address is 1 km W of Hwy. 11, off of Muskoka Road 2.

One week ago, in Grundy Provincial Park, a small flock of COMMON REDPOLLS was observed in the White Birch campground and 3 small flocks of SNOW BUNTINGS were also noted on Hwy. 522, just east of Grundy.

 

 

Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on November 12, 2003 at 01:57:36 PM by Barbara Taylor

As of this morning, Cell 1 is back in business for the ducks. It is completely free of ice now. The other cells were still covered in ice.

In the north end of cell 1 (near the treatment plant) there were about 50 Mallards and 1 American Black Duck. Towards the south end of cell 1 there were 70 Buffleheads and a few Lesser Scaup. No sign of the lone Canada Goose so maybe it wasn't injured after all.

 

 

Algonquin Park Birding
Posted on November 10, 2003 at 05:02:24 PM by Terry Osborne

*This report originated on ONTBIRDS (Nov. 10, 2003) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.


Don Perks, Jerry Guild and myself made an early morning trek to bird
Algonquin Park today with relatively good success. We managed to find most
of the areas specialties as follows:

A few Pine Grosbeaks.........6 along Hwy 60 just east of the Mizzy Lake
trail, 1 single bird at the visitor's
center.

A single Boreal Chickadee about halfway along the Spruce Bog Trail.

A single male Spruce Grouse about 100 feet east of the barricade on the
Opeongo Lake road.

At least 10 Evening Grosbeaks at the front feeder at the Visitor's Center.

3 to 4 heard but not seen Common Redpolls.

No fewer than 16 Gray Jays at various locations.............3 or 4 at the
campgrounds.

2 at the rear feeders at the Visitor's center,

5 along the Opeongo Lake road.

3 in the Spruce Bog Trail

One heard but not seen Pileated Woodpecker within the Spruce Bog Trail

A single Pine Siskin at a feeder in Whitney.

Many Ravens

2 probable White-winged Crossbills. (heard but not seen nor confirmed)


Algonquin Park is directly east of Huntsville along Hwy. # 60. Take Hwy 400
north 200 km or so to Huntsville and then easterly on Hwy 60 to the park.


Terry Osborne for Don perks and Jerry Guild.

 

 

Algonquin East - Golden Eagle, Red Crossbill
Posted on November 10, 2003 at 04:56:46 PM by David Britton

*This report originated on ONTBIRDS (Nov. 9, 2003) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.


I visited the east side of Algonquin Park, along the Achray Road today to do some hiking and incedental birding. Despite the sunny, calm weather, the birding was VERY quiet. However the following interesting species were noted:

Ruffed Grouse: Seven birds at various locations along the road, including a male in full display (neck ruff and drumming) for two females behind the park buildings at the Sand Lake Gate (km 17.5)
Golden Eagle: Juvenile bird soaring over the boat launch at the Achray Campground
Gray Jay: Four birds seen in the spruce bog at km 24
Red Crossbill: One bird heard calling at the Barron Canyon Trail along the edge of the canyon

Directions: From Highway 17 just north of Pembroke turn south on Renfrew County Road 26 and then turn right after about 300m turn right onto the Achray Road. The turns are well marked with park signs. The Achray Road is paved for the first 9 km. Starting where the pavement ends , every kilometre is marked with a black and white sign. The Achray Campground can be reached by turning south at km 37.8. Drive in about 4km to the locked gate, then walk in the last 1 km to the campground.

David Britton
Ottawa

 

 

Re(1): Black Backed Three-Toed Woodpecker
Posted on November 11, 2003 at 09:19:04 AM by Doug Smith

Had one near Torrance last Thursday, too. Maybe it will be a good winter for seeing them?!

 

 

Black Backed Three-Toed Woodpecker
Posted on November 10, 2003 at 03:42:03 PM by April Glen

Port Cunnington area we saw a Black Backed Three-Toed Woodpecker. The Goldfinch were trying to chase it away.

 

 

Hoc Roc River - Goldeneyes
Posted on November 10, 2003 at 12:22:21 AM by Barbara Taylor

This morning (Monday, Nov. 10) there were lots of Common Goldeneye and Buffleheads on Lake Muskoka near the mouth of the Hoc Roc River by Taboo Resort, Gravenhurst. There were 5 Hooded Mergansers on the river, easily seen from Muskoka Beach Rd. Two Greater Yellowlegs along the shore near Muskoka Beach Park, but then flew over to the beach near Taboo.

 

 

Snowbirds
Posted on November 9, 2003 at 05:37:12 PM by Brenda Clark

One lone snow bunting was seen on Sedore Road near the gravel pits, south of Gravenhurst, this afternoon.

 

 

Bounty of backyard birds in Bracebridge
Posted on November 9, 2003 at 02:08:15 PM by Goodyear

We have enjoyed a steady stream of visitors to our feeders over the last couple of weeks here in the Meadow Heights/Moreland Ct. area. We regularly have 15 - 18 species competing for seed (of which they have consumed over 20 kg in three weeks). Three Cardinals (two male and one female) visit us daily. This morning an adult Sharp-shinned Hawk (male?) reduced our Junco count by one.
We visited the lagoons yesterday to look for the Long-tailed Duck but it was for skaters only!

 

 

Pine Grosbeak & Flying Squirrel
Posted on November 9, 2003 at 10:01:42 AM by April Glen

Port Cunnington area as I type this we have been graced with a Male Pine Grosbeak. First one that we've seen this year.

