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Bank Swallows - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on June 30, 2009 at 12:23:11 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Just before the heavy rain moved through this morning there were close to fifty
Bank Swallows flying over cells 1 and 2 at the Bracebridge Ponds. There were
several young with the group and it was interesting to watch them being fed in
flight. A male Green-winged Teal was in cell 3, but no shorebirds other than
the usual Spotted Sandpipers and Killdeer. Many turtle egg nests have been dug
up around cell 4...hope the predators missed some. A few White Admiral
butterflies were out but didn't see any Monarchs. (cell 3 is completely drained
except for a couple large "puddles", so good mudflats for the
shorebirds on their southbound migration which begins around this time of year)
Golden-Winged Warbler (GWWA)
Posted
on June 28, 2009 at 12:38:20 PM by Terry
& Marion Whittam
I took this shot while working on the Couchiching Conservatory GWWA survey in the "land between". photo
This was one of a number of GWWAs banded off Coopers
Falls road east of Washago Ontario. In total we have seen 20 GWWAs within the 6
Ontario base maps we were given again all east of Washago Ontario. One area
encompassing McArthur sideroad, M&N sideroad and Brooks sideroad was
especially abundant with GWWAs. This transition area on the edge of the Shield
is quite rich in terms of species and especially GWWAs.
Cheers Terry
Wounded Bear - Bracebridge
Posted
on June 27, 2009 at 06:31:04 PM by Barbara
Taylor
I just learned about this today, but in case the bear is still out there, take
care hiking along Beaver Creek or the snowmobile trail in the Meadow Heights
and Covered Bridge areas of Bracebridge.
Copy of media release from http://www.crimealerts.net/bracebridge.htm:
FROM: BRACEBRIDGE OPP
DATE: JUNE 25, 2009
(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – Bracebridge OPP is advising the public of the possibility of
a wounded bear in the area of Monsignor Michael O’Leary School.
On Monday June 22 2009 Bracebridge OPP shot and wounded a black bear near
Glendale Dr. in the interest of public safety after the bear failed to leave
the area adjacent to the school property on its own. The black bear retreated
to a near-by wooded area where a search by police and the MNR failed to locate
it.
Community alert broadcasts were made on local radio station MOOSE FM and many
near-by residents in the area were notified directly by Police who continued to
stay in the area ensuring there was not immediate danger to the public.
Every year the OPP and MNR receive calls from the Meadow Heights/McCrank area.
In all cases these bears are being attracted initially by bird feeders and
garbage. They stay and return because they find food. Some area residents are
ignoring the MNR’s message to stop feeding birds during bear season.
There is no such thing as a feeder that only attracts birds.
The last sighting of what is believed to be an injured bear was Tuesday evening
with nothing else reported since that time.
Gray Catbird - photo
Posted
on June 27, 2009 at 02:32:39 PM by J.
Gardner
This fellow sure was difficult to catch with the camera. He finally made the
mistake of staying in one spot for more than two seconds. (Hurdville) photo
June Gardner
Chimney Swift Blitz
Posted
on June 27, 2009 at 08:43:54 AM by janice house
Bird Studies Canada is inviting Ontario residents to look for chimney swifts
this weekend. Choose a single night and watch a chimney that may have swifts.
More information at the BSC website or http://birdcanada.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/ontario-swift-watch/
Nighthawks
Posted
on June 25, 2009 at 11:57:12 AM by Terry
& Marion Whittam
Finally last night at dusk we heard 3-4 Nighthawks calling as they flew feeding
around the lake. So nice to hear their call! Location about 8km east of
Washago.
Re(1): upland sandpipers
Posted
on June 25, 2009 at 05:47:11 PM by Terry
& Marion Whittam
Excellent John! We have not heard them yet on McArthur sideroad this year. Lots
of Snipe but no Upland sandpipers. We did get a Blue-winged on M&N sideroad
nearby towards the Black River. Check it out if you get a chance. Terry
upland sandpipers
Posted
on June 25, 2009 at 09:50:37 AM by John
Challis
On McArthur Sideroad, east of Washago, there has always been an upland
sandpiper that takes up residence on a big erratic in the middle of a farm
field -- what Terry Whittham calls the "elephant rock". This year we
hadn't seen the sandpiper at all in our trips along the road. But last night at
dusk there were four of them flitting over the fields. And further south on the
road there were more, twittering in the sky and wolf-whistling on the ground.
Blandings Turtle
Posted
on June 24, 2009 at 06:54:18 PM by janice house
I just took the dog for a swim to Sunny Lake via the Tomingas Rd (2+ klm from
hwy 11 off Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst) and in a sandy spot beside a swamp spotted the
turtle. She was still there when we left, when I stopped to have a good look
she pulled her head in and there was definite signs of digging.
Algonquin - Warblers, Boreal
Chickadees
Posted
on June 24, 2009 at 06:51:57 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Patrick Blake on ONTBIRDS (June 24, 2009)
and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Hi ONTBirders:
I spent the day at Algonquin, concentrating on the Arowhon Road areas. At the
end of Arowhon Road, on the Orange Trail at Arowhon Pines, I located 10 species
of warbler, including 4 NORTHERN PARULAS, 4 MAGNOLIA WARBLERS, 2 BLACK-THROATED
BLUE WARBLERS, and 1 CANADA WARBLER. Two WINTER WRENS could be heard singing in
the forest, as well as a WOOD THRUSH and a VEERY. As I was leaving, I heard
three YELLOW-THROATED VIREOS singing near the restaurant and tennis court area.
I spent the remainder of the morning and early afternoon along the Old Railway,
where I observed 11 warbler species, including 4 NASHVILLE WARBLERS, 2 CAPE MAY
WARBLERS, 2 BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS, and singles of BLACK-THROATED BLUE,
BLACK-AND-WHITE, MAGNOLIA, and MOURNING WARBLERS. Five BOREAL CHICKADEES were
singing and actively foraging, as well as 5 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS. A family
of three BROAD-WINGED HAWKS flew lazy circles above the trail, frequently
calling out.
Good birding!
Pat
Another Nice Moth ...Rosy Maple Moth
Posted
on June 24, 2009 at 04:40:55 PM by Al
Sinclair
Another Nice Moth: 7715 Dryocampa rubicunda Rosy Maple Moth
Had 9 at the light last night, more than usual. Food plant maples and oaks.
Most individuals here have yellow wings, no pink. Only one of the 9 had pink on
the wings. photo
robin in a hanging planter
Posted
on June 24, 2009 at 04:14:18 PM by John
Challis
The hanging planter on our porch is a little more crowded since the young hatched last weekend. I believe all four eggs hatched but between visits all I can really see is pink and spikes of down. Will post a shot of the chicks if I can manage one without disturbing Mom and Pop R. (Washago) photo
Laurel Sphinx Moth life cycle
continues...
Posted
on June 23, 2009 at 03:01:28 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Some of you may remember my posts last year about the life cycle of the Laurel
Sphinx Moth...from moth to eggs to caterpillar instars to pupa. I overwintered
two of the pupa in a container in our cold cellar, and about two months ago I
moved them into our unheated garage so they would remain safe from predators,
but they would be exposed to the natural swings in outdoor temperature and
humidity. I checked the container this afternoon and finally the life cycle has
come full circle. A new moth has crawled out of its pupa case and is now
hanging from the lid of the container so it can inflate its wings. If my camera
co-operates, I may add a photo later. (update: nope, camera has completely
died)
Here are my posts from last year with links to all the photos, starting with
the moth which arrived at our porch light on June 21, 2008:
-----------
Sphinx Moth - photos
Posted on June 22, 2008 at 12:10:01 PM by Barbara Taylor
This large moth came to our porch light between rain storms last night. I kept
her in a plastic container until this morning so I could take pictures, and it
appears that she laid a few eggs! See the last photo. Apparently the larvae
feed on lilac, so now I know where to place the caterpillars if they hatch out
in a few days. (Bracebridge)
Laurel Sphinx, Sphinx kalmiae, Hodges #7809 (also known as the Fawn Sphinx in
Wagner's guide) photo1 photo2 photo3
-----------
Laurel Sphinx Moth caterpillars - photos
Posted on July 16, 2008 at 12:37:07 PM by Barbara Taylor
Update on previous post about the Laurel Sphinx Moth...
All five of the eggs laid by the moth hatched and the caterpillars are growing
rapidly as they munch through lilac leaves. The first two photos were taken
this morning - 16 days old now. The third photo is of a one day old caterpillar
which you can hardly see against the mid-vein of the lilac leaf...except for
its "horn" at the tail-end which was solid black in the early days. photo1 photo2 photo3
-----------
Laurel Sphinx caterpillar update - photos
Posted on August 1, 2008 at 10:45:56 PM by Barbara Taylor
In my last update on the Laurel Sphinx caterpillars they were at the 4th instar
stage. On July 18 they stopped eating and by July 20 they had become 5th
instars. The new black and blue tail is very distinctive.
On July 25 the caterpillars stopped eating again. They began alternating a rest
period with a wandering period when they became very restless and just wouldn't
stop moving about. On July 27 they became quite sluggish and eventually crawled
under some layers of paper towel I had placed in the bottom of their container.
(I had learned this would make a good substitute for soil, which is where they
would normally go to pupate.) I'll post more photos once the pupa stage is
reached.
Early 5th Instar - photo
Day before pupation begins...approx. 4 inches long when "stretched"
as it wanders about - photo
An eating machine...click on the image below to watch a short video – video clip
-----------
Laurel Sphinx update - pupa photos
Posted on August 9, 2008 at 09:48:02 PM by Barbara Taylor
In my last update, the fully grown caterpillars had crawled beneath some paper
towels I placed in their container to simulate soil, where they would normally
pupate. Within 24 hours they had already begun to shrink from their original 4 inches
down to about 2 1/4 inches. After three days the prepupa had shrunk down to
only 1 1/2 inches in length and its colour took on a noticeable brownish-yellow
tinge. The day after this colour change, the old skin was shed and then the
pupa began to darken up and take on its final form.
(July 28 - only 2 1/4 inches long; head end is at left side) photo1
(July 31 - prepupa now only 1 1/2 inches long and brownish tinge) photo2
(Aug. 1 - the head end is at the right side in the following photos and the
pupa is lying on its back as it would normally do under the soil. The shed skin
is to the left. The green colour is already disappearing as the pupa changes
into its final form.) photo3
(Aug. 3 - the now dark black pupa has distinctive red markings. The pupa is
about the same size as the prepupa, around 1 1/2 inches in length.) photo4
(The now visible "hook" at the head end is characteristic of Sphinx
species pupae. It is the case for the developing proboscis, the long strawlike
mouthparts of the moth.) photo5
Re(1): Pink-barred Pseudeustrotia
moth (photo)
Posted
on June 23, 2009 at 01:29:31 PM by Al
Sinclair
Had one here 8km east of Bracebridge 2 nights ago, first this year. Usually get
a few every year. Food plants - dock, goldenrod, smartweed.
Pink-barred Pseudeustrotia moth
(photo)
Posted
on June 23, 2009 at 12:05:22 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Unfortunately my camera's sensor seems to be failing, but I tried my best to
get a shot of this interesting moth at our porch light last night. I don't
recall seeing this one before. (Bracebridge)
Pseudeustrotia carneola - Pink-barred Pseudeustrotia (formerly Pink-barred
Lithacodia) - Hodges#9053 photo
Green Herons hatched...Bracebridge
Ponds
Posted
on June 22, 2009 at 08:29:15 PM by Al
Sinclair
Wilf Yusek took this photo today. Green Heron is rare in Muskoka, please do not
do anything that might disturb them. This image was cropped from a photo taken
with a long lens. photo
Luna Moth - Actias luna
Posted
on June 22, 2009 at 04:44:34 PM by Terry
& Marion Whittam
Our neighbors called us over this morning to see one of
2 Luna moths they had flying around their woodpile. This one was looking a
little tired and a little ragged on one wing.
Beautiful moth and quite tame. Location was Clearwater Lake 8km east of
Washago. photo
Five-Lined Skink - Ontario lizard!
Posted
on June 22, 2009 at 04:34:32 PM by Terry
& Marion Whittam
Here is a nice shot of a Five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus) we spotted today sunning itself in the heat of the day. Location was Clearwater Lake 8km east of Washago. First one this year! photo
bluebirds
Posted on
June 20, 2009 at 10:56:53 AM by NancyTapley
one of two nesting pairs of bluebirds at Bondi Village, next door to the chickadees and tree swallows photo
Bracebridge Moose Calf update
Posted
on June 18, 2009 at 03:47:06 PM by Al
Sinclair
Called Aspen Valley today. The moose calf rescued here on June 4 is doing OK
now. He was not good at first and they thought they might loose him but he is
improving, more stable now on his feet and soon to be transferred to the
outdoor pen to be with the two twins.
Nice Moth...Bracebridge
Posted
on June 18, 2009 at 03:41:21 PM by Al
Sinclair
At the light last night:
9050 Maliattha concinnimacula Red-spotted Lithacodia
Usually see 1 or 2 every year, nice colors on this one, small moth less than an
inch long. photo
Injured Snapping Turtle
Posted
on June 17, 2009 at 11:13:13 AM by janice house
Janet Fraser found a turtle with a bad leg and a badly split shell on Monday
night by her home in Bala. She took the turtle to Centennial Animal Hospital
and it has since had a successful operation and is going to the Kawartha's for
turtle rehab.
Algonquin Park June 15th - Birds and
Moose
Posted
on June 17, 2009 at 09:50:59 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Norm Murr on ONTBIRDS (June 17, 2009) and
is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Good Day Eh !
Yesterday Ian and I birded the Opeongo and Arowhon Roads ( to and at Wolf Howl
Pond and West Rose Lake ) with a couple of stops in between and along with us
was a 14 year old son of a friend of Ian and his wife Carol. The teenager
wanted to see animals and we hopefully made that wish came true for him.
On the way along Hwy 60 east of Huntsville was a juvenile Bald Eagle flying
past just east of Hidden Valley.
Here are some of the birds we did find in Algonquin - Common Loons, Ring-necked
Ducks, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker ( Visitor Centre ),
Olive-sided Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher, Gray Jay, Common Raven, Boreal
Chickadee, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Philadelphia Vireo, many Red-eyed
Vireos, 16 Warbler species including Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian, Pine,
Blackpoll ( male at West Rose Lake ), Wilson's and Canada, Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, Marsh and White-throated Sparrows ( many ) Pine Siskin ( Visitor
Centre ), and Purple Finch plus lots of the usual birds.
This was a great day ( not only the perfect weather ) but for Mammal and Herp
sightings. WE got to see 5 moose ( 2 bulls, 2 cows and a calf ), 2 Bears, 3
Deer, Beavers, Painted and Snapping Turtles, Bull, Green and Mink Frogs.
Ian decided to head for home going south along Hwy 35 and on the way down just
north of Minden we spotted a Black-backed Woodpecker A nice sighting as we
missed it in Algonquin.
Re(1): Black-bellied Plover ...
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on June 16, 2009 at 09:08:40 PM by Barbara
Taylor
The Plover was still in cell 3 at 8:30 p.m. tonight and the male Redhead was
still in cell 2.
Huge mats of thick green algae are growing in cell 4 - we've never seen it like
that before. When we walked around the pond, three families of Wood Ducks had
great difficulty trying to hide amongst the cattails as they kept getting
caught in the thick algae
Re(1): Black-bellied Plover ...
Bracebridge Ponds - photo
Posted
on June 16, 2009 at 03:29:54 PM by Al
Sinclair
Photo by
Wilf Yusek
Black-bellied Plover ... Bracebridge
Ponds
Posted
on June 16, 2009 at 02:51:53 PM by Al
Sinclair
Wilf Yusek found a Black-bellied Plover on the mud island in cell 3 today,
nonbreeding plumage, still present at 1pm. Redhead still in cell 2.
Redhead
Posted
on June 15, 2009 at 02:31:54 PM by wilf
yusek
There is a male Redhead in cell 2 seen at 1.50 pm.today (Bracebridge Lagoons)
Chimney Swifts
Posted
on June 15, 2009 at 12:28:09 PM by janice house
Friday night Janet Fraser and I went to Huntsville to watch the birds roost, we
saw about 60 birds. Twice on the weekend I saw 2 swifts flying above the
Independent Grocery store parking lot in Gravenhurst
Scarlet Tanager
Posted
on June 15, 2009 at 12:25:43 PM by janice house
Laura my boss's wife was on the Butter & Egg Rd Friday night about 5:30
when she spotted the tanager pecking the ground on the side of the road, it did
not appear to be having a dust bath.
Sedge Wren
Posted
on June 14, 2009 at 08:54:26 PM by Alex
Mills
I stopped at a wet field west of Burk's Falls about 1 am saturday morning (June
13) and heard a Sedge Wren singing in the moonlight.
Re(1): Identification
Posted
on June 14, 2009 at 07:47:54 PM by Terry
& Marion Whittam
I'd also definitely say Phoebe! Watch if the bird flicks its tail a lot usually
when it calls, more like a little beep! Phoebe's also like to be around
cottages. The nests are often very buggy even to the point of being lousy! Be
careful.
Cheers Terry
Re(1): Identification
Posted
on June 14, 2009 at 07:18:34 PM by CatMacLean
Maybe a Phoebe? Nesting material is right. Our Phoebe is nesting in our
outhouse at the cottage and the floor is littered with moss and mud etc.
Identification
Posted
on June 14, 2009 at 06:57:22 PM by HilaryCurrer
I have been trying to identify this bird for the past couple of years. My first
guess was a Least Flycatcher however I read that the nesting site for a Least
is in the fork of a tree, also noted that the wingbar markings and white around
the eyes is not as prominent as on a Least Flycatcher. The nest has been built
against the logs of our cottage on Lake of Bays. I am sure that there are
many experts who will be able to assist me with this identification. Thanks
Hilary photo
Pepper and Salt Skipper
...Bracebridge
Posted
on June 13, 2009 at 04:01:15 PM by Al
Sinclair
We had a Pepper and Salt here yesterday in the flower beds, photo below. They fly
the same time as the chives bloom often nectaring in the chive flowers. This
skipper is rarely seen, a small and easily missed woodland species. Also could
be uncommon and local in Muskoka, have heard of no other locations for this
species in the district. We usually see a few every year in our yard and once
in a blow-down opening about 100 metres back in the woods. Last year we saw
none so were glad to find one here again. photo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Posted
on June 13, 2009 at 12:24:48 PM by Goodyear
This morning we had a Yellow-throated Vireo west of Gravenhurst. It was 1.2km
west of Snider's Bay Road on Muriel Crescent.
Re(1): Nesting Bird ?
Posted on
June 13, 2009 at 10:25:17 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Could it be an Ovenbird nest? They nest on the ground amongst the leaf litter,
a dome-shaped nest with a side entrance. I think Winter Wrens prefer to place
their nest partly sheltered by an exposed tree root and would have moss/lichens
covering it.
Nesting Bird ?
Posted
on June 13, 2009 at 07:59:50 AM by CatMacLean
I have had two encounters recently with small brown birds shooting out from
under my feet while I was walking through the bush. The first time I looked
down and found a nest covered with leaf litter and fashioned with bits of
grass. There were three young un-fledged birds in it. The second time when the bird
flew at ground level, I looked for the nest and found the same stucture but
with small beige eggs. Can anyone tell me what this bird is? I am
thinking Winter Wren.