Last night while watching the Eclipse we say a Flying Squirrel. This creature totally amazed us because of the huge eyes staring at us!


Glen Orchard birds ...
Posted on November 8, 2003 at 09:49:34 PM by Paul Smith

A pair of snow buntings in the field today. Several hooded mergansers have been around the last while, but only two today. Lots of common mergansers.

Many fox out and about, plus 3 otters playing in the lake for the last several weeks ...

 

 

beaumaris birds
Posted on November 8, 2003 at 03:56:31 PM by mary willmott

Ive enjoyed four rusty blackbirds foraging below the feeders today. We put out cracked corn which they liked. Also had three pine siskins yesterday and last week two barred owls calling and we tracked them and had a look at them . Very nice.

 

 

Northern Shrike near Glen Orchard
Posted on November 7, 2003 at 12:02:26 AM by Doug Smith

A Northern Shrike was actively hunting in the willow swamp on #169, almost directly opposite the First Congregational Christian Church, yesterday at approx. noon. The church is located between Bala and Glen Orchard.

 

 

Bracebridge Ponds - Long-tailed Duck
Posted on November 7, 2003 at 11:45:26 AM by Barbara Taylor

This morning there was a Long-tailed Duck (Oldsquaw) in cell 1 amongst the Buffleheads. Might be hard to locate since it was diving a lot. Also in cell 1 were Mallards, Scaup, Green-winged Teal, and American Black Ducks. About 40 Buffleheads in cell 2. A single Canada Goose sitting atop the muskrat hut at east side of cell 2. It seemed to be holding its right wing at a funny angle and we wonder if it is injured. Might explain why it is staying at the Ponds all alone if indeed this is the same bird we saw in cell 2 a week ago.

 

 

Sandhill Cranes & Pine Siskin
Posted on November 6, 2003 at 02:34:50 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

This afternoon 6 sandhill cranes flew North to South across Lake Joseph at about Appian Way.

After having no feeders out at Lake Joseph or Bala this year because of bears I now have a secure location for them at Bala and put up several on Friday. There seem to be at least a dozen chickadees coming in at all times and today there was a female pine siskin.

 

 

Re(1): Budgie
Posted on November 6, 2003 at 09:21:00 PM by Brian Pfrimmer

My neighbour Tony Saczawa had their pet budgie "Mikey" escape from 26 Shaw Crescent in Huntsville, a couple of weeks ago. The description fits. You could call him at 788 7268 if you have any more news about the bird.

 

 

Budgie
Posted on November 5, 2003 at 01:50:59 PM by Janice House

We have a yellow and bright lime green budgie (parakeet) or whatever at our feeders. Geoff saw him yesterday in that awful storm. I went out today at noon with a broom to see if I could get him to land but no luck. Any suggestions? I am going back to work now, Laurentian Bank 645 5219 thanks

 

 

Re(2): Common Grackle, etc.
Posted on November 9, 2003 at 10:05:14 AM by April Glen

I believe that you've misunderstood me about the bald Jays. They aren't bald in the summer but in the winter time. We have about 8 Jays right now and are expecting more.

 

 

Re(1): Common Grackle, etc.
Posted on November 5, 2003 at 11:47:31 AM by Barbara Taylor

Don't worry, bald Blue Jays are a common sight in the summer. Could be due to molting or feather mites. Here's a Cornell Lab of Ornithology webpage that includes a few photos.

 

Blue Jays will migrate so you may not have had any return to your neighbourhood last year. Jays, chickadees, and crows seem to have been especially hard hit by the west nile virus in southern Ontario so that may also be a reason for fewer Jays now. We didn't notice any decline in the overall Blue Jay population here in the summer, but only one pair is still sticking around for the winter.

 

 

Common Grackle, etc.
Posted on November 5, 2003 at 11:12:19 AM by April Glen

We seem to have 1 male feeding on our property in the Port Cunnington area. He may seem common to a lot of you but this is the first Common Grackle that my husband and myself have ever seen! He's feasting on Black Oiled Sunflower seeds and scaring away the Bluejays but not the Chickadees, White Breasted Nuthatches or Juncos.

The Bluejays, Chickadees and Nuthatch are on our property all winter along with the Goldfinch. The Goldfinch in our area have changed to their winter colours.

I'm happy to say that for the first time in a long time the Bluejays actually have all of their feathers on their heads. I don't know why or what kind of disease they had the year before last but they were bald and last year they didn't even arrive. So, if this problem about Bluejays was posted on the board a couple of years ago and if no one saw any Bluejays last year I would really like to know what happened to them for this to have happened.

Please leave me a message!

 

 

(no subject)
Posted on November 5, 2003 at 10:33:21 AM by Ron Stager

There have been a few hundred ducks in Doe Lake over the last week. Today, I stopped to have a closer look. Most were scaup (both lesser and greater as far as I could tell). There were a few Bufflehead and I saw at least one of Ring-necked Duck, Redhead and Canvasback. Also a large group of Canada Geese.

The bird feeder is quite active. There has been an immature White-crowned for the last few weeks (after all the others left). A Mourning Dove took control of the feeder one morning and chased away the Blue Jays (but didn't worry about the smaller birds).

 

 

eBird
Posted on November 2, 2003 at 09:24:32 PM by Paul Smith

Just a note that there's an excellent site that allows you to record your observations and keep track of them over time.

It's supported by Cornell / Audubon and they have the number of participants that makes the aggregate observations the basis of good science.

http://www.ebird.org/content/

There's been a common snipe in the field for the last two days ...

 

 

Heron, frogs, etc.
Posted on November 1, 2003 at 02:06:54 PM by Barbara Taylor

Springlike weather seemed to bring the wildlife out of hiding yesterday. Along the Trans Canada Trail between the Bracebridge Ponds and Henry Rd. marsh there was an interesting assortment of birds: Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, American Robin, Dark-eyed Juncos, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Ruffed Grouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Song Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Blue Jay, and Black-capped Chickadees. Other sightings: Wood Frogs, Leopard Frog, Garter Snake, White-tailed Deer, Red Squirrels. Nothing of note at the lagoons - still many Buffleheads, Mallards, and a single Canada Goose.

note: You now need hip waders to continue along the trail beside the Henry Rd. marsh. (just kidding, but the water level is higher now and flows right across the path before you even reach the marsh)

 

 

Re(1): dragonflies
Posted on October 31, 2003 at 05:18:35 PM by Al Sinclair

 

The Yellow-legged Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum) has the latest flight period of of any of our dragonflies, sometimes seen here in mid November. It is in the Skimmer Family. I photographed this male on my porch today, October 31.  Photo

 

 

Re(1): dragonflies
Posted on October 31, 2003 at 07:27:14 AM by Ron Stager

Hi

Sounds like a nice warm spot to lie-down on a late-October day. It's nice to see dragonflies (I think of them as defining the non-winter season).

I saw Yellow-legged Meadowhawks at my place last week (these (the males) have red abdomens that become rustier later in the season. I undestand that the older females also become reddish). They appear (at least to me) to be a bit shorter than 2": maybe about 1 1/2" so they may not be what you saw.

Darners tend to be longer than 2" and are more likely to have blues and greens then red. There are other red/rusty dragonflies but I just beginning to study them so I can't offer other suggestions.

 

 

dragonflies
Posted on October 30, 2003 at 05:12:58 PM by challis

Lots of 2-inch long dragonflies with rust-red abdomens out at lunchtime, on a south-facing rockface overlooking the marsh beside Highway 11 and the south entrance to Gravenhurst. Are these darners? I can't remember whether there were wing spots.

 

 

shrikes
Posted on October 30, 2003 at 05:03:59 PM by Challis-Carlyle

There were two Northern Shrike in the big fields at the end of Rocksborough Road about 7:30 a.m. today -- one adult and a juvenile (or a female; I'm not sure if the females also have dull, greyer chests than the male.)

 

 

Red-Tail on Hwy 11
Posted on October 30, 2003 at 12:10:01 AM by Doug Smith

For the 2nd time this week I have seen a Red-tailed Hawk along the Hwy 11 corridor. This time it was perched on a dead conifer at the cloverleaf for hwy. 118, though previously I saw it on a hydro pole along the Gravenhurst Parkway, near the KOA exit.(I'm assuming it's the same bird).

 

 

Congratulations to Janice Enright!
Posted on October 29, 2003 at 09:55:31 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Last night Janice Enright of a Wing and a Prayer won the Woman of Distinction Award in her category!

Janice does great work in our area and far beyond as well. Her first consideration is always for the well-being of the injured or threatened bird.

She works longer hours and harder for her charges than most of us can even imagine. Her knowledge is amazing and she is always trying to learn more.

I appreciate the opportunity she has given me to see what is possible and that we have a responsibility to do what we can to mitigate the effects of human activity on our wildlife.

 

 

Barred Owl
Posted on October 29, 2003 at 09:30:25 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Sorry to have to let everyone know that the barred owl didn't make it.

Janice tells me that if a bird with a head injury can make it for 24-48 hours there is usually something she can do to help the bird but this one died an hour after I got it there.

It was a good weight so it had been getting enough to eat.

Vary sad!

 

 

Re(1): Barred Owl
Posted on October 28, 2003 at 11:00:58 PM by Terry Whittam

Well done Eleanor!

 

 

Re(1): Barred Owl
Posted on October 28, 2003 at 05:01:09 PM by Al Johnston

Nice effort. You probably saved it's life. Al

 

 

Barred Owl
Posted on October 28, 2003 at 04:50:01 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

This morning at about 10 am I discovered a barred owl sitting on a low stump along Orgill's Point Rd. off Sherwood Rd. It had its back to the road. After taking a few "insurance" photos from my vehicle I made a few mouselike noises in an attempt to get it to turn around. It didn't so I got out of my van and walked around in front of it. It had its head tilted back and its eyes closed. Not knowing if it was dead or just in bad shape I went closer and it opened its eyes slightly. I put my raincoat around it and got it into a box for a trip to A Wing and a Prayer.

Janice told me that the tilting back of the head is an indication that it could have a head injury. I left it in her able care.

 

 

Yellowlegs
Posted on October 26, 2003 at 05:03:21 PM by Barbara Taylor

Three Greater Yellowlegs at west side of cell 3 at the Bracebridge Ponds this afternoon. Two much smaller shorebirds in flight, possibly Least Sandpipers.

In cell 1 several Scaup, Buffleheads, Mallards, Green-winged Teal, and two American Black Ducks. Also a muskrat.