Re(1): Monarch Butterflies
Posted
on June 22, 2009 at 08:24:52 PM by Dawn
Sherman
I finally saw a Monarch yesterday here on the Hunter's Bay Trail in Huntsville.
Monarch Butterflies
Posted
on June 11, 2009 at 12:53:41 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Finally saw a couple Monarch butterflies this morning at the Bracebridge Ponds.
This is a bit late compared to the past few years but I suppose the weather
hasn't been co-operating this spring. Has anyone else seen Monarchs yet?
Journey North - Monarch Butterfly Migration:
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/monarch/index.html
Re(4): Swallows
Posted
on June 28, 2009 at 12:00:09 PM by RobertMacIntosh
Thank you Barbara. I should add that we had one tree swallow looking for a
nestilng site, but I think he was driven away by our pesky red squirrels.
Re(3): Swallows
Posted
on June 28, 2009 at 09:03:21 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This does seem to be a poor year for swallows generally. Once nestlings have
fledged it will be interesting to see if sightings pick up.
Re(2): Swallows
Posted
on June 27, 2009 at 08:32:37 AM by RobertMacIntosh
For thirty years, we have always had at least two pairs of barn swllows nesting
in our boathouse, and usually four offspring in each nest. This year there are
no barn swallows. We are on an island in central Lake Muskoka.
The month of May and early June were very cold, windy and wet, and there were
no insects to speak of.Has there been a widespread absence of barn swallows
this year?
Re(1): Swallows
Posted on
June 11, 2009 at 08:56:02 AM by ron tozer
My annual survey of nesting Barn Swallows in the Highway 60 Corridor of
Algonquin Park to date indicates that this once common breeding species has
been reduced to a total of about 15 birds this year. At the current rate of
decline, this swallow may be virtually extirpated along Highway 60 during the
next five years. As with other dramatically declining aerial insectivores,
reasons for the population collapse are uncertain. However, reductions in the
insect food supply, and disruption of insect availability due to weather events
linked to climate change, have been suggested as important factors.
Re(1): Swallows
Posted
on June 11, 2009 at 07:00:05 AM by J.
Gardner
We have only two Cliff Swallow nests on our garage this year. Grackles got into
two more on the rear of the building. We are near Manitouwabing Lake.
Swallows
Posted
on June 10, 2009 at 10:21:51 PM by Alex
Mills
I spent most of the morning birding in central Parry Sound District doing the
Sand Lake Breeding Bird Survey. The only swallow on the survey was a single
Tree Swallow, but after the survey near Burk's Falls in late morning I watched
a flock of about 20 swallows feeding over a low field. There were about 15
Barns, 4 Trees, and 1 Bank. I know there are still lots of Barn and Tree
Swallow sightings, but I wonder if anyone else is finding Purple Martins, Bank,
Rough-winged, or Cliff Swallows in "cottage country."
Late Blackpoll Warbler
Posted
on June 10, 2009 at 07:11:45 PM by Alex
Mills
This morning (June 10) I heard and saw a male Blackpoll Warbler singing near
Burk's Falls. This is my latest spring date ever for this species, although
Murray Speirs saw one at Sundridge on June 11, 1933.
Re(1): Woodcocks
Posted
on June 10, 2009 at 00:17:51 AM by Marilyn Kisser
looks like one stopped for a rest! neat shots!
Woodcocks
Posted
on June 9, 2009 at 09:59:19 PM by LawrenceFrench
I saw this woodcock getting her young ones across Brackenrig Rd on May 25
photo1 photo2 photo3 photo4
robin nest
Posted
on June 7, 2009 at 10:06:56 PM by John
Challis
We have a robin with a bent for interior design. Last week a male spent several
days battering itself on our kitchen window. Meanwhile the female was ignoring
him and busying herself with searching for a nest site. Gayle had just hung a
hanging pot full of bacopa and red something-or-others from the eave of our
front porch. Yesterday I startled the robin from the pot. It's roosting in the
pot again today. I'll try to get a photo of her to share on the board.
(Washago)
Bardsville area...
Posted
on June 6, 2009 at 01:22:01 PM by Barbara
Taylor
We didn't find any Brewer's Blackbirds this morning in their usual spot near
the intersection of Beatrice Townline Rd. and Falkenburg Rd. Has anyone seen
them this year?
Just south of #1690 Beatrice Townline Rd. there were two Black-billed Cuckoos
in the shrubbery next to the road. Lots of Bobolinks in the area, Gray Catbird,
Alder Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbirds, and a singing Mourning Warbler. Along
Falkenburg Rd. several warblers including Yellow, Common Yellowthroat, American
Redstart, Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, and
Black-and-white. Along Butter & Egg Rd. there was a Ruffed Grouse taking a
dust bath and three young Common Ravens which didn't want to yield to the car.
This area offers varied habitat of field, forest, and wetland which makes for a
good birding tour...best to go in the morning when the birdsong will help you
locate the birds.
Re(1): Looking for birding spots in
Muskoka
Posted
on June 5, 2009 at 01:44:57 PM by Al
Sinclair
Hotspots? We don't have many, lots of habitat here so birds are spread out over
the whole district. If you have some target species perhaps we could suggest
where to find them. In the Rosseau area I would drive up towards Hekkla and
stop at all the wetlands. Drive up Bear Cave Rd and listen for the bird songs
to find them. If you want to get more serious get topo maps and compass or GPS
with topos and head into the backwoods, look for wetlands again as that's where
the action is. The best hotspot in Muskoka is the Bracebridge Sewage Ponds
followed by Henry Marsh, check previous posts for directions. Good Luck and let
us know your good finds.
Looking for birding spots in Muskoka
Posted
on June 4, 2009 at 08:30:25 PM by DavidFCreed
Hi,
I'm looking for some help finding birding hotspots in Muskoka, specifically the
Lake Rousseau area.
Thanks in advance for your help.
David
Re(1): any idea?
Posted
on June 7, 2009 at 10:39:26 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Could be a first spring male Purple Finch since they take two years to attain
adult colour, or an older female which can also have yellowish colour according
to this website: http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek060301.html
And excerpt from http://www.birdsource.org/ibs/IBSspecies/purfin/index.html:
"First-summer males are similar to females but with head and rump washed
in olive-yellow and deep yellow on chin and throat. Males in this plumage may
sing and hold territory before molting into adult plumage in their second
fall."
Re(2): any idea?
Posted
on June 4, 2009 at 07:58:21 PM by DBurton
Yellow aberration of a Purple Finch. We can call it a Yurple Finch... sounds
better than Purpellow Finch. Maybe it likes eating golden rod and canary foods?
Re(1): any idea?
Posted
on June 4, 2009 at 06:12:53 PM by Alex
Mills
I'd certainly say it is a purple finch (by the size, pattern of brown and
white, and positioning of the "colour"), but I'm not sure what the
explanation of the colouring and the pattern of that colouring is. Young bird
exhibiting an unusual moult pattern? Genetic colour aberration?
any idea?
Posted
on June 4, 2009 at 03:28:59 PM by Marilyn Kisser
this finch was at the nyger feeder this moring ..definate yellowish crown and
rump ... looked larger than a purple finch ...Rosseau photo1
photo2
Re(1): Moose calf...update
Posted on
June 4, 2009 at 03:19:06 PM by Marilyn Kisser
what a great story! I live beside the sanctuary ...will have to try to get a
look at Hermie and his other friends!
Moose calf...update
Posted
on June 4, 2009 at 02:10:37 PM by Al
Sinclair
Hermie the moose is now on his way to a new home at Aspen Valley Wildlife
Sanctuary. We found him last night around 10pm still alone and calling for his
mom. Using lights we were able to catch him and carry him into the house where
he spent the night in our laundry room. At 9:00 this morning Ben from the
sanctuary arrived and picked him up.
We called the Aspen Valley emergency number at 10:30pm last night and Ben
recommended keeping him indoors in a dark room as it was going to be a cold
night. He settled fairly quickly and seemed to know we meant him no harm, but
didn't like to be locked up. During the night we heard him a few times trying
to push his way out.
This morning he was still fine and was more relaxed. Ben had no trouble loading
him in a crate for the ride to his new home. There are already 3 other moose
calves there and another one coming soon from Sudbury for a total of 5 when
Hermie arrives. Two of the others came from Ullswater, 1 from New Liskeard. Ben
thinks our little moose was about 2 weeks old, may have been one of a set of
twins that wandered off(the mothers can't count). It will be bottle fed for a
while and is already ready to eat normal moose browse. MNR reserves the right
to pick the Moose release site this fall, currently they like the northern
Parry Sound District. We think that the young adult moose we saw here a couple
of weeks ago was the one the leaving the fresh tracks recently, not the calves
mother. photo1
photo2
photo3
Re(1): Tennesse Warbler
Posted
on June 27, 2009 at 08:41:12 AM by RobertMacIntosh
We had a pair of Philadelphia vireos in a cedar tree about three feet from my
eyes this week. A first sighting ever
for me, and probably unusual for Lake Muskoka.The female was small, a beautiful
grayish colour, no wing bars; the male nearby had a pale yellow shading on the
sides of the belly.
Tennesse Warbler
Posted
on June 4, 2009 at 09:10:29 AM by CatMacLean
Had a Tennesse Warbler singing near the house in Huntsville this am. Hermit
thrush, Veery and Scarlet Tanager singing in the bush along with both red-eyed
and blue headed vireo.
Henry Marsh - Green Heron
Posted
on June 3, 2009 at 07:10:11 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Good news! The beavers have reconstructed their dam under the little bridge at
Henry Marsh and the water level is nice and high. The beaver baffles don't seem
to be carrying much water out of the marsh, if any. A Green Heron and an
American Bittern were at the west side of the marsh this afternoon.
directions to Henry Marsh:
From traffic lights at Eccelstone Dr./Wellington St. in Bracebridge, take
Beaumont Dr. along the Muskoka River to Henry Rd. There is a parking area at
the end of Henry Rd. by the trailhead. When you reach the "T" in the
trail, turn right (west) to check out the beaver dam.
Re(1): Moose calf on the
loose...east of Bracebridge
Posted
on June 3, 2009 at 08:20:51 PM by Terry
& Marion Whittam
Very nice shots Al. Watch your back as mum cannot be far off..... lets hope so
as this little guy must still need mother. Cheers Terry
Re(1): Moose calf on the
loose...east of Bracebridge
Posted
on June 4, 2009 at 10:37:44 AM by BarryPeyton
Nice shot Al. Yes, Terry is right, watch your back on this one. Thanks for
leading our group on the Wings over Muskoka event, your knowledge of birds
shone.
Moose calf on the loose...east of
Bracebridge
Posted
on June 3, 2009 at 06:27:22 PM by Al
Sinclair
We have a moose calf out here that seems to be wandering around alone. It was
beside Hwy 118E (8km east of Hwy 11) yesterday for a few hours and Aspen Wildlife
Sanctuary was called to help. By the time they arrived it had disappeared but
they found tracks of an adult in the woods nearby and thought it might not be
an orphan.
Today we heard something bleating in the woods behind our house, investigated and
found the moose calf still alone, it stopped and stood still when it saw me. I
took a photo (see below) and got Joan to watch it while I went to get a blanket
to put over its head so we could catch it. But by the time I got back it had
taken off again. We also found tracks of an adult in the woods where it
disappeared so it may not be alone. We had an adult moose in our backyard two
weeks ago, it may have been her. photo1
photo2
Black-billed Cuckoo
Posted
on June 3, 2009 at 11:41:19 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there was a Black-billed Cuckoo along the snowmobile trail north
of Ball's Dr. near Patricia Parkway, Bracebridge. map: http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&q=patricia+parkway+bracebridge+ontario&um=1&ie=UTF-8&split=0&gl=ca&ei=9JcmSqyqOYPCM8P2hYkF&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1
Mourning Warbler, shorebirds
Posted
on June 2, 2009 at 11:31:23 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds I finally had my first Mourning Warbler
of the year and three Indigo Buntings which had previously been eluding me. The
Mourning Warbler was singing at its usual spot near the SW corner of cell 4.
In cell 3 there were only a few shorebirds scattered along the west shore:
Least Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Plover
Solitary Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
Killdeer
N. Muldrew Lake - Whip-poor-will,
Warblers, Sparrows
Posted
on June 2, 2009 at 09:31:44 AM by Kip
Daynard
The Whip-poor-will appears to have set up residence here for the summer and
continues to call most evenings.
This morning a few minutes listening before leaving for work revealed some nice
warblers including Canada, Cape May, Pine, Redstart, Chestnut-sided,
Yellow-rumped and Ovenbird.
We've enjoyed watching the progress of a brood of Chipping Sparrows in a small
spruce just 15 feet or so from our front steps. The nest is less than 4 feet
off the ground, low enough that our 3 and 5-year old girls can peek into the
nest, something they make sure to do twice daily. Four speckled, light-blue
eggs hatched about a week ago and the birds have gone from pitiful, blind, pink
and featherless creatures to bright-eyed, downy chicks. Their bright yellow
gapes really jump out at you. What a great first-hand view onto the early
development stages of one of our common birds. It's amazing how fast these
little guys grow! I'll try to post some pictures before they fledge, which
judging from the rapid progress is only a couple of weeks away.
North Muldrew Lake is 3kms SW of Gravenhurst wharf reachable by North Muldrew
Lake Rd.
Re(1): 100s of Chimney Swifts
Posted
on June 3, 2009 at 10:31:47 PM by Jim
Griffin
Thank you Mr. Goodyear and students of Huntsville Public school for your
posting. I have never seen swifts going to roost in a chimney so based on your
report I came to Huntsville this evening to see if I could observe it. I
determined that the chimney was the big yellow brick one at the back of the old
Empire Hotel. We arrived at about 8:20, saw a few swifts flying around so
decided to wait. At 9:00 they started to gather, flying quite low and in what
seemed like circles gradually decreasing in diameter. A few dropped into the
chimney, then as if someone had turned on a vacuum, the rest of the flock just
dropped en mass into the chimney; it was all over by 9:10. I estimate about 100
birds in this case.
Re(1): 100s of Chimney Swifts
Posted
on June 1, 2009 at 04:17:33 PM by Alex
Mills
One coolish morning in September of 2007, I saw more than a hundred Chimney
Swifts entering a chimney at an Anglican Church in Windsor. I had always
associated the entering of chimneys by these birds with evening, since they
roost communally overnight. I wonder what makes them go to roost in the morning.
Perhaps, when conditions are poor, it's more energetically efficient to roost
than to continue hunting with poor success?
100s of Chimney Swifts
Posted
on June 1, 2009 at 09:15:14 AM by Goodyear
This morning as I collected my students from the playground at Huntsville
Public School we watched in amazement as 100s of Chimney Swifts flew in from
all directions and circled in a large wheeling mass around one of the downtown
buildings at the NE corner of Main St. and Centre St. They flew down into one
of the chimneys on the building in groups of 2 - 5 at a time. The kids said
there were many more when they first noticed them, but I would estimate the
number I saw to be around 350 - 400.
Re(1): Wings over Muskoka
Posted
on June 3, 2009 at 06:12:45 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Hi Barry,
Nicely done! I had blurring in the wing-spread images, as well. Not enough
light for enough shutter speed for the wing flaps. Fun, though!
Thanks for posting!
Wings over Muskoka
Posted
on June 1, 2009 at 09:02:07 AM by BarryPeyton
If you missed this event, you missed a good one. Cynthia and i spent the
weekend at Red Leaves, an area about 13 km east of Port Carling, enjoying the
programs put on by Bob Bowles ( Kids for Turles) and Robin Tapley, senior
naturalist. All funds raised were to support the Kids for Turtles program. This
even was set up to make people aware of the decline of Muskoka's migrant
songbirds, wetland and grassland birds and other wildlife. We saw and heard
birds such as the scarlet tanager, indigo bunting, nighhawk etc. as many as 50
species. The pontoon boat ride on Lake Rosseau provided an excellant
opportunity to photograph Loons with Eleanor Kee Wellmann a well known wildlife
photographer. Several local wildlife artists put on displays and examples of
their work and the guest speakers and guides were of a very high caliber.
Congratulations to the organisers and thank you. This was the first annual event
for Wings over Muskoka so if you get a chance to go next year it will likely be
even better, if this is possible. We highly recommend this experience and
learning opportunity. photo1
photo2
Flycatcher
Posted
on May 30, 2009 at 12:41:49 PM by CatMacLean
Heard my first Olive-sided Flycatcher of the year yesterday along the Hunter's
Bay trail in Huntsville.
Re(1):
Lagoons
Posted
on May 29, 2009 at 03:52:30 PM by Barbara
Taylor
We arrived at the Lagoons around 1:30 p.m. today. All the shorebirds Wilf
reported plus a Semipalmated Plover were still in cell 3. There were several
Swallows swooping back and forth over cell 3 including two Cliff Swallows,
Barn, Bank, Tree, and Northern Rough-winged. As we were leaving, a Merlin was
flying low over cell 3, and no shorebirds were in sight. After waiting several
minutes only some Least Sandpipers reappeared...hopefully the rest of them were
just hiding.
There was a Common Loon in cell 4 (I'm not kidding!), but it eventually flew
off to the north-east. Some of the highlights west of cell 4 were a
Black-billed Cuckoo, Green Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Canada Warbler, Magnolia
Warbler, American Redstart, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Alder
Flycatcher, Gray Catbird, and Baltimore Oriole. Two male Buffleheads were in
cell 4.
Bracebridge Ponds Map (north approx. at top, west at left):
http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/naturepics/birdboard/pondsmap.jpg
Lagoons
Posted
on May 29, 2009 at 12:43:08 PM by Wilf Yusek
Hi Stopped at the lagoons about 11.00 am saw 2 Dunlin, 4 Semipalmated
Sandpipers and 7 Least Sandpipers in cell 3 west side. Did not see any Loons
but did see 1 Green Heron fly over cell 4 heading east toward cell 3.
Red-throated
Loon?
Posted
on May 29, 2009 at 08:58:17 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Yesterday afternoon I checked for shorebirds at the Bracebridge Ponds and found
only one Least Sandpiper along with the usual Spotted Sandpipers and Killdeer.
As I approached cell 4 I noticed a bird had just taken flight and quickly got
my binoculars on it. As the bird rose I realized it had the shape of a loon but
was much smaller than a Common Loon. The top of the wings and back appeared
brown and the underside of the wings and body appeared white. The wings were
pointy like a loon and the head shape was right, but I didn't see any red on
the neck. I've checked all my field guides and nothing seems to match what I
saw except for a first spring Red-throated Loon. If only I'd been a few minutes
earlier when it was still on the water!
Has a Red-throated Loon ever been seen at the Ponds? I've observed a Common
Loon in cell 4 a few times in the past, usually during spring migration.
Muskoka
Field Naturalists - next meeting June 4
Posted
on May 29, 2009 at 08:32:43 AM by Barbara
Taylor
MFN meeting Thursday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m., Gravenhurst
From the Wakerobin, newsletter of the Muskoka Field Naturalists:
BUTTERFLIES with Bob Bowles
Well known naturalist and MFN founding member, Bob will share his knowledge of butterflies
and provide information about the upcoming Butterfly Festival in Orillia on
Saturday, June 27. This will set the stage for the MFN Butterfly Count on July
5.
February through June meetings will be held at the Calvary Baptish Church
located at the corner of First and Brock Streets in Gravenhurst across from the
Giant Tiger store. Visitors welcome to attend.