 

 

Cooper's Hawk
Posted on October 23, 2003 at 10:31:45 AM by Barbara Taylor

An immature Cooper's Hawk swooped through our back yard in Bracebridge this morning. There had been several chickadees and Blue Jays at the feeders just before the hawk appeared, but it didn't manage to grab anything. Last week a Sharp-shinned Hawk struck a Mourning Dove on our platform feeder. The bird wasn't killed on impact and the Sharpie struggled on the ground with the dove for about ten minutes. Then after three tries to become airborne, the hawk was finally able to lift the dove and flew off into the woods at very low altitude with its heavy prize.

 

 

Sparrows...
Posted on October 23, 2003 at 01:42:15 AM by Paul Smith

Tree, Song, Chipping and White-crowned sparrows all sharing the feeder at the same time today ...

 

 

Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on October 22, 2003 at 02:22:31 PM by Barbara Taylor

Not very many birds today at the Ponds. A few Buffleheads in each cell. Four American Coots almost hidden from view near the reeds in cell 2. A Common Goldeneye in cell 4. There were three Goldeneyes at the Henry Rd. marsh.  A few Tree Sparrows along the trail between the Ponds and Henry marsh. 

note: If anyone is planning a walk along Henry Rd. or westbound along the Trans Canada Trail beside the marsh, you will need rubber boots. The water across Henry Rd. just before the "T" is too deep for hiking boots right now.

 

 

Northern Shrike and Common Redpoll in Algonquin
Posted on October 20, 2003 at 02:17:05 PM by Ron Tozer

*This report originated on ONTBIRDS (Oct. 19, 2003) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.



Hello Ontbirders:
A Northern Shrike was observed at the Old Airfield (south from km 30.6 on
Highway 60) on Saturday. A few Lapland Longspurs, Snow Buntings and Evening
Grosbeaks were noted along the highway, as well.

Today (Sunday), Doug Tozer reported: a light morph Rough-legged Hawk at
Ringneck Pond (km 41.2); a late (for Algonquin) Long-eared Owl at Long Lake,
between the West Gate and the West Boundary, at dusk; a record late (for
Algonquin) Palm Warbler near Costello Creek along the Opeongo Road (km
46.3); and one Common Redpoll and six Evening Grosbeaks at the Visitor
Centre feeder (km 43).

The shrike and the redpoll were the first of the fall here. Perhaps the
latter is a harbinger of Ron Pittaway's projected influx of the species in
southern Ontario this winter.

Directions:
The Old Airfield can be reached by driving part way along the Mew Lake
Campground entrance (at km 30.6 from the West Gate on Highway 60) and
parking in the Old Railway Bike Trail parking lot. Other locations along
Highway 60 can be located using km markers, starting with km 0 at the West
Gate.

Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto via Highways 400, 11 and 60.
Maps of the Highway 60 Corridor and permits are available at the park gates.

Ron Tozer
Dwight, Ontario
rtozer@vianet.on.ca

 

 

Re(1): Shrike and Hawks
Posted on October 23, 2003 at 01:37:52 AM by Paul Smith

The web site for the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology would probably have some info on the hawk you saw.

There's a lot of information there - and no self-appointed experts.

They're helpful, and will contribute in a positive manner. They don't let competiveness and a know-it-all attitude infect this relaxing, recreational activity of bird watching ...

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/

Cheers !!

Paul Smith

 

 

Re(2): Dark Phase Hawk
Posted on October 23, 2003 at 10:16:09 AM by Ron Stager

Thanks for your response Al.

I am sure the hawk was a dark phase Red-tailed Hawk since its front looked (exactly) like the illustration in the Golden Books field guide with the dark belly markings contrasting with brown (browny-red) of the remaining underparts (seen, with binoculars, perched in a tree at less than 75 m). The bird then flew away and a red-tail was clearly visible from a distance of about 400 m (with binoculars) when it perched on another tree.

It was not a dark phase Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk which I understand is a dark western bird but that has, at most, very little red on the tail.

See ya

 

 

Re(1): Dark Phase Hawk
Posted on October 22, 2003 at 09:27:40 PM by Al Sinclair

The mostly black hawks we are most likely to see in Muskoka are dark phase Rough-legged Hawks. They are migrating through here this time of year. Dark phase Red-tails occur in western Canada. I have not heard of any ever being seen in Muskoka.

 

 

Shrike and Hawks
Posted on October 20, 2003 at 12:30:03 AM by Ron Stager

Saw a shrike about 6 p.m on Thursday on Merkley Road and a Red-tailed Hawk earlier in the day. Pileated woodpecker and many Ruffed Grouse were about.

On Saturday, I saw a dark phase Red-tailed Hawk back at our beaver-dam. How common are these guys relative to the lighter phase? I have seen many Red-tailed Hawks but this is first dark phase I have seen. Also a large accipter.

And, a Compton Tortoiseshell on Sunday afternoon in our yard. Surprising since it seemed too cold. Some meadowhawks (dragonsflies) are still flying.

Surprising number of White-crowned Sparrows.

See ya

 

 

moose/the virginia meadow beauty is rare
Posted on October 20, 2003 at 10:04:39 AM by Leslee Tassie

Saw a moose at our friends Peter and
Mi-Shell Jessons in Fraserberg on Saturday (Oct18).
David Hawke has made an interesting reply worth reading to my September 1st report of Virginia Meadow Beauty. Just scroll down and read.
Leslee

 

 

Small birds ...
Posted on October 19, 2003 at 09:04:51 PM by Paul Smith

Song sparrows, chipping sparrows, white-crowned sparrows and juncos here today in Glen Orchard. Also, a winter wren came to visit on my walk along the logging trail ...

 

 

Re(1): Lagoons - Pintails
Posted on October 19, 2003 at 07:09:20 PM by Barbara Taylor

Late this afternoon there were three Pintails in cell 3. Wonder if these were different birds than the ones you saw since there appeared to be two males with some white on their necks and one female. Didn't find any Pintails in cell 1.

Cell 1 had the most birds, including Scaup, many Bufflehead (first we've seen this fall), Wood Ducks, Mallards, and Green-winged Teal. In cell 4 just a few Bufflehead.

In cell 2 a muskrat has built a reed hut where a large area of cattails juts out into the pond on the east side. He swam back and forth to the hut several times, then stopped to groom his fur for a while. A small flock of what sounded like Pine Grosbeak flew by, but we didn't get a good look at the birds.

 

 

Lagoons - Pintails
Posted on October 19, 2003 at 04:17:14 PM by Goodyear

Two female and 1 male (some white on lower to mid-neck) Pintail in Cell 1.

 

 

Grackles at Vasey
Posted on October 18, 2003 at 06:37:13 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

This afternoon I saw several thousand common grackles in a corn field on the North side of Hwy 23 between Vasey and the 400 Extension. Also seen were several dozen tree sparrows & white-crowned sparrows, mourning doves, blue jays and hairy woodpeckers also feeding. The grackles flew in and out of the field and the blue jays were taking so many kernels of corn into their gullets that they could hardly fly!

 

 

Juncos and Brown Creeper
Posted on October 18, 2003 at 02:19:27 PM by April Glen

About a week ago we spotted the Juncos' feasting on seeds of our perennials. Today we saw our first Brown Creeper on our property in Port Cunnington.

 

 

Turtle Lake Birds
Posted on October 18, 2003 at 02:01:01 PM by Garth N. Baker

Just home from a trip to Manitoulin Island with a stop over at Turtle Lake.
Among the species at the feeders were:B.C. Chickadee,Blue Jays,Dark-eyed Junco,W.B. Nuthatch,Purple Finch,Goldfinch,Hairy Woodpecker,W.C Sparrow and Fox Sparrow.On the water were several Red Breasted Mergansers.

Cheer's Garth/Innisfil

 

 

unknown migrant
Posted on October 16, 2003 at 05:19:35 PM by challis

This morning, about 8:30, a bird flew above the water tower at the south end of Gravenhurst.
Body shape & size a bit like a tern ... longer head than usual bird silhouette. Very slim, pointed wings and a rapid, shallow wingbeat.
The call was a very clear, pure whistle, like "clear-clear-clear" or "p-teer, p-teer". I whistled back and it circled for several minutes calling back, but it was in silhouette so I couldn't get a real look at it.
Any guesses as to what that was?

 

 

juncos
Posted on October 14, 2003 at 04:44:22 PM by Challis-Carlyle

The first juncos of the season have arrived at our feeders -- first seen Saturday, Oct 11. They remained all weekend.
Also have seen large numbers of golden crowned kinglets, in with the chickadees.

 

 

Red-necked Grebes
Posted on October 14, 2003 at 04:10:14 PM by Barbara Taylor

Two Red-necked Grebes this morning on Lake Muskoka near the south end of Browning Island.

 

 

Sharp-tails and Great Gray in Algonquin
Posted on October 11, 2003 at 07:51:08 PM by Ron Tozer

*Originally posted Oct. 11, 2003 on ONTBIRDS and provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists


Hello Ontbirders:
This is Ron Tozer, reporting from the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre.

Visitor Centre staff checked the Lake Travers Marsh for Nelson's
Sharp-tailed Sparrows again today, and we found two. The birds perched in
plain view for almost a minute, allowing fantastic views.

An adult Great Gray Owl was observed along the Cameron Lake Road (km 20) at
the Round Island Lake portage today, as well. This site is in the park
interior on a road closed to the public. I mention it here in case this
turns out to be the first owl of a flight this winter. However, given that
this species has been known to nest in that part of Algonquin Park in the
past, today's bird may have been a resident rather than an individual from
farther north.

Directions:
Lake Travers in Algonquin Provincial Park can be reached via the Sand Lake
Gate access point, located on Barron Canyon Road. This road is reached by
turning south off the Highway 17 bypass onto County Road 26, at a point 3.5
km west of the Forest Lea Road (approximately 9 km west of Pembroke),
travelling 300 metres, and then turning right at Barron Canyon Road.
Proceed 17.5 km to Sand Lake Gate, and then an additional 55 km to the Lake
Travers access point parking lot at Poplar Rapids on the Petawawa River.
Follow a trail from the parking lot to the Turtle Club historical site, and
then proceed eastward along the beach to the marshy bay on Lake Travers.

Use an Ontario road map to locate Pembroke. Algonquin Park is three hours
north of Toronto via Highways 400, 11 and 60.

Ron Tozer
Dwight, Ontario
rtozer@vianet.on.ca

 

 

Brown Creeper, etc.
Posted on October 11, 2003 at 07:41:39 PM by Barbara Taylor

We saw the Brown Creeper along the Trans Canada Trail about half way between Stephens Bay Rd. and the Henry Rd. marsh. Seems to me they are harder to find this fall. Other birds along the trail were Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Blue-headed Vireo, Dark-eyed Juncos, Ruffed Grouse, and numerous chickadees.