Muskoka Field Naturalists website: http://www.muskokafieldnaturalists.com
pine
siskin albino (photo)
Posted
on May 28, 2009 at 07:17:53 PM by garyschultz
had a strange bird visiting the feeders for the last two days, for which we
could could not place after reviewing our field guides so we asked Ron Tozer to
id, and he has advised that it is in fact a partial albino rather than a full
albino Pine Siskin, note the dark eye not a red one. the location is
algonquin inn on hwy # 60 photo
Pewee
Posted
on May 28, 2009 at 08:39:25 AM by Goodyear
This morning we heard our first Eastern Wood-Pewee of the year singing from the
woods behind our house (Meadow Heights, Bracebridge).
Yellow-throated
Vireo at the Torrance Barrens
Posted
on May 27, 2009 at 01:43:32 PM by Al
Sinclair
On May 24 our Baillie Birdathon group found a Yellow-throated Vireo at the
Torrance Barrens. It was singing in trees beside a pond a short hike south-west
across the road from the main parking lot. Wilf Yusek got a photo.
Re(1):
Little Gull
Posted
on May 31, 2009 at 01:04:35 AM by Bob
Healey
There has been no further confirmation of this reported sighting. It would have
been a new bird for this area.
Little
Gull
Posted
on May 26, 2009 at 02:34:19 PM by Bob
Healey
My brother-in-law reported seeing a Little Gull around Monck P.S. at 12 noon
today. He is an experienced birder from the Hamilton area, and has seen this
bird many times before, in Niagara Falls and Florida.
Cedar
Waxwings
Posted
on May 26, 2009 at 08:37:51 AM by Goodyear
Yesterday afternoon and again this morning I saw 3 Cedar Waxwings in and around
a small wetland at the intersection of Lone Pine Drive and Stephenson Road 4 -
the first of the year. I also had a Wilson's Warbler in the same area.
Common
Terns
Posted
on May 24, 2009 at 09:19:52 PM by SylviaPurdonJimMaguire
Possible colony on Severn River near Island 32 (our little island) situated
between the railway bridge and The Swift, maybe in Muskoka, maybe in Matchedash
on a large 'whale rock' just past Island 32. The line goes right through there
somewhere.
8 Common Terns Adults appear to be sitting on territory all over this whale
shaped rock .
Re(1):
and a Black-billed Cuckoo...
Posted
on May 24, 2009 at 11:36:50 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Don and Bev Bailey report seeing a Black-billed Cuckoo, a Tennessee Warbler,
and a Green Heron west of cell 4 this morning.
Wilson's
Phalarope - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on May 24, 2009 at 09:58:22 AM by Barbara
Taylor
A male Wilson's Phalarope was found this morning during the Baillie Birdathon.
It was in cell 3 mid-way along the north shoreline and then moved to the east
end. Also a few Semipalmated Plovers and Least Sandpipers present.
Re(1):
Fox
Posted
on May 24, 2009 at 10:04:36 AM by Barbara
Taylor
We have seen both a female and male fox pass through our yard on a fairly
regular basis each evening, usually heading west..which is towards Rockwell
Ave. from here. The male is a bit larger with a bushier coat, and the female
shows that she has been suckling young. We've also had a female Raccoon nosing
around the birdfeeder some evenings and she met face to face with the female
Fox one night. It was interesting to watch the interaction...the fox is the one
who backed off. (Bracebridge)
Fox
Posted
on May 23, 2009 at 10:49:50 PM by Ted Gardner
Had a male fox wander through the back yard this evening mousing and or
chipmunking...this would be the 1st in our yard since they had a den at the end
of Rockwell before they built houses.(figure it was a male as his coat was
perfect) 120 Meadow Heights dr. BB
Golden-winged
Warblers - Henry Marsh
Posted
on May 23, 2009 at 08:55:11 PM by Bob
Healey
I sighted a pair of Golden-winged Warblers late this afternoon - at the usual nesting
site - where the Henry Rd. trail opens to the marsh. photo1 photo2
Re(1):
Bracebridge Lagoons
Posted
on May 23, 2009 at 12:40:39 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Around 11 a.m. this morning there was a female Lapland Longspur in the NW
corner of cell 3 along with a few Semipalmated Plovers, Least Sandpipers, a
Semipalmated Sandpiper, and the usual Spotted Sandpipers and Killdeer.
Tennessee and Blackpoll Warblers were still singing near the NW corner of cell
4. A Broad-winged Hawk circled overhead for a while.
Bracebridge
Lagoons - Blackpolls and Tennesees, Lincoln's Sparrow
Posted on
May 23, 2009 at 10:16:35 AM by Goodyear
I birded the Lagoons this morning between 6:30 and 9:00 and found some new
birds for the year - 65 species for the morning. Highlights include:
Lincoln's Sparrow - 1 in the woods at the NW corner of Cell 2
Tennesee Warbler - male (singing) and female NW corner of Cell 4
Blackpoll Warbler - male (singing)and female NW corner of Cell 4
Wilson's Warbler - 1 male W side of Cell 2
Black-billed Cuckoo - W side of Cell 4
While I was watching the Cuckoo I saw a Green Heron sitting on what appears to
be its nest. It was a platform of small sticks/twigs, about 5 - 6 feet above
the ground, located on the west side of Cell 4 about halfway down.
Last night I also saw a Common Nighthawk flying over Cell 1 and there were
approx. 12 Chimney Swifts over downtown Bracebridge.
Re(2):
Whip-poor-will at Muldrew Lake
Posted
on May 27, 2009 at 06:13:14 PM by Alex
Mills
I spent two summers studying Whip-poor-wills many years ago, and I have caught
and banded many individuals since then, mostly near Barrie.
Whip-poor-wills seem less affected by tree species (which ecologists often call
"composition") than by forest structure (which ecologists call
"structure"). They don't like deep forests with a closed canopy or
with a dense understory, whether conifer or hardwood. Instead, they like open
forests, such as those found in barrens, or fragmented stands of poplars
following burns, etc.
Incidentally, the Whip-poor-will is the latest bird addition to Canada's
threatened species list, having been so designated by COSEWIC on May 4th, 2009
Re(1):
Whip-poor-will at Muldrew Lake
Posted
on May 27, 2009 at 10:54:53 AM by Jim
Griffin
Hi Kip, I have never heard a whip-poor-will in the Port Sydney area (land of
big pines) in my 11 years here. I did have one virtually on my campsite on the
French River,west of Hwy 69 some years ago. I've always had the impression it
was more west muskoka where they hang out.
Whip-poor-will
at Muldrew Lake
Posted
on May 22, 2009 at 02:58:32 PM by Kip
Daynard
Just as Al predicted I'm hearing a Whip-poor-will at my new place on Muldrew Lake
Rd. about 4kms SW of Gravenhurst. It sang on and off all night long last night
starting around 9:30pm. What a marvellous sound - first time I've ever heard
them in Muskoka and the first time anywhere in over 7 years ago!
I had always thought their habitat was primarily deciduous. Its fairly mixed
here, lots of oaks but with a pretty high number of Pines as it was in the
Pinery P.P. where I heard them last. I've seen a few reports in Muskoka but
most appear to be in southern Muskoka which to my mind has more Pines than
northern Muskoka. Perhaps a quick survey is in order... what sort of habitat
are people encountering Whip-poor-wills in these days?
Black-billed
Cuckoo, Wilson's Warblers
Posted
on May 22, 2009 at 09:43:03 AM by Goodyear
Last night at the Bracebridge Lagoons we saw a Black-billed Cuckoo sitting in a
shrub in the wet area on the west side of Cell 4. As well, we had 2 Wilson's
Warblers in the same area.
Lagoons
Posted
on May 21, 2009 at 04:45:24 PM by Wilf Yusek
There were 5 Semipalmated Plovers in cell 3 this morning 11.20 am.
Lapland
Longspur - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on May 20, 2009 at 08:29:12 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Tonight at the Bracebridge Ponds there was a male Lapland Longspur on the
little island in cell 3. The female Redhead was still with the Mallards in cell
3. About 17 Least Sandpipers and 2 Lesser Yellowlegs in cell 3.
Re(1):
Veery, Canada Warbler
Posted
on May 19, 2009 at 01:53:50 PM by John
Challis
We had a veery singing in our back yard, Green River Drive, last night as
well. (Washago)
Veery,
Canada Warbler
Posted
on May 19, 2009 at 11:56:17 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Don Bailey reports there was a Veery and a Canada Warbler this morning in the
undeveloped area behind Gagnon's grocery store in Bracebridge. Other birds
included:
Nashville Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Don also reports that yesterday morning there was an Eastern Wood-Pewee along
the Henry Rd. Trail.
Wilson's
Warbler - Henry Marsh
Posted
on May 19, 2009 at 10:33:18 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there was a male Wilson's Warbler in the shrubbery where the Trans
Canada Trail enters the woods at the east side of Henry Marsh. As I watched the
Wilson's, I thought I had my first Scarlet Tanager of the year when I saw a
flash of red. But to my surprise it was a male Northern Cardinal...the female
soon joined her mate and they began singing a lovely duet. I can't remember
ever seeing cardinals at the marsh...has anyone?
Alder Flycatchers are back at the marsh now. They were at the west side where
the Rose-breasted Grosbeak is often singing.
Bonaparte's
Gulls - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on May 19, 2009 at 10:20:53 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Around 9:45 a.m. this morning there were two Bonaparte's Gulls (adult breeding
plumage) in cell 1 picking insects off the surface of the water. The female
Redhead was still in cell 3 hanging out with some Mallards. There were a few
Least Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers, both Yellowlegs, American Pipits,
Spotted Sandpipers, and many Killdeer in cell 3. The quarreling Killdeer kept
stirring up the shorebirds causing them to move around a lot.
Bracebridge
Lagoons to Henry Marsh - Redhead, Orange-crowned Warbler, etc.
Posted
on May 18, 2009 at 10:05:20 PM by dbritton
I spent a very pleasant couple of hours early this morning birding from the
Bracebridge Lagoons to the Henry Road Marsh and back. Despite the cool weather
there was a lot of bird activity, including some nice migrants.
The best bird of the morning was one of the first ones I saw: a female REDHEAD
consorting with a few Mallards in Cell 3.
Most of the other ducks were in Cells 2 and 4, including Wood Ducks, Lesser
Scaup , Bufflehead, Blue-winged Teal and a single Ring-necked Duck in cell.
Despite the excellent habitat the shorebirds were a little thin - 2 Lesser
Yellowlegs and 2 Least Sandpipers were along the southern shore of Cell 3 and
there were a few Killdeer and Spotted Sandpipers in the area.
In the woods at the southwest corner of Cell 4 were Rose-breasted Grosbeak,
Scarlet Tanager and several Baltimore Orioles. In the wetland and the northwest
corner of Cell 4 a Sora called.
I walked the Trans-Canada Trail to Henry Marsh and back and the warbler
activity was outstanding. In the poplars just west of cell 4 at the pipeline
were two foraging ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. A little further along was a singing
Tennessee Warbler. In the scrubby area near the T-intersection with the Henry
Road Trail were the previously reported two singing GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS.
Other warblers seen or heard on the trail included Nashville, Yellow,
Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green,
Black-and-white, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush and Common
Yellowthroat. Other birds of note here included Golden-crowned Kinglet,
Blue-headed Vireo, Pine Siskin and Purple Finch.
On the way back to my car on Lagoon Lane a few Northern Rough-winged Swallows
skimmed over Cell 4, a Red-eyed Vireo sang in the woods behind the construction
site and an Evening Grosbeak called in flight overhead.
All in all, an excellent morning of birding!
Algonquin
Park & Surrounding Area - 17 Warbler Species & More
Posted
on May 18, 2009 at 10:01:14 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Lev Frid on ONTBIRDS (May 18, 2009) and
is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Hi All,
I had a great birding-oriented weekend in Algonquin Park and nearby small
tracts of woodland along the Oxtongue River.
Highlights:
17 Warbler species - incl. numerous Bay-breasteds and Cape Mays in full song
at West Rose Lake & Wolf Howl pond
Two bands of Gray Jays, now carting around scraggly dark juvenile birds.
First-year male Spruce Grouse at Wolf Howl Pond
Three separate pairs of Boreal Chickadees - Point-blank, in-the-open views.
Ruby-throated Hummers, Evening & Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at Algonquin
Lakeside Inn Feeders.
I tallied about 75 or so species over the 15th, 16th and 17th.
Other highlights included a sow Black bear with three cubs, a grand total of
13 Moose including two cows with calves, a Pine Marten at Wolf Howl Pond,
five foxes and numerous beavers.
Photos are available here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/levfrid/
DIRECTIONS:
Courtesy of Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways
400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on
Highway 400. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then
follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers along Highway
60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to the East Gate
(km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map
of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates.
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
Indigo
Bunting
Posted
on May 18, 2009 at 07:21:22 PM by dinnymccraney
We had a beautiful male indigo at the feeder this morning...backing on South
Muskoka Golf course.
Bracebridge
Lagoons
Posted
on May 18, 2009 at 07:19:00 PM by Ted Gardner
My Father and I visited the lagoons today and ran up a nice list of birds as
well as Birders...nice to meet you all!
Common Yellow throat
Yellow Warbler
Chesnut sided Warbler
Baltimore Oriole
Song Sparrow
Northern Rough winged Swallow
Killdeer
Red Winged Backbird
Lesser Yellowlegs
Blue winged Teal
Mallard
Wood Duck
Green Heron
Broad winged Hawk
Ring Billed Gull
and this guy...........Bobolink photo
Birds
this weekend
Posted
on May 18, 2009 at 05:22:56 PM by CatMacLean
Yesterday in Huntsville we had the Baltimore Orieole back, two female Rose
Breasted and one male at our feeeders as well as the usual hummers, chickadees,
sisikins, and grackles.
Today we were at the cottage on the NW corner of Algonquin Park and I saw the
spotted sandpiper, a kingfisher as well as Blackburnian and Magnolia Warblers.
Baltimore
Oriole
Posted on
May 18, 2009 at 10:25:26 AM by garyschultz
we had our first pair of Baltimore Oriole's today around our feeders,
location Algonquin Inn on hwy # 60 just before west gate to Algonquin Park.
Broad
Winged Hawk Nest
Posted
on May 18, 2009 at 08:56:15 AM by janice house
I stopped by the cottage yesterday at Skeleton Lake Rd 3 and when I got out of
the car Dad asked me who was making the call. The hawk was in the maple tree
right beside the parking lot. Hopefully people coming and going will not
disturb the nest and we can watch the nestlings.
Re(2):
full birding report Algonquin Park
Posted
on May 18, 2009 at 09:11:58 PM by garyschultz
the nest is well bulit now,great to see him when he sticks his head out and you
get that yellow top...
Re(1):
full birding report Algonquin Park
Posted
on May 18, 2009 at 12:25:05 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Thanks for sharing the list, Gary! I sat waiting for that Black-backed
Woodpecker for more than 4 hours one day. Glad to hear it is still around and
I'll give it another try.
full
birding report Algonquin Park
Posted
on May 18, 2009 at 08:03:23 AM by garyschultz
this weekend we had a birding group in from eagle eye tours staying at the
Algonquin Inn,the tour leader was Blake Maybank,
Blake was good enough to go over his sighting for the Algonquin Park trip ,here
is the listings broken down by main areas.
Wild
Turkey
Posted
on May 17, 2009 at 04:08:25 PM by Ted Gardner
Just had 2 female Turkey in the yard under the feeders. We have not see them
since early December. Sorry to say at this point we have not seen Woodrow the
Red Headed Woodpecker since Friday. (Bracebridge)
...and
a Semipalmated Sandpiper
Posted
on May 17, 2009 at 05:45:33 PM by Goodyear
Thanks for the post, Barbara. The Dunlin was still there at 4:30. A single
Semipalmated Sandpiper has now joined the group. At one point I had 6 species
of shorebird in one binocular view - Dunlin, Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated
Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, and a Lesser Yellowlegs!
Re(1):
Semipalmated Plover...and a Dunlin
Posted
on May 17, 2009 at 12:49:58 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Just got back from a bone chilling walk around the Bracebridge Ponds...but it
was worth it to see our first Dunlin of the year along with the Semipalmated
Plover. They were with several Least Sandpipers along the west shoreline of
cell 3. Two Eastern Kingbirds, a Bank Swallow, and two Barn Swallows were
flying low over the semi-sheltered grassy area west of cell 3, but didn't seem
to be having much luck finding something to eat. The lack of sun and very windy
cold conditions kept most birds quiet and hunkered down out of sight. A Sora
called briefly from the marshy area west of cell 4 at the north end. A Killdeer
was sitting on her nest in the middle of the large gravel filled area north of
cell 4...unfortunately the bird is not aware that this area will soon be used
to store construction equipment once the new plant gets started.
Semipalmated
Plover
Posted
on May 16, 2009 at 03:13:42 PM by Goodyear
A single Semipalmated Plover was with the large flock of Least Sandpipers on
the south side of Cell 3 at the Bracebridge Lagoons around 1:30, just as it
began raining again.
scarlet
tanager (photo)
Posted
on May 16, 2009 at 07:50:45 AM by garyschultz
we have two tanager's in the back yard today at the algonquin inn on hwy # 60
just before the west gate gate to algonquin park. photo
Re(1):
Marsh Wren and Least Sandpipers
Posted
on May 16, 2009 at 01:55:36 PM by Barbara
Taylor
The fifty or so Least Sandpipers were still there after the rain stopped this
morning, but we couldn't find the Marsh Wren. Over a hundred Swallows were
swooping low over cells 1 and 3. There were at least three Cliff Swallows
(first we've seen this year) amongst the many Tree, Barn, Bank, and Northern
Rough-winged Swallows.
Marsh
Wren and Least Sandpipers
Posted
on May 15, 2009 at 09:42:51 PM by Goodyear
Just after 8:00 this evening we heard a Marsh Wren singing from the cattails in
the southwest corner of Cell 4 at the Bracebridge Lagoons. We tracked it down
and were able to get brief glimpses of it. The number of Least Sandpipers is
now up to 53. They were scattered along the south and north sides of Cell 3.
red-bellied
woodpecker
Posted
on May 15, 2009 at 05:17:42 PM by Gerry
Lannan
About 3pm I saw a red-bellied woodpecker & a pr of rose breasted
grosbeaks;about 2km NE of Kearney.
American
Redstart, Golden-winged Warblers
Posted
on May 15, 2009 at 03:00:08 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning at Henry Marsh there were two male Golden-winged Warblers having a
singing duel across the open area at the east/left side of Henry Trail. A male
American Redstart was along the Trans Canada Trail a short distance east of
Henry Marsh. Further east near the gas pipeline there was a Magnolia Warbler
singing from a Tamarack.
Other birds today included:
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Purple Finch
Yellow Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Cape May Warbler (probable - heard only)
Ovenbird
Baltimore Oriole
Pine Siskin
White-throated Sparrow
directions to Henry Marsh:
From traffic lights at Eccelstone Dr./Wellington St. in Bracebridge, take
Beaumont Dr. along the Muskoka River to Henry Rd. There is a parking area at
the end of Henry Rd. by the trailhead.
Least
Sandpipers
Posted
on May 15, 2009 at 10:13:08 AM by Goodyear
I apologize for the late post, but last night I went to check out the
Bracebridge Lagoons after the storms had passed through and found a flock of 34
Least Sandpipers on the newly exposed mud flats in Cell 3. There is now an
"island" in the middle of Cell 3 and much enlarged mud flats around
the sides. There were also 2 Lesser Yellowlegs, and several Spotted Sandpipers
and Killdeer. There wasn't much songbird activity owing to the strong winds.