At the Henry Rd. Marsh there were several very vocal Wood Ducks and a few Green-winged Teal. Many sparrows, mostly White-crowned. Three Turkey Vultures circled overhead. The beavers have been busy at the marsh. Their dam is high enough now that the water is starting to flow over the roadway in some spots.

 

 

Re(1): Lagoons coots
Posted on October 11, 2003 at 07:18:56 PM by Barbara Taylor

Brief visit to the Bracebridge Ponds this morning. The two Coots were still in cell 2 and the Yellowlegs was on the "island" in cell 3.

Many White-throated Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows and Song Sparrows in the weedy areas beside cell 4.

Several Monarch butterflies too.

 

 

Lagoons coots
Posted on October 10, 2003 at 06:40:59 PM by Wilf Yusek

Today there were 2 Coots and also a F. Ruddy Duck, the coot in cell 2 and the duck in cell 1. Also in cell 1 were a number of L, Scaup and Ring=necked Ducks along with all the usual ducks.
In cell 3 there was 1 Greater Yellowlegs.

 

 

Tree Sparrows
Posted on October 8, 2003 at 11:48:00 PM by Paul Smith

A few tree sparrows kicking around out front this morning - plus a northern harrier between Bracebridge and Port Carling the last two days / between Aston and the Huckleberry rock cut ...

 

 

coot
Posted on October 8, 2003 at 12:15:08 AM by Wilf Yusek

There is an American Coot in cell 2 at the Bracebridge Lagoons this morning

 

 

Potential trouble for our forests
Posted on October 7, 2003 at 10:24:46 PM by Barbara Taylor

There have been several recent articles with disturbing news about Asian beetles in Ontario. So keep a close watch on your trees. Early detection seems to be the only hope right now.


Information and pictures of Asian Longhorned Beetle:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/protect/facren/alhbe.shtml
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/albpestalert/index.htm

Information and pictures of Emerald Ash Borer:
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/eab/



Click on each link below to go to the online story.

from the Muskokan:

Beetle found in Algonquin Park could decimate trees (scroll down to 2nd story on page)
By Jake Good
Aug. 21, 2003



from the Globe and Mail:

Action plan urged as Asian beetles decimate ash trees
By MARTIN MITTELSTAEDT
ENVIRONMENT REPORTER
Tuesday, October 7, 2003 - Page A16


Stop this bug
"Torontonians are going to have to suffer the pain of urban clear-cuts to save trees in the rest of the country. If the Asian longhorned beetle is not contained here, it could destroy more than half of Canada's forests"
By MARTIN MITTELSTAEDT
Saturday, October 4, 2003 - Page M1


Thistletown fears beetle spells disaster for its trees
"Officials may have to bring out chain saws to stop pest's spread in north Etobicoke"
By JONATHAN FOWLIE
Thursday, October 2, 2003 - Page A16



from the Toronto Star:

Sep. 23, 2003
Beetle dooms thousands of trees
Kilometres-long swath must be cut
Meeting tonight to discuss controls
JIM WILKES
STAFF REPORTER



Sep. 24, 2003
Trees getting the chop to halt beetle invasion
Beloved red maple on the doomed list
Drastic means to prevent forest loss
JIM WILKES
STAFF REPORTER



Sep. 30, 2003
Beetles invade new neighbourhood
Left unchecked, more trees in Ontario and Canada at risk
JIM WILKES
STAFF REPORTER

 

 

Re(1): Monarchs & Juncos
Posted on October 7, 2003 at 11:34:13 PM by Paul Smith

A Monarch here in Glen Orchard this afternoon ...

 

 

Monarchs & Juncos
Posted on October 7, 2003 at 03:59:23 PM by Barbara Taylor

This afternoon we had a few Dark-eyed Juncos stop by the platform feeder in our Bracebridge yard. Also two Monarch butterflies found some flowers that had escaped the frost. Both butterflies looked in very good shape with brilliant colour and no noticeable wear and tear on their wings.

 

 

Re(1): Tanager and Pintail
Posted on October 6, 2003 at 08:30:35 AM by Ron Tozer

First year Scarlet Tanagers sometimes have faint wing bars. The average last fall date for this species in Algonquin Park is September 21, and there are four records for October, on the 2nd, 6th, 7th and 13th.

 

 

Re(2): Tanager and Pintail
Posted on October 5, 2003 at 08:23:48 PM by Barbara Taylor

Might have been a first year Scarlet Tanager. I believe they sometimes show weak wing bars, but can't remember which fieldguide mentions this - Sibley's perhaps?

 

 

Re(1): Tanager and Pintail
Posted on October 5, 2003 at 07:38:31 PM by Cheryl Edgecombe

Seems late for a Tanager. The wing bars don't seem right for Scarlet but may be indicative of a Western Tanager. They tend to stray this time of year and often turn up in the colder months. Worth a second check.

 

 

Re(1): Tanager
Posted on October 5, 2003 at 06:54:21 PM by Barbara Taylor

I think Scarlet Tanagers start migrating in August and most would have moved south by mid September. There are always a few laggards and bad weather can have an impact. We sure have had a long string of windy, rainy days.

This afternoon an Eastern Phoebe appeared in our yard. Haven't seen one for ages, but quite often one will pop up in early October.

Here's a website with some interesting facts about the Migration of Birds.

 

 

Tanager and Pintail
Posted on October 5, 2003 at 04:51:28 PM by Goodyear

Much to our surprise and delight early this afternoon, we had a female Scarlet Tanager(with a very short and faint wing bar, greyish undertail) visit our backyard(Meadow Heights Drive). How late do these folks hang around?