Scarlet
Tanager
Posted
on May 15, 2009 at 09:23:54 AM by CatMacLean
Not a great pic of a tanager but he was quite vocal and competing with a Rose Breasted Grosbeak for attention. Two new birds today; the Red Eyed Vireo and a Northen Parula Warbler. photo
Re(2):
Pine Siskins on the Move?
Posted
on May 15, 2009 at 11:34:04 AM by janice house
I had at least 3 dozen this morning ( Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst)
Re(1):
Pine Siskins on the Move?
Posted
on May 15, 2009 at 10:47:14 AM by Marilyn Kisser
I must have 5 dozen siskins here too! strange ... just outside of Rosseau
Pine
Siskins on the Move?
Posted
on May 15, 2009 at 08:03:35 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
On May 7, before I left for Point Pelee, I had about 10 Pine Siskins still
visiting my feeders. When I returned yesterday I had a least 5 dozen. At least
some must be on the move North.
I visited with a bander in Tilbury and he banded 6 Pine Siskins in 1 hour along
with the same number of White-crowned Sparrows.
I had a nice male Bay-breasted Warbler here this morning along with
yellow-rumps, Palm and Ovenbird.
No Whip-poor-will yet. I checked and this is late for arrival at my place in
Bala.
Red
Headed Woodpecker
Posted
on May 14, 2009 at 06:43:31 PM by Ted Gardner
Well it seems "Woodrow" the red headed woodpecker may stay for a
while??...in and out several times today. The Hairy pair dont much care for him
and have put the run on him a few times, but he likes those peanuts. Finally
have a half decent picture!! Thank God for digital!! photo
Re(1):
Indigo Bunting
Posted
on May 15, 2009 at 02:34:45 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Don Bailey reports there was an Indigo Bunting by the snowmobile bridge out
behind the Sleep Inn in Bracebridge this morning. Also several Chestnut-sided
Warblers, Yellow Warblers, an Eastern Phoebe, and a Brown Thrasher. Oh, and
lots of blackflies!
Re(2):
Indigo Bunting
Posted
on May 14, 2009 at 04:26:46 PM by CatMacLean
I just have mixed seed, peanuts, niger seed and humming bird food. The bunting
is usually on the mixed seed or the nectar. He usually moves out to our field
soon and sings from the pin cherries.
Re(1):
Indigo Bunting
Posted
on May 14, 2009 at 12:08:40 PM by MikeWeiss
Im on Penetang bay,, saw 2 male (blue) Indigo Buntings this am,,, Is there a
preferred food they like,,.. thanks in advance... ( would mealworms be worth
try
Indigo
Bunting
Posted
on May 14, 2009 at 10:20:11 AM by CatMacLean
This guy has been at mt feeder for the past two days. Not singing yet but I have heard the Scarlet Tanager singing in the bush. Huntsville. photo
Baltimore
Oriole
Posted
on May 13, 2009 at 10:37:10 PM by MikeWeiss
Seen my first (of the year) Baltimore Oriole today,,,,Im on Penetang Bay...Heres
a tip,,,for my fellow Birders... He was eating Welches Grap Jelly
exclusivley,,,never touched the oranges or the nectar...
Posting
photos...helpful hint
Posted
on May 13, 2009 at 12:46:47 PM by Barbara
Taylor
When you use Tinypic to upload your photo, paste their IMG code line right into
your typed message on the Bird Board wherever you want the photo to appear. You
can even include more than one photo that way.
(Note: the Image URL box below the Message Box is only used when you are
pasting in the photo's url by itself, without those square bracket IMG tags
around the url.)
Go to the Nature Photos Board for instructions How to Post Photos and
to do a test post if you'd like.
Re(1):
Red Headed Woodpecker
Posted
on May 14, 2009 at 11:33:49 AM by Ted Gardner
He is here again today, The wind and rain dont seem to bother him.
Re(3):
Red Headed Woodpecker - previous sightings
Posted
on May 18, 2009 at 10:14:45 AM by MikeWeiss
Wow, great list of all the previous sightings,,, one dated back to 1995,,, that
is something,,,,,,This year I saw the Red Headed Woodpecker only once so far on
my peanut feeder,about a week ago...(They have been here for the last 2 seasons
frequently feeding) im on Penetang Bay,,any ideas why he has not come back...
Re(3):
Red Headed Woodpecker - previous sightings
Posted
on May 15, 2009 at 08:44:10 AM by dbritton
Thanks for that helpful summary Barbara. The only Red-headed Woodpecker that
I've seen in Muskoka was in the Cedar Springs campground on Beausoleil Island,
Georgian Bay Islands National Park in early-mid May 1995
Re(4):
Red Headed Woodpecker - previous sightings
Posted
on May 18, 2009 at 10:22:18 AM by MikeWeiss
The baby (Immature) red headed woodpeckers have brown-blackish heads, the young
will come with the red headed parents alot to feed at the peanut feeder (this I
witnessed the past 2 seasons)
Re(3):
Red Headed Woodpecker - previous sightings
Posted
on May 14, 2009 at 06:07:42 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
That is quite a list of sightings, Barbara!
I had an immature male one winter before I changed over to a digital camera in
2003 while I was still living on Lake Joseph.
Re(3):
Red Headed Woodpecker - previous sightings
Posted on
May 14, 2009 at 02:52:21 PM by J. Gardner
Thanks for the history of the Red Headed Woodpecker Barbara. What a wonderful
record to be able to draw on. Saves a few arguments.
Re(2):
Red Headed Woodpecker - previous sightings
Posted
on May 14, 2009 at 10:28:59 AM by Barbara
Taylor
I searched the Bird Board Archived Reports and here's a copy of all the
previous reports of Red-headed Woodpeckers going back in time:
-------------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker
Posted on May 13, 2008 at 09:04:56 AM by Alex Mills
I have been birding at Magnetawan since 1973, and have just once seen a
Red-headed Woodpecker there (actually closer to Burk's Falls), probably about
1992.
Yesterday (May 12), I found a Red-headed Woodpecker at Ahmic Lake. It was in a
cluster of poplars beside a marsh with standing dead trees. I certainly hope it
sticks around.
--------------------------------
red headed woodpecker, Tudhope Park
Posted on August 7, 2007 at 10:00:34 PM by John Challis
I was in Tudhope Park, Orillia with my parents last Sunday and came across a
red-headed woodpecker; first I've seen since I painted a plastic model of one
at the age of nine or 10. It's not the greatest of photos; it was busy and in a
hurry to get back to a hungry, and noisy, juvenile in a nearby maple. I'm
assuming it was still feeding the juvenile, because there was a great racket
when this individual flew back to the tree. Bob Allison wrote about this
celebrity in his nature column; it was mentioned in Orillia Today, anyway, on
Aug. 3. Don't know if that part of the column made it into the Muskoka
Weekender. photo
---------------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker near Glen Orchard
Posted on July 6, 2007 at 03:39:47 PM by BillCrins
On 2 July, I was driving northwest on Hwy. 69 just west of Glen Orchard (about
0.2 km east of Bass Lake Rd. and Berners Rd. turnoffs), when a male Red-headed
Woodpecker looped over the highway and back to a dead snag. There were numerous
snags along the highway and in a small wetland adjacent to the highway, on the
south or east side of the highway at that location.
On 4 July, I checked there again on my return from Timmins, but with no
success.
---------------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker
Posted on June 5, 2006 at 08:54:44 PM by Bob Healey
While riding at Buckwollow MTB this afternoon, I saw a red-headed woodpecker
flying down the trail away from me. I thought it hadn't gone to far, but didn't
get a second look. This is the first of this species for me this year,
anywhere.
---------------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker in Bracebridge
Posted on June 3, 2006 at 08:51:08 PM by Ron Tozer
At 6 p.m. this evening, I saw a Red-headed Woodpecker flying north from near
the South Branch of the Muskoka River, over Milton Street in Bracebridge. I am
not certain of the current Muskoka status of this woodpecker, but it was the
first one I have seen here.
---------------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker...pair at Pine Lake near Gravenhurst
Posted on June 13, 2005 at 09:31:53 PM by Al Sinclair
Dan Burton reported finding a Red-headed Woodpecker yesterday on a private road
off Snider's Bay Rd west of Gravenhurst at Pine Lake. Today Dan, Allan Aubin
and myself returned to the site and found a pair. This raises their breeding
status for the breeding bird atlas to Probable. This could be the only breeding
pair in the Muskoka region. I took this photo through a scope for confirmation.
---------------------------------
Red-Headed Woodpecker
Posted on October 9, 2004 at 02:20:17 PM by Janice House
We have an immature red-headed woodpecker on the clothesline pole in our back
yard. Geoff managed to get 3 or 4 pictures.
------------------------------------
Red Headed Woodpecker
Posted on May 31, 2004 at 09:28:10 AM by Terry Whittam
A Red Headed Woodpecker was seen on May 19, 2004 at Clearwater Lake 10k east of
Washago by Ruth Flood a permanent resident at the lake. The Red Headed stayed
for about 3 hours leasurely eating at Ruth's feeders. The bird has not returned
but Ruth assures me she will call if it returns.
-------------------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker in Algonquin Park
Posted on May 26, 2004 at 07:26:18 PM by Rick Stronks
*This report originated on ONTBIRDS (May 26, 2004) and is provided here with
the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
A Red-headed Woodpecker was seen today at the Lake of Two Rivers Picnic
Ground in Algonquin Provincial Park. It was first discovered by Chris
Boettger and seen by many of the naturalist staff.
Algonquin Park is located east of Huntsville on Highway 60. The Lake of Two
Rivers Picnic Ground is located on Highway 60 at kilometer 33.8 (the West
Gate is kilometer 0 while the East Gate is kilometer 56).
Good birding,
Rick Stronks
Algonquin Provincial Park
----------------------------------------
(no subject)
Posted on May 22, 2004 at 08:00:28 PM by Sam Robinson
May 21 - 6-6:30 p.m.
red-headed woodpecker
rose breasted grosbeak
baltimore oriole
(all seen by 3 others)
all seen at Dill St., backing on Beaver Creek, Bracebridge
------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker
Posted on May 20, 2004 at 08:53:08 PM by CAROL CASCANETTE
There was a Red-headed Woodpecker at a feeder on Loon Bay in Carling Twsp and
it stayed for most of the day off and on. Video of it is very good.`
--------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker near Huntsville
Posted on May 20, 2004 at 04:46:35 PM by Al Sinclair
Another Red-headed Woodpecker was reported May 19 from 5 to 6 pm in the yard of
Chris MacCormack in the Deer Lake Trailor Park, Hutcheson Beach Rd, Huntsville
(north side of Lake Vernon). It was not around next day.
---------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker...same bird???
Posted on May 12, 2004 at 04:54:08 PM by Al Sinclair
A Red-headed Woodpecker was seen by Stewart Boyd yesterday afternoon at his
feeders on McNabb St in Bracebridge. It was not there this morning but a
Red-headed was seen this morning by Heather Harris at her suet feeder on
Wapaska Cr. in Gravenhurst. Same bird as the one on Juddhaven Rd last week or 3
different birds??? If it's the same bird it is slowly heading back south where
it should be.
---------------------------------
No Red-Headed Woodpecker
Posted on May 10, 2004 at 03:59:47 PM by Carolyn Moore
The red-headed woodpecker that was visiting the feeder in Minett has not been
seen since Saturday. Hoping it will return.
---------------------------------------
Photo...Red-headed Woodpecker Juddhaven Rd May 3
Posted on May 5, 2004 at 10:21:55 PM by Al Sinclair
Carolyn Moore sent this photo of a Red-headed Woodpecker at her feeder on May
3(previously reported on the Bird Board). The bird was seen again on May 4,
2004. Juddhaven Rd is north of Minett on the west side of Lake Rosseau.
-------------------------------------------
nesting red headed woodpeckers
Posted on April 21, 2004 at 09:27:48 AM by Leslee Tassie
A woman I work with, Mary Jane Ewens and her husband live out in Port Carling,
down Todholm road which is just off Foreman Road. She reported to me that they
have had a pair of red headed woodpeckers nesting in their yard which have had
two young. She confirmed the sighting with her birding guide, and is certain
they are red headed woodpeckers.
-----------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker near Baysville May 23
Posted on May 31, 2003 at 10:31:56 AM by Al Sinclair
I recently received a report from Jim Derbyshire of a Red-headed Woodpecker that
was eating sunflower seeds at his feeder most of the day on May 23. It has not
returned since. I can't help thinking that it might be the same bird seen
earlier this year near Bracebridge. Derbyshires live on South Portage Rd just
off Brunel Rd. north of Baysville.
-------------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker near Bracebridge
Posted on May 5, 2003 at 10:07:06 PM by Al Sinclair
Stew Boyd reports that at supper time today, May 5, they had a Red-headed
Woodpecker in their yard in the McNabb subdivision north of Bracebridge. It
stayed for about 5 minutes. He will report back if it returns.
-----------------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker: Pecking Order
Posted on November 15, 2002 at 11:43:01 AM by Ron Stager
We have had an immature Red-headed Woodpecker around the feeder for most of the
morning (East of Barkway in former Ryde Township now Gravenhurst). It got along
well with the Blue Jays but the female Hairy Woodpecker was not impressed. The
Hairy did much posturing, spreading of wings and pecked the Red-headed on the
head a few times. The Red-headed was nonchalant about this.
Later the Hairy Woodpecker would leave the feeder when the Red-headed
Woodpecker returned.
------------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker
by Rick Snider 9:29 pm thursday july 18, 2002
At our recent McKechinie Lake cottagers meeting I found out that
a Red-headed Woodpecker was coming to a feeder on our lake for a
two week period around the end of May-beginning of June. Saw a
nice photo of it.
McKechnie Lake is a small lake east of highway 69 near the top
of Lake Joseph.
This is another of the several reports for this spring invasion
of Muskoka-Parry Sound.
--------------------------------
red-headed woodpecker
by Dave Hawke 9:40 pm tuesday june 18, 2002
A male red-headed woodpecker was seen at the new Taboo Golf
Course on June 11 (Muskoka Sands Resort, Gravenhurst). There are
reports from greens workers that they are regularily seen, but I
need to determine if those sightings are male yellow-bellied
sapsuckers.
------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker
by Brian Pfrimmer 3:43 pm saturday june 8, 2002
A call from a neighbour last evening had me viewing a mature Red-
headed Woodpecker. The bird had been coming to his feeder all
day eating black sunflower seeds. The colors are quite sharp.
The bird was sited at the North East corner of Fox Lake , Con
11, in Stisted Twp. This is all private property and
unfortunately the owner does not want visitors.
Last Sept 22nd, 01, I had a juv. bird spend the day in my yard,
so perhaps they are breeding in the area.
Ravenscliffe Rd, west of Huntsville
---------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker in Parry Sound
by Stan. Fairchild 8:04 pm thursday may 30, 2002
I have had a Red-headed Woodpecker coming to my feeder at the
back of my house since May 25.I think there is only the one but
it is here most of the time .It even comes down to the lawn
sometimes . I recently saw them in Pelee but this is my first in
Parry Sound.
----------------------
Red-headed WP Gravenhurst..update
by Al Sinclair 8:14 pm thursday may 23, 2002
The Red-headed Woodpecker was still at the west end of Lorne
street in Gravenhurst yesterday May 22. Check along the new
street under construction through the Gateway Estates.
--------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker Gravenhurst
by Al Sinclair 1:58 pm saturday may 18, 2002
Dan Burton just reported a Red-headed Woodpecker he found this
morning May 18 at the west end of Lorne Street at the lake. From
the north end of the main street in Gravenhurst go west on
Winewood to Austin, then right to Lorne, then left to the
Gateway Estates Park at the Lake.
---------------------------
Red-headed Woodpecker
by George Bryant 11:51 am thursday june 28, 2001
A calling Red-headed Woodpecker was observed June 23 at Snider's
Bay Swamp. As the location is not ideal for this species, it
was presumed to be an unmated adult. The swamp does provide a
nice diversity of breeding birds including Ravens feeding young
(this year and last year) and nesting Pileated Woodpeckers and
Hooded Mergansers (both last year).
The swamp can be accessed by taking Hwy. 169 out of Gravenhurst
toward Bala app. 4 kms. to Snider's Bay Road on the left
(south). Go app. 2 kms. to a major fork, take the right and the
road parallels the swamp for app. 1/3 km. allowing good views.
------------------------
Note: Bird Board reports earlier than October, 2000 were not saved.
Re(1):
Red Headed Woodpecker
Posted
on May 13, 2009 at 10:28:52 PM by MikeWeiss
Hello Im on Penetang Bay and seen my first red Headed Woodpecker 2 years
ago,,,(I hope this year will be the third),,,,I have been up in the Penetang
area for 36 years so my first sighting I was as excited as you are now... So I
ask the Board,,, has anyone seen these Red Headed Woodpeckers prior to the
spring of 2007.
Re(2):
Still present
Posted
on May 14, 2009 at 03:41:33 PM by Marilyn Kisser
I had a red-headed woodpecker at my feeder the first spring I moved here - so
that goes back to 2002 .. I saw him for a couple of days and have never seen
one since ... just outside Rosseau
Re(1):
Still present
Posted
on May 13, 2009 at 05:29:14 PM by Barbara
Taylor
And thanks to Ted and David I saw the bird just after 5 p.m. on the peanut
feeder...a life bird for me!
Still
present
Posted
on May 13, 2009 at 04:58:31 PM by Goodyear
Thanks for the posting, Ted. We zipped home from work tonight and were able to
see the Red-headed Woodpecker on your peanut feeder - a new bird for our
Muskoka list! Still present at 4:50 p.m.
Red
Headed Woodpecker
Posted
on May 13, 2009 at 12:27:46 PM by Ted Gardner
just a while ago i was watching the Rose Breasted Grosbeak
when a wood pecker landed on the peanut feeder on the other hook. It just
happened to be a Red Headed Woodpecker a 1st for my yard!! got a picture after
some scrambling around! not great but you can tell what it is! 120 Meadow
Heights BB photo
Bracebridge
Ponds...Least Sandpipers
Posted
on May 13, 2009 at 11:05:42 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning we found eight Least Sandpipers along the shoreline at the north
side of cell 3. They have started to drain cell 3 and cell 4, but unfortunately
the draining must be stopped midnight on Thursday due to mandated environmental
regulations. So we may not get large mudflats, but conditions for viewing the
migrating shorebirds should be greatly improved. It appears that construction
of the new plant will probably not start until after the end of the month...and
hopefully we will still have access.
Other highlights of the morning included:
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (near NW corner cell 4)
Green Heron (in dead tree W of cell 4)
Sora (W of cell 4 near south end)
Broad-winged Hawk (on hydro pole W of cell 3)
Least Flycatchers (W of cell 2)
Northern Waterthrush (W of cell 2)
Baltimore Orioles
Warbling Vireos
Yellow Warblers
Common Yellowthroats
Chestnut-sided Warblers
Black-throated Green Warblers
Bracebridge
Ponds map (north approx. at top, west at left)
Re(2):
Coyotes
Posted
on May 14, 2009 at 11:50:51 AM by Ted Gardner
Coyotes also travel in family groups.
Re(1):
Coyotes
Posted
on May 13, 2009 at 10:22:24 PM by MikeWeiss
Hello I thought Coyotes were alone and Wolves were in packs...Anyone,,, is this
correct or am I wrong...just my 2 cents....
Coyotes
Posted
on May 13, 2009 at 00:20:53 AM by Ted Gardner
Just now in the back yard for a breath of fresh air i listened to a pack of
coyotes yipping and calling in the distance north west of here. 1st i can say
ive hear this close! 120 meadow heights BB.
White
headed European Starling
Posted
on May 12, 2009 at 08:36:30 PM by janice house
I was just watching the starlings feeding in our front yard, one bird has lots
of white on his head and the back of neck. Several weeks ago in Bent River Dad
and I saw a raven that was heavily splotched with white. My first thought was
an immature bald eagle. I know we have reports of grackles and blue jays with
lots of white, any ideas what is causing this in our birds?
Re(2):
female hummer...
Posted
on May 16, 2009 at 09:29:05 AM by Barbara
Taylor
The adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbird has the red throat and your
"white throated" hummer would be the female at this time of year.
Later in the summer when you start seeing some of the young birds, they will all
resemble the female even if they are male.
Here are two online field guides which you might find helpful in identifying
bird species:
http://sibley.enature.com
http://www.whatbird.com/
Re(1):
female hummer...
Posted
on May 15, 2009 at 11:24:36 PM by MikeWeiss
Hello, not sure how to tell the male or female hummers,,,however I have seen a
ruby throated hummer amd a white throated hummer this year at the feeder....im
on penetang bay
female
hummer...
Posted
on May 12, 2009 at 11:24:02 AM by Barbara
Taylor
A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a new arrival in our yard today. She was
perched on the usual hanger for the nectar feeder trying to give me a not so
subtle hint it was time to put out the feeder. This is the first hummingbird
we've seen this year. (Bracebridge)
Re(1):
Eastern Kingbirds
Posted
on May 14, 2009 at 09:11:51 AM by Wayne
Bridge
We have 2 eastern kingbirds in Kearney near the boardwalk beside Sucker
Creek/Perry Lake.
Re(1):
Eastern Kingbirds
Posted
on May 12, 2009 at 11:14:35 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there was a pair of Eastern Kingbirds just past the snowmobile
bridge across Beaver Creek along the trail behind the Sleep Inn in Bracebridge.
Many White-throated Sparrows, Chestnut-sided Warblers, and Nashville Warblers
were in full song, and we heard our first Gray Catbird of the year. A
Red-tailed Hawk was hunting over the field past the bridge, spooking a Wild
Turkey which ran towards the woods for cover.
Eastern
Kingbirds
Posted
on May 11, 2009 at 08:44:11 PM by Bob Burt
This evening there were two Eastern Kingbirds next to the dumping ponds east of
cell 4 at the Bracebridge Ponds. Several Tree, Barn, and Bank Swallows were in
the same area.
Least
Flycatcher, Bobolinks, Yellowlegs - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on May 11, 2009 at 12:55:00 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there was a Least Flycatcher calling from
west of cell 2. A few Bobolinks were in the grass along the east side of cell 1
and two Lesser Yellowlegs were in the SE corner of cell 1. Don Bailey reports
there was a Green Heron at the little pond at Kerr Park.
Re(1):
Nectar Mixes
Posted
on May 11, 2009 at 05:09:09 PM by Barbara
Taylor
I'm sure the orioles won't mind if you use the same mix as for hummers at 1
part sugar and 4 parts water. Here's an interesting article about nectar
concentration: http://www.hummingbirds.net/hainsworth.html
excerpt from article:
"A hummingbird Is more likely to stay at a feeder when it first arrives if
the feeder contains a relatively rich sugar solution...Once hummingbirds have
been attracted with a rich sugar solution for two or three weeks, a lower
concentration will increase their feeding activity and still provide sufficient
energy. To promote high rates of feeding activity, mix one part sugar with four
parts water (1:4 ratio). This 10-calorie solution is similar to lower sugar
concentrations in nectar produced by some plants...It will seem like there are
many more hummingbirds visiting your feeders because each bird will feed 10 to
12 times an hour in comparison to two or three times an hour with richer
food."
Nectar
Mixes
Posted
on May 11, 2009 at 10:38:30 AM by MikeWeiss
Hello All,,I enjoy this board very much,,,When I was at my local bird products store,,,
they informed me that the nectar for orioles should be 1 part sugar to 6 parts
water,, and for hummers its 1 part sugar to 4 parts water,,..hope this is
useful for all you birders,, if incorrect please post a reply,, thank you...(Im
on Penetang Bay),, I have a hummer or 2, still havent seen an oriole or a red
headed woodpecker yet.
Rose
Breasted Grosbeak
Posted
on May 10, 2009 at 09:14:57 PM by Ted Gardner
For the 5th year now a pair of Rose Breasted Grosbeaks are at our
feeders,usually spring only. 120 Meadow Heights BB
Bobolink
Posted
on May 10, 2009 at 07:14:35 PM by J.
Gardner
The first bobolink of the season was warbling here this afternoon. (Hurdville)
This
weekend
Posted
on May 10, 2009 at 05:58:28 PM by CatMacLean
This weekend was spent at the cottage near the NW corner of Algonquin Park.
This morning I spent an hour in the woods and heard the yellow-rumped, black-throated
green and blue,Black and White, Nashville, a purple finch, Evening Grosbeaks,
Blue headed vireo, Robins and Jays.
But the best sighting was yesterday, a Red-Necked Grebe off the end of our
dock. Heard a strange call and there he was! Also our loons are back but not
sitting on the nest yet.
Magnolia
Warbler - Henry Marsh
Posted
on May 10, 2009 at 11:21:15 AM by Barbara
Taylor
A colourful selection of birds at Henry Marsh this morning:
Magnolia Warbler
Golden-winged Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Nashville Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Ovenbird
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
directions to Henry Marsh:
From traffic lights at Eccelstone Dr./Wellington St. in Bracebridge, take
Beaumont Dr. along the Muskoka River to Henry Rd. There is a parking area
at the end of Henry Rd. by the trailhead. The Golden-winged Warbler was just
east (left) of the "T" in the trail, while the Magnolia Warbler was
to the west (right) where the trail leaves the marsh.
American
Bittern et al. in Arrowhead
Posted
on May 9, 2009 at 10:27:02 PM by Burke Korol
I too squeezed in a bit of early morning birding before today's (9 May) rain.
Lots of interesting birds and new arrivals in Arrowhead including an AMERICAN
BITTERN calling from the north end of Arrowhead Lake.
I found spring arrivals like CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER,
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, SCARLET TANAGER, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, MAGNOLIA
WARBLER, EASTERN KINGBIRD and SOLITARY SANDPIPER (rare in the park).
Had a NORTHERN GOSHAWK fly over and flushed a WILSON'S SNIPE from suitable
breeding habitat.
Yesterday the first well-documented SAVANNAH SPARROW was found in Arrowhead.
Golden-winged
Warblers
Posted
on May 9, 2009 at 06:43:15 PM by Goodyear
Early this morning 6:30 - 8:30 before the heavy rain came I made a visit to
Henry Marsh and the Bracebridge Lagoons. 3 Golden-winged Warblers could be
heard singing (saw 2 of them) in the area of the "T" junction.
Several Ovenbirds, Common Yellowthroats, Nashville, Chestnut-sided, Black and
White, and Yellow Warblers were also seen/heard. 5 Bobolinks were in the trees
next to the bird blind at Kerr Park. Despite the fine drizzle/mist there was
lots of activity and I tallied 58 species.
Shorebirds
- Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on May 9, 2009 at 10:40:11 AM by Barbara
Taylor
The Ponds have not been drained so no mudflats for the migrating shorebirds,
but some are moving through now. Last night a Greater Yellowlegs was calling as
it came in and briefly touched down in cell 3. Six Lesser Yellowlegs were flushed
by a Merlin flying low over cell 2, and eventually flew northward. A Solitary
Sandpiper was in the flooded area by the pipeline/snowmobile trail near the SW
corner of cell 4. Baltimore Orioles and a Warbling Vireo are the latest new
arrivals. Bracebridge
Ponds Map (north approx. at top of map, west approx. at left)
Re(2):
Ebony Boghaunter
Posted
on May 9, 2009 at 06:04:23 PM by Ron Stager
It was in the middle of road (Lewisham) near wet mixed forest.
Saw it fly but it seemed less erratic in flight and very calm on the ground
compared to other dragonflies. A "relaxed" dragonfly.
Re(1):
Ebony Boghaunter
Posted
on May 9, 2009 at 10:21:34 AM by Al
Sinclair
Ebony Boghaunter is a good find. Could be the first record for Muskoka, not
listed for our area in Catling and Brownell, "Damselflies and Dragonflies
of Ontario". Can you tell us what type of habitat it was in and what it
was doing (behavior). They are described as secretive, no doubt there are
populations in Muskoka that have not been found yet.
Ebony
Boghaunter
Posted
on May 8, 2009 at 05:42:29 PM by Ron
Stager
Lots of dragonflies out at noon today (Merkley Rd. east of Barkway). Ebony
Boghaunter is a very small and dark dragonfly. Also saw American Emeralds,
Hudsonian Whitefaces, a damselfly species and two other types of dragonflies. I
am enjoying Colin Jones' guidebook for dragonflies (Friends of Algonquin will
mail it out). Lots of Spring Azure butterflies out.
More
warblers
Posted
on May 8, 2009 at 12:32:38 PM by CatMacLean
This morning in Huntsville I heard the Black-Throated Blue, the Chestnut Sided
and had a good look at the Nashville warbler. The winter wrens were in fine
form and a Rose Breasted grosbeak was singing.
A pair of mallards were on the pond and a couple of deer were eyeing up my
hostas. At the feeder we had a pair of Evening grosbeaks, the usual siskins and
grackles.
Loon
Nest Cam, Minnesota
Posted
on May 8, 2009 at 09:08:40 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
I was sent a link to a Loon Nest Cam on a lake in Minnesota. After some
problems this morning there is now lovely live video of a loon on the nest. For
the most part it will be like watching grass grow with short, fast bits of
action. http://www.mnbound.com/live-loon-cam/
The eggs were laid April 30 so the chicks should hatch around the 26-29 of May.
They only stay on the nest for about 24 hours so not much time to watch the
chicks but fun! If you hunt around on the sight, mostly hunting and fishing,
you will find a video of the eggs being laid!
Least
Sandpiper
Posted
on May 8, 2009 at 08:52:00 AM by Goodyear
Last night we saw a single Least Sandpiper on the east side of Cell 1 at the
Bracebridge Lagoons.
Re(3):
Hummers???
Posted
on May 8, 2009 at 10:48:26 PM by Ted Gardner
Male Hummer showed this morning!
(Bracebridge)
Re(2):
Hummers???
Posted
on May 8, 2009 at 09:08:15 PM by Marilyn Kisser
I'll trade you one male hummer for that beauty:-)
Re(1):
Hummers???
Posted
on May 8, 2009 at 07:18:34 AM by Al
Sinclair
Very nice photo. Looks like he pulled off the bee guard to get access to the
sugar water, probably learned how to do that down south.
Hummers???
Posted on
May 7, 2009 at 10:56:48 PM by Ted Gardner
With all the talk of Hummers i quickley cleaned and filled our feeder..then
waited and looked for any movement close to the feeder!!! After 3 days i got
bored...then this morning just before departing for work i got a flash of
colour!!...but it was orange?, well as the pic will show it was a Northern or
Baltimore Oriole ( The latter is also a really bad baseball team).This bird
waited while i changed lenses on my camera and then gave me a nice profile! So
the end to the story is that i was all excited to show my wife the picture when
I was home!...when she saw me appraoch with my camera she asked " Did you
get pics of the Oriole?"...Aah poo! was my comment!...anyway he has been
in 4 times today and he likes his picture taken! 120 Meadow Heights B.B photo
Blackfly
Prey? Photo
Posted
on May 7, 2009 at 01:17:29 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
I know that loons have a blackfly species that preys only on them. Does anyone
know if Canada Geese have one too? Yesterday I was out in a blind watching a
goose on her nest and it was surrounded by blackflies. The bird constantly
snapped at the flies and swallowed them. The blackflies were not biting me and,
normally, I am plagued. photo
(Those spots are not dirt!)
Re(1):
Bird Query
Posted
on May 9, 2009 at 10:30:36 AM by Al
Sinclair
Hooded Warbler would be a new species for the Muskoka list (if confirmed), a
more southern species that has not reached Muskoka yet, but due to climate
change it may soon. I believe there has been a few records from Simcoe County.
If you see this bird again let us know.
Bird
Query
Posted
on May 7, 2009 at 10:39:17 AM by CatMacLean
Busy couple of days with the birds. Hummers were back in Huntsville yesterday.
Today I heard the winter wren, a thrush, ovenbird, black and white warbler,
black-throated green, white-crowned sparrow, great crested flycatcher,
Nashville warbler and blue-headed vireo.
Yesterday while in the woods near Dwight I saw a small warbler that had a black
bib and head and yellow under belly and back. I was thinking Black-throated
green to begin with but the song was wrong. Could it possibly be a Hooded
warbler? I don't know if they have been seen in the area before.
Redhead
at Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on May 6, 2009 at 07:58:02 PM by Bob Burt
This evening at 7 p.m. there was a male Redhead in cell 4. The Ruddy Duck was
not seen.
Hudsonian
Whiteface
Posted
on May 6, 2009 at 04:53:25 PM by Ron
Stager
Bugs are back and many newly emerged dragonflies out today at Hopkins Road (off
Merkley Road east of Barkway).
Re(1):
Hummer
Posted
on May 6, 2009 at 10:27:09 PM by Marilyn Kisser
had the first male arrive at the feeder at approximately 1800 this evening ...
yahooo! just outside of Rosseau!
Hummer
Posted
on May 6, 2009 at 03:09:43 PM by Wilf Yusek
Had my FOS male Ruby-throated Hummingbird today here at Prospect Lake.
Blackburnian
Warbler
Posted
on May 6, 2009 at 09:38:00 AM by Barbara
Taylor
One of my favourite warblers, a Blackburnian, was singing at the foot of our
driveway this morning. First one this spring for me. (Bracebridge)
Muskoka
Field Naturalists - next meeting May 7
Posted
on May 5, 2009 at 10:08:50 PM by Barbara Taylor
MFN meeting Thursday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m., Gravenhurst
From the Wakerobin, newsletter of the Muskoka Field Naturalists:
ALGONQUIN PARK ROAD ECOLOGY
Brad Steinberg, a Management Biologist for Algonquin Park, will be the
presenter.
He will be discussing the complexities of planning a park layout including
consideration of the impact of roads and infrastructure on the natural
environment and the species in the park.
February through June meetings will be held at the Calvary Baptish Church
located at the corner of First and Brock Streets in Gravenhurst across from the
Giant Tiger store. Visitors welcome to attend.
Muskoka Field Naturalists website: http://www.muskokafieldnaturalists.com
Bracebridge
Ponds this morning
Posted
on May 5, 2009 at 09:27:32 PM by Al
Sinclair
Quiet day, 36 species, nothing new.
Had a good look at a river otter swimming in cell 4. Swam along the south side,
saw me and went farther out and disappeared, maybe hiding in the old cattails
on the west side. I saw a family of 3 there 3 or 4 years ago, hunting frogs?
Bracebridge
Ponds Trumpeter Swans...background info
Posted
on May 5, 2009 at 01:53:03 PM by Barbara
Taylor
I have just received the following background information from Harry Lumsden
about the two tagged Trumpeters seen April 28 at the Bracebridge Ponds. (see Bob Healey's photos)
E49 is a male, hatched in 2008 in the Gloucester Pool by 100 and 888. He was banded
in Dec 2008 at LaSalle Park Burlington.
H18 is a male, hatched in 2008. He was banded at LaSalle Park in Apr 2009. He
was last seen at Lambs Bay on the Severn River on 23 Apr 2009.
Whip-poor-will
Posted
on May 5, 2009 at 09:52:31 AM by Ron
Stager
Bugs are out and a Whip-poor-will was calling last night (May 4) at our house
(East of Barkway on Merkley Road). Lots of Brown Thrashers along the road.
Indigo
Bunting at our feeder
Posted
on May 4, 2009 at 09:45:01 PM by Al
Sinclair
Indigo Bunting at our feeder tonight. Grabbed a quick shot, not that great, low
light through a window with a 60mm macro lens at asa 1600. May 4, 2009, 6:28 pm
8km east of Bracebridge. photo
Snapping
Turtle
Posted
on May 4, 2009 at 07:52:36 PM by terry
& marion whittam
We had to steer around this big lady who was crossing our driveway recently!
Did not mind having its photo taken! Nice to see them this big! photo
Greater
Yellowlegs
Posted on
May 4, 2009 at 03:46:19 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Three Greater Yellowlegs were at Henry Marsh this afternoon. No ducks though.
(Bracebridge)
Re(1):
Great-crested flycatcher, ovenbird, hawks
Posted
on May 4, 2009 at 07:18:25 PM by CatMacLean
I have also heard the Great-Crested Flycatcher today in Huntsville. Hummingbird
feeders are up but no sign of them yet. Tent caterpillars are building their
tents.
Great-crested
flycatcher, ovenbird, hawks
Posted
on May 4, 2009 at 10:20:11 AM by GayleCarlyle
Green River drive, Washago.
May is here and so are the birds.
Our first hummingbird on May 3 (3 days early), and a great-crested flycatcher,
and a pair of broad-winged hawks.
Sharp-shinned hawks too.
Falkenburg/Beatrice
Townline/Windermere
Posted
on May 3, 2009 at 07:39:07 PM by janice house
Moira and I headed to Windermere Garden Ctr today via the scenic route. We stopped
at the bend where Falkenburg and Beatrice townline meet. Near 1710 Falconburg
Rd we saw a bluebird pair, a redtailed hawk, barn swallows, a juvenile tree
swallow that was being harassed by adults as he tried to claim a nesting box, a
male northern harrier cruising the low spot that floods, a killdeer running the
road and an eastern kingbird close to Beatrice townline and Raymond road. Moira
spotted a three toed woodpecker on a tree near the Windermere fire station. On
the North Shore road near the garden centre we spotted a black and white
warbler.
Hummertime
Posted
on May 3, 2009 at 05:01:46 PM by J.
Gardner
Saw on the Board that Janice in Gravenhurst had a hummer on April 29, so I got
the feeder ready. Sure enough, a lovely male turned up at the feeder today,
breaking the record of May 5. Now, I will keep my eyes peeled for orioles as
Janice has hers. Hurdville, near Lake Manitouwabing.
Re(1):
Bracebridge Lagoons and Henry Marsh
Posted
on May 3, 2009 at 12:35:25 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Don and Bev Bailey report hearing a Sora and a Virginia Rail calling this
morning from well back to the west of cell 4 - the beavers may have caused the
water level to rise too high for the birds at their usual spot near the
roadway. A Yellow Warbler was singing near the Lagoon Lane gate.
I took a quick check of Henry Marsh this morning...water level is quite
high...no ducks or herons, and just one Belted Kingfisher. Perhaps most of the
normally abundant food died off when the marsh was drained last year. A
Cooper's Hawk flew out of the woods, circled high in a thermal, and then
disappeared to the north. A Nashville Warbler, a Black-and-white Warbler, and a
Blue-headed Vireo were singing along the Henry Trail. Blackflies were already
out at the marsh. Saw my first of the year Spring Azure butterfly and
also a Mourning Cloak near the "T" in the trail.