A short walk around lagoon Cells 1 - 3 turned up a female Northern Pintail, Ring-necked Duck, Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, 2 American Wigeon, and numerous Mallard and Wood Duck.

 

 

AMERICAN WOODCOCK
Posted on October 4, 2003 at 11:09:07 PM by Mark McAnally

Flushed one woodcock this afternoon in my back forty out of a thicket. Numerous robins, american goldfinches and yellow-rumped warblers moving through.

 

 

Hermit Thrush
Posted on October 4, 2003 at 09:24:07 AM by Barbara Taylor

Two Hermit Thrush in our Bracebridge yard this morning. They seemed very interested in the platform feeder, but didn't want to take on the feisty Mourning Dove. Also several Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, a few Yellow-rumped Warblers and a Robin. The resident pair of Cardinals are still coming to the feeder on a regular basis. This summer they raised one offspring successfully, but we haven't seen it around for a long while. Still have a pair of White-breasted Nuthatch and a pair of Red-breasted Nuthatch visiting regularly. The resident pair of Blue Jays are very busy poking sunflower seeds into every square inch of lawn they can find. They very neatly cover the spot with a fallen birch leaf or twig...as though that will keep the squirrels and chipmunks from finding their treasures.

 

 

Re(3): more sharp-tailed sparrows in Algonquin
Posted on October 14, 2003 at 04:16:10 PM by Jeff Skevington

*This report originated on ONTBIRDS (Oct. 13, 2003) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.


Hello Ontbirders,

Angela and I went to Lake Travers Marsh on Saturday
and had little trouble locating 5 Nelson's
Sharp-tailed Sparrows as per Ron Tozer's instructions.
Four of the birds were in a group and were easily
observed as they wandered around feeding and giving
contact calls. The birds spent most of their time in
the NW corner of the wetland. Waders are necessary if
you want to keep warm and dry.

Directions:
Lake Travers in Algonquin Provincial Park can be
reached via the Sand Lake Gate access point, located
on Barron Canyon Road. This road is reached by turning
south off the Highway 17 bypass onto County Road 26,
at a point 3.5 km west of the Forest Lea Road
(approximately 9 km west of Pembroke),travelling 300
metres, and then turning right at Barron Canyon Road.
Proceed 17.5 km to Sand Lake Gate, and then an
additional 55 km to the Lake Travers access point
parking lot at Poplar Rapids on the Petawawa River.
Follow a trail north from the parking lot to the
Turtle Club historical site, and then proceed eastward
along the beach to the marshy bay on Lake Travers.

Use an Ontario road map to locate Pembroke. Algonquin
Park is three hours north of Toronto via Highways 400,
11 and 60.

Jeff Skevington
jeff_skevington@yahoo.ca

 

 

Re(2): Another Sharp-tailed Sparrow in Algonquin
Posted on October 5, 2003 at 07:01:43 PM by Ron Tozer

*This report originated on ONTBIRDS (Oct. 5, 2003) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.


More sedge marsh areas along Highway 60 in Algonquin Park were searched for
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows today in a continuing effort to document the
occurrence of this elusive, but probably regular, species here.

One bird was found in a sedge marsh on the north side of the highway
opposite Pitcher Plant Pond (km 52 from the West Gate) this morning, and two
birds (perhaps the same ones as yesterday) were observed in the Old Airfield
Marsh.

Directions:
The marsh near km 52 is adjacent to the highway. The Old Airfield can be
reached by driving part way along the Mew Lake Campground entrance (at km
30.6 from the West Gate on Highway 60) and parking in the Old Railway Bike
Trail parking lot. Then proceed on foot east along a gated roadway to the
Lake of Two Rivers end of the airfield. Enter the marsh at a point opposite
a large arrow drawn in an eroded sand area, across an old beaver dam, and
start carefully searching to flush sparrows.

Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto via Highways 400, 11 and 60.
Maps of the Highway 60 Corridor and permits are available at the park gates.

Ron Tozer
Dwight, Ontario
rtozer@vianet.on.ca

 

 

Re(1): More Sharp-tailed Sparrows in Algonquin
Posted on October 5, 2003 at 12:49:03 AM by Ron Tozer

*This report originated on ONTBIRDS (Oct. 5, 2003) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.


Fresh from our success in finding Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows at Lake
Travers and Radiant Lake on Algonquin Park's "East Side" on Friday (October
3), we decided to search suitable wet sedge marshes along the Highway 60
Corridor on Saturday (October 4). We checked four locations and were
rewarded with two Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows at one of them.

The two sparrows were found in thick, tall sedge on "islands" in the marsh
at the mouth of the Madawaska River, adjacent to Lake of Two Rivers
Campground and the Old Airfield. Access requires high rubber boots or waders
to get across open water sections, and is easiest from the Old Airfield.

Directions:
The Old Airfield can be reached by driving part way along the Mew Lake
Campground entrance (at km 30.6 from the West Gate on Highway 60) and
parking in the Old Railway Bike Trail parking lot. Then proceed on foot east
along a gated roadway to the Lake of Two Rivers end of the airfield. Enter
the marsh at a point opposite a large arrow drawn in an eroded sand area,
across an old beaver dam, and start carefully searching to flush sparrows.
There are several Swamp Sparrows there, but the sharp-tails will perch in
view if you move slowly and pish.

Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto via Highways 400, 11 and 60.
Maps of the Highway 60 Corridor and permits are available at the park gates.

Ron Tozer
Dwight, Ontario
rtozer@vianet.on.ca


Nelson's Sharp-tailed and Le Conte's in Algonquin
Posted on October 4, 2003 at 09:09:10 AM by Ron Tozer

*This report originated on ONTBIRDS (Oct. 3, 2003) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.


Five birders from the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre, outfitted with chest
waders, went to the East Side of the Park in search of Nelson's Sharp-tailed
Sparrows today. This sparrow had been recorded on only two previous
occasions in the park, both during the first ten days of October. The lack
of records here for this rarely observed migrant through southern Ontario
almost certainly reflects not looking enough in the right marshy habitat
during the relatively short fall passage period.

During the good weather this morning, preceding the afternoon's wind and
rain, we searched the large sedge/bulrush marsh at Lake Travers, and had
great views of two Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows, along with glimpses of
two Le Conte's Sparrows. There were numerous Swamp Sparrows, and a few
Savannah and Song Sparrows in the marsh as well, so patience was required to
get acceptable views.

On our return trip back through the interior of the Park (on roads closed to
the public), we stopped at Radiant Lake and Doug Tozer waded its
sedge/bulrush shoreline near Odenback. He had great views of three more
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows there.

Directions:
Lake Travers in Algonquin Provincial Park can be reached via the Sand Lake
Gate access point, located on Barron Canyon Road. This road is reached by
turning south off the Highway 17 bypass onto County Road 26, at a point 3.5
km west of the Forest Lea Road (approximately 9 km west of Pembroke),
travelling 300 metres, and then turning right at Barron Canyon Road. Proceed
17.5 km to Sand Lake Gate, and then an additional 55 km to the Lake Travers
access point parking lot at Poplar Rapids on the Petawawa River. Follow a
trail from the parking lot to the Turtle Club historical site, and then
proceed eastward to the adjacent marshy bay on Lake Travers.

As noted above, Radiant Lake is not accessible by public road.

Use an Ontario road map to locate Pembroke. Algonquin Park is three hours
north of Toronto via Highways 400, 11 and 60.

Ron Tozer
Dwight, Ontario
rtozer@vianet.on.ca


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Re(2): Lark Bunting Correction ...
Posted on October 2, 2003 at 05:49:10 PM by Paul Smith

No, a closer look today shows they're Water Pipits. A look in the Audubon field guide, where the two are shown side-by-side, explains the initial confusion. There were half a dozen here yesterday - about 20 today. A couple of Horned Larks to boot ...

 

 

Re(1): Lark Buntings?
Posted on October 2, 2003 at 05:10:52 PM by Al Sinclair

Lark Buntings are provincially rare so I was wondering if what you are seeing are Dark-eyed Juncos?

 

 

Lark Buntings ...
Posted on October 1, 2003 at 10:34:23 PM by Paul Smith

A small group of lark buntings eating up on the seeds in the field by the Glen Orchard general store today. Brrrrrrrrrr - The snow buntings will be next - where's this global warming malarky the pseudo scientists talk about ???

 

 

Updates and reminders
Posted on October 1, 2003 at 05:33:13 PM by Barbara Taylor

All reports from July through September are now available as a single file in the Archived Reports. Thanks to everyone for all your posts.

If you've ever tried to give someone the Bird Board website address in writing, you know how long it is! Here's a "tiny url" that will take you to the Bird Board without giving you writer's cramp:
http://tinyurl.com/oplc



A reminder to bookmark (add to your favourites list) the back-up webpage. All recently posted reports are copied and stored there. In the event of any major problems with the Bird Board hosting service, important notices will also be posted there.


If you're new to the Bird Board you might want to review the Hints and Tips section on the Guidelines webpage. Several features of the Bird Board are explained there.


I try to monitor the Bird Board on a regular basis. If you want to bring something to my attention, just send me an email and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Barbara Taylor
muskoka_birder@hotmail.com

 

 

bears, owls, yips, bellows
Posted on October 1, 2003 at 12:32:43 AM by Leslee Tassie

Firstly bears - having had 4-5 visits over the spring and summer of more than one bear in our yard, and finding claw marks 5+ feet high on our wooden garage door we weren't surprised at the latest bear news. We live on Santa's Village Road in Bracebridge, by the small bridge over Beaver Creek (at the pipeline). Friday September 26 OPP were looking for a dead bear someone had reported near the front of our house. As well the ministry was looking for a small injured bear cub that a dog had chased up a tree. Unknown if either was found. The fellow I ran into from the ministry though that was searching said two bears had been trapped at Santa's Village recently and relocated to near Algonquin Park, and he reported that Edith and Fred Nichols of Nichols Farm (just down the road) have about 10 bear feeding off apple trees. (at least 2 are moms with 2 young each). A trap has been set up there. I asked him if the cubs are trapped and relocated what chance they have of surviving. He said about 40 percent.
I hadn't heard our great horned owl in 8 days, but have finally heard it again the last two evenings (Sept 29 and 30).
Thursday, September 25 - 10 p.m. Heard lots of little "yips" coming from back by the creek behind our house. Unable to identify as fox kits, coyote or wolf pups. About a half an hour later, heard 2 distant bellows, probably moose as we tend to get them this time of year back in behind us. Edith Nichols has told me in the past that their cows are never out at night.
Leslee