Bracebridge
Lagoons
Posted
on May 3, 2009 at 10:54:34 AM by Goodyear
The Ruddy Duck was still present in Cell 1 this morning. There were 3 American
Pipits and a single Horned Lark on the dirt mound on the north side of Cell 3.
A House Wren was exploring one of the nest boxes on the west side of Kerr Park
and an Osprey flew high over Cell 4.
Baltimore
Orioles
Posted
on May 3, 2009 at 08:57:55 AM by janice house
Two males were in my neighbours yard just now (Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst)
White
Crowned Sparrow
Posted
on May 3, 2009 at 06:48:11 AM by janice house
A white crowned sparrow popped out of our cedar hedge last night, every time he
got close to the seed the white throated sparrow charged and sent him
packing. (Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst)
Hummingbird
progress
Posted
on May 2, 2009 at 07:50:31 PM by Jim
Griffin
My first siting like others has usually been May 6, but this year it is May 2
in Port Sydney: had a male ruby throat at my feeder at 7:00 pm today. Just for
interest this is also the earliest I have had my feeder up. (take it in at
night to avoid tempting the the bruins)
Ragged
Rapids, Bala
Posted
on May 2, 2009 at 02:09:32 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
This morning I headed to Ragged Rapids Rd for my first real spring bird outing.
Two Broad-winged Hawks
1 Hermit Thrush
Robins
Blue Jays
chickadees
Mallards
Eastern Phoebe
Black-throated Green Warblers
Yellow-rumped Warblers
Nashville Warblers
Pine, Black & White, Ovenbird, White-throated Sparrow.
Not many species but nice to be out. Some Trailing Arbutus is in bloom along
with a few Wake Robins.
Hummingbird
Posted
on May 2, 2009 at 09:36:54 AM by marywillmott
First Ruby Throated Hummingbird of the season this AM at the sugar
feeder. (Beaumaris)
Re(1):
Trumpeter Swans - photo
Posted
on May 1, 2009 at 07:06:04 PM by Barbara
Taylor
I sent those tag numbers to Harry Lumsden and the Wye Marsh, so hopefully we
will get some background information about the swans.
Trumpeter
Swans - photo
Posted
on May 1, 2009 at 07:01:24 PM by Bob
Healey
Trumpeter Swans at the Bracebridge Sewage Lagoons April 28, 2009. Tags - H18
& E49. photo1 photo2
Re(1):
Ruddy Duck still there...
Posted
on May 2, 2009 at 11:54:21 AM by Barbara
Taylor
The Ruddy Duck was still in cell 1 this morning...nice of him to stick around
for the MFN hike around the lagoons. Other highlights were a Merlin flying low
over cell 1 and a male Yellow Warbler in the shrubbery west of cell 4. A
Nashville Warbler was singing near the SW corner of cell 4 and Brown Thrashers
were singing by the Kerr Park parking lot. Same “regular” ducks as
yesterday plus a few Ring-necked Ducks in cell 4.
Ruddy
Duck - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on May 1, 2009 at 04:10:08 PM by Barbara
Taylor
At 3:30 p.m. today there was a male Ruddy Duck in cell 1 along with a few
Scaup, Bufflehead, Mallards, a pair of Blue-winged Teal, a male Green-winged
Teal, Wood Ducks, and two Spotted Sandpipers. The Ruddy Duck appeared to be
still mostly in non-breeding plumage. The Sora called again west of cell 4, and
a few Rusty Blackbirds were also in the vicinity. A pair of Killdeer were on
the roadway by the north-east corner of cell 3.
Bracebridge
Ponds Map (north approx. at top of map, west approx. at left)
Morning
walk
Posted
on May 1, 2009 at 03:22:27 PM by CatMacLean
The morning walk in Huntsville include two new birds today. An ovenbird and a
Black-Throated Green warbler. Also a partridge and some Myrtle warblers.
Re(1):
Rose Breasted Grosbeak?
Posted
on May 1, 2009 at 03:20:14 PM by CatMacLean
Yes a Rose breasted. I find them spectacular and I love the song. We have had
one around for two days now.
Rose
Breasted Grosbeak?
Posted
on May 1, 2009 at 01:22:08 PM by Robert MacEwan
Kilworthy - I think this is a Rose Breasted Grosbeak, has been in and out of my
feeder (niger seed) for the last few hours, nice looking bird ! photo
Sora
- Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on April 30, 2009 at 01:02:51 PM by Barbara
Taylor
There was a Sora calling west of cell 4 around noon today. Only a few
ducks...nothing notable. A Black-and-white Warbler was south of cell 4, and a
Yellow Warbler was singing near the Lagoon Lane gate.
Grosbeak
Posted
on April 30, 2009 at 09:26:09 AM by CatMacLean
Saw a Rose Breasted at the feeder this morning in Huntsville and heard Evening
Grosbeaks flying over head. Saw a blue-headed (Solitary) vireo, Myrtle warbler
and a Hermit thrush on our morning walk. Still lots of Pine Siskens at the
feeder with Goldfinches.
Swallows/Brown
headed Cowbirds
Posted
on April 30, 2009 at 08:11:12 AM by janice house
A pair of northern rough winged swallows joined the tree swallows this morning.
(Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst) The cowbirds have been busy displaying and chasing
the females around our yard.
Re(1):
First Hummingbird
Posted
on April 30, 2009 at 09:46:51 AM by GayleCarlyle
Wow, that is early for a hummingbird. The earliest we have one recorded is May
6th.
Best get my feeder up tonight!
First
Hummingbird
Posted
on April 29, 2009 at 07:59:07 PM by janice house
Geoff saw a male ruby throat dash out of our cedar hedge after work tonight.
Good thing I bought a new feeder this winter. (Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst)
First
Dragonfly
Posted
on April 29, 2009 at 04:10:42 PM by Dinny and
Neil Nimmo
We were happy to see our first Common Green Darners (2) working back and forth
on our septic bed today....Moon River Bala. We even saw one grab a fly out of
mid-air! Glad they are hear before bug season.
Sparrow
Posted
on April 29, 2009 at 03:46:47 PM by CatMacLean
Saw my first white-throated sparrow this morning and my husband saw a white
crowned. Also my bloodroot is in full bloom. (Huntsville)
Re(1):
Red Squirrel, Bala
Posted on
April 30, 2009 at 07:30:37 PM by Barbara
Taylor
I've seen them do that in our yard too, but they haven't seemed to do much
damage, at least not compared to the deer herd that has overwintered in our neighbourhood
the past two winters. Funny how the deer started to spend the winters here only
after the Mattamy subdivision clearcuts. Oh well, it's great for the
landscaping businesses...every spring lots of new cedar trees are bought to
replace those overbrowsed "brown sticks with green tops".
Here's a good article on Red Squirrels including food habits:
http://www.ofnc.ca/fletcher/our_animals/squirrels/red-squirrels_e.php
Re(2):
Red Squirrel, Bala
Posted
on April 30, 2009 at 04:46:03 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Hi John,
Sounds like you need a relocation service!
I realize you're not supposed to move them but sometimes, I think, it is a
matter of human survival!
Re(1):
Red Squirrel, Bala
Posted
on April 29, 2009 at 01:25:16 PM by John
Challis
If it's a red oak, maybe he's colouring his fur...
In truth, I have a suspicion that anything a red squirrel does has as a
secondary objective the annoyance of humans. They have stripped the bark from
around the holes a sapsucker has drilled in a maple and have been lapping at
the sap -- but only on the tree in front of our picture window. They have eaten
all the buds off our two rhododendrons, two springs in a row. They have chewed
a five-inch wide entrance hole in a bird box that was a gift from a good
friend. Through the winter they shredded the burlap wind guard I'd created for
the rhodo -- presumably to use for nesting material but maybe just to destroy
it. Grey squirrels have gnawed through the metal base on our squirrel-proof
feeder, allowing the seeds to drop through.
I could go on but my blood pressure is rising, which is just what the damn
things want.
Red
Squirrel, Bala
Posted
on April 29, 2009 at 12:36:47 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
I am watching a bratty red squirrel biting off oak twigs, chewing off the bark
and eating the buds. I don't every remember seeing this before. Do they always
do this and I've just missed seeing it before?
Re(1):
All gone...
Posted
on April 29, 2009 at 12:41:38 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Don Bailey was over at the Ponds this morning and reports that all the
"good birds" are gone. Only a few of the regulars still
there...Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, Buffleheads, Wood Ducks, Mallards.
Also still a Spotted Sandpiper in cell 1.
Horned
Grebes, Gadwalls and more - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on April 28, 2009 at 08:48:35 PM by Barbara
Taylor
A lot of new birds at the Ponds tonight. A pair of Gadwall, a Horned Grebe, and
a pair of American Wigeon in cell 2. Another Horned Grebe in cell 1 along with
seven Northern Shovelers (3M,4F) and a Spotted Sandpiper. Two Trumpeter Swans
that still had some juvenile plumage were in cell 3, and thanks to Bob Healey's
scope we were able to read the yellow wing tags E49 and H18. Just as the sun
was setting the swans flew up, circled around and headed towards the
north-west. In cell 4 there was another pair of American Wigeon, and a few
Common Goldeneyes (one adult male and six apparent "inbetween plumage").
Cell 4 also had all the regulars...Ring-necked Duck, Mallard, Lesser Scaup,
Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Wood Duck, Bufflehead. A small flock of
Rusty Blackbirds were in the shrubbery west of cell 4.
Re(2):
Rose-breasted grosbeak
Posted
on April 29, 2009 at 06:46:55 PM by janice house
We had a male at our feeders at lunch time today, beautiful. (Doe Lake Rd.
Gravenhurst)
Re(1):
Rose-breasted grosbeak
Posted
on April 29, 2009 at 08:46:51 AM by GayleCarlyle
What a coincidence! We had a gorgeous male rose-breasted grosbeak at our feeder
last evening.
We also have sapsuckers busy making noise up and down our road. One loves our
metal civic address sign and doesn't seem to mind us standing close to watch.
We live on Green River Drive in Washago
Rose-breasted
grosbeak
Posted
on April 28, 2009 at 01:13:56 PM by Marilyn Kisser
what a nice surprise to see a male rose breasted grosbeak at the feeder this
morning ... also a yellow bellied sapsucker woke me up nice and early with his
tapping on the shed's steel roof! just outside of Rosseau
Re(1):
Spotted Sandpiper - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on April 28, 2009 at 09:30:20 AM by janice house
A pair of spotted sandpipers flew over us this morning on our dog walk. My
brother had unidentified sandpipers in his garden in Stouffville this morning.
Spotted
Sandpiper - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on April 27, 2009 at 09:38:21 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Early this evening there was a Spotted Sandpiper at the west side of cell 4. A
few Tree Swallows were joined by two Barn Swallows swooping low over cell 4. A
beaver startled a Green Heron in the flooded area west of cell 4 and it gave
several loud squawks. A Broad-winged Hawk circled overhead and then flew down
into the woods south of cell 3. A few Common Green Darner dragonflies were
flying low along the sheltered west edge of cell 3 and cell 4...a very warm but
windy evening. No new ducks - a few Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Wood
Ducks, Mallards, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Ducks, and Lesser Scaup mostly in cell
4. The Spring Peepers were almost deafening tonight!
Re(4):
Pine Siskins, Bala
Posted
on May 1, 2009 at 06:46:33 PM by Marilyn Kisser
I've never seen anything like it! I'd say up to 75 siskins .. mixed in with
goldfinches and purple finches! filling the feeders 2-3 times a day! and noisy!
just outside of Rosseau..
Re(3):
Pine Siskins, Bala
Posted on
May 1, 2009 at 08:06:48 AM by janice house
I have at least 50 that roam around the neighbourhood, Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst.
Re(1):
Pine Siskins, Bala
Posted
on April 28, 2009 at 04:13:23 PM by DiannaWolfe
We have 10-15 siskins frequenting our feeder just west of Gravenhurst.
Re(1):
Pine Siskins, Bala
Posted
on April 28, 2009 at 12:17:32 PM by GayleCarlyle
We still have about 3 or four siskins around the niger feeder and sunflower
feeder.
Also about 8 goldfinches and 6 purple finches.
We have had to take the niger feeder down and bring it in the house this week
because some scrounger (raccoon we suspect) has twice pulled it off the tree
limb and emptied it over night.
Niger seed way too expensive for that nonsense.
(Green River Drive in Washago)
Re(2):
Pine Siskins, Bala
Posted
on April 28, 2009 at 00:50:34 AM by Marilyn Kisser
all my nyger feeders are full of siskins .. along with a few goldfinch and purple
finch mixed in ...my yard is definately in song! (just outside of Rosseau)
Re(1):
Pine Siskins, Bala
Posted
on April 27, 2009 at 09:59:30 PM by Barbara
Taylor
We were down to just four Pine Siskins yesterday, but today suddenly a crowd of
30 appeared and I had to refill the feeder. A lot more American Goldfinches
showed up today too for some reason - maybe the neighbours have shut down their
feeding stations for the season and the birds just happened upon our yard of
plenty. (Bracebridge)
Re(1):
Pine Siskins, Bala
Posted
on April 27, 2009 at 06:38:20 PM by CatMacLean
I have four or five still. (Huntsville)
Re(1):
Pine Siskins, Bala
Posted
on April 27, 2009 at 07:04:02 PM by J.
Gardner
Still a mob of siskins here near Manitouwabing Lake. Running out of Nyjer
rapidly.
Re(1):
Pine Siskins, Bala
Posted
on April 27, 2009 at 08:16:24 PM by Al
Sinclair
Still have close to 100 here east of Bracebridge.
Pine
Siskins, Bala
Posted
on April 27, 2009 at 04:59:55 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
I still have lots of Pine Siskins around. There were up to 50 yesterday. Do
others still have them at their feeders?
Pine
Warbler in Bala
Posted
on April 27, 2009 at 02:03:51 PM by Dinny and
Neil Nimmo
Our first warbler of the season ...a pine warbler was seen on Hurlings Point in
Bala.
Re(2):
Warblers and vireos
Posted
on April 29, 2009 at 08:08:14 AM by janice house
I heard my first blue-headed vireo this morning.
Re(1):
Warblers and vireos
Posted
on April 27, 2009 at 09:51:47 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Your Blue-headed Vireo (name was changed from Solitary Vireo) is right on time.
They are usually the first Vireo to show up, quite often in the last week of
April in the Muskoka area.
Warblers
and vireos
Posted
on April 27, 2009 at 08:35:52 AM by CatMacLean
The early morning walk was very musical, wood thrush, phoebe, kinglets,
chipping sparrow,a Myrtle warbler, and I heard a Solitary Vireo. Is this early
for a vireo? (Huntsville)
Cranes
et al. in Arrowhead
Posted
on April 25, 2009 at 07:03:25 PM by Burke
Korol
Had a pleasant day of birding in Arrowhead Provincial Park today, between the rain
showers.
Highlights were an OSPREY fishing and a pair of SANDHILL CRANES circling over
the Beaver Pond.
Lots of WOOD DUX and BUFFLEHEADS too.
Beating my previous early date by 5 days was a singing BLACK-THROATED GREEN
WARBLER along with many YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS.
A DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT was an odd sight circling high overhead with the
thermals and moving northward.
Re(2):
Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Posted
on April 26, 2009 at 06:57:30 AM by Rae
What an outing, Janice!
Re(1):
Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Posted
on April 25, 2009 at 07:51:55 PM by janice house
Snuck out without the dog tonight, saw the male kingfisher presenting his
sweetie with a small minnow which she held on to for the longest time, the
brown creeper was singing and the beaver came over to check me out, the muskrat
was puddling about, the yellow rump warblers were calling, the peepers finally
got so loud I came home.
Doe
Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Posted
on April 25, 2009 at 08:26:14 AM by janice house
On my dog walk at 6:30 this morning I heard my first hermit thrush, brown
thrasher and I believe a nashville warbler. The bittern was calling and sitting
20 feet from the side of the road in full view.
Re(2):
Algonquin Park: Sandhill Crane
Posted
on April 26, 2009 at 07:05:24 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Bruce Di Labio on ONTBIRDS (April 26,
2009) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Hi Ontbirds
Today, April 26th, spent the day birding various sites along Hwy. 60 in
Algonquin Park. The weather conditions changed considerably from yesterday with
a cool low of 2c and occasional rain today. We managed to locate a male Spruce
Grouse along Spruce Bog, 1 Boreal Chickadee at Tea Lake Dam and 1 Black-backed
Woodpecker near Km 8. The highlight was a Sandhill Crane flying over Hwy.60
calling and then landed in a marsh along the highway between Km.23 and Km.24.
Other birds of note included 1 Savannah Sparrow at the Old Airfield and 1
Blue-headed Vireo at Tea Lake Dam.
good birding, Bruce
Di Labio Birding Website
Courses and Field Trips
http://www.dilabiobirding.ca
Re(1):
OFO Algonquin Park Trip
Posted
on April 25, 2009 at 09:51:23 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 25, 2009)
and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
About 75 people in 31 cars participated in a successful Algonquin Park birding
trip today, the 20th year for this OFO outing. Occasional rain did not
significantly hinder our efforts. The combined observer list totaled 67
species.
Highlights for many were the male and female Spruce Grouse north of the
register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the two Boreal Chickadees that Maris Apse
spotted for us at Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot and which provided excellent
views, and the male Black-backed Woodpecker excavating a nest cavity in the
second utility pole west of Leaf Lake Ski Trail (km 53.8). A record was set
when Gray Jay was not seen all day, for the first time in the 20 years of these
outings. Unfortunately, the decline of the Gray Jay in Algonquin Park due to
climate warming has now reached the point where it is quite easy to miss this
species in late April, when the birds are focused on feeding young in the nest.
Other noteworthy sightings included:
American Wigeon: pair on Lake of Two Rivers after heavy rain
Blue-winged Teal: pair on Costello Creek
Green-winged Teal: pair on Sunday Creek at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
Red-necked Grebe: one on Lake of Two Rivers after heavy rain
Merlin: pair at a nest in white pine at east end of West Gate parking lot
Eastern Towhee: singing male along Tea Lake Dam road
I would like to thank all the participants today, and especially Kevin Clute
who assisted ably with finding the birds.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin
Park birding update: 23 April
Posted
on April 25, 2009 at 07:49:39 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 24, 2009)
and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Here are some sightings from the past week:
Spruce Grouse: Male at Spruce Bog Boardwalk north
of the register box.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Male still excavating nest
cavity in second utility pole west of Leaf Lake Ski Trail
entrance on April 17.
Gray Jay: Opeongo Road, and Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
Boreal Chickadee: try Opeongo Road, and Spruce Bog
Boardwalk.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak: first alternate male at Visitor
Centre feeder eating black sunflower seeds on April 20-22;
previous earliest date was May 3.
Pine Siskin: 10+ at Visitor Centre feeders.
Evening Grosbeak: 6 at Visitor Centre feeders all week.
Notes:
First sightings of spring this week included: Bufflehead,
American Bittern, Osprey, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
A female Fisher was at the Visitor Centre suet feeder
on April 23.
Whiskey Rapids Trail, and Mizzy Lake Trail remain
closed as of today.
Please report your Algonquin sightings to me (including
date, number and location) for our park records. Thanks.
Good birding.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, Ontario
Directions:
Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways
400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on
Highway 400. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then
follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers along Highway
60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to the East Gate
(km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map
of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates.
The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings and
information. The centre is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
starting this weekend.
Re(1):
Green Heron, Savannah Sparrow
Posted
on April 25, 2009 at 11:17:59 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Took a walk around the Bracebridge Ponds this morning between thunderstorms but
couldn't find the Field Sparrow. There was a male Yellow-rumped Warbler in the
shrubbery west of cell 4 and a Savannah Sparrow by the fence around the dumping
ponds east of cell 4. A Green Heron flew overhead. A Killdeer was calling from
the muddy lot east of cell 1. No new ducks.
Field
Sparrow
Posted
on April 24, 2009 at 08:55:29 PM by Goodyear
We went for a walk around the Bracebridge Lagoons this evening and we scared up
a Field Sparrow that had been on the road on the west side of Cell 4. It flew
up into the short bushes bordering the wet area, where we had great views of
it. A single Ruby-crowned Kinglet was the only other bird of note.
Re(2):
Trumpeter background info...
Posted
on May 7, 2009 at 11:17:09 AM by Barbara
Taylor
I just received the following background information from Harry Lumsden:
Swan 910 was caught on 2 Feb 2007 at LaSalle Park. He was reported at Wye Marsh
on 7 Apr 2008 and in late April was back at LaSalle.
Re(1):
Trumpeter Report
Posted
on April 29, 2009 at 02:08:52 PM by Barbara
Taylor
I've forwarded the report to Harry Lumsden and Wye Marsh. If I receive any
background info on the swan I'll post an update.
Trumpeter
Report
Posted
on April 24, 2009 at 08:40:16 PM by J.
Gardner
Just had a call from Nancy Taylor who lives on a pond at the corner of McKellar
Center Road and Hurdville Road (near Manitouwabing Lake) that a trumpeter swan
is on the pond (8.30 p.m.). The swan is tagged with the number 910. Would
somebody pass this sighting along to Harry Lumsden or the keeper of numbers.
White
Crowned Sparrow
Posted
on April 24, 2009 at 07:18:56 PM by janice house
I saw my first white crowned sparrow feeding in our yard after dinner tonight.
(Doe Lake Rd. Gravenhurst)
Milbert's
Tortoiseshell
Posted on
April 24, 2009 at 02:51:29 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Forgot to mention in my earlier post...there was a Milbert's Tortoiseshell butterfly feeding on some Coltsfoot
flowers at the "T" in the trail at Henry Marsh this morning.
(Bracebridge)
Bears
are awake!
Posted on
April 24, 2009 at 10:32:08 AM by Marilyn Kisser
I just wanted to let you all know that a bear was by during the night and got
into the feeders ... time to bring them in at night! just outside of Rosseau!
Chipping
Sparrow
Posted
on April 24, 2009 at 08:57:39 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Had our first Chipping Sparrow of the year this morning. (Bracebridge)
Listen to one at: http://www.learnbirdsongs.com/birdsong.php?id=11
Wood
Thrush
Posted
on April 24, 2009 at 07:57:48 AM by CatMacLean
During my early morning walk, I heard a Wood Thrush singing along with the
Winter Wren. (Huntsville)
Re(1):
American Robin Nest in Arrowhead
Posted
on April 24, 2009 at 06:54:18 AM by ron
tozer
The earliest ever American Robin nest with eggs in Algonquin Park was April 30.
American
Robin Nest in Arrowhead
Posted
on April 23, 2009 at 11:20:07 PM by Burke
Korol
Found an American Robin nest today with 2 eggs in Arrowhead Provincial Park.
How does 23 April compare to other egg dates in this area?
Re(1):
and Leopard Frogs today...
Posted
on April 24, 2009 at 01:30:27 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there were a few Leopard
Frogs calling west of cell 4. No new ducks at the Bracebridge Ponds and
only a couple Mallards and Bufflehead seen at Henry Marsh. The Trans Canada
Trail between the Ponds and the Marsh has a few wet/mucky areas right now, but
we managed to get through without any soakers. It's amazing how quickly the
beavers have flooded out the large area west of cell 4 with their new dam.
Frog calls and species guide:
http://www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/frogs.asp
American
Bittern, Wood Frogs - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on April 23, 2009 at 07:58:35 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Tonight between 6:30-7 p.m. the American Bittern was calling from the flooded
area west of cell 4, while a Ruffed Grouse was drumming north of cell 4.
Several Wood Frogs were "quacking" just north-west of cell 4. A pair
of Northern Flickers put on an interesting show as they performed their spring
courtship ritual which included a lot of tail fanning and neck bobbing. Not
many ducks tonight - cell 4 had Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Blue-winged Teal,
Mallard, Wood Duck, Lesser Scaup.
Bracebridge
Ponds Map (north approx. at top of map, west approx. at left)
Osprey
Posted
on April 23, 2009 at 08:11:11 AM by janice house
An osprey soared over the house this morning (Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst)
hermit
thrush
Posted
on April 22, 2009 at 12:42:25 PM by John
Challis
Walking the dog on Green River Drive, Washago, this morning, we heard our first
hermit thrush in full song, as well as its call note. Welcome back, songster!
Re(1):
Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Posted
on April 24, 2009 at 04:46:03 PM by janice house
Yesterday after supper Casey and I scared up the bittern, he flew towards
Beaver Creek and took a tumble as he touched the hydro wires. I could not see
if he continued on or went down in the farm field. Last weekend I noticed that
one of the male dark eyed juncos has a band on his right leg.
Doe
Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Posted
on April 22, 2009 at 12:15:16 PM by janice house
This morning at the swamp past Laycox Rd I heard my first yellow rump warbler.
Golden crowned kinglets were calling, american bittern was making his pumping
sound, brown creepers were calling, 2 male hooded mergansers were in view and 3
cormorants flew over
Kinglets,
Bala
Posted
on April 22, 2009 at 11:04:58 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets here this morning!
I had a report from a fellow who saw and heard two Sandhill Cranes flying over
Doe Lake Road yesterday.
Broad-winged
Hawk, Bala
Posted
on April 21, 2009 at 05:58:58 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
A Broad-winged Hawk was perched on a wire crossing Muskoka Rd 38 just west of
Hwy 169 this afternoon at about 4 pm.
Swallows
etc.
Posted
on April 21, 2009 at 04:31:21 PM by CatMacLean
This morning on the Fairy Vista trail, Huntsville, I saw two tree swallows
along with a kestral, mallards, a black duck, a goose and the song sparrows
were busy singing. Heard a partiridge drumming for the first time as well in
our bush and saw the Broad-Wing hawk in the afternoon.
Re(1):
Evening Grosbeaks etc.
Posted
on April 22, 2009 at 07:57:57 AM by Wayne
Bridge
I've had a flock of (at least) 21 evening grosbeaks emptying my sunflower
feeder every day since Saturday (Kearney).
Evening
Grosbeaks etc.
Posted
on April 21, 2009 at 11:31:19 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there were a few Evening Grosbeaks near the intersection of
Glendale Rd. and Daleman Dr. and a White-crowned Sparrow was singing just west
of Kevin Cres. along Meadow Heights Dr. There were several Pine Siskins, Purple
Finch, American Goldfinch, and Dark-eyed Juncos at the west end of Meadow
Heights Dr. (Bracebridge)
roosting
woodpecker
Posted
on April 20, 2009 at 03:21:57 PM by John
Challis
About 5:30 or 6 last night, a woodpecker -- probably a female yellow bellied
sapsucker, by the plumage that was visible -- tucked itself into an oblong
notch in a rotting basswood trunk that's been turned into modern art by the
neighbourhood pileateds. Gayle had seen it pecking at the hollow a little
earlier. The space was barely deep enough to fit the full width of its body. It
hunkered down with its head tucked sideways -- I think it may have jammed its
beak into the wood for more support. And it stayed there, I'm assuming, for the
rest of the night. Forgot to look again this morning to see if it was still
there. I've heard that woodpeckers will simply lean against the trunk of a tree
for the night, as long as there's a bit of shelter overhead, but had never
witnessed it before. We're on Green River Drive in Washago.
Rose-breasted
Grosbeak - Algonquin Park
Posted
on April 20, 2009 at 01:08:31 PM by JustinPeter
Hi all,
I just had a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak appear at the Algonquin Park Visitor
Centre off the viewing deck, possibly attracted by the raucous of blackbirds
and Evening Grosbeaks. This is the earliest record of this species for the Park
by almost 2 full weeks (previous earliest record: May 3)!
Cheers,
Justin
Bluebird
& Kestrels, Beatrice Town Line
Posted
on April 19, 2009 at 12:20:30 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
This morning there was one male bluebird on a utility wire along Beatrice Town
Line along with a male and female kestrel. No Brewers Blackbirds seen.
Re(1):
swan
Posted
on April 19, 2009 at 10:34:38 AM by Al
Johnston
Gerry, yellow wing tags would indicate that it's a Trumpeter. Thanks for the
report.
swan
Posted on
April 19, 2009 at 10:01:42 AM by Gerry
Lannan
At 700am I saw a swan(tundra?) in the Magnetewan R about 2k NE of Kearney.Wing
tags--seen through tree branches--appeared to be EOO.
Re(1):
Sandhill Crane at Torrance Barrens
Posted
on April 21, 2009 at 05:56:06 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
I saw a single, very rusty, adult, Sandhill Crane a bit beyond the Torrance
Barrens parking lot along the side of the road at 3:30 this afternoon.
Sandhill
Crane at Torrance Barrens
Posted
on April 18, 2009 at 09:37:52 PM by dinnynimmo
A solitary Sandhill Crane was seen at the Torrance Barrens on Saturday. Three possible
Sandhill cranes were seen on Friday flying over Hwy 169 west of Gravenhurst
Bracebridge
Lagoons to Henry Marsh
Posted
on April 18, 2009 at 01:28:11 PM by Goodyear
We enjoyed a late morning walk around the Lagoons and over to Henry Marsh this morning.
There was a pair of American Wigeon in Cell 4, along with many Bufflehead,
Ring-necked Ducks, L. Scaup, Mallards, Wood Ducks, and a few Green-winged Teal
and Blue-winged Teal. There was a single Rusty Blackbird in the woods west of
Cell 2, and 2 singing Swamp Sparrows and an American Bittern in the newly
beaver-created wetland west of Cell 4. A Winter Wren was singing in the woods
on the way to Henry Marsh. 2 Northern rough-winged Swallows were feeding with
several Tree Swallows over Henry Marsh.
Snowy
Owl
Posted
on April 18, 2009 at 08:42:13 AM by ron
tozer
Laura Tozer saw a Snowy Owl near the pavement along northbound Highway 11 at
the Alpine Ranch road at 5:30 this morning. The owl had relatively few dark
spots, and was probably an adult male, heading back north after wintering in
southern Ontario.
Algonquin
Park Birding Update: 16 April
Posted
on April 17, 2009 at 08:33:42 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 17, 2009)
and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Here are some sightings from the past week:
Spruce Grouse: Male at Spruce Bog Boardwalk north
of the register box; and 2 males in black spruce at north
end of Opeongo Road (east side).
Northern Saw-whet Owl: Singles calling at km 4, km 8
and km 19 on April 15.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Male excavating nest cavity
in second utility pole west of Leaf Lake Ski Trail
entrance on April 11. One at km 8 on the weekend.
Gray Jay: Opeongo Road, and Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
Boreal Chickadee: One in black spruce at north end
of Opeongo Road, and one at Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
Common Redpoll: flocks of 50 to 100 flying north early
in the week. Few to none at Visitor Centre feeder now.
Hoary Redpoll: One at Visitor Centre feeder on April
10 and 11.
Pine Siskin: 30+ at Visitor Centre feeders.
Evening Grosbeak: 20 at Visitor Centre feeders all week.
Notes:
First sightings of spring this week included: Ring-necked
Duck, Common Loon, Rough-legged Hawk, Northern
Harrier, American Kestrel, Ring-billed Gull, Belted Kingfisher,
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow
(April 15; ties earliest ever), Winter Wren, Golden-crowned
Kinglet, Eastern Meadowlark .
Whiskey Rapids Trail, Mizzy Lake Trail, and both
backpacking trails are closed due to flooding.
Please report your Algonquin sightings to me (including
date, number and location) for our park records. Thanks.
Good
birding.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, Ontario
Honeybees
- photo
Posted
on April 16, 2009 at 03:52:27 PM by Barbara
Taylor
The Honey Bees have been very busy today visiting the Dwarf Iris and white
Scilla flowers. You can see all the yellow pollen they've collected in the pollen
baskets (corbicula) on their hind legs. (Bracebridge) photo1
photo2
Bracebridge
Ponds
Posted on
April 16, 2009 at 11:45:40 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there were a few more ducks at the Bracebridge Ponds...and it was
nice and quiet since they haven't started construction of the new plant yet.
The ducks were all in cell 4 except for a few Buffleheads in cell 1. At least
40 Painted Turtles were sunning themselves along the north bank of cell 2.
Today's List:
Ring-necked Duck
Green-winged Teal
Blue-winged Teal
Lesser Scaup
Wood Duck
Mallard
Bufflehead
Double-crested Cormorant
Canada Goose
Killdeer
Red-tailed Hawk
Northern Harrier
Turkey Vulture
Song Sparrow
Common Grackle
Red-winged Blackbird
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
American Robin
American Crow
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Goldfinch
Pine Siskin
Ring-billed Gull
Ruffed Grouse (heard drumming)
Note that the roadway at the south side of cell 3 now ends in a bit of a ditch
near the west end so best to stick to the north side of cell 3. Bracebridge
Ponds Map (north approx. at top of map): http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/naturepics/birdboard/pondsmap.jpg
pair
wood ducks (photo)
Posted on
April 15, 2009 at 07:42:43 AM by garyschultz
out looking for loons yesterday in algonquin park (no luck)
stopped in at Long long Lake just before the west gate and was able to clearly
see 5 Canadian geese and a pair of wood ducks, on my travels through the park
was able to also see 7 moose along hwy 60. photo
Re(1):
return of hummingbirds?
Posted
on April 26, 2009 at 09:32:56 PM by Robert MacEwan
thanks to all for posting these dates for me, I've been watching for the
sapsuckers and saw my first one today, hopefully the Hummingbirds are having a
safe trip and won't be far behind.
Re(2):
return of hummingbirds?
Posted
on April 15, 2009 at 08:33:04 PM by Wilf
Yusek
My earliest record is May 5/2007 and May 6/2008, at Prospect Lake just east of
Uffington.
Re(1):
return of hummingbirds?
Posted
on April 15, 2009 at 10:09:49 PM by John
Challis
We're in Washago (just minutes from downtown Kilworthy!) -- last year our first
hummer arrived on May 5; the year before it was May 7. These seem to be normal
dates around here.
Also around this time I usually record first black-throated green warblers,
black-and-white warblers and other warblers, great crested flycatcher. A good
week or two for spring arrivals.
Re(2):
return of hummingbirds?
Posted
on April 15, 2009 at 08:33:04 PM by Wilf
Yusek
My earliest record is May 5/2007 and May 6/2008, at Prospect Lake just east of
Uffington.
Re(1):
return of hummingbirds?
Posted
on April 15, 2009 at 09:36:12 AM by Barbara
Taylor
I don't have data specific for Kilworthy, but the earliest arrivals of
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the Muskoka area are usually in the first week of
May. It will always depend on weather conditions from year to year. Here is a
copy of a post from 2005 that you might find interesting...
----------------------------------
Re(1): hummingbird - arrival dates
Posted on April 15, 2005 at 01:39 PM by Barbara Taylor
I asked Rick Stronks if he could provide some information about arrival dates
for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in Alqonquin Park. (Thanks Rick.) Here is his
reply:
Hi Barbara,
The average spring arrival date for Ruby-throated Hummingbird in
Algonquin is May 12, while the earliest record is May 3. As you know,
the return of hummers is closely tied to the activity of Yellow-bellied
Sapsuckers. For the first month or two, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds rely
on the tree sap from the holes left by sapsuckers. Their average return
date is April 14 and this year we have only had one confirmed.
So, although it is always possible to get a very early date, it seems
unlikely. While other birds do make early forays to check out the
habitat (i.e., loons looking for open water), hummingbirds do not have
the fat reserves to be able to afford such investigative journeys.
Hope this helps,
Rick Stronks
Chief Park Naturalist
Algonquin Visitor Centre
-----------------------------------
Re(1):
return of hummingbirds?
Posted
on April 15, 2009 at 07:31:17 AM by garyschultz
it will be soon,to help us all there are a couple of web sites that report and
show the migration progress,
gary
large map showing progress: http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html
ontario hummingbird project: www.ontariohummingbirds.ca
return
of hummingbirds?
Posted
on April 15, 2009 at 00:32:29 AM by Robert
MacEwan
I don't know much about Hummingbirds, can anyone give me a
"guesstimate" of when they return to this area (I'm in Kilworthy)and
I think they are Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, I would like to have my feeders
out waiting for them when they arrive, thanks
Robert
frogs,
flicker
Posted
on April 14, 2009 at 11:17:50 PM by John
Challis
Our neighbour Barry photographed three yellow shafted flickers picking off
midges on his lawn, while the snow was still there last week.
Our swamp has spring peepers, woodfrogs and leopard frogs all calling tonight.
We're on Green River Drive in Washago.
Loon/Buffleheads
Posted
on April 14, 2009 at 09:05:46 PM by janice house
today a loon appeared in the bay in front of Allport Marina, half a dozen male
buffleheads were displaying and or fighting over a female in one of the boat
slips (Beaumont Drive Lake Muskoka)
Sapsuckers
Posted
on April 14, 2009 at 05:24:27 PM by CatMacLean
Had two males and one female sapsucker in our woods in Huntsville this am.
Ice-out
and Loon, Bala
Posted on
April 14, 2009 at 11:05:57 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
The ice was out of my small lake Sunday, April 12 and a loon was calling from
the lake this morning at 6:30 am. Wonderful to hear!
Phoebe
on Moon River
Posted
on April 14, 2009 at 09:36:07 AM by Dinny and
Neil Nimmo
Heard an Eastern Phoebe yesterday down the Moon River in Bala. Also a Mourning
Cloak was fluttering beside the road.
Kingfisher,
Heron
Posted
on April 13, 2009 at 01:09:17 PM by DinnyNimmo
A kingfisher was at Hwy 169 in Bala opposite the GreeneStone Resort on Easter
Sunday. A great blue heron was in the marsh at Medora Lake on Saturday.
Bracebridge
Ponds
Posted
on April 13, 2009 at 12:44:12 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there were only a few ducks at the Bracebridge Ponds - Lesser
Scaup, Wood Ducks, Mallards, Buffleheads in cells 1,2, and 4. A pair of
Blue-winged Teal in cell 4, and a Double-crested Cormorant in cell 1. A Belted
Kingfisher flew overhead chattering as it went. A Pileated Woodpecker was busy
chiselling out a large hole in one of the new hydro poles at the south side of
cell 3 where the new plant is going to be built. Two Painted Turtles were
sunning themselves in the north-west corner of cell 2.
At Henry Marsh there were some Buffleheads, Mallards, Wood Ducks, Canada Geese,
and Hooded Mergansers. An American Kestrel was hunting at the south end of the
marsh, and a Turkey Vulture soared past.
Common
Loon
Posted
on April 13, 2009 at 10:41:15 AM by Jim
Griffin
Easter Monday is marked by the arrival of a Common Loon on the river at Port
Sydney as well as a Pied-billed Grebe: these sitings were on the river south of
the Rd 10 bridge.
Shrike,
Thrush, Buntings
Posted
on April 13, 2009 at 09:18:55 AM by Goodyear
We saw the Northern Shrike again singing from the top of a tall tree at the
east side of the clear cut at the corner of Manitoba Street and Clearbrook
Trail (Bracebridge). We also scared up a flock of about 30 Snow Buntings in the
same area. At Henry Marsh we saw a Hermit Thrush, and a Kestrel hunting at the
south end of the marsh. A lone Sandhill Crane flew overhead.
Snow
Buntings
Posted
on April 12, 2009 at 07:49:54 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This afternoon there were about 8 Snow Buntings feeding at the side of the road
a bit west of Carnarvon along Hwy. 118.
American
Bittern
Posted
on April 12, 2009 at 07:36:28 AM by janice house
Geoff just got back from the morning dog walk, a bittern was making the pumping
call close to the Tomingas Rd (Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst, approx 2 klm from hwy
11)
Algonquin
Birding
Posted on
April 11, 2009 at 09:19:41 AM by Burke Korol
Yesterday in Algonquin a group of us found a male BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER near
the Tea Lake Dam road. We hiked the Spruce Bog Trail and within 100 m of the
parking lot we found BOREAL CHICKADEE, GRAY JAY, EVENING GROSBEAK and a pair of
SPRUCE GROUSE. At the visitor centre we had lots of finches, et al. including
HOARY REDPOLL and our first TREE SWALLOW of the year. Late in the day, on
Opeongo Road we picked up a NORTHERN HARRIER and a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK.
Re(1):
Owls at Arrowhead PP
Posted
on April 11, 2009 at 09:32:07 AM by GarthNBaker
I will be doing my Nocturnal OwlSurvey this weekend around Turtle Lake/Orrville
area.
Owls
at Arrowhead PP
Posted
on April 11, 2009 at 09:18:07 AM by Burke
Korol
Last night myself and 4 birders from Toronto had a good outing in Arrowhead
Provincial Park. We only needed two stops and about 30 minutes to find a very
vocal NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL (doing both the 'saw-whet' sound and the classic
'tooting') and a pair of BARRED OWLS.
Sandhill
Crane
Posted
on April 11, 2009 at 07:38:23 AM by Dawn
Sherman
A Sandhill Crane flew over our house this morning on Main Street in Huntsville.
Re(1):
Unidentified bird
Posted
on April 10, 2009 at 09:58:31 PM by ron
tozer
The bird in the photos is a Northern Mockingbird. The apparent yellow tone
around the head could be staining acquired during feeding.
Unidentified
bird
Posted
on April 10, 2009 at 07:22:13 PM by JohnGriffiths
This fellow
flew up and down spreading his feathers.
note the yellow around the head
Any help would be great
Picture taken in Arizona - photo
but hopeing you can help ID this guy
Thanks
The
River @Port Sydney
Posted
on April 10, 2009 at 12:00:44 PM by Jim
Griffin
A flock of 11 Ring-necked Ducks(9 males 2 females) arrived this morning to join
a pair of Common Mergansers and a pair of Hooded Mergansers on the river, just
south of the Rd 10 bridge.
Doe
Lake Rd Birds (Gravenhurst)
Posted
on April 10, 2009 at 09:52:49 AM by janice house
At 7am today while walking the dog I saw 2 pairs of hooded mergansers and 8
wood ducks(1 female) in the little swamp between Laycox Rd and Tomingas Rd. Two
brown creepers were calling in the same area. We have a male northern harrier
cruising the farm field across from the house and 2 tree swallows preening on
the hydro wires.
Algonquin Park Birding Update: 9 April
Posted
on April 9, 2009 at 09:45:34 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 9, 2009) and
is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Here are some sightings from the past week:
Wild Turkey: Same two still in the Two Rivers
Store area this week.
Spruce Grouse: Male at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, about
100 m north of the register box on April 5.
Bald Eagle: An adult over Highway 60 near Centennial
Ridges Road on April 9.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One 200 m north of the
culvert on Opeongo Road on April 5.
Gray Jay: Opeongo Road, and Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
Boreal Chickadee: One on Spruce Bog Boardwalk
just past the first boardwalk on April 5.
Common Redpoll: big flock at the Visitor Centre
feeder this week. Several along highway and Opeongo
Road.
Hoary Redpoll: One at Visitor Centre feeder on April 4.
Pine Siskin: 30+ at Visitor Centre feeders.
Evening Grosbeak: 5+ at Visitor Centre feeders all week.
Notes:
New arrivals this week included: Common Goldeneye,
Northern Flicker.
Arowhon Road and Rock Lake Road are now closed
to public travel due to muddy spring melt conditions.
Whiskey Rapids Trail is closed due to flooding on the
Oxtongue River section.
Please report your Algonquin sightings to me (including
date, number and location) for our park records. Thanks.
Good birding.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, Ontario
Pied-billed
Grebe
Posted
on April 9, 2009 at 12:09:32 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Around 11 a.m. today there was a Pied-billed Grebe on the Muskoka River at the
big bend just before #1484 Beaumont Dr. where the river comes right up to the
road. Same spot we usually see one in the spring.
There is still enough water at Henry Marsh to attract a few ducks - Mallards,
Wood Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Canada Geese, Great Blue Heron. (Bracebridge)
Phoebe
Posted
on April 9, 2009 at 12:09:06 PM by nickbartok
Delighted to come home for Easter and hear a Phoebe singing near Beachgrove
Public School in Gravenhurst, despite the snow.
Merlins
Posted
on April 9, 2009 at 11:25:20 AM by GayleCarlyle
Thurs. Apr. 9
A pair of merlins were flying and calling at the end of our road, Green River
Drive, Washago, this morning.
There has been a pair nesting around there for several years now.
Re(1):
Sandhill Cranes
Posted
on April 9, 2009 at 12:01:46 PM by Barbara
Taylor
There was a Sandhill Crane flying south-east over Henry Marsh this morning,
calling as it went by. (Bracebridge)
Sandhill
Cranes
Posted
on April 9, 2009 at 11:07:15 AM by janice house
I just spoke to Tim Mason who lives on the Luckey Rd in the Raymond valley, a
pair of cranes just touched down in their yard, the birds usually stay for a
few weeks.
Fox
sparrows
Posted
on April 8, 2009 at 02:10:29 PM by GayleCarlyle
Tues. April 7 & 8th
We have fox sparrows hanging around our place. Last evening there were 7 of
them feeding on a seed mix we put down underneath a fir tree where there was no
snow. The poor birds were so hungry they didn't seem to mind my presence and
quickly flew back down once there was more food provided.
They were joined by chipping and tree sparrows and juncos.
This morning, they were all back feasting.
Also, about 40 redpolls, siskins, & goldfinches gobbling up niger seed.
Re(1):
Woodcock
Posted
on April 9, 2009 at 07:52:31 AM by egtaylor
We have had a woodcock for 3 days now in his old familiar spot under the pine
tree. This is the first year he's been back for about 5 years. I thought he
would have roosted in the tree, but he seems to have spent the night hunched up
on the ground.
Woodcock
Posted
on April 8, 2009 at 08:47:39 AM by CatMacLean
The other day, my "bird" dog put up a woodcock. This morning when I
let the dogs out I could hear it's call coming from the woods.
(Huntsville)
Redpolls
etc, Bala
Posted
on April 7, 2009 at 10:32:51 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
I had about 100 Common Redpolls arrive today and some were still feeding just
before dark. Several siskins, goldfinches and Purple Finches came in as well.
Bird
Board downtime
Posted
on April 7, 2009 at 01:10:14 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Earlier today there was a problem with the Bird Board's hosting operations
which kept some people from accessing the board. This only affected certain
Internet Service Providers, so you may not have noticed the outage. All should
be back to normal now.
I did post a notice on the back-up webpage this morning. You might want to
bookmark the page in case you have any trouble accessing the board in the
future: http://muskoka.tripod.com/birding/mbb.htm
RedPolls
galore!
Posted
on April 7, 2009 at 10:04:37 AM by Ted Gardner
We have a flock of 150 plus Redpolls mixed with Pine Siskins,and Goldfinches
visiting our feeders the last 3 days or so>Also aprox 12 Juncos, 8 tree
sparrows and a single Song sparrow
120 meadow hieghts Bracebridge
Song
Sparrows
Posted
on April 7, 2009 at 08:01:10 AM by Debbie
Adams
Along with 15 Redpolls, 6 Juncos,Red and White Breasted Nuthatches, Chickadees,
Blue Jays, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, 2 Song Sparrows arrived at our feeder.
Given the weather,no doubt they are singing the blues!
(Walker's Point)
Fox
Sparrow
Posted
on April 6, 2009 at 04:25:10 PM by CatMacLean
Our Fox sparrow is still with us along with large flocks of Juncos and
Red-polls (Huntsville)
Otter
Posted
on April 6, 2009 at 03:58:20 PM by Terry
& Marion Whittam
Yesterday morning we watched a very large Otter eat 3 bull frogs! The large Otter
popped up through the ice in front of the cottage and was busy for about 10
minutes chewing down what looked like a bullfrog. Once finished, the Otter did
a perfect jackknife dive back down the hole in the ice. Within 30 seconds the
Otter popped back up the hole with another large bullfrog and proceeded to eat
this second one as I watched in my telescope. Once again as soon as it finished
the second confirmed bullfrog the Otter proceeded back down the hole and again
within 30 seconds came up with a 3rd much larger bullfrog. Water depth would be
about 8 feet and muddy so I assume the bullfrogs would be wintering on the
bottom buried in the mud! The Otter seemed to know exactly where to hunt for
the bullfrogs and indeed made me think they were all together on the bottom of
the lake in a little colony!
Anyone have any comments on bullfrogs and how they winter?
Thanks Terry
Re(2):
Thrush
Posted
on April 8, 2009 at 11:06:20 AM by JoanPaget
We have several hundred redpoles a mixture of Juncos Siskens, Goldfinch,3
Foxsparows Treesparrows,4 Purple finch,a HERMIT Thrush along the front of our
house yesterday, a female Rosebreasted Grosebeak the day before.My first
sighting of a pair of Bluebirds was Mar. 28.We live on Partridge Lane ,B.B.
Re(1):
Thrush
Posted
on April 8, 2009 at 08:47:49 AM by ron
tozer
This certainly sounds like a Hermit Thrush, the first of the brown-backed
thrushes to return in spring. The average arrival date in Algonquin Park is
April 16, with the earliest ever date on April 8, so your bird was right on
schedule at Orillia.
Thrush
Posted
on April 6, 2009 at 02:46:44 PM by GayleCarlyle
apr. 6, 2:40pm
Just now outside the window at our office in Orillia, there was a thrush
standing on the picnic table.
it was facing me so it was hard to see the back but it had definite spots on
the upper part of its breast.
When I moved to get a closer look at it, it took off and there was a rusty tone
to its back.
Could it have been a hermit thrush? I'm positive it was a thrush but not
certain on which species.
Poor thing out there in the snow today.
Meadowlark,
Kinglets
Posted
on April 5, 2009 at 01:15:26 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there was a Meadowlark in the field at the west side of Beaumont
Dr. just past the junction with Beaumont Farm Rd. (first one we've seen this
year)
There was a Phoebe singing near the parking area at Henry Rd. and a few
Golden-crowned Kinglets in the woods along the Henry trail. Henry Marsh is
fully open now and there was enough water from recent rains and snowmelt to
attract a few ducks - Mallards, Buffleheads, and Hooded Mergansers...also a
Great Blue Heron. But the water is draining away quickly because there is no
longer a beaver dam to hold it back and the beaver baffles installed last year
are still working well. Might be a good spot to look for migrating shorebirds
later on.
directions to Henry Marsh:
From traffic lights at Eccelstone Dr./Wellington St. in Bracebridge, take
Beaumont Dr. along the Muskoka River to Henry Rd. on your left. There is a
parking area at the end of Henry Rd. by the trailhead. At the "T" in
the trail, turn right (west) to view the marsh.
Re(3):1st
Winter Wren here also
Posted
on April 5, 2009 at 03:45:23 PM by CatMacLean
Always seems to me WINTER wren is a misnomer.
Re(2):1st
Winter Wren here also
Posted
on April 5, 2009 at 12:40:20 PM by Al
Sinclair
We had a Winter Wren singing here this morning east of Bracebridge. 1st of the
year and earliest ever. Our 1st in 2008 was April 7, 2nd earliest date.
Re(1):
Fox Sparrow
Posted on
April 6, 2009 at 10:35:49 AM by Barbara
Taylor
A Fox Sparrow has just appeared at our feeder on this very snowy
morning...first one we've seen this year.
Update
April 6...at 4:30 p.m. now two Fox Sparrows.
Update April 7...this morning now three Fox Sparrows.
(Bracebridge)
Re(1):
Fox Sparrow
Posted
on April 5, 2009 at 03:36:34 PM by janice house
our first fox sparrow is kicking up leaf litter under my spruce trees, heard my
first phoebe calling this afternoon (Doe Lake Rd. Gravenhurst)
Fox
Sparrow
Posted
on April 5, 2009 at 09:39:54 AM by CatMacLean
For the 15th year we have had a Fox Sparrow come to our feeders. Heard him singing this morning along with a Winter Wren. The sparrow will be gone in a couple of days though. photo
Lots
of Birds in Huntsville
Posted
on April 4, 2009 at 10:57:19 PM by Burke
Korol
With the snow today, I made sure my feeders were well stocked. It paid off -
there must have been 100 birds here for much of the day. I think I ended up
with 15 species. Highlights were 2 male PURPLE FINCHES, 20 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 2
AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS and still tons of siskins, redpolls and goldfinches.
The best 'bird' of the day was MINK, which I photographed from my kitchen
window. I won't post the pictures because the poor light and heavy snow made
the animal look barely identifiable. That was the 15th mammal species I've had
here in the past 3.5 years.
I wonder if the presence of this mustelid has anything to do with recent lack
of squirrels at my feeders??
Pileated
Woodpecker...now a pair?
Posted
on April 4, 2009 at 03:11:08 PM by Barbara
Taylor
A juvenile female Pileated has been visiting our suet every day since early
winter. Today she was accompanied by an adult male! They seemed to be getting
along quite well, so perhaps she has found a mate. Her brown back is starting
to appear much blacker now so she must be molting into adult plumage...there
were a couple of dangling feathers a few days ago.
Today's snowy weather has brought a large number of Purple Finches to our
feeders along with many Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, Dark-eyed Juncos,
American Tree Sparrows, and tons of American Goldfinches...quite a colourful
display now that the Goldfinches are "yellowing up". (Bracebridge)
Robins
Posted
on April 4, 2009 at 11:31:40 AM by sam robinson
On this snowy morning a dozen or more robins were squeezed on a bare patch of
grass feeding and for the first time I observed two robins and a starling
feeding on the seed heads of the staghorn sumac. (Bracebridge)
white-winged
crossbill
Posted on
April 4, 2009 at 11:26:16 AM by Wayne
Bridge
I had a female white-winged crossbill at my feeder this morning. Had one a few
weeks ago also - maybe the same loner? Also a large combined flock of redpolls
and siskins (at least 5 dozen) plus several juncos and tree sparrows feeding at
my ground feeding area. (Kearney)
Bluebirds/
Swallows
Posted
on April 4, 2009 at 09:05:43 AM by janice house
Moira's neighbours reported seeing bluebirds and tree swallows on March 31st,
we have nest boxes at their farm. (Houston Rd N of Bracebridge)
Sharp
Shinned Hawk
Posted
on April 3, 2009 at 05:40:37 PM by janice house
I just got home from work, looked out at my feeders and thought there were more
rusty blackbirds feeding, grabbed my binoculars only to find all the birds gone
and a sharpy sitting on top of my Sontag feeder at the edge of the deck. (Doe
Lake Rd Gravenhurst)
Bird
Board Update
Posted
on April 3, 2009 at 07:55:02 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Thanks to everyone for all your reports.
All posts for January thru March are now available in the Archived Reports.
Need help posting photos? Find easy to follow instructions and try a
test post on the Nature Photos Board.
New to the Bird Board? See the Posting
Guidelines for helpful tips about using the board.
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
email: muskoka_birder@hotmail.com
Algonquin
Park Birding Update: 2 April
Posted
on April 3, 2009 at 07:53:29 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 3, 2009) and
is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Here are some sightings from the past week:
Wild Turkey: same two still in the Two Rivers
Store area this week.
Spruce Grouse: Male at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, about
30 m north of the register box on March 29.
Gray Jay: Opeongo Road, and Spruce Bog.
Boreal Chickadee: One at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
parking lot on March 29.
Common Redpoll: about 50 at West Gate feeder on March 27,
but only 1 by March 29.
Hoary Redpoll: 1 at West Gate feeder on March 29.
Pine Siskin: 30+ at Visitor Centre feeders, including one
Green Morph on March 29.
Evening Grosbeak: 15+ at Visitor Centre feeders all week.
A few at Spruce Bog parking lot on March 26 and 27.
Notes:
New arrivals this week included: Wood Duck, American
Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Red-breasted Merganser (early),
Great Blue Heron, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Eastern Phoebe,
American Tree Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Song Sparrow,
Snow Bunting, Rusty Blackbird.
Arowhon Road and Rock Lake Road are now closed
to public travel due to muddy spring melt conditions.
Please report your Algonquin sightings to me (including
date, number and location) for our park records. Thanks.
Good birding.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, Ontario
Re(2):
Hawks
Posted
on April 3, 2009 at 06:21:13 PM by CatMacLean
I had a very clear look at this hawk as he was perched in the top of a tree in
our field and stayed there quite a while. His call was unmistakable as were the
banded tail feathers.
I find that many birds are moving in early this year.
Re(1):
Hawks
Posted
on April 3, 2009 at 08:05:11 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Your Broad-winged Hawks are the first report I've seen this year...usually
don't see any until mid to late April. No sightings of them at Ontario hawk
watches yet, but Red-shouldered and Red-tailed still moving through.
Hawks
Posted
on April 2, 2009 at 04:22:02 PM by CatMacLean
Our resident pair of Broad-wings are back and the Phoebe was singing this
morning. (Huntsville)
Yellow-bellied
sapsucker
Posted on
April 2, 2009 at 01:37:12 PM by DiannaWolfe
Our first yellow-bellied sapsucker of the year appeared in the yard this
afternoon. (Just west of Gravenhurst)
turkey
tom display (photo)
Posted
on April 2, 2009 at 09:31:10 AM by garyschultz
all winter we have had wild turkeys on oxtongue lake visiting the feeders 1 tom and 7 hens.....for the first time i had the chance of a photo op just when the tom was in full display. photo
osprey
(photo)
Posted
on April 2, 2009 at 09:21:30 AM by garyschultz
whilst driving down hwy 35 south noted a large bird flying southwards to some trees,lucky for me a side rd i had taken went right under the tree in which an osprey was enjoying a large lunch, the photo was taken in poor conditions yesterday in the rain. photo
Northern
Harrier
Posted
on April 2, 2009 at 07:59:51 AM by janice house
Last night at 5:30 a harrier swooped in front of my car and crossed hwy 11 at the
Doe Lake Rd overpass (Gravenhurst)
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